Gary Lee Yoder

Gary Lee Yoder, 73, of Bethlehem, passed away at home on December 1. The son of Stanley and Gertie (Gilbert) Yoder, Gary grew up in and around Boyertown. Into his adult years, he loved playing softball, basketball, football and was a runner. Boyertown HS Class of 1969, Gary was on the gifted track. He attended Temple University, graduating with a BA in 1973 and a BS in Pharmacy in 1976. Gary worked as a retail pharmacist for almost 40 years, retiring from CVS in 2015.

Gary's life can be divided into clear chapters. In the second chapter, he married Vicky (Kehl) Richter in 1975 and they welcomed two daughters, Adrienne (Craig) Searfoss and Azure (BJ) Spigelmyer of Coopersburg. Although Gary and Vicky divorced when the girls were young, Gary remained a committed and hands-on father. He rarely missed a game or school event and, once his daughters attended college, Gary traveled hundreds of miles regularly to attend their games. He continued that dedication once his daughters married and started their own careers and families.

In the third chapter, Gary met his future wife, Patricia Barry. During that time, he enjoyed traveling anywhere with a beach, from New Jersey to California to the Caribbean. Still an athlete, he also was a Philadelphia sports fan and was a partial season ticket holder for the Phillies and Flyers. In 2003, Gary and Patti married and were blessed with two sons, at home, Shadwick and Nathaniel. Gary continued his fatherly devotion, attending sporting events and volunteering at their school whenever possible. Being a dad again was unexpected but he cherished the opportunity.

Sadly, the final chapter of Gary's life began in 2015 when a simple fall left him a quadriplegic. In spite of a promising prognosis offered by Good Shepherd, and as much effort as Gary could muster, he never regained the ability to walk and, over time, lost any use of his hands. When insurance no longer covered the $400/hour Good Shepherd billed, Gary ceased therapy. He faced various health issues related to his condition, including pneumonia, blood clots, infections and pressure sores but was resilient and didn't quit. Gary remained engaged and an important part of his sons' lives.

Gary had many passions. Possibly at the top of the list was beer, followed by coffee. He enjoyed fireworks, oversized Christmas trees and hot weather. He was happy in any sunny spot whether outdoors running or poolside, or indoors in a bright patch of sunlight. He was a fan of the Rolling Stones and AC/DC, seeing them live many times. He enjoyed cowboy movies and TV shows and police dramas were appointment viewing for his sons and him. Star Wars is a family favorite and Gary attended a viewing party for many years, hosted by his sister-in-law. He loved roller coasters, Musikfest and Celtic Classic, especially the Highland Games and any band with rocking bagpipes.

While travel was a challenge, in the past few years, Gary visited his son at college in Virginia, spent two weeks a summer in Ocean City, NJ, viewed the 2024 solar eclipse in totality in Ohio and gave his sons a tour of his childhood neighborhoods. This fall, he participated in senior night activities with his younger son at Bethlehem Catholic.

Gary's spirit was boosted through many interactions but two deserve special mention: his high school classmates who organized a letter writing campaign to re-establish contact and encouragement and his wound care nurse who could always make him grin with a tease or a quip. Gary was always grateful for the support of family and friends.

Gary has touched many lives and will be lovingly missed. He is survived by his wife, sons, daughters, five grandsons and his sister, Connie (Keith) Renninger of Boyertown. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Janet Barry, brother-in-law, Alex (Rocio) Barry, four nephews, their families and many cousins. His faithful canine companion, Penny, also misses her roommate.

To celebrate Gary, don your Philly sports gear, crack open a frosty beverage and enjoy the game!

A viewing will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020 from 10-11 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements Connell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to http://www.worldwildlifefund.org or to the family for his sons' higher education.