Gary W. Ziegler, a retired photo specialist with Slayton Studios in Monticello, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023 surrounded by his family at his daughter’s home in Monticello. He was 79.

The son of the late William V. Ziegler and Eleanor Lener Ziegler, he was born March 11, 1944 in Staten Island.

Gary was born and raised in Staten Island, New York where he spent his childhood years in the family bakery. He relocated permanently to Monticello in his early twenties. He followed in the footsteps of his late father by being an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed the outdoors and found enjoyment in the Eden Falls Hunting Club on the Neversink River Gorge, where he was a lifelong member, as well as spending time at the Little Horn Hunting Club. He was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Army where he worked as a mechanic on helicopters. His love of fixing things carried throughout his life with vehicles and lawn equipment. You could always find him tinkering on something to occupy his time. He spent over 40 years working at Monticello Photo/Slayton Studio’s until their closure in 2018. The Slayton’s and Dolan’s became our extended family. His greatest love was spending time with his family, that brought him great joy. Seeing his children and grandchildren together was his absolute favorite. He loved traveling to different bakeries, sampling all the goods, always looking for the best. He also could never resist a good yard sale, one of the many things he inherited from his mother. He was the kindest soul we knew. He was a great friend, father, Pop-Pop and more to so many people who loved and admired him. He will forever be missed.

He is survived by his three children: Tina Kiefer (Tim Dexheimer), Jason Conklin & his wife Amy, and Nicole Ziegler & her husband Charles (Bobby) Moore; five grandchildren: Ciera, Lauren, Howie, Brielle and Rhys and many cousins. In addition to his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, he was predeceased by his son-in-law Howard Kiefer.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the people at Hospice who helped us during this difficult time, especially Jessica, Robyn, Brandy, Margaret, Maria and Christine. You guys were truly amazing.

Family and Friends are invited to gather on Thursday, October 26 from 10am to 12pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Interment of his ashes with military honors will follow at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty.

Memorial contributions can be made to, Wounded Warriors www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org, to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties www.hospiceoforange.com, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.