Gary Otis Staples

Gary Otis Staples, a young 78, of Cobleskill, NY and formerly Canton, NY left us unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. Born in 1944 to Gilbert and Elizabeth Staples in Massachusetts, Gary graduated from Hanover High School where he met the love of his life, Gail. He earned his associates degree before joining the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as Electronics Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class from 1964 to 1970. Gary and Gail married in 1965 and had three adoring daughters.
After traveling the country in an RV for a year, Gary settled the family in Canton where he and Gail built a successful self-sustaining organic farm with solar and wind power, to the envy of many modern-day folks. He repaired appliances before joining the Canton Central School System for 30 years of bus driving and training and AV assistance, evolving over time to become the IT specialist. Gary became involved with numerous school activities and departments making him an integral part of the Canton school experience, bringing a can-do attitude and laughter to the lives of many students and fellow employees.
Gary was one of the good ones and charmed anyone lucky enough to meet him. He lived every day with a smile on his face and an imagination that helped him create beauty in many different mediums. He loved working with his hands, was a skilled carpenter, and could fix anything (yes anything). He also loved the water, enjoying swimming, canoeing, and sailing. More than anything else, Gary loved his family.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years and best friend, Gail; his eldest daughter and his near clone, Lori (Trish Geary) of Cohoes, NY; his middle daughter and a beautiful example of his creative side, Jill (James) Yu of Woodside, NY; his youngest daughter and embodiment of his brilliance, Dr. Erin (Dr. Marc Chimonas) and grandson, Zander, of Fort Collins, CO; and cousin, Cindy Kastner of Jacksonville, FL.
Most recently Gary and Gail found their dream-home in Cobleskill, closer to family and enjoying projects, travel, daily walks and just being together. Unfortunately, someone with so much love and life to offer was also born with a defective heart valve. Gary succumbed unexpectedly due to complications of this – snuffing prematurely the life of one of the kindest and most generous men this world will ever know.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something creative with your hands or consider contributing to the Juvenile Diabetes Association (www.jdrf.org; under fundraising and memorial). Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Cohoes, where friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at https://www.fitzgeraldfuneralhomeltd.com.