Obituary of Gary Charles Hanovich

Gary Charles Hanovich, 80, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on October 27, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Michael and Helen Hanovich. When his mother passed, Michael married Zoe Coppens and together they raised 11 children, with Gary being the youngest.  On October 28, 1967, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Gillette in Utica, Michigan.

Gary was a graduate of East Detroit High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 17, serving two years in Okinawa, Japan and Marquette, Michigan in communications and two additional years in the Air Force Reserves before being honorably discharged.  He went on to have a successful 30 year career at Ford Motor Company Sterling Plant as an industrial engineer.  Deciding it was time to retire and enjoy the "good life” at age 52, he and Kathy pursued their love of cruising the Caribbean, Australia and Hawaii and all ports in between.  During the summer months, you would find them traveling the USA and camping with family.  Gary had a passion for fishing, whether it be for tiger muskie, bass or just plain old perch, he loved every moment spent on the lake in his pontoon boat.  Weekends you could find Gary enjoying his NASCAR races. Gary and Kathy moved to Fort Worth, Texas after living on the Gulf Coast of Florida for 20 plus years, and spending those summers in Michigan.

Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen; his daughters Michelle (Thomas) Sutton and Barbara (Richard) Barr; grandchildren Katelyn (Connor) McCarthy, Jessica Sutton and Brock (Kamryn) Butler; along with great grandchildren Daniel and Liam McCarthy and Nova Butler; sister Valerie (Robert) Poley, brother Charles (Patricia) Coppens, sister-in-law Nancy Fowler and many nephews and nieces.  Gary's granddaughter Alexis Butler was waiting for him in Heaven along with his brothers and sisters-Earl, Alberta, Michael and Jack Hanovich,  and Hank, Margaret, Edward and Robert Coppens.

The family extends their deepest love and gratitude to Kathy and Cici and the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care and support during Gary's final days.

Cremation has taken place. Once Gary and Kathy are reunited again, the family will cruise to their favorite ports and honor their wishes to be buried at sea together.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association.