Gary Ernest "Goo" Washington

Gary Ernest “Goo” Washington 77, of Bedford, died Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his residence.  He was born on October 18, 1947, in Bedford the son of the late Albert Ernest and Rae (Harris) Washington.  On July 7, 1967 in Pittsburgh, he married Vera Mable (Bradford) Washington who survives along with four children: Garnell E. Washington, Garrett E. Washington and wife Leslie, Gregory E. Washington, and Gennifer E. Washington, all of Bedford; six grandchildren: Marley, Warren, Savanah, Kamberly, Miles, and Maxwell; two great-grandchildren: Maylin and Zayvien; a sister Wilma E. Poole widow of Elvis Lee Poole Sr.  of Bedford; and Kimberly Wissinger-Washington and Angela Raley-Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by a great-niece Michelle Reynolds.

Gary was a 1965 graduate of Bedford High School where he excelled in baseball and football earning him a football scholarship to attend Salem College, West Virginia.  He graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration in 1969. He worked for Goodyear Tire in Akron, OH, and then transferred to Kelly Springfield Tire in Cumberland, MD.  After leaving Kelly Springfield Tire, he worked for Bedford County Employment and Training, Southern Alleghenies Planning Commission, and then became a 4-H Extension Agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension. Lastly, Gary co-founded Extended Family in Bedford, and was its operating director for 16 years until his retirement in 2010.   He was involved with many clubs and organizations in the area including Appalachian Youth Services, Draft Horse/Pony pulling events, member of Warrior Riders Motorcycle club (formerly Chapter W), and lifetime member and trustee of Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church of Bedford, PA.  Gary enjoyed playing in the local fast pitch softball and baseball leagues, and coaching football, track, cross country, and summer league softball. He liked hunting, running rabbit dogs, and competing at area horse pulling competitions.  Gary was the voice of the Horse Pulling competition at the PA Farm show for several years, and the voice at the BMX tracks in Johnstown and McConnellsburg. Not only did he announce, but he also assisted with promoting BMX, developing racetracks, and coaching his own kids. Gary was instrumental in the creation and operations of several local programs and landmarks including the Underground Railroad Motorcycle Ride, Black Community Reunion, and the initial development of the Old Bedford Village. He was a very sociable person, who loved Bedford, and loved mentoring youth in the community, and loved his family. Thank you doesn’t even touch how the much the family appreciated the compassion, kindness, and devotion Goo’s care buddies provided over the years.  Jennifer, Jessica, Kathy, UPMC Home Health, and UPMC Hospice, truly helped give him the quality of life he deserved.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church, 246 W. John St., Bedford, with Rev. Josh Krupa and Rev. Vincent Martin officiating.  Burial will be private.  Friends will be received on Thursday from 5-8 p.m., at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to: Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church, 246 W. John St., Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.

Mt. Pisgah AME Zion Church
246 West John Street,, Bedford PA 15522