Gary Joseph Jordan

1944 - 2026

Gary Joseph Jordan
Gary Jordan, of Middletown, CT, died peacefully at home on March 1, 2026, after a difficult journey with neurodegenerative disease. Gary was born to Arden and Alberta Jordan on May 24, 1944, in Springfield MA. He attended local schools and earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from North Adams State College in 1966.
Upon his graduation, he spent two years teaching in Los Angeles, then returned permanently to the east coast and began his thirty-five year career at Danbury High School, where he taught Advanced Placement and UConn Chemistry. During this time, he also earned his Master's and 6-year advanced study degrees and met his future wife of 52 years, Catherine.
Gary had a unique way of relating to students. He believed successful teaching required not only instructing, but also entertaining young minds in order to capture their attention, peak their curiosity and spark their desire to learn. As such, he was known for classroom antics, including mad-cap chemistry experiment demonstrations, cooking with chemistry labs, mole design competitions, slime making, "Chemis-tree" carols and "Wear Your Goggles" sing-alongs. Gary showed genuine interest in the lives of his students, providing gentle guidance and support often going so far as to subtly and cleverly play "matchmaker" for those without prom dates.
Gary embraced his retirement in 2003 and pursued his many interests and talents, including golfing, technology exploration, wine making, and hosting friends and family at countless parties, impromptu gatherings and seasonal celebrations, where masterfully crafted cocktails were always featured. Gary relished intellectual challenges and could install, repair or restore nearly anything. He was an extremely competitive bridge and chess player and he never shied away from a robust debate. Gary's love of travel took him and Catherine to dozens of countries and islands, where they made wonderful memories together.
Gary greatest joy in life was his large circle of family and dear friends. Nothing made him happier than being with those he loved most. He leaves behind his loving wife, Catherine (Glaser); cherished son, David; daughter-in-law, Beatrice; and grandchildren, Ashley, Joshua and Samuel. Also surviving Gary are his siblings, Gregory Jordan (Liz), Cheryl Rivers, Mary Spakanik, Joanne Sullivan, and Carolyn Evans (James). He was predeceased by his sister, Diane Loughman (David); and his parents. Gary is also survived by sisters and brothers in-law, Robert and Dale Glaser, Marilyn Avallone and Diane Cappiello. In addition, Gary leaves behind many nieces and nephews and an incredible group of kind, caring and supportive friends.
For further information regarding services and memorial contributions, please visit the Doolittle Funeral Home website at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com .