Gary P. Robichaud – formerly of Wilmington, MA now residing in Hickory, NC, aged 63, passed peacefully on Thursday November 2, 2023, with loving family by his side. Gary was born February 13, 1960, in Chelsea, MA, into a family with 4 siblings. Gary married, had two daughters, and retired after 30 years as a Lieutenant in the Wilmington Fire Department before deciding to relocate his roots. Gary moved to North Carolina to be with his then girlfriend, now wife, Debbie in February of 2014. They were married in August 2020, and have enjoyed living in Hickory, NC with their three cats.
A jack of all trades, Gary spent his youth exploring and building his many hobbies. While he loved being outdoors fishing and camping, he also loved working on his cars. He and his brother often had their childhood yard filled with classic American muscle cars to work on. This love for refurbishing vehicles carried on to refurbishing his collection of fire engines.
Gary spent 30 years in the Wilmington Fire Department fueled by two donuts a day, M&Ms, and countless pots of coffee. He also spent time working for the numerous funeral homes around the area. He always liked to keep busy, so even retired he enjoyed making deliveries for Lowes Home Improvement while he worked diligently on his family tree and building his workshop.
Throughout this time, Gary discovered the beauty of forging his own path while exploring unique destinations in North America. Tasting the food, meeting the people, taking pictures, and collecting stories – he enjoyed it all.
Gary is pre-deceased by his parents, Arthur and Dorothy Robichaud, and his sister Diane Mills.
Gary lives on through his spouse, Debbie Robichaud, daughter Amanda Robichaud, and daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Tom Pearce. Additionally, he is survived by siblings Eddie and his wife Elaine Robichaud, Linda and her husband Wayne Vachon, Scott and his wife Sheila Robichaud; nephews Eric and his wife Anne Marie Vachon, Mark and his wife Frances Vachon, niece Stacy Robichaud; and his great nieces and nephews Kate, Adam, Kyle, and Emily Vachon.
Gary was a kind, generous, and honorable soul who was always there for those who needed him, whether they knew it or not, and his presence will be missed by many. He will likely be remembered most for his storytelling, his passion for good food and his love for those around him. He was deeply rooted in his communities and loved spending time around dining tables with his friends and family.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate and remember his life at Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, MA 01864, on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 4 – 7PM. There will be a graveside service on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11 AM, Guests will be meeting at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington, MA. To leave an online message of condolence please visit Https://www.croswellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Burn Hospital of Boston and the Toys for Tots.