Gary L. Cassell

Gary L. Cassell, 80, of Etters, PA, died September 19, 2026, at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. He was a 1963 graduate of Central Dauphin High School and a 1967 graduate of Bloomsburg State College, where he studied biology and science education.

After marrying Donna Hershey in 1967, he entered the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Officer Training Course at Naval Air Station Pensacola, where he trained in the T-28 and earned his pilot wings. He later completed advanced pilot training at NAS Jacksonville, where he became qualified to fly the P-3 Orion. Gary served in the Navy until 1978, when he transferred to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. There, he served as a pilot and Warrant Officer in the 28th Infantry’s Combat Aviation Brigade, and flew OH-6 and UH-1 “Huey” helicopters. He retired from the Army National Guard in 1992 after 25 years of military service.

Gary spent most of his civilian career as a commercial airline pilot and flew for multiple airlines from the 1970s and into the 1990s, his favorite of which was Braniff International Airlines, where he enjoyed frequent trips to South America. During his airline career, he flew B-727, B-737, DC-8 and DC-10 aircraft and amassed more than 20,000 flight hours. 

Gary loved aviation, and even in retirement, flew sail planes with the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association in Fairfield. 

Gary also served from several years as a high school science teacher, and taught at Camp Hill High School and several schools in Harrisburg area.

He was a devoted husband who adored his wife, Donna, whom he met when they were in their early teens. As a father, he challenged his children to set goals and work hard to achieve them, while also being supportive and encouraging. As a grandfather he was the biggest fan at his grandchildren’s hockey, soccer volleyball games. 

He enjoyed time outdoors, camping at Lake Raystown, boating and waterskiing, travelling, and hunting and fishing. In the summer, he and his wife enjoyed spending time with friends and family on their deck and in their backyard swimming pool.

He was an active member of Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church in Etters and Baughman Church in New Cumberland.

Gary was born September 22, 1945, in Harrisburg, to the late Zane and Ella (Straining) Cassell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Donna (Hershey) Cassell, who died in 2025. He is survived by a daughter, Kristi Cassell Burke (William) of Denver; son, Seth Cassell (Amy) of Halifax; sisters, Gail Kuntz (William) of Hummelstown, Holly Kauffman (Todd) of Manheim, and Patti Whitman of Manheim; grandchildren, Jacob and Brady Burke, and Zane and Ayla Cassell; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 9AM on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Later that morning, a memorial service will begin at 10:30AM at Baughman Church, New Cumberland. A time of visitation will immediately follow services, and all are welcome to join the family for a meal in the church's social hall.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to help veterans at the Lebanon VA or Baughman Church, New Cumberland.