Gary F. Mougin

Gary Francis Mougin, 78, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 12,1947, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he grew up in nearby Dalton where he met the love of his life, Maryann.

Gary earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and two Master's degrees in both Education and Counseling from the University of Bridgeport.

He and Maryann settled in Wilton, Connecticut where Gary taught physical education for 38 years. During his time as head coach of the Wilton High School Gymnastics team, he led his athletes to three state titles and a regional championship, earning recognition as Connecticut High School Coach of the Year. He also founded the Wilton Parks and Recreation gymnastics program for elementary and middle school kids, inspiring generations of young athletes.

A devoted fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics, Gary embraced sports with enthusiasm and joy. One of his great pleasures was sharing that spirited fandom with his family. Gary especially loved that his children would always find ways to watch games and "yell with helpful purpose" right alongside him, both in person and virtually.

Gary also had a passion for old Corvettes and loved attending car shows. His soundtrack of choice was always old-time rock and roll, which brought him joy and reminded him of the energy and spirit of earlier days.

For the last 45 years, Gary and his family spent their summers at their cherished house on Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale, Massachusetts. There he helped create a lifetime of memories-water skiing, campfires, listening to music, laughing and simply enjoying being together in the Berkshires that he loved so dearly.

In retirement, Gary and Maryann made their home in Estero, FL, at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club. His competitive spirit thrived in pickleball games and bocce leagues, and he was known for offering advice as enthusiastically as he played. He developed close friendships over the last ten years with a group of wonderful people and felt like they'd all been friends for decades.

More than anything, he was especially grateful for the gift of also having truly lifelong friends that would always be a part of him. He valued their friendship and saw them as the brothers he never had.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 53 years, Maryann; his children, whom he supported and loved deeply: Katy Haas (Kevin) of Danbury, CT; Conor Mougin (Josie) of Seattle, WA; and Amanda Mougin (Jason) of Pittsfield, MA.

He leaves behind three beloved grandchildren-Charlotte Haas, Max Mougin, and Romy Mougin-who were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Duquette of Dalton, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Above all else, Gary believed in love-loving big, loving openly, and letting the people in his life know what they meant to him. Known for his kindness, his welcoming nature, and his quick sense of humor, Gary had a unique ability to make others feel supported and included.

He was a devoted husband, a supportive father, and a proud grandfather. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he made people feel: valued, supported, and loved.

He leaves us with full hearts, countless memories, and the reminder to live as he did: be gracious, be inclusive, cheer loudly, laugh often, and always make room at the table.

His legacy lives on in every life he touched.

He will be missed more than words can say.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Gulf Coast Humane Society as a tribute to Gary's longtime love of animals and the kindness he brought into the world