Gary L Hetrick, age 78, of Charlestown, RI and, formerly of Hanson, MA, passed away on December 27th surrounded by his adoring family. Gary was a long-time member of IBEW Local 2322, serving as Safety Coach, Executive Board Member, and Chief Steward, as well as being a Cable Splicer for Verizon.

Gary was born in Butler, PA to the late Brice and Alberta Hetrick. He served in the Naval Submarine Service before meeting Judith (Rich) Hetrick, his loving wife of close to 58 years, and settling in Hanson. Gary was always quick with a joke and delighted in making people smile and laugh. He was a passionate voice for social causes. Volunteerism and lending a hand to help those less fortunate was always a priority in his life. Gary was a prominent figure in the Telephone Pioneers of America serving two terms as President of Pilgrim Chapter, volunteering countless hours for Special Olympics and coordinated programs at the Brockton VA to spend time reading to veterans and started a program to take disabled vets bowling. He enjoyed gardening and watching local sports, especially the Patriots and Red Sox, but his greatest love was spending time with family, particularly his grandchildren.

Gary was the devoted father of Julie Hetrick of Scituate, RI, Jeffrey Hetrick of Middleboro and Eric Hetrick of Raynham. He was also the dear brother of Doretha Johns and Connie Birckbichler, and was predeceased by his dear siblings: Nancy Birkbichler, Richard Hetrick and Leroy Hetrick. Gary is also survived by his sons-in-law Frank D'Alessandro and Glenn(Gonsalves)Hetrick and his daughter-in-law Kelly (Hasson) Hetrick. He is also survived and will be eternally adored by his loving grandchildren, (Ryan, Damon, Nathan, Nora, and Declan), as well as, many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held in the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home 4 West Washington St. (Corner Rte.58) Hanson, on Sunday January 6th  2-6 PM. Relatives and friends respectfullyinvited to attend.  Feel free to write an online condolence

A memorial service will be held in Gary's honor Sunday January 13th, 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Hanson, 214 Main Street, Hanson MA 02341.

In Lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Gary's name to The New England Donor Services at neds.org.