Obituary of Gary J. Schoonover

Gary James Schoonover, 61, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2014 with his loving wife and daughter at his side at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo. Gary was born January 11, 1953 in Johnson City to Burton and Helen (Dubisch) Schoonover. He resided with his extended family at the homestead on Schoonover Road in Tioga Center for over half of his life. Gary graduated from Tioga Central School with the Class of 1971, Broome Community College, and Elmira College with a Bachelors of Arts Magna Cum Laude and Masters of Science in Education. His first (and only) teaching position was at his alma mater. After earning tenure, Gary started his own independent advertising agency which he continued to work until his passing. In 1987, Gary began his career with Keith Clark in Sidney, NY. Gary was in his 26th year of working for the manufacturer at the time of his death. Gary also served as Vice President of the Sidney Central School Board of Education. In 1989, Gary moved to Sidney and was married to Bonnie MacDonald-Schoonover less than a year after they met on October 14. In 1995, the love of his life, his daughter, Julia, was born. Julia had completed her freshman year at the University at Buffalo the week of her beloved father’s death. Gary is also survived by his mother, Helen Schoonover; brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Sally Schoonover all of Tioga Center; nephews, Nicholas (Tammy) Schoonover of Sellersville, PA, Mark (Tammy) Schoonover of Big Flats; niece, Elizabeth (Jonathon) McCarthy; three great nephews, Ethan, James and Justin; great niece, Shelby; two loving cousins and their families and a diverse group of friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 12:00 at Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego with Rev. Donna Taylor Martin officiating. Family invites friends to call from 10 to 11:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Schoonover Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made toward Julia’s remaining years of college tuition to Bonnie Schoonover, 74 West Main St., Sidney, NY 13838.