Gary Zalac Obituary

Canfield--Gary Lynn Zalac, 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024. Born on November 13, 1954, in Youngstown, Gary was the beloved son of Pauline and Louis C. Zalac, and brother to Louis Zalac. Gary graduated from Fitch High School in 1973 and went on to work at GM Lordstown, where he dedicated nearly five decades of his life, from June 1973 until his retirement in August 2022. His work ethic was only rivaled by his boundless sense of humor and love for family and friends. Gary loved fishing, working on cars, gardening, and tackling house projects. He had a deep respect for wildlife and a soft spot for all creatures great and small. Gary's warmth, humor, and stories will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. In 1980, Gary married Joni Grauso, and though their marriage ended in 1995, they remained lifelong friends. He was a proud uncle on both sides, and shared a close bond with his surviving children, Kevin (Michelene) Zalac and Noelle (Joseph Marino) Zalac; and his grandchildren, Rhaleigh, Jon Ivany, Attila, and Theodora Zalac. His face would light up with pride when talking about them, and they knew him as the greatest storyteller and joker. Family and friends may pay their respects from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Gary's favorite organizations, Defenders of Wildlife (defenders.org), in his honor. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.