Gary S. Walters, 67, of Shavertown, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 23, 2018 due to a motor vehicle accident.
Gary was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1969. He attended LCCC and King’s College. In the 1970s, Gary joined his father’s insurance agency, Walters Associates Inc. where he spent his entire career employed in the family business with his sister, Betsy.
Mr. Walters was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre PA, where he served as a deacon. He was well known in the community and one of his last roles, was a volunteer as a driver for Meal on Wheels.
For many years, his home away from home was The Athletic Club (AC Fitness) and no workout was complete until he gave the staff and members water/ sport drinks before he left. Throughout the years, he was a popular member at the YMCA, Royal Courts, Kingston Rec Center, The Rock Rec Center, and Penn State Fitness Center.
Gary enjoyed many leisure activities. He loved listening to music, and he was the unofficial music trivia champ. Gary and his wife loved to dance at every opportunity. Every year, they would attend the annual “Summer Reunion Dance” at Irem Temple Pavilion. Years prior, they competed in Hanson’s “End of Summer” dance and won 2nd place. He loved to see big city skylines, and visit college campuses, especially the stadiums. Gary passed down his love of sports to his son and daughter and even coached several of their teams. Gary was very proud of his children, never missing a game (home or away), recital, church play, or award ceremony.
In the summer, you would find him waxing his car and/or others (sometimes up to three cars in one day) and making his famous homemade iced tea. Every year, Gary looked forward to the family vacation to Avalon/ Stone Harbor, NJ. He donated blood often and gave around 20 gallons to the American Red Cross where he received a plaque of recognition (his last donation was 7/16/18).
Gary had many gifts and telling a good story was one of them. He was always the center of laughs at parties and family gatherings. Gary Walters was truly one of a kind and made everyone he met feel special. You were guaranteed to leave his presence with a smile. His family repeatedly heard “Gary is such a nice guy.” He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Quentin “Cap” and Bette Walters, brother, Atty. Wayne Walters, and his brother-in-law, Dr. Harry West.
He is survived by his wife, who was his high school sweetheart of 42 years, Nancy (West), son, Scott and his wife, Alicia, Dallas, PA. and daughter, Susan Reissig, and her husband, Josh, of Atlanta, GA. Gary had five grandchildren, Elena, Jenna, Kate, Lauren, and Silas Walters of Dallas, PA. Sisters, Betsy Tribendis and her husband, Michael, Shavertown, PA and Dr. Mary Walters, Dallas, PA. Brother in law Bob West and his wife Maureen West, Bowie, Md.Special Niece and Nephew; Michael Tribendis, Jr. (Jip) and Megan Pitts (Marlon), both of Dallas, PA. Nephew, Donald West (May), Taipei, Taiwan, and nieces, Debby West, Longmont, CO and Coral Amayi (James), Cochise, AZ. Ann Marie Arnone, who was like a sister, and very dear friend, Barb Jason and many cousins.
A memorial service at First Presbyterian Church 97 South Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11 AM.
Arrangements are under the assistance of Gubbiotti Funeral Home,LLC, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, PA.
Interment will be at the family’s convenience.
To send the family an expression of sympathy or an online condolence, please visit www.gubbiottifh.com
Gary loved his family very much and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made towards his son’s benefit fund. Scott was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in September 2017.
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