BELFAST — Garry Conklin died of cancer at his home in Belfast, Maine on February 13, 2024. He was 72 years old.

Born in Peekskill, New York on August 8, 1951, Garry graduated from Hendrick Hudson High School, Montrose, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Garry had a long and successful career in retail, managing the True Value Hardware store in Fishkill, New York, and the Home Depot in Newburgh, New York. In 2011, Garry and his wife Mary Johnston, who is a designer, moved to Belfast, Maine where they opened and operated “Conklin’s Maine Mercantile,” selling only merchandise made in the USA. They restored homes in New York and Maine, and felt fortunate to own and restore the oldest house in Belfast.

A talented athlete, Garry enjoyed skiing, bicycling, hiking, and fishing. He excelled at baseball in high school, winning the “All-County Pitcher” award for Westchester County, New York. After graduating from high school, he was invited to try out for the New York Mets, but decided to pursue a college degree and played baseball throughout his college years.

Garry is survived by his wife, Mary.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Contributions in Garry’s memory may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter, Camden, ME, pawscares.org.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at RipostaFH.com