Gary Schell

Gary is now at peace in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As he would often say,
even under the worst circumstances, “I’m in God’s hands.” On July 16, 2023 he was reunited
with his mom, Vivian and sister, Cheryl who were tragically killed in an auto accident in 1977.
He was badly injured in the accident and spent over a year in the hospital recuperating.

Born with Cerebral Palsy on March 18, 1947, life dealt Gary many difficult circumstances, but
his strong persistence and faith in God helped him to achieve many things he was told he would
never be able to do. His CP affected him physically but he always wanted people to know that
he had a good mind, so good in fact that he was able to earn a BA degree at Binghamton
University. He was able to live on his own in Florida for over 30 years, learned to drive a car,
and made devoted friends with people wherever he went. One of his favorite scriptures was
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.”

Gary had the gift of bringing out the love in people. The staff at Ideal Skilled Nursing Facility in
Endicott where he lived the last eleven and a half years, gave him much love and care and even
bestowed on him the title of “Nursing Home Activist” for his efforts to advocate for them and
the residents.

Gary leaves behind his special family, Tim and Virginia Wetherbee of Endicott, cousin Karen
Frobel of Chenango Bridge, cousin Barry Oliver of Johnson City, TN, aunt Marjorie Gorman and
cousins Louise Schabloski, David Gorman and John Gorman, all of Binghamton.

He will be missed by additional extended family and all the wonderful friends he made along his way.
There will be a memorial service for Gary at Pierce Hill Christian Fellowship, 232 Pierce Hill Rd.,
Vestal, NY 13850 on July 29 th at 11 a.m. with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please
consider a donation in Gary’s memory to his church at this Vestal address.