Gary Bruce Cruttenden, age 91, of Horseheads, NY, passed away on August 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on April 7, 1935, in Westfield, PA. He was the third of four children born to the late Herman and Clara Englehart Cruttenden. He was predeceased by his siblings, Duane (Ethel and Karen) Cruttenden and Gayle (John) Kratzert. He is survived by his sister, Velma (John) Coolidge, and many cherished nieces and nephews. Gary met his soulmate, Constance Erway Cruttenden, at the age of 10 when his family lived next door to hers in Wellsboro, PA. They shared 80 inseparable years together until her passing on April 27, 2025. Gary and Connie raised three sons in Horseheads, NY: Michael (Jacqueline), Jeffrey, and Patrick (Joan) Cruttenden. Gary graduated from Mansfield University in 1957 and subsequently earned a Master of Education degree from Texas A&M in 1962. He was employed as a teacher in the Horseheads School District for 34 years, where he taught math and science and eventually became head of the science department prior to his retirement in 1993. Gary enjoyed coaching swimming throughout his teaching career and eventually transitioned to officiating at many local meets. He was an avid traveler who found solace in sharing his adventures through storytelling and the numerous photo albums he accumulated over the years. Gary cherished the time he spent at his Keuka Lake home, which he shared with his wife and their lifelong friends, Gary and Lucille Smith. He also enjoyed many years as a snowbird, spending winters with his wife at their home in Spring Hill, Florida. Gary loved his seven grandchildren (Kelly Cooper, Jennifer Mansaray, Cortney McBride, Matthew Cruttenden, Marissa Merrill, Steven Cruttenden, and Laura Slone) and his eleven great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to call at LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 P.M. A memorial service will be held directly following the calling hours. Gary will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. In Lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Gary may do so through contributions to CareFirstNY, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870. Words of Condolence and memories may be shared at www.lynchsfuneralhome.com