Gary Memale

Gary J. Memale, a Stamford native, and a devoted husband, father, brother and friend passed away at Stamford Hospital on Sunday, February 5, 2023 with his family beside him. He was born in Stamford on March 15, 1951 to the late Joseph and Lillian Cyboski Memale. In addition to his parents, Gary was also predeceased by his son, Matthew. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.
A kid from the Cove, Gary graduated from “The School on the Hill”, Stamford High School, in 1969. Following his graduation, he proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard where he was stationed at Fort Dix “The Home of the Ultimate Weapon” in NJ during peace time. After serving, Gary began his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. He was a dedicated mailman and hard working employee who made many friends and acquaintances working in Stamford, Greenwich and Sarasota, FL post offices. In 1981 he met his match for life, Jo-Ann, and bonded over their mutual interests – travel and sports. In 1984 he married his beautiful wife, and a year later they relocated to Sarasota, FL. Following the birth of their children, they returned home to Stamford to raise their family. Over the years he traveled up and down the East Coast visiting many places and states with Jo and the kids. After 45 years Gary retired from the Postal Service and began enjoying his much deserved vacation.
To have known Gary is to have loved him. A man with such a tough bravado. Gary would win you over in a matter of minutes, after the sting of his sarcasm wore off. He enjoyed his time with family, whether it was at home watching Jeopardy!, on vacation tanning by the pool, or visiting his sister on the farm. He was a dedicated father, always making sure to be there for his son’s games and his daughter’s performances. Gary was a devoted NY Yankee and Giant fan, who cheered on his teams with gusto. If one of those teams was playing – Gary was watching. Cooking was his passion and he was known for being great at it. In retirement, he liked spending his days whipping up new recipes for his family to try. If Gary had a soundtrack to his life – it would consist of Billy Joel songs. He listened to him when he cooked, drove and falling to sleep. So it was only fitting that he passed away doing the same.
Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Jo-Ann Gunzy Memale; his children Alexandra and Hunter; his sister Jodi Mitchell (Robert); nieces and nephew Samantha, Allison, Dennis and Heather; sisters-in-law Sally Kennedy (Peter) and Cheryl Winters; many friends and extended family.
Friends and family may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Saturday, February 11th from 1PM to 4PM. A prayer service will take place during visitation at 3PM. The interment will be private.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com.