Gary was born in Allentown, PA, on May 26, 1935, to Russell and Florence (Saylor) Yates. Russell would travel every week to Philadelphia to work at the Navy Yard, and when he enlisted in the army at the start of World War II, Gary, his mother, sister (Colette), and aunt (Viola), moved into a large home at 248 North 4th Street, where Gary’s grandfather, Lawrence (Ted) Saylor, was a caretaker of the Gothic mansion. It was at this time that Gary was introduced to music, as Ted was the director for the Allentown String Band. Gary learned to play guitar from Ted, who also played banjo and accordion. Prior to World War II, Russell also played guitar and banjo with the band.
Gary attended Catholic and elementary schools in Allentown, where he joined the choir and found a new affinity for singing. He was praised for his abilities at Allentown High School and continued to sing while studying engineering and architecture at Kutztown University. He sang as a tenor with the Municipal Opera Company in Allentown in numerous productions—his favorite roles were in La Traviata, The Magic Flute, and The Marriage of Figaro. He was then enlisted for non-active duty in the army, and served at Fort Dix, NJ. There he also sang, and met Don Johnston, who would go on to produce and direct him in several more productions. His studies in architecture were tabled for the time being.
Following his brief time in the army, Gary became a member of Actor’s Equity Association and went on two professional tours: My Fair Lady, starring Duran Seitz, and Funny Girl, starring Carol Lawrence. It was on this last tour that he met his future wife, Susan (Stockwell), in 1967. They fell in love, and were married at the First Unitarian Church in Brooklyn, NY, on April 26,1968. They honeymooned in Ogunquit, Maine—which would go on to be a beloved vacation spot for the generations that followed.
Now living in NYC with his bride, Gary decided he should return to architecture, and he completed his studies at Cooper Union. He continued to work as an AIA-certified architect for almost 47 years, working with I.M. Pei & Partners, the Dormitory Authority of New York, New York Health & Hospitals, and the City of New York. He eventually opened an independent professional practice in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, maintaining that until his retirement in 2016.
His love for performing never left him, and he continued to sing and act with GOACT, a community theater company in Ossining, as well as the Croton Shakespeare Festival, where he was thrilled to play Polonius in Hamlet, with Susan joining him as the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father, and Charlie Dalrymple in Brigadoon—his third time in that role, but first alongside his daughter, who followed in her parents’ footsteps by performing in musical theater. In addition, Gary often gave classical music performances throughout Westchester County.
One of his most cherished times in Croton was when he coached two seasons of Croton Parks & Rec girls’ softball for the team of the Croton Colonial Restaurant & Diner (also a vacation spot for the generations that followed!).
Gary is predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Susan (Stockwell); and his sister, Colette (Abraham Assad). He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Matthew McPartlin), and his beloved grandchildren, Connor and Amelia.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, May 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Edward F. Carter Funeral Home in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Catholic prayer and burial at Bethel Cemetery will follow on Friday, May 3, at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life will be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Gary’s name to Regional Hospice at 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT, or Croton Council on the Arts at www.crotonarts.org.
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