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Gorman BECHARD Obituary
BECHARD, Gorman E., Jr.
Groundbreaking nightclub entrepreneur Gorman (Gary) E. Bechard Jr. passed away after a long illness in his Stonington, home on Sunday. He was 82. Best known for singlehandedly igniting the 50s revival of the mid-80s with the popular Boppers nightclub chain, Gary owned and operated numerous bars and restaurants throughout the state for close to four decades. While the original Boppers, opened in 1984, was located in the basement of Gary's Mexican Restaurant Jasper's in Hartford, it was the New Haven Boppers which sealed the club's reputation. Opened in 1986, it became one of the most popular nightclubs in that city's history. Known for its DJ booth built into a 1957 Buick Special, singing DJs, and dancing waitresses and bouncers, Boppers was a nightclub where people of all ages could come and dance the night away. Gary would eventually oversee other Boppers in Stamford, Waterbury, and San Francisco, CA. After a tour of duty with the Marines, serving in the Korean War, Gary began his long life in hospitality when he opened a coffee shop in Watertown in 1954. He went on to purchase the Park Hotel in Thomaston in 1955, and then opened the Prospect Country Club. He ran the restaurant at the E.J. Korvettes Department Store in Hartford during the 60s. But it wasn't until 1974, when he opened what would become the first gay bar in the state, Hartford's, The Warehouse, that he found his niche with nightclubs. The Warehouse was an overwhelming success, so popular that even Bette Midler once announced from the stage of the Bushnell that after her concert she'd be headed there. It lead to a number of other clubs and restaurants, including Sean Patrick's, Mad Murphy's, Molly Malone's, Cellblock 11, Back Street, Riot at the Warehouse, Chez Est, Collectables, Uncle Al's, and Uncle Dave's, all in Hartford, Jury's Tavern in Storrs, and the Salty Dog in New London. Gary was born on Dec. 1, 1930 to Gorman and Sophia Bechard in Bristol. Besides his former wife and loving partner Grace Bechard, Gary is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Gorman and Kristine of Hamden, Thomas and K.T. of San Francisco, CA, and Sean Bechard of Farmington and Randi Bechard of West Hartford; four grandchildren, Samatha, Madison, Berkeley, and Jennifer Grace; brother Ray Watrous; as well as many cherished relatives, friends, and business partners throughout the state.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church 95 Main St., Stonington. Presentation of military honors will immediately follow after mass at the church. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Danny Thomas Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gorman BECHARD
Skip Del Vaglio
January 15, 2024
Gary and my uncle Julio Del Vaglio were more than great pals and compatriots: they played tennis so often that I recall Gary had the nickname Pancho!!!
Many recollections are fleeting as we continue on our journey, but those of Gary and his various night club venues are most cherished. R.I.P.
Skip Del Vaglio
January 15, 2022
Gary was a giant in the hospitality business. He was a warm and gracious person with a wonderful smile....and quite a tennis player. RIP Gary.....
J S Gilbert
February 18, 2013
I recall Gary fondly from back in the Boppers days. My deepest sympathies.
February 4, 2013
Tom, Sean, Grace, Gorman and the Grandchildren,
Victoria and I, send all of you, heartfelt condolences along with much love and comfort. It has been an extreme pleasure knowing and sharing with Brother Gary. We will miss him!
J. Ray jones, San Francisco & Hartford
January 27, 2013
Grace and family,
Good memories growing up at Aunt Bobbi's with Gary.
Thanks Gary
Carolyn Labadia
January 26, 2013
I am very sorry to read about Gary my sincere condolences to the Family.The Russian Lady Cafe. John Rimscha
Mark Dolan
January 25, 2013
Tommy, Grace and Sean: I was so sorry to hear about Gary's passing today. I have many fond memories of him as a generous and thoughtful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Mark and Ann
Elaine Shallenberger
January 25, 2013
My condolences to the Bechard family. Gary you will be in my heart forever. Rest in peace my friend.
Mike Paparella
January 25, 2013
Tom,Sean and family,
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of your Dad. I knew that he was not well for some time and I regret that I did not find the time to visit with him during his decline. We all had a lot of fun over the years and trust the memories will bring comfort.
Lynne Duquette
January 25, 2013
As a childhood friend of Kris, (daughter in law) I express my condolences to the family of an obvious and impressive innovator. Rest in Peace.
Patti Schaefer Sehulster
January 23, 2013
Dear Grace, Tommy, and Sean,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Surely, our families were intertwined for all those years on Orchard Street. May you find peace in memories, solace in knowing you gave Gary love while he lived, and comfort in knowing that he lives on in the ways you reflect his effects on your life.
With deepest sympathy,
Patti Schaefer Sehulster
Julia Schaefer
January 23, 2013
Dear Grace, Tommy, and Sean: sorry to hear about Gary's passing. I have alot fun memories of us all hanging out when we were kids! I also remember for my birthday one year Gary prepared awesome stuffed lobster. He was always very sweet and generous man. May all your wonderful memories you have bring you comfort and know he is now at peace.
Skip Del Vaglio
January 23, 2013
Condolences to Grace Tom, Gorman, Ray and Sean. We all just loved Gary and his terrific entrepreneurial spirit.....and his awesome tennis ability!!!! A well deserved rest, Gary. RIP
Ann and Vin
January 23, 2013
Heartfelt sympathy to Grace and family. Gary was a wonderful neighbor and friend.He will be missed.
