North Huntingdon businessman believed in family, community

C. Gary Dinsel believed in setting goals and sticking to them.

He set four big goals over the course of his life: finishing high school, finishing college, raising a family and making a difference in the world as a businessman.

He accomplished all four, according to his wife, Barbara Dinsel.

C. Gary Dinsel, 76, of North Huntingdon, died Friday, March 27, 2020, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

He was born Oct. 14, 1943, in Altoona, to the late Charles A. and Ruth M. (Burger) Dinsel.

He was forced to learn responsibility at a young age. His father was seriously injured while working on a railroad, making 9-year-old Dinsel the de facto man of the family, Barbara Dinsel said.

Gary and Barbara were friends ever since they were 6 years old. Their families always wanted them to end up together.

“Our mothers were very much in cahoots, they hoped that would happen,” Barbara Dinsel said. They did become a couple, and were married 54 years.

Mr. Dinsel graduated from the UPMC with a degree in accounting. He spent most of his career as vice president of operations for abrasive flow machining company Extrude Hone Corp.

“My husband always said ‘look at this dumb kid from Cresson, I never thought I’d know anything about machine tooling,’” Barbara Dinsel said.

He helped the country grow into an international organization, making business trips to Ireland, Germany, France and Japan.

However, he always put his family first.

“Even though he worked so hard, and was gone a lot, when he was home we were all number one,” said his daughter, Diana Snyder.

He was also devoted to his community. He served as president of the Norwin Rotary and a board member on the Norwin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wesmoreland/Fayette County Economic Growth Connection.

He believed in using his business experience to help others, especially young people just getting started in their careers.

“He got the biggest joy in giving,” said his daughter, Lynette Christian.

He loved travelling with his family, fishing with Snyder, attending Steelers’ games with Christian and spending time with his dog, Bella. A self-styled sommelier, he enjoyed tracking down new vintages for his wine cellar.

Mr. Dinsel is survived by his wife, Barbara L. (Ketenheim) Dinsel; daughters Lynette A. Christian of East Pittsburgh and Diana L. Snyer and husband, Michael, of Manor; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A private family viewing and funeral service will be arranged by the William Snyder Funeral Home, followed by burial at Twin Valley Memorial Park in Delmont.

A public memorial service will be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to Circleville United Methodist Church, 11600 Parkway Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.