Gary Paul Robichaud

Gary P. Robichaud – formerly of Wilmington, MA now residing in Hickory, NC, aged 63, passed peacefully 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 he decided to relocate his roots. Gary moved to North Carolina to be with his then girlfriend, now wife, Debbie in February of 2014 and the two were married in August of 2020. Together the two made their home with their three cats in Hickory, NC.

Gary spent his younger years exploring and building his many hobbies. This turned him into a jack of all trades. In the outdoors he loved fishing and camping, but he also loved his cars. He and his brother would have their childhood yard in Wilmington filled with classic American muscle that they would be working on in one way or the other and would carry that love for refurbishing vehicles to refurbishing his collection of fire engines.

He spent 30 years in the Wilmington Fire Department fueled off two donuts a day, M&Ms, and countless pots of coffee and spent time working for the numerous funeral homes around the area. He always liked to keep busy so even when he retired and had moved down to North Carolina, he picked up work making deliveries for Lowes Home Improvement. Throughout this time, he 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 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.

Gary lives on through his spouse Debbie Robichaud, daughters Amanda Robichaud and Rebecca and her husband Tom Pearce; siblings Eddie and his wife Elaine Robichaud, Linda and her husband Wayne Vachon, Scott and his wife Sheila Robichaud; nieces and nephews Eric and his wife Ann Marie Vachon, Mark and his wife Frances Vachon, and 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.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate and remember his life at Drum Funeral Home 940 29th Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601, on 11/7/2023 from 5 – 7 PM. THERE WILL BE A SERVICE NEAR HIS HOMETOWN OF WILMINGTON WITH A DATE TBD. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Shriners Burn Hospital of Boston and the Toys for Tots.

www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/boston

www.toysfortots.org/a/donatetoday

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.drumfh-hickory.com for the Robichaud family.