Gary B. Schenck

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

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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
    ARTHUR & EILEEN PRATESI says:
    Eileen and myseft are so sorry to hear about the passing of Gary;he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  • November 17, 2010
    Carolyn Robinson says:
    Pat: The Lord is good and you know that he never will give us more than what we can bear----May he see you through this difficult time and please know that you are so loved by so many and all our hearts are with you. I am here for now and for later!!!!-May God continue to bestow his blessings upon you.

  • November 15, 2010
    Michael & Mary Ann West says:
    I remember the day Gary & Dale Miller walked into the Pine Valley Church of God. I was sitting in the choir beside Pat and I remember us making note of who was coming through the door. The rest is history. Gary once told us we should eat breakfast food for dinnner--then we would not have to get up early and eat it! Pat we love you guys! We will greatly miss Gary.

  • November 20, 2010
    Bob & Barbara Gunter says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God will carry you through the days ahead.

  • November 17, 2010
    Susan Leemhuis says:
    Pat - I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm happy for Gary as he is now with our Lord. I will continue to keep you and your loved ones in my prayers. Susan