Gary J Mengle

Gary J. Mengle, 78, passed away on April 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Philip Mengle, as well as his sister Phylis. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbie; his siblings Bernice and Robert; and his five stepchildren Tracy, Kelly, Stephen, Bryan, and Connie. He was a proud grandfather to Connor, Caitlin, Morgan, Taylor, Gavin, Haley, Alexis, Isabelle, Rory, Keegan, and Mercedes, and a great-grandfather to Silas. He now joins his granddaughter Lily in Heaven.

Gary, known to many of his friends simply as “The Dude,” was a man of simple phrases and unforgettable presence. His signature sayings, “It doesn’t matter” and “you hear,” captured his easygoing outlook on life and his way of connecting with everyone he met.

A lifelong Philadelphian at heart, Gary loved everything Philadelphia sports. He also had a passion for golf, traveling with Bobbie, and playing the lottery. He always believed he was going to win big one day, not for himself, but to help others. In truth, it was the people who knew and loved Gary who felt like they had already won the lottery.

Gary dedicated his entire career to the Times Herald, doing whatever was needed to make sure the paper got out on time. In a fitting twist, he had a deep appreciation for obituaries, always valuing the stories and lives they honored.

He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Gary brought a goofy sense of humor to every room and lived life with a carefree “it doesn’t matter” attitude. He often joked that he would prefer not to be invited to a wedding so he could crash it anyway.

He was also proud to be part of a fantasy football league that spanned more than 50 years, one of the longest running leagues around, and cherished the friendships that came with it. Over the years, he enjoyed countless good times with friends at Steppy’s.

Though Parkinson’s slowed him down, it never took his spirit.

If Gary had the final word, it would be this:

“It doesn’t matter… just enjoy it, you hear.”

Gary will be remembered for his humor, his heart, and the way he made people feel. He will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am at Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, P.C. 101 N. Park Ave, Trooper, Pa. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery 2400 Dekalb St. Norristown, Pa 19403.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Gary Mengle can be made to The Parkinson Council online at theparkinsoncouncil.org or by check payable to The Parkinson Council and mailed to 520 Carpenter Lane-COMM, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home, P.C.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com