UNION — Gary Lee Leighton, 78, of Union, Maine, passed away on March 23, 2026, at a hospital in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Gary was born August 15, 1947, in Bangor, Maine, the son of Robert and Evelyn Leighton of Monroe. He was raised in Monroe and graduated from Mount View High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, Gary moved to Rockport, where he would spend many years serving and contributing to his community.

Gary worked for the Rockport Public Works Department, where he eventually served as Director for several years. Known by many as a hardworking and capable “get it done” man, he was also self-employed as a fabricator and mechanic. Gary later worked as a mechanic and Director for Mid Coast Solid Waste in Rockport. He also served the community as a member of the Rockport Board of Selectmen.

Gary dedicated more than three decades of service to the Rockport Fire Department, joining in 1971. During his time with the department, he held the ranks of Lieutenant, Deputy and Assistant Fire Chief, before retiring in 2005.

Gary was always ready for an adventure and never turned down a good road trip—whether it was a spontaneous “dam trip” or traveling all the way to the Daytona 500. He was well known throughout the Midcoast community, and nearly everyone who knew him had a story to tell.

He found great joy in watching his four grandchildren grow up. Some of his favorite memories included riding bikes at the Union Fairgrounds, singing the “Buckle Up for Safety” song during car rides, and attending the Fryeburg Fair together. In recent years, he found the same happiness spending time with his great-grandchildren, Brinley (age 4) and Harlee (age 2).

Gary also had a lifelong interest in anything with an engine. He proudly passed down his knowledge and enthusiasm to his son, David, and grandson Tyler, sharing many fond memories together through their involvement with the Antique Tractor Club.

To know Gary was to love him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Winona Leighton, whom he married in July of 2000; his son, David Leighton and his spouse Lisa Leighton; his stepchildren, Robin Pease and her spouse Mike Pease, and Ben MacDonald and his partner Melissa Stacy; his grandchildren, Tyler Leighton, Samantha Leighton and her fiancé Brandon Ballard, Danica Pease and her partner Tom Carter, and Hunter Pease and his partner Eileen Monroy; and his great-grandchildren, Brinley Ludden and Harlee Leighton. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Nason of Dixmont.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Evelyn Leighton, and by his two brothers, Leslie “Hezzie” Leighton and Theodore “Ted” Leighton.

A Celebration of Life will be held May 9, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m., at Camp Bishopswood, 98 Bishopswood Road, Hope, Maine.