Mr. Gary LaFayette, 58 of New Hartford passed away on Monday December 3, 2007 at the Hospice and Palliative Care Siegenthaler Center in New Hartford after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born in Utica on August 8, 1949 the son of Donald and Patricia (Dulan) LaFayette. He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On August 7, 1993, Gary married Cheryl Craig in Sauquoit, NY. For many years, he was employed with Central New York Psychiatric Center retiring in 1997. He was a member of the Sons of The American Legion Post 1113, Whitesboro and was an avid hunter, golfer, fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his cat, Mookie. Mr. LaFayette is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl; one daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Russell Munch, Frankfort; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Shari LaFayette, Fayetteville, TN and Eric and Nadine LaFayette, New Hartford; his mother, Patricia Klar, New Hartford; his father and step-mother, Donald and Joan LaFayette, Utica; step children, Kari Schultz and Karl Schultz both of New Hartford; 11 grandchildren, Amber, Britanny, Megan, Bradley, Andrew, Alex, Jadyn, Isabelle, Noah, Juliah and Rachael: one brother and sister-in-law, John and Rita LaFayette, Utica and a half brother, David LaFayette, Utica. Also surviving are four step sisters and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his step-father, Stanley Klar. Mr. LaFayette's funeral service will be held on Thursday December 6, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica with Pastor Mike Hughes officiating. Interment in Glenside cemetery, NY Mills will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society 100 Lomond Court, Utica NY 13502 or the Hospice and Palliative Care Siegenthaler Center 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413 in Gary's memory. Mr. LaFayette's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Gary's doctor's and the staff at the Siegenthaler Center. Also a special thank you to the staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center 4th floor for the compassionate care and love you provided to Gary during his long illness. Your kindness will never be forgotten.