Gary Mack Stephenson

Gary Mack Stephenson passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Columbia, Maryland, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 75 years old.

Born on November 2, 1949, in Washington, D.C., Gary was raised in Wheaton, Maryland. He was the son of Helen Kathleen Stephenson (née Moore) and Mack Haywood Stephenson. Summers spent in Coats, North Carolina with his maternal grandmother were some of his most cherished memories.

A 1968 graduate of Albert Einstein High School, Gary proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Irvine, California. He was honorably discharged in 1972. With the help of the G.I. Bill, Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in 1976, and later a Master of Arts in Marketing and Communications from American University in 1980.

This translated into a fulfilling career as the Senior Director of Media Relations & Public Affairs at John’s Hopkins Medicine and Sibley Memorial Hospital.

As a younger man, Gary enjoyed scuba diving, riding his motorcycle, and sailing with his best friend Tom. He had a lifelong love of poetry, British literature, and all things Shakespeare—considering his replica of Shakespeare’s First Folio one of his prized possessions. He was also an avid reader and thinker, always curious, always engaged.

Gary's passion for music was as eclectic as it was deep. He loved classical music, classic rock, Irish and British folk, and even punk rock. His tastes reflected both refinement and rebellion—just like him. He also loved cars and was proud to drive a white Jaguar in his later years.

A devoted football fan, Gary grew up cheering for the Washington Redskins, later supported the Ravens—true to his sense of humor.

In later years, Gary found joy in golfing, traveling, and relaxing on the stoop of his home in Maple Lawn, Maryland, always with his beloved dog Lilly by his side. He loved zombie movies, Indian food, and was always quick with a clever comeback. Though not a big drinker, he appreciated a fine bourbon and a good cigar.

Gary was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, boss, coworker, neighbor, and friend to many. He is survived by his devoted wife, Gayle Metcalf Stephenson, of 23 years. Their daughters: Kathryn Hoke (husband Mike) and their children Charlotte, Tommy, and Connor; Annie Tobin (husband Rob) and their children Isaac and Dean; Alison Klima (husband Matt) and their children Eleanor and Josephine; and Maggie Frantz.

He is also survived by his siblings, Terry MacIntyre (husband Ken) and their sons Kevin and Danny; and Debbie Opsal (husband Phil) and their daughters Alex and Jessica. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joy Stephenson.

Gary will be remembered for his wit, warmth, intellect, and enduring love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held at St. Francis of Assisi, 8300 Old Columbia Rd, Fulton, MD 20759, on Friday June 6, 2025, at 10:00 am with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Gary's name to Gilchrist Hospice .

Gilchrist Hospice - Columbia
6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia (Howard county) MD 21044
Web: https://www.gilchristcares.org