Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Gary Michael Dimas

1969 - 2021

BORN

1969

DIED

2021

About

Ithaca College

Gary Dimas Obituary

Gary Michael Dimas

Gary, age 51, passed away on March 24, 2021 in Highland Lakes, NJ after a bravely fought battle with Glioblastoma. In his final days he was surrounded by loving family members in the comfort of his home. Born in Westwood, NJ on June 12, 1969, Gary was a kind, thoughtful and compassionate man loved by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and lifelong friend Christine (Lally) and children Nathaniel, age 14 and Eva, age 11. He was a gifted musician who played guitar and mandolin with friends, family and on stage throughout his life. Gary was also a skilled woodworker and loved spending time with his family and friends, on the lake boating or fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and nights around a bonfire. He graduated from Pascack Valley High School in 1987 and Ithaca College in 1991 with a degree in Archeology. Gary's love of history and the environment led him to a successful career in solar energy. Gary was a devoted and loving husband and adoring father. He will be greatly missed by his mother Barbara, brother Bill (Jennifer), sister Leslie, in-laws Vincent and the late Joan, sister-in-law Allison, brothers-in-law David (Katie) and Thomas, 3 nieces, 9 nephews and numerous Canadian relatives. Gary was predeceased by his father Major William F. Dimas. The family will remember Gary in a celebration of life at a later date. Those who wish can make a donation to a college fund for Nate and Eva. For details please see Gary's memorial page on GatheringUs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record/Herald News from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Dimas

16 Entries

Drew Nicholas

July 6, 2021

I just learned of Gary´s passing a few days ago and hope someone sees my late posting. Gary was a wonderful person and I was pleased to learn more about his life from reading what others have written on Legacy. I knew Gary at two different time periods. My parents and I lived next door to the Dimas family on Fondiller Street in the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. So I knew him first as a child growing up in a neighborhood where just about all the other kids were older than him. I think one of the reasons Gary was such a thoughtful person and nice guy is because he observed all the mistakes and dumb things the older kids were doing in the neighborhood. I was one of them.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s our paths crossed again when I saw Gary at various social events-in particular Tammies´ parties. We had much in common and would often discuss government and politics. I did not remember he studied archeology at Ithaca College, but do remember how he could hold his own in any conversation about history or the environment. In those days I had some real thoughtful conservations with many around the pool tables, fires, and other venues, but few with people who were seven years younger than me. For the last 15 years I have been teaching American government and politics at the college level and have observed a number of people who have strong analytical minds, but only on occasion are they both smart and caring to the extent Gary was.
By chance I ran into Gary at an outdoor concert in 1991 on a farm near Ithaca where he attended college. I was in Ithaca attending a gathering of environmental activists who were strategizing opposition to the New York Power Authority´s plan to purchase electricity from Hydro-Quebec. A year or so later Gary told me that he and a friend had driven up to James Bay to observe a Hydro-Quebec dam. I was quite impressed when I learned about their field trip (they probably drove up from the Dimas camp in Canada, although my recollection of the story is blurry here).
I had always hoped to see Gary again -- in a third period of our lives and am very sad to learn that this will not happen (maybe not until the after-life). My thoughts and deepest sympathy to Christine, Nathaniel, and Eva. Even though you do not know me, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Mrs. Dimas, Bill, and Leslie -please stay in touch my email is [email protected] (Phil is my real name), and my phone is 518 692-9025.
Love,
Drew

Donna Secola

April 17, 2021

I knew Gary through his unfortunate diagnosis of Glioblastoma working at his Oncologist’s office. Despite his diagnosis, Gary was always a kind, caring and gentle man. Love and Prayers to the Dimas family.

Nick Proios

April 16, 2021

I echo whata lot have already said. Gary will live in our hearts where he is safe. Cleaningup a room the other day out of the blue a postcard Gary sent me from Europe fell into Juilie's hands and she handed it to me. I think that is Gary's way of saying I am here and life really is more interesting than we can imagine. Really I was surprised the first time I got the postcard in the mail back then and to have it appear again out of the blue brought me comfort. Many blessings and healings to Christine, Nathaniel and Eva. I hope in the grief that some miraclesshow themselvesto confirm that Gary's Love that is still here in some ways and will continue to shine. I can tell from this page that it is shining bright. I can still hear that pretty mandolin playing!

