Gary Dean McGriff

Gary Dean McGriff, 69, passed peacefully from this world on November 4, 2024, after a courageous four year battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). His friends and family have no doubt he is somewhere on a celestial golf course, shooting the best game of his life.

He was born on February 7, 1955 in Troy, Ohio to Ellen (Garber) and George McGriff. He attended Tippecanoe High School, and received his college degree from Miami University Oxford.

After his college graduation, he embarked on a career in journalism, becoming a sports editor for the Kettering Oakwood Times in Kettering, Ohio. There, he was known for his sharp writing skills and his even sharper wit. He was regarded as the pulse of the newsroom, someone who brought everyone together and made them laugh.

Eventually, he moved to New York City, where he was an editor for Gannett Suburban Newspapers, later called The Journal News. He also worked for a time at The National Sports Daily under the legendary sportswriter Frank DeFord. He made many friends in all the newsrooms he worked; friends he cherished and kept for life.

It was at Gannett that he met his wife, Toni, also an editor. They were married in Assisi, Italy, in 1995. He retired from journalism in 2014.

He spent his remaining years pursuing the interests that brought him the greatest joy: His family - especially his wife, his daughter Jessica, son-in-law Chris, and granddaughter Emma - golf, photography, and hiking.

He also had a deep appreciation for music, and was a skilled guitarist, often writing songs and performing them for his wife, his biggest fan. He was too shy to play before a larger audience. His favorite artist was Bruce Springsteen, but he also loved the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Tom Petty, and the early work of Ryan Adams. He amassed quite a collection of CDs, firmly resisting the digital music trend.

Gary was an avid golfer, a passion first encouraged by his father when he was a teen and honed during his adult years. He and his brother Jeff, also a golfer, loved to engage in friendly competition on the links, although his brother often bested him. Gary did not mind, although he was thrilled when he did, on occasion, win. He also spent numerous golf weekends in Myrtle Beach with friends.

His wife encouraged his passion, knowing that it was something he truly loved. He continued playing golf up until 2021, when ALS forced him to retire his treasured clubs. That did not dim his love of the sport, though. He continued to watch golf - the Masters was his favorite Major - until he passed. Before he died, he made his wife promise to place his urn in front of the TV during the 2025 Masters.

He also had a lifelong affair with the camera. He had an affinity for taking photos, mostly of family and the great outdoors. He developed a natural eye for the unusual, taking a series of pictures called “Trees Pretending To Be Something Else,” which he posted on social media. However, it was his “Man With Hat” photos that drew the most attention. These poignant and often humorous self-portraits showcased his artistic eye. Many of his photos were taken on the long hikes he took several times a week. These, he turned into a book that he proudly gave to his wife, daughter, and a few cherished friends.

Although he retired from journalism, he remained a self-proclaimed “news junkie” until he died, the day before Election Day. This did not alter the outcome, however. He kept up with current events and often formulated strong political opinions, many which he only shared when asked. He respected other people’s beliefs, and kept his own to himself unless provoked into a discussion. One of his greatest gifts was that he listened intently and then would proceed to try and prove you wrong if you didn’t agree with him.

He had a quiet temperament, but a wicked sense of humor. Even in the later stages of his disease he managed to make his friends, family, and Hospice employees laugh, even to the day he passed. That is the one thing that everyone will miss most: his ability to bring laughter to any situation.

Gary is survived by his wife of 29 years, Antoinette (Toni) Maconi McGriff; his daughter Jessica Donley (Chris); granddaughter Emma; brother Jeff McGriff (June), sister Karen Besecker (Keith), as well as many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Denny.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 3 to 6 pm at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury. To honor his memory, come as you are and wear your favorite hat. It will truly make him smile.

Please don’t send flowers. Instead, Gary wished donations would be made to ALS United at alsunitedct.org, and Regional Hospice of Danbury, regionalhospicect.org. Both provided services and goods throughout Gary's illness. He and his family could not have traveled this terrible ALS road without the support of these two amazing organizations. They surrounded him with love and care until his last breath. Gary was never known for being a spiritual man, but he did recognize that they are angels.