Gary Stearns Obituary

Please accept our most sincere sympathy on Gary's passing. He was a great asset to the West Leyden athletic program, and a fine human being.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Bedard Family

Our deepest sympathies to the Stearns family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Stearns was a true mentor and leader; it was a privilege to have been under his direction.
Karen, Mary, Lynn, Mark, and Matt Rieger
EPHS 1982-1989

Professor Stearns was a teacher I will never forget. He taught me things that went above and beyond what was required of him. My favorite part of his classes was just talking to him after class and him telling me stories of his life. One of my favorite memories was dropping off popcorn at his house after my spring semester, thanking him for all he taught. Immediately after, he ran into the house and showed off his popcorn to his wife. I know that I am not alone when I say he was one of kind. Thank you for all you have taught me professor. My prayers and condolences to the entire family.

Toni, Bob and Family, Scott and Jennifer,

Gary was truly a gifted man that impacted lives of numerous people in a very unique way. Be it in the class room or on the football field his presence reflected that of integrity and respect. Thank you for the hours you shared him with others and could only imagine that his devotion and passion for his family was far greater than his work. He will surely be missed and our prayer is that you all may find strength, comfort and even peace in the days and years ahead.

Coach Stearns was a wonderful man and terrific coach. I learned a great deal from him in high school and will never forget him. I'm out of town this week and won't be able to attend the services. My condolences to the entire family.

John Malcolm
Class of 1981

Bob and family,
We're so sorry for the loss of your dad. May all the wonderful memories live in your hearts during this time. I'm so sorry we were unable to be there but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Armstrongs

My deepest sympathies to the Stearns family. Coach Stearns was a great guy and he will truly be missed.
Laura Sutter EPHS Class of '78

To the Stearns Family,
Gary's legacy is that of being a very fine human being. His gentle ways have touched so many. It is hard to let someone that special leave our day-to-day lives, but we know Gary is still here to guide us and to stay close, as he is truly an angel. Gary has modeled a life that many aspire to but few acheive. Thank you all for sharing Gary with the rest of us. We are forever changed and forever blessed.

Mrs. Stearns, Bob, Scott, Jenny...
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Stearns passing away. I have so many fond memories of spending time with your family growing up and Mr. Stearns was always kind, caring and a great man. Will be praying for all of you in this difficult time. Brian

Coach Stearns was the epitome of CLASS. I was better for having known him.

There wasn't a better man on the earth I have met that Coach Stearns. I will miss him and remember the time I went to the Junction with him before watching NIU football. Truly a class act, my sympathy to his family

I was a high school classmate of Gary, and I always appreicated that he never looked down on anyone. He showed great character in high school, and based on the comments, continued that throughout his life. You have my deepest sympathy.

Toni,we are terribly saddened by Gary's death. Tom remembers him as a great
football player at NIU and we remember him as a caring coach to 3 of our sons at Elmhurst College. We all had many great conversations and laughs over those years. Our prayers and sympathy are with you family. With Love, Tom and Maureen Lyons

I have always had fond memories of Mr. Stearns. I fondly remember him as a coach and as person at EPHS. If a man is judged by the impression he has left on earth, then Gary Stearns has touched many students. To the Stearns family my heart goes out to you.

George Pannos
Class of 1975

Toni, Bobby & family, Scott & Jenny~my thoughts & prayers are with you all. Although I met him as Gary, I got to experience him as Mr Stearns & am so thankful for that. He taught me to drive, was so patient & kind. He was a wonderful example to all the kids who will always remember him as I will..with admiration & love.

coach Sterns was one of the nicest people I have ever met. great coach,great teacher and one great guy. he will surely be missed as he has touched so many peoples lives. my condolences to his family.
James Paladino class of '73

I have so many fond memories Mr. Stearns from EPHS along with many of his stories. He was a Great Teacher & Coach.
Condolences to the Stearns Family.

Kevin Cronin
Class of 1975

Toni:
Both you and Gary are two of the nicest classiest people I have ever met. I appreciate being introduced to both of you by the Gerenstein's. I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Stearn's was always an advocate for the over achievers and good citizens. May God bless the Stearn's family and Community during this difficult time.
Rich Skelnik
East Leyden Class of 1969

Im so sorry for you loss. Coach Stearns was a great guy and teacher. He will be truly missed by one and all!

Dearest Toni, Bob and Family, Scott and Jennifer,

Our caring and loving thoughts are with you now and also will be in the days to come. We are all so deeply saddened. Gary was truly one of our very favorite people. Not only was he a terrific football player, teacher, AD, family man and friend, he was by far the best coach we've ever known. Gary brought so much passion to everything he did. We have so many fond memories, but probably some of the most special for us are the many times (and donuts) we shared up in Chetek. We wonder if Gary even knew how many lives he so positively affected. We have lost a wonderful person.

The Habich Family
Ron, Donna, Bill, Ryan, Amanda, Matthew and Mallory

Gary was a great coach,leader,and great person. I always enjoyed working with Gary at EPHS and know the teachers and students appreciated such a fine man. Sympathy to his family.

Dear Mr. Stearns,
As parents of the Tiger Football program at Elmwood Park High School, we would like to Thank You for paving the way for our program to be the continued success it is today. Our Condolences to the Stearns Family.
Sincerely,
The Center Family
Bernie(Tiger Class Of '84), Nancy, Zachary(Tiger Class Of '12) and Christian(Tiger Class Of '15)

I am sorry for your loss. Heaven recieved another angel.. Coach was a great guy. He will be doing what he loved, coaching up in heaven. Prayers for your family.