Obituary of Gary E. Preston

Gary E. Preston - Canandaigua, NY 1937 - 2025 On May 29, 2025, Gary passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Gary was born February 26, 1937 in Deerfield, PA, to the late Claude and Evelyn Preston. He is also predeceased by his brother Dale Preston. Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife Annette Preston, his daughters Jacquelyn Preston, Barbara "Bobbie" (Kathy) Preston-Lavender, Susan (Brian) Picchi, Tracey (Jim) James, his stepchildren Terry (Haley) Wirth, Jacqueline (Greg) Lawrence and Carol Mirabelli, his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gary graduated from Spencerport high school in 1955. He then joined the Air Force where he became a pilot. Gary dedicated 26 years of his life to a distinguished career as a New York State Trooper. He spent much of his career at Troop E, flying both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. He also worked as an investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and later in his career he advanced to Lt. Colonel at Troop H (NYSP headquarters) in Albany, N.Y., where he oversaw the NYSP Aviation unit and ultimately retired in 1988. Gary went on to work for the Federal Aviation Administration managing the Flight Standards District Offices from 1988 - 2002. Gary was a talented photographer, woodworker and an avid fisherman. He and Annette enjoyed traveling to Europe, exploring many beautiful countries where he took some amazing photographs. Their true love was their home away from home overlooking Sanibel Island, Florida, where Gary spent many peaceful days on the fishing pier and evenings enjoying their favorite restaurants. They loved entertaining and graciously sharing their little slice of paradise with family and friends. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in his care over the past several years, particularly the Canandaigua Emergency Squad. Friends may call Friday, June 6, from 9-11 AM at Fuller Funeral Home, Inc. 190 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua. An 11 AM memorial service will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canandaigua Emergency Squad, 233 N. Pearl Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or online at www.canandaiguaes.org To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com