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
    Janice Mowery says:
    Pat, You have my sincere sympathy. Remember all the great times with him. Over time the pain won't hurt as bad as it does today. Take care.

  • November 16, 2010
    Beth Strickland says:
    I was blessed to know Gary for the last 17 years as a neighbor and as a fellow church member. I have many fond memories of Gary but what I remember most is how much he enjoyed playing in the church handbell choir. He and my husband proudly played all the bass bells by themselves. He made practice so much fun and was always there to entertain me with a "cat story." I'm so glad I will see him again one day in heaven. Pat, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • November 16, 2010
    Cindy Plankers says:
    Pat we will continue to remember you as well as your and Gary's family in our thoughts and prayers. In the past day or do I've heard from several individuals about how you and Gary have touched their lives over the years. This is a testimony to a life "well lived". Our prayers will continue to be with you. Cindy