John “Gary” Vest, 79, of Portage, Michigan and Sea Bright, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2022, in Sea Bright, NJ, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Gary was born on April 12th, 1943 to George “Paul” and Elsie Vest in Schenectady, New York. Gary attended the University of Minnesota and pursued a long standing career with the Airlines, specializing in Food Service Operational Management. It was in Chicago where he met his first spouse, Veronica (Ronnie, nee Gira) and mother of his five children, Julie, Gary Jr., Christopher, Amy and Traci.
Gary was a long standing employee of Gate Gourmet and ascended to General Manager. Throughout his career Gary was able to travel the world, including memorable visits throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. After a long career full of travel, and dedicated hard work, Gary retired in 2011.
Gary’s travels took him to New Jersey where he met his second wife, Patricia (nee Madden) whom he married in 1994 and spent the next 28 years with until his passing. Pat and Gary spent many years in Sea Bright NJ, a place they still call “home”. After many moves around the country they finally settled back in Portage, Michigan near to his loving children and grandchildren while still maintaining their ties to Sea Bright, NJ. Gary and Pat were known to escape the cold winters of Michigan and spent many years enjoying the warmth and sun of Florida.
While his travels took him to faraway places, Gary’s favorite travels were with his children and grandchildren during the summer in Michigan where he happily participated in many family campsite vacations at the beautiful lakes of Michigan. Gary was indeed blessed with a large and loving family especially his eleven grandchildren with whom he was unendingly proud.
Gary is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Patricia, his daughter Julie (Vest) Figlioli and her children, Joseph, Michael and Ryan, his son Gary Vest, Jr. and his wife Janice; his son Christopher and his wife Danielle; and their children Madalyn, Tucker and Emma, his daughter Amy (Vest) Sayler and her husband Greg, and their children, Jared, Matthew and Abby, his daughter Traci (Vest) Timoszyk and her husband Anthony and their children, Lily and Parker, his loving nephew, Patrick McDonald and his loving niece Raegan Johnson. He will be lovingly missed by his extended family; his sister-in-law, Eileen Madden, brother’s in law, Gene Madden and his wife Missy, Jim Madden and his wife Angela, and their children, Jimmy, Jenna and Brian and Stephen Madden and his wife Cathy, and their three children, Kate, Caroline and Kelly.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, George Paul and Elsie and his sister Alison.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to Desiree Pierce, a wonderful and compassionate human being and caregiver whose love and tenderness were god sent to this family.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Gary is now at peace surrounded by light.
To my Husband, I love you more than words could ever tell. A piece of my heart will forever be missing. Your love was unconditional, and your hugs could cure all. There will not be a day that goes by that I will not miss you. I'm not sure how to go through this life without you, but you taught me to never give up and to keep fighting and that is exactly what I will do. I love you with all my heart always and forever. Patti
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