Gary Raymond Bigelow - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend - passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, November 11th. Gary was born to Raymond and Eleanor Bigelow and grew up in Bridgeport, Ohio. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1960 and served in the Navy for four years. He and his high school sweetheart, Patricia, resided in St. Clairsville with their boys. He then started his 35+ year career in the coal mine, spending most of his time as an assistant mine foreman. He was remembered for his work ethic, leadership, dedication, and strength. He was happily retired for over 20 years and was known to spark up friendly conversation with anyone he came across.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 61 years, Patricia; two children, Al (Paula) and Brady (Kim); grandchildren, Sara (Adam), Michael (Natalie), Zach (Matti), Jared, and Carson; great grandchildren; Rory, Daxton, and Kip; siblings, Donnia Kuzio and Patty McFarland; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends who were like family. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Eleanor.

He was a dedicated member of Piedmont's Indian Run Boat Club. He loved traveling to see his family in Colorado and going on fishing trips with his son to Lake Kerr. Gary had a love for tinkering, spending time with friends and family, sitting on the porch, mowing the lawn, drinking coffee, watching birds, listening to Elvis, eating ice cream, completing puzzles, fishing, storytelling, and enjoying his records. He was a lifelong, dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but he was the greatest supporter and biggest fan of everything his grandchildren and great grandchildren did.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Barton Volunteer Fire Department.  They further request that you then have a cup of coffee and dessert in his honor. Gary will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched.

Showing and service will be held at Toothman Funeral Home from 4-7pm on Wednesday, November 16th.