Gary L. LaGrange

1952 – 2026

Gary L. LaGrange, 73, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Rome Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Gary was born on November 8, 1952, in Allegan, Michigan, the son of the late Francis LaGrange and Bertha Edwards. He attended schools in Allegan, Plainwell, and Bangor, Michigan, and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971, serving in Alaska and Virginia. Upon his honorable discharge in 1974, he relocated to Rome, New York, where he married the former April Brown, daughter of Richard and Mary Brown of Durhamville. They were married for twenty-two years, and together, raised three children. Later in life, Gary met his longtime companion and fiancé, Tammie Smith, and they spent the final eleven years of his life together.

For twenty-one years, Gary operated the Boulevard Mobil Service and Gas station for Kekis Mobile on the corner of Black River Boulevard and Chestnut Street in Rome, New York.  He was a skilled mechanic and business operator who truly enjoyed serving others. You could often find him with a cup of coffee in hand, engaged in conversation with someone. If you needed help, he would go out of his way to provide it, and many of his customers became lifelong friends.

In 1997 Gary went to work as a contractor at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, where he maintained runway equipment. He was later employed by Rome Research until his retirement in 2024. Throughout the years, Gary also enjoyed taking on small carpentry and handyman projects, both for hire and as a way to bless friends.

He possessed an incredible work ethic—a trait he passed on to his sons.

Gary loved dogs, old Western movies, telling jokes, and scheming his next prank on someone. His family came to expect it at almost every turn, and even years later, his antics continue to bring laughter. He enjoyed competition, especially in any kind of card or board game. Tuesday night poker with his friends meant a great deal to him. He also enjoyed annual trips to Michigan to visit his mother and sister, and in later years, summers at camp with his friends George and Bonnie.

He was a devoted provider for his family, even spending several years helping to raise two of his grandchildren. He is deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Gary is survived by his children: Jonathan (Crystal) Horton of Troutman, NC; Joey Hudson of Minoa, NY; John LaGrange (Virginia) of Albany, GA; and Jeff LaGrange of Las Vegas, NV. He is also survived by his grandchildren—Kristopher, Sydney, Dalton, Myranda, Mikey, Isabelle, Sophia, Chuck, Jeffrey Michael, Caleb, and Ryleagh; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Joni (Dave) Garlanger of Sodus, MI; and his nieces, Jenna, Sara, Meaghan, and Suzie.  Gary was predeceased by his father Francis, mother Bert and brother Ken.

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, there are no calling hours or public services.  His remains will be laid to rest at Rome Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to Humane Society of Rome, Inc.,  P.O. Box 4572, Rome, NY  13442-4572.

Arrangements are made by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, N.Y. 13440.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.