Arkport, New York
Gary R. Recktenwald – 78 – of North Augusta, SC, formerly of Arkport, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Piedmont Hospital in Augusta, GA.
Born in Hornell on April 8, 1947, he was the son of George & Suzanne (Pruner) Recktenwald. Gary had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he actually served as a church “grounds-keeper” in his youth by cutting grass and trimming bushes.
Gary grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School class of 1966. While living in Brockport, NY, he married to the former Alana Loohn (who died in 1984). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Brockport State College (SUNY Brockport) and his Master’s Degree in Geography from the University of Florida.
After moving back to New York State, Gary & Alana resided in Arkport where Gary began his teaching career at Arkport Central School. During this time he continued his education by taking classes at Alfred University.
Gary served as a History teacher at Arkport Central School for 33 years and even after his retirement continued to serve as a substitute teacher for seven more years for a total of 40 years of educating the youth at Arkport Central School. During his teaching years he helped coach track, served as advisor for classes, Yearbook Advisor and later was the Ski Club Advisor. When subbing for art classes his love for art blossomed. He began drawing and painting which he continued throughout his life. During the summer months, Gary stayed busy painting houses with friends and a few previous years cleaning and maintaining Arkport Central School. Throughout the years, he owned several rental properties which also kept him busy with repairs and general maintenance.
Gary began traveling abroad with his wife Alana during the summer of 1969. They backpacked in Europe for two months. Then when Gary started teaching he began taking student groups to Europe with EF. He also included parents and family members. He traveled to 4 continents. Another big activity was family trips to Disney World. He went dozens of times and also collected hundreds of Disney pins. Gary’s love of collecting started with stamps and then when he was a Boy Scout he earned every patch on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. He attended scout camp every summer. As a Boy Scout he joined a special group that learned beading and making American Indian costumes. Gary honored Native Americans by performing authentic dances in parades wearing ceremonial headdresses and costumes. He collected stamps, cards, coins, pocket watches and a variety of memorabilia. Gary also enjoyed his time spent golfing with friends & fellow teachers and belonged to a golf league at the Hornell Country Club. He loved building, construction and handyman work. He also loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Gary was genuinely warm-hearted. He found joy in every day.
In addition to his first wife, (and high school sweetheart) Alana Loohn, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Recktenwald.
He was married on July 6, 1986 to the former Linda Sue Flaitz who survives. Also surviving are his children, Heidi (Brian) Lewis of Corning, Gary (Molly) Recktenwald of North Augusta, SC and George “Jake” Recktenwald of Greenwood, SC; his sister, Sally Della Villa of Mendon, NY; 4 grandchildren, Daniel Marino, Mary Ruth Ballard, Samuel Recktenwald and Lucas Recktenwald; along with many nieces & nephews.
The family of Gary R. Recktenwald will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Following services there will be a memorial gathering for Gary at The Main Place, Hornell, NY. Family, friends and former students are invited from 3-6 pm. (Please let family know if you will attend.)
Gary’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Arkport Alumni Association, PO Box 28, Arkport, NY 14807. All donations go directly to student scholarships.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.