Gary William Schenk

September 23, 1937-July 4, 2022

Gary William Schenk, 84, of College Park, Maryland, died Monday, July 4, at the BridgingLife “Dove House” Hospice in Westminister, MD, of complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Born September 23, 1937, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Frederick William Schenk and Harriette B. Woods Harris.

Prior to his retirement in 1993, Gary was employed as a computer operator for the General Services Administration in Washington, D.C. Previously, he was employed by the George Washington University Library, also in the District of Columbia. Gary attended Glenn Dale Elementary School, Glenn Dale, MD, Bladensburg Junior High School, Bladensburg, MD, and graduated from from Bladensburg Senior High in 1956. From 1956-1960, he served in the United States Air Force.

A devout Catholic, Gary was an active member of St. Luke’s Ordinariate at Ignatius Parish in Fort Washington, MD. He served at the altar for over 50 years, and in recognition of his service was in 2016, given by Bishop Steven Lopes, the honorary title of Head Sacristan for Life. Gary also worked tirelessly for decades in the pro-life movement, witnessing and praying each year in the 40 Days for Life in College Park. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his leisure time he loved to travel and spend time with family

Gary is survived by three sisters; Barbara Schenk Selby of Easton, MD; Rita Schenk Howard and Donna L. Schenk, both of Montross, Virginia; two brothers, Charles F. Kelso Jr., Florence, Oregon; and Woodrow W. Wines Jr., Greenbelt, MD; four nephews; John S. “Steve” Selby (Lisa), of Sasebo, Japan; Frederick A. “Andy” Selby, Chestertown, MD; Charles F. Kelso III, and Justin K. Kelso, both of Portland, OR; four nieces, Lauren Selby Tracey (Tony S.), Stevensville, MD; Nicole J. Kelso, also of Portland, Tammy Howard Minnigh (Mike), of Doe Hill, VA, Wendy Howard Johnson (David) of Stephens City, VA; three great nieces, Samantha Tracey, Siena Kelso, Ashlyn Minnigh; eight great nephews, John “Jack” Selby, Charles IV and Quinn Kelso, Justin Kelso Jr., Daniel and Connor Minnigh, Hunter Pierron, and Michael Creasey.

Family and friends may gather for a visitation on Monday, July 18, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the Robert E. Evans Funeral Home,16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Ordinariate at Ignatius Parish, 2401 Brinkley Road with parking at 2315 Brinkley Road), Fort Washington, MD. Interment will follow at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, MD 21032.