Gary Richard Lytle

Gary was a big personality with a bigger heart. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Richard M. Lytle and Laurine E. Lytle (nee Welk). A proud graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, Gary wore Spartan green as a student athlete on the varsity basketball and baseball teams. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Gary was particularly well known for his friendships across the political aisle in Washington as well as a cherished mentor to many. He was an avid golfer until his final days and always quick with a witty quip.

Gary began his career in sales and went on to hold various government affairs positions for Michigan Bell, Ameritech and Qwest Communications, where he served as the Senior Vice President for Federal Relations. He also served as the interim president and CEO of the United States Telecom Association and was co-founder of the CGCN public policy group. He served on the boards of the University Club of Washington D.C., the Washington Performing Arts Society and the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years, Barbara Ann Lytle. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Susan Bacon Lytle; his children Christine Lytle, Richard Lytle, Laura Lytle, and Andrea Lytle Martin; Susan’s children Carolyn Bacon Reese and Robert Bacon; and 14 grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be offered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where he was an active parishioner, at 3513 N St. NW, Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to visit with Gary’s family following the Mass at Washington Golf & Country Club, 3017 N Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 333 John Carlyle St., Suite 635, Alexandria, Va., or online at www.preventcancer.org.