Gary Girard Kantak

Gary G. Kantak, 76, of Cortland, passed away peacefully on Thursday at home. Born in Camillus, he was a proud West Genesee High School graduate and moved on to pursue an Associate's Degree in Business Management from OCC.

Gary served his country honorably as a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, a commitment that reflected his dedication and strength. After his service, he spent an impressive 40 years as a self-employed construction worker, a career he cherished until his retirement in 2011. His workmanship left a lasting impact on the communities he served. 

A communicant of St. Anthony's Church, Gary was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans, where he found camaraderie and purpose among fellow veterans. A lover of the outdoors, he found joy in hunting, fishing, golfing, and woodworking, which brought him solace and satisfaction. He shared many memorable moments with his family and friends in these pursuits, creating memories that will surely be cherished forever.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, William and Lillian; brothers, William, Don, and James; and sisters, Jean Sullivan and Barbara Sofio.

Surviving are his wife of 20 years, the former Dawn Tangredi; sons, Jason (Jill) and Christian (Rachel), both of Baldwinsville; step-daughters, Joan Booth of Chittenango and Stephanie (William) Korber of Ridley Park, PA; grandchildren, Jonah, Jared, Jadyn, Trevor, and Alexandra Kantak, Kassidy Loose, Joshua and Jacob Booth, and Taylor and Abigail Korber; sisters, Beverly Hemler, Shirley Hemler, and Mary Ellen (James) McVicker; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

To celebrate Gary’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home.

Gary will be laid to rest in the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.