Gary’s Journey: Veteran, Family Man, Part-Time Receptionist, Heartbeat of Our Happy Hours

When you walk through the doors of The Fountains at Atco, chances are you’ve been greeted with a smile, a quick-witted joke, or the beat of a perfectly chosen tune. That’s probably Gary—our part-time receptionist and full-time local legend. But Gary’s story started long before he became the soundtrack of our Wednesday and Friday happy hours.

Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1943, Gary was raised in nearby Pennsauken and was part of the last graduating class of Merchantville High School. After high school, he jumped right into the workforce at General Radio Supply Company, not knowing that it was there he would meet the love of his life, Cassandra. What began as a simple work friendship turned into 55 beautiful years of marriage and three wonderful children—a love story that still brings a smile to Gary’s face today.

After a year of work, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for five years. His service included two years at Langley Air Force Base Headquarters and three years stationed overseas in Japan, where he earned the highest-level security clearance while working in military telecommunications. He and Cassandra married in 1965 while stationed in Tokyo, and Gary jokes that two of his children were born in Japan but only one “was made there.”

In 2005, after a 30-year career in wholesale tire sales, Gary retired—but it didn’t take long before he realized something was missing. “Retirement was nice for a couple years,” he said, “but I needed something to do.” In 2007, he joined The Fountains, working overnight security shifts, thanks to a referral from a friend who lived here at the time. He still marvels at the size of our community, tucked just off the highway, and the fact that his job is only six minutes from the home he built with Cassandra in 1968—which, according to Gary, means he only has to fill his gas tank six times a year!

But Gary’s talents don’t stop at security or front desk duties. One evening, many years ago, while watching TV, Gary saw a DJ spinning records and was instantly intrigued. He turned to his then-17-year-old daughter and asked if she’d help him start a DJ business. That very day, FDJ (Father-Daughter DJ) was born. Their first gig? His 20-year high school reunion. Although his daughter later admitted she didn’t share his passion for music, Gary was hooked.

He went on to work with Solid Gold Entertainment, taking DJ gigs whenever he could. One of his favorite memories was DJing three nights in a row at an Atlantic City casino, where he was put up in a hotel and “felt like he made it.” From vinyl records and cassette tapes to CDs and now streaming, Gary has embraced every musical era. Today, he can pull up a resident’s favorite song in five seconds flat—“Well, maybe three,” he laughs, “but I type with one finger.”

Though Gary thought his DJ days were behind him, The Fountains gave him a second act. Word got out about his musical talents, and soon he was spinning the hits at our Wednesday and Friday happy hours. He says those events bring him real joy—and he’s got a fan club of residents who swoon over his smooth sounds.

Gary has a special place in his heart for our Memory Care neighborhood, where he says the power of music is undeniable. Watching residents tap their toes, sing along, or simply smile when a favorite song plays reminds him why this work matters. “They may not always remember my name,” he says, “but I see the light in their eyes when they hear the music.”

Since the passing of his beloved Cassandra, Gary admits that time at home can feel lonely. But DJing at The Fountains gives him purpose, joy, and community. “I probably shouldn’t admit this,” he says with a grin, “but I’d do it for free. Though I do appreciate the paycheck.”

At 82 years young, Gary is still going strong, proud of his perfect attendance record and thankful for his good health. “I haven’t called out sick once,” he boasts. But if you ask anyone here at The Fountains, we’ll tell you the truth: we’re the lucky ones to have Gary.

Thank you, Gary, for your 18 years of service, your music, and your heart. You’re not just part of our team—you’re the rhythm that keeps us moving.