Gary L. Dye

Gary Dye of Tallmadge, Ohio passed away on September 11, 2024 at the age of 85. 

Gary was born on February 14,1939 to Martha and Norval Dye in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the eldest of four siblings. He spent his childhood in nature, driving a neighbor’s tractor before age ten, tinkering with engines, and drag-racing cars with friends.

He pursued an interest in science at Michigan State and Kent State, earning degrees in biology, geology, and education. While at Kent State, he met Anna “Andi” Hobday, the woman that became his wife for the next 65 years. They married on September 2, 1961, and would go on to raise four children together. They also enjoyed the company of their close group of friends, partying, traveling, and sharing good times.

Gary taught biology at Cuyahoga Falls High School for 31 years, becoming a favorite teacher of many students. He served as the science department head for a number of years, inspiring his students to pursue careers as doctors and scientists. He was also known for making a memorable entrance to school on warm mornings on his motorcycle. He retired in 1995 at 54.

Gary’s children had fun with their dad and learned much from him— how to identify trees, ride motorbikes, and care for a garden, among other essential things. Their childhood is very well-documented through hundreds of beautiful photos taken by their dad. 

Gary was also a world-class grandpa. He built swing sets, painted portraits, tracked grandkids’ heights on the door jamb in his office, pulled off elaborate long-form jokes, told his grandkids inventive bedtime stories at their famous sleepovers, and was always game to talk about anything. He was certainly a cool grandpa, taking grandkids on motorcycle rides and keeping up-to-date with popular music, culture, and technology. He always treated his grandkids as intellectual equals, making him a great conversationalist even with those 60+ years younger than him.

Gary was a fascinating, intelligent, funny, and talented person. In addition to being a well-studied scientist, he was a painter, photographer, carpenter, music connoisseur, gardener, avid reader, naturalist, and a lover of planes, cars, and motorcycles. He was a man of excellent taste.

He was known for sharing his knowledge of the world and everything in it with his friends, siblings, kids, and grandkids. He had a disarming sense of humor that made everyone around him feel comfortable. Spending time around Gary increased one’s intelligence and appreciation of the world around them, and he made a mean margarita on top of it all.

Gary Dye was truly one in a million, and he will be missed immeasurably.

Gary’s big, loving family, including his wife, Andi, will carry on Gary’s memory. His four children are Zak Dye, Sarah Siegferth (Paul), Jennifer Leach (Ray), and Greg Dye (Kim); three siblings Tom Dye (Connie), Sue Dye (Kathy), and Mary Edwards (Jim); ten grandchildren Sophia Dye, Julia Siegferth, Sam Isaly, Doug Isaly (Lauren), Audrey Leach, Erin Siegferth, Hannah Leach (Josh), Joey Dye (Rachel), Olivia Breitinger (Jimmy), and Brittney Murray (Adam), along with four great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are welcome to Gary’s Celebration of Life which will take place on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 1:30-3:30 PM at the Sheraton Suites, 1989 Front Street Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221.

Arrangements entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.