Obituaries

This was in Las Vegas Nevada at a sporting goods show. Gary and Jean were with my family, Helen and Bob Minihane, Stacie Minihane, and myself. Such a great time!

Posted by Kathleen Minihane Pardy on April 12, 2023

We just learned of Gary's passing, and our hearts are broken. We will never forget the years we spent on Jordan Rd. The Friday afternoon social events and the wonderful friendships we shared will always be cherished memories. Gary was a wonderful friend, a teacher and source of inspiration for so many, myself included. He was in my prayers this afternoon and will continue to be.

Posted by Bob & Terri Flannelly on February 1, 2023

My thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family.. I met Gary in 1996 while working for Schutt Sports. I had never met a more professional person with the personal touch Gary had. I will always remember his smile and friendship. Thank you Gary for being you. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed by many.

Posted by Gary Montgomery on January 31, 2023

Fifty years ago I met Gary and Jean at FSC. I was there at the beginning of their wonderful love story; he was head over heels about Jean. We had many college escapades and Gary was the life of the party. I followed him to many campus events because I knew it was going to be a good time! Gary is a big part of my college memories. He never declined an invitation to share in my family celebrations. When I was in his company he always asked about my kids and family, and he genuinely wanted to know about them. He recently attended my son’s wedding and despite his health challenges he greeted all my family members with a big “Gary Niland” smile and embrace. I was fortunate to call him my friend. Gary epitomized the title, “A Happy Man!” To my dear friend Jean, you were his rock, always by his side. Christopher, Matthew, Kara and Molly you were his pride and joy. And when I see you, I see him, and his big Irish smile. Rest now, my friend, you will be missed.

Posted by Marian Candini on January 31, 2023

Joan and I offer our deepest condolences to Jeanne and family over good neighbor Gary's passing. He never seemed to let his struggle with health issues interfere with his genuine and ever-friendly presence when meeting him. We hope warm memories of Gary and love of family and friends will offer comfort and support to all.

Posted by Ken & Joan Gatto on January 31, 2023

Dear Jean and Family We are sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Gary was one of a kind. He was a special player and an even better person. He will be missed by so many. We will always smile when we think about Nils and will keep him in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to the Niland family. Tom and Ann Lamb

Posted by Tom&Ann Lamb on January 31, 2023

Dear Jean and Kara and Nyland family, We were so sorry to hear of Garrett's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dan and Rosemary Centi

Posted by Rosemary Centi on January 30, 2023

He was a big part of my college life. My substitute dad as I was out of state. I met his daughter Kara, on the first day of college and we were inseparable from then on out. Subsequently, I was adopted into the Niland family during my duration of living in Massachusetts. Gary was the nicest dad and family man. I will never forget him or how he let me drive his Mercedes back to college one night when he first met me. He has raised four wonderful children and I know he will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Thank you for being a great guy.

Posted by Jacqueline on January 30, 2023

I first met Gary in 1977 when he was my defensive backfield football coach at Framingham State College. In 1978 he was named the defensive coordinator. Before the 1977 school year ended he called me to tell me that the 1978 starting safety position was "mine to lose." Those words motivated me to work as hard as I could in the off season. A number of years after I graduated I sent a text to Gary telling him how much I appreciated his telling me that it was "mine to lose" - for the next 20 or so years i would see Gary and he would always pull up my message and show it to me - he kept my message because it meant so much to him - I love you and I will miss you Gary - you did good!

Posted by Dan Ciullo on January 30, 2023

I got to work with Gary for 10 years through selling for Schutt Sports. We were across the country from each other, so I only saw him at sales meetings and shows. Gary was one of the faces I most looked forward to seeing. He treated me from day one like an equal, and always treated everyone with kindness and respect. Gary often pushed us all to strive for better, and he was a great example to all of us of what grit and determination can do. I will miss Seeing Gary's smile, and miss hearing his kind and affirming words. It's been a pleasure Gary, I will miss you pal.

Posted by Ben Peters on January 30, 2023