Gary V. Foster, 74, of Sidney Center, NY, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family in the time leading up to his passing.

Gary was born on June 28, 1951, in Sidney, NY, to Victor and Ruth Foster. He grew up in Bainbridge, NY, and graduated from Bainbridge/Guilford High School in 1970.

Gary worked at Bendix for several years, and later for Sidney Central Schools until his retirement in 2013.

Throughout his life, Gary was known for his colorful sense of humor, his generosity toward others, and his beautiful woodworking skills. In his later years, he often used that talent to create benches to honor the memory of some of his Sidney Center friends.

He found the greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He loved watching their sporting events, took great pride in their accomplishments, and enjoyed playing games, Barbies, and trains with them.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, and his memory will continue to bring warmth and peace to those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathie; his children, James (Lauren) of Knob Noster, MO, Brian (Hilary) of Bainbridge, NY, and Shawn (Jennifer) of Hanahan, SC; his grandchildren, Kiersten (Chase) Hagle, Kellen (Kinzie), Cohn, Nolan, Tillie, Olivia, and bonus grandson Brennan; his sister, Vickie (Mitch) Glover; his brother, Dale; sister-in-law, Beverly (Edgar) Watson; brother-in-law, David (Sarah) Vermilyea; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Ruth Vermilyea; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Vermilyea.

Burial will be in the spring at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge, NY.

A celebration of life will take place on June 28, 2026, which would have been his 75th birthday, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Cultural Center in Sidney, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sidney Center Fire Department or the Sidney Center Family and Friends Church in Gary’s memory. C.H. Landers Funeral Home is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Chenango Memorial Hospital and Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their care during the last weeks of his life.