Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Rochester remembers Gary Smith, best known for his roles as Rochester children's entertainer 'Gary the Happy Pirate.'Background: Gary
Rochester , N.Y. — The local community is remembering Gary Smith , best known for his roles as Rochester children's entertainer "Gary the Happy Pirate" and as one-half of "The Happy Pirates."
After a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease that can affect mobility and other important functions, Smith died Friday morning at the age of 64.remembers Smith's dedication to making children smile. After a career as a beloved children's entertainer, Smith founded the Pirate Toy Fund in 1995.
"He had the biggest heart. I was so honored to know him. I'm proud to call him my friend, and I'm so proud to carry on his legacy with the Pirate Toy Fund," Harnishfeger said. "He came to our ribbon-cutting ceremony in January, and he's still been part of the organization," added Harnishfeger. "He'd been struggling because of his illness.""Seeing them play on stage and on TV made me want to attempt to learn to play guitar," said Scheible.
Pirate Toy Fund has donated more than 500,000 toys to children in need. In August 2023, Smith was present as his charity organization "It was such a wonderful thing he created," said Scheible. "I was just at Greece Ridge Mall walking past the Pirate Toy Fund, and my heart cried a little."
Pirate Toy Fund Gary Smith Rochester Children's Entertainer Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Charity Toys
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gary Smith, best known as 'Gary the Happy Pirate,' dies at age 64Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Gary Smith, best known for his role as Rochester children's entertainer 'Gary the Happy Pirate,' has died.Smith teamed up with Doug Ladd
Read more »
Governor Hochul in Rochester, announces new developments for Greater Rochester AirportMore than $38 million will help revitalize the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and honor its namesake.
Read more »
Pickleball event in East Rochester raises money for Breast Cancer Confidence ProjectEast Rochester, N.Y. — People are dinking for a good cause in East Rochester Saturday.
Read more »
2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival comes to a closeRochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — After nine days of music in Downtown Rochester the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival comes to a close.
Read more »
A $24,000 budget ensuring a 2,000 firework show in Downtown RochesterRochester, N.Y. (WHAM) - Today marks the day of our Country's independence and as it comes to a close, fireworks are filling the skies. A lot of prepration goes
Read more »
Federal funding to make Rochester a part of an Upstate NY semiconductor hubRochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Local leaders joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer at Monroe Community College Tuesday -- as he announced a highly sought after federal inv
Read more »