Obituary of Gary G Fare

Gary G. Fare, 68, of Millstone Township, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 1, 2023, at his home. He was loved and respected as a man who was devoted to his family and friends.

Gary was born in Jersey City and moved with his family to Lake Hiawatha, where he graduated from Parsippany High School. He attended William Paterson University, where he earned Bachelor’s degrees in both Criminal Justice and Environmental Science.  After graduating, he began his career in public service and graduated from the Seagirt State Police Academy, where he became an officer for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.  Gary had an unparalleled work ethic and always kept busy with multiple jobs.  While he was a police officer, he also worked nights at a club as a bouncer where he met his wife of 40 years, the love of his life, Karen.

After a few years with the police force, Gary shifted gears but continued his career in public service.  He served as the Executive Director for Linden-Roselle Sewage Authority for 30 years before retiring in 2017.  His tireless work ethic was recognized and emulated by all he led during his career at the Authority. Gary served on the Water Supply/Wastewater Operators Licensing Board for over 25 years, was a Lifetime Member of the Water Environment Federation, and was an active member in the NJWEA where he served as the Chairman of the NJWEA Seminar and Technology Transfer Committee for several years. Gary earned countless other awards and accolades throughout his career.

Gary’s devotion to his work paled in comparison to his devotion to his family.  Gary spent countless nights and weekends playing baseball with Gary Jr. and coached each of his little league and travel baseball teams.  He instilled extraordinary discipline, work ethic, and compassion in Gary Jr. through coaching and mentorship, all while forming an unbreakable bond with his son.

Gary’s proudest professional accomplishment was his daughter, Kaitlyn, continuing his legacy in the water and wastewater field. They shared the privilege of working side by side for 5 years. His guidance and mentorship were instilled in his daughter Kaitlyn. She was a fierce competitor on the soccer field and the captain of her college soccer team. Gary never missed an opportunity to drive up to Rhode Island to watch every single one of her college soccer games just as she never missed an opportunity to give him a hug and a kiss after a hard day’s work.

Gary was a master negotiator who always expertly used creative angles to close a deal. He was a fixer of all things – the ultimate handyman who was always willing to lend his helpful hands to others. Gary regularly appeared at Home Depot every morning at 6:15 to get supplies and ‘socialize’ with all the Home Depot employees.

Gary was an avid fisherman who loved spending time on his boat and the water.  Above all, the most important thing to Gary was his family. He loved them more than anything in the world. Nothing gave him more joy than welcoming Sara and Joey into his family, who he truly loved as his own children. He particularly loved caring for his granddaughter, Giuliana, and would make any excuse in the book to visit his son and daughter-in-law’s home so that he could squeeze in an extra hug or kiss from Giuliana, the apple of his eye.

None of his accomplishments and accolades could have been achieved without his rock and best friend, Karen. He admired her deeply and saw her as the heart and soul of his family.

Gary was truly a friend to all and the most selfless man.  He made every person in the room feel important, cared for, and heard.  Gary is survived by his loving wife Karen; son Gary (Sara); daughter Kaitlyn Kropa (Joey); mother-in-law Anna Jones; brother-in-law Bruce Jones; granddaughter Giuliana; and second granddaughter on the way.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Wednesday, September 6th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North, Manalapan. A funeral liturgy will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Church, Monroe Township, NJ on Thursday at 10:00 AM. Should friends desire donations to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston NJ https://www.rwjbh.org/cooperman-barnabas-medical-center/giving/give-now/. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.