Gary Nick

Gary Nick passed away May 17, 2022. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Paulene and John Nick.

He was the youngest of three children, and the only boy. His father passed away at an early age, so he was surrounded by a mom, two older sisters and two aunts. This fostered his love of cooking. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 1971. Working in the restaurant industry was hard work so, seeking a break, he went into long haul trucking. He loved this job, too. He loved seeing the country. 

He met the love of his life, Joyce, in 1992 and they were married in 1997.

When his health was good, he loved to bike, hike, and walk. In 2017, he hiked Mount Elden. He loved to drive and sightsee and to "take the road less travelled." He was always good at finding out-of-the-way places. He also loved kayaking and white-water rafting.

He also drove the school bus for the Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church to take the kids to St. Anthony's School in Show Low. He loved that job and he loved the "Rug Rats" too!

He was pre-deceased by his mother and father and stepfather (Al Rybak); sister, Roberta, and grandchildren, Morgan and Michael Stevens; as well as family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; sister Carol (John) Hagas (South Carolina); stepsons, Dan (Missy) Stevens (MA) and Carl (Jen) Stevens (CT); 8 grandchildren, Alexander Stevens, Avery Stevens, Colson Stevens, Trevor Greer, Katie Greer, Julia Greer, Ben Greer, and Abby Greer; and adopted son, Paul (Chrissy) Green. 

He will also be missed by his "brother" Herbert (Karen) Brooks (CT), who was his "Cohort-in-Crime" for 40 years.

He was a good man who loved God, his family, and his Country. He will be greatly missed.