Father ⦁ Grandpa ⦁ Brother ⦁ Friend

Born in Long Island, NY, in 1953 to Therese and William Henry, Gary Gieschen grew up in Hempstead before moving to Smithtown. He and his sister, Sue, famously “walked uphill both ways in the snow, with holes in their shoes” to school each day. A true original from an early age, Gary spent his childhood surfing, playing basketball, lifeguarding, and stirring up just enough mischief with his friends to fuel the stories that would fill the drive from New Jersey to Smithtown for the holidays—especially when driving past the lonely 45-foot witch made of straw, who mysteriously lost her 30-foot feline companion to a flaming arrow sometime in the 70s.

Gary’s academic interests in science and math brought him to Wilkes University (then Wilkes College) in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Though he intended to play basketball, he found his passion in lacrosse. Encouraged by those who would become his lifelong friends, he walked onto the team and went on to become “The Giesch,” a standout attackman, earning MAC Conference All-Star honors and induction into the Wilkes College Hall of Fame. He and his teammates are still remembered as one of the finest groups to ever represent the program.

Hardworking and driven, Gary took a summer job with a rigging company in New York City that would shape his career. He saved enough to buy his beloved 1964 Stingray Corvette, which he proudly drove for most of his life. After graduating and completing a motorcycle trip to Houston and back, he returned to rigging, building a successful career in sales while commuting from the “animal house” in Boonton where he lived with his best pals. Eventually, Gary founded his own company, Condor, where he gladly worked for himself for the rest of his career. Along the way, he built not just a business, but lifelong friendships.

In 1984, Gary married, bought his first home, a Harley, and a Porsche 928, and began the chapter he was most proud of: becoming a father to his three daughters, Kelly, Kasey, and Kristen - Gary and the Girls. Though marriage wasn’t for him, fatherhood absolutely was. He made it his life's mission to be a present, devoted, and deeply loving Dad, teaching his girls the values of kindness, loyalty, and generosity. To him, life was never about the destination; it was about the ride.

Gary lived with a radiant joy that made every day feel like he had won the lottery. In Boonton Township, overlooking the Rockaway River, he built a home full of laughter, pride, and steadfast support for his daughters. He was the ultimate architect of opportunity—a true force who ensured his girls always had the world at their feet and his unconditional love at their backs. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines of a tennis, lacrosse, or basketball game, dancing to songs he hand-picked for each daughter at their wedding, or acting as the master of ceremonies at a dinner-table-turned-stage for his legendary stories, Gary made every ordinary moment feel monumental. He taught his daughters how to find the fun, how to be generous, and how to show up for one another, always.

Gary lived with profound gratitude for every single day, filling his life with grand adventures and even deeper friendships. Whether he was crossing the country on his Harley-Davidson Fat Boy with his lifelong buddies, holding court in a circle of Adirondack chairs on his front lawn, or going for a spin on his way to "the Res" in his Shelby GT500, Gary had a zest for the "good life" that was infectious.

With the birth of his first grandbaby, Gary stepped into his greatest role yet: “Papa Gary” to his seven grandchildren: Louie “Big Lou” (6), Ella “Tink” (4), Marlowe “Sticky Fingers” (3), Jack “Jumpin’ Jack” (2), James “Little Moe” (1), Piper “Dolphin” (1), and Caroline Charlotte “Ceeeeeec” (1). He was a constant presence in their lives, often joking that he’s wracked up 40,000 hours in unpaid babysitting labor, from Pre-K pickups and swim lessons to rides in “Grandpa’s Limousine Service” and afternoons at the pool club. Gary found his truest calling as a grandfather—an ever-present fixture, always ready with a steady supply of Yoo-hoo, Go-Gurt, fruit snacks, and laughs. To them, he was, and will forever be, their “man in the moon.” 

We imagine him now, riding his Harley through the clouds with Bart by his side, toasting the good life and sharing stories with loved ones gone before him. Always our protector, our guide, our “Mr. Fix It,” and our greatest source of joy. You will be missed forever.

Written with endless love by your three biggest fans, 

Kelly, Kasey, and Krissy

**Kelly, Kasey and Kristen are supported by their incredible husbands Harrison, Natty, and George who Gary loved and was so proud of, as well as their mother Kathy Rockwell, their step father Bruce Rockwell, and their brother Taylor Rockwell.

If you met Gary, you have a story. If you knew him, you have many. We would love for you to share your photos and stories with us on his Kudoboard, which we will be turning into a keepsake memory book: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/ixCigNii/TheGiesch#view

We know many are hurting with the loss of our giant. In his remembrance, we ask for donations to The Wounded Warrior Project. Every time Dad saw a soldier in uniform, he gave them $200 cash, thanked them for their service, and told them to take their mom, girlfriend or buddy out for dinner on him. We’d like to carry on the tradition.