Gary Michael Radice, 72, of the Lake Owassa section of Frankford Township, New Jersey, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026. Born June 23, 1953, Gary was raised in Wallington, NJ and graduated from Wallington High School in 1972, later he moved to Sussex County in the early 1980’s.
Straight out of high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Columbus from 1972 to 1974. After his service, he built a steady working life defined by grit, reliability, and the kind of resilience that shows up day after day without fanfare—spending 25 years with the road department at Sussex County DPW prior to retirement, and also as a longtime employee of Hamm Sanitation.
In 1992, Gary married his beloved wife, Angela (nee Paganelli) Radice. Together, they shared a life grounded in devotion and the simple joys that mattered most to him.
Gary loved hunting, fishing, and life on the lake. Wherever he was—especially among family and friends—he had a way of keeping things bright. Known as the life of the party and a legendary jokester, Gary’s humor was never far behind, and even in ordinary moments he could find a reason to laugh and bring others along with him.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Angela (nee Paganelli) Radice; his brother, Frank Radice; his sister, Gail Wotanowski (Robert); his sister-in-law, Sylvia Orovio (John); his brother-in-law, Nicholas Paganelli (Coreyanne); his devoted cousins, Robert Hope, Maryann Hope-Patton, Kathy Cocozzo and Lisa Babyack Allen; and many loving nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Frank A. Radice and Helena (nee Bock) Radice, and his devoted 4-legged companion, Riley.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main St., Branchville, NJ, followed by a Prayer Service at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, PO Box 232, Branchville, New Jersey 07826.
Online condolences may be offered to the family below.
