Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Gary Ontko, 79, residing in Sandusky, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic after a lengthy illness.
He was born on August 19, 1943, to the late Lawrence and Esther (Lieske) Ontko.
Gary graduated from Danbury High School in 1961 and attended Columbus Business College.
He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy as a Seebee who proudly served his country for two tours of Vietnam during 1965 - 1969.
He met Dick Schwab at Cedar Point Marina who was instrumental in helping him to begin his 39 year insurance career at State Farm. He was loved by his State Farm clients and they were like his family. After his retirement, he missed his clients and all of the friendships and relationships he built during his career.
He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Marblehead. In his spare time, he loved going to the shooting range, traveling, driving his hot rod Audi, and boating, including on his current boat "Snoopy" a 25' Grady White. His love for animals led Gary and Bev to rescue several cats over the years. His witty sense of humor was appreciated by all who knew him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Bev, whom he married on November 28, 1964. He is also survived by his sisters, Janet (Bob) Jaycox, Monica Leser; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Chapman, and his brother, Lawrence D. Ontko.
Friends may call on Tuesday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, with Deacon Thomas B. deHaas presiding. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Marblehead, where Military Honors will be conducted by the Marblehead American Legion Post 555.
Those wishing to contribute to Gary's memory may do so to the Humane Society of Erie County 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 or to the Ottawa County Humane Society, 2424 East Sand Road, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
