Columbia, South Carolina - Gary Wayne Lennert of Columbia, SC, died on November 27, 2025 following a sudden cardiac arrest. Gary was born on May 20, 1944 in Lockport, NY to Frank and Mary Frances (Ranney) Lennert. He is survived by his loving wife Aili; daughter Kristin; son Matthew and his wife Kimberly; granddaughter Tizzy; and sister Donna (Lennert) Landers Santarserio of Lockport.

Gary's adventurous childhood in Lockport included an early interest in science, particularly communication technology. At age 11, Gary became a licensed amateur radio operator and was assigned FCC call sign K2KYJ. Gary was also a competitive swimmer for Lockport High School and an early member of the Niagara Scuba Club.

Gary served proudly in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1966 after a distinguished career as a radio technician and operator at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay.

Upon returning home to Western New York, Gary embarked on his career in communication technology and met his wife-to-be, Aili Pold of Corry, PA. They married in 1967 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Lockport.

Professionally, Gary contributed to the development of many groundbreaking technologies including the pacemaker, the lunar module developed by Bell Aerosystems, UPC code scanning, data transfer over radio frequencies, computer networks and high-speed data transfer projects connected to space travel.

Through his retirement, Gary held numerous volunteer leadership roles in state and federal emergency management communications.

In his free time, Gary was an avid sailor, gardener and builder, and delighted in cooking for others, especially his hometown Buffalo wings.

Those wishing to honor Gary are encouraged to contribute to All Saints St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, 61 Walnut Street, Lockport NY 14094.