Gary W. Widell, of Warren, PA, died on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Residence in Warren.
Gary was the younger son of the late Eric H. and Edith W. Widell. He was born on December 30, 1936, in Barberton, OH, but spent most of his secondary school years in New Jersey, Mississippi, Michigan, Texas, and California.
He graduated from Whittier High School in Whittier, CA, in 1954. He subsequently received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He worked in the railroad industry for 53 years, the last 31 of which were as an independent consultant.
He is survived by his best friend and partner of 48 years, Michael J. Flagstad, of Warren; a sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Jeffrey Cross of Whittier, CA; a sister-in-law, Lois Widell of Las Vegas, NV; a niece and a grand-niece, Carla and Sydney Widell, both of Bermuda Dunes, CA; and numerous cousins and their spouses. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Eric. H. Widell, Jr., and by his two nephews, Eric H. Widell, III, and Craig Widell.
Gary’s strong belief in the sanctity of life led to his being a long-time hospice volunteer, both while living in West Virginia and after moving to Warren in 2008. Reflecting his strong mechanical inclination, Gary’s principal hobbies for his whole life were trains and ships. Arrangements will be private. Those whishing to do so may contribute to Hospice of Warren County or to Paws Along the River. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Gary was my first cousin who truly loved his extended family. He kept in touch with us through the years and always remembered all of our birthdays even though we are scattered across the country. When I moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico two years ago we began emailing back and forth about the opening up of the southwest, Fred Harvey and the Harvey girls and importance of train travel in the earlier days of the United States.
Gary was a kind, compassionate person. He will be missed by his family.
We were surprised to hear about cousin Gary. Memories come back. Early ones include Merchantville, Ocean City, and especially Echo Hollow Farm. More recently, our 50th in Northfield and our trips to Pa when we saw him and Susan Maxwell.
Rest In Peace,
W ink, Carol, and the Lebo families in New Zealand and Colorado.
Gary was my big brother, eight years my senior. Upon my birth, Gary went door to door in our neighborhood, flashing his megawatt smile and announcing proudly to everyone who answered, “I have a baby sister.” He was ever-present as I was growing up, taking me for rides on his bicycle, cheering me on in school, playing his record collection for me as he encouraged my love of music, and remembering every birthday and Christmas with thoughtful gifts he had painstakingly selected. During the rough patches in my life, Gary was there with encouraging phone calls and deeds of deep caring. In recent years, we shared emails and phone calls to discuss everything from national issues to family matters. We agreed on nearly everything,
I will miss him terribly.