Gary F. Leader

In Loving Memory of Gary F. Leader (January 30, 1944 - October 20, 2023) Gary F. Leader, age 79, passed away on October 20, 2023, in Leesburg, Florida, after battling health issues for several years. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He cared deeply for his family. Gary was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank and Isabelle Leader. He completed his high school education at Cathedral High School in Denver, Colorado. Following his high school years, Gary enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1965 to 1969 for the Army Security Agency as an E4 Specialist and was proud of his military service. After his military service, Gary continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston, where he earned an associate degree in business. On November 18, 1967, he married the love of his life, Irene Goulet, in Nashua, New Hampshire and they had a remarkable 55 years of marriage. Gary's professional journey led him to work as a facilities manager for the school district of Amherst, New Hampshire. He was known for his commitment to his work and his strong work ethic. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Gary was deeply committed to his family. He actively participated in the Nashua Youth Programs coaching soccer. He also dedicated many years to coaching his son's Nashua World Cup travel soccer team. After coaching he was very supportive of his children and grandchildren’s sports events and would make every effort to attend games and races. Gary was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, tennis, and was a member of gun clubs in both New Hampshire and Florida. He also had a passion for professional sports and had a special fondness for cowboy western shows, with a particular love for the legendary John Wayne. In his retirement, Gary divided his time between Leesburg, Florida, and Totem Pole Park in Freedom, New Hampshire, enjoying his life as a “snowbird.” He served as president of the board of directors at Totem Pole Park. He was also on the maintenance advisory committee and on the board of directors at Highland Lakes, FL. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Isabelle Leader. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene, and their children and grandchildren: Daughter: Michelle Leader of Nashua, New Hampshire Son: Keith Leader and his wife, Julie, of Durham, New Hampshire Son: Brian Leader and his wife, Samantha, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire Grandchildren: Ross Briggs, Jack Briggs, Reed Leader, Caden Leader, Ava Leader, and Gavin Leader Sister: Penelope Swanson and her husband, Peter Nieces and nephew: Lorraine Lanning, Julie Swanson, Sara Swanson, Christopher Swanson, and Amy Swanson To celebrate Gary's life, a service will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on December 1st 2023 at 10:00am. Additionally, there will be a celebration of his life in New Hampshire in May 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association. Gary's own journey included a successful triple bypass heart surgery in 1999 and several subsequent stent procedures. Contributions to the American Heart Association will honor and support ongoing research in heart health. Gary F. Leader will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his patriotic service, and his love for sports and adventure. He lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His family will hold many memories filled with love and laughter. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.