Gary E. Wells, Sr., 66, of West Lebanon, NH passed away peacefully in the early hours of September 21 ^st ; at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL.  His wife and children were at his side.

Gary was born November 20, 1952 at Alice Peck Day to parents Edwin and Marjorie Wells of West Hartford, VT.  He graduated from Hartford High School in 1970 and Dartmouth College in 1974.

It was always Gary's wish to be an educator and help the youth in the Upper Valley.  Upon graduating at Dartmouth he was hired as a teacher in the Orford school district, where he taught Middle School and coached for 9 years.  In 1983, he moved his sights to Mascoma High School; from which he retired in 2016 after 33 years.  While at Mascoma High School, Gary was an example of professionalism. He had a passion for U.S. History which was passed on to many of his students.  He served as the head of the Social Studies department for many years, always willing to provide leadership and help to other members of the faculty.  He spent 2 years as incumbent assistant principal; as well as multiple years as co-president for the Mascoma district NEA.  Outside of the classroom; he was very active in the school community; spending many years taking charge of the winter carnival, taking part in Youth in Government, and was a class advisor for multiple classes throughout his 33 years.  In 2016; he was extremely proud to be awarded with the Senior Advisor of the Year Award from the state of NH.

Gary continued his love for education outside of the grounds of his school as well; spending a year teaching future educators at Plymouth State College and being a beloved member of the Lebanon School District School Board for 8 years; spending many of them as the Chairman.

Along with his career, Gary loved family and considered it the absolute most important thing. He was very close with his siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, and treated his nieces and nephews like they were his own.  He was very proud of the achievements of his children and found no greater joy in the world than in his role as a grandfather.  He could often be found taking long walks, reading stacks of books, fishing with his family, cheering at a Dartmouth sporting event, or sitting by the river watching for bald eagles.  His door was always open for anyone who wished to stop by for a hot cup of coffee.

Gary is predeceased by his mother; Marjorie (Neil) Wells, his sister-in- law Leslie Wells, brother Rodney Wells, and father Edwin Wells Jr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 42 wonderful years; Colleen of Port Charlotte, FL; son Maj. Gary E. Wells Jr. USAF (Leslie) of Cibolo, TX; daughter Stefanie Vargas (Chris) of Madisonville, KY; grandsons Landrum, Gracen, and Evyn Wells of Cibolo, TX; granddaughters Ella, Madelyn, and Lillian Vargas of Madisonville, KY; step mother Elizabeth Wells of West Hartford, VT; brother Timothy Wells of Westminister, VT; sisters Cheryl Gilbert (Steve) and Lynda Hart (Randy) of West Hartford, VT and many loving nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

"Mr. Wells" has had a great impact on his community, school, and students.  The family invites all who wish to pay their respects to join them for services.

Calling hours will be held in the sanctuary of West Lebanon Congregational Church on Sunday, October 6 at 3pm with funeral services beginning at 4pm.  A reception at the church will follow.

A private burial will take place at West Hartford Cemetery on Monday.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Gary's name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.  LBDA.org

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT has been entrusted with arrangements.