Gary was a lifelong resident of Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School Central in 1974. Upon graduation Gary joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1974 through 1977.
After being discharged from the Air Force, Gary went to work at the VA Hospital in Manchester where he met the love of his life, Anne Grady Lesnick, whom he married on a freezing cold day in January 1983 at St. Augustine Church. At that time Gary immediately became a patient father to four growing boys aged 8 to 17. His family grew once more when Gary and Anne welcomed their adorable daughter Shannon on June 17, 1984. Shortly before Shannon’s birth, Gary began his career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from which he retired in 2016 giving him a total of 43 years of employment with the federal government.
Gary and Anne were heavily involved with the NH Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, in which Gary served as the chapter leader for many years. Gary was also a member of the American Legion Sweeny Post for 25+ years.
Throughout his lifetime Gary was an avid photographer and fisherman. Gary’s love of board games began when he was young and would play Scrabble with his mother. He became especially good at playing chess and backgammon. As the years went on he became an expert at card games including cribbage, double-hand solitaire, and on Saturday evenings you could always be assured that there would be nickel and dime poker games taking place at Gary and Anne’s home. Above all else was Gary’s love of music; he knew the words and tunes to every popular song from the mid 50’s through the 80’s. Gary loved to drive; thus, he was always the designated person to take the steering wheel. Saturday or Sunday afternoon drives would always find him taking a detour to Maine to go for a picnic followed by antiquing.
In Gary’s retirement he could often be found caring for his two youngest granddaughters. He would joyfully bring them to the playground, on long walks, shopping, and to school. Most of all he just loved being with them, and they loved being around him.
Gary will always be remembered for his ready smile, his wonderful sense of humor, and his kindness to everyone. He was the best husband, father, and Pepere that anyone could ever hope for. Simply stated, Gary was Anne’s “Gentle Giant”.
Gary is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Shannon and husband Thomas Shurtleff, son Stanley Lesnick, sister Judy and husband Mark Aron, brothers Rick and wife Kathy Gilman, Bruce and wife Kim Gilman, his daughter-in-law Fran Lesnick, his granddaughters Natasha, Trisha, Kelly, Caitlin, Mary and Margaret, grandson Paul, his brother-in-law Gerry and wife Sylvia Grady, sister-in-law Mary and husband Joe Panarese, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his only surviving aunt, Mae, and her husband Mickey.
He was predeceased by his parents and his sons Tim, Paul, and Sean.
Visitation was held on Friday August 9, from 4 to 6 pm at the McHugh Funeral Home, 283 Hanover St. corner of Beech St. in Manchester followed by a Memorial Service in the funeral home.
If you wish to make a memorial donation in Gary’s name, please make checks payable to camp Fatima EC Week, 32 Fatima Rd., Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837.
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