Gary E. Jennings Sr., 81, formerly of Westport, MA passed away peacefully at Hathaway Manor Extended Care Facility in New Bedford, MA on December 31, 2016. He was the widow of Lura Booth Jennings to whom he was married more than 34 years. He was also the widow of Claire Lima Jennings.
Mr. Jennings was born in Fall River, son of the late Edward and Ruth (Astle) Jennings. He was a 1954 graduate of BMC Durfee High School. He enlisted and served in the Naval Reserves while in High School. In addition to his full-time job and raising his family, Mr. Jennings was a disc jockey. He played records for many dances in the Fall River area. He loved music and loved to dance. He was admired by many for his smooth moves on the dance floor. In his later years Mr. Jennings enjoyed dancing with his lady friend, Alice Taylor, whom he cared for very much.
Mr. Jennings and his business partner Frank Pavao operated Sportstown in Westport for several years. He coached Little League baseball in Westport for 35 years and received recognition from the Board of Selectmen as Westport’s Spotlight Citizen for his dedication to the youth of Westport. Mr. Jennings took great pride in coaching all “His Kids”. However, it was an exceptional challenge when his five grandsons played on the Red Sox. The memories of Red Sox baseball and “Grandpa’s Team” remain strong in the hearts of his grandsons and in the hearts of those that were fortunate enough to have had him for a coach.
Besides his family and baseball, Mr. Jennings loved animals. He was a very kind hearted and generous man who will be missed by all who loved him.
Survivors include three daughters, Kimberley Fernandes and her husband Brian of Westport, Kathryn Amaral of New Bedford, Carol Jennings of Fairhaven, a son, Gary Jennings Jr. of Boston, five grandsons, two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. He leaves an uncle, Gordon Jennings and his wife Celia of Naples, Florida and several cousins. Mr. Jennings was the father of the late Adam Booth Jennings and grandfather of the late Jason Lemay. He also leaves a good friend and fellow Boston Red Sox fan, Tom Hancock of Westport whom he was friends with over 47 years.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Hathaway Manor in New Bedford and Hospice Compassionate Care for the support and care they provided to Mr. Jennings.
Private arrangements under the direction of Potter Funeral Home will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Westport Babe Ruth League, PO Box 1174, Westport, MA 02790.