Gary R. Tiede

Age 78, of Warsaw died Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

He was born May 6, 1946 in Batavia, the son of the late James Tiede and Rosella Reiter.

Gary was a popular High School Art Teacher at Pavilion Central School for over 37 years, retiring in 2002. He loved his students, and his students loved him! He served as Yearbook and Class Advisor for many years at Pavilion while also serving as President of the Warsaw Central School Board of Education for 10 years. He was also a local accomplished artist. His wildlife scenes painted on tanned deer hides, saw blades, and other unique items were well known in Western NY. Along with his wife Gayle, “Country Décor” could be found at the Letchworth State Park Arts and Crafts Show and the Apple Umpkin Festival in Wyoming for many years.

Gary served his country in the U.S. Army with rank of E5 Sargent stationed out of South Korea from 1970-1972.

Gary was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, and collector of antiques. He also loved sports and was a youth baseball coach for many summer seasons in Warsaw. He was a dedicated member of the Lakeville United Church of Christ where he served as co-chairperson with his wife, Gayle, of their bargain sales. If you were ever looking for him after his retirement, either Walmart of one of the local coffee shops were great places to start!

His life was truly a success story. Starting out as a foster child, bouncing from home to home, until finally meeting his future adoptive mother, Elva, while they both worked at the old Star Market in Warsaw. Elva, along with her husband, Willard, took Gary in as their own as a teenager, becoming his parents.

Gary was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Gayle, in 2016 and his adoptive father, Willard Crawford, in 1995.

He is survived by his adoptive mother, Elva Crawford of Warsaw; brothers, John (Sandra) Tiede of Warsaw, George (Ann) Rugg of East Otto; his sons, Craig (Brendan Bartlett) Tiede of Jersey City, NJ, Adam (Jennifer) Tiede of Ransomville, Brad (Ann) Tiede of Leicester; grandsons, Jackson and Brooks; and many nephews and cousins.

Calling hours for Gary will be held, Monday, January 27, 2025, from 4-7 pm at Robinson and Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s (Dementia) Association at act.alz.org or the Lakeville United Church of Christ, 5687 Big Tree Rd., Lakeville, NY 14480.