Gary D. Odiorne

West Warren – Gary Odiorne, 75, of West Warren passed peacefully from this life on November 29, with his loving family at his side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.  He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Blanche (Allen) Odiorne, his in-laws, Vernon and Jeannette Pratt, and an infant brother.

Gary was born on October 4, 1946, the youngest of 7 children.  He attended Warren High School, where he excelled at basketball, leading his team to the state championship in 1965.  Following graduation in 1965, Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and a Commendation Medal.

After returning home, Gary married the love of his life, Kathleen (Pratt) in September of 1970.  For the last 51 years, they have lived in West Warren.

Gary worked in a variety of places: capacities over the years, including for his brother-in-law, the late Robert Fijol, the Warren Water Department, the Warren Police Department, the Town of Warren Highway Department and most recently Bond Construction.  He also served on many committees for the town throughout the years.  Gary was always willing to lend a helping hand.  His easy going nature and zest for life made him a joy to be around.  Everyone loved their “Uncle Gary.”

Gary was an amazing father to his 2 children, Travis Odiorne of Chicopee and Megan Colantuoni and her husband Michael of Brimfield.  For as great of a Dad as he was, he outshone that in his role of Bumpa.  Abigail and Austin Odiorne, Kaelyn, Liam and Brenna Caron hit the jackpot when it came to their Bumpa.

He will be deeply missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Patricia Odiorne and his sisters, Beverly Burr, Beryle Carey, Janelle Morin and Lois Fijol, along with his brothers and sisters-in-law, Francis and Janet Pratt and Roger and Cheryl Gagnon.  Also by a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Gary will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and dance moves.  He was always the first one on the dance floor and the last to leave.  His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

His family would like to thank the dedicated care givers from Baystate Hospice for the amazing care they provided. 

A Funeral Service for Gary will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11AM in   Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main Street in West Brookfield.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 3 to 6PM in the funeral home.                                                 Burial with Military Honors will be held in Pine Grove Cemetery in Warren following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capitol Drive, West Springfield, MA, 01089 or www.baystate.org/giving or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 02284 or www.dana-farber.org.

An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com. 

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