Gary L. Del Vecchio 1954-2026

He was born Nov. 28, 1954, in Bellaire, the son of Richard and Eleanor Maskivish Del Vecchio.

A 1972 graduate of Howland High School, Gary was a talented and lifelong musician, guitarist, singer and songwriter whose passion for music began at an early age. At just 16 years old, he recorded the hard rock single “Buzzin’,” with his band, Max, at Peppermint Studios in Youngstown.

Influenced by the vibrant Mahoning Valley music scene, Gary developed a distinctive guitar style and later moved to California, where he fronted the progressive rock band Scareb. Returning to the Mahoning Valley in 1977, Gary continued his musical journey while also building a life rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship. He worked alongside his father in the family business, Del Vecchio Distributing. During this time, he also opened Inner Chamber Sound Labs in Girard, which operated for a number of years, allowing him to continue recording and producing music. Later, he partnered with his son on Video Game Replay. His most recent musical venture was serving as director of operations for the Downbeat Musical Arts Centre in Warren, where he encouraged and supported young musicians in the local community.

Outside of music, Gary enjoyed spending time fishing, especially at Mosquito Lake, Lake Erie and Lake Milton, and riding his motorcycle. He was also known for his remarkable craftsmanship and ability to build or repair just about anything. With a keen eye for the beauty found in nature, Gary often transformed raw materials, including natural wood slabs, into unique pieces of furniture and art. In recent years, Gary’s early recordings found a global audience when Riding Easy Records released “Buzzin’,” a collection of his previously unreleased recordings from 1970 to 1975.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 15 years, Linda Darbey Del Vecchio, whom he married June 6, 2011; his children, Kristian Del Vecchio (Beth) of Niles and Nicole Meszaros (Ivan) of Girard; and his cherished grandchildren, Kamryn, Tristian, Logan, Myia, Grayson and Keely.

Gary was previously married to Ann Harrington Del Vecchio, the mother of his children, whom he married Dec. 2, 1972; they shared 35 years of marriage, and Ann stood beside Gary throughout his life as well as his musical journey. She was a tremendous source of support and inspiration over the years and sadly passed away in April 2008.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Eleanor Del Vecchio.

A celebration of life will be 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Salvatore’s Italian Grill in Howland.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Downbeat Musical Arts Centre in Warren, in Gary’s memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent at www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

(special notice)