Allan W. Gaspar

Allan Wendell Gaspar, 89, passed away on December 14, 2019, at his home in Newburyport, MA with his loving wife and daughters, by his side.

Allan is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Prest Gaspar (Kent), also of Newburyport.  He is survived by daughters, Ann C. Prest of Rowley, and Terry Leah Prest Stubbs and her husband Thomas of Hampton Falls, NH; his son David Allan Gaspar and his wife Jodi of Surry Maine; and a daughter-in- law, Melissa Gaspar of Byfield. Allan is survived by six grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great great grandson as well as several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Lester and Pearl Gaspar, his first wife Shirley (Gray) and son Steven, and brothers Hubert, Barton, Norman, and by his beloved Uncle “Hutch” Gaspar

Allan was born on January 15, 1930 in North Beverly, MA, to Lester Gaspar and Pearl (Dowling) Gaspar.  He worked on the family farm. He graduated from Beverly High School, class of 1947 and then attended Boston University nights, then served in the Navy reserves for 12 years, 1950-1962 and was honorably discharged as a First-class Petty officer.   He was married to Shirley from 1951 until her death in 1982.  

Allan loved going to his grandfather’s farm in Maine and he spent many summers at the farm haying, picking blueberries, and fishing.  After the death of cousin Manford Gaspar, Allan inherited the farm. He went deer hunting in the fall with his son David and enjoyed the venison and mincemeat that resulted from his hunting efforts.  Allan’s favorite hobby was working on antique tractors.  He restored several John Deere tractors, Ford tractor, and an Allis Chalmers and was an active member of the East Coast Tractor Club until recently.

In 1947, Allan worked for Sylvania. In 1948 he went to work for Samuel Smidt Chemical Company and worked there for 20 years. He then worked for Flynntan in Salem, retiring in 1985.  During this time, he earned a pilot’s license.

Allan held membership in the Manchester Masons (50 +years), Aleppo Shriners, a 75-year member of the National Grange, Massachusetts State Grange, Beverly Grange and Rowley Grange, an associate member of Arbutus Grange in Surry, Maine, and a supporter of the Curran Homestead in Orrington Maine. Allan was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rowley.

Allan was a great family man and a loving father.  He loved attending family reunions, and just having the family together. He was a very social, active man involved with Grange for a majority of his life.   Allan joined Beverly Grange at age 14, and later transferred his membership to Rowley Grange, where he was instrumental in helping with renovations on the Grange Hall as well as serving as an officer, a member of the Scholarship Committee, and a member of the Building Committee.  He was appointed to serve on the State Grange Deputy force and served as a Special Deputy, a General Deputy, State Grange Sessions Deputy and served 4 years on the Veterans Committee. Allan and Barbara were named Mr. & Mrs. Granger in 2007 and they were given the honor of having the 2017 State Grange Sessions Proceeding dedicated to them. He was named Grange Youth mentor of the year in 2010. Allan was presented with a “Quilt of Valor” at the 2019 State Session.

Allan made friends everywhere he went, and they will always remember him as a gentleman with a humorous story, kind word, and always willing to lend a hand.

At Allan’s request there will be no calling hours or graveside service. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Rowley, 175 Main Street, Rowley.  Donations in his name may be made to: Shriners Hospital, Boston; or Massachusetts State Grange Educational Aid Fund, Nancy M. Blackmer, Secretary, 77 Burrill Avenue Orange, MA  01364-1815. 

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