Obituary of Gary W. Thomas

Gary William Thomas (Big G), age 47 of Phoenix, NY passed away peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family on June 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born in Sidney, NY to William “Bil” Thomas and Linda (Cole) Thomas on February 4, 1978. Gary was a multi-sport athlete and contributing member of a state championship level baseball team in high school. He met and married his wife, Darcy (Bavery) Thomas while exploring the country as a part of the Progressive catastrophe team. Gary was a sarcastic, funny and kind hearted man of many interests and passions. Amongst those was his devotion to the Mets, the Knicks and the Raiders who all continually broke his heart. His work with Progressive sparked years of adventures in travel with his bride. They explored from Hawaii to the heights of the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole, where he asked Darcy to be his wife. Gary’s favorite “fun fact” was that he had visited all 50 states. Music was his constant companion, with metal and punk capturing his spirit most along with reminiscent classic rock he listened to while working at Sidney Auto Body with his parents. He loved food and to rave about the places he ate, including his frequent visits to Robert’s Maine Grille to satiate his obsession with lobster. He found his love of snowmobiling riding around the farm with family. Gary, Bil and his brothers spent many years riding the trails from their camp on the Tug Hill Plateau. Whether going too fast for Darcy or his mom’s taste, or jumping the road, Gary was truly in his element on a snowmobile. Gary is survived by his wife, Darcy; mother, Linda; grandmother, Jane Cole; brothers, Jim (Heather) Thomas and Matt (Tiffany) Thomas; parents-in-law, Denny and Deb Bavery; sisters-in-law, Denise (Bambi) Ngubeni and Bree (Casey) French; nieces and nephews, Caila, Cole, Jackson, Jenna, Jaylee, Riley, Zenzi, and Gisele (Lil’ G). He was preceded in death by his father, Bil Thomas; grandparents, Jack and Dottie Thomas and Warren Cole; aunt and uncle, Jacquie and Doug Gibson. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4-7pm with a memorial service on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11am, both to be held at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St, Sidney, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Park Foundation, honoring Gary’s love for the outdoors and our national parks.