Born on September 26, 1958, in Cuba, he was a son of Dale E. and Rayveria “Jean” (Abbott) Nickerson. On August 3, 1985, in Schroon Lake, New York, he married his loving wife of 40 years, Ann C. Perryman, who survives.

Gary was a graduate of Friendship Central School Class of 1976.

His lifelong passion was farming working alongside his father and then taking over Nickerson Farms in Friendship. For over forty years he raised, raced, and trained standardbred horses.

Gary was a member of the US Trotting Association, WNY Harness Horseman’s Association, Farm Bureau, and Middlebury Co-op. Active in the community he was a former member of the Friendship Fire Department and also served as a fire commissioner for the Town of Friendship.

Gary had an incredible zest for life, his motto “Every day is a good day, some are just better than others.” He ended every call with “I love you and I’m proud of you.” He will be so deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, Ann, he is survived by two daughters Andrea (Noah) Zazulia of Palm City, Florida and Ashlynn (Darion) Matteson of Stannards, New York; two grandchildren Cora and Senna; three sisters Jan (Darrell) Aylor, Lorna (Gary) Ripple, and Michele (Jack, who was like a brother) Skinner; a brother Jeff (Mindy) Nickerson; several nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Friends may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Funeral Services will begin in the funeral home at 1:00 P.M. Pastor John Francisco will officiate.

In true Gary fashion, he asked that we charge five dollars admission for all who come to see him off, with the proceeds to benefit the Hart Comfort House.