Joseph Garrett Williford (Gary)

Schroon Lake, Gary Williford,  passed away on Saturday morning, May 25, 2024, at the Glens Falls Hospital due to the complications of the long-term effects of diabetes.

Gary was born in Albany, NY, on October 7, 1953, the son of the late William A. and Julia T. (Collins) Williford.

Gary grew up in Altamont, NY, and graduated from Guilderland Central High School in June of 1972. Gary was a proud alumna of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Wood Product and Engineering Degree and a Certificate in Construction Technology from Syracuse University.

Gary lived in the Kensington, Maryland/ Washington, D.C., area from the early 1980s until 2000. One of Gary’s proudest accomplishments was working for Artery Construction, where he was the project manager of the Saratogian, a high-rise apartment complex on Connecticut Ave in the NW District of Washington, D.C. Gary also worked for Horning Brothers and was the project site manager on several of their construction projects.

Gary started his own business, Williford Contracting, and moved to Schroon Lake, NY, in 2000. He was involved in new construction and various renovation projects in the North Country, Glens Falls, and Saratoga area. One of his favorite pastimes was his woodworking shop; he loved building his Adirondack Chairs.

Gary was a book of knowledge, always reciting facts and always interested in others. In his younger years, he was a good athlete. He played football, lacrosse, track and field, and recreational ice hockey. He used to do body work on old cars and was a proud owner of one of the original Artic Cat snowmobiles.

Gary is survived by his sister Mary (George) Egan, his brother Bill Williford, and his companion Paula Kot of Venice, Florida. Nieces Pamela (Carl) Delucia, Kimberly (Nick) Naioti and Kristin Williford, two nephews, Bryan Williford and George (Jessica) Egan. Gary also leaves behind seven great nieces and nephews: Sam, Julia, Myles, Karen, Kai, Sierra and Ellie, and several cousins, his Aunt Betty, and Aunt Fran Williford.

There are no words that can express how grateful the family is for the love and support that his beloved friends, Kathy and Steve Bridger, have provided over the years.

Gary was a participant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Schroon Lake, and there will be a funeral mass for Gary on August 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with interment in the Severance Cemetery to follow.

At the family’s request, in Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Gary to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Schroon Lake Emergency Squad, or the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202.

Rest easy bub, we will see you again, love you forever and always.

To offer an online condolence, please visit www.edwardlkellyfuneralhome.com