Gary Paul Askew

Gary Paul Askew Portsmouth, RIGary Paul Askew, 66, of Portsmouth, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Nancy (Beardsley) Askew. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on October 3, 1948, he was the son of the late Clarence and Reita (Humiston) Askew. Gary began his life as the eldest of 11 children on a farm in upstate New York, where he cared for his siblings and was a member of 4-H. He joined the Navy in 1968, serving his country on numerous deployments and through two wars. He served as a gunners mate during the Vietnam War. After a brief stint as a machinist for General Electric, he reenlisted, and later became a hospital corpsman. During Desert Storm, he was the only biomedical repair tech for the forward naval fleet. Gary served his country for 28 years, and retired as a proud Chief from the Navy in 1996, settling in Portsmouth, RI and working as a dental repair technician. Gary enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, camping, 4-wheeling, rebuilding classic cars, and attending antique car shows with his prized 1957 Ford Fairlane. As a young man, he worked as pit crew on the Fonda Speedway. He was also a member of the NRA and various hunting clubs, including the Caroga Fish and Game Club. He was a man of great integrity and possessed a strong work ethic. He took pride in caring for his family, especially as they traveled the world with him during his years of service. His wife was the love of his life and best friend. He was a loyal father, son, and brother and enjoyed family conversations at gatherings and special events. He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 38 years; his children, Michael (Emily) Askew and grandchildren, David and Benjamin of East Lyme, CT, Michelle Askew of Portsmouth, RI, Jason Askew and his partner, Lindsey Fiorentino of Providence, RI, and Gary Askew Jr. of Saratoga Springs, NY; his brothers, Douglas (Judy) Askew of Galway, NY, Dennis Askew and his partner, Judy Lopez of Ballston Spa, NY, Charles Askew of Ballston Spa, NY, Jeffery Askew of Malta, NY, Joseph Askew of Saratoga Springs, NY; his sisters, Madeline (Howard) Waller of Ballston Spa, NY and Gail Askew and her partner, Ken Engle of Ballston Spa, NY; in addition to his sister-in-law, Joan White and her husband, Ken of Caroga Lake, NY; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters, Deborah and Cheryl; and brother, Philip. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. His funeral will be held on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Rhode Island Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/InmemoryofGaryAskew/ASpecialDay Additional information available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.


This obituary was originally published in The Daily Gazette Co.