Obituaries
Gary P. Hufford, 72
December 12, 2024
Gary P. Hufford, a man full of energy who loved life and made everyone smile, has joined his partner, George, in heaven. He was known to many in Lancaster, PA, as a friend, a restaurateur, and one of the best bartenders.
He left us suddenly on Thursday, December 12, 2024, without pain or suffering. He was 72 years old and could do cartwheels around 32 years olds. He was born in Wilmington, DE, on March 28, 1952, the son of the late Sherwood Leroy and Emilie May (Peirson) Sr.
Gary was preceded in death by his partner, George F. Centini, Jr. Together, they founded several well-known restaurants in Lancaster, PA, including The Loft, Tally Ho, Molly’s Pub, and Character’s Pub. They also owned a Bed & Breakfast named Lofty Acres in Wakefield, PA.
Gary was naturally gifted at entertaining, cooking, and gardening. His love for hosting and entertaining created both lifelong and one-time memories for thousands of customers and friends. He always remembered his internship at Longwood Gardens, where he learned the beauty of the outdoors at a young age, particularly gardening, potting, and adding fun and decorative garnishes to drinks during his 50-plus years as a bartender. He took his role seriously as the gardener at The Steeple House for over 20 years.
Gary’s positive attitude, relentless energy, sense of humor, smile, and presence improved every party. In addition to being your favorite private bartender for the past 16 years, he most recently helped Joe Hess at Cracked Pepper.
Many of his friends will remember him fondly. He is survived by a brother, Sherwood L. Hufford, Jr., husband of Merle, of Galena, MD; two nephews, Stephen A. Hufford, husband of Melissa, of Galena, MD; and Vernon “Dean” Hufford, husband of Janet, of Elkton, MD; three great nieces, Jaime Hufford, Cassidy Marcon, Rylee Hufford, and a great nephew Austin Hufford; and a sister-in-law, Elsie Hufford.
In true Gary fashion, all are invited to a casual drop-in gathering on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM—4:00 PM at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. Gary’s wish was that there be no funeral service, so we will gather to remember, share memories and honor a great man and his life with family and friends.
In honor of Gary’s love for flowers and gardening, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Longwood Gardens PO BOX 501 Kennett Square, PA 19348 or online at https://longwoodgardens.org/support/honor-and-memorial-gifts
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
January 24, 2025
Your spirit, hospitality and grace always will be missed. Rest in peace wishing all the best! Friends & family. Janyce & Steve Nenadovich
January 16, 2025
A Blessing and a life well lived. Much love and respect.
Vincent R Eshelman
December 24, 2024
Gary you were always so kind to my brother and I when you worked in our house. You will be missed and thank you for everything.
Pierce Leaman
December 23, 2024
Gary,
Oh what a shock it was to hear of your passing.
We will remember your smiles and hugs, you lit up a room no matter where you were.
Thanks for always lifting my spirits when I would text you with updates on Teddy’s dementia.
You’re back with Georgie smiling down on us each and everyday.
You are safely home in heaven, though you will be missed by many. You did not mean to cause anyone pain. Your work that you were meant to do on earth had all been done. You’re safely home in heaven, where eternal peace is yours.
Until we meet again.
Teddy and Trudie Centini
December 23, 2024
Gary was gifted with the magic of spreading happiness to all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his amazing presence…..with a many decade relationship as friends his energy field was all encompassing!!
Jeff LeFevre & Stephanie Shertzer Lawson
December 22, 2024
Just met him recently at an Old Lancaster event and he definitely left me with a lifelong memory. So sorry to hear of his passing
Mark Vegh
December 21, 2024
Oh Gary, You will be missed by so many. Your infectious laughter, torturing my sister Pattie and Colin. And those summer parties on your deck and hanging around in your kitchen where there was never a shortage of your fine craft cocktails and laughter; in that order. Paper Planes, Manhattan’s, Margaritas, and your special edition concoctions. Oh, and food. We never left hungry. Whether it was hanging out at your carriage house or your other home at sister Pattie’s, one or the other, we always looked forward to visiting Lancaster and never left town without getting together at least once. You will be so missed. You were a part of our family and you are irreplaceable. We hope your having a ball with George and looking down on us, just shaking your head and laughing. We will miss you but know that you’ll be waiting for us just around the corner. So tonight, I make a toast to you Gary. I won’t even say rest in peace because I know you would never be at peace just resting. GO in peace my friend and just keep on going!
We Love and Miss you.
‘Til we meet again,
Katy and Brian Smith (the “better looking” brother)🩶
December 21, 2024
Gary was a living tour de force!! He was bartending at our Saint James leadership event the Sunday afternoon before he died and he absolutely made the party with his humor, his drinks and his amazing service. He will be remember as a member of the family for so many… may light perpetual shine upon him. See you in heaven brother! Look forward to your heavenly cocktails then!!
Damon & Efrem
December 21, 2024
You were loved my friend. ❤️
Donavee Berger
December 21, 2024
a great man and willl be missed
December 21, 2024
Gary was a one of kind he will be missed.
Joe Gebhard
December 21, 2024
Always greated everyone with a smile and a great cocktail. I raise my glass to you Gary!
Kelley Kirsch
- Services
- Saturday, January 25, 2025
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
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