Gary F. Baum

Gary Baum was born in Ridgewood, New York in November of 1949. He was the second son of Robert and Eleanore Baum, the brother of Richard Baum. He grew up in Glendale, Queens where many of his family members also lived. He loved spending time with his family on Sundays at Sunken Meadow Park and visiting his relatives throughout Glendale.

When Gary was 12 years old, he and his family moved to 67th Place in Glendale. There he met many lifelong friends. He attended Thomas Edison High School where his major was in electrical trades. Upon graduation in 1967, Gary was hired by Consolidated Edison, beginning an industrious 45 year career with them.

In 1969, he enlisted into the United States Navy and served at Naval Facility Bermuda as an Electrical Repairman. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class. He proudly served in the Navy and fell in love with the island of Bermuda!

In 1971, he met his “Irish Girl,” Rosemary Murphy, while attending a Knights of Columbus picnic. Rose’s brother, Ed, had dragged her to the picnic, unknowingly uniting Gary to the love of his life. Rose and Gary were married in 1972. After living in Queens, they moved to Hicksville, New York in 1974, where they raised their two daughters, Beth and Cara.

Gary loved being a dad! And he also loved having grandkids. He was lucky enough to have five beautiful grandchildren, Michael, Nicole, James, Matthew and Luke and was fortunate to add Marilyn Dizon to his every growing family along with Michael and Marilyn's son, his great-grandson, Miguel.

Since his retirement from Con Edison, Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, volunteering at the Cradle of Aviation, RV camping, traveling and of course, Friday Happy Hours.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Rosemary Baum, daughters Beth (Miguel) Orabona of Charlton, NY, Cara (Kenneth) Dorn of Farmingdale, NY, grandchildren Michael (Marilyn Dizon) Orabona, Nicole Orabona, James Dorn, Matthew Dorn, Luke Orabona, great-grandson Miguel Orabona, brother Richard (Margaret) Baum of Deer Park, NY, sister-in-law Jane Cashin, nephews and nieces Robert Baum, Patricia Baum, Christopher (Kimberly) Baum, Jack (Carolyn) Murphy and many great nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. And we can’t forget his dog, Bailey, with his puppy hugs only for Gary. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Eleanore Baum, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edward and Rita Murphy, his brother-in-law, Edward Murphy and his dog, Kayla. Gary so loved his family and friends.

We would like to thank the staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering for their care of Gary (and Rose) over the last 2 years, especially Dr. Kingham, Meagan Mulanka, Anna Ford and Katie who held their hands, laughed at Gary’s jokes and measured good days by the level of sarcasm Gary had.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Gary’s name to the Tunnel to Towers charity.

A visitation for Gary will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes, 125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801. A visitation will occur Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 125 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801. A funeral service will occur Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 40 W Nicholai St, Hicksville, NY 11801. An interment will occur Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Please take a moment to share a cherished memory, a photo, or an experience of your loved one or friend below, as a gift to their family.

The team at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Homes sincerely thanks you for entrusting us with the privilege of serving your family during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and ongoing support.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Our commitment is to provide exceptional and meaningful service to every family we are privileged to serve. We invite you to share your thoughts online to assist other families in making informed decisions during their time of need.

Connect with us on Google, Yelp, or Facebook to share your experience.