Gary Deane Herschel

Gary Deane Herschel

Grafton, NH - Gary Deane Herschel, 73, of Grafton, NH, passed away on April 3, 2025, at the Sumner M. Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.

A proud 1970 graduate of Windsor High School, Gary was affectionately known by friends as "Hersch." He enjoyed athletics and participated in both football and cross country, forming many lifelong friendships along the way.

He spent many years as a produce manager in several Upper Valley supermarkets. Known for his work ethic, attention to detail, and friendliness, Gary earned the respect of customers and coworkers alike.

A passionate outdoorsman, Gary had a deep love for nature and especially enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting. His greatest passion, however, was breeding and raising English Springer Spaniels. For over 40 years, he poured his heart into this work, most recently at Northwinds Kennels, which he operated with Gail. Gary's Springers were known for their intelligence, cheerful nature, and hunting excellence-qualities that mirrored his own joyful and dedicated spirit.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Gail, his children Heidi Jo Hillock, Sarah Foote (Michael), and Haley Moorman (Kenneth), his stepchildren Matthew Lynch (Melissa) and Nathan Lynch, siblings Linda Anoe, Dennis Herschel (Amy), and Penny Douyard (Barry). He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, mother-in-law, Marjorie Whittaker, brother-in-law Brad Gurney (Linda), and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

A public memorial service will be held on May 10, 2025, at 3:00pm at the Canaan Street Cemetery in Canaan, NH (across from Old North Church).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Gary's memory to New Hampshire SPCA in Gary's name.

His legacy lives on in the generations of family he leaves behind and in every English Springer that came from Northwinds. A message of condolence can be shared with Gary's family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.