Gary Robert Mancuso July 5, 1936 to October 11, 2025 Gary Robert Mancuso, 89, of Texas, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence, dedication to community, and a lifelong passion for horses. Born in Utica, New York, on July 5, 1936, Gary was the son of the late Arthur and Florence (Cosco) Mancuso. He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Mancuso, Jr. (Artie). Gary attended local community schools in Utica and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School. He furthered his education at Niagara University before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. During his military service, he was stationed at numerous bases stateside before completing an extended tour in Korea. Following his discharge, Gary pursued his passion for engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Physics, cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickinson University. His thirst for knowledge continued with postgraduate work in civil and mechanical engineering and science at New York University, as well as computer science systems, program analysis, and design at the University of Dallas. Gary maintained his license as a Professional Engineer throughout his life. He was a member of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the Rotary Club. Gary built an impressive career in construction management spanning several decades, supervising the construction of air ports, hospitals, retail businesses, and libraries throughout the United States. He began at J.W. Ryan Construction Company, where he steadily advanced through the ranks from Field Engineer to Southwest Regional Manager. He later worked for Mediplex Medical Building Corporation before serving as Senior Vice President of Contract Negotiations for Universal Medical Buildings from1988 until his retirement. Beyond his professional achievements, Gary found great joy in his second career as a rancher and horse breeder. In 1980, he established Magnolia Pear Ranch, where he bred and showed quarter and paint horses with remarkable success. Three stallions from his ranch were National Halter Champions of the American Paint horse Association, and one stallion achieved the Texas State Paint Horse All-Around Horse designation. Gary is survived by his wife, Peggy Jean Mancuso; his sister, Anne Ayers; his brother, David Mancuso and wife, Lynda; his daughter, Penelope Anne Sturdevant and husband, Keith; his granddaughter, Pandora Anne Driscoll and husband, Shawn; and his grandson, Daniel Driscoll; his great-grandson, Kade Driscoll; his stepson, David McFarland Amann and wife, Keli, and their sons Ryan and Sean; his stepdaughter, Laura Rachel Harder and husband, Scott; his stepson, Robert Daniel Amann and wife, Whitney, and their son Robert Daniel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gary will be remembered for his keen intellect, his unwavering work ethic, his love of horses, and his devotion to his wife and his community. Gary’s remarkable journey from the streets of Utica to the ranches of Texas reflects a life well-lived and a man who embraced every opportunity with determination and grit.