In Loving Memory of Gary Stephen Munoz

Gary Stephen Munoz, born on November 17^th, 1951, in Mount Kisco, NY, embarked on his final adventure on January 2^nd, 2024, in Sebastian, FL, surrounded by his entire world—his beloved family. He was 72.

An exceptional student, he loved the Armonk school district so much that he spent an extra year at Wampus Elementary and Crittenden Middle School.  At Byram Hills High School, he excelled at athletics where he was All-Conference in 1969 and 1970 for his “ball carrying prowess”. His lasting memories included the victory against Bronxville in 1967 which ended their 37-game winning streak and his final game losing to Pleasantville in 1970 which ended the teams winning streak. This is also where he fell in love with his sweetheart, Nancy Chiappinelli. He married Nancy on June 10th, 1972, while serving in the US Air Force. Their union was a lifelong commitment marked by unwavering love and shared adventures.

Their adventure as husband and wife began in the town they grew up in—Armonk. Quickly joined by their two children, Jason Elia and Tarrin Elizabeth. Gary and Nancy owned and operated Armonk Septic Service.  Gary was a fixture around the Westchester County softball fields, playing for Bricettis Market and later “The Hammers.”  Now that Gary has passed, it can be shared that he was the mad snowplow truck driver who piled snow in front of the doors of Michaels Tavern in Pleasantville.

Driven by his desire to live life in a wilder place, Gary and Nancy embarked on a new adventure. They sold Armonk Septic, packed up their two kids, and left Armonk on June 28^th, 1982, for their next endeavor—Alaska. Gary embraced life in the great outdoors, earning his commercial pilots license and flying high above the Alaskan mountains in his Super Cubs or navigating the rivers in his many boats, always aiming to catch the essence of each day. Whether climbing Mount Marathon to cheer on his daughter every fourth of July, teaching his son the art of moose hunting in the Talkeetna Mountains, sledding with his grandson, Jace, in Hatchers Pass or watching his granddaughters, Averi and Olivia, run around the family cabin that he and Nancy had built in Soldotna—Gary cherished these moments.

Gary’s career path was as diverse and adventurous as his spirit. He worked various jobs, following one adventure to the next. He eventually retired as a crane equipment operator from the North Slope oil fields in Alaska and from his business as an Alaskan big game guide. His dedication to the outdoors and thirst for adventure were as enduring as his love for his family.

After nearly thirty years in Alaska, Nancy and Gary embarked on a new adventure—retirement. The pair relocated to Sebastian, Florida, wholeheartedly embracing the coastal lifestyle. Gary, ever passionate about the outdoors, traded in white-capped mountains for white sand beaches, answering the call of the ocean and the ocean fishing that resonated with him. Gary lived to spend each moment with those he loved, doing the things that he loved. Even when faced with four individual cancer diagnoses in May of 2022, Gary continued to live life to the fullest. Continuing to be an outspoken teammate playing softball with the Sebastian Old Boys, skydiving with his daughter, elk hunting with his son, watching his grandchildren graduate—overall, approaching each day as a new adventure.

Gary’s legacy endures in the memories of those lucky enough to be touched by his adventurous spirit, warm heart, and boundless love for family and the great outdoors. He often reminded us, “Do not be afraid of death. Be afraid of an unlived life. Life happens while you are making plans to do the things you want to do.” Gary lived the life he wanted, and even when times got tough, he let his friends and family know he wasn’t going to leave anything on the table. To honor him, keep on living life. Climb mountains, fish rivers, and have an adventure. Above all, cherish moments with your loved ones.

Per Gary’s wishes, there won’t be a traditional service or funeral. Instead, he asked that friends and family consider contributing to the VNA Treasure Coast Hospice at www.vnatc.com.