Gary
P. Newton of Colchester, Vt., passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025,
at 3:35 p.m. He was held by his best friend and wife, Laurie Newton.
Also with him were his sister Paula Bennett; nieces Laura Calcagni
and Elizabeth Bennett; brother-in-law and friend Skip Bennett; and
sister-in-law, Carol Bennett.
Gary
was born on June 2, 1958, in Burlington, Vt., to Allen and Janet
Newton. He worked for Champlain Cable Corporation for 40 years,
earning his way to the position of process engineer. He had the
privilege of making friends from around the world while building a
family and community in El Paso, Texas.
Gary
was an avid outdoorsman, spending a well-lived life skiing, shooting
sports, fishing and camping. In his younger days, he was an
exceptional community league basketball player, enduring many
sprained ankles. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed collecting
antiquities, coins, woodcrafts and unique Vermont ephemera. He
appreciated music of all genres, from Bach to Bowie, Nirvana and the
Beastie Boys to Lamar. Gary generously shared his hobbies with his
nieces, nephews and extended family.
Gary
was pleasantly surprised to discover a deep love for dogs and cats,
starting with his first cat, Digger, whom Laurie unexpectedly brought
home from the humane society in 1993. He then went on to care for six
Pomeranian dogs and two cats.
He
is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Laurie
(Bennett) Newton. He also leaves behind his sister Brenda (Newton)
Calcagni of Williston, Vt., and his sister Paula (Newton) Bennett,
along with her spouse, Gordon “Skip” Bennett III, of Burlington,
Vt. In addition to numerous nieces and nephews, Gary played a
big-hearted and much cherished role in the lives of Gordon Bennett IV
of Merced, Calif., and Elizabeth Bennett of Saco, Maine.
He
was predeceased by his father, Allen R. Newton; his mother, Janet R.
(Dumont) Newton; and his brother, Dennis A. Newton.
All
who knew Gary would recognize his witty and beloved humor. He will be
greatly missed.
Family
and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, May 22, 2025, 4
to 6 p.m., at the Ready Funeral Home, 261 Shelburne Rd., Burlington,
VT.
Funeral
services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, 10 a.m., at the
funeral home. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Please
consider making a donation to the Humane Society of Chittenden County in lieu of sending flowers.
Arrangements
are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To
send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.