Gary S. Schiff
1960 - 2026
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Gary Steven Schiff of Mashpee, MA, formerly of Merrimack, NH, passed away unexpectedly while traveling on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the age of 66. He was a man of immense vitality whose absence feels impossible to reconcile for the many who loved him.
Gary was born in Boston on February 23, 1960, and grew up in Randolph, MA. He was a natural “fixer” from the start and after graduating from Randolph High School this passion took him to Wentworth Institute of Technology where he studied aviation mechanics. His career took flight at Pratt and Whitney, leading him to a career as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines based at Logan International Airport in Boston. He later transitioned to corporate aviation at Jet Aviation. Always eager to grow and expand his skills, he later joined OMAX Field Service as a technician, traveling around the world for his work. His colleagues described him as a “guiding light.”
Growing up, Gary was an accomplished athlete who played football and participated in track and field. He spent his summers at Camp Avoda, creating lasting memories and lifelong friendships, eventually becoming a camp counselor. Campers and friends alike have shared stories describing him as a compassionate and quiet leader. As a young adult, he flew Cessna planes as a private pilot and was a skilled sailor. He loved fishing, traveling, kayaking, grilling, and had recently taken up cycling, but above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
To his family, Gary was a rock—reliable, caring, and compassionate—always willing to do anything to help those he loved. He was a devoted father whose greatest joy was found in his children, Jessica and Johnathan. He never missed an opportunity to share how proud he was of them, serving as a constant source of support and affection regardless of the distance between them. To Gary, his children were everything, and he was always a quick plane ride away whenever they needed him. He always treasured time spent with family and friends, whether at a subzero Patriots game, quietly watching TV, or traveling together. He never missed an opportunity to connect with people or show up for life’s important moments. He embraced life fully and never waited to truly live it.
He was the son of the late Seymour E. and Nancy I. (Werner) Schiff. A beloved father, Gary is survived by his children, Jessica and Johnathan Schiff, and their mother, Joy Schiff. He was a loving brother to Debra Fisher (Chris) and Lori Wolanski (John). He was a cherished friend to Diane Toomey Holmes and an amazing uncle, friend, mentor, and colleague to many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on April 19, 2026, at 1:00pm at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA. We welcome everyone to arrive at 12:15 PM, if they wish. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA.
A celebration of life will be held immediately following services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gary’s name to Camp Avoda at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CampAvodaInc/OnlineDonation.html There is a drop down on the first page that you can make a donation in honor or memory of Gary Schiff. You can also share memories and comments on the third page.
Stanetsky Memorial Chapel
781-821-4600
www.stanetskycanton.com
Gary was born in Boston on February 23, 1960, and grew up in Randolph, MA. He was a natural “fixer” from the start and after graduating from Randolph High School this passion took him to Wentworth Institute of Technology where he studied aviation mechanics. His career took flight at Pratt and Whitney, leading him to a career as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest Airlines based at Logan International Airport in Boston. He later transitioned to corporate aviation at Jet Aviation. Always eager to grow and expand his skills, he later joined OMAX Field Service as a technician, traveling around the world for his work. His colleagues described him as a “guiding light.”
Growing up, Gary was an accomplished athlete who played football and participated in track and field. He spent his summers at Camp Avoda, creating lasting memories and lifelong friendships, eventually becoming a camp counselor. Campers and friends alike have shared stories describing him as a compassionate and quiet leader. As a young adult, he flew Cessna planes as a private pilot and was a skilled sailor. He loved fishing, traveling, kayaking, grilling, and had recently taken up cycling, but above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.
To his family, Gary was a rock—reliable, caring, and compassionate—always willing to do anything to help those he loved. He was a devoted father whose greatest joy was found in his children, Jessica and Johnathan. He never missed an opportunity to share how proud he was of them, serving as a constant source of support and affection regardless of the distance between them. To Gary, his children were everything, and he was always a quick plane ride away whenever they needed him. He always treasured time spent with family and friends, whether at a subzero Patriots game, quietly watching TV, or traveling together. He never missed an opportunity to connect with people or show up for life’s important moments. He embraced life fully and never waited to truly live it.
He was the son of the late Seymour E. and Nancy I. (Werner) Schiff. A beloved father, Gary is survived by his children, Jessica and Johnathan Schiff, and their mother, Joy Schiff. He was a loving brother to Debra Fisher (Chris) and Lori Wolanski (John). He was a cherished friend to Diane Toomey Holmes and an amazing uncle, friend, mentor, and colleague to many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services on April 19, 2026, at 1:00pm at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington Street, Canton, MA. We welcome everyone to arrive at 12:15 PM, if they wish. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA.
A celebration of life will be held immediately following services.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gary’s name to Camp Avoda at https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CampAvodaInc/OnlineDonation.html There is a drop down on the first page that you can make a donation in honor or memory of Gary Schiff. You can also share memories and comments on the third page.
Stanetsky Memorial Chapel
781-821-4600
www.stanetskycanton.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary S. Schiff, please visit our flower store.
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