Gary Robert Spies, 72, of Loyalsock, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Jan. 16, 2022.

He was born May 24th, 1949, in Lyndhurst, NJ, son of Madeline (Danza) Spies and the late Eugene Spies.

A multi sport star athlete throughout his youth, he graduated from Wood-Ridge High School after which he moved to Williamsport to attend Lycoming College, majoring in Accounting. After completion of his degree he met and, in 1974 married, the love of his life, Karen (Crouse) Spies, of Loyalsock. They celebrated 47 years of marriage in October of 2021 and enjoyed traveling both in America and Europe where he carried her many cameras with which she documented their adventures.

A proud Lycoming Warrior and Theta Chi Brother he continued to be actively involved with both, serving two terms on Lycoming College's Alumni Board and organizing the annual Theta Chi reunion during homecoming. He was awarded the Dale V Bower Service Award in 2012 for his distinguished service to the college. He worked the clock at Basketball and Football games and his passion for Lycoming Athletics was surpassed only by that for The Little League World Series which he referred to as Christmas in August. Since 1994 he volunteered as an usher, always stationed behind home plate at Lamade Stadium. Additionally, for many years he was a volunteer, both as coach of his daughter's softball team and as the president of The Loyalsock Township Little League.

Gary also had served with the Penna National Guard in the 109th Infantry Regiment based in Williamsport for six years.

Beyond his volunteer work with Little League, for many years he served on the finance committee for Saint Ann's Church where he was a member of the congregation until his passing.

After retiring from UPMC Williamsport's finance department he worked part time for the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy as a bookkeeper, loved playing golf at White Deer and his weekly coffee group that met Saturday mornings.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Spies and his sister, Janet (Spies) Lynch.

He is survived by his mother Madeline (Danza) Spies of Wood-Ridge, NJ and his brother Glenn (Lauri) Spies of East Rutherford, NJ, his wife Karen (Crouse) Spies, son Brian Spies both of Loyalsock, daughter Jenni (Brian) Karas as well as his two beloved granddaughters Sloan and Riley all of Pewaukee, WI and many nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm at Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 133 E. 3 ^rd St., Williamsport on Wednesday, Jan 19, 2021. The family requests that due to the ongoing covid pandemic, those who would like to pay their respects do so wearing a mask that covers both their nose and mouth throughout the service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Ann's Church, 1220 Northway Road, Williamsport at 11am on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2021, with the Rev. John J. Chmil officiating.

Burial at Wildwood Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully, suggests memorial contributions in Gary's name may be made to charity of your choice.