Gerhard "Garry" J. Baumer

He was born in Munich, Germany, in 1941 to Gerhard and Charlotte Baumer. As is customary in Germany, after high school, Garry completed his apprenticeship, with a focus on hotel and restaurant hospitality. Possessing a strong sense of adventure, he joined the Merchant Marines, traveling extensively around the globe, which would eventually lead him to the United States in 1961.

Garry (which he’d tell you is with two Rs) settled in New Jersey, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. There, he rented an apartment above his landlord, who turned out to be the parents of his future wife and lifelong partner, Patricia (“Pat”). Married 62 years, the two would go on to build a life together grounded in family, hard work, and shared adventure.

Garry proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard and became a naturalized United States citizen in 1971. Engaged in his community, he served a term as President of the Rotary Club of Carteret, New Jersey. As a lifelong soccer enthusiast, Garry was also a big fan of the New York Cosmos, and along with his family, rarely missed a home game at Giants Stadium.

Garry and Pat raised two sons, Garry Jr. and Michael. Both as a family and with friends, they traveled frequently, returning regularly to Germany and exploring many destinations throughout Europe and beyond.

He spent his professional life in the hospitality industry, including three decades as the proprietor of Bacar’s Restaurant in New Jersey. After retiring in 2006, Garry moved full-time to Fort Lauderdale, where he became an active member of his community. He filled his days with tennis, card games by the Intracoastal Waterway, and fully embraced all that retirement in Florida had to offer.

Garry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his sons, Garry Jr. and Michael; his daughter-in-law, Kim; his grandsons, Garry III and Michael; his granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sophia; his brother, Peter; his sister-in-law, Elisabeth; his brother-in-law, Jack; his sister-in-law Jeanette; and his niece, Cara, and nephew, John.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Garry’s name to Meals on Wheels in your local community.