Obituary of Gary McCracken

Gary McCracken, 72, of Upper Deerfield Twp. passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Born in Bridgeton to the late Vance McCracken and Daisy Joyce McCracken, he had been a Cumberland County resident since 1977 and prior to that had resided in Woodstown. Gary was a veteran of the United States Navy serving as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam War. He had most recently worked as a transit driver for Cumberland County and prior to that had been a machinist for Owens Illinois Glass Co., Wheaton Glass, and Sony. He had a passion for Horticulture which developed from an early age as he worked at his family’s nursery, McCracken Nursery in Upper Deerfield Twp. Gary was a proud member of the American Rhododendron Society and enjoyed tending to his green house and land. He was also an animal lover with a soft spot for cats and dogs. He loved spending time with his family, especially his daughters who he cared for deeply. He is survived by; two daughters, Caroline Charnitsky (Dan Jr.) of Mullica Hill, NJ, and Heather Combes (Justin) of Kennebunk, ME; a brother, Donald McCracken (Harriet) of Millville, NJ; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Evan, Kylie, Hayden, and Kaelyn. He was predeceased by his wife Caroline McCracken; his companion, Veronica “Ronnie” Komansky; and a brother, Richard McCracken. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp., NJ on Friday, November 25th. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Laurel Lawn Cemetery at a later date. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.