Gary Fiala 63, of Johnson City, New York, passed away unexpectedly on December 9, 2025 at his home. He was a graduate of Union Endicott High School, Class of 1980 and grew up in the West Corners area of Endicott. Gary was a carpenter by trade and was a maintenance worker at the Riviera Ridge Apartments in Vestal. Gary was not a drummer, but he definitely marched to the beat of his own drum. He lived life his own way and would always say, “if you don’t like it, don’t look”. Gary was a generous person and would do anything for anybody. He often asked his brother to “look around and if you come across a small basketball hoop for a driveway, or see a used one online, grab it for me because the kids in the neighborhood are shooting at this beat up one and I want to get something better for them”. He was passionate about cooking, and was pretty much in his driveway chair with a beer in his hand and something on the grill over an applewood fire daily during the summer. Gary enjoyed watching NASCAR and his Michigan Wolverines and New York Giants football.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth (Betty Belock) Fiala, and Joseph (Joe) Fiala. He is survived by his son Jake (Jessica Burcham) of Virginia, and daughter Madalyn and wife Jennifer of Binghamton, his brother Bob (Sue) Fiala of Endicott, niece Lindsey (Nick Lagabed) Fiala, nephew Joe (Becca) Fiala, nephew Anthony (Dakota Katcher) Fiala, several great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Also his lifelong best buds Nick Lobello and Tony Direnzo.
At Gary’s request there will be no services. The family will hold a private gathering at their convenience.