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Gary and his dad died in a tragic automobile accident in August 1968 while traveling South on vacation.
A driver traveling in the Northbound traffic crossed over the medial strip and crashed head-on into Gary's family car.
Gary's younger brother, Michael, survived the accident and told me he still thinks of Gary everyday. He is a Guest on our site and would appreciate hearing or seeing your comments about Gary. Or if you remember Michael - just send him an e-mail and say "Hi!"
Below are some pages from the 1968 Oak with Gary's pictures.
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Patte Marshall (Michel)
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Gary’s younger brother Michael and reminisce about Gary. As a 16 year old I remember Gary as being smart and cute and funny. As an adult looking back, I think that if I had a son, I would want him to be like Gary. My memories of Gary are not only about his good looks and his academic and sports achievements, but that he was genuinely a good person who liked to make other people feel good, too. Gary always had a smile. That summer of ’68 Gary and I went to summer school and I think we took American History. Back then we went either because we wanted the extra credits – I took a second language and took my social studies in summer school. OR – our mothers wanted us out of the house early. Hey there was nothing to do until Drexelbrook opened anyway. After our last class the beginning of August – we all said good bye and "see you in September." Most of us headed for some summer vacation. The next week when I learned that Gary had been killed – I was devastated. I walked over to Videon’s and my classmates were standing in the back of the room. There were two coffins in the front, Gary and his father. I had never been to a viewing and did not know what to do. Apparently none of us did – we were all in shock – it was very surreal.Michael had seen this web-site and was somewhat surprised that Gary was so well remembered. I assured him that Gary was the kind of person you never forgot. If you have some memories to share of Gary, please do so, too.
Marsha Mills (Ahearn)
Gary was probably the first friend that anyone of us had lost-it did not seem possible. When it happened we all could remember where we last saw him, and for a while I felt like he would just come around the corner at school and it all would have been a mistake.He always had a smile for everyone and was the type of boy that every Mom and Dad wished that their daughter would date someday. Whenever I have opened my yearbook and see his picture it takes me right back to that time and it feels as wrong today as it did then.Carl Winshel
A good guy and a good basketball player, although I did beat him once in a game of 21 in my driveway.Home court advantage.
It was still in-bounds if it bounced off the garage doors.
Kathleen Conan (Kuhn)
I remember sitting next to Gary in physics class. I know I would not have passed if it were not for his help and encouragement. I swear, after "Doc Brosius" introduced himself I didn't understand a single word he said! Remembering Gary as a very smart and nice guy! Oh and cute too! It's hard to imagine the pain of his loss and the loss of his father to his family.Susan Desenberg (Timmins)
I remember Gary, he played little leage baseball with my brother, George Desenberg. From what I remember he was well liked and very nice.
I remember hearing the shocking news, that your family was on their way to Ocean City, MD for a vacation when this tragic accident occured.
I attended the funeral. It was so sad.
Susan Desenberg Timmins
Deb L. Clifford
I was in a couple of classes with Gary. I was pretty withdrawn back then, but Gary always managed to get me to smile or laugh. I think it was in Spanish class, Gary sat next to Gigi Dix who he teased relentlessly. He would get Gigi to laugh and turn red and render the rest of us helpless with laughter. I was devastated to hear about the accident. My stepfather drove me to the viewing. I didn't see any classmates, but the memory of Gary in his favorite blue checkered suit jacket is seared in my mind even now. His life may have been cut short, but he made a difference in all of our lives.
Wayne R. McAllister
It was the summer of 68 and I was at camp Green Lane with six other Royal basketball players , finishing up our summer camp experience, when coach Mel Brodsky called us together to deliver the horrific news of this accident. We all were shocked and devastated to learn of our teammate's passing
Gary was bright , happy and always good to be around during sports activities and in the classroom. He simply was a great human being with a contagious smile
I too will never forget attending the funeral home during the viewing of Gary and his dad, it was devastating
I also recall shooting baskets with Michael in the UD gym during one of our games This was a moment I also cherish
What a devastating loss for our UD family then and today.
Wayne McAllister
Al Baldi
It has been decades, yet many of us can still see him clearly, Gary, the star athlete who made the difficult look easy, and the even better friend who made everyone feel seen. He wasn't just talented; he was good-natured to his core. He carried his success with a grace that was rare for a sixteen-year-old, moving through our school with a smile that felt like an open door.The news from Ocean City that summer didn’t just break our hearts; it stopped our world. To lose a life so vibrant, alongside his father, while they were simply being a family on vacation, felt like a theft of the future.
We realize that while his life was short, his shadow is long. We remember him not just for the points he scored or the hits he made, but for the way he treated people when the bleachers were empty. He taught us, perhaps sooner than we wanted to learn, that life is fragile and that being "good" matters just as much as being "great".
Patte Marshall (Michel)
"We realize that while his life was short, his shadow is long."
Thank you Al Baldi - love this quote!
Michael Bage (Gary's Brother)
So nice to hear comments made about my brother like this ! I remember him much the same way . I think of him daily and miss him more than anyone could possibly know. I remember so many things about him playing sports at DH and at UDHS. Remembering many of you on here more than my own classmates . Thank you for sharing your thoughts about him. They are greatly appriciated .