Chester, NH: Gary Welch of Chester, NH, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the age of 69 in Boston, MA of complications from a COVID-19 infection.  Born in Haverhill he attended the Tilton school until the 4th grade, his family later moved to Atkinson, NH where he attended Atkinson Academy.  He later graduated from Timberlane Regional High School in 1968.  Gary enlisted in the Army in 1970, serving as a drill sergeant at Ft. Jackson, SC before being released to the Army Reserve in Portsmouth, NH.  He later purchased and ran Groveland TV for 40 years.  He was one of the founders of Kendecom, which he later purchased and rebranded Advanced Communication Systems.  He also owned and operated Elm Park Realty.  He retired in 2014.

Gary was a man of many interests and talents.  He loved travel; exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different food and culture.  He was deeply interested in science, a wizard at electronics, and an amateur radio enthusiast (W1FCK) .  Gary's biggest hobby was cars.  He won many trophies as a young man at New England Dragway, and even into his later years, was known as a "spirited" driver by local law enforcement officials.

Predeceased by his parents Lorraine (Senecal) and Raymond Welch, Gary is survived by his wife and best friend of 30 years, Sharon (Williams), his daughter Kristen Welch and her wife Heather Cote, his son Jason and wife Digdem (Aksu), his daughter Sarah Celik and her husband Ahmet, his grandchildren Cody, Madison, and Beren, and his great grandchildren Lucas and Harper.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Gary's name to Massachusetts General Hospital at www.giving.massgeneral.org

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