Gary M. Ranze

Rotterdam - Gary Ranze beloved father, grandfather "Gampa", partner, friend and a true Rockstar took the eternal stage on Thursday February 8th, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Born in Schenectady, NY on July 8, 1958 Gary "Power Chord" Ranze, the nickname given to him in the early 80's, was a well-known figure in the local heavy metal rock scene known for his hardcore and raw sounding skills on the guitar. Gary was a member of several bands during his lifetime where he left his mark and memory to all that he encountered which included M-16 where Gary was the mastermind of the name and logo, he was also in the bands Lust, Tantrum, Toxic Pink, Flashback, Tommy V Live, and most recently Sonic Sacrifice, Gary's talent and love for rock music will live on forever. Gary was also an avid Hot Rod enthusiast spending his spare time in his younger years putting together different cars that he would put in local car shows or even drag races especially his most prized possession his 54 Chevy Bel Air. Later in life Gary's interest moved to Harley-Davidson motorcycles in which he owned several over the years and enjoyed rides with his buddies. Gary loved sports and was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan at one point participating in the Packer Backers watching his beloved team over the years critiquing them along the way because as Gary would say when you’re a fan for over 40 years you have the right, Gary also had the pleasure of watching his team win at Lambeau Field in his lifetime, Gary passed his love for the Packers down to his daughter who will carry on the legacy for him. Gary was also an Avid New York Yankees Fan, a love he shared with his father from a young age watching them play many times on the field and on TV especially with his girlfriend who he got to become quite the fan. Gary was a graduate of Mohonasen High School & went on to work for GE, Towne TV, TCI/Time Warner Cable/Spectrum, and recently retiring from American Tire Distributors. Gary will always be known for his fun loving personality, his sense of humor and his ability to make anyone laugh, and his love for his family, friends, dogs, and of course his guitars, especially his Les Pauls. He will be missed tremendously but his legacy will continue to Rock On for the years to come. Gary is survived by his life-long friend and partner Sharon Sitts; Children Dana (Michael) Gleason, Eric Ranze, & Lea (Nicholas) Cusano; Grand-Children Nicholas and Valerie Gleason, & Brooklyn Cusano; His Fur-Baby Dio; Best Friends Rit and Carol D'Elisiis; & many cousins and friends that he cherished. Gary is Predeceased by his loving parents Martin & Georgianna Ranze and his dog Brutus who he loved and missed with all his heart.

Calling hours will be held Thursday from 5-7 pm at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Friday at the Funeral Home with burial to follow at St. Cyril’s Cemetery, Rotterdam.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the Animal Protective Foundation 53 Maple Ave, Schenectady, NY 12302 or Out of the Pits P.O. Box 2311 Albany, NY 12220 in honor of Gary.