In Memory of Gary J. Rogowski

Obituary

Gary J. Rogowski, of Clinton, NY passed away at the age of 70 from early-onset dementia at the Presbyterian Home on Saturday March 25th, 2023.

Gary was born in Utica, NY on June 1st, 1952, the son of John R. Rogowski and Eleanor M. (Ellinwood) Rogowski and graduated from New Hartford High School. Gary was formerly married to Donna Benoit and was formerly in a long term relationship with Linda Castor. Gary is survived by his daughter Brenda (Cheryl) Torruella and grandchild Callum Torruella, his siblings Christine (Michael Bettinger) Rogowski, Walter (Dana Davis) Rogowski, and Michael (Tami) Rogowski. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother John Jr. Rogowski and his stepson Jeffery Castor.

Gary worked at Twin Orchards, Benoit’s Excavating and in heating and and air conditioning, eventually establishing his own business, Gary’s Heating. Gary was skilled in all things mechanical. He used his vast mechanical knowledge expertly and creatively. He built his own home and assisted in building his sister’s home and camp as well. He was an amateur photographer, an avid hunter, outdoorsman and gun collector who loved camping, canoeing, fishing and visiting his sister’s camp on Grenadier Island.

Gary was a kind and generous person who always came to help if you needed it. He was goofy and funny. He loved joking around and making people laugh. He was trustworthy and reliable, often extending his helpfulness to strangers. He was an excellent father and grandfather who was very present and loving. Even though his illness eroded his skills and mental capacity, his heart and soul remained kind and loving to the end.

Special thanks to his close friends, Tony Fargnoli and Tony Internicola and their families for their continued friendship and support. Thank you to Cheryl and Callum Torruella for their patience, love and understanding while Gary lived at home during his illness. Thank you to Tricia Merrit and her kids for providing loving home-care during his illness while his daughter was at work. Thank you to Gary’s sister Christine for being a pillar of support when the hard decisions had to be made. Thank you to the kind and supportive staff at The Presbyterian Home and The Lutheran Cottage, especially Heather and Jackie.

Calling hours are on Saturday from 12:00-2:00 PM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association CNY Chapter.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at: www.fwefh.com