Gary Paul Hanz

Gary Paul Hanz, 77, passed away peacefully, on December 27, 2025, after a diagnosis of Stage IV cancer. He lived a life marked by resilience, hard work, and a deep and abiding love for his family.

Gary graduated early from Padua Franciscan High School and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he met his first wife, Virginia, and received a degree in food marketing. After graduation, he served his country for five years in the Army National Guard while also working at the LaChoy Corporation. Gary and Virginia welcomed two children, Christine (Tony) Lababidi and Kevin (Carla) Hanz, and he moved his family to Cleveland to take over for his father at the family's food brokerage firm, Walter P. Boos.

Gary had a long, successful career at Walter Boos, where he met his second wife, Diane, and together they welcomed their son, Adam. Adam's tragic passing in 1996 remained a profound and enduring loss throughout his life. Gary later married "the love of his life," Marsha Vorhes Hanz. Together, they shared 37 years of marriage marked by partnership and devotion and welcomed two daughters, Sarah (Ryan) Fisher and Rachel (Robert) Hopton.

The Boos company collapsed due to market forces, but he approached this new chapter of his life with determination and purpose. He was never afraid to start over and would later embark on multiple new careers, first in IT and later in commercial real estate.

In his 60s-when many are settling into retirement-Gary chose to pursue a lifelong passion in the medical field, demonstrating to his children that it is never too late to follow a dream or start over. He returned to the University of Akron, earned his registered nursing degree, and at the age of 65, went on to complete a Master of Science in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner. This achievement reflected his intellect, perseverance, and determination.

Even through hardship, Gary remained deeply committed to charitable work through the Hanz Family Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Anita (née Pickering) Hanz; his son, Adam; and his brother, Glenn. Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha; his siblings, Gayle, Gerald, and Eugene; his children; and his ten grandchildren, who will remember him with love and admiration for his incredible resilience and daily love and concern for their families.

Per his wishes, no formal service will be held. His family honors his request and carries forward the legacy he leaves behind.