Obituary of Gary C Smith

Gary Charles Smith affectionately known by many as “G-Man” was born on April 6, 1963 in Manhattan, New York to the late Winston and Joyce Smith. He was the third of four children. The family moved to Queens, New York where Gary spent his early childhood before moving to Long Island where he spent the remainder of his life. Gary was extremely competitive and his early childhood and teenage years was filled with trying to be the “winner” in all activities he was involved with… baseball, basketball, football, math, chess, etc. While he was very good in most activities, he was exceptional in math, particularly his interpretation of “stats”. He was also an avid collector of athletic jerseys, DVDs, car magazines, and coupons (especially ones for fast food restaurants). He loved his jerseys so much which he would even wear them under his suits at work. He graduated from Uniondale High school and later attended Hofstra University, where he obtained a Business Management degree. Gary worked for several corporations and state agencies throughout his life, most notably with Chase Bank and the NYS Department of Labor, where he had close relationships with his all of his coworkers and was known to go above and beyond the call of duty for his clients. Gary had the unique ability to be strong and sensitive at the same time. He would do anything for his family and friends even if that meant calling him at 3 AM to help you out of a jam. He was not a friend of manual labor, but would help you move your things in a heartbeat (although your furniture may not be intact afterwards). He formed the over 40 year old basketball league with his high school friends, and we are told he was the glue that kept everyone together. Gary valued long-term friendships and was always there for anyone who needed advice. Though his phone conversations were kept very short and sweet, he was always the “go to guy” and a very good listener. As long as you knew starting on time was his trademark you were allowed to hang out with him. No one enjoyed music and dancing like Gary. Either you dance with him, or you watched, and he could dance all night. In addition to playing sports and helping others, Gary loved to travel and would go on a trip at the drop of a hat. Some of his travels included Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Saint Maarten, Aruba, Tortola, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and many places thought out the United States. He especially liked visiting national parks. In fact, he celebrated his 50th birthday with his fiancé Denise, whom he loved dearly, at the Grand Canyon. Gary was the ultimate family man, a step-father, and fantastic uncle to his nieces and nephews. He played a very active role in guiding and raising them. Going on family trips, taking them to games, concerts and helping them. He also was a big animal lover, walking his family pet Heaven multiple times a day and bringing snacks for Shaqie after work. Gary dedicated his life to Christ, was baptized and became a member of Second Baptist Church in Baldwin, New York. He is affectionately remembered by his church family for clapping along with the choir during Sunday service off beat with a big smile. His life was cut short doing what he loved most (playing basketball, which lead to a stroke). Gary will be remembered for his vibrant personality, silly sense of humor, generous heart, and for being the life of the party. He will be sorely missed, but he's no longer in pain, and is now with the most high in heaven reunited with his parents. He is survived by his fiancé Denise, step-daughter Najae; his siblings, Winston (Donna), Dawne (Cedric), and Rory; nieces and nephews Ashley, Brandon, Nicole and Cole, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and beloved friends.