Gary Joseph Jordan

Gary Joseph Jordan of Middletown CT died peacefully at home on March 1, 2026, after a long and difficult journey with neurodegenerative disease. Gary was born to Arden and Alberta Jordan on May 24, 1944, in Springfield MA and was the first of seven children. He attended local primary schools, graduated from Cathedral High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from North Adams State College in 1966.

With wanderlust in his heart, he then drove to the west coast — taking numerous exploratory side trips — and secured a teaching position with the Los Angeles school system in Sherman Oaks, CA. After two years and multiple cross-country road trips, he returned permanently to the east coast and began his thirty-five year career at Danbury High School, where he taught Advanced Placement and UConn Chemistry, coached the chess club, ran summer recreation programs and provided home tutoring to students. During this time, he also earned Master’s and 6 year advanced study degrees and met his future wife of 52 years, Catherine.

Gary had a unique way of relating to students. He believed successful teaching required not only instructing but also entertaining young minds in order to capture their attention, peak their curiosity and spark their desire to learn. As such, he was known for classroom antics including mad-cap chemistry experiment demonstrations, cooking with chemistry labs, mole design competitions, slime making, “Chemis-Tree” carols and “Wear Your Goggles” sing-alongs. Gary showed genuine interest in the lives of his students, providing gentle guidance and support often going so far as to subtly and cleverly play “matchmaker” for those without prom dates.

Gary embraced his retirement in 2003 and pursued his many interests and talents including golfing, dabbling in new and evolving technology, making wine, joyriding in his sports car and hosting friends and family at countless parties, impromptu gatherings and seasonal celebrations, where masterfully crafted cocktails were always featured. Gary relished intellectual challenges and could install, repair or restore nearly anything. He was an extremely competitive bridge and chess player, and he never shied away from a robust debate. Gary’s love of travel took him and Catherine to dozens of countries and islands where they explored new and varied sights, sounds, cultures and cuisines and made wonderful memories together.

Gary greatest joy in life was his large circle of family and dear friends. Nothing made him happier at any time, for any reason, than being with those he loved most.

Gary leaves behind his loving wife Catherine (Glaser) and cherished son David, daughter-in-law, Beatrice, and grandchildren Ashley, Joshua and Samuel. Also surviving Gary are his siblings Gregory Jordan (Liz), Cheryl Rivers, Mary Spakanik, Joanne Sullivan, and Carolyn Evans (James). He was predeceased by his sister Diane Loughman (David) and his parents. Gary is also survived by sisters and brothers in-law Robert and Dale Glaser, Marilyn Avallone and Diane Cappiello. In addition, Gary leaves nearly 100 multi-generational nieces and nephews and an incredible group of kind, caring and supportive friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 6th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown, CT.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7th am at 10:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 310 Westfield St, Middletown, CT.  Interment will be private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital where, as a young boy, Gary received successful rehabilitative therapy services after contracting polio. Donations may be sent to Shriners Children’s New England, Office of Philanthropy,516 Carew Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, 01104, or call 1-413-846-1781 or Donate Online. To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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