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Gary W. McDowell

Date of Death: July 8, 2026

service

Service
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Saturday 8/8, 2:00 pm

memorial

Memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street
Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601

Gary W. McDowell passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Born and raised in Maywood, NJ, Gary graduated from Bogota High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 1971. He later completed the Stonier School of Banking program at the University of Delaware before beginning a distinguished 40-year career in banking. Over the decades, he contributed his expertise to Lakeland Bank in Oak Ridge, Citizens First Bank of Glen Rock, and First National State Bank of New Jersey in Newark.

Gary proudly served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1971 to 1977. Deeply committed to service, he volunteered for six years on the Morris County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, helping support families and strengthen his community.

For many years, Gary and his family made their home in West Milford, NJ. Upon retiring, he and his wife Janet settled in Lake Frederick, Virginia in 2018, where they quickly became active members of the community. Gary served as treasurer of the Lake Frederick Travel Club and contributed his time and insight as a member of the HOA Architectural Committee.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Janet; his son Ryan (Lanette); his daughter Kelly Anne Kennedy (Patrick); and his four beloved grandchildren—Keira, Ian, Andrew, and Samantha. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Manzi (John), and his brothers Brian (Toni Ann), and David. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Ann and Walter McDowell.

A lifelong Mets fan and an enthusiastic billiards player, Gary found his greatest joy in time spent with his grandchildren—cheering at their games, celebrating their achievements, and being present for every moment he could. His dedication and steady kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Service on Saturday August 8 at 2:00pm with Pastor David Witt officiating at Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst St., Winchester, VA 22601.  Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601.

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The Dalelio’s
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Ryan McDowell
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The Rosen Family
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Susan Gross
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William & Cheryl Haedrich
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Harry and Marian Romano Light a candle
Light a Candle
Service
Amherst Chapel
1600 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
Map
Saturday 8/8, 2:00 pm
Memorial

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Blue Ridge Hospice
333 W. Cork Street
Suite 405
Winchester, VA 22601

Gary W. McDowell passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Born and raised in Maywood, NJ, Gary graduated from Bogota High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 1971. He later completed the Stonier School of Banking program at theContinue Reading

See Condolences
The Dalelio’s left a message on July 15, 2026:
In memory of Gary W. McDowell, The Dalelio’s lit a candle
Ryan McDowell left a message on July 15, 2026:
In memory of Gary W. McDowell, Ryan McDowell lit a candle
The Rosen Family left a message on July 15, 2026:
Dear Janet, Ryan, Lanette, and Kelly, We are so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. We love you all and our prayers are with you and your families. Love, The Rosen Family
Jason Bush left a message on July 15, 2026:
Gary was one of the nicest people that I have ever had the good fortune to know. I am greatly saddened by his passing. I would like to convey my sincere condolences to his wife Janet, his children, and his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him, and especially in our community. Rest in peace my friend.
Susan Gross left a message on July 14, 2026:
My deepest sympathy. May Gary rest in eternal peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Patricia Reciulschi left a message on July 14, 2026:
I’m glad we got the chance to make some fun memories! He was a very nice man to me always, I’ll miss him not joining us…….
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Harry and Marian Romano left a message on July 14, 2026:
We first met Janet and Gary at a neighborhood picnic in 2019. We made an instant connection because we were all from New Jersey. As the years passed, our friendship grew. We came to know Gary as a kind, gentle person, and one of the nicest people we have ever met. He will be deeply missed.
William & Cheryl Haedrich left a message on July 14, 2026:
Our sincere condolences to all of the families and to all his friends. We will always remember Gary’s laugh and gentle personality 💔🥹 our hearts are broken. We can’t believe this has happened to such a sweet , intelligent, loving gentleman. May he rest in eternal peace
James and Deborah mizeski left a message on July 14, 2026:
From good friends to good friends. You will be greatly missed. May God keep you in peace and to your beautiful family too.
Harry and Marian Romano left a message on July 14, 2026:
Lighting this candle in loving memory of our dear friend Gary. Our deepest sympathy to Janet, his children, grandchildren, and all his family. 💕🙏🏻
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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