Gary E. Vanasse

Seekonk - Gary E. Vanasse, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 19, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Joanne (Marcinkwicz) Vanasse for forty-five beautiful years. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Evelyn M. (Grise) Vanasse.

Gary graduated from Attleboro High School in 1974 and relocated to Seekonk in 1978. He worked as a remodeling contractor and was the founder of Gary E. Vanasse & Sons, Seekonk, until his retirement in 2022. He previously worked as a metal fabricator at MetFab Engineering, North Attleboro, for several years. Gary expressed himself through the art of making with wood and metal. Through his willingness to share an inappropriate joke or humorous story he was able to forge deep connections with those around him invoking an equal response from the most unexpected person. There was no doubt that wherever he was he would find someone he shared a mutual connection with. Without ever asking anything in return he would help anyone he knew with anything, you did not have to ask. Gary enriched the lives of all around him from childhood friends of his kids, to neighbors, past clients, and all of his industry peers. The image of him we will remember is a sturdy man in a Canadian Tuxedo carrying his beloved pup Abbie.

As Gary’s community prepares for life without his presence there is a large void to fill. We will look to nature, for he will be all around us. In currents of water we will feel the kind ease he created. In the warmth of the sun we will be reminded of his all encompassing hugs. We will be inspired to love those around us unconditionally and offer a hand when someone is in need.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three children, Angelica C. Vanasse and partner, Johnny, of England, Joseph B. Vanasse and his wife, Kiera, of East Providence, and Nicholas G. Vanasse and his wife, Caitlin, also of East Providence; three adoring grandchildren, Adelina, Margaux and Coralie; a brother, Stephen R. Vanasse and his wife, Michelle, of New Hampshire; an aunt, Jeanne Nenarella and her husband, Rocco, of Coventry; and uncle Raymond Vanasse and his wife Betty of Reading, MA; two nephews, Patrick Aliberti and Derek Vanasse, and two nieces, Danielle Murdock and Colleen Callahan.

Private graveside Services will be held in the family plot in Seekonk Cemetery, Newman Ave., Seekonk. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Guild, 461 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. Memorial donations to Audubon Society of Rhode Island, 12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917 or to Seekonk Animal Shelter, 100 Peck St., Seekonk, MA 02771 would be greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements are entrusted with WILLIAM W. TRIPP Funeral Home, Pawtucket. Online condolences welcomed at www.trippfuneralhome.com