Gary Stellitano, beloved husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend and colleague, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on June 27, 2024, at the age of 53. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength that touched the lives of all who knew him.
Gary was born on October 21, 1970, in Princeton, NJ, and spent his childhood in Hopewell, NJ, surrounded by family and friends. He graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School in 1988. After graduating, Gary went on to build a notable life, which included buying a mountaintop and building his treehouse in the woods, where he spent his life with his wife of 25 years, Sharyn, and their two beautiful children, Riley and Sawyer.
Family was everything to Gary and he was devoted to his parents Betty and Rocco; brothers Guy and Glenn; parents-in-law, Lynne, Dick, Jeff and Anne; Cousin Jenny; sisters-in-law, Annie, Debbie, Jessie, Sammy and Holly; many assorted brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews; and his surviving loyal hunting partner, Dixie the dog – all of whom he loved dearly. He is survived by an incredibly wide circle of friends whose lives he enriched with his love and generosity, and who loved him in return.
Having worked in the heating and air conditioning trade since he was 17, Gary, in partnership with Sharyn, started Stellitano Heating & Air Conditioning in 1995. Over the years, their family business grew exponentially, becoming a trusted and go-to resource for their community and easily identified by the distinctive red trucks seemingly always on the roads around the county. He was passionate about the HVAC trade and passed his knowledge and passion on to everyone he worked with. He genuinely loved and respected each member of his work family and dedicated his time to the betterment of everyone who worked with him.
A devoted family man, Gary was a loving and adoring husband of Sharyn. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Gary was a dedicated father to Riley and Sawyer, whom he raised with wisdom, patience, and endless love. He shared his love of travel, the outdoors and adventure with them, sharing ski trips, camping, fishing, hunting and hiking. He was incredibly proud of his children and the amazing young adults they have become.
Gary was known for his quick wit, easy smile, gentle demeanor, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Gary was always “on call” for his family and friends’ mechanical confusions and mishaps.
In addition to his devotion to family and business, Gary was an active volunteer in his community. He spent numerous hours mentoring young people with 4H and was Vice President of Colonial Sportsmen’s Club. He also spent many hours enjoying his lifelong hobbies of hunting and shooting with the Sohiwe Gunclub.
The Stellitano homestead is a favorite gathering place for creating memories and traditions, including these greatest hits: Easter dinner, complete with Gary’s famous egg hunt, with his several coveted “money eggs,” that kids and adults alike competed to find; Thanksgiving dinner with many homemade pies and an extended table open to family and friends; and the annual Christmas Eve celebration, complete with music, laughter and Chinese takeout.
The loss of Gary leaves a void in our hearts. He will be dearly missed and will always be remembered for his enduring love, and integrity, as well as the profound impact he made on everyone lucky enough to have known him.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Betty and Rocco, and his brother Glenn.
Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Gary, honor his memory and share stories of his remarkable life Friday, July 5th, 6pm -8pm and Saturday, July 6th, 10am-11am at Wilson-Apple Funeral Home 2560 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ.. A prayer service will begin at 11am followed by burial at Highland Cemetery, Hopewell. Condolences are welcome at www.wilsonapple.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hunterdon County Spot On Shooters 4-H Club.
