Gary R. Dyer

August 26, 1947 – March 1, 2026

Gary R. Dyer, 78, of Maine, New York, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 26, 1947, to his loving parents Betty and Raymond Dyer, and from early on his life was defined by hard work, dedication, humor, and determination.

Gary was married to his beloved wife, Diane, for 34 years. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, and family. He is survived by Diane; his sons, Christopher Dyer and Brent Dyer; and his daughter, Michele (Shawn) Thorpe. He is also survived by his sister, Dr. Debra Dyer; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Bonnie Stastyshyn; Jim and Roxanne Fitzgerald, Larry and Sandy Fitzgerald; Cousins Brian Fenton, Dan (Michelle) Stastyshyn as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and close friends.

Gary grew up in Maine, New York, where his love of construction equipment, trucks and tractors began at an early age. After graduating in 1965 from Maine-Endwell High School, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He didn't speak about it often, but he carried that chapter of his life with a quiet pride that never left him.

Upon returning home, he got to work - founding Gary Dyer Excavating and Tank Service, a business he proudly and successfully operated for over 50 years until his retirement. It wasn't just a business to him; it is who he was. Gary became a cornerstone of the community, digging foundations for countless homes across the area, removing thousands of tanks, and if you called, he showed up. His humble disposition and unwavering dedication defined him. Known for his stubborn, no-nonsense style, Gary believed in doing a job the right way…his way.

He wasn't always grit and steel. Gary had a sharp sense of humor, a quick wit, and perfect timing. He could deliver a one-liner with a straight face and leave everyone laughing. One of the small joys in his life was participating in the Endicott Village Holiday Parade, where he would be seen proudly driving his tractor trailer and pulling the Santa Float.

Racing lit a different kind of fire in him. Dirt Late Model racing wasn't just entertainment it was a passion. He proudly owned the 7NY, racing locally for many years before chasing larger series throughout Pennsylvania, Hagerstown Maryland, and speed weeks in Florida. The roar of engines and flying dirt were second only to the satisfaction he found in the quality time with his family.

Still, if you asked him where he felt most at peace, he would tell you that it was at his pond surrounded by the people he loved.

In retirement, you could find him at Dyer Farms watching the cows graze, tinkering with his heavy machinery, tending to his many projects, or sitting quietly, listening to his favorite Hymns holding his beloved cat, Snickers.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, Maine Emergency Squad, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital – Seton 3, the surgical teams at Rochester General Hospital, and UHS Wilson Medical Center Emergency Department and ICU for the care, dignity, and support shown to Gary and his family.

Gary's legacy is larger than life and lives on in the land he shaped, the homes that stand on the foundations he dug, the engines he pushed to their limits, and the family he fiercely loved. He built things to last — and that includes the impression he left on everyone who knew him.

There will be calling hours Sunday, March 8th from 1 to 5 PM at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home LLC, 300 East Main St, Endicott. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Maine Emergency Squad, in Gary's Memory.