Gary M. Pickering

Gary was born in Rochester on January 19, 1947, the son of the late Charles & Marian Pickering. Gary graduated from West Irondequoit High School, Class of 1965.

After High School, he became very involved with the Rochester Crusaders Drum Corps. He was very proud to be a part of that group that won the National Championship during the 1960’s. Gary took a break from drum corps for several decades and then joined Mighty St Joe’s Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps in 2000. He was an active member for more than 20 years marching in dozens of parades and participating in many drum corps shows in exhibition.

In 1967, Gary proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. During this time, he worked fueling jets, and served on a Naval Destroyer in the Atlantic Ocean.

Upon discharge from the Navy, he would go on to become a Tool & Die Maker that would lead to a career working for various Tool & Die shops and ultimately Eastman Kodak.

Gary was an excellent golfer, and enjoyed golfing at numerous area courses, treasured them all. He would eventually go on to become a golf instructor with the United States Golf Teachers Federation. His great patience was truly something special in helping others better their game. One of his proudest moments, was winning the Monroe County Amateurs Golf Championship in 1999, with his daughter, Rachel, as his caddy.

Gary was lucky to have a great artistic side bestowed upon him from a very young age. He greatly enjoyed drawing and creating things, which led to his passion for woodworking in his later years. He created everything from bowls to tables and wall hangings in his home woodshop.

Gary had a great love for motorcycles since he was young man and still had three of them when he could no longer drive.

Over the years he was an avid fisherman and hunter. He had a cottage on Keuka Lake for many years and was able to fish often. He hunted often at his brother Jimmy’s camp in Andover, NY.

Gary enjoyed the last 27 years with his loving wife, Patti. Together they enjoyed golfing and drum corps activities. They also enjoyed many domestic and international vacations with many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Patti Gendreau-Pickering; daughter, Rachel (James) Pickering Bonsignore; sister, Gail (Chaz) Pickering Hauser; sister-in-law, Beverly Pickering; two grandchildren, Vivian and Claire; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear drum corps friends.]

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Jimmy (Shirley) Pickering, and Bruce Pickering.

There will be no public services held at this time. He will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Gary’s memory to a veteran’s charity of your choice.