Gary W. Stabile

I stayed strong for my mom all week so we could prepare everything for the funeral. I flat out told her "I'll mourn when I see him in the casket." Got there half hour early, as is customary, and I didn't last 2 minutes before I had to sit down and let it out.

Gary was a part of my life since I was around 15 or 16yo. Great guy, always smiling and laughing and making jokes. Everybody loved him. Seeing and hearing everyone at the funeral saying all the same things about him, it just showed what an impact he had on everyone who spent time around him.

The burial on the next day was extraordinarily touching. Having spent time in the military, he received a veteran's ceremony. Two young military gentlemen were there to play Taps, and to fold and present the American flag to my mother.

I'm still...not in denial exactly, but I guess maybe still a little bit of shock. He wasn't the average 81yo, he was always very fit and very active, still went out and worked every day on his properties. But he had heart disease for the last 30 years, so we were lucky he lasted as long as he did.

I'm still actively upset about losing him, but the love and concern of so many others is getting me through it. It's gonna be a change, for sure.

Just heard about Gary so sorry I didn't know sooner to come to his funeral.He was a wonderful,warm ,friendly person and will be sadly missed.