Gary Joost passed away on July 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 18, 1953, in Suffolk County, Long Island, at Southside Hospital, Bay Shore, New York, to August Joost and Dolores Egger Joost.

He developed a love for boating in his early years on Fire Island and continued this passion throughout his life. Some of his fondest memories were from his time owning a delicatessen with his best friend since childhood, John Bucetta. The two were inseparable throughout their lives, filled with cross-country road trips, wrecked cars, and too many adventures to recount. He loved and owned many cars, especially Corvettes, and was an avid fan of Batman, Top Gun, and the Beatles.

He and his first wife, Chris, welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Esperance, in 1979. He held many titles in his life, but his favorite role was being a father, and he loved his daughter beyond measure.

In 1994, he met his soulmate Nanette at Great Western Bank in Longwood, FL. Gary knew he had met the woman he wanted to spend eternity with and courted her every Friday by delivering a dozen roses. After 29 years of a beautiful life together, they moved back to Ponce Inlet, FL, and married on March 18, 2023.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Nanette; his loving daughter, Jen; and his dear sister, Doris. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby.

He was a sweet man, a beloved husband, father, and brother whose friendship touched everyone who knew him. His heart may have failed, but his spirit was stubbornly strong. If he were here, he would want you to reminisce about a life well lived over a cold Miller Lite.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Viewing and Celebration of Life will be from 1-3 pm at Baldwin Brothers – 620 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate or Hospice: https://hospicefoundation.org/Donate .

May he rest in peace.