Malden Firefighter, Gary Joseph Lopresti, Jr, 48, of Melrose, MA (formerly of Malden, MA) passed away on August 27, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA after a heartfelt battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Gary was born on April 2, 1975 in Winchester, MA to the late Gary Lopresti, Sr. and Marlene (Knowlton) Lopresti. After Gary graduated from Malden High School in 1993 he met the love of his life, Karla (Turilli). Gary and Karla got married in 1999 and went on to have 3 amazing children Ava Grace, Josh Chet and Liv Violet, who were the world to him and his inspiration. 

Gary earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2016 from Boston University. Over the past few years, Gary owned his own business in fire restoration and made many friendships along the way. Gary was a proud Malden Firefighter for 19 years where he was respected and admired. Gary’s kindness and empathy shined in his work. Gary loved being a part of the Safe Program in Malden educating young children and elderly about fire safety. It was at the fire station where Gary inherited another family. His sisters and brothers from the fire department worked tirelessly to make sure Gary and his family were never fighting this battle alone. 

Although Gary had a successful professional career, his true success lies in the legacy of his children. He took pride in being the most supportive father he could be to his 3 children.  Whether it was on the softball field, in the front row of a dance recital or in the stands of Malden Catholic, he was always a supportive, patient, loving dad. Most importantly, Gary enjoyed the simple moments with his family like watching movies, cooking dinner and relaxing by the fire in their backyard. Gary had many accomplishments in his life, he was an exceptional high school athlete, marathon runner, beloved softball coach  “Garebear”,  and recreational basketball coach… but his most cherished accomplishment was being called Dad.

Gary was the grandson to Jean A Knowlton and the late Chet Knowlton. Grandson to the late Alfred and Margaret Lopresti. He was a loving brother to Julann Casaletto and husband Ed Casaletto of Malden, MA, Anthony Lopresti and wife Maureen of Milwaukee, WI and Dr. Matthew Lopresti and wife Dr. Mary Anderson Lopresti of Wayland, MA.  

Gary will be sorely missed by his many nieces and nephews, Zac, Christianna, Gabrielle, Sophia, David, Madeline, Henry, Jax, Caroline, Grace, Savhanna, Sydney, Shae, Laurence, Branden, Gwen, Maggie, Josie and Zoey who loved him so and could always make him smile, even on the toughest days. 

Gary had many fond memories he treasured with all of his aunts and uncles, which he shared with his family often.

He was the son-in-law to the late Ann Turilli, brother-in-law to LeeAnn and Scott Soucy, Jac-Lyn and Laurence Gibson and Deirdre and Robert McVoy.

Gary had a special place in his heart for his sisters and brothers of the Malden Fire Department who carried him through his illness and many, many wonderful friends.

Services will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 12:00 p.m. 

St. Joseph Church  790 Salem St. Malden, MA 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lopresti Children 

Via Venmo  The Gary Lopresti Fund: @GaryLopresti-fund 

Or sent to the Malden Fire Department 1 Sprague St. Malden and made out to the Gary Lopresti Fund ℅ Brad Bianchi.