Gary J Windt (1955-Mar 14, 2026)
Gary J. Windt, a lifelong resident of Morris Plains, New Jersey, passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 70 surrounded by the love of his family and community after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary graduated from Morristown High School in 1974.
Gary proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, beginning a lifetime defined by service, dedication, and quiet strength.
Gary’s career reflected his honest work ethic and charismatic spirit. He worked as a heavy machine operator, later owned and operated his own trucking company, and most recently was employed as a Municipal Sales Associate with Tony Sanchez Ltd. in Ledgewood, New Jersey.
Gary devoted much of his life to serving his hometown in countless meaningful ways. He was a lifelong and committed member of the Morris Minute Men First Aid Squad following his high school graduation, generously giving his time to help neighbors in times of need. He also coached his children in Little League, is an inductee in the Morris Plains Little League Hall of Fame, and served as a Borough School baseball coach, positively influencing the lives of many young athletes.
His commitment to community continued through more than ten years of service on the Morris Plains Recreation Commission and over 25 years as a dedicated member of the Morris Plains Memorial Day Parade Committee. In recognition of his unwavering devotion to the town he loved, Gary was awarded a key to the town and honored as Grand Marshal of the parade in 2024. He also volunteered with the Morris Plains Teen Center and faithfully donated his time and his truck to support mission work in Starks, Maine through The Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains.
Gary was known to all as a kind, genuine, and dependable presence. He formed lasting friendships wherever he went and served as a mentor and role model to many. He will be deeply missed by longtime friends, neighbors, and the community he cared for so deeply. While his family will forever feel the absence of his physical presence, they take comfort in the memories he created and the inspiration he leaves behind.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Carmen “Marcia” Windt (Vazquez); his son, Gary “Skip” Windt, and daughter‑in‑law Lindsay; his daughter, Katie Fitzpatrick (Windt), and son‑in‑law TJ; and his cherished granddaughters, Virginia, Jameson, and Claire, along with another granddaughter expected in September. He is also survived by his mother, Valerie Windt (Franklin); his sister, Joni Saathoff (Windt), and brother‑in‑law Jimmy; his brother, Scott Windt, and sister‑in‑law Debbie; his brother‑in‑law Mike Fitzgerald; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Gary J Windt died on March 14, 2026.
He is predeceased by his father, Arthur Windt; his brother, Arthur “Skipper” Windt; his sister, Tracy Fitzgerald (Windt); his father‑in‑law, Jose Vazquez; and his brother‑in‑law, Tony Vazquez.
Gary’s legacy of service, humility, and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.
The family requests that donations be made in Gary’s memory to the Morris Minute Men Emergency Medical Services at: morrisminutemen.org/donate.
A funeral service was held at The Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains on Friday, March 20 followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum, East Hanover, NJ.
