Dearborn Wingate, 90, a lifelong resident of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, July 26, 2017 at Aynsley Place in Nashua. He was born on June 29, 1927, the only child of Homer and Katherine (Dearborn) Wingate and stepson of Genevieve (Haskell) Wingate. Affectionately known as “Dib”, Dearborn was widowed in 1996, having been married to Fern (Chomard) Wingate for 46 years. He leaves behind son Greg Wingate of Weldon, New Brunswick, Canada; son Gary Wingate and wife Brenda (Verrill) Wingate of Nashua; daughter Gail Wingate of Portsmouth, NH; daughter Gwen Morgan and husband John of Scituate, MA; grandchildren, Brad, Geoff, and Tim Wingate; Katherine Wingate and fiancé Joseph Tarantino, Lauren and Natalie Wingate; Taryn Morgan Postlewaite and husband David, and Drew Morgan; sister-in-law, Rolande Duquette; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loving companion and best friend of many years, Elinor Lesieur.
Dearborn was born and raised in Nashua, NH, graduating from Nashua Senior High in 1945. He then attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and became the third generation at Wingate’s Pharmacy, established in 1900 by his grandfather Frank Wingate. Dearborn assumed ownership of the pharmacy from his father, Homer, in 1951 until 1984 when his son, Gary, took over the family business.
He was very proud of his two years of military service, serving in the Army Air Corps in Biloxi, MS, Denver, CO and San Antonio, TX. He was a long-time member of the Nashua Rotary Club, valued his time with the Nashua Lodge of Elks and served on the NH Pari-Mutuel Racing Commission. Dearborn was a director of WSMN radio station and served as President for 5 years. He enjoyed playing tennis, golf, curling and bocce, as well as playing cards and sports of all kinds. He was a proud Red Sox season ticket holder for over 38 years. Dearborn cherished his summer days spent at his cottage in Rye Beach, NH with Fern, Elinor, family, friends, and valued the close-knit neighborhood on F Street. Dearborn was a gentleman of great charisma, a gifted storyteller, and full of good humor who truly lived his life his way! He and his brilliant smile will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, August 4th from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the First Church of Nashua, Congregational U.C.C., One Concord Street, on Saturday, August 5th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064 or to The Nashua, New Hampshire Salvation Army, 1 Montgomery Avenue, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
