Gary Neal McGill

Gary Neal McGill passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, in Santa Clara, California, at the age of 92. He was born on January 1, 1933, in Los Angeles, California.

Gary graduated from Hamilton High School in Los Angeles and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Valley College and worked at IBM for 35 years, retiring in 1991.

Gary made his home in San Jose, California for over 68 years. He was married to his beloved wife, Sylvia (Penner) for 61 years. Together, they raised their daughter Heather Noble, who brought him endless pride and joy. He was a devoted grandfather to Heather's two sons, Luke and Jake.

Gary was predeceased by his brother Marion "Mickey" McGill of San Jose, California and is survived by his brothers Robin McGill (Nam) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Thomas McGill (Joan) of Boca Raton, Florida as well as his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Earlier in life, Gary was married to Patricia (White) Driscoll, with whom he had three children: Christine Taylor of Atascocita, Texas; Kathleen Mathew (Kirk) of Corralitos, California; and Paul McGill (Patsy) of Aptos, California. Kathy and her husband Kirk blessed Gary with two grandchildren, Katie Lipton of Scotts Valley, California; and Kasey of Corralitos, California. Katie and her wife Cassidy gave him a great-granddaughter, Riley. Paul's stepson, Gavan Tinsley, and his wife Victoria, of Atascocita, Texas gave Gary two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Alexander.

Gary was a man of many talents and interests. A skilled woodworker, he also built TVs and computers for neighbors, fixed jewelry for friends and family, and taught Paul and Heather how to solder and weld. He even built his own wine house to support his passion for winemaking, a hobby in which he won many awards over the years.

An avid photographer, Gary was rarely seen without a camera around his neck, especially while capturing the beauty of Yosemite, wildlife, and family adventures. He enjoyed sci-fi and crime-fighting movies and was a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan.

He and Sylvia shared a love of travel and exploration. Together, they visited nearly every continent, missing only Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. They especially loved going on cruises, including their longest voyage, an incredible 56-day adventure at sea. Their travels often included friends and family, creating lifelong memories along the way.

He was a devoted member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Jose, California where he especially enjoyed participating in the handbell choir. He was also active in the South Bay Scottish Society, taking part in monthly outings and the annual Highland Games. Additionally, when he was a young man, Gary served the local community as a reserve police officer with the Campbell, California Police Department.

Some of Gary's fondest memories were his yearly road trips to Paradise, California with Heather in his 1973 green Datsun pickup. The soundtrack was always John Denver, turned down only to tell a favorite joke when passing cornfields: "Shhh... the corn has ears."

Gary lived a life marked by integrity, creativity, kindness, and deep faith. He gave freely of his time and talents and found joy in both life's adventures and quiet moments. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

A memorial service for Gary will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 3151 Union Avenue in San Jose on November 14th, at 2:00 PM. The family invites all who knew him to attend and share their favorite memories.