Mr. Gary Huckins

Waterbury Educator and Coach

WATERBURY – Gary Huckins age 67 of Waterbury, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at the University of Massachusetts Health Care Center in Worcester MA surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. He was the loving husband of Marian (Johnston) Huckins.

Gary was born November 27th, 1954 in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Robert and Eunice “Mary” (Grady) Huckins. He was a graduate of Crosby High School and received his bachelor’s degree in education and physical education from Southern Connecticut State University and furthered his studies at Sacred Heart University where he received his master’s degree and 6th-year certificate in education administration. Gary was a long-time employee for the City of Waterbury, first working in the Parks and Recreation Department and then as a teacher for various schools throughout the city, retiring as a house principal at Wallace Middle School. Gary was also the aquatics director for the City of Waterbury and swim coach for Platt High School Girls Team as well as Crosby High School, West Side Middle School and Wallace Middle Schools and served as a swim official for the Western CT Swimming Officials. He enjoyed golfing, duckpin bowling, playing summer softball and fishing. He was a long-time member of the Elks Club IBPOE #265 in Waterbury and the Waterbury VFW Post # 201. Gary was an avid NY Yankees and NY Giants fan but was always happiest when spending time at his home in Cape Cod with his wife and beloved fur babies, Chatham and Roxy. He lived life to the fullest, blessed by the love of family and friends.

Left to cherish his memory and honor his legacy, beside his wife of 44 years, Marian, are his daughters; Meghan Huckins and her husband, Cyril Embil of Naugatuck,and Kathleen Huckins and her partner, Ian O’Sullivan of Southington and his step-daughter, Claire Embil of Chicago. He also leaves his brother, Randal Huckins and his husband, Jim Geary of Waterbury, his sisters; Debra Lanzo of Waterbury and Barbara Huckins of Waterbury as well as his brother-in-law, Gerald Johnston and his wife, Marie of Oakville, sisters-in-law; Judith Johnston of Waterbury, Sandra Bartolini of Waterbury, Carol Johnston of Wolcott, Flavia DiPetro of Watertown, and Marsha Johnston also of Watertown, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Judith Huckins.

Funeral services for Mr. Huckins will be held on Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 74 W. Main St Waterbury when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery Waterbury. Relatives and friends may visit with Gary’s family on Sunday afternoon, May 22nd, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page at www.eastsidememorial.com . However, if you are able, attending a service is a thoughtful, caring, and supportive thing to do.