Obituary of Gary W. Hicks

Gary W. Hicks, a longtime resident of Canandaigua, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on April 11, 2016 with family at his side. Gary was born in Brockport, NY, the first of four children to William and Janice (Gotham) Hicks. He graduated from Spencerport High School in 1972 and went on to attend SUNY Geneseo where he graduated in 1976 with a degree in business management. While there, he became highly involved with the Delta Kappa Tau fraternity, including acting as president of the inner Greek council. After college, Gary went on to management in fast food. He was a cook at various local restaurants throughout the Rochester and Canandaigua areas, including the Colonial Inn, Polimeni’s, and Thendara. He began working the United States Postal Service in late 2000, where he worked in several offices throughout the upstate NY area as a substitute carrier, clerk, and full time carrier. Although never a Boy Scout himself, Gary was very involved with them throughout his life in various ways. He spent several years working at Massawepie Boy Scout Camp in the Adirondacks throughout the late 70’s and 80’s. While there, he acted as commissioner, waterfront director, and several other positions as well as being a charter member of the Massawepie Alumni Association for many years. His passion for the camp and the Adirondacks showed as he continued to return to help for several years with Beaver Weekends. In addition to his work with scouting through Massawepie, Gary spent the last ten years as the charter representative for Troop 29, the Scout Troop for the First United Methodist Church of Canandaigua. Gary was an incredibly active member of his church in Canandaigua. In addition to his activity with Troop 29, he was often known as Chef Gary around the church, always ready to help out if an event called for food preparation with his official assistant, daughter Shannon. Specific events he was known to actively participate with included the holiday bazaar, men’s breakfasts, Super Bowl sub fundraising events with the youth, St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinner fundraising for the Boy Scouts, and spaghetti dinners. Additionally, he acted as the church’s official Santa Claus, passing out gifts each Christmas after the pageant and dinner, and was one of the sound board technicians for church services. His gifts in the kitchen as well as in the various committees he took part in will be greatly missed. Gary is survived by his wife of 27 years, Dawn; daughter, Shannon; mother, Janice; brother, David (Jeannette); sisters, Lisa (Tim Decker) and Carol; and various nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends can call Friday, April 15th, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Fuller Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 4 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 100 North Main Street, Canandaigua. A reception will follow.