Gary D. Firda

Gary D. Firda, 71, of Albany, New York, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, May 17, 2026 in the comfort of his home with his wife of 50 years by his side.

He was born on December 18, 1954 in McKeesport, PA and was the son of the late, Robert and Ellen (Girman) Firda. Gary attended McKeesport High School and graduated with the Class of 1972. He went on to further his studies at Penn State College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resource Management.

On December 1, 1978, Gary was united in marriage to Cynthia L. Maust in Jackson, Mississippi. The couple shared 47 wedded years together and 50 years together as one as they raised their daughter, Heidi, in a loving home.

Gary was formerly employed as a hydrologist for the United States Geological Survey where he enjoyed his career in Mississippi and then settling in Albany, New York where he worked for 40 years combined, retiring in 2018.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking care of his fishpond, Mr. Turtle and his labs, Cooper and Chloe. Gary was the most avid Pittsburg Steelers fan you could find. Whether a winning or losing season, he never wavered his love for the Steelers. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Gary will be deeply missed by his family.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia L. Firda at home; his daughter, Heidi Mouyos and her husband, Paul of Fairfield, NY; granddaughter, Savannah Mouyos of Fairfield, NY; several special family members who are dear to his heart; siblings, Robert Firda (Barbara), David Firda (Cynthia), and Cheryl Nester (Todd); sister-in-law, Diana Firda; also, many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Richard Firda and Jerry Firda; and sister, Elaine Baker.

In keeping with family wishes, there will be no formal services. Gary’s family has entrusted locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals.

Please consider memorial contributions for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, New York or by visitinghttps://mohawkhumane.org/donate. Please be sure to note “In Memory of Gary D. Firda” in order for the memorial donation to be acknowledged properly.

To leave a message of sympathy for Gary’s family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memorial book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary D. Firda, please visit our floral store.