Angus James Bankert

Angus James Bankert was born on August 4, 1986 in Utica, NY, and died on October 9, 2025 in New Hartford, NY. He was known mostly by his nickname Gus, but he would always answer to Angus, and to his nieces, Uncle Gus Bus. Gus was named after both a Great Uncle Gus as well as a cute 4-year old named Angus, encountered at one of the restaurants his mother worked at long before kids. The names stuck in her head and she waited until child #3 came along to use them.

Both names fit him perfectly. As a kid, Gus was entertaining, social, funny, and kind. He played school sports, but skateboarding with his friends was his passion. His second home was his friend Steve Hale's house, where the family nurtured their hobby by building a small skateboarding park, filming their antics, and driving them to bigger parks in the area. He boldly boarded down College Hill in Clinton NY, definitely without permission. He sustained injuries from time to time but the family was always amazed at how he seemed to glide around and over roadblocks, emerging with barely a scratch.

Gus loved music, and was the first in a large extended family to DJ for special events. He had a record player and a broad collection of music ranging from oldies to classic rock to hip hop. He thrived in these supportive and creative roles, which he continued for many years in the family restaurant businesses as a waiter, bartender and line cook in Old Forge NY, including Maloy's Main Street Grill, the Last Run at McCauley Mountain, the Adirondack Café, and Thendara Pine. Customers would often remark that Gus was funny, attentive and always had a smile.

Gus graduated from Utica University and made use of his business degree at Oriskany Manufacturing, where he worked for 10 years and was treated like family. He worked hard at his job and was known as a kind, loyal and dedicated colleague.

Gus treasured his family and often visited the "old folks" for dinner. Though he didn't have any dogs of his own, he loved taking care of and playing with the family dogs over the years, including Maggie, Soja, Timber, Mercy, and Zia. In many ways, they were his most beloved family members.

Gus loved watching sports, especially the Yankees. He followed them so closely that he knew the groundskeepers names. He also kept up with the Rangers, the Giants and numerous Syracuse teams.

There was a spark in Gus that was always there, even when he struggled with life's challenges. He cared for those around him, even though he wasn't always able to accept care for himself. He was deeply sensitive, kind, and sincere. He was loved by his family and friends, who were ready to offer him support whenever he needed it.

Gus was predeceased by his father, Nicholas Bankert, and is survived by his mother Ellen Pierno, stepfather Donald Pierno, siblings S. Clarke Bankert and Robert Bankert (Megan), nieces and nephew Miles Weeks, Emma Bankert, Julia Bankert and Cynthia Bankert, as well as the family dog Zia. Gus will also leave extended family and friends too numerous to list.

The family wishes to thank Mrs. Hale, Gus's many friends, and the people he worked with at Oriskany Manufacturing for all they did for Gus, all the family for their love, care and concern, and anyone who helped him along his way. A private celebration of life will be held in the spring.

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