Rex I. Gary Jr. | Manufacturer, 85

Rex I. "Sam" Gary Jr., 85, of Swarthmore, a manufacturer of specialized glassware, died of heart failure Saturday at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.

Mr. Gary worked in sales for RCA, Philco, and Fisher & Porter Inc. in Warminster before cofounding Glastron Inc. in Vineland in 1969. The firm produces specialized glass and electronic components. He was in his office two days before he died, said his wife, Eunice Gary.

A graduate of Swarthmore High School, Mr. Gary served in the Army Air Forces as a communications officer in New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II, and later was stationed in occupied Japan.

After his discharge, he earned a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College, where he was star quarterback on the football team. He also was on the track and basketball teams, and met his wife at a Swarthmore basketball game.

While helping to raise their sons in Swarthmore, Mr. Gary was a Cub Scout leader and coached youth football, basketball, and baseball. He was a past president of the Swarthmore Swim Club.

He played golf at Springhaven Club in Wallingford, and he delighted in attending his granddaughter's recitals, school, and sports events, his son Rex said.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, son, and granddaughter, Mr. Gary is survived by a brother and a sister. Another son, Brad, died in 1996.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 301 N. Chester Rd., Swarthmore. Mr. Gary had been a Sunday School teacher and usher there.