Mr. Gary G. Specht

UTICA - Mr. Gary G. Specht, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at MVHS at St. Luke’s Healthcare with his entire loving family by his side. Born in Mendota, Illinois on January 17, 1954, Gary was the son of the late Eugene and Betty Jean (Maly) Specht. In the early 1970’s his family made New York Mills their home where Gary attended NY Mills High School. On June 29, 1974 he married the former Mary Delfino with whom he shared a loving and understanding relationship. They were supportive of each other’s needs and helped one another to endure life’s circumstances in every way. Gary worked as an auto mechanic at National Auto in the Service Department. He had an intuitive knowledge in his area of expertise from intake to disassembling and re-assembling any part of a motor vehicle. He was also adept at assembling model trains, cars, and ships, and his creative nature was seen in his work. In years past, Gary would relax in the open air of God’s country where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddy Big Ray. He and his family especially enjoyed the beauty of the 1,000 Islands. His most recent endeavor was building Adirondack chairs for friends and family. He also enjoyed working in his greenhouse, which he built without a designated plan or blueprints. He loved listening to his music, especially classic rock as he was a guitar player, and being outdoors, taking in the beauty of the day. The earth returned the favor by allowing Gary to grow anything and everything. He was a great gardener, especially with his tomato plants which he shared with everyone. He was also a NASCAR fan, particularly the Earnhardts and other legends, even seeing some races at Pocono. Recently, the family even drove their Monte Carlo on the Watkins Glen track. Since family gatherings were so important to him, he learned to cook from his mom’s recipes, and he was really good at it! His home was a place of peace for him and it was home to many things that he built with his own hands, including a “Hotel” for his adopted cats. Gary felt blessed to spend time with his son, and he adored his grandchildren from the moment they were born. A generous spirit and a helpful friend, he gave of himself even when he was enduring physical pain. He was loved by many and is loved even more, now. Gary is survived by Mary, his wife of 44 years; his cherished son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Natalie Specht; his adored grandsons Ryan and Eric; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Lynnette Golden, Bonnie and Dale Knapp, and Pamela and John Wren. He was predeceased by his sister, Annette Specht; brother, Daniel E. Specht; and brother-in-law, Robert Golden. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Linda Specht, Victoria Delfino and her partner Susan Butler, and Frank and Tina Delfino. He was blessed with trusting and kind neighbors including Minh Tran and family, Donna and Tom, the Secor family; and longtime family friends, Minnie and Linda LaPaglia. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paschal “Pat” and Mary Delfino. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the Allen-Calder Wing/3rd Floor and the Emergency Room personnel at St. Luke’s for their compassionate, attentive care and medical expertise. A Memorial Gathering in Gary’s honor will be held Saturday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. His funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Fr. David Orzel officiating the ceremony. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Gary G. Specht

January 17, 1954 - August 14, 2018