Charles Gary Grabarz

Charles Gary Grabarz, 74, of Manchester Center, passed away on July 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, he attended Greenwich High School and passionately studied history at Ohio University, Class of 1975 where he met his best friend, wife and life partner.
Gary is survived by his wife, Mary, with whom he was about to celebrate 46 years of marriage; his sons, Drew and Cord of Manchester Center; his brother, Michael and sister-in-law Denise of Myrtle Beach SC; along with many nieces and nephews. His daughter, Halley Grabarz Monforte who preceded him in death, gave him three wonderful grandchildren, Camryn, Genevieve and Conner who he loved dearly.
Gary has been a teacher all his life, jumping at every opportunity to work with children and young adults. He became a certified special needs skating instructor, for both the physically and mentally challenged knowing he could make a difference in their lives and even created Everybuddy, Inc, a program designed to balance athletic prowess.
After he and his family moved to Vermont in 1996, he continued that passion and helped launch skating at Riley Rink. Always the avid collector of sports related items, Gary opened Sports N’ Tyme in Manchester. He continued his love of teaching at Manchester Elementary Middle School for 21 years, still connecting with students on many levels where his passion for life was so evident through his contagious smile. He loved all sports, especially baseball, football and ice hockey and coached at all levels whenever he could from t-ball through middle and high school up to the local midnight men’s ice hockey league. If you asked what he was most proud of, he would clearly say his grassroots involvement in women’s ice hockey over the last 50 years.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Brewster Funeral Service, 34 Park Place, Manchester Center, VT. from 4-6.
A notice will be shared regarding a Celebration of Life, so much more Gary’s style at a time and location where everyone is welcome to share, laugh and truly celebrate Gary.