Gary L. Teel

Gary L. Teel, age 79, resident of Sayville, passed away on January 18, 2025.  Born to Milton and Thelma Teel in 1945, Gary grew up in Queens, frequently visiting family in Maine and Virginia, making memories he cherished for life.

After his family moved to Long Island, Gary graduated from Deer Park High School and attended college at Hofstra and SUNY Farmingdale.  He served honorably in Vietnam, taking part in combat missions and earning the rank of sergeant.  For his actions during the war, Gary was awarded the Bronze Star, and although he was injured during an enemy attack on his base and was offered a Purple Heart, he humbly turned the medal down, feeling his injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant the award.

After his honorable discharge from the army, Gary went to work at various banks, eventually ending up at Chemical Bank, where he spent 25 years in various positions, including Bank Manager and Assistant Vice-President, and becoming close with many of his customers, who found his friendly, helpful, outgoing personality endearing.  Many of these friendships lasted for life and transcended the workplace, with relationships that became deep and personal.

The bank was also where he met a lovely young woman named Marilyn, and the two were married in 1972.  Their love was true, and their marriage was still going strong after 52 years.  They had two children, Scott and Kimberly.  During the early years of his marriage, Gary continued his education with night school.

Gary and his family were very close and loving, and he and Marilyn took the kids to museums, movies, historical sites, sporting events, miniature golf, plays, water parks, theme parks, and vacations across the country.  He grew to love cruises, and he and Marilyn took numerous ships around the Caribbean.  They also traveled internationally, visiting Ireland, England, France, Italy, Croatia, and other countries.

Gary was an avid sports fan from his childhood, when his Uncle Roy would bring him to baseball and hockey games.  A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Rangers, and Jets, Gary stuck with his teams through thick and thin, and was on cloud nine when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994.

In 1996, Gary’s career took a new direction when he joined The Hampton Day School as the school’s business manager.  Gary developed bonds with faculty, staff, and students alike, and enjoyed his time at the school immensely, until health issues forced him to retire.

Gary and Marilyn put both of their children through college and enjoyed their retired years together.  Gary joined the American Legion and spent years as an officer of the Sayville Chapter, making many new friends, marching in parades, selling poppies to raise funds, attending pancake breakfasts, and helping to plan and organize Legion events.  He and wife frequently donated to a wide variety of charities.  Gary’s life was nothing less than well-lived and was a joy to all who were fortunate enough to share it with him.  He will be deeply and truly missed by those who love him.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Marilyn, his son Scott, his daughter Kimberly and her husband Gregory, his sister Deborah Guerin, and his brother Dale Teel.

Family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 23rd 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home 245 Montauk Hwy West Sayville. A chapel service will take place on Friday, January 24th 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Pinelawn. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: DAV Disabled American Veterans PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.