Gary Edward Dykeman

Gary Edward Dykeman of Sarasota Florida, formerly of Binghamton New York, completed his life’s journey on Thursday October 5, 2023. Gary is once again with the love of his life his wife Dottie. He was a loving husband, incredible father, adoring grandfather, and dedicated friend to many with whom he shared his humor, kind smile, and generous heart. Gary was fortunate to equally blend his commitment to working hard with his love of socializing, our family pets, traveling, telling jokes, and of course visiting Disney. He was a man of integrity and a true gentleman.

Born in Vestal New York on April 28, 1943 to the late Florence (Dykeman) Day and Earl Raymond Dykeman, he spent his childhood with his loving sisters Donna, Linda, Marsha, and Lori in what we all lovingly recall as their green farmhouse. Meeting Dottie at a dance in 1963, they were married in September of 1966 and were fortunate to celebrate 53 wonderful years together.

Early on, Gary developed a passion for automobiles that led to his rewarding career with Jack Sherman Toyota, Inc. where he learned all areas of the business from service, to parts, to sales, leading to eventual ownership with his wife Dottie. Throughout his life, he was the proud owner of several Classic Corvettes and antique cars he meticulously restored and proudly enjoyed driving.

Together, their greatest accomplishment in their story of love was their two adored daughters and their families, Teressa and Oscar Diaz and their grandchildren Tyler and Hayden of Boynton Beach Florida and Lisa and Chris Giummo of Sarasota.

Gary’s family would like to thank his sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and the friends and members of the many organizations in which he was involved for their love and support such as Out and About Group of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Sunshine Antique Automobile Club, and in particular the wonderful choir of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Gary genuinely loved life embracing all challenges, opportunities, his loving family, and dear lifelong friends. He was a survivor of Myasthenia Gravis. As such and in tribute of his example, if so inclined, in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) or Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee in his name.

A Memorial Mass will be held this Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Church of Saint Patrick located at 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota Florida 34233. A luncheon celebrating his devotion to family and friends will follow at the Church at noon. All are welcome.

For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunerals.com or www.wiegandbrothers.com