Gary L. Rhinehart Sr.

Gary Lee Rhinehart Sr. "Rhino", age 81, of Ashtabula, passed away on June 27th, 2026, at Meadow Falls Nursing Home of Saybrook. Gary was born on May 6th, 1945, to parents Delvin and Margaret (Vargo) Rhinehart, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Gary attended Ashtabula High School and also graduated from Millersburg Military Institute in Kentucky. Gary also attended Kent State University for some time. He had many childhood friends, some of his long-term friends included, John Bernardo, Gary Allete, Kevin Dunham, George Colucci, Ken Jonas, Lonnie Anderson, Mark Thompson, and Robbie Rhombs. Gary spent a lot of time with his friends and also had a passion for sports. He played baseball, ran track, and he also played softball. Gary worked for Rockwell Automation for 19 years and also started his own Taxidermy hobby and did this for approximately 38 years. He was a nature lover to the core and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and he also made his own muzzle loaders. Gary was a Lutheran in his faith. Gary is survived by his children, Gary Rhinehart Jr., and Francine (Joe) Godwin. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Riley Rhinehart, Hunter Rhinehart, Remington Godwin, Eve Godwin and also by his sisters, Shirley Ann Corts, and Karin Gill. He is preceded in death by his parents, Delvin and Margaret (Vargo) Rhinehart, and his grandparents, George and Edith Rhinehart and John and Julia Vargo. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Jackie Rhinehart. A Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th, 2026, from 12-3pm at Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd., Geneva, OH., 44041. A Burial will take place in the future at Saybrook Twp. Cemetery. The Rhinehart family would like to thank Edith Jonas (friend and family member) Attorney at Law, for all of her compassion and guidance.  Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services assisted the family with arrangements. 440-361-2273. www.LakeErieCrematory.com