Condolence: Lauren, I want to apologize for my message not being private especially including the insurance comment. I apparently got in trouble with the reCaptcha. It jumped around a bit and then sent and apparently it dropped off the private. I am so sorry. Jean

Condolence: Dear Lauren and family, Ed and I are in FL for the winters and Ed reads the Lancaster paper each morning and he told me of your Dad's passing. I am so sorry that I did not write or at least send a condolence at this site long long before this. I have had a card for you forever and tried and tried to find someone who had your address and finally I am writing to you here. We will be home in time for the service. Lauren, I would like to say that we are so sorry for your Father's passing. I cannot as I am sure you have to feel the same to see such a wonderful man, such a wonderful person suffer like he did. We are so sorry that such a beautiful person would have to be so ill, suffer so much with the loss of your Mother and then to suffer physically so severely. We could only be thankful that he could finally be relieved of his misery and go to be with your Mother. When Eddie told me, I could only say "Thank you Lord". I hope that does not hurt you, Lauren, He was so brave to go through so much trying for your Mother and trying for you and your family, to be well again. We only got to know your Dad when he was ill, but what a sweet, kind, lovely person he was. We both admired him so much and we adored your dear little Mother. We had the privilege of taking them a couple of times for his treatment and to social security. I still remember that dear little, very brave little girl (that is the way I always think of her, but she was so strong) going into social security insisting on taking a crate of paperwork to get insurance for your Dad. She was also carrying her oxygen along. When we got back in the car, she was absolutely jubilant and said I got all four insurances for Gary. As you know at that point she was already very ill, but still taking care of your Dad. They were truly two sweethearts and I am sure they still are. One day, we were bringing your Dad home from a treatment. It was not a good day, he was not feeling at all well. I made a comment about your little one and he immediately went to his cell phone and showed us the video of your Mother bouncing Jude on her knee. He beamed from ear to ear. Stephanie, you must be exactly like both your parents to be so brave through all this. I can't imagine any child going through this with both her Mother and Father and for such a long time. You are amazing and I just pray for you that the Lord is and has been so close and so comforting in your heartache. I lost my parents when they were in their older years and I was much older than you and yet, I know the suffering just at losing them without watching them suffer. They were so blessed to have a daughter like you. May God bless you and keep his arms wrapped firmly around you to comfort you and give you peace. Your child is so fortunate to have such a wondeful person for his Mother. May God bless you and give you some moments of relaxation and eventually joy again. Love you, sweet girl. Jean and Ed

Condolence: Gary's premature death deprives this unhappy planet of a person who had made significant and meaningful contributions. Working with him was always a pleasure, and I never ended a visit to his office without learning something new. It was dreadful to witness Gary's decline, and inspiring to see his fortitude and courage in a losing battle. My condolences to his entire family. His death leaves a big, empty space in this world; one that won't be too easily filled by someone else of his stature, talents, and generosity.

Condolence: We are very sad to have lost a beloved brother. Gary was a smart, funny, loving and kind man, and we will miss him greatly. He suffered some unimaginably difficult times during the last few years, but never complained or became embittered; he was so inspirationally patient and courteous with the caregivers and people surrounding him. In addition to his serious illness, he endured the loss of Stephanie, his wonderful wife and tireless advocate who supported him through many years of surgeries and recoveries. Thankfully he can now be reunited with her in Heaven. Since Stephanie’s tragic passing, Gary's loving daughter Lauren has done an incredible job of taking care of him. She has managed all his medical care and financial matters, and acted as his advocate with the medical treatments he's had in the last few years. She's also consistently been there for moral support as he dealt with continuing health setbacks. We cannot thank her enough for her selfless loving devotion and care for her Dad. It surely made his last years far more tolerable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lauren and J. Adam as they cope with this painful loss of their father, and we are thankful that Gary is now in a better place, with his beautiful wife Stephanie. Diane and Ray

Condolence: I am so sorry to hear about Gary. We graduated together in 1974. He was always so nice. I got a chance to talk with Gary and his wife at a class reunion a few years back. Such a nice visit. Although he was unable to attend the class reunion 4 years ago, we all were thinking of him. He will have a candle lit in his memory at our next class reunion along with our other classmates that have gone on before us. You have my deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.

