Gary Jay Singer

Gary Singer, a lifelong Manchester resident, passed away on November 15, 2022, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved son of the late Bernice and Irving Singer, doting husband to Cindi (Rich), loving father to Michael & Jessica Singer, of Newton, Massachusetts, and Bayla (Jessica) & Yisroel (Jeff) Rich, of Passaic, New Jersey, and treasured grandfather to his ten grandchildren, Ayellet and Gavriel Singer and Nechama, Avraham Simcha, Moshe Leib, Akiva, Perela, Ahuva, Chani, and Shmuel Tzvi Rich. Adored by his five brothers and his only sister: Stephen (Lillian) Singer, Alan Singer, Robert Singer, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Singer, Joy (Michael) Sydney, and Stewart (Wendy) Singer. Uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews whose time spent together he cherished. He was predeceased by his first wife Gail (Schreier).

Gary was a devoted son to his parents. He enjoyed enriching his mother’s life with regular meal delivery and organizing excursions around New England for his mother and her many friends.

Gary was a wonderful husband to his beloved wife Cindi for over thirty years. Anyone who saw them together could see the love in Gary’s eyes. They enjoyed sharing time together at their home in Plum Island and as they explored the world often while riding their Harleys. They were the best of friends. Cindi was always by Gary’s side, especially during his final days.

Gary also relished his role as a father and grandfather. He loved talking about his children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments.

Family also extended into the professional realm. For over fifty years, he was an integral part of Merchants Automotive Group and its growth and success over the past many years. Prior to his retirement, Gary was Chairman of the Board. He loved going to the office each day to work alongside his late father, brothers, brother-in-law, and valued employees.

He was proud to continue the legacy of Merchants Automotive Group, which was started by his parents 60 years ago.

Gary was proud of his Jewish heritage. He was committed to his faith, which brought him solace during the difficult times he faced. Since his bar mitzvah, Gary prayed three times daily, even while receiving his crippling cancer treatments. He devoted his time and expertise to several Jewish organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Greater New Hampshire, Hadassah, Chabad of New Hampshire and his lifelong synagogue, Temple Israel. He was also an active volunteer for the Salvation Army, where he served on the Board of Directors, volunteered at the Kids’ Café, rang the bells each year for the holidays, and participated in their annual warm clothing drive. Gary’s charitable efforts led to him being awarded the highest civilian honor the Salvation Army can bestow, the William Booth award, an award that was also bestowed on his late father. Gary and Irving were the only father-son recipients of this prestigious award.

Anyone who knew Gary heard about his athletic prowess, some of which was true. Gary excelled as an all-star pitcher in Little League, a quarterback in Pop Warner football, and eventually as the star basketball player at MTA high school in Manhattan, New York. His competitive streak, combined with his athletic talents led him to be a founding member of “Singer Ball” – a weekly basketball game played among friends and family members, first in the driveway of his parents’ house, and eventually the basketball court of the local colleges.

Gary’s dynamic personality and outsized presence will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be at Temple Israel (masks are required for attendees), 66 Salmon St., Manchester, NH on Wednesday, November 16 at 12:30pm. Livestream of the funeral through the Temple website and its YouTube channel.

Burial in the Manchester Hebrew Cemetery, Manchester, NH.

Shiva will be held at Chabad of New Hampshire, 1234 River Rd., Manchester, NH, at the following times:

Wednesday 11/16 ~ after burial until 8pm,

Thursday 11/17 ~ 8am-12pm & 3:30pm -7:30pm,

Friday 11/18 ~ 8am-12pm,

Saturday 11/19 ~ 6pm-9pm,

Sunday 11/20 ~ 8am-12pm & 3:30pm -7:30pm,

Monday 11/21 ~ 8am-12pm & 3:30pm -7:30pm

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in memory of Gary to support Dr. Richardson’s Myeloma Research Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P. O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or Chabad of New Hampshire designated to the Gary Singer Memorial Fund (http://chabadofnh.com/donate).