Gary B. Schenck

August 20, 1951 - November 15, 2010
Gary B. Schenck

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Gary Bruce Schenck, 59, of Wilmington, NC went home to be with his Precious Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Monday, November 15, 2010 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Gary was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on August 20, 1951 to Hollis and Carol Schenck.

Gary was a veteran of the United States Air Force, served with great honor, and was brought to Wilmington in 1972 as a result of being stationed at Ft. Fisher Air Force Base. At Pine Valley Church of God on Shipyard Boulevard here in Wilmington, Gary met both his precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and his beautiful bride of the past 36 years, Patricia Bookhardt Schenck. These relationships became the central core of Gary’s life, and he and Pat served their Lord together faithfully and joyfully up until the very moment of his passing. Surrounded by his loving wife and dear friends and family, Gary left this earth with ultimate peace, knowing that Heaven was his home, and all that he loved would one day follow, never to be separated again.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, those left to cherish his memory are a brother, Gene Schenck and wife Barbara of Oxford, Connecticut. Sisters, Judy Schenck of Madawaska, Maine, and Nancy Barnes and husband Gale of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and Jan Villalba and husband Larry of Waterbury, Connecticut. His family also includes a number of nephews and great nephews, nieces and great nieces, by whom he will be greatly missed. Also surviving are beloved members of his dear wife’s family, which Gary delightedly made fully his own, including Patricia’s twin sister Phyllis Bookhardt Long and husband George, their sons Jeremy Long and wife Yvonne and son Jeremy Jr, as well as their son Jeffrey Long and wife Monica. Gary was preceded in death by a younger brother, Jerry Schenck, and his dear grandmothers, Julia Carlson and Edith Schenck and his grandfather, Charles Schenck.

Gary was employed for many years by Service America Corporation in a position he was well suited for, as it gave him the opportunity utilize his unique and valuable mechanical skills, as well as engage in lively conversation with the people he met as a result of the different locations he cared for. Gary could work with great efficiency and speed at his assigned tasks, all the while talking with the people surrounding him, many of whom became dear friends. Whether you knew Gary through his beloved church, or through his work…one of the greatest benefits of the honor of his friendship was the ability to enjoy his unique and sharp sense of humor. Gary loved to laugh, but loved to make others laugh even more. We have truly lost a wit and love for people that was unique and an integral part of this man who was always the same every time you saw him. Gary’s kindness, thoughtfulness, love for friends and family, willingness to help wherever help was needed, and special love for the senior adults at his church will be fondly remembered and will continue to bring smiles for many years to come.

Although flowers are greatly appreciated, the family suggests donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Network at www.pancan.org in Gary’s honor.

Gary’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Pine Valley Church of God, 3810 Shipyard Boulevard, on Thursday, November 18th at four o’clock in the afternoon, conducted by Rev. Richard Williford, Rev. Janice Lamm and his long time best friend, Dale Miller. Family visitation will precede the service two hours at the church, beginning at two o’clock. A private burial will be conducted on Friday.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • November 16, 2010
    Vickey Ridgeway says:
    You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • November 16, 2010
    Don & Jan Morgan says:
    Pat, We are so sorry for your loss of Gary. He was a wonderful friend, had such a great sense of humor. But, most of all he loved the Lord with all his heart! How he must have rejoiced when he heard "Well done thy good and faithful servant". We now wait for our Lord's return so that we will see Gary & Amber again. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. We love you, Don & Jan

  • November 16, 2010
    Linda A Fredrickson says:
    I met Gary at GNF in association w/ his job, and through Safety events that I attended and he accompanied Pat. His sense of humor and love for felines were shared by many, but especially me. My heartfelt condolences are offered to the family for their loss. He will always be remembered for his sweet and caring nature.

  • November 16, 2010
    Kellie McDonald says:
    I will miss Uncle Gary very much. Ever since I was a little girl he could always make me laugh. He had such a precious spirit about him. I will miss his laugh and his heartfelt hugs. Aunt Pat, my hearts breaks for you as I know you are hurting. I hope my marriage will be like what you and Uncle Gary had. You had such an amazing respect and love for each other, that was so apparent any time I was around you. I pray for God to give you peace and comfort you during this time. I love you.

  • November 15, 2010
    Jenese says:
    My dear friend Patricia: Your Gary was a man among men, honorable, loving, faithful, Godly...and truly our loss is Heaven's gain. How I wish that his time here could have been extended, for he was young in age as well as young in spirit. We grieve for our loss only, for he is happy, healthy, and basking in the presence of his precious Lord. You are his dear love, and when you are reunited in Heaven, you will never have to say good-bye again. May the Lord hold you in His loving arms and carry you in the comings days.