Gary Ernest Herrlich

Gary Ernest Herrlich fell asleep in the Lord on October 16, 2024.
Gary was born February 15, 1941 in Corning, NY to the late Henry and Madeline (Ellison) Herrlich. He graduated from Corning Free Academy in 1959 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1963-64, followed by five more years in the Army National Guard. Gary's life was defined by his unwavering commitment to his family, friends, community and service to his country. The Herrlich home was always open to every friend and hosted many memories, smiles, and laughter over the years.
Gary and his wife, Carole, were married in Corning, NY in 1964 at Saint Mary's Orthodox Church. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on October 10, 2024.
Gary retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1996 as a Station Manager at the Corning Northside Post Office with 36 years of service. While working for the Post Office, Gary owned & operated Hilltop Communications, a CB communications business, at home. After retirement, he owned Gary's, his dump truck business delivering topsoil and mulch to the local community; he also worked for Black's Auto and NAPA Auto Parts for 6 years. Gary's pride was in keeping the family property of 40 acres (the Pond, The Pavilion, Ellison Cemetery and gardens) groomed. When not on a tractor mowing, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cottage on Waneta Lake. He was an avid animal lover, including the family of goats, rabbits, geese, ducks and peacocks. He loved Arnie the pig, Felix the cat, Jack, and Maxie & Barley loved him. Gary followed NASCAR, often traveling the circuit to watch races with his boys, and he volunteered at Watkins Glen International for five years.
He was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church and served on the Building & Grounds Committee there. Gary was Chairman of the Town of Corning Assessment Review Board. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0746. He could be found volunteering for neighborhood collections for the American Heart, Lung Association and Cancer Society. Gary's most cherished legacy is "his boys", and he loved and looked forward to their daily visits and phone calls.
Gary is loved and will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carole (Serdula) Herrlich; his two sons, Michael (Terri and family) and Bryan (Wendy Harris); sister, Gale Galusha; sister-in-law, Sylvia Serdula; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. He is also survived by close friends: Stu Morrison, Roberta Kluchonic, Kory Donaldson, Penny (Bliss), and Caleigh Pfalzer.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Madeline (Ellison) Herrlich; in-laws, John (Skinny) and Helen Serdula; brothers-in-law, Tom and Steve (Chief) Serdula and Dick Galusha; sister-in-law, Millie Serdula; and dear friends, David Walk, Andy (Ace) Havalchak, and Terry Bennett.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm, at Haughey Funeral Home, 216 E. First Street in Corning, with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 pm, with Father Troy Preston and Father Daniel Mahler officiating. Burial will be at Saint Mary's Orthodox Cemetery in South Corning, NY on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Noon. A Repast luncheon will follow burial on Saturday, October 26th at 1:30 pm at Saint Mary's Orthodox Church Dining Hall, 61 Canada Road, Painted Post, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gary's name to the Corning Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1255, Corning, NY 14830, https://corningfoodpantry.com/give-2/, or to a charity of your choice.
Gary's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., www.haugheyfuneralhome.com.