Gary E. Reams

Gary Reams (Gar-wa), 66, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024 at 5 a.m.  He was born on June 24, 1957 to the late Roy and Evelyn (Stamm) Reams. His hometown was Jewett, Ohio. Gary enjoyed growing up in that small town environment. But, the big city lights of Akron, OH drew him away.

In 1976, Gary started working at Cedar Point in food service, but instantly became a Live Show groupie. He knew every song in the Centennial Theatre show that summer. By1978, he was a sound operator, and over the next four years worked his way up the ranks in the department. He loved that job, and maintained a love for Cedar Point that would last his lifetime.

A few years ago, for the 150th anniversary of Cedar Point, the park offered personalized bricks for sale. Gary, of course, had to have one. And on one blazing hot summer day in 2022, Gary returned to the park for the first time in decades just to find it. It was quite the task searching for his name among countless others. But, eventually, he had success. You can find his name in one of the ninety-one rows of Section 6 in the main plaza. Good luck!

During his last couple years at Cedar Point, Gary started what would be his lifelong career in the Akron gay bars. His first gig was at the legendary Old Plantation. From there, he went to Adam’s Street, Heartbeat, and the Interbelt. He eventually found his home at Tear-EZ; first starting at the location on Market Street, then on to Tear-EZ Too on South Main, and finally ending up at the current location in downtown Akron on Main Street. It was there he met his life partner, Michael Modugno. Eventually, Gary and Michael would go on to be co-owners (along with David Canfield) of Tear-EZ, making it an Akron tradition.

He also had a vending business for many years filling pop, cigarette, snack and candy machines, mostly at hairdressers, headshops and Akron bathhouses. 

No remembrance of Gary could possibly be complete without mentioning his undying devotion to Diana Ross. If she was anywhere near NE Ohio, Gary was sure to be there. At her last show in the area, he and Michael had front row center seats. Gary said that Ms. Ross actually recognized him sitting there and acknowledged him, probably because years earlier he had actually got up on stage with her and danced, before he was ushered off the stage.

Gary also had a passion for old-style electromagnetic pinball machines, not the modern machines of today. He eventually amassed a collection of 7 machines, which he not only played, but also “repaired”; along with a Seeburg jukebox filled with 45’s from the 60’s to the 80’s.

He had a great love for his pets, which he treated like his children. There were his cats, Tuna, Lily and Cocoa; Michael’s dog, Shasta; and their dogs, Sierra and Chiclet.

Gary had a caring and giving heart, was very trusting, and he always put others first. There is now a hole in our hearts where there once was impish laughter. 

Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his step-mother, Dora Reams; and sisters, Cassie Toker and Vicky Whitehead.  

He is survived by his Life Partner of 32 years, Michael Modugno; and many other loving family and countless friends.

Visitation will be on Sunday, February 25, 2024  from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home, 936 North Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44310, followed by a Funeral Service at 6:00 pm. Interment will be on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Fairview Cemetery, 88995 Fairview Rd., Jewett, OH 43986 at 1 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CANAPI, 759 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303, in memory of Gary Reams.