Gary James Wallick, age 64, of Dover, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Delaware Hospice Center, Milford.
Gary was born March 29, 1960, in Salisbury, Maryland.
He served in the United States Navy from 1984 to 1991 in the Submarine Service and the United States Naval Reserve from 1991 to 1997. Gary served on board the USS Bergall (SSN667) as a communication supervisor from 1986 to 1991. While working at Georgetown Yacht Basin, as a Marine mechanic, he successfully piloted a 38' cutter rig from Nantucket, RI to Georgetown, MD in the aftermath of Hurricane Bob in 1992.
In 1980 he purchased the Den Restaurant in Milford, DE which he operated until 1982. In 1982 he renovated a Circa 1930 feed/grain warehouse in Milford and opened Gary's Dockside Restaurant which he operated until 1984.
Gary has been a funeral director since 1993 for Torbert Funeral Chapels, Dover and Vice President for 30 years, handling over 1000 cases. He was the overseas manager for the funeral home, providing logistic support for many corporations and agencies who lost personnel overseas, notably American Airline #77 on 911. He also owned St. Jones Mini Storage in Dover, founded in 1993.
He was a founding member of the Seditio Wine Club in 2006, and founder of the Delaware Submarine Association in 2016. Gary was a member of the USS Bergall (SSN667) Society and member and trustee of the USSVI Mid Atlantic Base.
Gary had many expeditions and adventures. Some of his fondest were exploring Hong Kong with his sister Patti and spending his 37th birthday with her in Kathmandu, and a Himalayan Trek. He also loved diving with his brother Bill in several tropical locations and he spent 15 years of sports car racing in the MBCA/SCCA driving his beloved Mercedes coupe.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris J. Truitt Torbert; his brother, Franklin R. Wallick "Randy", Uncle Bill Truitt and his wife Mary Truitt and lifelong friend "Big John" Yaruth.
He is survived by his dad, William C. Torbert, Jr. (Joyce) of Dover; siblings, Lisa H. Torbert of Lewes, DE, Patricia "Patti" Olenik (Danny) of Kennett Square, PA; William C. Torbert (Lisa Stoner-Torbert) of Smyrna and Sharon L. Belleville (Yvan) of Canaan, VT; cousins, Gregory Truitt (Melissa), John Horrell (Stephanie), Paige and Cambell Truitt; numerous nieces and nephews, especially Elena and Steven Mason and Jim and Cheryl Turner for their support over the last several years, and a large extended family. Gary also leaves behind his main dog Tucker!
Memorial services will be held at 2PM, Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. A visitation will be from 12-2. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Delaware Submarine Association, 607 Brookfield Dr., Dover, DE 19901. Attn. Theo Dressler.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com