Gary Francis Serino

Gary Francis Serino, from Bethany Oklahoma, passed away on February 8, 2026. He was born on November 17, 1961 in the Bronx, NY and was a lover of nature, music, cooking great food, and making meaningful connections with others. He was 64 years old.

Gary was a true lover of the natural world. He dedicated his career to landscape architecture and maintenance, cultivating beautiful spaces that showed a deep love for nature. He could name nearly every plant, tree, or flower that crossed his path. Equally fascinated by the ocean, he became concerned with the plight of the whales caused by excessive commercial fishing. His love for whales, especially the Humpback, grew with the research he did and the environmental organizations that he followed. Gary found perfect expression in two remarkable roles: as Groundskeeper at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, and as a Whale Watch Naturalist and Tour Guide at the NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Maui.

The memories shared by those who loved him reflect the essence of a man who was as kind as he was humorous, a gentle spirit who brought joy to each encounter. Survived by his former wife and close friend Elcira Serino, alongside his stepson Fernando Saad, they enjoyed his delicious meals and his good nature and thoughtfulness while he lived in Hollywood, Florida.

Gary's lifelong friend Dana Gips paints a vivid picture of their time spent together in New York, beginning when they were both just 15 years old. Dana recalls Gary's commitment to environmental causes, particularly in saving the Redwood trees and advocating for the preservation of whales. Their adventures took them whale watching, exploring the Bronx Zoo, and wandering through the New York Botanical Gardens, inevitably leading to Italian culinary delights on Arthur Avenue. Music bonded them in unforgettable harmony, attending concerts of iconic artists like James Taylor, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell. With a guitar often in hand, Gary exhibited a talent that further enriched their friendship. Passionate about ultimate frisbee, Gary regularly played this spirited game, masterfully weaving through fields, and he cheered loudly for the Mets, especially during their triumphant World Series win in 1986.

Gary’s wanderlust saw him traverse many states and experiences, besides his beloved New York, from California to Vermont, Massachusetts, and Florida, as well as Michigan, Oregon, North Carolina, Hawaii, and ultimately settling in Oklahoma, each chapter of his life filled with exploration and adventure.

He is also survived by his cherished sisters, Linda deBourbon and her husband Anthony, along with their son Sam; Celeste Molina and her husband Peter, and their sons Brian (Brionne) and Peter Anthony; his sister-in-law Renee Serino; his nephews Marcus (Luzma), Michael Cafazzo (Jen) and his niece Emily Dunn (Nathan); his nieces Chris and Kathleen Serino; Aunt Audrey Blenkle and cousins Julie and Johnny (wife Alison and daughter Billie); Aunt Lenora (Kitten) Schaffhauser and cousins Jeanette, Diane, and Lisa. Gary’s circle of love also included his best lifelong friends, Dana Gips and Robert Monteleone, who hold dear the memories they created together.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of easygoing kindness and appreciation for the natural world. He cared very much for his family and had great times playing guitar with his brother James and nephew Cy (Michael), and laughing with his sisters Linda and Susan and his nephew Sam, and his brother Bart.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother Rosemary Serino, father Hobart Serino, brother Bart, sister Susan Cafazzo, brothers James and Christopher, brother-in-law Mike Cafazzo, uncles John Blenkle and George Schaffhauser, cousin Ginny Schaffhauser, and his beloved grandparents, Bolivia and Cyrus Hakes, and Lenore and Hobart Serino. He remains intertwined within the hearts of all who knew him.

In this moment of loss, we celebrate Gary Francis Serino—a kind soul whose journey through life resonated with laughter, love, and an unwavering faith in the natural world. We will carry his spirit with us as we honor his memory and the impact he made in our lives.