WATERTOWN, NY — Gary L. “Niner” VanBrocklin, Jr., 45, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019, at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.
Calling hours will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. A celebration of life will immediately follow calling hours at the LaFargeville American Legion.
Born Feb. 13, 1974, in Watertown, a son to Gary L. and Diane (Landon) VanBrocklin, he graduated from Watertown High School in 1992 where he ran on the high school track team.
Gary worked as a chef at several local establishments including, but not limited to: Maggie’s, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, the Clipper, Fairgrounds, Friendly’s, Last Call, and Sackets Harbor Brew Co.
A marriage to Rachelle Storm would end in separation.
Gary was a member of Watertown’s First United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed playing pool, golf, cooking, comic books, video games, MAGIC: The Gathering, and hosting “geek night”.
Surviving besides his mother, Diane ( Mark) Baltz, are his daughters: Ireland (partner Austin Faulk) of Carthage, Mckala of Carthage; his siblings: Timothy Baltz of Kingston, Kevin Baltz of Clayton, Amanda (Kyle) Payne of North Carolina; and his “brother from another mother”, Scott Sykes. He is also survived by a niece and his beloved dog, Milo and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gary was predeceased by his father, Gary Sr., and his grandparents: Mary & Lewis VanBrocklin, Harold & Eileen Baltz, Barbara Hoops-Landon.
Donations may be made in his name to First United Methodist Church, 236 Mullin Street, Watertown, NY 13601 –or- American Cancer Society, 7715 Black River Rd., Watertown, NY 13601. Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com