Gary C. Backman of Shenorock, NY passed away December 27, 2020 at the age of 64.  He was born on January 22, 1956 in White Plains, NY, the son of Lloyd and Muriel (Borden) Backman.  In 1977 he married Sharon Nuttall and they were blessed with 2 sons.

He grew up in Thornwood and graduated from West Lake High School.  Growing up he enjoyed working on cars.  He completely rebuilt and painted a 1970 Chevelle royal blue with white racing stripes. He worked in a paint and body shop. His keen ability to learn led to his desire to have his own business. After marrying the love of his, they relocated to Ocala, Florida in 1979, where he started his own paint and body shop. He worked with his brother for about ten years.

He was blessed with two son’s They were the world to him.  He took such pride knowing the boys shared his same interests.  Gary loved Nascar and while living in Ocala, Florida he had his own dirt track race car #27, and co-owned with his brother the infamous 13X.  Many a Friday night you would find him and his brother racing at Ocala Speedway.

They moved back to New York in 1992, where he was offered a plumbing job by his good friend Gene. Later he worked at Goldberg Plumbing for over 20 years.  Being the wonderful father that he was, he took his younger son, Kevin, under his wing, teaching him plumbing.  They worked side by side for Goldberg until he retired earlier this year.

His older son, Dan, married Heather in 2015.  His heart was filled with joy when they blessed him with his granddaughter Hannah. The first Backman girl born in over 100 years. His eyes would light up when Hannah screeched “PA”.

Gary loved to travel and enjoyed many vacations all over the country. He loved going to Casinos, visiting National Parks, and historical places.  At home he took tremendous pride in his property.  He built bridges over the babbling brook that flowed through his park like property.  He would spend hours in the back yard working on cleaning the pond and making sure it flowed freely.  He was so excited when the ducks would land in his spring fed pond for quick pit stop.

Gary was all about the next task.  He spent many hours working in his garage, fixing his cars and blasting rock music.  He spent many weekends hanging out with his brother, and best friend Don, working on some new project.  Whether it was updating some plumbing or laying tile floors, working cars or some new home improvement, he always seemed to know how to fix anything. Which is how he got the nickname “Mr. Fix it!”.

To know Gary was to know a man who had a great sense of humor.  He loved to make people laugh.  We will long remember the “Gary-isms” in our hearts.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Sharon, son Daniel (Heather) and son Kevin, his brother Don Backman (Kathy), and granddaughter Hannah.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial visitation on Sunday, January 3^rd from 1-5 PM at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY.  A prayer service will begin at 4:30 PM during the visitation.

Visitation Guidelines:

-The health and safety of our guests is of the utmost importance.

-Visitors must wear a face covering.

-Visitors must practice social distancing inside and outside the funeral home.

-Be aware that we have occupancy restrictions and you may have to remain outside the funeral home, socially distanced at all times.

Thank you for your assistance and patience.