Gary Lee Smith

Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and life partner;

Gary Lee Smith, 80, of Pelham, New Hampshire, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Born in Oakland, CA, January 6, 1946, the son of the late Albert W. and the late Reta (Begley) Smith, he attended school in Vidor, TX, and was a graduate from Vidor High School.

In 1964, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy. He honorably served his country in the Vietnam War and earned a National Defense Service Medal. He transferred to the Naval Reserve in 1968.

He then attended Sam Houston State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.

For 32 years, he worked as an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration. He also owned and operated Venturi Aeration, Inc. out of Pelham, NH.

Gary was an avid car and motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He loved flying planes and was a licensed pilot. In his spare time, he also enjoyed fly fishing.

Gary is survived by a son, Mark D. Smith and his wife Danielle of Magnolia, TX; five grandchildren, Avery Duncan, Natalie Duncan, Abigayle Volovar, Hunter Smith, and Madeleine Smith; his life partner, Ann D. Chadwick of Pelham, NH; his stepdaughters, Dorothy Young of Nashua, NH, and Debbie Ovens of New Boston, NH; three brothers, Jerry Smith and his wife Ruth of Escondido, CA, Dana Smith and his wife Cheryl of Hampton, VA, and Albert W. Smith, Jr., and his wife Shirley of Scottsdale, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late Heather A. Volovar.

Private services have been held for the family. E-condolences at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in Gary’s memory to Community Hospice House at hhhc.org or 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements by the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME – PELHAM – NH – (603) 635-3333.