Gary J. Amirault, 68, of Peabody, died Tuesday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late Alfred and Margaret (Gallant) Amirault. He graduated from Lynn English High School, class of 1970, and earned an Associates degree in Natural Resource Management from Essex Agricultural Technical Institute. He was the owner and operator of North Shore Pest Control for over 35 years before retiring in 2018.

Gary was the devoted husband of Diane (Comeau) Amirault with whom he shared over 47 years of marriage. He was also a loving father to Yvonne Helbert and her husband John of Wilmington; Danielle Kenny and her husband Ben of Lake Tahoe, CA; and his son Ben Amirault and his wife Christina of Salem. He was Grampy to his five beloved grandchildren, Zoey Helbert, Sarah and Kelsey Kenny, and Oliver and Josie Amirault.

He lived in Peabody for the past 33 years, where he meticulously maintained his property on MacArthur Road and hosted many memorable poolside parties. Gary loved the outdoors, and he made many cherished memories with his family and friends camping, hiking, and skiing in the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, and California. After retirement, Gary enjoyed paddling his antique wooden canoe at locations all around the northeast, and he was a proud member of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association.

Gary loved a good competition, and he regularly played billiards, disc golf, and cards. He co-created soccer golf and competed in the annual McGraham Cup Tournament in New Hampshire, winning it multiple times.

Gary will forever be remembered for his undying devotion to family and friends and his uncanny ability to diffuse any situation with the perfect off-color comment or joke. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his two brothers, Alfred Amirault, Jr of CO, and David Amirault of Amesbury, his two sisters, Sr. Jane Amirault, RGS, of Marlborough and Dianne Geaney of Nahant, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Peggy Amirault.

Following cremation, visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. Peabody. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 12:00 PM at the funeral home followed by a reception. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Shriners Hospitals for Children.