Gary Denovchik

Gary J Denovchik, age 68, of Fairfield passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020 while receiving the loving care of his family.

Gary was born and raised in Passaic, NJ and was one of four children to Nicholas and Etta Denovchik.  While growing up, at the early age of ten years old, Gary began working at the family owned store in Passaic.  Gary worked closely with his family for many years until the closing of the store in 1996.  Gary attended Passaic High School and after graduating with the class of 1970, he enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute where he studied Refrigeration for a time.  Gary was accepted at Rutgers University where he studied Water Filtration for a short time as well.

In 1982, Gary welcomed the birth of his first and only child, Christopher.  Realizing that working in the family store may not be enough to support his son, Gary set out to find a position with better pay and healthcare benefits.  He accepted a position at Passaic Valley Water Commission in Little Falls where he was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  Gary held this position for nearly twenty years until his retirement in 2001.

One of Gary’s favorite past times was boating, he owned several boats including a pontoon boat which he would frequent the Atlantic City area with.  For nearly fifteen years Gary and his son took yearly vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Gary also enjoyed walking his dogs and taking long drives in his cars.  In only recent days, Gary was able to see his first and only grandchild, Emelia.  Gary was a member of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution for many years, as well as the Conover Family Association, and Lake Family association.  He was also a member for many years of the First United Methodist Church in Passaic.

Gary was a football fan, his favorite team being the New York Giants.  Later as his son grew up, Gary jumped the fence and became a New York Jets fan being that his son was a fan.  Gary was funny, witty and always straightforward with everyone he met.  He was the kind of guy that was not afraid to tell you what he thought and never beat around the bush.  You always knew where you stood with him.  Aside from all of Gary’s interests and hobbies, his greatest passion was for his family.  Gary would come up with just about any excuse to jump in his car and visit with his son and daughter-in-law.  He was a very special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Gary is survived by his son Christopher Denovchik and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, one sister Patricia Kerekes of Freehold, and one granddaughter Emelia Denovchik of Wayne, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers Nicholas Denovchik, and Mark Denovchik.