Gary Michael Billcheck

Gary Michael Billcheck was called home to the Lord and slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus during his sleep Sunday, November 23, 2025 with his loving wife and daughter at his side. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio on September 21, 1944, the son of the late Michael Billcheck and Aurora (Colletti Billcheck) Hughes and his late stepfather Franklin Hughes.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Bonnie Jo Billcheck. He is also survived by his loving daughter, Amy Metzendorf and his grandson Alexander Metzendorf, who was dear to his heart. Gary is also survived by his youngest daughter Ann Draghi and granddaughter Callista Draghi.

Gary was blessed to have his eldest daughter Amy caring for both Bonnie and himself for the last two years of his life. Amy put her career on hold and moved from Ohio to Florida to dedicate her life to caring for her parents. Gary was immensely proud of not only of all of her life’s achievements, both professionally and as a parent, but also because she had given so much of herself to help Gary and Bonnie during their later years of declining health. As Bonnie herself battled breast cancer, he was proud that Amy stood by Bonny every step of the way. He was grateful that Amy nursed Gary through numerous infections and spent hours giving him iv antibiotics several times a day over a two year time period for months at a time. Gary was very proud not only of Amy’s giving nature but of her medical advocacy and protection for her parents as she took over burdens, so that Gary and Bonnie would not have to worry about them, as Bonnie fought her battle with breast cancer. Gary was very happy to have his eldest daughter stand by Bonnie each step of the way - not only for her cancer and other numerous medical treatments but during Gary’s own tumultuous medical path as well. He often said he “…. could not have asked for Amy to do a better job or be a better daughter to them both and that he was grateful for all that she had done and continued to do for both himself and his precious Bonnie Jo….”

Gary was a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School in New York and shortly thereafter began his apprenticeship as an electrician under the tutelage of his stepfather Franklin Hughes. Who later in life, his granddaughters, Amy and Ann would lovingly call “Daddad”. Frank would also introduce Gary to the Freemasonry, of which Gary later became a Master Mason.

Gary’s electrical apprenticeship with Frank would lead Gary into a life long career of over 40 years as an electrician. He was a proud member of the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers). Later in life in 1982, Gary went back to college to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration at the California University of Pennsylvania by taking night classes as he worked at US Steel.

Gary’s electrical work in construction would eventually take him to many states across the country and his last construction job landed him in Florida at Universal Studios. This is when he met his beloved Bonnie Jo, so they could start their life adventure together, as they walked their path together with the lord.

Gary and Bonnie together shared their love for animals. For many years before their retirement, they enjoyed breeding Shih Tzu puppies. Through their hobby breeding they met many new friends that would become lifelong friends. Gary was never more happy than seeing a new little puppy find its new home ”fur-ever” home. Each little puppy he helped raise would remind him of his childhood, of the dog he could never have. So Gary found a way to have ALL the puppies and make sure they were all loved and had wonderful homes.

The family wishes to thank the Good Shepherd Hospice Forsythe House in

Auburndale for helping to make Gary’s last earthly moments as peaceful as possible.

The family also wishes to thank family members Linda and Dean Thompson, Natalie and Alan Brayton, Susan Thompson, and life long friends Noemi Lugo-Orosco, Paul and Debbie Gonzalez, Pastor Wally Reames, Will and Diana Rosario, Crystal Rosa-Vega and so many others.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and family who have left heartfelt messages online to Bonnie and Amy. “We will always remember and be comforted by the memory of his charming personality, sense of humor, and deep singing voice for the Lord.”

Gary was a devoted member of Haven Worship Center for many years. Gary gave his heart to the Lord and we take comfort that he is now in heaven with our Savior Lord Jesus Christ and that Gary’s heavenly family awaited Gary’s arrival to be surrounded by the Lord’s love.

The family wishes to invite family and friends to A Celebration of Gary’s Life which will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 2pm with refreshments following at:

Grissom Funeral Home

803 W Emmett Street

Kissimmee, FL 34741

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to the following Go Fund Me page (https://gofund.me/8d74da2cb ) to assist Gary’s widow, Bonnie Jo in the lean days and months that she faces ahead without Gary supporting her.

Family and Friends may visit The Neptune Society (https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/altamonte-springs-fl/gary-billcheck-11083829) to view this obituary and leave condolences for Gary’s family.