Gary M. Waid

PETERSHAM- Gary M. Waid, 76, of Hardwick Road in Petersham, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022 with his loving family at his side, after a long battle with Lewy Body dementia.

He was born on August 8, 1945 in Gardner, MA, the son of Charles and Dorothy (Berry) Waid. He spent his early years on Pleasant Street in Athol, where he made many lifelong friends, who continued to visit throughout his illness and brought him many hours of enjoyment. His family moved to Petersham in 1960 and he attended Mahar Regional School where he played Varsity football, graduating in 1964.

Gary enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1965 and served his country honorably for four years, attaining the rank of E4. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in the Pacific and later to the USS Guadalcanal, where he took part in the retrieval of the Apollo 9 Space Capsule. He was a member of the American Legion.

Gary was co-owner of the Iconoclast Boutique on Main Street in Athol for several years. Following this, he worked as a driver for Girardi Distributors for many years. A skilled mason, Gary worked fro Peter Hebert Masonry for many years and also worked for Hayden Roofing.

After retiring, Gary worked for the Sisters of the Assumption, maintain the property on North Main Street in Petersham until it was sold. He was invaluable help to the sisters and well-loved by both the sisters and his co-worker, Joan.

An avid golfer, Gary was an active member of the Ellinwood Country Club and loved playing in the Twilight League and many weekend tournaments. Rumor has it there might still be some of his clubs in the woods.

Gary thoroughly enjoyed hikes in the Quabbin with his favorite dog, Jessa, and spent many hours walking with his life long friend, Ray Chevalier. He also loved all sports, but in particular the Red Sox and the Patriots. He enjoyed traveling to the coast and many summers with his family, camping at York Beach, Maine.

He was predeceased by his parents and his survived by his brothers, Dennis of Durham, Maine and Gregory of Petersham and his companion Chris Tarris, and his beloved sister and caregiver, Charlene DeJackome and her husband, Ronald, of Petersham. He leaves his beloved cousin Janie (Janice Gross) of Orange. In addition, he leaves his nephews, Jason DeJackome and his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Logan, Sam, and Ava of Petersham; Adam DeJackome and his wife, Tina, and their children, Nathan and Angelina of Berlin, CT; and also a niece, Aimee (Waid) Millar and her husband, Eric, and their children, Charlie and Reagan, of Middeton, NH. He also leaves his cousins, Ralph Lundquist and Mike Lundquist and his wife, Mary Jo, and their son Miles of Petersham. Finally, Gary was blessed to have additional nurturing caregivers, Gail Stoddard of Orange and Chris Pugliese of Petersham.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Remembrances may be made in Gary’s name to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to the Petersham American Legion Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 131, Petersham, MA 01366-0131.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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