1947 – 2017

BOSTON, Mass. — Mexico Fire Chief Gary W. Wentzell, 69, died Sunday, Jan. 8, surrounded by his family, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a resident of Pine Street in Mexico.

Born in Rumford on Nov. 12, 1947, he was a son of Harding and Edith (Taylor) Wentzell. He was a graduate of Stephens High School in Rumford with the Class of 1966. He owned and operated Wentzell’s Auto Body Shop in Mexico.

Gary served as fire chief of Mexico for 25 years and was a member of the Maine State Federation of Firefighters. He was a member and trail master for the Mexico Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club. He was a member of Down East Street Rods, and enjoyed restoring classic and antique cars and going to car shows, especially in Carlisle, Pa. He enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, making bean-hole beans, NASCAR, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He was a member of the Rumford Falls Aerie No. 1248, FOE.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Charlene Spadea, of Mexico; two daughters, Heather Sorensen and husband, Neil, of Rumford and Paula Wentzell and her fiancé, Mike Gallant, of Rumford; a son, Todd Wentzell of Mexico; two stepsons, Peter Spadea of Rumford and Shawn Spadea and his wife, Jaime, of Sidney; a sister, Eileen Wentzell of Roxbury; grandchildren, Angela Theriault and her husband, Nick, of Mexico, Tayla Cunningham of Rumford, Alexis Cunningham of Dixfield, Emily Gallant of Rumford, Samantha Hanson and husband, Tyson, of Rumford, Hunter Sorensen of Rumford, William Sorensen of Rumford, Riley Spadea of Sydney and Xavier Spadea of Rumford; great-grandchildren, Alyvia and Dylan Theriault of Mexico, Aiden Litalien of Rumford, Paysin Thomas of Dixfield and Rhys Hanson of Rumford; a nephew, Toby Wentzell of Roxbury; many brothers and sisters in the Fire Department; and many cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a granddaughter, MacKenzie Wentzell.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.