Gary L Glidden

Gary L. Glidden, a lifetime resident of Wolfeboro, NH has added his love and laughter to all future sunrises of those who knew him. Gary entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 6:15 a.m. comfortably in his home with his final wishes being granted; peacefully and with his loving wife of 35 years Darlene Glidden (Thompson) at his side and hers being the final eyes he was to gaze upon. Gary was born March 28, 1943, at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH to the late Edgar W. and Luella (Corson) Glidden.
Gary attended both Carpenter School and Brewster Academy. Gary and his surviving sister Diane Sheehan (Manchester) lost both parents early on, to which their late brother Edgar H. Glidden raised them, instilling early on Gary's deeply sewn roots of what it means to be family.
Gary first worked as a caretaker at the Sinclair estate furthering his ties and appreciation for Huggins Hospital and the town of Wolfeboro. He then worked under Paul Snow where he first dipped his brush in what would become a lifelong profession, he did various tasks with Alan Jones Construction before starting his own painting business at the age of 21. Gary painted for 55 years, 30 of those alongside his best friend, business partner and spouse Darlene all throughout the Lakes Region, often painting for the same families for decades with his jovial nature loved by multiple generations of customers.
Gary raised, trained and ran beagles from the age of 13 to well into his seventies, winning multiple field trials at the Salmon Falls Beagle Club, drawing many newcomers and creating lifelong friendships through the world of beagling. At an early age Gary became an avid outdoorsman and prolific whitetail deer hunter under the tutelage of his late brother Jimmy Glidden, at a time when harvesting a deer meant food on the table. Gary turned this into a lifelong passion in which many a local's have had the honor of learning and laughing alongside him during these fall excursions. Gary was rich with tales of a life thoroughly lived, he enjoyed the Boston Red Sox, old westerns, classic tv of a time much more simple. He loved his town of Wolfeboro and always brought a smile to the faces of those who he engaged with.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, family and traditions that shall be carried on by those who he is survived by: his wife, best friend, partner and confidant Darlene (Thompson), he had a deep bond with his son Gary L. Glidden Jr, son David A. Glidden whom he carried an immense amount of pride having followed closely his father's footsteps, and his youngest child which every father holds a special love, his daughter Belinda Libby. Gary is also survived by his loving grandchildren Chelsea Glidden (Florida,) Casey Glidden (Wolfeboro), Colton Mercier (Wolfeboro), Keagan Mercier (Wolfeboro). Gary also had many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him. A special mention to Gary's four-legged companion with whom he loved dearly Matilda.
Fishing trips with Ben and Keagan will forever be altered in Gary's absence, his presence at a local paint store, an ice cream cone at any of the Wolfeboro shops, fried clams every summer, his favorite chocolate chip cookies made by Darlene to which "even the ones at the fair don't hold up to hers", a broad laugh under a blaze orange cap on a crisp November morning, the many tricks of the trade passed on to a new generation. Gary Glidden embodied a larger-than-life infectious sense of humor that will be carried on in all those who were privileged enough to know him. He will be missed by many.
Please join family, friends and acquaintances at Lord Funeral Home, 23 Club Lane, Wolfeboro, NH on Thursday, September 26, 2024, visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Memorial Services in Gary's honor to be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
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