Gary Whitmarsh ... longtime advocate for veterans; at 79

ROCHESTER - Gary F. Whitmarsh, 79, of Rochester, New Hampshire, passed away after a brief and sudden battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover.

Born on November 1, 1946, in Rochester, New York, Gary was the son of the late Robert and Virginia (Hillick) Whitmarsh.

With the draft imminent in 1969, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force and served honorably as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War. This service shaped his life and inspired his lifelong dedication to supporting fellow veterans, a dedication that continued until his passing. Whenever he met someone who served, Gary went out of his way to help them and their families.

After returning home, Gary would connect with his faith and start a family. In the 1980s and 90s he held a variety of positions, including a long career as an architect design and sales support role for Marvin Windows, which allowed him to travel the country. Later, he would enjoy roles with the United States Census Bureau and New Hampshire Employment Security. Gary also worked on the New Hampshire Disabilities Council, where he sought to make our state more accessible for others. His most passionate work, however, was as a job recruiter. Helping people find work, especially for our service members, was a deep passion for Gary. Throughout every role he held, supporting our veterans was always at the heart of who he was.

In retirement, Gary continued helping others through the Roof-A-Vet program, which provides veterans with roof repairs or replacements at minimal or no cost. Gary was the program's first recipient and later served on its board of trustees to help more veterans.

While Gary loved to stay busy working, nothing mattered more to him than being a grandfather, father and deeply devoted husband. If one of his children or grandchildren needed him, nothing would stop him from being there. He enjoyed watching his five grandchildren at their sporting events or joining them in art projects. He loved taking adventures with each of his grandchildren, especially getting an ice cream at Dairy Queen.

Gary met his wife Diane through a newspaper personnel ad in the 90s. She would often say she picked the right day to read the paper. The family would often joke that it must have been in the funny pages. They quickly fell in love and later married. Gary and Diane loved the lighthouses of Maine, but Nubble and Portland Head Light were his and Diane's favorite lighthouses to visit.

Gary was a people person. He loved meeting new people and sharing one of his stories with them. Endlessly curious, Gary loved getting to know people and making connections for them. When you met Gary, you'd be immediately greeted by his beaming smile. A great big smile that could mean he was getting ready to crack a joke, scheme an elaborate plan, or land a well-crafted argument to successfully prove a point or make a case to change your mind.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Whitmarsh; his sons, Brett Whitmarsh and their partner, Lucia Von Letkemann, of Portsmouth, and Philip Whitmarsh and his partner, Amber Goining, of Dover; Corey St. Onge and his wife, Andrea, of Hooksett, and Craig St. Onge and his wife, Maredith, of Rochester; his brother, Mark Whitmarsh and his wife, Sherry, formerly of Kansas; and his grandchildren, Bryce Whitmarsh, Collin St. Onge, Rhys St. Onge, Nyla St. Onge, and Hudson St. Onge.