Obituary of Gary Paul Dewey

"Mad Man, Jr" On Tuesday August 2, 2016 Gary Paul Dewey, the Mad Man Jr., age 73 passed away peacefully due to complications of a stroke. Gary wanted to come home to be with his loved ones, and be able to "fall asleep" with his faithful friend and companion, Skitty Kitty, curled up by his side. His wishes were granted. Gary is survived by his loving, caring, and devoted wife of 40 years, Etta Kay (Ruppert) Dewey, son, Stephen Jacob Olmsted (wife, Regina Sterling Olmsted)Tallahassee, Fl., daughter Raegan Gara Dewey, Syracuse, N.Y., crazy, funny, and loving sister, Paula (Dewey) Thomas, Elmira, grandson, Brandon Olmsted, great grandson Liam Olmsted, Virginia, and several nieces and nephews. For years, Gary joked with his daughter, Raegan, about wanting the Dewey name and his legacy to live on. Many prayers were said; and God listened. Gary's greatest gift and joy of a legacy was born at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on December 10, 2015. His daughter, Raegan, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, a miracle legacy, and without a doubt, Grampy's "mini me", Braedan Benjamin Garett Dewey. ( Mad Man III) Gary was predeceased by his Mom and Dad, Paul and Vivian Dewey, and one of his closest friends, Mark Stephens, who always "brothered" Gary on every NCAA wrestling trip that he and his many friends went together on. Gary had a special bond, love, and wrestling camaraderie with every one of those buddies. A special thanks to all of you who cared and shared this long-lasting traditional with him. Gary, Mad Man Jr. worked with his father, Paul, the "Mad Man", and Mother "Madame" Vivian, for over 30 years before assuming ownership with his wife Etta Kay. For over 50 years, Mad Man Dewey's on Pennsylvania Avenue in Southport was a staple in the community. As the famous Mad Man jingle went "he's the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus all wrapped up in one because his credit was so elastic and his prices were fantastic".... To this date, that jingle is still sung and remembered by many who entered the portal at Mad Man Dewey's. Many a friend was made throughout those years; and many a beer was drank, to fittingly seal a deal. Gary was a sport's enthusiast. He was a diehard NY Giants fan, NY Knicks fan; but most of all upon Raegan's acceptance to Syracuse University in 1993; Gary became a super fan of the SU Orange. Of course, Gary insisted that our family become season ticket holders. Gary and Raegan loved their times together at every game. They even attended the Final 4 in Atlanta, Georgia in 2013. Gary and Raegan even joked about Braedan's middle name becoming "Otto," the mascot's name at Syracuse University. It is our family's motto, "Life is about making memories." So please, make memories today while you can; because tomorrow may not come. During Gary's hospital stay Braedan spent every day at the hospital putting smiles and bringing happiness to all who approached him. Grampy looked forward to his "special quiet visits" with his grandson, and was delighted to be the recipient of his giggles, laughs, hugs, kisses, and love. Braedan's visits lit up Gary's room; and Grampy beamed with pride and joy. Gary was always a social butterfly. He looked forward to going to Cookie's Lounge every Wednesday to "shoot the s..." with his buddies. Throughout the years, Gary made hundreds of friends. To those of you who have supported our family through this very difficult and traumatic time, our family sincerely thanks you. There are many additional necessary thank yous that need to be made: Cathy Stephens and her daughter Melissa, (both friends and nurses) thank you for guiding us through this difficult time. To Robert Packer Hospital, ICU floor 2, ICU floor 7, and floor 6, your prompt critical "stroke" assessment and immediate action was amazing. The care that not only Gary received, but our entire family received during Gary's stay, was outstanding. Every floor that Gary was on excelled and even exceeded all expectations. Our family is so grateful for your, concerns, professionalism, and loving and gentle care. To each of you, who touched Gary's life, thank you. A very warm and heartfelt thank you to Dr.Kim Rickert, Neurosurgery, for her knowledge, understanding, and kindness. You are a remarkable woman, a blessing, and an invaluable asset to Gary and our family and to Robert Packer Hospital, as well. God bless all of you! Because of Gary's love for animals, In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely requests that donations be made in memory of Gary to Tanner's Paws (A No Kill Shelter) PO Box 1125 Corning, NY 14830 or to Compassionate Companion Care 204 Hendy Creek Road Pine City, NY 14871 to help Dr. Mari Delaney, our veterinarian, and her staff to be able to spay, neuter, and defray costs of services for families with financial difficulties. Gary's cremation will be handled by McInery Funeral Home, and his remains will be put in orange hearts for his immediate family members. Gary will be able to travel with all of us, and continue to attend all of the Syracuse games with his daughter. Gary is happy. Gary is loved. Friends, neighbors, and family members....... Out of respect for "Nascar weekend" and in remembrance of Gerbil Hill, Gary's Celebration of Life Party will be delayed until Wednesday, August 10th, so that his special Nascar buddies have time to sober up and be able to party with us in remembrance of Gary, Mad Man Jr., at the Elmira Elks Club (Corner of West Gray and Water Street) from 4-8 PM. Snacks, food, and some adult "beverages" will be provided. C U there! To Mad Man Jr. .... CHEERS!