Peacefully on October 27, 2026, formerly of Audubon, NJ.  He was 73 years old. 

Beloved son of the late Rita (nee Pinto) and the late Rocco D. LaPergola.  Dear brother of Kevin J. (Linda) LaPergola.  Dear uncle of Amanda LaPergola-Bernhard (Matt), Joshua (Concetta) LaPergola and Samantha (Kyle) Kouhoupt.  He is lovingly survived by great nieces and nephews.

Gary began his 73 year journey on October 4, 1953, in the Esposito Home, a small local hospital in Hammonton, NJ.  In July 1954, Gary, his brother Kevin, mother Rita and father Rocco made the move to Walnut Street in Audubon.

Once Gary began walking, there was no stopping him. From dawn till dusk, you could count on finding Gary at the local baseball fields and basketball courts. What great preparation for his success at Bishop Eustace Prep and on the collegiate courts! The basketball courts hold memories of summer pickup games, countless practice shots and dribble/pass, hand and foot work. Gary was quick with a smile, a joke, a tune and an invitation to lunch. His buddies are numerous, were faithful to the end.

A handsome rogue, Gary had endless charm. From grade school on, his romances are legendary. His passion for a life less ordinary brought him to Slovenia, to Greece, to anywhere with a beach and sunshine. His love for adventure made it to print in debut novel, “A Rose To a Kill”

His skill with a basketball, and his gregarious, nature put him into the career he was singularly prepared for: personal trainer and basketball shooting and ball handling instructor. The perfect person to conceive, design, produce and market “The Perfect Release”, his patented shooting glove.

Parkinson’s disease struck early. Gary fought long and hard against the disease that robbed him of the agility and strength that were the hallmarks of his game. He will always be remembered for the life and joy he brought to all who had the good luck to know him.

Gary's funeral services and inurnment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements by FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, Collingswood and Audubon, NJ.