Gary Dickinson Sr.

Gary C Dickinson Sr, 84, died in Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Fort Lauderdale FL on August 6, 2025 after a courageous battle with lung and 4th stage pancreatic (liver and kidney) cancers. Gary resided in Bennington VT at the time of his death.

Gary is the son of Sanford C Dickinson and Helen (Aubuchon) Dickinson. He attended schools in Bennington VT, Schenectady NY and White Plains NY. Gary attended SUNY Cobleskill for one year. He went to Mechanics Institute in NYC for Plumbing and Heating certification, he worked with Robert W Monro SR Plumbing and Heating, in Mt Vernon NY as a journeyman. After moving to Bennington VT Gary worked for Hayden Plumbing and Heating and after earning his Master Plumbing license Gary opened his business Gary C Dickinson SR Plumbing and Heating. He taught Plumbing and Heating for the State of Vermont for three years. As the market became saturated with plumbers he retired from the field. Gary owned and operated a delivery service with his son Gary Jr and delivered bread for Rockhill Bakehouse for several years. As time passed Gary decided it was time to change his vocation. He went to work for Smith Transport as an OTR driver with his son Scott who retired from trucking two years later. Gary retired from driving after 12 years at the age of 65. He became restless and secured employment at the Equinox Resort and Spa in Manchester VT working in the Engineering Dept for 15 years. After leaving the Equinox he became a driver for O’Reilly Auto Parts until his illness prevented him from working in April 2025.

Gary enlisted in the Coast Guard (1960-1964) he served two years in Mobile, Alabama on board the USCG NETTLE. He requested a transfer overseas and he served for 2 years in the Subic Bay; Philippine’s on board the USCG SEBAGO. After President Kennedy was assassinated, Gary decided it was time to come home as he did not want to be a boom operator going up the river in Vietnam.

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Gary was a member of Basic Car Club, BIMC Motorcycle Club and an avid enthusiast for NHRA drag racing. He raced a retired police interceptor in 1981 and qualified to race in Maple Grove, PA in the bracket nationals. Returning home from PA Gary drove home on 10/4/87 in a blizzard with slicks on the rear on the car and no traction. Gary modified and built a 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass in 1984 and raced “Just Froggin” until 1991. In 2012 he built a 1971 Nova with his son Scott. He owned multiple motorcycles throughout his gear head days.

Gary married Linda (Monro) on April 8, 1967 at Christ Episcopal Church, Pelham Manor NY. Officiate The Rev David S Hoag. Gary is survived by his wife Linda, two sons Gary C Dickinson JR (Karen Hoth) and their children Gary C Dickinson III (Cord) and Andrew Dickinson. Scott J Dickinson and his daughter Liliann Skye Dickinson. Sister-Sandra (Greene) McDonough and Michael, Brother-Kevin and Jill (Mallette) Dickinson and their daughter Courtney.

Gary was predeceased by his father Sanford C Dickinson, mother Helen Dickinson Greene Lindsey, sister Gail Dickinson, and stepfathers James Greene and Robert Lindsey.

Gary chooses that he not to have any fanfare following his death. Gary wishes to have his ashes scattered down the Lebanon Valley Dragway surrounded by his friends.

Gary fought a courageous battle with prostate, lung, pancreatic (liver and kidney) cancers and decided his bucket list was finally complete after visiting his kids in FL on July 30th, Gary’s journey ended at the Ft Lauderdale International Airport in spectacular fashion with his wife Linda by his side.

Special thanks to Dr Mehdi and the Oncology team at the Samual S Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany NY, Julie who made sure Gary had his “hotel room” at the VA Stratton every Thursday night for his Friday chemo, Bennington VNA & Hospice nurses who cared for Gary during his last weeks, Carol Frost FNP at the VA Bennington Clinic, family and friends who have given love and support throughout this very long journey. Thank you to all of the Broward County officials and to the CEO/President Richard Stuman of the Ft Lauderdale International Airport for their support and empathy during this very sad time.