Gary L. Royer, 66, of Pleasant Gap, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on November 4, 1959, in Bellefonte, he was the son of Donna (Beightol) Reichenbaugh of Hobe Sound, FL and Frank Royer and his wife, Judy of Pleasant Gap. On September 20, 1986, at Curtin United Methodist Church, he married the love of his life, Paula K. Dunlap, who survives at home. Together they shared 39 years of marriage built on love, partnership, and devotion.
Gary was a 1977 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and went on to serve his community as a road foreman for Spring Township, retiring in 2021 after many dedicated years. He took pride in his work and the role he played in keeping his community running.
He attended Martha United Methodist Church in Port Matilda and found joy in life’s simple pleasures, hunting, fishing, and, most especially, spending time with friends. Gary had a generous spirit and a knack for bringing people together, whether it was sharing stories, lending a hand, or making his well-known smoked cheese, which he proudly sold to support the fire company.
Gary’s greatest impact was through his lifelong dedication to the Pleasant Gap Fire Company. He served as Chief for more than 20 consecutive years, a role he carried with deep commitment and pride. Even after stepping down, he continued to serve as a trustee and remained actively involved in countless events, including the Pleasant Gap Carnival and Fall Festival. He was especially proud of the EMTs and Paramedics of the Pleasant Gap Ambulance and the vital work they do each day. To Gary, the fire company was more than an organization, it was family.
In addition to his wife, Paula, Gary is survived by his parents, and his siblings: Terry Royer and his wife, Sue, of Pleasant Gap; Shannon Reichenbaugh and his wife, Trish, of Hobe Sound, FL; Cameron Royer and his wife, Liza, of Pleasant Gap; and Rhonda Walker and her husband, Tim, of Hobe Sound, FL.
He is also survived by his many fire company brothers and sisters, whose bonds with Gary went far beyond service. they were a true extension of his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Public visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6–9 p.m. and on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10–11 a.m. at the Pleasant Gap Fire Company, 475 Robinson Lane, Pleasant Gap. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the fire company with Pastor Bob Dorman officiating. Burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Gap Fire Company or the Pleasant Gap Ambulance Service, 475 Robinson Lane, Pleasant Gap, PA 16823.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc., in Milesburg, PA. An online guest book may be signed, and condolences shared at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.