Obituary of Gary S. Slutzky

Gary S. Slutzky, 72, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 4, 1952, he graduated from Hunter-Tannersville Central High School in 1970, and earned his Associates Degree from Farmingdale State College in 1972. He also spent two years at Oakwood Friends School, which he credited for having instilled in him a strong sense of community. 

Gary met the love of his life, Barbara, in 1974, and they married on June 26, 1977. Through 47 years of marriage, they were partners in all things. 

Gary enjoyed working with his hands, and his childhood love of trucks and machinery turned into a career in construction, as well as a lifetime of either plowing, grooming, making snow or complaining about it. He was the proud owner of the world’s greatest collection of antique toy trucks, which (to the dismay of his grandchildren) were very much intended to be marveled at and never ever played with.

Of all the things Gary loved and was proud of, his family was at the top of the list. He was the number one fan in the stands, attending every sporting event, concert or play that his children performed in. Fiercely devoted to his family, Gary could always be counted on, whatever was needed. 

A lifelong volunteer, Gary was truly dedicated to supporting the community he loved. He served for decades as a member of the Hunter Fire Company, including as Chief. He was active in the Mountain Top Historical Society, Hunter Civic Association, Rip Van Winkle Lions Club, HTC Alumni Association, and the Hunter Foundation, as well as many other organizations that helped benefit the greater Greene County community.

Gary loved to stay busy. When he wasn’t plowing snow or stacking wood, he was mowing the lawn or arguing online about politics. But in spite of the many activities and organizations that kept him occupied, Gary took no greater joy than simply spending time surrounded by the people he loved. He was a true friend to so many, and he deeply valued their friendship in return.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, Orville and Ethel (Phillips) Slutzky, and his granddaughter Emma Olivia Ginsburg. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Barbara (Biegel) Slutzky, siblings Carol (Peter) Slutzky-Tenerowicz and Paul (Amy) Slutzky, his children Michelle (Jimmy) Byrne, Jamie (Meg) Grant, Meghan (Gary) Ginsburg, Jake Slutzky, and Shana (Morgan) Pellitteri. He will be deeply missed by his family, including his nine grandchildren: James Kevin Wiltse, Paige Byrne, Brooke Byrne, James Grant, Molly Grant, Eitan Ginsburg, Amirah Ginsburg, Ari Pellitteri, and Jonah Pellitteri, as well as many, many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will take place at Colonel’s Hall at Hunter Mountain on Sunday, June 30 at 11:00 AM.

Interment to follow at the Maplewood Cemetery, in the Hunter Synagogue section.

A Shiva luncheon will take place at the Copper Tree restaurant at Hunter Mountain at 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 30.

Shiva in Hunter will take place at 268 Botti Drive, Hunter NY 12442 at 7:00-9:00 PM on Monday, July 1. Shiva in Albany will take place at Temple Israel from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 2, 2024

He really had a wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hunter Fire Co. No. 1, Box 181, Hunter, NY 12442; Tannersville FD Rescue Squad, Box 562, Tannersville, NY 12485; or the Mountaintop Historical Society, Box 263, Haines Falls, NY 12436.