Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gary Stroud Obituary
Peconic - Gary W. Stroud, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 68 in Peconic, NY on May 23, 2019, following a long illness. He was born in Yonkers on September 16, 1950 to Bill "Tex" and Victoria (Petrocelli) Stroud. He graduated from Yonkers High School in 1968 and earned a BA from SUNY Stony Brook in 1972. He also received two Masters Degrees from that same institution. Gary was the loving husband of Debi, cherished stepfather of Jamie (Kevin) Sullivan and dearest step grandfather of Brooke and Hadley. He will be deeply missed by his siblings Karen (Joe) Garofalo of Yonkers and Bill (Alexandria Piotrowski) Stroud of Dobbs Ferry. Gary was the loving uncle of Maria Garofalo Calvello, Christina Garofalo D'Ambrosio, Stephanie Stroud, and his nephew, Eric Stroud with whom he shared a special bond through music, a major part of Gary's life. He was also a wonderful great-uncle to Julianna, Leah and Alyssa Calvello and Tyler D'Ambrosio. Gary retired after teaching English and Media for 30+ years at Comsewogue High School on Long Island where he inspired many students, many of which kept in touch with him as friends for years. He always lived close to the water and wine country which always made him happy. He is survived by a constellation of friends and a countless number of people he associated with professionally. Gary was an intelligent, charismatic and caring individual who was never shy to give his opinion, especially if controversial or with sarcastic humor. He truly will be missed. Gary was cremated at a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International (amnestyusa.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Stroud
jim Brennan
May 20, 2024
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Gary was a good and kind man. I miss him.
Jim brennan
May 20, 2023
Gary was a good man!... a simple statement but the ultimate compliment. He was quick to listen and always was willing to help when needed. I miss him.
The world was a bit nicer when he was around, and it is better for having had him around. Rest In Peace my friend.
Meredith Matthews
October 9, 2019
So sorry for your loss. No teacher inspired me like Mr. Stroud. He was truly one of the greats.
Dolores Koppe
June 16, 2019
To the Stroud Family.So very sorry to hear of your loss. Grew up with Gary in Yonkers. Please accept our deepest sympathy. RIPDolores and Larry Koppe
June 10, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. May God and his son Jesus Christ bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. John 17:3
My deepest sympathy
Evelina Z
Lori Erikson
May 28, 2019
Rest In Peace you will be missed by so many you were a great teacher and touched so many lives and I'm glad I can count myself among the many blessed students you had over the years who lives you made such a difference in thank you. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
May 28, 2019
College roommate and dear friend for over 50 years. He loved his 'girls' (dear wife Debi, and grand daughters Brooke and Hadley), his entire family, many friends, all his students, co-workers and of course his trusty companion Wizard. Gary did it "my way." We'll never forget the contribution Gary made to our lives. Love and miss you bro... Lenny
May 28, 2019
A friend since 1968 when we met as Freshman at Stony Brook. My English 101 mentor and my Woodstock '69 companion. A wonderful man, husband, father, brother, music lover and friend, always a joy to be with. Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye. Miss you Gary!
Linda Boyce
May 27, 2019
A wonderful teacher always helped his students! RIP
Erica Feitl-Marsh
May 27, 2019
Gary was my cooperating teacher, and a mentor teacher and unionist. He was always welcoming and supportive of me. I have so many great memories of Gary, from him playing Beautiful Day at football games, to the lunch trips for Chinese on Fridays. I will think of him whenever I use my purple pen! My deepest condolences to Debi, and his family and friends.
Jim Brennan
May 27, 2019
Gary was a colleague and friend. He could be righteously indignant about injustice and cruelty but was a kind and gentle soul in his personal relationships. He was always there to help and listen. He will be missed.
May 27, 2019
May Gary rest in peace.
Gary was and intelligent and thoughtful person.
Colleague Bill Hippner
Beth Shapiro
May 27, 2019
My friend, my union mentor, my political kindred spirit. The world is a better place for having you in it. My heart goes out to Debi, Wizard, your kids and your grandkids. I know how you loved them. Find where Jed and Garcia and Hendrix are hanging out and bask in the music. Bye, Buddy.
May 27, 2019
A great teacher and a kind and gentle soul. Thanks for being you. Rest in Peace Gary.
May 27, 2019
Gary was a wonderful friend and teacher. My best to Debi and his family. He will be sincerely missed.
Steve Sharfstein
Nancy Lawrence
May 27, 2019
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. He is now in a special place where he will be watching over us, the people who loved and cherished him! We will always cherish the beautiful memories of Mr. Stroud, ONE OF THE BEST ENGLISH TEACHERS TO PASS THROUGH THE WOGUE DISTRICT. CLASS OF 96'
May 26, 2019
I am so sad to hear of Gary's death, way too young. I subbed for him in 1983-84 and learned much from him. His trademark purple glasses and ink made him a memorable character. RIP, Gary, you touched the lives of so many.
Mary Ellen Johnston
myrna treuting
May 26, 2019
so sorry Deb and Jamie, he was a great influence on my life, one of the reasons I was an English major in college.
Joanne Friedman
May 26, 2019
So sorry for ur loss to Gary's family and friends may he rip !! A very special man !!
Maria Helmick
May 26, 2019
So very sorry about the passing of Mr. Stroud. I had him for English, he was always polite, funny, and down to earth with everyone. Well liked by all.
My sincere condolences.
Maria Pompo Helmick 1976
Sandra Sorger-Fantauzzi
May 26, 2019
Mr. Stroud was one of a kind! As an English teacher, he brought the classics to life in our classroom. His read-aloud voice, especially when sharing the Canterbury Tales, was spectacular! As an Amnesty International advisor, he reminded us that our voices counted and life was sacred. As a mentor and guide, he was encouraging and knew how to handle challenging conversations with humor and respect. One of the reasons I went on to become a teacher was to support and inspire students, the way Mr. Stroud had done for me. My sincere condolences to Mr. Stroud's friends, family members, and loved ones.
Stefani Heller
May 26, 2019
the best teacher i ever had. he encouraged me and believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. My very sincerest condolences to the entire family. Travel well Gary.
Cassese Family
May 26, 2019
Gary was a wonderful mentor and teacher. He nurtured and taught t students to love literature and writing. He was a fan of Comsewogue sports.
Violet Turner
May 26, 2019
So very sad. RIP Gary. Much love to Debi and your family. Violet
Michelle Orlet-Gamma
May 26, 2019
He was the best teacher ever and absolutely the most memorable. I will never forget his class. I always made sure everything was written in purple pen. Rest easy. My love to his family.
Paul Policastro
May 26, 2019
Prayers to your family. You will be missed.
Doreen (Babino) Brown. Class of '76 Comsewogue
May 26, 2019
One if my English teachers at Comsewogue, he was always witty,and caring. When I found him on FB ,I was happy ,greeting him with "Hi Mr Stroud!" He says- "Doreen, it's over 40 yrs, you can call me Gary " .
Andrew Jepson
May 26, 2019
Sorry for your loss he was a great teacher
Laurie Pye- Favaloro
May 25, 2019
One of the finest teachers at Comsewogue. One of my favorite. He was truly a genuine and caring person and I will miss his witty face book posts. He will be truly missed. God bless his family and may he Rest In Peace.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Stroud's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Stroud
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Stroud's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
