WARREN — Gary W. Simonton, 76, died Dec. 19, 2015, at Woodlands Memory Care Center in Rockland following an extended illness. He was surrounded by family and in the care of an attentive, compassionate staff and a wonderful hospice team.

Born in Rockland on July 22, 1939, he was the firstborn son of Donald and Carolyn Simonton. Gary was a graduate of Rockport High School and worked at Bath Iron Works for 42 years until his retirement July 31, 2001.

Gary loved music, and for many years was a square dance caller. He loved the piano and would play at events and, until his illness, played at nursing homes and assisted living facilities with the Swing Timers group. He collected old radio shows and Jim Reeves records.

He was a member of the Warren Odd Fellows, the Rockport Masons and the Second Congregational Church in Warren. He was a volunteer at Thomaston Food Bank for many years.

As an active member and past master of the Penobscot View Grange, Gary personally took care of the hall for years and provided transportation to elder members whenever needed. He was also a member and past deputy of the Maine State Grange.

Gary is predeceased by his parents; and his son, Benjamin Perry.

He is survived by his daughter, Saralee Andrews and her husband, Greg; two grandsons, Rob Boggs and his fiancé, Morgan McIntosh, and their daughter, Quincy, and Nathan Andrews, all of Warren. He is also survived by four brothers, Donald Simonton and his wife, Sally, of Rockport, Michael Simonton and his companion, Judy, of Henrico, N.C., Timothy Simonton and his wife, Kassie, of Gordonsville, Va., and Scott Simonton and his wife, Jodie, of Washington; his sister, Linda Twitchell and her husband, Wayne, of Hope; nine nieces and nephews; and his former wife and life-long love, Janette.

A family graveside service and celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodlands Memory Care Center, 201 Camden Street, Rockland, ME 04841; Beacon Hospice, 289 State St., Bangor, ME 04401 or the Second Congregational Church, P. O. Box 206, Warren, ME 04864.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.