Mr. Gary Vernon McWethy

Gary Vernon McWethy, age 81, a creative and gentle soul, died peacefully at United Memorial Medical Center on December 1, 2020.

Gary was born in Stafford, New York on January 12, 1939 to Vernon L. McWethy and Gertrude (Trudy) Sheffer McWethy.  In 1944, his family moved from Stafford to a farm on South Main Street Road, Batavia, NY where Gary treasured his surroundings for the rest of his life.

Gary's vision for design and construction started at the age of eighteen when he built his first home in Linden, NY.  After graduating from Batavia High School in 1957 he served in the Army Reserve, worked for Rumsey & Petronio Construction Company and then became partners in in the DVM Corporation.  After attending RIT where he studied design and architecture, Gary's dream of owning and operating his own construction company became a reality.  Later, McWethy Construction Company, took part in the completion of the Genesee Country Mall. Gary, with his brother Wayne, and good friend Dick Bausch created Devil’s Rock Bar and Lounge. This was enjoyed by owners and customers alike.  A lifelong goal was accomplished by planning and developing Meadowbrook Estates on the land of the family and surrounding farms.   The project expanded over time to include the Meadowbrook Golf Course and a 5 Star AirBnB. He treasured his conversations with guest from all over the world.

Early in life, as a member of the Stafford Hunting Club, Gary fell in love with the Adirondack Mountains while hunting and camping with his grandfather, father and later with his children, grandchildren and nephews.  Family and friends recall that Gary could also be a prankster and full of fun.  It would not be unusual while camping at Cranberry Lake to wake up in the night to scary sounds only to find in the morning that Gary created the noise by tying tin cans to a string. 

Throughout life, Gary was generous with time. He graciously acted as a consultant to family members on numerous carpentry and home projects.  Along with travel and skiing, Gary enjoyed boating in the Finger Lake area.  For many years, Gary hosted numerous pool parties for family, friends and employees, and the traditional family Christmas breakfast.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wayne and grandson Eric. 

Gary is survived by his loving sons, Mark and Randy, their Mother Barbara McWethy, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sisters, Sharon McWethy and Marcia McWethy and her husband Jeff Singer along with several cousins.

A Celebration of Life with a buffet lunch will be held on Saturday, May 15^th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Meadowbrook Golf Course, 6 Woodland Drive. If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to gmcw4040@gmail.com by May 10^th with the number attending to help plan for food preparations. Or Call 585-343-0837. Condolences and memories can be shared by visiting  www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  Memorial contributions can be made to Meadowbrook Golf course to further Gary’s dream.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.