August 7, 1952 – June 28, 2023
Despite his courageous fight, we’re heartbroken at the passing of our husband, brother, uncle and true friend Gary Robert Halliwell on June 28, 2023. For his family – wife and love of forty-three years Mary (nee Chiariello); sister Bonnie Watson; nephew Daniel Watson, wife Karen and children Ryan, Casey and Kyle; niece Melissa Watson, partner Jason and children Hailey, Paige and Kaitlyn; and brothers-in law Joe, John and Bob Chiariello and his family – there is heartfelt joy in having shared in Gary’s life.
Born August 7, 1952 to Robert and Marge Halliwell of Kearny, Gary loved sports including wrestling and baseball; football at Kearny High School and Arizona Western College; his annual treks to “camp” for hunting near Tupper Lake, NY; and golfing many days with his close friends. When it came to golf, Gary played local NJ courses regularly, and relished playing world-class courses like Torrey Pines, Kapalua, Kaanapali, Pebble Beach, and Turnberry and St. Andrews in Scotland. As Mary often said, his was an old soul that appreciated travel, adventure and history.
Throughout his career, Gary was, as he described himself, a jack of all trades. A master of each, he most enjoyed his years as a tractor-trailer driver. From there he went on to wedding photography, sheet rocking, industrial tire sales, and culinary – working his way to head chef, and owning his own business, the Mouse’s Cheesecake.
Gary cherished being with friends and family. He also enjoyed preparing delectable meals and entertaining, which included the annual Halliwell Christmas party for more than 25 years, New Year’s Eve parties, and intimate dinners throughout the year.
Most of all, Gary’s humor, warmth, and welcoming spirit set him apart. Everyone who met our Gary instantly knew that this was a man who genuinely cared about people. He was loved by all, and his closest friends and family members supported him especially throughout his journey these last days. The family can’t thank you all enough!
Gary, now it’s Mary’s turn to ask you to, “Say hello to God for me.”
A celebration of Gary will take place 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 3, at St. Jude Thaddeus Church, 17 Mt. Olive Road in Budd Lake, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Wounded Warriors Project or the CJD Foundation.
