On Friday, Sept. 25th, shortly after midnight, at 50 years of age, Gary Siegrist left behind the sorrows, pain, and loneliness of this earthly life for his eternal home. May he rest in peace.
Gary was the son of Eleanor Jennings Shifflett and the late Gary Siegrist. He is survived by Roger Shifflett, his stepfather.
His educational background included the city of Lebanon schools and graduation from Lebanon Catholic High School. He received a degree in English and Communications Studies from Alvernia University, where he was a member of the National Honor Society for English and Communication Majors.
After college, Gary used his talents and skills in various positions over the years. He was employed for radio station WLBR for some years. He was a freelance sportswriter for the Lebanon Daily News. More recently, he was employed for the Salvation Army in Wilkes Barre, Harold’s Furniture Store, the events staff of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and as a one-on-one patient care assistant at a special education center for autistic children in Philadelphia. He was an assistant sports director and facility manager of In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra. His most recent position was as manager of the valet parking service at the Good Samaritan Hospital here in Lebanon.
His greatest love was the many years he was part of the coaching staff for the Lebanon Catholic girls’ basketball team. He will be greatly remembered by the many young women he coached. He was part of four sectional championships, seven district champions, and two state championships.
Gary leaves this earth after a long struggle with alcohol addiction. He was thankful and grateful to the many people and institutions that assisted him in his battle with alcohol. His painful journey over these past years is over. May he be remembered for the good-natured, witty, and intellectually gifted person that he was.
May the Lord now welcome him home to where there is no more suffering, pain, or tears. Farewell Gary… until we meet again.
Gary’s funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church beginning at 10 a.m. COVID protocols will be observed. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com
Donations in Gary’s name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charity Fund of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. These funds help the needy here in Lebanon. Please help Gary to “pay it forward.”
