Gary L. Gasperack, 78, of West Springfield, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  He was born in Springfield, MA on January 3, 1946, to the late Grace and Rudolf Gasperack of West Springfield. Gary was a 1964 graduate of West Springfield High School and a 1968 graduate of UMass Amherst. Upon his graduation, he obtained a job with Spalding Sports Worldwide where he spent his career serving as Vice President in several areas of the company.
Gary was a talented and gifted athlete, and he is well known throughout the Western Mass community for his athletic accomplishments.  He was one of West Side's "Whiz Kids".  His athletic talent enabled him to obtain a full-ride basketball scholarship to UMass Amherst which allowed him to be a first-generation college graduate.  While at UMass Amherst, he lettered in three sports: basketball, golf, and soccer.
Golf was Gary's passion. He was the Western Mass Division I Champion in 1964.  He played a total of 670 courses during his lifetime and recorded 6 hole-in-ones. His personal goal known by all was to shoot an 81 when he was 81. While that goal was not achieved, he was successful in shooting his age a few years ago. At 72-years-old, he shot a 72 at Willow Hollow Golf Course in Leesport, PA, while visiting his son's family.  He enjoyed sharing his passion of golf with his grandsons; teaching them the game, playing matches with them, and being their caddy.
Gary cherished his grandchildren and could always be found at their games with his brown bear blankets, never missing a game near or far.   He took great pride and joy in their athletic accomplishments and loved cheering them on at all their events.  He always sent them an after-game recap text of encouragement which they always looked forward to
Gary's happy place was Ocean City, New Jersey, where he loved spending time with family. Whether it was having breakfast at Gma and Gpa's, dining at Mildred's, riding in the inflatable boat, digging a huge hole on the beach, doing puzzles until late in the night, flying a kite, pitching for the annual wiffle ball game on the beach, or building award winning floats for the Baby parade, these memories are now traditions that will be shared for many years to come.
He is survived by his lifelong companion Barbara Scull Gasperack of West Springfield, his children Amy Bolduc and her husband Tim of West Springfield, and David Gasperack and his wife Beth of Wyomissing, PA. His legacy will continue through his cherished grandchildren; Lauren, Andrew and Mathew Bolduc, Jackson, Isabelle and Carter Gasperack, and Chelsea and Cayla Spatz. Gary is also survived by his brother, William Gasperack, of West Springfield, a sister-in-law June Grunin and her husband Rick, a brother-in-law Robert Scull, several nieces and nephews, his best friend Jim Gleason, and his favorite dog Cooper.
According to his wishes, services for Gary will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Thomas School, 75 Pine Street, West Springfield, MA, 01089.