Suzanne Cannon
January 23, 2013
Grace, Gorman, Tom and Sean,
My sincere sympathy is with all of you and your families. I worked for Gary for many years, and it was a wonderful experience with unforgettable life lessons. So many of us connected, the laughs we all shared, what he created touched many. Thank you Gary, for the beautiful memories, teaching me about business and giving me so much to smile about.
January 23, 2013
Grace, Tom & Sean,
So sad to hear of Gary's passing. It is a great loss to so many of us and I am forever thankful that I was made to feel welcome in your family for the short period of time that I knew him.
He was like a second father to me and I will always remember him as a dear friend who cared greatly about the people around him.
Suzanne McKirdy
Joanne Smith
January 22, 2013
Grace, We all had some great downtown Hartford memories didn't we? I met Gary when he was at Korvettes and he went on from there to so many successess in life. Don't know if you remember because it was so long ago, but Ron and I had a holiday party at our house in West Hartford, and you and Gary showed up a day late..so the four of us had another one. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Phil Ouellette
January 22, 2013
Grace,Tommie,Gorman and Sean , I am very sorry for your loss. It feels like 100 years ago since Gary showed me around the business. It is clear that without his mentoring, I would not be where I am today. Lessons not just about business but more importantly about human spirit. Rest in peace Gary. You've worked long enough.
January 22, 2013
Dear Grace, Tom, and Sean;
I remember all out fun times on Orchard Street fondly. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Mary Schaefer Badger
Dan Rich
January 22, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences. I'll always be grateful for the opportunities I had at Boppers New Haven, and I thank Gary for making it all possible.
Robyn Bruscino (Bousquet)
January 22, 2013
Dear Bechard Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Gary was a special person and a good man. Thanks to him I have wonderful memories that I will treasure always! God bless you all.
Mary Ellen Hussey
January 22, 2013
Dear Bechard Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember the Boppers club very well. Gary must have been a great man because he was part of a wonderful family. I'm sure you will miss him terribly. Sending love and prayers.
January 22, 2013
To the Bechard Family - my sincere condolances on the passing of Gary. Gary was a very astute businessman whom I had the pleasure of working with as his insurance agent for the past 20 years. Know that he is in a better place and has met up with Mary Dowd in the heavenly kingdom. MaryAnn Maroney
Lucien Grillo
January 22, 2013
To the Bechard family, I worked for Gary for over 30 years and he was a trooper. My deepest condolences on his passing.
Mark Sullivan
January 22, 2013
Gary was to me a generous friend and a mentor, a savior, a invaluable resource for wisdom and experience, and a unfailing model of integrity. I will never forget him.
Scott Furman
January 22, 2013
Dear Grace & Family
Please accept my deepest condolences on Gary's passing. I have many fond memories of him having worked for him for 10 years at the old Chez in Hartford in the 80's. He often helped me personally, he taught me much and the knowledge he shared helped me into a successful career in Food & Beverage. I will always be grateful to him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 22, 2013
Dear Grace, Gorman, Tom & Sean, so sorry for your loss. Gary was always good to me and Dave. I have fond memories from younger days, and a trip to San Francisco with Aunt Bobby. Christine Scott
January 22, 2013
To the Bechard Family,
We offer our condolences and prayers to your family during this sad time. While we have only known Gary for a short time, we are truly saddened. Our summer's will not shine so brightly without neighbor Gary. Our love and thoughts to you all. Bryan, Bridget, Iain and Logan
Barry and Valerie Clark
January 22, 2013
A true gentleman, I am honored to have been associated with Gary. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest In Peace.
January 22, 2013
Gracie, Sean, Tom, KT and family,
We are all saddened to hear of your loss and send our love, prayers and blessings your way. We know there's gonna be a heck of a part up there with Gary's arrival.
With love,
Water Street Cafe Staff
Walter & Stephanie Houlihan
January 22, 2013
Walter, Stephanie and the entire staff of Water Street Cafe send heartfelt condolences to Gary's family and friends. Gary cared about us and always had our best interest at heart. He always included all of us in the special occasions he hosted. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a wonderful friend and confidant.
Fran Hoch
January 22, 2013
Sorry to hear about Gary's death
Jeri Trachtman
January 22, 2013
My condolences to you with much love.
Donna Greene
January 22, 2013
Grace I was sorry to read about Gary my sincere condolences.
Cara DeLano
January 22, 2013
It is with deepest sympathy that I write this; however, know that Gary shared a lot of smiles and laughter within this world and upon that be happy we had the time he shared with us!
Raymond Lewicki
January 22, 2013
To the Bechard family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Gary was a wonderful person. I knew Gary for only a short while and he had a Big Heart. We loved plying setback every Sunday evening. Gary loved people and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was always there to console you, talk to you about politics or lend a helping hand. Gary will be missed by many people he has touched throughout his life. He is most likely up there in Heaven running night club and has that grin nobody could forget. Gary always had that twinkle in eye. Again, very sorry for your loss but Gary is now in a good place. God bless you Gary, I for one will never forget our relationship.
January 22, 2013
Mrs. Bechard, we were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. In sympathy and peace, Joan, Suzy and Cindy ~ Westerly Hospital Dialysis Nurses
Holly Lebed
January 21, 2013
Dear Grace, I was very saddened to learn of Gary's passing from Tracie. I loved my time working for you and Gary at Sean Patrick's so many years ago, and you all hold a special place in my heart. I will keep you, Gary, and the boys and their families in my thoughts & prayers. Much love,
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