Garen – Close

Garen – Close

Garen was a self taught man. He started out pounding away on a green screened Apple as a kid and worked his obsession into an IT career eventually becoming CEO of his own company, MECA (Medical Executive Coding and Auditing), which handled hospital data and billing.rnHis lifelong love of music spanned from Guns and Roses to Bob Marley. He taught himself to play the drums in a third floor Philadelphia bedroom and would eventually be in a rock band. At golf he balanced his ability to bomb the ball with course management. He even learned his way around the kitchen by watching the Food Network. His wife may have had to rescue many of his dishes, but at least he tried. As a native of Philly he was cursed to love the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers. He loved working out in the gym and watching the Price is Right. “Price is wrong!” he’d yell out.rnOne summer a group of girls lived a few floors beneath him and his friends in Wildwood. One named Dolores would be quickly won over by his height, presence, and blue eyes. Their marriage was blessed by his number one passion, Hannah and Emily. As a father he made their interests his own and would coach soccer, attend Jonas Brother Concerts and watch the WWE. He was the son of Edwin and Dana; middle brother of Anthony (Karen) and Alex; son-in-law of Rowan and Dolores Brookes; brother in law of Donna and Michael Troyan, David and Norma-jean Brookes; and Peter and Christine Brookes. Uncle G of 17 nieces and nephews. rnCome celebrate 45 great years Friday from 5-8 pm and Saturday from 9-10 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro where there will be a service at 10 a.m. Final Toast Lake Park Cemetery.rn

20 Comments

  1. Jim Bentley says:

    Dolores, Hannah and Emily – rnrnI can’t even find the words to express how sorry and saddened we are to hear about Gary. Hopefully you will be able to find some peace and comfort in knowing how much he loved you, and in all of the great memories that you have. He was one of the nicest guys and always good for a laugh and we’ll miss him.rnrnLove you – rnJim & Mike

  2. Colleen Seelig says:

    We love you all! I am so very sorry for all the pain you are going through now. Hopefully knowing that Garen is at peace and is no longer suffering will help ease your pain just a little? Please know that we are ALWAYS here for you, if you need ANYTHING! rnrnWe will always treasure all the fun times that we had with Garen. He was one of a kind, and will never be forgotten! rnrnLots of Love,rnThe Seelig’s 🙂

  3. Wendy says:

    I met Garen through the soccer board (as his daughters are a bit younger than mine) and he always brought a bit of balance to our meetings, willing to listen to both sides and always trying to keep the peace – he battled long and hard with the cancer and I’m so sorry that he didn’t win this battle. He will be missed by many ……. a great person always is.

  4. Ellen and Bruce says:

    Gary was a great man. He will live on in our memories and in those of his loved ones. nnEllen and Bruce

  5. The Schwarzman Family says:

    You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

  6. Donna Omvig says:

    Dolores, Hannah & Emily,rnrnMay you find comfort in knowing that everyone that knew him loved him and he will never be forgotten for what he brought to the community as a husband, father and coach. There are no words that anyone can say that haven’t already been said. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers and if there is anything we can do to help please let us know. Gary will live on in all our hearts. rnrnSincerely, rnRick & Donna

  7. John and Patty Paolucci says:

    Dolores, Hannah and Emily, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Garen has touched many lives and he will always remain in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  8. Fritz Denlinger says:

    Growing up with Gary, being a friend and being granted the privilege of sharing a stage in “Dangerously Close” with Gary is a blessing and a memory that will be treasured forever. He taught me some important life lessons, which I use in my everyday life to this day. I pray that Gary’s strength will keep you going in your day to day lives, and know that you are in my families thoughts and prayers.

  9. Pam and Tim Segich says:

    What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! Garen was Cassie’s first soccer coach and gave her a love of soccer from the start! We’re so sorry for your loss! God bless your family at this difficult time! Love, The Segich Family

  10. Edwin Close says:

    Even before the drums, Gary, at his graduation from The Greenfield Elementry School, received a standing ovation for his performance on the piano, along with Eric Amata (son of Susan Starr) on violin, for an extremely difficult classical violin/piano duet. His roommate in that third floor apartment was his father.rnrnDolores: I will love you and your beautiful girls forever. The joy you gave Gary is beyond measure. I thank you from the depths of my heart.

  11. Jessica and Chris Schondel says:

    Delores, Hannah, and Emily,nWe are truly saddened and sorry for your loss! Seeing Gary with you and the girls, it was so evident that there was so much love and passion. Anytime we were around Gary, he always made us (everyone) feel so comfortable and welcomed. That was just one great quality of his among many that made him stand above and beyond most people! Your family will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

  12. Steve and Terri Beaupre says:

    I had the privilage of knowing Gary when I was the guitar player in “Dangerously Close”. Gary was a prince. Competent and quick to humor, willing to take on just about anything. Generous in spirit and in action. I watched him and Delores develop through dating to engagement. I have always remembered those times fondly, and to say that I was shocked by the news of his passing is an understatement. Delores, Hannah, Emily and Ed… I hope the memory of Gary’s inner and outer strength sustain you through these difficult times. Please accept our deepest condolences. – Steve and Terri

  13. Cathy Robbins says:

    I’m smiling now as I remember Gary’s great sense of humor. And I especially remember when Gary and Dolores first met at our apartment in Wildwood. They were a great couple from the moment they met. My thoughts are prayers are with the family.

  14. John & Maryanne Kane says:

    Dolores, Hannah & Emily, our family is deeply saddened for your loss. We will keep Garen and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this diffcult time. Garen touched many people and we are all better for knowing him.

  15. Michael Esworthy says:

    My deepest sympathies go out to Gary’s friends and family. I will always remember every moment that Gary allowed me to share with him. Thank you for allowing me to play music with you, I was honored when you asked me to be in your band and enjoyed every minute. Whether it was you, Mike G and me driving to north Jersey to play an open mic or “Dangerously Close” playing Kelly n Cohens, a great night, I still listen to the tape. It wasn’t always good but it was always huge fun.rnYou will be missed by all who met you. I can not express how grateful I am to have been your friend.

  16. Stella Clark says:

    Dearest Close Family,rnThere are no words to express my sympathy for all of you on your GREAT loss! I have been offering up prayers for all of you & praying God will give you strength.rnGaren touched our family’s life in many different ways & will surely missed by all.rnrnWith Love & Sympathy,rnStella, Keith, Kaitlin, and Kara Clark

  17. Mary Genzano says:

    Dolores, Hannah, and EmilyrnI was a co-worker with Gary at Graduate Hospital. I have so many fond memories of him and will cherish them always. He was a true gentleman and good friend. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.

  18. Kelley and Craig Mason says:

    It is with profound sympathy and sadness that we are thinking of you today. Dolores, we will always remember Garen’s warm smile and great sense of humor. What a man! Hannah and Emily, your dad will forever be looking down on you two with admiration and love. You are all in our prayers on this most difficult day. We will continue to pray for your strength and hope that you know how much your family means to us. We love you guys!

  19. Jessica Brookes says:

    When I think of Uncle G I think of all of the crazy times we all spent together from carrying Ricky around OC, to my college graduation party to early mornings at the diner, to family parties, and everything makes me feel the same way…honored to have him as my uncle! Although he is very much missed, he will ALWAYS be here with us! Love you Uncle G!

  20. Michelle says:

    Mr. Close, I can’t believe it’s been almost a year… I barely knew you, but from what I did know of you I knew you were a fantastic, fun, funny, loving, caring, sweet man who would do anything for anyone. I really appreciate all your efforts for me to play soccer on your team. We all miss and love you SO much <3333 I know you're watching over all of us, though (: rest easy <3