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Obituary For Gary Elby
Gary Douglas Elby, also known as “Gatz”, Dad, Pop-Pop and the Denzel of Harrisburg. Gary was born in Harrisburg, PA welcomed by his parents, Marian and Melvin Elby, Jr.
He was brought home to the 1400 block of S. 14th St., southside Harrisburg, where he gained a lot of his love for all sports and his courageous character. God blessed Gary with three loving siblings, big brother Brian Elby, little sister Lesli Elby and Latoya Newman. From playing pickup football to riding around on his dirt bike, looking for more fun and the next memory, there were no boundaries for him.
Since Gary was a small child, he had God in his heart. He was baptized at Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, and later ushered at that same church.
Gary completed and received his high school diploma from Central Dauphin East High School. He moved to Hershey with his grandmother, best friend and defense attorney Vivienne P. Elby, a.k.a. BIBS. Where he could do no wrong in her eyes. He was raised there with his cousins not only did he get quality time with his family visit from his uncles and aunts when in Hershey he was also able to create a stable income for him and his growing family.
After high school, he furthered his studies in histology where he became certified and later received his HVAC certification. Gary’s first certification was histology, the study of tissue, which sparked a big interest in Gary. He expressed his interest at Hershey Medical Center where he met his one and only wife, Lynette L. Elby. They embraced their love on September 6, 1991.
Gary’s name, looks and great character will live on through his 7 kids, Julian Childs, Brandon Harvey, Barrett Jeffries, Jasmine Childs (his only daughter) Andrew Elby, Josh Elby and LaRe Grinaway (his stepdaughter); his siblings blessed him with a nephew and nieces. Gary taught all his children, 12 grandchildren and anyone in between how to fish. When Gary wasn’t fishing, he was teaching someone how to, passing down what he learned from his Spraglin family.
He also enjoyed all genres of music, traveling, all sports, food, and most of all spending quality time with his family and friends. He has a special place in his heart for his dogs. Gary’s love went further than just human affection, he loves his animals also.
Gary was an undimmable light that was always just a phone call away. A true jack of all trades. Gary’s last days he was employed at his most favorite/enjoyable job since histology and HVAC at The Hollywood Casino and Penn National Race Track, as a horse clocker.
Gary‘s health struggles ended peacefully at home Wednesday, January 17, 2024 for his teachings and name will live on in all of our hearts forever as his spirit flows as peacefully as the Yellow Breeches.
His life will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 in the Sanctuary of Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, 2447 Green Street, Harrisburg.
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Sarah L Perez sent Small Garden Dish for Gary Elby - January 26, 2024
Deepest sympathy
Sarah Perez and Frances Jackson
Kim Childs sent Traditional Floor Basket for Gary Elby - January 25, 2024
My First Love. Rest in Peace - Kim Childs
I just heard of Gary's passing. I'm praying for Gary and all of his family and hope that with the passing of time, you are left with sweet memories and shared love. May Gary rest in God's arms and be at peace. Karen Hannold-Lewis
I can't believe you are gone Gary...I'll always have a special place in my heart for you ♥️ xoxo till we meet again 💔
My condolences's to the friends and family of Gary.
Hello to all. I'm sorry I'm late with this. My name is Ellie and I was Gary's co-worker at Penn National Race Course. In the short time I knew Gary I must say that he was a polite, sweet, friendly and fun person to be around. He learned the job fairly quickly and was good at it. He talked about his family quite often and I could tell he loved y'all. We will miss Gary very much. The empty chair next to us is daunting. My condolences to his family and friends.
I'm just hearing about Gary passing, sorry for your loss and I pray God's comfort of love and healing be with you all in this of grieving. Sincerely, Karen Rose.
Deepest Sympathy to: The Elby Family, Julian, Jasmine and Brian, Leslie, Ms. Marian, so sorry about Gary's passing.
Ms.Marian, Lesli and Brian and family I'm sending my deepest condolences and prayers to you all! May God keep his loving arms wrapped around you with comfort and peace. Nikki Robinson
Dear Wife, Marian, Brian, Leslie, family Prayers, Love of Jesus with family. Richard, Edsel, Iris, Ingrid, Barbara
My sincere condolences Brian and Leslie much love James Bond and family
Praying for family. Viola Dickey.
Praying for family.
Ms.Marian and Elby Family, Wishing you peace during this difficult time 🙏🏽 Those we love don't go away they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved,still missed, and very dear!!! Love you all Stacey D Pettis ❤️
Sister Marian and family offering our deepest condolences to you, our prison ministry partner. Society of Volunteer Women Ministries are lifting you up in prayer. Love ypu, Sis. From Penny Corbin-Hairston, President
Brian and Leslie, so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Holding you all up in prayer. Cathi Phoenix
Ms. Marian & Family
I send my Love and Condolences to you all. Prayers are with you!!
Priscilla Dawson
I've know Gary most of my life all though It's been years since I have last seen Gary his passing was a shock. To the family and friends I send my deepest condolences I will remember Gary just as I have always known him to be. Valdes Ray Tampa Florida
To the wife, the Elby family, and friends, i'm saddened to hear about the passing of Gray. He was better than most. My God bless his soul and comfort the ones he left behind. To live in the heart of those who are still here is to never die. Peace be still in your time of sorrow and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Dee, our prayers and condolences goes out to you and your family. Lifting you all up in prayer. Milton and Earlene Lundy.
Marian and family. My sincere condolences. May God continue to give each of you strength at this difficult time. Maxine Oakley
Marion and Elby Family my deepest sympathy for your loss. Praying that God will comfort and help you through this difficult time. Gwen Williams and family
MARIAN,
MY FRIEND IM PRAYING THE PEACE OF GOD OVER YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GARYS TRANSITIONING. HE WAS GOOD PEOPLE AND THE LAUGHS AND GOOD TIMES WE HAD WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER WILL ALWAYS BE FOND MEMORIES.
TERRIE NELSON
To Marian Lynn, Leslie, Toya, & Brian,
May God keep you and bless you during your time of bereavement. Take one moment at a time. I will miss seeing his face at the family reunions. God is able!
Love, Elder Michelle Smith Jackson (Pud, Matt, Billy & Toby).
Gary such a beautiful soul. I am so honored that I got to know you and call you Fam. Condolences to all his love ones and you are greatly missed by many.
Lo,Vic and the Muench Street crew.
Sending prayers out to Elbys and Spraglins in this time of sorrow. Gary will forever be missed. He was such a good spirit to be around nothing but love!
~Sleep Well ~
Nukea Finley
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends...Gary was such a good person always there when you needed him. I will truly miss him and I will remember all the good memories that we had together. Rest easy, my friend, until we meet again!!!! Denise Garell
Dear Marian and Family. I wish you peace as you grieve. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss; love Keith C. Harden
Sending my sincete condolences and daily prayers for your family. God has you in His loving arms. Lisa and Pete Tate - Harrisburg, PA
To my best friend Gary whom I had the pleasure of meeting at 12 years old. Our friendship shaped my life and I cherish the these memories and I hold dear to my heart. Gary was a special person with a big heart for family and friends. I am honored to have known him. I thank his family for being the best for Gary because that it was meant the most to him. I pray that God brings His angels to surround us all to bring comfort and peace. There are no words to express how much Gary is going to be missed and how truly he was loved. Great son, brother, uncle and friend. I love you my friend until we meet again.
Prayers for eternal peace to Gary and prayers of strength for his family at this time. God needed his Angel.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
