Cara Mia why must we say goodbye? (Jay & The Americans 1965) plays over and over in my mind. Gary, with his beautiful voice, was singing Cara Mia when he stole my heart. He was handsome (his beautiful wavy/curly hair), charming and playing basketball, mornings in the school yard when I stepped off the school bus.  We dated a few years and he broke my heart when he said good-bye. I cried for three solid days. I didn't see him again for close to 40 years when we rekindled our romance and picked up where we left off. Of course he was still using the term "Cara Mia" wherever we went (especially to the ladies, I was a little jealous) and I still loved him. He always brought a smile to everyone he encountered as he was friendly and loved to talk.

I always admired Gary's determination and discipline.  He was setting goals and achieving success when I met him and even as a teenager always had a job. Gary never stopped moving ahead.  He had all the characteristics of a Man's Man, self reliant, dependable, impressive, courageous, focused and many more to name. He did wonders with his homes and surroundings and never missed a beat. Gary loved God and his Mom (whom he treasured) was instrumental in his love for God. Gary's son Jon and family were the cornerstone of his life. 

Thank you, Gary Bugarin, for being in my life, and for all the adventures and experiences we shared over the years. I am reminded of you in everything I do and see. I thank God for putting you in my life. I miss you and thought you would always be here on Earth. It will be lonely without you. As always, you will appear in my thoughts, my mind and will always be in my heart.  Our spirits will meet again.

I'll always love you, Cara Mia mine.  Belinda J

Cara Mia why must we say goodbye?
Each time we part my heart wants to die
Darling hear my prayer
Cara Mia fair
I'll be your love till the end of time
Cara Mia mine
Cara Mia mine

Gary wasn’t just my brother. He was my friend, my protector, my comedian, and one of the most generous souls I’ve ever known. He had a wit and silliness about him that could brighten the darkest day. If you were lucky enough to know him, then you know exactly what I mean.

When I think about my childhood, I think of my brother Gary. He made sure I always felt special and deeply loved. He didn’t just say he loved me—he showed it, in all the little ways that added up to something unforgettable.

I’ll never forget the times he picked me and my friends up from school in his Mustang, music blasting, all of us singing at the top of our lungs and laughing like we didn’t have a care in the world. That was Gary—joyful, loud, and full of life.

There was one Christmas that stands out in my heart. Gary had bought me tons of little Barbie furniture and accessories—each one individually wrapped. I sat there surrounded by a sea of tiny packages, opening them one by one, feeling like the happiest little girl in the world. That’s who he was—thoughtful, attentive, and full of surprises.

Or the Easter morning when he snuck into my room with the biggest basket I had ever seen, making choo choo noises and parading it around my bed until I woke up. Only Gary could turn a simple holiday into a moment of pure magic.

I’ll miss his laughter, his ridiculous jokes, his big heart, and the way he could make me smile no matter how bad my day was. I will never forget the beautiful memories we shared, and I’ll carry them with me for the rest of my life.

I love you forever, big brother. Thank you for being exactly who you were. You will be deeply missed, but your love and laughter will live on in me—and in all of us who were lucky enough to know you.

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garyson Bugarin

April 11, 1951 – March 20, 2025

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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