Gary William Stabley, veteran, cherished family
Gary William Stabley, 93, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Born Oct. 12, 1931, in York, Pa., he was the son of the late Lester and Beulah (Wolf) Stabley. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Flo Stabley.
A graduate of Red Lion High School in 1950, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration after honorably serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. His distinguished career spanned public service, private enterprise, and nonprofit leadership. Gary served as a school business manager of Eastern York School and Red Lion School districts in York County, Pa., and Tredyffrin/Easttown School District in Berwyn, Pa. Upon retiring from the public school system, he worked in various capacities, including software consultant for Howard Guess & Associates, director of public service for Easttown Township, member and board chairman of Keystone Credit Union, president of Lewes Board of Public Works, a member of Delaware Governor’s water management task force, and president of Public Sector Consulting LLC. Gary believed in the importance of public service and served as state director, state treasurer, and national director of the Pennsylvania Jaycees, treasurer of the Delaware Seashore Preservation, president of the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation, and volunteered for SCORE and Family Promise of Southern Delaware.
In his personal time, Gary enjoyed gardening, boating and fishing along the Delaware seashore, and taking daily rides through Cape Henlopen State Park. He was an avid storyteller and spent many hours sharing those stories with family and friends.
Above all, his family was his pride and joy.
In addition to his wife and parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Myers; and his sister-in-law, Myrtle Opdyke. He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Stabley of Red Lion, Pa., and Lewes, Cathy Sentz (Jeffrey) of York, Pa., Christi Finney (Douglas) of Millville, N.J., and Camilla Goodling of Dallastown, Pa.; his sister, Lyn Webster of Luling, La.; and brother-in-law, Dennis Slenker of Red Lion. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Though Gary’s journey has come to an end, his story lives on in the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at 13 Harborview Road, Lewes, to share stories and condolences with the daughters.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Gary's name to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Bethel U.M. Church, 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes, DE 19958.
Visit Gary's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
