Gary R. Mathers, 70, a resident of Trucksville, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, December 22, 2012, at Hospice Community Care, Inpatient Unit, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre.

His loving wife is Christine (Puchalsky) Mathers. Together, Gary and Christine celebrated their 41^st wedding anniversary on August 21, 2012.

Born on June 03, 1942 in Kingston, Gary was the son of the late Richard and Mary (Heltzel) Mathers.

Raised in Trucksville, Gary attended the former Gate of Heaven Grade School, Dallas and the former Westmoreland High School, Trucksville.

Following high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force serving for four years during peacetime. During his time with the Air Force, Gary was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his honorable discharge, Gary had attained the rank of Airman 3^rd Class.  

After being discharged from the Air Force, Gary went on to further his education at Millersville University where he acquired his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Arts. Later, Gary went on to attend the University of Scranton where he acquired his Master’s Degree in Guidance.

Gary started his teaching career at Tunkhannock Middle School where he was employed for 10 years as an Industrial Arts Instructor. He also served there as a football coach for some time. After leaving Tunkhannock Middle School, Gary was employed for 22 years as an Industrial Arts Instructor for Dallas High School, retiring in 2002.

Throughout his teaching employment years, Gary continued to serve his country as an Army Reservist with the 322^nd M.P. Det. (CI), located in Ashley. Within the Detachment, he served as special agent/criminal investigator and was assigned as the operations officer. In 1991, Gary was called back to active duty during Operation Desert Storm, serving with the United States Army. Throughout Desert Storm, Gary was extremely proud to serve on the protective detail for General Colin Powell. In 2001, Gary retired from the 322^nd Criminal Investigation Detachment, having attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Gary was the type of educator who completely immersed himself in his profession. To that end, he became a member of the Student Assistance Program at Dallas High School, which is designed to support students and families experiencing behavioral and/or academic difficulties.

For eight years, Gary served on the Dallas School Board. His proudest achievement while on the school board was serving as Chairman of Property. In this capacity, he was instrumental in overseeing the construction of the new Dallas High School, which opened in September of 2011. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Policy Committee, which is responsible for the revision of school policy and also served on the Joint Operating Committee, which is the overseeing body of the West Side Career and Technical Center. He also was an ardent supporter of the Dallas High School wrestling program.

Active within his community, Gary was elected to the Kingston Township Board of Supervisors in 2012.

A proud veteran, Gary held membership with the Military Officers Association of America and the American Legion. As a further demonstration of his support for the military and advancing his interests in military history, Gary recently contributed to the foundation formed for the construction of the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Gary held great interest in anything relating to the Civil War. He was a member of the Civil War Round Table and had a vast collection of books and memorabilia pertaining to the Civil War.

An avid and well skilled woodworker, Gary took great pride in making various pieces of furniture, wood carvings and detailed wooden toys for his family and friends.

He enjoyed many things in life. As a young man, he enjoyed motorcycle racing. Later, his interests turned to golfing, reading and taking every opportunity to join his friends for coffee and breakfast at their favorite gathering spots.

Gary loved spending time with his family. He always held a special place in his heart for his beloved granddaughters. Gary will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Richard and Mary Mathers, Gary was preceded in death by his father-in-law, John E. Puchalsky.

In addition to his wife, Christine, Gary is survived by his children, Michael Mathers, at home; Nina Van Mater and her husband Steve, of Lansdale; his granddaughters, Mia and Claire Van Mater; his brothers, William Mathers, of Littlestown; Daniel Mathers, of Trucksville; Philip Mathers and his wife Sharon, of Trucksville; his mother-in-law, Lena (Orlandini) Puchalsky, of Trucksville; his brothers-in-law, John Puchalsky and his wife Beth Ann, of Trucksville; David Puchalsky and his wife Jane Ashton, of Harvey’s Lake; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Greenwald and his staff for their care, kindness and compassion throughout Gary’s treatment.

As per Gary’s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Scranton Medical College.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Mass which be celebrated on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10:30 AM in Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Church, 585 Mount Olivet Road, Carverton, with the Reverend Vincent Dang, Pastor, officiating.

The Family will receive friends on Saturday immediately following the Memorial Mass.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

For additional information or to send the family of Mr. Gary R. Mathers an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted and Memorial Contributions be made in Gary’s memory to NAMI-PA, Wilkes-Barre Office, 100 E. Union Street, Second Floor, Suite #6, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; or to Hospice Community Care, 601 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston, PA 18704.