Robert Gahan

Robert "Bobby" Gahan February 7, 1949 – October 27, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bobby) Gahan of Barrington, New Hampshire. On October 27, 2025, Bobby took his final checkered flag and entered eternal victory lane, joining the racing greats who left the track before him.
Born on February 7, 1949, in Dover, NH, he was the son of the late Ernie Gahan and Clara Jean Virgin. A proud graduate of Dover High School, Class of 1967, Bobby's lifelong passion for racing began at an early age, inspired by watching his father compete on oval tracks throughout New England.
Through a bit of fate-and his sister's search for a roommate-Bobby met the love of his life, Carol. Three months later, they were married, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades. The couple recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Carol wasn't just his biggest fan-she was also part of his pit crew, sharing in the grease, the grit, and the glory. Together, they raised two daughters, Michelle Ann and Holly Beth, who grew up spending weekends at racetracks instead of playgrounds, often falling asleep in the stands to the hum of engines and the scent of racing fuel.
Bobby's racing career spanned nearly 50 years, earning him close to 500 feature wins across New England, as well as in Florida and Virginia. Known for his ingenuity and relentless determination, he built and raced cars on a shoestring budget, fueled by creativity, hard work, and the dedication of his loyal crew. In 1998, Bobby's skill and consistency were rewarded when he was crowned the NASCAR New England Regional Champion in Nashville, Tennessee. Nearly two decades later, in 2017, he was honored with induction into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame-a fitting tribute to a lifetime of passion, perseverance, and love for the sport.
Two years ago, Bobby was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, a challenge he faced with the same grit and quiet strength that defined his life. Though his decline was rapid, his courage never wavered, and his love for his family and racing community remained constant. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Watson Assisted Living and the Cornerstone VNA nurses for their kindness, respect, and exceptional care throughout the last phase in his journey.
Bobby is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; his beloved daughters, Michelle Ann and Holly Beth; eight grandsons, Dylan, Nicholas, Zachary, Luke, Joshua, Isaac, Mason, and Samuel and his only granddaughter, Kaelyn. He was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Jean Gahan.
Bobby will be remembered for his boundless love for family, his kindness to animals, his fierce determination on the track, and his unwavering passion for life. Though his race here is done, his spirit will forever remain in the driver's seat, guiding those who loved him most.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Bobby's memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://www.lbda.org/donate/
Friends and Family may call from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Purdy Memorial Chapel, 2 Concord Road (Rt. 4) Lee, NH 03861.