Gary R. Gemmill

SYRACUSE - Syracuse University Emeritus Dr. Gary Gemmill, on January 3rd, 2025; our beloved & devoted dad entered heaven. His faith brought him home to the Lord. Gary struggled with Alzheimer dementia which ended at Crouse Community NH Morrisville at the age of 87.

Gary was born in Petoskey MI; son of the late Jess & Eleanor (Schug) Gemmill & brother of his late sisters Betty & Nancy (Coolbaugh) Gemmill.

Surviving Gary are his daughters Paula (James) Davis, Littletown PA, Wendy (Thomas) Murphy, Syracuse NY, & his precious grandson James P. Davis.

In Gary's younger years his family moved to Benton Harbor, MI; where he was a scout school monitor and won several awards. In high school he was an actor, a bass player & had a passion for cars. He pursued his education where he received his AA in 1957, BS in 1959, Master in Business Administration in 1962 & 1966 he received his PHD from Michigan University. During his tenure he was in a fraternity.

After he graduated in 1966, he received 2 offers of employment, University of Kansas or Syracuse University. Syracuse University won him over & he moved his family to Syracuse, New York, where they started a new forever in the City of Syracuse, New York.

He was a professor of Organizational Behavior in the School of Management (Whitman) until 2018; however, throughout 2019, 2020 & 2021 he continued working volunteering his time in New House. He assisted in several student movies in New House starting 2014, Manela Fellowship & the Young African Leaders mentorship. His heart was full of SU spirit & students, which several became lifelong friends. He loved teaching and having people connect with each other. He would travel abroad as a consultant or teaching at times. He loved traveling and meeting all different people. As a testament to his teachings and commitment to student success, Gary went as far as to preplan his final wishes with his student funeral director, Kevin Enea.

He worked part time for Walden University, Becker College & Le Moyne College; visiting Faculty at Universities du Quebec a Montreal, Antioch University & a few more throughout his lifetime.
He was an Organizational Consultant, Personal Growth Consultant; a consultant for Team Building for organizations: Utica Savings Bank, Boys & Girls Clubs, NYS Corrections, Mack Studios & hosting several human growth development seminars.

He volunteered to several different projects & groups, from non- violent conflict management for inmates in maximum security prisons in NYS, Alternative to Violence Project & development project for Equality Circles focused on dealing constructively with community dynamics from 92 to 96. He received awards and recognition, and he enlightened several individuals throughout the years. He accomplished publishing several articles and releasing books, co-authored Team mirroring, Cosmic Mirror, Team Being.
He touched so many along his walk of life. Our dad will be truly missed and the love in our heart will not be lost.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at SU Hendricks Chapel, March 22nd, 2025, at 11:00am.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors at 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, New York. (315) 894-8000. This obituary will be accessible via the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.