Gary Joseph Khoury

Gary J. Khoury December 20, 1966 - November 12, 2022 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary J. Khoury of Stratham, NH: A transcendent man, spectacular husband, father, son, brother, and friend. “The Gar,” as he was known by those that loved him. Gary passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on November 12th, 2022. Gary was loved and appreciated for his untiring devotion to all he could help and support, while always deflecting any personal recognition. Even from a young age, he had an intuitive kindness for those in need, working with special needs children. He would quietly spend time with a friend or extended family member hospitalized or in hospice, including, most recently, his beloved Aunt Marilyn, who predeceased him earlier this year. His ability to put others at ease at any time and his sense of humor were unmatched and legendary. Gary was a true superstar on every level. Gary was a 1985 graduate and the senior class president at Salem High School. He was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame for football (quarterback) and track and field (held the state record for high hurdles). He attended Colby College and then went on to be an honors graduate and a quarterback at Tufts University. After undergraduate college, He traveled to Japan and mastered fluency in the Japanese language. He became an instructor at the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program and obtained his master’s degree at Sophia University in Tokyo. Gary’s discipline and intellect were highly respected. He was a proficient and masterful martial artist, and admired in the martial arts community. He won numerous awards/competitions, not the least of which was the Southwestern Japanese Championship in Okinawa. Gary and Cindy owned and operated Khoury’s Karate Academy, the second-largest martial arts center in New England. Gary was an inspiration and loved by his students and their families. After September 11th and because of his strong desire to serve his country at the age of 39, Gary entered the United States Army. He served in Iraq during the Iraq War. Captain Gary Khoury was a Bronze Star recipient and distinguished soldier with many awards. These experiences led him to write his book, “Fighting 40.” Gary's professional accomplishments knew no boundaries. He managed Bishop’s Market and served as a reserve Salem police officer. He owned G.J. Khoury Enterprises, Inc., a consulting business. His corporate positions as Account Executive for EMC, Territory Manager for IBM, Senior Sales Leader for Amazon, VP of Strategic Programs for Red River, and most recently, the Chief Revenue Officer for SkySafe proved that the sky really is the limit. Gary was strong, brave and humble, most of all overflowing with compassion and humanity. His loving and beautiful wife of over 20 years, Cindy and his greatest gifts, Rachel, Jaclyn, Nicholas and his stepson, lost the center of their world far too soon. He will be missed so very deeply. Gary is also survived by his parents, to whom he was the most devoted and loving son, George and Patricia Khoury, of Salem, his brother, Scott and his wife, Gisele Khoury of Hampton; Patrick and Heather Khoury of Cary, Illinois, and his sister, one of his closest confidants, Pamela Khoury, Esq., and her son, Max, of Salem; lifelong friends, Steven (“Buck”) Malisos, and Steven (“Deke”) Diantigikis of Salem, NH, and Robert (“Bobby”) Spoon, of Wenham, Massachusetts. Gary will also be missed by his niece, grandniece, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service will be held for Gary on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Regeneration Church, 4 Elm Street, Exeter, NH. Please allow extra time for on-street parking. The wake is being held for family and close friends.