Gary was originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He started playing the accordion at the age of 8, and by the age of 12 had started his own two-piece band, resulting in over 60 years of musicianship.
Throughout high School Gary would play at local canteens, parties, and of course, local Friday fish-fries. Shortly after High School Gary enlisted in the Navy where he used his musical talent to entertain the troops at every opportunity given to him.
On August 17, 1957, Gary married his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis. Phyllis was swept off her feet the minute she met Gary, and their love and romance continued to grow for 47 years. Soon after their first of three children, Gina, was born, followed by Mark and Donna. While Gary was known as the catalyst and enabler for many people, his devoted wife Phyllis was the mainstay and backbone of the family.
In 1961 the Air Force brought Gary out to California with his wife Phyllis and daughter Gina. After an additional four years with the Air Force, Gary left the military to become a firefighter with Carmichael Fire Department where he was the Engineer for over 26 years. He was very proud of his profession as a firefighter. The brotherhood of the department was as strong as the firefighters themselves. He loved to cook for the crews but if you asked for his recipe Gary simply replied with "...I'm sorry. That is an Ancient Fireman's Secret...".
Even though musicians were hard to come by in Sacramento, Gary's dream to continue playing Slovenian style music did not waiver. He started teaching his own children to play. His son Mark played the drums and his daughter Donna played sax, button-box, and bass.
Gary also had the talent to teach music, which included the teaching and writing of Cleveland style polkas and waltzes. He taught his style of music to over 100 people and wrote a number of songs, many of which have been recorded by other bands. Gary not only taught the technical end of the music but he also instilled in each student the importance of playing for the heart. He especially had a significant influence over the younger generation and with his guidance some have even gone on to record and entertain themselves. Above all, Gary was not only a teacher but also a dear friend to all he touched.
In 1974 Gary started the Northern California Polka Boosters Club, which began with a small group of five couples in Gary's Backyard. The club has now grown into a polka-promoting group of hundreds of people. Not only does the club promote on a local level, but nationwide as well. Other clubs Gary had been associated with included the Northern California Button Box Club, The Elks, and various accordion clubs throughout Northern California.
Over the years Gary took his music to the mountaintops of Slovenia, on polka cruises all over the world, and on tours throughout the U.S. He and his band played at numerous polka festivals across the country. On several occasions Gary shared the stage with many polka greats and Grammy nominees and winners. One of the highlights of Gary's playing career was when he and his band performed at the Cleveland Polka Hall of Fame awards ceremony in 1992.
Most important in Gary's life was the love for his family, friends and music. Anyone who knew him knew this by the smile on his face.
He will be dearly missed.
In Memoriam
