Gary Nicholas Sass

Gary Nicholas Sass, 66, of Sharpsville, passed away on Sunday evening, March 22, 2026, in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell.

Mr. Sass was born on December 13, 1959, in Sharon, a son of the late Nicholas and Frances (Machuga) Sass. A 1977 graduate of Sharon High School, he earned his doctorate in pharmacy from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

He spent his career working as a pharmacist, retiring from Rite Aid in 2004. Later, Gary was the director of Stellar Support Services, Hermitage.

Gary was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville.

A karate enthusiast, Gary trained continuously for more than 56 years, earning multiple degrees of black belts in many styles of Karate. He was the founder of Shoto Ikki Kai Karate (SIKK), and most recently was a trainer at Steel Valley Fitness in Sharon. Throughout his career, he was a member of countless National and international martial arts organizations. In 2025, Gary was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

In his spare time, he enjoyed making custom knives and metal detecting.

He is survived by his wife, the former Amy Good, whom he married on November 28, 2017; three step-sons, Zachary Spaulding, of Sharpsville, Jayden Spaulding, of Transfer, and Adam Spaulding, of Sharpsville; and two sisters, Vickie D’Avanzo and her partner, Tracy Feather, of Bruceton Mills, WV, and Linda Fuller and her husband, Jeffrey, of Sharon.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Sass; and a brother-in-law, Saverio D’Avanzo.

The family suggests memorial contributions may be directed to Stellar Support Services, 230 Maple Ave., Dravosburg, PA 15034.

Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday (03/26/2026) in First Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville, 603 West Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. 

Funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Thursday, in the church with Rev. Mike Carlin, officiating.