Benton, NH-  Gary D. Munson, 81, formerly of Coventry Road, died on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at the Grafton County Nursing Home, North Haverhill, NH.

Gary was born in Geneseo, NY, on June 8, 1937, to Dale and Mary (Frew) Munson.

He received his Mechanical Engineering certificate from Alfred State College in Alfred  , NY.  He served in the US Army from 1960-1962 and was stationed in Germany.

Gary was employed by JI Case in Syracuse, NY for many years before working for McLaren's Equipment in Passumpsic, VT.  He owned Munson's Equipment in St. Johnsbury and GDM Enterprises.  He had also worked for the East Ryegate Paper Mill.

He was a 40 year member of the St. Johnsbury (VT) Moose Lodge 1779/Chapter 1020.

As a young man, Gary enjoyed hunting.  He was an avid NASCAR fan.  Gary attended local fairs and participated in their truck pulls.  Over the years, he hosted a number of international exchange students. He loved traveling, especially in the Western United States and enjoyed wintering in Arizona where he played Santa each Christmas.  Locally, he delivered Meals on Wheels for the Horse Meadow Senior Center. Gary was also a member of Ross-Wood American Legion Post # 20 of Woodsville.

He was predeceased by his first wife, June Eaton Munson in 2000 and a brother, Reverdy Munson in 2014.

He is survived by two daughters, Jenifer Farley and husband Sean of Argyle, NY and Lori Franchini and husband Lawrence of Chester, NH; four grandchildren, Ethan, Cameron and Donovan Farley and Joseph Franchini; a sister in law Penelope Munson of Cohasset, MA, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is also survived by his former wife, Sharon Davis Munson of Woodsville and her daughter, Theresa A. Davis of Manchester, NH.

At Gary's request, there will be no calling hours.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 10 AM, at the Moose Lodge, 2388 Portland Street, St. Johnsbury, VT, with Rev. George Hemway of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene and Chaplain of the Grafton County Nursing Home, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grafton County Home Associaton, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill, NH 03774.