YOUNGSTOWN - Gary M. Kommel, 68, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, May 30, 2016, at the emergency room at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown after suffering a heart attack during the Austintown Memorial Day ceremony.

Gary was born April 17, 1948, in Youngstown, a son of the late Kenneth G. Kommel and Helen M. Ferguson Kommel, and was a lifelong area resident.

After graduating high school, Gary joined the United States Army and was a Vietnam War veteran.

Mr. Kommel worked as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Dispatcher; for R&S Saw & Knife Company; for the McDonald Steel Company; and for Pellin Ambulance Service.

He was a member of Austintown Community Church.

Active in many local veteran's groups, Gary was Post Commander of American Legion, Post No. 301, in Austintown. He was Senior Commander and Chapter Service Officer of the Disabled American Veterans, Post No. 2; was Chapter Service Officer of the Mahoning County American Legion, where he was also past-commander; and he was Junior Commander of the United Veteran's Council. Gary was also active with the Austintown Senior Center, where on Thursdays he would answer questions during the Veterans Corner.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diana Kelly Kommel, whom he married Aug. 8, 1997; his son, Kelly (Stephanie) Kommel of Austintown; his daughter, Christine Sijak of Niles; three grandchildren, Andrew, Sydney, and Jillian; and cousins, Jan and Ron Chambers.

Family and friends call from 4 to 8 p.m., today, Wednesday, June 1, 2016, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road, Youngstown, where the DAV and American Legion will conduct services beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Family and friends may also call from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 2, at the funeral home, where funeral services will take place at 1:30 p.m.

A committal service with military honors will follow at Brunstetter Cemetery in Austintown.