Gary Bland

SALEM - A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Gary D. Bland, 55, who died Saturday morning at Hospice House.

Gary was born April 14, 1959, in Highland Park, Mich., to Charles E. and Patricia (Wright) Bland.

He was a graduate of Boardman High School and worked for the West Geauga School District as a food service director for 14 years. Gary was also a Poekolan-Tjimindie Karate instructor for many years.

Gary enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading and most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia "Oak" Bland of Salem; four daughters, Lisa (William) Slipkovich of Boardman, Melissa Bland of Warren, Elizabeth Bland of Boardman and Katie Bland (Fiance Matthew Hodge) of Boardman; his son, Gary (Cyndi) Bland Jr. of Meadville, Pa.; a sister, Denise (Terry) Babyak of Canton; five brothers, Michael (Wendy) of South Carolina, Jeffrey (Virginia) of Michigan, Richard (Joyce) of Sebring, Steven (Pat) of Salem and Robert (Karen) of Butler, Pa.; 15 grandchildren; the mother of his children, Christine Bland of Poland; and his former wife, Susan Bland of Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bland.

Family and friends may call for one hour before the service on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, material tributes may take the form of donations in care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home to help the family.