Gary Black passed away Thursday, August 21, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. He was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Mary and Leo Black.
A lifelong servant to his community, Gary dedicated more than four decades to protecting and caring for others. He served as a volunteer firefighter in Pickaway County for 44 years, beginning as a firefighter and rising through the ranks to Captain, Assistant Chief, and ultimately Chief — a position he proudly held for approximately 18 years. His leadership, steady presence, and commitment to excellence shaped generations of firefighters.
In addition to his fire service, he served the community of Circleville as a volunteer EMT/Paramedic for 44 years, answering countless calls with compassion and skill. He was instrumental in assembling the Pickaway County Hazardous Materials Team and served as HAZMAT Chief for more than 10 years, helping build a program that strengthened emergency response throughout the region.
His dedication extended to law enforcement as well. He proudly served as a Pickaway County Auxiliary Deputy for more than 30 years and was a member of the Underwater Recovery Team for over 20 years.
He was an active member of both the Fire Chiefs Association and the Central Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, where he enjoyed engaging, networking and brainstorming with colleagues across Central Ohio and beyond.
Professionally, Gary began his career at Kenworth in Chillicothe when the plant first opened — the 29th employee hired. Over a remarkable 44-year career, he became a pillar of the workplace. While at Kenworth, he led the company’s Fire Team as Chief for most of his tenure and also directed their EMS and High Angle Rescue Team, ensuring the safety and preparedness of his coworkers.
While his service to the community was extraordinary, his greatest pride was his family. His volunteer work gave his daughters many cherished memories — playing at the firehouse and climbing on the trucks, helping clean and sort toys for children receiving gifts through the Toys for Tots drive, and even being included in a staged mock disaster designed to test county-wide emergency readiness. They grew up not just watching their father serve, but being part of the extended fire family he loved so much.
He was also known for his unmistakable orneriness — a trait that brought laughter to many — matched only by his unwavering willingness to help. If you needed a tool or something to finish a job, there was a very good chance he had it — and he would gladly lend it. He believed in showing up, pitching in, and taking care of people.
In his younger years, he was a member of a local car club, enjoying time spent around engines and chrome, though he set that hobby aside when life grew busier and his girls arrived. From that point on, his time and heart were devoted to his family and his service.
Above all, his greatest pride was his family. He shared nearly 30 years of marriage with Marjie, the mother of his daughters. Together, they built a family and shared countless memories as their girls grew up surrounded by the fire service community that was such an important part of Gary’s life.
In his later years, he found love and companionship with his beloved life partner, April Valenti, who stood beside him with love and support — always taking better care of him than he did himself.
He was the proud father of Emily, Keely, and Libby, who were the pride of his life, and a loving grandfather to Astrid, Richie, Eric, Jaden, and Jasmin. He is also survived by his siblings, Allen (Debbie) Black and Trish (Kevin) Kunke, his nephew Shane Black, his niece Kacie (Brock) Rose and their daughter Ruthie, along with many extended family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in service.
His life was defined by courage, integrity, humility, humor, and an unwavering commitment to others. For 44 years, if the call came — day or night — he answered. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the departments he helped build, and the family he loved so deeply. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville with burial to follow in Hitler Ludwig Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 3-6 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to Pickaway Township Fire Department.
Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.
