Charleston, ME and Sebastian, FL - Gary A. Leighton, 74, of Charleston, Maine, and Sebastian, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2026, in Charleston. Gary was born on July 5, 1952, in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, the son of Alton L. Leighton and Marilyn Woodard Leighton. Gary was a man defined by hard work, quiet strength, and a generous heart. He dedicated much of his working life to Dexter Shoe Company, where he spent 30 years in the Research and Development Department, serving as Assistant Manager until the company’s closure in December 2001. Known by coworkers for his steady leadership and willingness to help anyone who needed it, Gary earned the respect and friendship of many. After the closure, Gary continued to show his determination and resilience by starting his own home repair business, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. At the same time, he pursued his education at Eastern Maine Technical College, where he earned an Associate Degree in AutoCAD. His dedication to learning was unmatched, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and earning a place on the Dean’s List every semester. He later joined Perfect Fit, where he worked as a Factory Supervisor from August 2003 until his retirement in December 2018. Gary enjoyed a full and active life, but what truly defined him was the way he lived it—with loyalty, humility, and love for the people around him. He found joy in snowmobiling, ice fishing, open-water fishing, hunting, camping, and time spent at camp with family and friends. A devoted fan of the Los Angeles Raiders, he also took great pride in his cherished 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and was a proud member of the Dusters Car Club. Gary was a member of the Moose Lodge in both Sebastian, Florida, and Ellsworth, Maine, and he especially enjoyed line dancing with his beloved wife, Pat, and their many friends—always happiest when surrounded by laughter and good company. Above all, Gary was a devoted family man. He was a steady presence, a source of strength, and someone who showed his love through action rather than words. His family will remember his unwavering support, his sense of humor, and the way he made everyone feel valued and cared for. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Reynolds Leighton; his three sons, Troy Leighton and his wife Kelly, Trevin Leighton and his wife Courtney, and Jeff Robichaud. He also leaves behind 13 beloved grandchildren: Skyler, Troy Jr., Austin, Bre, Jenna, Cade, Hunter, Molly, Zack, Luke, Ava, Gabe, and Kaysen; and six cherished great-grandchildren: Channing, Ryker, Kennedy, Wesley, Parker, and Lainee. Gary is also survived by his sisters, Sharon Meredith and Janel Leighton; his brother, Vance Leighton; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Connie Tilton, Donna Wheeler, Judy Brooks and her husband Dave, Jean Tilton, Penny Wilkins, and Terry Kamienski and her husband Wayne; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply. He was predeceased by his parents, Alton and Marilyn Leighton; his parents-in-law, Earl and G. Muriel Reynolds; his brothers-in-law, Earl, Larry, Hal and Clinton; his sister-in-law, Cheryl; and his great-nephew, Denny Jr. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held 4PM Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 302 Puddledock Road in Charleston. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his life, share memories, and celebrate the lasting impact he made on all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.