Lieutenant Colonel Gary Dennis Wilkins, 70, formerly of Massena

MASSENA -- Our Home Town Hero has passed away.

Lieutenant Colonel Gary Dennis Wilkins was born on July 1, 1953, in Massena, NY to Alma and Denny Wilkins.

He was a loving, thoughtful and generous soul who cared for his family, young and old.

He passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

His life was filled with adventure, love for his family and a passion for his work and science. He could answer any question his kids came up with, no matter how obscure.

After a long day at the office or in the yard, he liked to sit back and relax by watching old TV shows with his wife Sofia, listening to oldies or playing solitaire and fixing electronics.

Gary graduated from Holy Family High School in Massena in 1971 and then attended Norwich University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a Minor in Photography. He later completed his Master’s Degree at Syracuse University.

Due to his natural curiosity, he was a student throughout his life, always seeking more knowledge. He passed his knowledge on to his kids and also to his community through his years of scouting.

He attempted to do things himself - be it fixing a car, clearing a field, or excavating for a pool that his kids wouldn’t stop bothering him about - and he found joy in his projects, especially the most difficult.

He adored animals and animals adored him. He always managed to find a cat or a dog who needed a home. His most recent pet, Darby the cat, was a constant fixture on his lap even when times were getting tough.

His career in the United States Air Force brought him all over the world, bringing back souvenirs and stories to his family. Sofia enjoyed bringing the kids to the airport to greet Gary when he returned from a trip.

Being an Electrical Engineer gave him a tremendous amount of experience with computers and other electronics. He would never throw anything out that was broken, with the promise that one day, he would fix it.

A true traveler in life, he knew the road well, and he knew where he could find good malted milkshakes. He drove endless miles, alone or with his family.

He was truly a big thinker, so when he said he was going to buy a mountain in Mexico, you believed he could have.

On his road trips, every missed turn became an adventure and a story to laugh about later. You had to know that when Gary said he had a “shortcut”, the trip was going to take several hours longer than expected.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Alma and Denny Wilkins, his grandparents, many aunts and uncles to whom he looked up to, cousins, two nephews - Charlie and Carl Elie Girard - and his gentle kitty, Darby, and other cherished pets.

Gary's journey through life was shared with his beloved wife of 49 years, Sofia, a partnership that was a source of immense joy and support. Together, they raised a loving family that includes their four children: Dennis, David (Rosemarie Guieb), Desiree (Christopher Ludovici), and Darcy (Andrew Miller) Wilkins.

Gary’s children considered him a best friend with a quirky and forgiving nature. Gary's legacy continues with his grandchildren Bob (Bella Medlin) Guieb Jr., Samuel Ludovici (who inherited Gary’s affinity for taking things apart), Henry Wilkins-Miller (who got Gary’s love of history and knowledge of the military), and Havalina Wilkins-Miller (who inherited Gary’s mischievous nature), and great-grandchildren Braelyn and Brantley.

Gary was a wonderful big brother to his vibrant sister, Vicky Thursby, hilarious brother, George Wilkins (Maggie) and generous sister, Sue Wilson (Art).

He was most happy and animated when he visited his homeland of Massena, where he would while away hours talking with his uncle Carl (who has passed), sister-in-law, Lorenza, and Barb (who was like an older sister to him), before hitting the road again.

In addition to those loved ones listed above, Gary is survived by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Douglas T. Jacobson VA Nursing Home for the care they provided Gary when he was no longer able to live at home.

Please feel free to share your Gary stories; the family will love reading them and find comfort in them.

A memorial service will be held in Massena, NY at a later date.

Donations can be made in his honor to American Brain Foundation, Dementia Society of America, or Alzheimer’s Association.