Deacon Gary Francis Tankard

Deacon Gary Francis Tankard
April 29, 1939 – October 31, 2025
Deacon Gary Francis Tankard, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, educator, and servant of God, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. A man of profound faith, boundless compassion, and unwavering devotion to others, Gary's life was a testament to his belief that every person is a gift from God and that life's purpose is to love and to serve.
Born on April 29, 1939, in Astoria, Queens, Gary was the cherished son of Helen and William Tankard. He attended grammar school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Rice High School in Harlem, where his early passion for knowledge and leadership first took shape. He went on to earn multiple degrees that reflected his lifelong curiosity and intellectual depth - a B.A. in History from Iona College, a B.A. in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University, a Master's in American History from Fordham University, and a Master's Degree in Philosophy from New York University.
A Life Rooted in Faith
Gary's faith was the constant thread that guided every chapter of his life. From his earliest days as an altar server at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria, to his many years as a parishioner, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council Member, and Parish Council President at St. Anastasia's Church in Teaneck and Ascension Church in New Milford, his life was dedicated to sharing Christ's love with others. In 2001, he was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, and served the faithful at Ascension Church, St. Casmir's Church in Woodbine, New Jersey, and finally at Our Lady of Mercy in Park Ridge.
During his twelve years of service as Deacon at St. Casmir's Church, Deacon Gary lived his ministry with humility and joy: proclaiming the Gospel, leading prayer, baptizing children, comforting the sick and homebound, counseling those in pain, and presiding at funeral vigils and wake services when priests were unavailable. He was deeply respected for his compassion and for his ability to make every person feel heard, valued, and loved by all. It was also during this time that Deacon Gary served as Hospice Chaplain over three years for Holy Redeemer Visiting Nurse Service.
A Passion for Teaching and People
Gary's vocation as an educator was another extension of his faith and care for others. He began his career in education in 1962 as one of the founding faculty members at Christ the King High School in Middle Village, Queens, where he later served as Assistant Principal for 14 years. In 1981, he joined Teaneck High School as a Social Studies teacher and eventually became the Supervisor of Social Studies for the district until his retirement in 2001.
His students and colleagues remember him not just as a gifted teacher, but as a man who believed deeply in every young person's inherent worth, value, and potential. His classroom was a place of both knowledge and kindness - where history came alive, and every student felt seen. After retirement, he continued sharing his love of learning as an adjunct professor at Cape May County Community College.
A Man Devoted to Family
On July 7, 1973, Gary married Margaret "Peggy," his beloved wife of over 52 years. Both grew up within just a few blocks of one another in Astoria, Queens, and although they knew of each other for many years, their lives did not truly connect until Peggy turned down a teaching position at St. John's High School for one at Christ the King High School in September of 1972 - a choice that proved to be an act of divine providence.
Their love for one another was almost immediate. Gary's brief but heartfelt courtship led to their engagement on Christmas Eve of 1972 and marriage the following summer. What began as a "chance" meeting became a lifelong partnership grounded in faith, laughter, and devotion, strengthened through over five decades of shared love, service, and family.
With the birth of Gary Wiliam on May 18, 1974, Gary and Peggy realized that it was time to start a life outside of Astoria. The next chapter for the Tankard family began in 1975 when Gary and Peggy purchased the family home at 515 Sagamore Avenue in Teaneck, New Jersey. The family became four when Gary, Peggy, and Gary welcomed David Joseph on April 1, 1977.
The Tankard home was always a loving one filled with family traditions: annual two-week summer vacations that included camping trips to the Smoky Mountains, Catskills, Maine, adventures through Canada, and joyful holiday gatherings on Sagamore Avenue where Gary and Peggy would stay up late assembling toys for "the boys" Christmas morning surprises.
Upon retirement in 2001, Gary and Peggy moved full-time to Cape May, New Jersey, where they spent over a decade enjoying the ocean air, serving their parish community, and making lifelong friends. Later, they returned north to Park Ridge, where they cherished time with their children and grandchildren - Kayla, Liam, Emily, Will, and Thomas - whom Gary adored and, three of whom, he proudly baptized.
A Heart Open to the World
Gary was an adventurer at heart - an avid traveler who delighted in exploring God's creation, whether by train, cruise ship, or airplane. His journeys took him from Alaska to Costa Rica, and across Europe to Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. No matter where he went, he brought with him his warmth, humor, and gift for conversation.
A prolific reader and deep thinker, Gary was fascinated by the intersection of all religions, philosophy, politics, and history. Yet, for all his intellect, what defined him most was his humanity - his ability to listen, to comfort, to laugh, and to make others feel seen and loved.
Legacy
Deacon Gary's life was a living sermon - one preached not only from the pulpit but through his daily actions, his kindness to strangers, his devotion to his family, and his faithfulness to God. His presence brought light wherever he went, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him to live with compassion, integrity, and faith.
He is survived by his beloved wife Peggy, Gary, Megan, David, and Stephanie, his cherished grandchildren Kayla, Liam, Emily, Will, and Thomas, and many dear relatives, friends, and former students who will forever hold him close in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marist Brothers Retirement Fund, Edmundite Missions, or Covenant House.
Family and friends are welcomed at Basralian Funeral Home, 559 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ on Thursday, November 6th from 2-4PM & 6-9PM. A mass of Christian burial will be offered at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 445 Fifth Avenue in River Edge, NJ. Interment following at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.