Gary was a great guy, filled with laughter.

I just learned about Gary’s passing and am very sorry for his family.  I worked with Gary at MOL and he always made the day a little brighter with his ability to make us laugh and friendly personality. 
God bless him and my deepest condolences to all those he touched.  He was one of the good guys.  RIP

I feel blessed to have had Gary as my neighbor and friend for more than 20 years we had so many good times hanging out in his backyard in my backyard Gary was always telling jokes he always invited me over during the holidays made me feel like family he was more like a brother to me and I feel a big void in my life since he is gone he will never be forgotten he will always live on in my heart and memories one day we will meet again rest in peace

Gary made you feel special and funny when all along he was the special & funny one. Gary was the life of the party and he would break the ice with a funny comment and make you feel comfortable. Cathy and Gary made a great team. Gary loved Cathy, his kids,  grandkids, his family & he was a great friend to all. We will all miss him dearly. 
I am sure he is making the other Angels laugh in heaven.

Difficult to find just one single memory of Gary. He was the joy in everyone's day. He'd light up a room when he arrived and this world is a sadder, darker place without him. His love for life and his Cathy was enormous and so many happy, funny moments with him made every day worth just showing up. RIP, Gary. You are loved!

Gary was one of a kind. It was a privilege to know him. His larger than life personality and unparalleled sense of humor could make anyone’s day better. He will be greatly missed. NEVER dismiss, challenge, deny or argue, the power of the Kavorka! ❤️ See you on the flip side.

Gary always had a smile every time I saw him and a joke.  I'd walk into Vinko's tavern on Archer feeling bummed about my day and if Gary were there he would have me belly laughing in 30 seconds.  Though its been years, I know he is still smiling. Rest well friend. Peace to Gary's family. 

Bill Spizzirri from Brighton Park

Gary, always kept us rolling with his razor sharp wit.  To this day, when I run across a request from a customer needing POD of Tanzania , I can still hear him laughing and saying he read this location as  “Tan-Zaney-uh”  ...that and all our toiling each day is over tiny metal boxes in the big scheme of things. You will forever have a special place in my memories. 

How do I begin to share just one favorite memory about a person that had such a huge impact on so many? I met Gary in July of 1988 at Maersk where we started out as colleagues and quickly became great friends, and then family.  Gary was always the life of the party. It was always effortless for him to make everyone laugh. Jokes rolled off his tongue without thinking. As I sit and think of all the years we shared that were full of belly laughs (to the point of crying), it helps me to erase the sadness of this past year. I want to remember Gary for the funny, charismatic, intelligent, kind hearted person that he was. Cancer may have taken him from this earth, but cancer will never take away my memories of us as friends; as family. Gary, I love you, and when me meet again, I think you owe me a pizza 😬

I worked for Maersk Line for 23 years.  Gary was always the kindest and all around delightful man each and every day!  He was so reliable, hard working, and shared his wonderful personality with everyone.   Cathy and he brought so much positivity to ML and with all who knew him!  He was a real treasure in humanity and certainly will be missed!

“They’re only empty metal boxes”. Boy, did Gary ever teach me and laugh with me during my early years in the industry at Maersk.  He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Gary A. Stanko

February 22, 1958 – October 7, 2019

Ridge Funeral Home

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