Gary Richard Johnson, 65, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed unexpectedly on Saturday, July 27th, 2024, doing what he loved, flying his helicopter.

Gary was born July 28th, 1958, in Lowville, the son of the late Harold W. and Shirley I. (Greenwood) Johnson. He was a 1976 graduate of Carthage Central School. A former marriage to Leslie Ann McFarlane ultimately led to a lifelong friendship in which they shared a love of their children and grandchildren. Gary was a well-known and successful entrepreneur in Carthage. His primary business was the corner gas station that began in 1976, at 16 Bridge Street in West Carthage where he also operated his garage and towing business. He could be found in his office seven days a week, 365 days of the year.  He was currently developing his property at the corner of Bridge Street and State Route 26 in West Carthage, a project he was immensely proud of. He owned several rental properties in the twin villages and had purchased and was remodeling the Sahara Restaurant, with his daughter Jessica, at the time of his passing.

Gary had a lifelong love of flying both planes and helicopters. You could often catch him flying around town, sneaking a peak from the air at his properties and of properties of his loved ones. In addition, he had a love for the St. Lawrence River and boating, which he shared with his children and grandchildren.  His boat would be filled with the smiling faces of his grandchildren who called him Garpa. You would be hard pressed to find a dull moment with Gary, he had an infectious love for speed and adventure.

He is survived by three children: Jamie (Clayton) Fleming of Copenhagen, Jessica (Bill) Johnston of Bristol, VT, Jordan (Chantelle) Johnson of Carthage, his companion: Fabiola Rodriguez, three sisters: Joanne (Dale) Smith of Melbourne, FL, Nancy (Ted) Faleski of Houston, TX and Bonnie (Jim) Pietras of West Carthage, four brothers: David (Sharon) Johnson of Carthage, Michael (Megan) Johnson of Monks Corners, SC, Robert (Pamela) Johnson of Carthage and Ronald Johnson (Laurie Gleason) of Carthage, six grandchildren, Chloe, Kyle, Zoey, Kole, Ruby and Colt, one great-grandchild, Thomas, a sister-in-law, Carol Johnson of Carthage and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, William E. Johnson who passed away on August 2, 2013.

Funeral services will be held privately by his family at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage. The public is invited to a "Celebration of Life" on Friday, August 2nd from 2pm-5pm at the BPOE Elks Lodge, 511 Fulton St. in Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.