Gary W. Kostyk

Gary Wayne Kostyk, of Amherst NH, passed away just before the fireworks began on July 4, 2025, at the age of 71 after a twelve-year battle with lung cancer. He was born in Nashua, NH, on April 27, 1954, the son of the late Rita A. (Poliquin) Kostyk and Michael S. Kostyk Sr. His last days were at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH, where they took such wonderful, compassionate care of him.

Gary grew up in the Hudson and Nashua area, where he spent much of his youth surrounded by cousins and friends. As a boy, he and his brothers could often be found collecting worms or gathering discarded golf balls to sell for pocket money. He enjoyed ice skating, playing softball, and spending time at Frenchy’s Variety—a favorite neighborhood hangout. He also assembled bicycles at Larry’s Bike Shop, as both places were close to his home, and even worked as a shoe-shine boy on Main Street in Nashua.

Gary was a hard worker through and through. He spent over 30 years as a laborer and truck driver for Hudson Paving & Excavation, a job he took great pride in. Even after retirement, he couldn’t resist critiquing freshly paved driveways—especially the ones with “puddles” in them.

Known to many as “Cavey,” possibly thanks to his beard, he certainly embraced the role of Santa Claus on more than one occasion for his extended family. He loved the outdoors, fishing, and following sports.

Along with his parents, Gary is predeceased by his brothers: Michael S. Kostyk Jr., Robert S. Kostyk, Richard (Roy) Kostyk; his first wife, Debbie Wardner Ponton; his fathers-in-law, Ernest Gilchrist and Robert Roy; sister-in-law, Linda Schwartz; and one grandchild, Maeve Morin.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Judith R. (Gilchrist) Kostyk—his companion since the day they met on October 21, 1984; his son Jason M. Kostyk; his brother Walter J. Kostyk; three stepchildren: Lynn Geddes, James Geddes (Michelle), and Jave Geddes; six granddaughters: Mickaell (Kale) Watts, Alysa Geddes, Shameous Place, Balinda Geddes, Brynn Morin, and Melodi Geddes; seven great- grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gary is also survived by his mother-n-law Vina Roy; three brothers-in-law: Fred Blake (Fatima), Alan Roy (Wayne), Roby Roy, Yusupha Ceesay; four sisters-in-law: Rita Wilde, Dora Poliquin, Lynne DesGrosseilliers (William), and Tina Roy-Ceesay.

In memory of Gary, please consider making a donation to The Humane Society of Greater Nashua.

Assisting the family with arrangements was the Cremation Society of NH, Nashua.