Mr. Gary Vernon McWethy

Gary Vernon McWethy, age 81, a creative and gentle soul, died peacefully at United Memorial Medical Center on December1, 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 attended RIT where he studied design and architecture. Gary served in the Army Reserve, worked for Rumsey & Petronio Construction Company.  Gary's dream of owning and operating his own construction company became a reality when McWethy Construction Company was formed.  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 a favorite place enjoyed by both owners and customers alike.  He then became partners in in the DVM Corporation with Dominic Valle, Sr. and John DeWitt.  A lifelong goal of Gary's was achieved with the planning and development of Meadowbrook Estates on his family's land and surrounding farms in 1985.   The first homeowner in Meadowbrook Estates was Gary May. The project expanded over time to include the Meadowbrook Golf Course which opened in 1996 and a five star AirBnB which opened in June, 2018. His personal love of the Adirondack Mountains which inspired the theme of the entire home. There, Gary treasured his conversations with guests 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 his life, Gary was generous with his 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 Lakes area.  For many years, Gary hosted numerous pool parties for family, friends, his employees as well as the traditional family breakfast at Christmas.

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 event will be announced at a later date. 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.