Photo courtesy of REED & BENOIT FUNERAL HOME INC
Watertown, New York
Calling hours for Gary L. “Niner” VanBrocklin, Jr. will be 11:00am – 1:00pm Friday, March 15th at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. A celebration of life will immediately follow calling hours at the LaFargeville American Legion.
Gary passed away Friday, March 8th at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse. He was 45 years old.
Born in Watertown February 13, 1974, Gary was a son to Gary L. and Diane (Landon) VanBrocklin. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1992 where he ran on the high school track team.
Gary worked as a chef at several local establishments including, but not limited to: Maggie’s, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, the Clipper, Fairgrounds, Friendly’s, Last Call, and Sackets Harbor Brew Co.
A marriage to Rachelle Storm would end in separation.
Gary was a member of Watertown’s First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed playing pool, golf, cooking, comic books, video games, MAGIC: The Gathering, and hosting “geek night”.
Surviving besides his mother, Diane ( Mark) Baltz, are his daughters: Ireland (partner Austin Faulk) of Carthage, Mckala of Carthage; his siblings: Timothy Baltz of Kingston, Kevin Baltz of Clayton, Amanda (Kyle) Payne of North Carolina; and his “brother from another mother”, Scott Sykes. He is also survived by a niece and his beloved dog, Milo and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gary is predeceased by his father, Gary Sr., and his grandparents: Mary & Lewis VanBrocklin, Harold & Eileen Baltz, Barbara Hoops-Landon.
Donations may be made in his name to First United Methodist Church, 236 Mullin Street, Watertown, NY 13601 –or- American Cancer Society, 7715 Black River Rd., Watertown, NY 13601.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com
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As one my very first friends I made in Watertown in 86, I truly enjoyed God allowing me entrance into your life. You will be missed my friend!!
Todd Buerger
June 01, 2021 | Hinesville, GA | Friend
I just can't believe you are gone.your so going to be so much missed buddy.love ya.grab your wing and fly high.R.I.P.may be gone but not forgotten.let we are each other again.
Shelly Lance
April 03, 2019 | Brownville, NY | Friend
Gary, what a bright shining star you were in so many people's lives. I know I was lucky to be one of them. You will be greatly missed, as will your bbq chicken ;-) My condolences to his family and Ireland in particular.
Shannon Drean
March 15, 2019 | Watertown, NY | Friend
I had the honor of working with Gary at Cracker Barrel. The man had a way of making people laugh. He never let anything get him down for too long, no matter what he was going through. Rest in Peace, good sir
Pete Harmych
March 14, 2019 | Watertown, NY | Coworker
I had the pleasure of working with Gary at Cracker Barrel. He was funny, smart and a hard worker....so sorry for your loss
Lucinda Maciejko
March 13, 2019 | Adams Center, NY | Coworker
Gary is a gift. He is funny, smart, a protector and a best friend. I will always love him and never forget him. His hugs are irreplaceable. I love you Gary! You will have the other angels rolling on the floor in fits of laughter. I will see you soon.
JENNIFER CROSS
March 13, 2019 | Eagleville, TN | Friend
May our loving God strengthen the family at this difficult time. Psalms 29:11. (JJ). Asheville, NC.
March 13, 2019
Greg and I met you at Frogtown Raceway where you did an awesome job announcing - we immediately took a liking to you and I remember how surprised you were that we came up to you and told you we knew your Mom and Dad (Diane and Mark) - never knew your last name until now. May you rest in peace and know that those who love you can take comfort in knowing you are no longer suffering. Nancy and Greg Markell
Nancy and Greg Markell
March 13, 2019 | Norfolk, NY
No one could ever make us laugh the way you did, we will always reminisce the wonderful times, you will forever be missed, - Leslie & Paddy
March 13, 2019