Gary A. Raffle

Gary Adam Raffle, 86, of Hopwood, PA, passed away on August 3, 2025, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.

Born near Uniontown on March 11, 1939, Gary graduated from South Union High School in 1957. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from November 7, 1957, to November 6, 1961. He was proud to be part of the elite security detail assigned to Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey.

On March 12, 1960, Gary married Carole Lee Hammacher, whom he had met near his home in Hopwood, PA. Together they raised three children: Gary V. (Marilyn), Vicki L., and Aaron M. (Heather). Carole passed away in 1983, but their legacy lives on through their children and grandchildren: Ted, Philip, Doug, Adam, Anthony, Milo, and Tessa.

Later in life, Gary married Ruby Watson Raffle, with whom he shared many years of companionship. He helped raise her daughter, Lisa R. Potkul, and remained involved in the lives of her children, Creed and Cyrus, as well as three other adult stepchildren.

Known affectionately as "Pap," Gary was a proud grandfather and a great influence on many lives including Ruby's adult daughter Debbie and her children. He is survived by his wife Ruby; children Gary, Vicki, Aaron, and Lisa; brother Tom; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Sr. and Blanche Raffle; his first wife, Carole; his brothers Harlan and Walter (and Walter's wife, Gerry); and his sister-in-law, Eleanor.

Gary worked for over 40 years at Rockwell International (later Sensus Technologies) in Uniontown before retiring. But his true passion lay with horses. An accomplished horseman and trader, he rode in shows, rodeos, and historic re-enactments-including many events at Fort Necessity. He was a familiar sight in local parades aboard his Morgan stallion, Bob, and had the unique opportunity to ride alongside celebrities like Shirley Jones and rodeo champion Casey Tibbs.

In addition to being a highly respected farrier who shod horses across southwestern Pennsylvania, Gary was a long-standing member and past president of the Fayette County Horse owners Association.

Gary lived a life of dedication-to his country, his work, his family, and his community. He will be remembered for his strong hands, quiet wisdom, and enduring love of the land and animals he cared for.

Visitation will be held in the DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, HOPWOOD on Wednesday August 6 from 4-8pm. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday August 7 from 11am until the hour of the funeral service at 12pm with Pastor Charlie O'Brien officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery