Gary Carl Rygiel, 69, of Colts Neck, passed away Tuesday at Bayshore Community Hospital. Gary was born and raised in Raritan, NJ. He graduated from Bridgewater Raritan High School – West. He received a B.S. from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Marine Biology/Geology. While at FDU, he completed a semester abroad in St. Croix, an experience …
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Gary Carl Rygiel, 69, of Colts Neck, passed away Tuesday at Bayshore Community Hospital.
Gary was born and raised in Raritan, NJ. He graduated from Bridgewater Raritan High School – West. He received a B.S. from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Marine Biology/Geology. While at FDU, he completed a semester abroad in St. Croix, an experience that he cherished. Following college, he began his working career at Roadway Trucking then moved to Liberty Mutual in Commercial Insurance Sales. While at Liberty Mutual, he made a life-long friend, Andrew C. Harris, who later became his business partner when they started Liberty Insurance Associates, Inc. They grew their company together for the last 40 years.
Gary enjoyed golfing. He was a member at Eagle Oaks and Bella Vista Country Clubs. He also enjoyed sailing and was a member of Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club where he once served as the Vice Commodore. He truly loved all sports, especially football, and his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Gary had many professional accomplishments. He served as the President of both the Independent Insurance Agents of NJ (IIA-NJ) and the Professional Insurance Agents of NJ (PIA-NJ). He earned many insurance designations, including the prestigious Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). He was the first, and only, Insurance Agent to serve as the Chairman of the NJ Compensation, Rating and Inspection Bureau (NJCRIB).
Gary’s community involvement was also extensive: Member of Monmouth County Workforce Investment Board; Past President of the Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce; Treasurer of the Monmouth County 200 Club, and a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy. An excellent example of his team building skills resulted in the construction of Liberty Park Kaboom playground in Freehold in 2001. His most recent interest was working with ReStore Habitat for Humanity in Freehold.
Gary is survived by his brothers Glenn Rygiel of Raritan and Guy Rygiel of Lake Forest, California; and his nephew Kevin Rygiel of Lake Forest, California
Visitation will be Tuesday, December 27th from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel. A brief service will be held at 6:00 PM. As per Gary’s wishes he will be privately cremated. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Hope Foundation, Marlboro, NJ at https://newhopeibhc.org, and click the Give to New Hope button.
To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory, please visit Gary’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com
Joan Gara
left a message on December 30, 2022:
Dear Glen and family, Guy and son and all who loved him, very sorry for your loss. I grew up across the street from the Rygiel family and have many fond memories of them.
Jim & Dolores Kreig
left a message on December 28, 2022:
Many good memories with Gary over the past 40+ years. Thanks for being a friend. You will be missed!
Jim & Dolores Kreig
left a message on December 28, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Jim & Dolores Kreig lit a candle
Darlene Donnelly Johnson
left a message on December 27, 2022:
Rest in peace Gary. You will always have a special place in my heart. Darlene
Greg Harris
left a message on December 27, 2022:
Gary was a fun-loving guy, and fun to be around because nothing would make him happier than to brighten your day. His engaging personality made so that he did that for a lot of people over the course of his life.
I was lucky enough to grow up with him as a stable presence in my life and family. He helped raise me and taught me a lot. He explained the plot and tactics during Steven Segal and other action movies that we watched when he was babysitting. He was very athletic and helped to bring that out in me. He taught me how to bowl. Patiently coaxed me into trying a backdive and eventually a backflip from the diving board. He encouraged me to try lacrosse when I couldn't join the soccer team in high-school, and gave advice and encouragement there.
He had a tough guy persona, lots of catch phrases that he would repeat like "it's over but the crying", but I don't think it would take long for someone meeting him to see that he didnt want to hurt anybody else.
Anybody who has played a round of golf with Gary knew that he could be pretty hard on himself, but he never wanted to hurt anybody else. He was kind and generous to the people in his life.
Avid collector of all kinds of things, and solid for trivia on all manner of military equipment. We were in Arizona and he saw a plane flying in the desert and said “That’s an A-10 Warthog.” I fact checked him right away to call his bluff and sure enough, he was right.
I’m going to miss him…he was always there for me.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dave Herbek
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Glenn, Guy & Kevin and all of Gary's close friends:
First, as Class President let me offer an 'official' condolence from the entire BRHS-West Class of 1971. Gary had many friends at H.S. West and represented the school with class on the athletic fields (and mats) of baseball, football and wrestling.
On the personal side please accept my heartfelt condolences on Garys passing. We were good friends in H.S. His positive attitude towards life seemed bondless and he had an infectious sense of humor. I think anyone that ever watched him play football or wrestle would have been impressed with his competitive spirit - 2nd to none at West. I cannot recall ever seeing him when he didn't have that unique smile on his face. I hope that knowing how positive a person he was will give you some comfort in his absence. May he rest in peace.
Louise B DuMont
left a message on December 26, 2022:
My husband, John, and I send our condolances to your family. John & I were classmates of Gary at BRHS-W Class of 1971. We pray that your memories will bring you comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Jack Blair
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Sad news to hear. Have known Gary for many years and served with him at the Big I Assn. My thoughts and prayers to his family as well as to his family at Liberty Insurance Associates.
Fred Huber
left a message on December 26, 2022:
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I knew him from his service on the Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau Governing Committee. Gary was a dedicated professional and added much to the success of the Committee and the workers compensation system in New Jersey. He also became a good friend. I fondly remember the fun times we spent together. My son, Dan, interned at Liberty Insurance Associates for two summers and got to know Gary also. He was sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace my friend. All who knew you will miss you.
Paul E. Felsen
left a message on December 26, 2022:
A true professional who set the standard and raised the bar for all of us in the profession of insurance. Rest in peace, Gary.
Deborah Ward Walters
left a message on December 26, 2022:
My condolences to Gary’s family and his partner Andy. I have many good memories of Gary and the Liberty gang . Along with being quite accomplished he was a great guy who was always fun to be around.
Andrew Harris
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Words fail to express my feelings for Gary. Rest in Peace my friend. God Bless.
Patricia Dickey
left a message on December 26, 2022:
I’m glad I had the pleasure of working with Gary on the NJCRIB governing committee.
He was a dedicated and insightful contributor to all aspects of the world of insurance. He will be missed. RIP.
Grover czech
left a message on December 25, 2022:
So sad to hear of Andrew’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with Gary through my association with the New Jersey workers compensation. Rating and inspection bureau. Both Gary and his business partner, Andrew Harris, and I spent many lunches at Fournos restaurants in Newark, having martinis and cigars together. He was an excellent insurance, professional, and a great friend. I will miss him.
Tony Comerford
left a message on December 25, 2022:
Gary was a kind loving and talented man always looking to ways he could help others. He will be missed
Bill Pauli
left a message on December 24, 2022:
Gary has been a zany friend since 1962. He had a unique sense of humor. When Gary told an amusing story he would start to laugh to himself mid-sentence, get that signature Rygiel squint to his eyes, and finish the story with his infectious chuckle. No one enjoyed Gary’s humor more than Gary.
Gary was a generous, caring sole who loved his dogs and the Harris family.. Be at Peace my friend.
Lynda Rose
left a message on December 24, 2022:
I'll always remember Gary as a true gentleman with a very kind soul and a smile that lit up the room. A sad loss for all who were privileged to know him. Deepest condolences to his family and his life-long friend, Andy.
Lois Klimsey
left a message on December 23, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Lois Klimsey lit a candle
Lois Klimsey
left a message on December 23, 2022:
Gary was an important member of our family. He was dynamic yet considerate and thoughtful of others with a huge heart. Always out for an adventure with family and friends. Gary has left us far too early and will be forever remembered.
Joyce & Ken Auerbach
left a message on December 23, 2022:
A profound loss. Gary was a delight in all respects. A gentleman, eminent professional, both a worthy competitor and colleague. Mostly, our cherished friend. Our sincerest condolences to the Rygiel, Harris and Liberty families.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lou Melillo
left a message on December 23, 2022:
RIP Gary. May you find a place always with fair winds and following seas. You will be missed.
Susan Petri
left a message on December 23, 2022:
So very sorry to hear of this loss. Gary and I knew each other for many years....and he will be missed. With much sympathy to his family....
Larry S Braslow
left a message on December 23, 2022:
My life long friend, Gary Rygiel, of over 50 years, passed yesterday, December 20, 2022 at approx. 10pm. Gary is survived by his brothers, Guy Rygiel and Glenn Rygiel. Gary was more than a friend, he was like a brother and a member of my family, he will be missed more than you can imagine. He was more involved with my parents and younger brother, Irving Braslow, Ruth Braslow and Jody Seth Braslow, then was a natural born brother, Alan Bob Braslow. He was too young and too good of a human being to be taken well before his time. Thankfully, I was able to visit with him for a week at the end of October in New Jersey.
Elaine Phillips
left a message on December 22, 2022:
I have so many happy memories of spending time with you. Your thoughtfulness with not be forgotten. RIP.
Fondly.
E
Stan Markow
left a message on December 22, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Stan Markow lit a candle
Stan Markow
left a message on December 22, 2022:
Gary, I know for a fact you’re continuing your life in heaven with God, your other family members, and friends who are there. Life on earth is just the beginning of our eternal lives. I enjoyed being in your company during our professional meetings and personal leisure. You’re a kind human being and always a productive citizen striving for goodness and fairness between business and society, and improvement upon human kindness. Gary, you always went out of your way to accommodate people and make them feel safe and comfortable, whether friends, business colleagues, or newcomers to your presence. God will be with you forever and I’m certain you will look after the rest of us on earth during the beginning of our long journey. I’ll see you again someday.
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Joan Gara
left a message on December 30, 2022:
Dear Glen and family, Guy and son and all who loved him, very sorry for your loss. I grew up across the street from the Rygiel family and have many fond memories of them.
Jim & Dolores Kreig
left a message on December 28, 2022:
Many good memories with Gary over the past 40+ years. Thanks for being a friend. You will be missed!
Jim & Dolores Kreig
left a message on December 28, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Jim & Dolores Kreig lit a candle
Darlene Donnelly Johnson
left a message on December 27, 2022:
Rest in peace Gary. You will always have a special place in my heart. Darlene
Greg Harris
left a message on December 27, 2022:
Gary was a fun-loving guy, and fun to be around because nothing would make him happier than to brighten your day. His engaging personality made so that he did that for a lot of people over the course of his life.
I was lucky enough to grow up with him as a stable presence in my life and family. He helped raise me and taught me a lot. He explained the plot and tactics during Steven Segal and other action movies that we watched when he was babysitting. He was very athletic and helped to bring that out in me. He taught me how to bowl. Patiently coaxed me into trying a backdive and eventually a backflip from the diving board. He encouraged me to try lacrosse when I couldn't join the soccer team in high-school, and gave advice and encouragement there.
He had a tough guy persona, lots of catch phrases that he would repeat like "it's over but the crying", but I don't think it would take long for someone meeting him to see that he didnt want to hurt anybody else.
Anybody who has played a round of golf with Gary knew that he could be pretty hard on himself, but he never wanted to hurt anybody else. He was kind and generous to the people in his life.
Avid collector of all kinds of things, and solid for trivia on all manner of military equipment. We were in Arizona and he saw a plane flying in the desert and said “That’s an A-10 Warthog.” I fact checked him right away to call his bluff and sure enough, he was right.
I’m going to miss him…he was always there for me.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dave Herbek
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Glenn, Guy & Kevin and all of Gary's close friends:
First, as Class President let me offer an 'official' condolence from the entire BRHS-West Class of 1971. Gary had many friends at H.S. West and represented the school with class on the athletic fields (and mats) of baseball, football and wrestling.
On the personal side please accept my heartfelt condolences on Garys passing. We were good friends in H.S. His positive attitude towards life seemed bondless and he had an infectious sense of humor. I think anyone that ever watched him play football or wrestle would have been impressed with his competitive spirit - 2nd to none at West. I cannot recall ever seeing him when he didn't have that unique smile on his face. I hope that knowing how positive a person he was will give you some comfort in his absence. May he rest in peace.
Louise B DuMont
left a message on December 26, 2022:
My husband, John, and I send our condolances to your family. John & I were classmates of Gary at BRHS-W Class of 1971. We pray that your memories will bring you comfort as you go through this difficult time.
Jack Blair
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Sad news to hear. Have known Gary for many years and served with him at the Big I Assn. My thoughts and prayers to his family as well as to his family at Liberty Insurance Associates.
Fred Huber
left a message on December 26, 2022:
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I knew him from his service on the Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau Governing Committee. Gary was a dedicated professional and added much to the success of the Committee and the workers compensation system in New Jersey. He also became a good friend. I fondly remember the fun times we spent together. My son, Dan, interned at Liberty Insurance Associates for two summers and got to know Gary also. He was sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in peace my friend. All who knew you will miss you.
Paul E. Felsen
left a message on December 26, 2022:
A true professional who set the standard and raised the bar for all of us in the profession of insurance. Rest in peace, Gary.
Deborah Ward Walters
left a message on December 26, 2022:
My condolences to Gary’s family and his partner Andy. I have many good memories of Gary and the Liberty gang . Along with being quite accomplished he was a great guy who was always fun to be around.
Andrew Harris
left a message on December 26, 2022:
Words fail to express my feelings for Gary. Rest in Peace my friend. God Bless.
Patricia Dickey
left a message on December 26, 2022:
I’m glad I had the pleasure of working with Gary on the NJCRIB governing committee.
He was a dedicated and insightful contributor to all aspects of the world of insurance. He will be missed. RIP.
Grover czech
left a message on December 25, 2022:
So sad to hear of Andrew’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with Gary through my association with the New Jersey workers compensation. Rating and inspection bureau. Both Gary and his business partner, Andrew Harris, and I spent many lunches at Fournos restaurants in Newark, having martinis and cigars together. He was an excellent insurance, professional, and a great friend. I will miss him.
Tony Comerford
left a message on December 25, 2022:
Gary was a kind loving and talented man always looking to ways he could help others. He will be missed
Bill Pauli
left a message on December 24, 2022:
Gary has been a zany friend since 1962. He had a unique sense of humor. When Gary told an amusing story he would start to laugh to himself mid-sentence, get that signature Rygiel squint to his eyes, and finish the story with his infectious chuckle. No one enjoyed Gary’s humor more than Gary.
Gary was a generous, caring sole who loved his dogs and the Harris family.. Be at Peace my friend.
Lynda Rose
left a message on December 24, 2022:
I'll always remember Gary as a true gentleman with a very kind soul and a smile that lit up the room. A sad loss for all who were privileged to know him. Deepest condolences to his family and his life-long friend, Andy.
Lois Klimsey
left a message on December 23, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Lois Klimsey lit a candle
Lois Klimsey
left a message on December 23, 2022:
Gary was an important member of our family. He was dynamic yet considerate and thoughtful of others with a huge heart. Always out for an adventure with family and friends. Gary has left us far too early and will be forever remembered.
Joyce & Ken Auerbach
left a message on December 23, 2022:
A profound loss. Gary was a delight in all respects. A gentleman, eminent professional, both a worthy competitor and colleague. Mostly, our cherished friend. Our sincerest condolences to the Rygiel, Harris and Liberty families.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Lou Melillo
left a message on December 23, 2022:
RIP Gary. May you find a place always with fair winds and following seas. You will be missed.
Susan Petri
left a message on December 23, 2022:
So very sorry to hear of this loss. Gary and I knew each other for many years....and he will be missed. With much sympathy to his family....
Larry S Braslow
left a message on December 23, 2022:
My life long friend, Gary Rygiel, of over 50 years, passed yesterday, December 20, 2022 at approx. 10pm. Gary is survived by his brothers, Guy Rygiel and Glenn Rygiel. Gary was more than a friend, he was like a brother and a member of my family, he will be missed more than you can imagine. He was more involved with my parents and younger brother, Irving Braslow, Ruth Braslow and Jody Seth Braslow, then was a natural born brother, Alan Bob Braslow. He was too young and too good of a human being to be taken well before his time. Thankfully, I was able to visit with him for a week at the end of October in New Jersey.
Elaine Phillips
left a message on December 22, 2022:
I have so many happy memories of spending time with you. Your thoughtfulness with not be forgotten. RIP.
Fondly.
E
Stan Markow
left a message on December 22, 2022:
In memory of Gary Carl Rygiel, Stan Markow lit a candle
Stan Markow
left a message on December 22, 2022:
Gary, I know for a fact you’re continuing your life in heaven with God, your other family members, and friends who are there. Life on earth is just the beginning of our eternal lives. I enjoyed being in your company during our professional meetings and personal leisure. You’re a kind human being and always a productive citizen striving for goodness and fairness between business and society, and improvement upon human kindness. Gary, you always went out of your way to accommodate people and make them feel safe and comfortable, whether friends, business colleagues, or newcomers to your presence. God will be with you forever and I’m certain you will look after the rest of us on earth during the beginning of our long journey. I’ll see you again someday.
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