Obituary of Gary L. Ector

Gary L. "Hair" Ector, 68, of Montour Falls, NY, entered unto rest on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at home from Corticobasal Degeneration Dementia. Gary was born Gary Lee Swarthout on December 22, 1954, the son of Dorothy (Sample) Ector in Penn Yan, NY. Gary graduated from Odessa-Montour High School in 1973. He was inducted into the Odessa-Montour Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. On November 23, 1975, he married Katrina (Collins). He was later married in the Catholic faith by Rev. Paul Bonacci on March 13, 2013. Gary began his career with SHC Kmart Corp. in 1975, and worked his way up to district manager in the New York metro area until his retirement in 2006. In 2005, Gary was named District Manager "Coach of the Year" Northeast Division SHC, Kmart Retail. After retiring for only four months, he was hired by Kohl's Department Store to open and manage the Horseheads store until 2010. Gary was a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen. He was also a member of the Mechanics Club in Montour Falls. Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Katrina; sons, James (Deb) Ector and Michael (Suzette) Ector; beloved nieces, Jackie and Jessica Collins, whom he loved like daughters; goddaughter, Jackie Riley Hollar; foster daughter, Beth Richards; four grandchildren, Alexxis, Dylan, Collin and Wyatt Ector; great niece, Kennedy Grace, who sprinkled her love on her uncle Gary; two sisters, Blanche (George) Bowen, Louise (Leslie) Sills; step sister, Kathy Sample; four brothers, Walter (Rita) Siedel, Joseph (Vicky) Ector, Charles (Joy) Ector and Walter (Denise) Ector, Jr.; step brother, Daniel (Helen) Teed; sisters-in-law, Deb (TJ) Riley and Cindy (Rocky) Rumsey; brothers-in-law, Thomas Collins, Steve (Janet) Collins, Joe (Julie) Collins and Tim (Wendy) Collins; and by many nieces and nephews. Gary is also survived by lifelong friends and neighbors, Robert Brooke (Kathleen Proctor) and James (Rebecca) Guild; and by special cousins, Julie (Larry) Rinker and John Robert (Deb) Ganung. He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Walter Ector, Sr., mother and father-in-law, Blanche and Thomas Collins; and by his beloved uncle and best friend, Frank Sample. He was also predeceased by his lifetime friend, Russell James Cornell and sister-in-law, Patricia Collins. Gary's wish to die at home was fulfilled because he had special people who stepped up to help care for him: his beloved nieces, Jackie Collins and Desra Clemons, family friend, Linda West, and the nurses from CareFirst-Brandy and Robin. This journey was completed because of all you. Thank You! Our family would also like to thank the neighbors, Thomas, Joanna Dupay and family, and Deb Wheeler for all the help they have given. We are blessed to have you as our neighbors and friends. To our family, I know our mom is very proud of all of you for all the support you have given us. To our son, Michael and his wife Suzette, thank you for all the help you have given to us, and for the remodeling you have done to make our home more accessible. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY. Burial will be in Montour Cemetery. The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made in Gary's memory to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, 124 Marina Dr., Montour Falls, NY 14865.