Dennis Dalelio

March 31, 2021

Gary was a great man! One of our first friends in Highland Lakes who always reminded me of the creative and sincere people I grew up with in West Milford. You always had a great perspective on it all. Even during these years of battling health issues you were a pillar of strength and so very present in the love of your family and friends. Much love and peace to you my friend! Love, prayers, and support for you Christine, Nate, and Eva.

Geri Painter

March 30, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Christine and to Nate and Eva...

Sue Griffin Porritt

March 30, 2021

I met Gary during our childhood in River Vale. I have happy memories of our families hanging out together and playing outside until the 6pm whistle called us home for dinner. We were lucky to have known Gary and I am sure his warm smile, kind spirit and gentle soul shines on through his loved ones. Wishing the whole Dimas family love, peace and comfort during this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Lubbe

March 29, 2021

I first met Gary in our sophomore year of high school and from that day
forward he was the calmest, most easy going and reasonable person I ever met.

Whether hanging out at his house in high school, traveling thru Europe, sitting around a campfire, drinking a few beers with friends or discussing the most heated political topics of the day, Gary was always unflappable.
He was a joy to be around. He will truly be missed.

My heart breaks for his wife, kids, family & friends.

Scott Whitney

March 28, 2021

Gary was a classmate and friend on and off throughout grade school and high school. Although we were never best buddies, Gary was always one of the nicest kids around. He tended to keep a low-key profile, but a few things were always apparent about him.

First, he was kind. In a class full of kid that could be ruthless to one another, Gary related to so many of us so easily.

He was quietly confident, able to laugh easily at himself. He wore glasses his whole childhood, never once worried about being called 'four-eyes' or whatever. Because I, myself, often got anxious and uptight about fitting in, I was amazed at how at-ease Gary was. I can still hear any number of middle school kids yelling "Hey Gar" across the cafeteria.

Gary was a great athlete. Whether it was gym class, floor hockey or soccer, he was coordinated powerful and agile. You got the distinct feeling that, whichever sport he wanted to take seriously, he'd excel at.

Gary was also a wonderful writer. As high school seniors, he and I worked together crafting our stories and sharing them with the class. He had a vivid style of writing, I remember. In one instance, he told this great story about a man who made his way down the Mississippi River by riverboat, and earned pennies busking and playing the blues along the way. He even wrote lyrics for the songs.

I recall one night as seniors where a bunch of us wound up deep in the woods around a roaring campfire. He and some other buddies broke out their guitars and played and sang some beautiful harmonies. Up to that point, I had not even known how well he played. It was pretty special.

Gary wound up marrying another wonderful classmate and I was so pleased to hear that they had built a life together. Although it has been many years since we've seen one another, I will always remember him fondly. My deepest sympathies go out to Christine, and his children, Nate and Eva.

Pam Frank

March 28, 2021

I met Gary for the first time in 2003. We were both starting new jobs at a solar company where we both worked for 8 or so years. Gary was a kind and gentle guy. Everyone who knew him felt this way. He was a prince.

Sending condolences to Christine and his kids. I hope the memories and thoughts shared by friends, families and acquaintances will bring you some comfort in the days ahead.

Annette

March 28, 2021

From our HS lunch antics and in our twenties, so many wonderful talks, laughs and great times with Gary. Even as adults, whenever I saw him he was still the same curly-haired, smart, creative, silly boy, someone I could always be my goofy self with. Gary is a light that will forever shine.
Christine, Nate, Eva and the entire family, you are in my heart.

David Jaros

March 28, 2021

I have nothing but love and good thoughts about Gary. He always put a smile on my face. Anyone is blessed to know him. My heart goes out to his family.

Tom Rota

March 28, 2021

I only knew Gary well for a short few years before moving away and losing touch but he has always stayed with me. He was one of the best friends, best overall people and musician I ever got to call friend. Gary was a wonderful guy, full of music and laughter and light. Love you brother and I will miss you.

Ken Delafrange

March 28, 2021

I remember Gary well from our childhood. He was a good soul. We will miss him. Peace and good will. Dr. Kenny Delafrange

Beth and Tom Grundy

March 28, 2021

Neighbors who become dear friends, then cherished family. So grateful for all the laughter we shared fireside listening to music. You are loved and missed beyond words. Rest easy, buddy.

Jim Sterett

March 28, 2021

RIP Gary. You've touched the lives of many and we're better for it. You'll live forever in all of our hearts.

Richard Freitag

March 27, 2021

Gary was the greatest friend a person could ask for, his smile and spirit will be with me the rest of my days and I’m so thankful for that. We spoke two languages, English and Music and together we spoke both fluently, so many great times together, I love you my dear friend.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results