Gary Lee Senseney, 83, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Vernon, CT, loving husband of Debra (Roberge) Minikowski Senseney, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Gary was born on October 31, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI, one of two beloved sons of the late Theodore and Bessie Senseney. He was raised in St. Louis, MO before moving to Albuquerque, NM where he graduated from Highland High School. Gary earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and his MBA from Auburn University. He began his working career in 1966 with Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT.
Gary joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967 and began his pilot training in 1968. He proudly served during the Vietnam War as a forward air controller O-2 pilot for the Covey Squadron. Gary joined the Connecticut Air National Guard to fly F-100’s and A-10’s from 1972-1995. He retired from the Connecticut Air National Guard after 28 years of service having earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Gary continued his working career as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut from 1987-1992. He also continued his flying career as a pilot for NetJets and Atlantic Aviation from 1995-2002, flying Learjets and King Airs.
In addition to his wife, Debra, he leaves behind his two sons: Scott Senseney and his wife Mary of Hopkinton, MA, and Christopher Senseney and his wife Leah Sarno of Broomfield, CO. He also leaves his nine cherished grandchildren: Amelia, Annabelle, Ethan, Thomas, Abi, Joe, Sam, Kate and Claire. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his first wife, Linda Senseney and his brother Robert Senseney. Gary met Linda while working at Pratt & Whitney, and they were happily married for 47 years.
Along with spending time with his family, Gary was an avid golfer where he was a member of The Villages Senior Golf League and Juniper Hills Golf League in Massachusetts. A passionate car enthusiast, Gary owned a Corvette and MG and was a member of both car clubs. His greatest joy was being the #1 fan of his grandchildren and their sporting events in high school, attending many of their games over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Cornerstone Hospice Foundation at The Villages.