Obituary of Gary W. Smith

Webster- (a.k.a. Gary the Happy Pirate) was called Home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 12, 2024 due to complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease.

Born April 9, 1960 in Clarkson, N.Y.

Gary was well-known in the Rochester community and beyond as half of the children’s entertainment duo “Doug & Gary - The Happy Pirates”, and later as the solo act of “Gary the Happy Pirate.”

One of Gary’s proudest life accomplishments was the 1995 founding of the Pirate Toy Fund, a 501c3 charity that, to date, continues to collect and distribute thousands of toys each year to children in need.

Predeceased by parents William & Doris Smith, and beloved father-in-law, Thomas E. Wade. Survived by his devoted wife of over 42 years, Kathryn Wade Smith; Children: Shaina (Jared) Rene, Abi (Mark Jr.) Landon, Calli (Michael) Barber, Trevor (Jesse Ames) Smith, Melissa (Kyle) Martindale, Paige (Ryan) Auber; Grandchildren: Julia, Hannah, Jax, Paxton, Finn, Levi, Ilah, Penelope, Elliott, Henry, Jasper, Eloise, Wade, and Rowan; Mother-in-law, Ruth Wade; Sisters, Elaine Werner, Betty (Greg) Petralis, Pamela (Louis) Lopez, & Melissa (David) McKeown; Sister-in-law Ellen (Paul) Garrison; Brother-in-law Thomas (Karin) Wade; Many caring extended family members & a multitude of dear friends.

Special thanks: To Rochester Regional Health (RRH) Lifetime Home Care therapists, Sam Vanini (PT), Mike Smith (OT), & Jessica Zumbo Nolet (ST). You became family. To RRH Palliative Care at Linden Oaks, especially Dr. Adam Herman & PA Jeff Atwood, for your genuine kindness & needed guidance. To RRH Hospice, especially Mike McDonnell (RN-Case Mgr), and Gail Brodner (Hospice Aide) for your attentive & gentle care to the end. You are the best.

His family will receive friends Thursday, July 18, 4:00 - 8:00pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.). Friends are invited to meet the family Friday, July 19, 11:00 am at Northridge Church 2052 St. Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621 for his Celebration of Life. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in Gary’s memory to: Pirate Toy Fund 46 Turner Dr. Spencerport, NY 14559.