Gary L. Waldo

Gary L. Waldo of Bath, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, November 27, 2024, in Towanda, PA. He celebrated his 91st birthday with his three children in October at Brookdale Assisted Living, Painted Post. He is known for his sense of humor, his smile, his ability to visit with friends and strangers on a multitude of topics, and to make everyone feel welcomed. Our dad will be missed by his children, his family and his friends. He was fortunate to have two families who loved and cared for him. The other family was centered at Brookdale. For the past 6 ½ years he had an apartment at Brookdale and became an important and well-loved member of their family and community.
Gary was born in Bath, NY, on October 17, 1933, and was raised by Theron Waldo, Sr. and Grace C. Waldo of Bath, his paternal grandparents. His sister, Beverly Hercyk, resides in Bath, NY. He is predeceased by his wife, Ruth (February 2010) and his twin brother, Craig (March 2024).
Gary married Ruth Curry of Andover, NY, on January 31, 1953. They were married for 57 years. They have three children - Deborah (Jim) Fisher, New Oxford, PA; Dwight (Kiyomi) Waldo, Highlands, CA; and Duane (Charlene) Waldo, Waleska, GA. Gary has been blessed with three grandchildren: Theron (Gabriella) Waldo, Katherine (Austin) Epps, and Emily (Stephen) Swartzentruber, as well as several great-grandchildren.
Gary is a 1952 graduate of Haverling High School. He held several jobs before taking a position with the NYS Dept. of Transportation in August 1953. He worked his way up to light and heavy equipment operator and light foreman. Gary retired as a General Foreman in 1988 with 35 years of service.
Gary's interest in photography led him to take a two-year home course through the NYC School of Modern Photography. He received his Certificate on August 24, 1960. Gary's Photo Studio served this area for 30 years, specializing in family and senior portraits, yearbook pictures for several local schools and countless weddings. He had a large commercial and industrial photography base as well. Gary's Photo Studio was a joint family venture with his wife, Ruth.
After closing the photography business, he set up a tour bus operation, Gary Waldo Tours, which encouraged travel for senior citizens. He was always told that, "If it hadn't been for you, we would have never seen this." Tours were along the east coast from Nova Scotia to Florida, and, also included Branson and St. Louis, Missouri.
Gary was a Mason for over 55 years. He served as President of the Steuben Historical Society and was on the boards of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Bath.
Gary loved music and enjoyed playing the piano. He often played for the Brookdale residents.
Fagan's Funeral Home will be managing arrangements for our family. Services to honor his life will be held on Saturday December 7, 2024 at the Centenary Methodist Church, 3 West Washington Blvd., Bath, with calling hours from 9:00 am-12:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 12:00 pm and a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, Gary's wish was to have donations made to either: Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron Street, Bath, NY or The Centenary United Methodist Church, 3 W. Washington Blvd., Bath, NY.