Gary W. Clyde

In loving memory of Gary W. Clyde. USMC Vietnam Veteran, brother, husband, father & grandfather. Courageously battled cancer. Passed peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Carolyn; daughters, Sarah & Margaret; grandchildren, Aarianna, Carynn & Damien; brother John (wife Norah).

-Semper Fi-

Gary’s life story will be shared during his calling hours on Thursday, November 20th from 4-7 pm at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, 14626. His funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, at 11 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wilmot Cancer Center or Wounded Warrior Project in Gary’s memory.

Remembering Gary W. Clyde: A Human Almanac, Handyman, and Patriot

Gary W. Clyde was born in Toronto, Canada, on January 20, 1950, the son of Robert, a machinist, and Mary Isabel, a waitress. He was one of five siblings, including Robert, Douglas, John, and Daniel. At the age of four, Gary and his family moved to Rochester, New York, where the foundation of his lifelong practical skills was laid.

Gary attended Edison Tech School, where he excelled in Auto & Machine mechanics, demonstrating a keen aptitude for building and working with his hands—a skill exemplified by a lamp he built. He developed into a natural handyman and car/motorcycle mechanic.

His professional life saw him apply his mechanical knowledge across several Rochester-area companies, including Bausch & Lomb, DeRidder Thurston, and Gleason Corp., where his work involved fixing machines, bookbinding, and general mechanical maintenance.

At the young age of 17, Gary made a bold commitment to service, joining the Marines and going on to serve his country in the Vietnam War. This early experience undoubtedly contributed to the strong-willed, loyal, and bold nature that defined him. His final thoughts, “Semper Fidelis” and “Oorah,” reflect this lifelong connection to the Corps.

Gary’s life took a beautiful turn in November 1975 when he met his future wife, Carolyn, at the Fireside Bar on Monroe Avenue. This meeting led to a marriage that would last 44 years, as they were wed on September 18, 1981. The couple welcomed two daughters, Sarah in 1985 and Margaret in 1986. Family was central to Gary’s life, and they enjoyed camping, campfires, holidays, holiday dinners, and birthdays together. The biggest impact in his life was his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren, with whom he was always joking.

Gary was an individual of varied and strong interests. He was a passionate music lover, enjoying artists like The Beach Boys, Patsy Cline, Meat Loaf, Bob Segar, and Queen. His hobbies included listening to talk radio, particularly Art Bell’s “Coast to Coast”, 1180 AM, Bob Lonsberry, and especially Rush Limbaugh.

His hands were rarely idle. He most enjoyed working on cars, his passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles led him to build them, and he also constructed model cars. When relaxing, he liked to watch the History Channel (Modern Marvels, American Pickers), football, Jeopardy, and drag races. He had a love for old cars, 40’s and up. His more esoteric viewing included Ancient Aliens, Sci-fi, Bigfoot, and UFO shows. He enjoyed simple pleasures like beer, his Canadian Leaf whiskey, unfiltered Lucky Strikes, and fireworks.

He found great peace and made lifetime memories at his campsite at Wagon Wheel in Prattsburgh, NY, and with friends and family, including Tom & Kelly Falzone, at the Atlantic Tavern. He was also a kind-hearted kitten rescuer who had a cat named “Fish.”

Gary W. Clyde was a force of nature, described as a “human almanac”—quick-witted, knowledgeable, discerning, and wise, with a great love for reading the yearly Almanac. His communication style was distinct: sarcastic, blunt, funny, and a “smart ass.” He was known for being headstrong, resourceful, and bold.

His most cherished personal value was being a man of his word, always loyal, prioritizing a handshake. He was a man who didn’t like to wait in line, losing at gambling, or cheese.

He left behind a set of memorable sayings: “Cowabunga dude,” “Pull my finger,” and “Stick with me kid…you’ll be farting through silk shorts!”

The final years of his life were marked by the challenging battle of trying to outrun his demons and battling cancer. His enduring legacy is simple but profound: “Keep fighting, never give up,” a final thought paired with the depth of his devotion to his wife, “Till death do us part.”

Gary W. Clyde lived a life defined by loyalty, resourcefulness, a sharp mind, and an unwavering commitment to his family and values.