Gary R. Rawlings

November 30, 1955 - April 2, 2021

Gary R. Rawlings, 65, of Portland CT, cherished husband of Wendy (Paradise) Rawlings, suffered a heart attack, and died on April 2, 2021. Gary was a kind and gentle soul, that loved his family, and looked for the good in everyone he met. Born in New Britain, he grew up in Berlin, and graduated the class of 1974. Gary recently retired, but was formerly employed at Stanley Works, and most recently as an auditor for Lantern Energy, working with Craig Frankel, a very dear friend that he admired immensely. He met Wendy, his best friend, while volunteering to help shelter pets, at Conn. K-9 in Newington. They married in 2002, and moved to Portland to create their special paradise on a small farm, surrounded by the best neighbors in the world! They spent the happiest of times doting on their many rescue animals, and riding horses in the forest. Although Gary shared his love with many creatures in his lifetime, his story would not be complete without the mention of a very special few, Stout, his beautiful horse that healed him during his toughest days, and Hunter, Dibs, Zeus, and Arlo, his ever faithful dogs. Besides his wife Wendy, he leaves his parents, Robert and Jean (Mabie) Rawlings, of Berlin; in-laws Francis and Joyce Paradise of Newington; his sons, Robert Corrigan, wife Crystal, of Burlington; Kyle Rawlings, fiance’ Lindsey, of Oakdale; and step-son, Justin Casey of Southington; daughters Tessa Campbell, husband Dallas, of St. Paul MN; and step-daughter Jordan Wills, husband Chris, of Ballston Spa NY; six beautiful grandchildren, Colton, Declan, Spencer, Landon, Ella, and Mason; two special cousins, Sandy (Douglas) O’Dell, of NV, and Cindy (Dan) Odell of CA. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4-7 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Funeral services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation to any animal organization of the donor’s choice, or to spread acts of kindness. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com