Dr. Gary Lee Conover, DDS (84), of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026.

Born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Gary was the only child of Olan and Hazel Conover. He spent his early years enjoying a rural upbringing. He later attended Temple University, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

He married Lorraine Kubiak of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and together they celebrated 56 years of marriage. They built a loving family and raised two children, Karyn Leigh (“KC”) and Andrew Reeves. Gary was a devoted and proud grandfather—affectionately known as “G-Daddy”—to Lilly, River, and Leo.

Gary dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to education, shaping future generations of dental professionals. His academic career included teaching radiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, Southern Illinois University, Temple University, and Nova Southeastern University.

An avid runner, Gary participated in numerous 5K and 10K races across the country. Among his favorites were the Kansas City Trolley Run, the Cooper River Bridge Run, and the Central Park New Year’s Eve Run. Later in life, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he remained committed to daily physical activity, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.

Gary was a passionate sports fan, particularly of the WNBA and NCAA basketball. He also enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Philadelphia Eagles, at times as a season ticket holder. He was especially proud to cheer on his children’s alma maters, the University of Kansas and Temple University.

A lifelong reader, Gary preferred hardcover books and later developed an appreciation for audiobooks, especially police procedurals. He also found joy in music, with a special fondness for Americana and folk artists such as John Prine and James Taylor. Gary had a particular love for the Bouvier des Flandres dog breed, admiring their loyal, intelligent, and protective nature. Gary and Lorraine shared a love of travel and explored many remarkable destinations together, including the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Hawaii, Alaska, Iceland, the Panama Canal, and countries and cities throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Lorraine Conover; his daughter KC Agneta, her husband Mike Agneta, and their daughter Lilly Agneta; and his son Andrew Conover, his wife Luana Conover, and their sons River and Leo Conover.

A private service will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gary’s memory to the Community Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32257 • 904.886.3883