Gary G. Zema, 66, of New York, NY, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. A son of the late Sam Zema and Erma Amicucci Zema, he was born in North Charleroi on March 21, 1953. Formerly of Belle Vernon, he had resided in New York City for the past 45 years. Gary made his living as a programmer and business analyst for BNY Mellon. He was a member of the musician's union, playing tuba and baritone horn in styles that included New Orleans jazz, traditional music of the Balkans, German polka and Italian feast-day music. He also was a member of many different choruses throughout his life. Gary was very interested in his family genealogy and spent countless hours with Tom Hewitt, the superintendent of Belle Vernon Cemetery, gathering information, learning and sharing local history. He was devoted to the outdoors, always in the mountains hiking and enjoyed protecting the natural world. One of his proud family accomplishments came two years ago when he, his wife Leslie, his daughter Lauren and his brother David obtained their dual citizenship with Italy. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Leslie Zema; a daughter, Lauren Zema of Charlotte, NC; a sister and brother in-law, Beverly and Ken Shetterly of Donora; and two brothers, David Zema of New York, NY and Sam Zema of North Versailles. Friends will be received on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. in the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., (724-929-5300), 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com. A memorial service will begin at 1 P.M. followed by inurnment in Belle Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
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