To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Gary Blain Trento, 77, of Skaneateles, N.Y., passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, at home after a long illness. Born in Syracuse, he graduated from the University of Virginia and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Pratt Institute in New York City. He taught painting and drawing at Syracuse University for 39 years, retiring in 2005. He continued teaching atelier workshops in the converted barn behind his home until 2017. He was a highly accomplished artist, showing his paintings and drawings in dozens of galleries and museums in the United States and Canada. Among his commissions was a portrait of SU Chancellor Nancy Cantor unveiled at the university in 2005. He attended the opening of his final exhibition, a retrospective of his paintings, at the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, N.Y., on Aug. 30. He loved to travel, teaching at SU’s London program in the 1987-88 academic year, then bicycling with his beloved wife, Jill Doscher, from London to Florence, Italy, where he taught in the summer program. Beyond his mastery in the classroom and studio, his consummate skill on his Ferris lawn mower and uncanny ability to create the perfect gin and tonic were legendary. He is survived by his wife, Jill; his son, Matthew Trento (Paul Rodrigues), of Boston; his daughters, Jessica Trento, of McMinnville, Ore., and Rebecca Arribasplata (Omar) of Delray Beach, Fla.; and his granddaughters, Isabella and Sofia Arribasplata. A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to HumaneCNY or the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
19 Comments
Carolyn Sabloski
9/7/2019 01:04:38 pm
So saddened to hear of Gary's passing. Can't believe it just too soon. Gary was one of the best painting professors I had worked for in VPA. I will always remember his kindness, gentleness, respectfulness and just the nicest person to work for. Prayers and sympathy. Jill you lost a special someone my heart goes out to you.
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Anne Rejack
9/7/2019 03:40:00 pm
Dear Jill - I’m so very heartbroken for you. It was clear that he was your soulmate, the love of your life. My sincere condolences. Anne Rejack
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9/8/2019 04:05:18 am
Dear Jill and family,
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Roberto Caldera
9/8/2019 04:17:02 am
Dear Paul & Family,
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Sandy Trento
9/8/2019 10:24:23 am
Safely keeping the best of our 21 year marriage dear Gary. Peace now.
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susan keeter
4/17/2020 11:01:12 am
Trying to reach Sandy Trento. D]]Sandy, would you email me your address? keeters@upstate.edu
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Ros Volk
9/8/2019 01:06:04 pm
Dear Jill and family,
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don and patricia cortese
9/9/2019 11:37:13 am
Dear Jill, so many wonderful memories of Gary and you at SU. Gary made a huge contribution to art with his talent, sharing, and love, With our deepest sympathy. Patricia and Don Cortese
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Mary Lee Hodgens
9/25/2019 01:09:57 pm
Dear Jill; So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful artist and gentle teacher.
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9/25/2019 01:22:44 pm
One of my favority professors! Gary helped me become who I am today, Associate Professor of Painting & Drawing at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. I use his teachings in my teaching, I'm passing him forward, and sharing all that he took the time to show me. I still refer to my notes from his drawing classes from time to time. He was always patient with me, as I struggled through undergrad. Peace to your family for your loss. I will remember him dearly.
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C J Hodge
9/25/2019 02:08:27 pm
To the Trento family,
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9/25/2019 04:29:25 pm
I send along warm and sincere condolences to Gary Trento's family and close friends. As a graduate of SU's VPA in 1975, I took two semesters of Anatomy from him. The experiences of being his student will last forever and often resonate when tackling the figure. He spent much effort teaching me to "see" and making corrections on my work that continually furthered the mission. Last year, I wrote him a thank you note for all of his hard work and the kind, genuine teaching spirit that was his signature. He answered my letter with his comments full of appreciation and gratitude. Imagine. Farewell to an exemplary instructor and an inspirational artist.
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Harry Bartnick, MFA ' 74
9/25/2019 08:41:02 pm
Very sad news. An inspiration both as an artist, as a teacher and as a very likable and kind human being. Good to hear that he lived a full and productive life. His artwork will continue to give enjoyment and pleasure to many.
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Sara Hartley BFA 1995
1/18/2020 06:04:12 am
Knowing Gary made my life richer. He will always be the best teacher I have ever had. He taught me how to see and how to live.
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Jill Doscher
3/10/2020 01:53:05 pm
Hi Sara,
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Sara Hartley
3/10/2020 03:33:08 pm
Oh Jill how lovely to hear from you. You have been a role model for me for decades. I am in Cleveland, OH. I am an RN. I work for VA: med/surg/tele. Wonder who gave me that inspiration? I still paint. I would so enjoy a catalog from Gary’s retrospective; very kind of you. My address is 4820 W Park Dr., Fairview Park, OH 44126. My email is saraleighhartley@gmail.com, let’s stay in touch, maybe we can take a walk together some day.
Jill Doscher
3/10/2020 05:12:06 pm
I am on FB are you?
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Lorraine Gerrity
5/1/2020 10:55:06 am
Dear Jill, athough we do not know each other, I know of your husband, Gary Trento through my daughter, Paula who attended Syracuse University some years ago. She told me then that I should purchase a a piece of your late work. There was a particular piece that appealed to me of a lady sitting at a table looking rather pensive with a plant on the table if I recall correctly. My question is if this piece is piece available somewhere, I would like to purchase it. My bane is Lorraine Gerrity I can be reached at 347-837-1941 or at my email I am sorry for your loss. I understand all too well as I lost my husband in 2019 also.
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Jill Doscher
5/1/2020 11:35:20 am
Hello Lorraine,
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