Garry F Wilkens Obituary

Garry F. Wilkens of Main Street, found eternal peace on Monday, December 18, 2023.

He was born in Decatur, NY, 88 years ago on August 31,1935, lived in Manhattan until 1950, when he moved to Middleburgh with his mother Anne (Pirnat) and beloved step-father Anthony Sandora and graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1953.  That same year, Garry enlisted in the United States Army, serving most of his time in Germany, until his honorable discharge in 1956.  

Following his career in the Army, Garry was a machinist with Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT. before returning to Middleburgh in 1965 to take over the family business after his step-father’s death.  Garry operated Wilkens Sanitation for 35 more years before selling the business and semi-retiring.  He was a partner in the first Middleburgh Oil Company for many years and several generations will remember Mr. Wilkens driving their school bus, a job that he loved.  

Garry also had a deep passion for Middleburgh.  He served one term as mayor and volunteered countless hours with the Middleburgh Rotary Club.  His enthusiasm can be seen every December, when his Candy Cane project still decorates the meters along Main Street.  Garry also served as Assistant District Governor of Rotary District #7190.  He coached Little League when his boys were playing, was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed cruising in his classic cars, a Ford Fairlane and a Ford Model A.

Garry was happily married to Carolea (Hillert-Rooney) from 1997 until she predeceased him in 2019.  

Loving him forever are his sons: Timothy (Julienne Magnano) Wilkens of East Berne and Michael (Susan) Wilkens of Middleburgh; grandchildren: Danielle (Eric) Radden, Justine (Keirnyn) Ross, Zachary (Maureen) Wilkens; great-granddaughter: Remi Radden; sister: Beatrice Andrew of Middleburgh; many nieces, nephews, friends and Carolea’s sons: Patrick (Laura) Rooney, Timothy (Lisa) Rooney, Sean (Annick) Rooney and grandchildren: Patrick, Brendan, Conor, Caitlin and Eamon Rooney

At Garry’s request, a private burial will take place in Middleburgh Cemetery and memorial donations in his honor may be sent to the Middleburgh Rotary Club, PO Box 1100, Middleburgh, NY 12122

Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC of Middleburgh is honored to be caring for Garry and his family.