Gary Austin Lafferty

Gary Austin Lafferty, 70, of Meadville and formerly of Cochranton, passed on to Jesus on December 11, 2013.

He was born on January 31, 1943, in his grandfathers house in Oil City to Walter A. 'Bud' Lafferty and Mary Ella (Peterson) Lafferty.

Gary grew up in Reno and Cooperstown, where his dad owned Bud Lafferty Chevrolet. Gary graduated from Rocky Grove High School where he was president of his class and participated in school plays. He earned his Associates Degree in Accounting from New Castle Business College and went on to work as an accounting manager for Pennzoil, Talon and Quaker State Corporations. Gary was proud to have worked for three Fortune 500 companies. He was also employed by Morco.

Gary married the love of his life, Christine Kabat, on March 8, 1975. They treasured every day together, whether good or bad. Gary enjoyed taking care of things, especially the house and yard on five acres outside of Cochranton where he and Chris spent 38 years. He loved cars and working on them and enjoyed owning countless vehicles in his lifetime. Gary was a good golfer and never tired of being out on the golf course with Chris. They enjoyed traveling together and especially enjoyed the theater at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

Gary was an exceptional 'people person.' His laugh was infectious and he loved having conversations with whoever he met. His hugs were invaluable. Gary was highly intuitive and rarely missed the mark with people or situations.

Gary was a caregiver for his mother for many years. His dedication and love for her helped her through many tough times and her longevity of life can be attributed to him.

Gary was devoted to his church, the First Presbyterian in Meadville. He twice served on the Board of Trustees, using both his accounting and people skills.

Gary is survived by his wife, Christine; brother Ken Lafferty; mother Mary Rudolph; stepbrothers Joe Rudolph and Ted Rudolph; nephews Dave Lafferty, Kevin Lafferty and Patrick Kabat; niece Lynn Kabat; two great nephews; two great nieces and other members of his Rudolph step family. Gary had a special place in his heart for his cousin Christine Ross and goddaughter Bethany Ross.

Gary was predeceased by his dad, his younger brother Davey, a sister-in-law Nancy Lafferty and a step sister-in-law Claudia Fox.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-5 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty St, Meadville, at 11:30 AM on Monday, December 16, 2013 with Dr. Brian Jensen, Pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Garys name to First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com