Gary Lee Gingrich's Obituary
Gary Lee Gingrich, age 74 of Lewes, DE, passed away on July 21, 2022, surrounded by his family, exactly as he would have wanted it. He was born on January 30, 1948, in Lebanon, PA, son of the late George and Elizabeth (Shelly) Gingrich.
Gary graduated from Lebanon High School in 1966. He began his career at the VA Hospital in Lebanon, PA and went on to become a certified respiratory therapist, working at both the VA Hospital and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital for a combined 40+ years. The last 10 years he performed sleep studies at the WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital Sleep Center.
Gary met Patricia when she was just 16 and a waitress at Brooks restaurant in Lebanon, PA. He claims it was love at first sight, and they went on to marry 3 years later and raise a beautiful family together.
Gary was a man characterized by his deep love of his family and his desire to bring a smile to anyone’s face: friend or stranger. He was well known for his wicked sense of humor, quick wit, and desire to bring joy to others. Gary would dress up as Santa Claus around Christmas and surprise friends and families with toys and treats. Those that were his Facebook friends came to look forward to his daily posted jokes with anticipation and ultimately, a groan. There was not a server in any destination that he visited, that was not asked if they wanted to see his ID to make sure he was 21 before ordering a drink. Gary would consider it a good day if he could make just one person smile.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Gingrich (Marie); and his grandson, Benjamin Gingrich.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia (Reish) Gingrich; his children: Todd Gingrich ( Jessica) of Lebanon, PA and Melissa Gingrich, (Andrew Hayes) of Brigantine, NJ; his grandchildren: Reagan and Mia; and his sister Judy (Gingrich) Fields (Sam) of Lebanon, PA.
Services will be private.
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