Gary F. Leers
With great sadness we announce the passing of Gary F. Leers, on June 25, 2025, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer. He died surrounded by his loving family.
Gary leaves behind his mother Helen Leers (nee Ulle), sisters Ada (Michael) Haines, Barb Jackson, Dona (Larry) Walter, Ellen (Greg) Vickers, many nieces & nephews, as well as grandnieces & grandnephews, his two birds (Truman & Prissy) and his large circle of friends. He is predeceased by his father (Donald Leers) and sister (Carol Leers).
Born on October 29, 1959, Gary grew up in Novelty, Ohio. After graduating from West Geauga High School, he served in the US Navy, then worked for Davies Can in Solon. He then went on to study Physical Therapy at Kent State University where he earned his degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. For the past 20+ years he worked as a PTA at Layton Physical Therapy in Madison, Ohio.
Gary was adventurous, creative, talented and had many passions and hobbies. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing on the football team, and playing his guitar while his sisters sang along! Gary found excitement in jumping from perfectly good airplanes. He spent his weekends at Cleveland Sport Parachute Center, his second home, skydiving by day and partying by night with his skydiving friends. Gary was also an avid reader and found joy in learning new things. He enjoyed woodworking, growing herbs and veggies, cooking, birdwatching, and stargazing with his telescope. He adored his birds, treating them as if they were his children. He was a golf nut who looked forward to his weekly game with his close friend, was always eager for the next poker game, and always had at least two games of chess going at the same time.
Gary was dearly loved by family and by friends from the different worlds that he was a part of. He loved his job, his co-workers and his patients. Gary often spoke about the fun times and laughter he shared with them all. His drop zone friends, who nicknamed him “Q”, were a huge part of his life, making lifelong friendships and many amazing memories. He cherished his childhood and high school buddies, reliving the glory days and telling stories about their shenanigans. They will forever be a part of Gary’s family. Gary will be remembered for his gentle kindness, his sense of humor, his big smile and his goofy demeanor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to join in a relaxed Celebration of Life and Remembrance of Gary, on July 19,2025 at The Cleveland Skydiving Center, 15199 Grove Rd, Garrettsville, OH 44231. This is a casual outdoor event at the drop zone. Some chairs will be provided, however, please feel free to bring a camp chair. A picnic lunch will be served. Schedule of events: (times are approximate) Weather permitting. 2:15 pm: Gary’s “Q’s” niece and nephews will make a tandem jump in his memory. 3:00 pm: Brief tribute and prayer. At this time, anyone who would like to share a memory or funny story to the group is welcome to. Following the tribute, Gary’s remains will be released into the sky with his close friends freefalling right beside him.
The Family is grateful to A-Parrot to A-Flamingo for rescuing Gary’s beloved birds. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: A-Parrot to A-Flamingo, P.O. Box 41414, Brecksville, OH 44141.