February 26
February 26
Thinking of those who had a hard day today.
Gary L. Uttrich, 52, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on February 26, 2021.
Born in Corpus Christie, Texas, on June 2, 1968, Gary grew up in Rockland County, NY. A natural athlete, Gary was a baseball player and long-distance runner in his youth who tried out as a walk-on for both the Phillies and his beloved Mets. He went on to serve as a "ringer" on countless softball teams and pool leagues. The eldest of six, Gary was the leader of the pack and took great pride in each of his siblings. He had an especially close bond with his “kid sister,” Kelly, often referring to her as his "twin, minus seventeen years."
Gary’s love for the New York Mets and Giants proudly traveled with him when he permanently moved to Delaware in the early 90s. Gary never missed an opportunity to bust chops or heckle someone, especially living in rival Philadelphia territory. After decades spent as a cook, bartender and restaurant manager, Gary purchased his pride and joy, Murph’s Irish Pub, in 2012. With the support of his loving partner, Deb, he dedicated his life to Murph's and was honored to be named as "Best Irish Pub" several times by the Delaware Happening. Through Murph’s, Gary gave back to countless charities and causes within the Wilmington community. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gary opened his doors and heart to feed anyone who didn’t have the means or a place to go. Gary found happiness in creating an environment that felt like home to so many.
Gary was a ray of light to everyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. He was an avid reader and news junkie who could talk about any topic for hours. He loved to tell stories and would make sure everyone in the room felt comfortable. He had a heart of gold and offered a helping hand to all.
Gary enjoyed riding his Harley, crab feasts in the summer and any reason to host a great party. His devotion to celebrating Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day were as legendary as his dedication to crafting beautiful trophies for the winners of his annual chili cook-off.
Gary is survived by the love of his life, Deborah Hague; his daughter, Cassidy Rule; his parents, Margaret and Peter Garrison; his siblings, Robert Edwards (Jennifer), Sara Stach (Max), Erica Uttrich-Hervey (Stephen DeMartino), Kelly Garrison, and Keith Garrison; nephews, James and Mathew Hervey and Jacob Stach; step-mother, Elizabeth Uttrich, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, his large, loving group of Murph’s family and friends as well as his two fur-babies, Declan and Murphy. Gary is predeceased by his father, Larry Uttrich.
A memorial celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Murph’s Irish Pub, 401 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Delaware beginning at 2 p.m. Covid restrictions will be enforced and attendance will be monitored throughout the day.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Delaware Humanity Society, 701 A Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
Born in Corpus Christie, Texas, on June 2, 1968, Gary grew up in Rockland County, NY. A natural athlete, Gary was a baseball player and long-distance runner in his youth who tried out as a walk-on for both the Phillies and his beloved Mets. He went on to serve as a "ringer" on countless softball teams and pool leagues. The eldest of six, Gary was the leader of the pack and took great pride in each of his siblings. He had an especially close bond with his “kid sister,” Kelly, often referring to her as his "twin, minus seventeen years."
Gary’s love for the New York Mets and Giants proudly traveled with him when he permanently moved to Delaware in the early 90s. Gary never missed an opportunity to bust chops or heckle someone, especially living in rival Philadelphia territory. After decades spent as a cook, bartender and restaurant manager, Gary purchased his pride and joy, Murph’s Irish Pub, in 2012. With the support of his loving partner, Deb, he dedicated his life to Murph's and was honored to be named as "Best Irish Pub" several times by the Delaware Happening. Through Murph’s, Gary gave back to countless charities and causes within the Wilmington community. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Gary opened his doors and heart to feed anyone who didn’t have the means or a place to go. Gary found happiness in creating an environment that felt like home to so many.
Gary was a ray of light to everyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. He was an avid reader and news junkie who could talk about any topic for hours. He loved to tell stories and would make sure everyone in the room felt comfortable. He had a heart of gold and offered a helping hand to all.
Gary enjoyed riding his Harley, crab feasts in the summer and any reason to host a great party. His devotion to celebrating Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day were as legendary as his dedication to crafting beautiful trophies for the winners of his annual chili cook-off.
Gary is survived by the love of his life, Deborah Hague; his daughter, Cassidy Rule; his parents, Margaret and Peter Garrison; his siblings, Robert Edwards (Jennifer), Sara Stach (Max), Erica Uttrich-Hervey (Stephen DeMartino), Kelly Garrison, and Keith Garrison; nephews, James and Mathew Hervey and Jacob Stach; step-mother, Elizabeth Uttrich, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, his large, loving group of Murph’s family and friends as well as his two fur-babies, Declan and Murphy. Gary is predeceased by his father, Larry Uttrich.
A memorial celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Murph’s Irish Pub, 401 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Delaware beginning at 2 p.m. Covid restrictions will be enforced and attendance will be monitored throughout the day.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Delaware Humanity Society, 701 A Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
Tributes
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August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
Just heard this. Sweet man. My thoughts and prayers go out to loved ones and friends
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Our deepest condolences to all of Gary's family. May you find peace and joy in each other and your memories. For his short time on earth he definitely had an impact on so many people. We feel blessed and honored that we were able to call him a friend. Rest in peace. And Gary... You know I got to say it. "Go birds"
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
I will miss our countless debates till 4 am and your advice on life, whether I wanted it or not. You were there for me so many times and were a big brother to me. Ill miss you every day till I see you again!!
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Recent Tributes
February 26
February 26
Thinking of those who had a hard day today.
August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
Just heard this. Sweet man. My thoughts and prayers go out to loved ones and friends
March 2, 2021
March 2, 2021
Our deepest condolences to all of Gary's family. May you find peace and joy in each other and your memories. For his short time on earth he definitely had an impact on so many people. We feel blessed and honored that we were able to call him a friend. Rest in peace. And Gary... You know I got to say it. "Go birds"
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Recent stories
Long distance to New York.
March 2, 2021
When Eric and I were first married Gary did a few months of couch surfing with us. This was back in the day where a call to NY was a bit expensive. We could definitely tell how much he missed and loved his NY family from the size of our bill. He whipped out his cooking talent and that NY grin to make it up. Those were the days.
Electric slide.
March 2, 2021
It was the night before my wedding and we had just returned from rehearsal dinner where we had partaking in a few St Pauli Girls when I realized I did not know how to do the Electric slide. In my parents small living room Gary came to the rescue. He was very patient. Somehow he got this two left feet, tipsy blonde to master the Electric slide. Makes me smile everytime I hear it. ❤️
Murphs Opening
March 2, 2021
It's 1 week before the big opening under new ownership , everyone is working hard to get the bar ready. It's also Ocean City Bike weekend.... Gary says I will pay for everything ,you take Deb down there and get her out of my way! So we did! And since he thoughtfully bought us our seafood dinner and drinks that night we sent him pictures of it..... lol he was not happy with us.
Any Shenanigans we got into Deb always said you tell Gary he never yells at you and he was always saying " what are you crazy bitches doing now". I'll miss you and promise I'll be by Debs side till us crazy bitches see you again.
Any Shenanigans we got into Deb always said you tell Gary he never yells at you and he was always saying " what are you crazy bitches doing now". I'll miss you and promise I'll be by Debs side till us crazy bitches see you again.