Nathan A. "Nate" Garganta

Nathan A. Garganta "Nate", 49, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away from complications of a hemorrhagic stroke on October 14, 2025, leaving behind a community that will deeply miss his presence, his passion, and most of all, his warm, contagious laugh that could light up any room. In his final act of generosity, Nathan gave the gift of life through organ donation, extending his legacy of kindness beyond his time with us.
Born and raised in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Nathan was a proud graduate of Sherburne School and a devoted Portsmouth Clipper. During his childhood in Portsmouth, he formed deep friendships that lasted throughout his life. He earned his Business Management degree from Keene State College, where he was an active Phi Kappa Theta brother, forging many friendships that filled his life with laughter and love.
After graduation, Nathan moved to Jacksonville, Florida, which became his home for 26 years. There, he built a successful 25-year career with Merrill Lynch, where he was admired for his integrity, dedication, and humor. He formed lasting friendships with colleagues who deeply respected him. Nate embraced Jacksonville and its community with the same loyalty and enthusiasm he brought to every aspect of his life.
Much to the good-natured dismay of his brothers and New England family, Nate was a devoted Jacksonville Jaguars season ticket holder and super fan. His love for his team was more than just fandom; it was a reflection of his loyal heart and unwavering dedication to the things and people he cared about. Whether celebrating victories or standing by through difficult seasons (a trait cultivated from being a Boston sports fan first) Nate embodied what it means to be faithful and true.
Those who knew Nathan will forever remember the sound of his laughter: authentic, unique, infectious, and capable of lifting spirits even on the hardest days. It was a laugh that brought people together, that made moments memorable, and that will echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to hear it. Nate intentionally brought his heart and genuine care for others to every interaction, and his friends, family and co-workers are all better for having been a part of his life.
Nathan is survived by his parents, Donna and Manuel Garganta of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; his brother Aaron Garganta, wife Jocelyn, and their daughter Ada also of Portsmouth; his twin brother Mark Garganta, wife Kacie, and their sons Nolan and Conor of Danvers, Massachusetts.
He is also survived by his great aunt Dorothy Pesaresi of Portsmouth, NH; uncle Michael and aunt Janice Pesaresi, and cousin Lauren Pesaresi of Stratham, NH; cousin Brenda Kiley and husband John Kiley of Newmarket, NH; uncle Erik and aunt Paula Anderson, and cousin Kristen Anderson of Portsmouth, NH; cousin Kevin Anderson and wife Laina Crosby of Cambridge, MA.
Nathan leaves behind a large extended family who cherished him, as well as countless friends in both New England and Jacksonville who loved him deeply and will treasure his memory forever.
SERVICES - A time of Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 am on Saturday November 8, 2025 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad St., Portsmouth, NH. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home; Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery, 990 Middle Rd., Portsmouth, NH. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday November 9 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Portsmouth Elks Lodge #97, 500 Jones Ave., Portsmouth, NH.
Family flowers only please. Donations in Nathan's memory can be made to the following: Granite State Italian Connection: Donations can be made to the Go Fund Me account; https://gofund.me/973ad62bc which has been set up to receive donations and hold them temporarily while the University of NH Italian Studies program establishes a non-profit entity "Granite State Italian Connection" to support a student exchange program between Nathan's home town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and it's "sister city" the commune of Santarcangelo di Romagna, located in the Province of Rimini, in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, the home of Nathan's ancestral Italian heritage. Funds will be used to support Italian student activities while visiting the New Hampshire Seacoast and American student activities while visiting the Emilia-Romagna region.