Gary M. Comins, a longtime resident of Methuen, died on Monday, November 22, 2021, from Pancreatic Cancer at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill. He was 71 years old. He was the beloved son of the late Richard C. and Thisbe (Grieco) Comins of Andover.
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on March 25, 1950, he grew up in Andover, and attended Brooks School in North Andover, and received his BA in English from Washington University in St. Louis. After travelling in Europe, and working at a local radio station in Texas, he settled in Methuen.
He was a history buff, and loved languages and writing, such that his early career included several stints as a reporter. Later, after years as professional technical writer in the technology sector, he became a career counsellor in the Lawrence area.
He was an avid collector of old coins and a foreign film enthusiast. He particularly loved antiquing throughout New England and was a very talented amateur photographer. He had a particular fondness for old cameras and watches. He loved camping, canoeing and cherished nature and the outdoors. He had a lifelong attachment to a favorite family gathering place on the river side of Ogunquit Beach, ME and enthusiastically and bravely swam there, despite the ocean temps. He was especially loved and appreciated for his dry humor and wit. He will be dearly missed.
Gary is survived by his partner Francine Gingras, of Methuen, a sister Claudia Comins of San Diego, a niece, nephew and grand-nephew, and many loving cousins and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held in the West Parish Garden Chapel, 129 Reservation Road, Andover on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 1 PM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will follow in the West Parish Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory may be made to MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen MA or the Merrimack River Watershed Council in Merrimack MA. To order flowers, please visit, flowersbysteveinc.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.