Gary Allen Sacco's Obituary
Gary Allen Sacco passed away May 4. 2026 at age 85, surrounded by his family.
Gary was born on March 24, 1941 to Charley and Mary Valentine Sacco in Clarkdale, Iowa. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1959. He attended Northeast Missouri State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in education, and later his Masters of Education. He married Donna Tomlin in 1964, and were married for 61 years.
He coached and taught for many years. He taught 7th grade science at Howar Junior High in Centerville, IA, for 34 years.
Gary loved the outdoors, gardening, hunting, and fishing his secret spots.
He was a perpetual teacher, sharing his knowledge with many, especially his family. He loved to watch their many activities and had such pride for each of them. Gary would share their accomplishments with anyone willing to listen, and some who weren't.
Over the years you would find him at the baseball diamond, basketball court, dance recital, volleyball court, football stadium, choral concert, play, or soccer field, supporting his favorite people. He also loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Gary is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Jill (David) Hixson, Lisa Oglesby, Kari (Todd) Weber, Tony (Amy) Sacco; grandchildren, Tyler (Megan)(Hattie, Auggie) Hixson, Nick (Kate) (Darcy, Bennett) Kruzich, Kenzie Kruzich, Jake Oglesby (Jacey Van Roekel), Megan Hixson (Connor Powers), Lauren Oglesby (Cooper Corcoran) Griffin Weber (Paige Odefey), Emma Weber, Mary Sacco, Anna Sacco, Bella Weber; his sisters, Joann Lasley and Judy (Tony) Buban; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jasper, Paul, Tom and Robert Sacco and their spouses; sisters, Dorothy Martin, Frances Kauzlarich, Mary Ann Wetmore and their spouses; brother-in-law, John Lasley; niece, Gina Marie Buban; nephews, Bruce Sacco and David Sacco; infant niece, Donna Jean Sacco; and infant nephew, William Robert Sacco.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM, Friday, May 8, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with Larry Bettis officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia. Visitation will take place Friday, May 8, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 11:00AM-1:00PM. Memorials may be made to Suncrest Hospice, 1005 Blairs Ferry RD NE Suite 240, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52402, or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Sacco Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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