Gary R. Layton

Gary R. Layton passed away unexpectedly at his home in Pittsford, New York on February 18, 2026, at the age of 89. Gary was a loving son, husband, father, friend, mentor, inventor, craftsman, hunter, wine maker, and volunteer who touched the lives of those he knew during his wonderful years among us. His devotion, intellect, creativity, passion, and sense of humor will live on in those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay Layton, daughter, Diane Layton Piester, son, David (Cori) Layton, and grandchildren Gavin, Emma, Kyle, Kelsey, and Jacy.

Gary was born on January 13th,1937 to Richard and Ruth Layton in Dayton, Ohio. He met the love of his life, Kay, at 16 during their days at Fairview High School and remained a devoted husband for 67 years.

Gary was first and foremost an engineer. He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton and his Master of Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He spent his career at Eastman Kodak in the Film Emulsion and Plate Manufacturing Division. He was granted two U.S. patents for his inventions associated with film emulsion and travelled around the world to standardize film manufacturing internationally.

Gary's aptitude reached beyond his professional life, proving valuable in the many mechanical and construction projects he took on for his own home and those he worked on alongside family and friends. If he could design it, he could build it-and he did. He never missed the opportunity to help and mentor others, pitching in to engineer and work together on projects in their own homes. By sharing his skills, he shared his time, patience, and generosity. In retirement, Gary applied his chemical engineering mind to the making, and drinking, of wine under his home-made label "Merry Mallard" that he shared with his community of family and friends.

Gary was known for his diverse interests and hobbies. He became an avid trap and skeet shooter at the age of 12, and at the age of 89, asserted that his accuracy was better than ever. He could often be found out in the duck blind with his hunting pals and their dogs at sunup, sometimes returning with what they caught but always bringing back humorous stories of their crazy antics. He was a faithful member of the congregation at Asbury First United Methodist Church starting in 1965 where he formed lifelong friendships in "The Doublers" group. He was a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of the Pittsford Library. He spent many happy years sailing on Keuka Lake, wintering in St. Augustine Florida, and cooking for his family. He will be remembered for his witty remarks, quizzical looks, and the love he shared with the many important people in his life.

Friends can join the family for a service celebrating Gary's life at Asbury First United Methodist Church, 1050 East Ave., Rochester 14607 on Saturday March 28th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Reverend Susan Shafer Endowment for Pastoral Care at Asbury First United Methodist Church.