Gary W. Faulkner

Gary W. Faulkner, 70, of Girard, passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
He was born July 15, 1952, in Erie, a son of the late William A. and June M. (Sutch) Faulkner.
Gary graduated from Girard’s Rice Avenue Union High School in 1970. As a student Gary excelled in athletics and music. He was active in football, wrestling and track for the “Yellow Jackets.” He was awarded 13 varsity letters and represented the school in the City-County Football All-Star Game. Gary supported Girard athletics and music throughout his life and he also was a lifelong Penn State football and wresting fan. 
Following high school, Gary served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Ft. Gordon, Georgia, serving with the Military Police. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he returned home and joined his father’s business, Faulkner Insurance Agency, which he later owned until 2006. While in the insurance business, he began a lifelong dream of owning a farm and started Godfrey Run Farm Market in 1979, which he continued to operate until the time of his passing. 
He was a member of the Lake Erie Lodge #347 F. & AM.; member of the Girard School District Board of Directors from 1996 to 2012; member of the Girard United Methodist Church, where he had been a trustee and choir member; member of the Girard Athletic Boosters; member of the Girard American Legion Post #494; member of the Erie County Horticulture Society, member of the Pennsylvania Horticulture Association; and member and director of the Pennsylvania Cider Guild and the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board. He also played bagpipes, along with his father, for the Zem Zem Shrine Kiltie Band.
Gary will be greatly missed by the Girard community and his family, which include his wife, Deb (Laughlin) Faulkner, whom he married on March 4, 1978, in Girard; his daughter, Kate Faulkner; a son, TJ Faulkner (Scott Kelly); two sisters, Janet Blystone and Beth Fox (David); a brother, Jack Faulkner (Connie); a sister-in-law, Donna Komisarski (Mike); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Wednesday, January 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard, and are invited to attend services there on Thursday at 10 a.m. A Masonic Service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.
Burial with full military honors will be in the Girard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Girard School District Foundation, c/o Treasurer, 1203 Lake St., Girard, PA 16417.
Offer condolences online at edderfuneralhome.com.

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