Gary Dean Marsh

It is with great sadness to impart that Gary Dean Marsh, 67, of Parkesburg, PA, passed away suddenly at his home on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was the husband of the late Maxine Marsh who passed away in 1999. Born in Coatesville, PA, he was the son of the late Willard John and Janet Elaine Stackhouse Marsh.

Gary was a 1973 graduate of Octorara High School and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and after college he worked as a printer at Colonial Printing in Lancaster. He then worked at Quebecor in Parkesburg and various other jobs in the area.

He was a lifelong member of the Parkesburg Presbyterian Church and often worked behind the scenes keeping the church in good, clean condition. Gary was a Boy Scout in Parkesburg Troop 135 where he attained the rank of Life Scout. Gary enjoyed his daily walks in and around Parkesburg and made many friends, furry and human, along his route. He also accomplished his mission of procuring a monument at the fire hall in memory of Ralph and Mary Hoover’s seven of eight children who perished in the worst house fire of Parkesburg history. Later in his life, Gary helped care for his father and mother, and because of his devotion, they were able to be life-long Parkesburg residents.

Gary was an athlete and enjoyed playing and watching all sports. He played in many softball leagues and tournaments, going on to win several league championships. His team, “Old Guys,” captured the SECA Co-ed title in Quarryville, 2005 and 2008. He enjoyed playing tennis and later in life played pickleball, and thanks to his natural athletic ability, he played the sport extremely well. Gary and his great friend, Howie Robbins, became regular pickleball players at Buchmiller Park in Lancaster, where they made many friends. They made even more pickleball friends when they joined an additional pickleball group in Parkesburg. Gary enjoyed watching all college sports, especially college football and softball, and he was Notre Dame's number one fan.

Gary, who lived most of his life in Parkesburg, came to know many of the residents. He enjoyed their company, chatting with them, and loved to joke with everyone he met. Gary had a big heart and was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. “I Got Your Back” was one of his favorite lines, and when someone told Gary to “Have a Good Day,” he always responded with “And You Have A Better One.” Gary was truly a kind-hearted, fun, one-of-a-kind character.

He is survived by his siblings, Timothy (Keyu Lu "Jade") Marsh of Parkesburg, and Sandra (Mark) Parcells of Lincoln University, and nieces, Nola, Ellie, Veronica and Anna, and nephew Jingxi Lu.

And Gary was grateful for his life-long friends, Howie Robbins, Billy Wilde, Walt Morris, and Buster (David) Denson.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern End Community Association (SECA), 299 Park Ave., Quarryville, PA 17566 or to Everybody Plays! c/o 707 7th Ave Parkesburg, PA 19365

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA. Online condolence can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com