Gary Frank Reilich

Gary Frank Reilich of Fairgrove, age 85, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024 at McLaren Lapeer Region. Gary was born May 8, 1938 in Ferndale, the son of the late Charles and Nettie (Kouba) Reilich. He graduated from Ferndale High School and joined the Michigan National Guard. On July 27, 1971, Gary married the love of his life, the former Edith “Sally” Toner. Their marriage was blessed with over forty-eight years before Sally’s passing on February 10, 2020. Gary began his working career as a postal carrier, worked as a brakeman for railway, owned & operated Gary’s Market in Fairgrove with his wife, and ultimately returned to the United States Postal Service, retiring after twenty years of service. His passion was buying and selling antiques and automobiles. Gary was the ultimate American Picker and loved going to auctions and estate sales. He had a true talent for refinishing old furniture and bringing it back to life.

Gary leaves to cherish his memory, his stepsons, Kevin Smith and Galen & Marsha Smith; grandchildren & their spouses, Cole (Miranda) Smith, Lindsay (Brooks) Olson, Brandon (Laura) Smith, Megan (Roger) Mullet, Jordan Smith, and Katelyn (Jacob) Fair; great-grandchildren, Nora, Merida, Edith, Stuart, Aaron, Josiah, and Jonathan; brother, Kenneth Reilich; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Duane Reilich sisters-in-law, Glorianne Reilich, Ruth Reilich, and Suzanne Reilich.

Private burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be held in the springtime. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Fairgrove Global Methodist Church.