Gary Nelson Ballard

SALEM - Gary Nelson Ballard died peacefully after a two-year battle with leukemia on February 22, 2026, surrounded by his adoring family: his wife, Kimberley, his son, Dominic, and his daughter, Olivia, He was the devoted son of Mary Louise (Nelson) and Neil Ballard, who pre-deceased him, as well as the brother of Richard Ballard and his wife, Jenny of Maryland. Gary spoke often and with great fondness of growing up in such a tight-knit family and playing sports with his brother.

As the adopted son of Neil and Mary Lou, Gary often said that he “hit the lottery” by becoming a part of such a wonderful family. He grew up in Framingham and was surrounded by many cousins, aunts, and uncles who he remained close to throughout his life. In recent years, he discovered his biological roots and formed a close connection with his brother, Jimmy LaMonica and his wife Deborah.

Gary’s life was filled with music, laughter, deep friendships and fun adventures – and so much love. He started drumming in his teen years and that became a lifelong passion, even “drumming” in his sleep to music that only he could hear. He and his best friend of over 50 years, Mark (Crazz) Richard, were in several bands together and never tired of talking about their many musical escapades. He was a 1992 graduate of Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles and in recent years, he found immense enjoyment by being a part of the band, Alien Drag. He played his last gig with them in January 2026 to an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends chanting his name.

Gary’s deepest passion though was his family. He was a loving and attentive husband and a supportive and fun-loving dad to his two children. He was the proud uncle to Kassandra and Carey Ballard, and Emily Rubio. Gary was filled with a deep wellspring of joy that drew many to him and he was always surrounded by friends. He was known for his amazing hugs, his huge heart, and his distinct laughter that rang out loud and clear wherever he was. These last few years, he was thrilled to welcome his cherished daughter-in-law, Colby, to his family and to have his nieces, Kassy and Emily, living nearby (and sometimes in his home!), enjoying his amazing cooking during the dinners that he loved to host for his family. His “culinary partner-in-crime,” his sister-in-law, Jennifer and his beloved brother-in-law, John Rubio, were much anticipated guests on family vacations and holidays. Saying Gary was the “life of the party” doesn’t do justice to a man who could connect with just about anybody.

Gary’s professional career spanned managing restaurants, most notably Porcini’s in Watertown, to fine wine sales at several distributors, For the last 12 years, he worked at MS Walker where he was so proud to receive the Salesman of the Year award for his unmatched achievements. He truly loved and enjoyed working with his colleagues and expressed gratitude for landing in such a great professional place at this point in his life. As a fine wine enthusiast, and an incredible sales representative, he won many international trips and traveled to France, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Chile, and Portugal to name a few. He loved nothing more than sharing stories over a great dinner, with a fine bottle of wine, and the company of the lovely people he met on these trips.

Gary will be deeply missed, and he leaves behind many, many people who are grateful and blessed to have known him.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2-5pm, at Mission Boathouse in Beverly, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute whose extraordinary care was a gift during a difficult situation, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift, or to the non-profit performing arts center, The Cabot, where he spent many happy nights with his friends and family enjoying live music, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915 or online at https://thecabot.org/donate/.