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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Professor Emeritus Gustav J. Garay, Ph.D., Biology


The College was recently informed of the passing of Professor Emeritus Gustav “Gus” J. Garay, Ph.D., on July 24, 2012. Dr. Garay passed away at his home in Honeoye Falls. His life was celebrated last Friday, July 27.

Originally from Cartaret, N.J., Dr. Garay earned his bachelor of science in zoology from Columbia College and his master’s and doctorate degrees in medical entomology from Rutgers University. He achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force during the 1950s and will be remembered as a devoted father, a lifelong educator and a longtime member of the professional scientific community.

Dr. Garay began his MCC career as an adjunct associate professor in the biology department in 1974 where he taught biology, microbiology, human anatomy, and human physiology for 25 years. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1975, associate professor in 1982, and professor in 1986. Following his retirement in 2000, the MCC Board of Trustees distinguished him as professor emeritus.

In addition to his teaching he served the College as a member of the scheduling, budget, and personnel committees. He enjoyed lecturing and leading field trips on entomology. He was a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society; the American Society of Microbiology; and the Xerces Society.

Dr. Garay was predeceased by his wife of 51 years Marjorie; survived by his daughter Suzanne Garay Tulloch, son-in-law Kenneth Andrew Tulloch; grandchildren, Ian Andrew and Madeline Southers; his son, Gustav Christopher Garay, daughter-in-law, MaryAnn Garay and grandchildren, Samantha Leigh, Elizabeth Rebekah and Ryan Christopher. His sister Joan Garay Gillespie, sister, resides in Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society <"
https://www.sigmaxi.org">. To light a candle in remembrance of Gustav, please visit <"https://www.mertonkaysfuneralhome.com">.

Anne M. Kress
President's Office
08/01/2012