Gary J. Hand, age 89 of Massillon, passed away on August 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Canton on December 26, 1934 to the late William and Mildred Hand, and raised by his loving grandparents John and Nettie Hinchliffe. After attending Lincoln High School, he joined the U.S. Navy, honorably serving in the Korean War aboard the USS Lewis Hancock. Gary owned and operated Carmcraft Marble in Massillon, and worked as a painting contractor for many years. He retired from Tower Industries in 1998. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish at St. Anthony Church and the Massillon VFW Lodge #3124.

Gary loved flying his Cessna airplane and flew all over the eastern U.S. He enjoyed vacationing, fishing, reading, hunting, golf, computers, photography, and—most of all—spending time with his family and friends. Gary loved his family fiercely, and his family felt his love deeply.

Along with his parents and grandparents, Gary was preceded in death by his infant son James; sister Donna Jean (Bernard) Manderine; father- and mother-in-law James and Carmel DiGiacomo; and brother-in-law Danny Sparks.

Gary is survived by the love of his life, Annette (DiGiacomo) Hand, with whom he would have celebrated 68 years of marriage on September 22nd; children Carmalee (Rick) Hand-Cannane and Gary (Emily) Hand Jr.; grandchildren Damien (Casey) Cannane, Stephanie Hand-Cannane, and Michael (Denisse) Hand. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Logan, Lily, and Allison; sisters Vivian Long and Margie Wright; sister-in-law Regina Sparks; nephews Jim Sparks, David Sparks, and Bob Neifert; and nieces Annette Lukes, Lynnette Blackburn, and Laura Owens.

The family would like to thank Dr. Katherine Morrison for her compassionate care. Family and friends will be received at Rossi Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at St. Anthony Church on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

ROSSI (330) 492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com