Condolence: My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Tom Armer

Condolence: Dear Bill & Gloria, We were so saddened to get this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Sincerely Wally & Anita

Condolence: Gary was a student in the Longwood Graduate Program at the University of Delaware while I was Program Staff Assistant. He was a pleasure to work with and Ron and I enjoyed our many social interactions with Gary and Stephanie. I live near Wilmington and followed his career at DCH. Such a terrible loss! Our prayers go out to Gary's family.

Condolence: To Jonathan: Greetings Jonathan on this mournful occasion. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. We know your father must have valued life dearly for amount of struggle, fight, and perseverance he demonstrated to hold onto it. Jonathan, I found it to very honorable to your father in your dedication to help him, and be by his side for comfort and encouragement; this is great demonstration of the compassion that is within you. I think I have some idea, having worked with you and talked with you the tremendous stress that resulted in your personal life and action due to the circumstances you were subject to and accepted, though you may have found it difficult to cope with. Though I know this loss is painful, I remain encouraging to fight through it as your father did, and may you find perfect at the feet of God the Father who promises to never abandon you in a time of trouble. Seek HIM, and live life to its fullest and to HIS intended will for you. God's blessings to you and your family. I still offer my ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on should you choose to. Tony

Condolence: I went to Catholic School and Cadott High School with Gary and remember him fondly. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family; God bless you at this difficult time.

Condolence: Dear family of Gary , as one of Gary's nurse's over the years beginning with his initial struggles at LGH rehab carrying over to the rehab hospital . He had made remarkable progress. Was so saddened to have him in my care after setbacks more recently. I was truly astonished and heartbroken when I asked Gary where Stephanie was( as she had continually maintained bedside vigil to Gary). He responded "she died". The pain I felt at that moment was almost unbearable. There are always memories of SPECIAL patients and family members I carry and hold close to my heart. Gary and Stephanie are two of those people! May Gary and Stephanie rest in the arms of one another in paradise . Tenderly , may time ease your sorrow. With respect and admiration . Kim Smith.

Condolence: It was my privilege to work with Gary for many years at The Delaware Center for Horticulture. He was a wonderful person and a uniquely talented, dedicated, hard-working and loyal employee. He leaves a legacy of greening, including public landscapes, tree plantings and community gardens and projects throughout Wilmington, Delaware and across the state's major highways. We can truly say that the world is a better place for Gary having been in it. Blessings to family members and friends he leaves behind and who hold his memory in their hearts.

Condolence: To Gary's Family, All of us involved with the DCH grieve at the loss of such kind, competent, dedicated member of the DCH family. His love of horticulture and gentle spirit will live on through this organization - the people he worked with, programs he built, and lives he touched. On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, please accept our sincere condolences. Ann Wick

Condolence: As a nurse for over 20 years and a rehab nurse for over half that time, certain patients remain imbedded in your memory. Gary was one such patient for me. I took care of him at LGH rehab in 2007 I believe. I was so in awe of the kindness of his wife Stephanie. We connected during those times and over the years when Gary was re-admitted to rehab, I would come visit him and Stephanie. I remember running into Stephanie at Costco years ago, I asked about how Gary was doing and low and behold, he was standing right next to her and I did not recognize him. He was a far cry from how I had remembered him lying in the hospital struggling to communicate. While he had no recollection of me or that time in the hospital, Stephanie gave me a hug and told my kids that I was a great and caring nurse. That was such a nice thing to say and inspires me still today to be a better nurse. While I didn’t know Gary that well, I am saddened to hear of the passing of both these wonderful people too early. My thoughts and prayers go out to their children which I heard lots about... they were so very proud of you!!! God bless.

Condolence: Please accept my condolences for the passing of your dear loved one. When someone we love dies, the heartache and grief can be great. I hope that you can be comforted knowing that God cares for you and sees your pain. (1 Peter 5:7) "He is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) May you find comfort and relief during this grievous time, as you cherish the precious memories of Gary.