FARMINGTON – Gary Peter Oswald, 65, of Jay, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Aug. 26, 2025.

He was born on June 16, 1960, in Brunswick, to Juanita (Manning) and Jack G. Oswald. Gary grew up in the close-knit community of Brunswick, where he played on the varsity football team and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1979.

He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Plymouth State College, graduating in 1984. While at Plymouth, he played lacrosse and was a proud member of the football team, playing defensive back. One of his proudest collegiate achievements was being part of the 1982 Plymouth State College Hall of Fame team, which went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the Division III National Playoffs.

After college, Gary took some time to explore life outside of New England and headed to Florida where he worked various odd jobs and waited tables, “livin’ the dream” for a while. His sabbatical from structure came to a close when he accepted a position as a physical education teacher at Mt. Blue Middle School, and as a football coach at Mt. Blue High School. It was here that he met the love of his life, Maureen. They married on June 25, 1988, and began their life together rooted in family, education, and community. He continued his education by obtaining his master’s degree in Education from the University of Maine at Orono.

Gary later became the Assistant Principal, and then Principal, of Mt. Blue Middle School, where he served with great pride and purpose. He was honored with the 2008-2009 National Distinguished Principal Award. Gary created lasting bonds with students, faculty, and families, and his impact continues to be felt by many.

Above all, Gary was a devoted family man. He took immense pride in his children and grandchildren, and his role as “Grampy” was one he held closest to his heart. Whether it was fostering a love of the outdoors, athletics, and hard work in Bode, being Sawyer’s protector and source of endless laughter, or roughhousing with Parker, Gary brought joy, knowledge, and love to his grandchildren’s lives. This pull to be with grandchildren had the couple move back to their home state of Maine after 10 years in Myrtle Beach, S.C., in July of this year.

Gary was also an animal lover. Though he’d shake his head each time one of his daughters mentioned the arrival of the new family member, he was always the first to fall in love with each one. He was happiest working outside where you would often find him landscaping or target practicing. He enjoyed gathering with friends, hunting, watching his grandchildren in their various sports, sitting by a fire, listening to Jimmy Buffett and watching his beloved Patriots.

Gary is survived by his mother, Juanita (Robert) Hunter of Bristol; his loving wife of 37 years, Maureen (White) Oswald of Jay; his children, Matthew White of Scarborough, Michelle (Charles) Dowd of Farmington, and Mikayla (Ellis) Oswald of Bowdoin; his cherished grandchildren, Bode and Sawyer Dowd, Parker Blakney, and Baby Boy Tyler; his brother, Jack M. Oswald; and many dear friends from every chapter of his life.

He was predeceased by his father, Jack G. Oswald.

Gary’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as a coach, educator, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His memory will be carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. Public graveside memorial services will follow on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Farmington, with a gathering afterward at the Farmhouse Beer Garden from 2 to 5 p.m., where light refreshments will be served. Services will be livestreamed and found in his Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com.

The family invites all who attend to dress casually, whether you’re repping your favorite New England sports team, sporting your best Jimmy Buffett-style Hawaiian shirt, or wearing any shade of blue, a color Gary was often seen in. Please, no ties!

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the EMS, Jay Fire Rescue, Jay Police Department, and the MaineHealth Franklin Hospital Emergency staff for their care, compassion, and tireless efforts.

Family and friends are encouraged to share photos and memories in Gary’s Book of Memories at http://www.wilesrc.com. Honored to be caring for the family of Gary Peter Oswald is Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Mount Blue Area Youth Football program,

honoring Gary’s lifelong love of the game, which began during his own youth,

c/o Tom Farmer,

172 Farmington Falls Rd.

Farmington, ME 04938