Gary Michael Peltzer

Gary Michael Peltzer, 72, of Severn, Maryland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 21, 2026. Born on February 22, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland, Gary was the son of the late Edward Thomas Peltzer, Jr. and Colleen Sharkey Peltzer. Gary was raised in Towson, Maryland, and spent 35 years in Severn, where he built a life centered around family, faith, and community with his beloved wife, Maureen. In recent years, he made his home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a place he truly enjoyed. A devoted member of St. Bernadette Parish, Gary was well known and well loved—whether serving as an usher at the 9 a.m. Mass as part of “Ethel’s Angels” or proudly earning the affectionate nickname “beer man.” Though often a man of few words, Gary had a way of becoming the life of the party. He was always ready with a joke—more often than not inappropriate, and always delivered with perfect timing. He could fix just about anything, took great pride in his skills at the grill, and was a loyal fan of the Baltimore Ravens. At the center of Gary’s life was his family. He found his greatest joy in watching his children grow—from cheering them on at sporting events to seeing them become accomplished adults, and then welcoming their spouses into the family. Becoming “Pap” to his grandchildren was one of his proudest roles. He was known for encouraging a little mischief, often reminding everyone to relax and “let them be kids.” Gary is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Maureen Shrift Peltzer; his children, Joan Skovron (Joe), Gretchen Rice (Jim), and Andrew Peltzer (Megan); and his five cherished grandchildren, Ryleigh, Nolan, Nora, Isla, and Talon. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Edward Thomas Peltzer, III. (Beverly), and their children, Bryan Peltzer (Rochelle), Timothy Peltzer (Angie), and Will Peltzer, along with a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his parents-in-law, Robert and Christine Shrift; his nephew, Matthew Peltzer; his brother-in-law, Craig Martin; his sister-in-law, Dr. Kathryn Gallagher; and his uncle, Jack Sharkey. A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 1–3 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 408 South Liberty Street, Centreville, Maryland. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, Maryland, or Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, Maryland. Gary will be remembered for his quick wit, his generous heart, and his ability to make everyone laugh—often when they least expected it—and we can only imagine he’s already telling a joke or two and is surrounded by all of those who were waiting for him with open arms when he made it to Heaven. We hope there was a Nanticoke Nectar and crab cake waiting for you.

Gary Michael Peltzer

February 22, 1954 - March 21, 2026