Gary T. Knickerbocker, 75, of Conklin, passed away peacefully Sept. 13, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife and family at Wilson Hospital following many health issues. He was born in Endicott, N.Y. on Oct. 3, 1941. He was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Lillian (Huntley) Knickerbocker, his first wife, Sheila (Wilcox) Knickerbocker, and his brother, Milton (Knick) Knickerbocker, Jr. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dixie Knickerbocker, daughters Robin (Alex) Baird, Maryland, Rachelle (Jason) Robert, Arizona, son Gary T. Knickerbocker, Jr., Nebraska, and grandchildren Ashley, Courtney, Victoria, Aaron, Kyrie, Mallory, Katelyn, Megan , several great-grandchildren, nephews Jim and Tim Knickerbocker. His step-children Theron (aka Skip) (Kathy) Page, Jr. Hallstead, PA, Amy (Brian) Rupp, Conklin, NY, Greg Page, Sr., Hallstead, PA and step-grandchildren Nathan, Joshua, Krista, Amber (Brat 4) Theron 3rd, Greg, Jr., Hunter, and Miss Fallyn (his delight!) who were very special to him, as well as Kathy’s children Naomi, Dale, and Shawneh and their families. As Gary loved his step-family, so they loved him in return. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Harlan (Sue) Ayers, Doug Ayers, sisters-in-law Sharon Manarky, Penny (Jim) Hirst, Pam (Randy) Paton, Robin Ayers. He graduated U-E class of 1960, then did a “hitch” in the U.S. Navy, having served on the carrier U.S.S. Essex. He was a member of American Legion Post 1700, and an avid trout fisherman. He was joyously looking forward to “dropping a line in a stream and fishing with Jesus”. Gary worked for many years at IBM in Owego, then had a heart transplant in 2005. Gary was blessed with an exceptional sense of humor, bringing laughter to everyone he came in contact with, especially Doctors and Nurses. He felt that they needed humor after dealing with death, misery and sadness, as much as they did. One Doctor stated “Gary, I can never wait to see you again!” Gary was a member of First Baptist Church, Hallstead, PA and enjoyed being with his Church family very much. So many, many thanks to the staff at Willow Point Nursing Home and at Wilson Hospital for the very wonderful care they gave Gary. They truly made Gary’s stays there much easier for him. Try to make someone laugh-it truly is the best medicine!
Funeral Services will be held Friday at 12 pm at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, with Pastor Lloyd Penberthy of First Baptist Church of Hallstead, PA officiating. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal. The family will receive friends on Friday at the Allen Memorial Home from 10 am until service time at 12 pm. Expressions of sympathy in Gary’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 96 Pine Street, P.O. Box N, Hallstead, PA 18822.