Gary E Stearns Obituary

Gary E. Stearns of Salem, CT and Vero Beach, FL died in Florida on January 29th, due to complications arising from COVID-19.

Born in New London, CT on July 21, 1951 to Francis and Mary (Doukas) Stearns. Gary and his siblings, Bryan and Karen, grew up in the care of foster parents, David and Agnes Starkweather of Danielson, CT. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his siblings.

Gary is survived by the love of his life Mary Mairoano, as well as his daughter Katherine Wentz and her husband (Peter) Ian Wentz of New London, CT; his sons Brian Stearns of Oakdale, CT and John Stearns of Old Lyme, CT; grandchildren Jordyn, Jakob, Jaxon Banks and Mórrígan Wentz ; aunt Dolores Green; niece and nephews Bryanna, Matthew and David, and their children Evan, Lily, Ian and Lucas. As well as Mary's children Gene and Tabitha; and grandchildren Josie, Brielle, Paxton and Camdon, who he loved like his own.

Gary enjoyed going on sailing adventures with Mary and their animals. He was also just recently traveling around the world seeing Iceland most recently.

Gary worked as a machinist at Electric Boat, and for many years at the Millstone Nuclear Power Station as a Health-Physics Technician. He was a FIRST Robotics team mentor for Lyme-Old Lyme High School and volunteered with the Save The Kid fund, which serves children with disabilities.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held in the Summer on his birthday.

July 21st at the Thames Yacht club 396 Pequot Ave. New London, CT

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s honor to the Save The Kid fund (https://www.savethekid.org).