From an early age, he was politically active on local, state, and national issues ranging from presidential campaigns to fighting for the lowest residential tax rate and advocating for city resources for the betterment of his neighborhood. Throughout his life, Gary dedicated much of his personal time to serving his East Side community, the City of Worcester, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in countless elected and appointed positions. While a teacher, Gary was an active union member serving as Membership Committee Chair, Vice President, and President of the Wrentham Teachers Association. Gary had a command of the classroom and control of every student’s attention ensuring the lessons were both interesting and profoundly impactful for each of them. His teaching style was both powerful and gentle. Notably earning teacher of the year award. Gary loved being an educator Throughout his dedicated tenure in Wrentham, he brought teaching to life for his students. He was known as the “Cal Ripken” of the teaching profession, having never missed a day of school until his retirement. After graduation, he accepted his first teaching position in 1975 at the Wrentham Public Schools where he taught grammar school for the next thirty-six years. He was the first person on both his father and mother’s side of the family to graduate from college. He continued his post-secondary education at Worcester State University where he earned both a bachelor’s degree of science and master’s degree in education.

Growing up in Worcester, Gary attended Adams Street and North High School. The Vecchio family is proud that they were among founding members of the church in 1949.

He was a lifelong, active member of the Christ Baptist Church on Granby Road, where he served as a moderator and trustee. He is survived by his two brothers, Joseph Vecchio and his wife Elizabeth of Worcester, Ron Vecchio and his life partner, Laura Andrews of Holden, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gary was born in Worcester in 1953 and lived in the city he loved his entire life. He lived by the philosophy that we all need to leave this earth a little better than when we arrived and without question, he succeeded. He was a life-long educator, community leader, and political activist, but most of all Gary was a selfless, caring and giving man. (DiSilvestri) and John “Johnnie Radiator” Vecchio and his nephew Joseph M. He was welcomed to his eternal heavenly home while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 18, 2022. Gary Vecchio, 68, of Worcester, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer.

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