Gary R. Martin, PhD., 78, of Jonesville, Vt., peacefully passed away at home on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his family’s love. He leaves his devoted wife, M. Sara McMahon; cherished daughter, Zoe Martin; and adored granddaughters, Adeline and Silvie. He was predeceased by his grandmother Adeline Terlecki, who raised him. He learned late in life he had a half sister, Jean Rauschenbach, who also predeceased him.
A native of Hartford, Conn., Gary was a proud graduate of Hartford Public High School, class of 1965, and Central Connecticut State University and earned an MSW from the University of Connecticut. He later was awarded a PhD from Capella University. He practiced as a psychologist in Burlington, Vt., for 40 years. Well respected by members of the local mental health community, he made a positive difference in his clients’ lives.
An athlete all his life, he was a lifeguard in the City of Hartford parks. He fondly remembered many adventures with Troop 5 Boy Scouts with his lifelong friend Dennis Foley. Seeking a more rural lifestyle after college, he first moved to Barre, Vt., later to Burlington and finally to Jonesville.
A love of the outdoors led him to running, skiing and later snowboarding with his daughter. Gary was immensely proud of Zoe and the accomplishments of his granddaughters. He took great pleasure in getting cords of wood on his property to keep the woodstove going all winter. With a dog by his side, multiple cats, a horse and chickens, this city boy fully embraced his vegetable garden and the pleasures of Vermont life.
A drummer since high school, where he performed as one of the Young Men, he was later a member of Burlington Taiko, with friends Harry Grabenstein, Fran Stoddard and Suzanne Hall. Gary was an avid fisherman, whether fresh or saltwater, especially at Eldora, Canaveral National Seashore, hosted by John Patrick at his fish camp.
Diagnosed 13 years ago with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Gary, with the unwavering support of Sara, faced the many challenges PSP presented. Founder/director of Movement for Parkinson’s Dance, Sara created a community online and at the Flynn for Gary and others to express themselves at their highest level.
To honor Gary, memorial donations may be made to the Movement for Parkinsons Program, The Flynn, 153 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401; Frederick C. Binter Center, University of Vermont Medical Center, 111 Colchester Ave., Burlington, VT 05620; or Vermont Lands and Facilities Trust Fund, 1 National Life Dr., Montpelier, VT 05620.
This article appears in Nov 19-25 2025.
Sara, so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. We all loved him and will miss him, may his memory be a blessing,
I knew Gary from our Burlington Taiko days twenty five years ago. He was a great guy and I am very sorry to learn he has passed away.
Sara and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great guy, warm hearted, funny, kind. He was also very fortunate to have such a devoted and talented spouse. Thinking of you, Sara, for your loss and the important work you do.
❤️
Sad times!
I learned a great deal about working with sexual offenders through conversation and attending a group organized by Gary decades ago. It made a difference in my learning process. I will miss Gary and his open attitude!
So sorry Sara!
What a loss. He was independent yet always warm and supportive. We were both psychologists working with a very difficult population. Gary was a help to me when I needed some support to keep going.
I think about him and what he might say about something . I am saddened that the world has lost another gentle man