Gary Joseph Newton

Gary Joseph Newton passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2026, at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, NM at age 73. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and devout Christian. He was a consummate engineer/physicist, a lover of football and sports, and a firearms enthusiast.

Born in Manchester, CT in 1952, he lived a life of travel, service, and science. He attended the USAF Academy, graduated from Colorado University in Boulder with a BS in Physics, and earned Master’s Degrees in Physics and Engineering Management.

He entered the Air Force as an officer in 1974 and began his career as a co-pilot flying B-52 Bombers in Spokane, WA. In 1979, he accepted an assignment as an Instructor Pilot in the T-37 aircraft in Lubbock, TX. In 1982, he moved from flying to physics when he accepted an offer to attend the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio to earn his Masters in Laser Optics, then being assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM where he worked on cutting-edge technology for projects such as the space based laser defense systems in the "Star Wars Projects", among others, including working directly with the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Columbia's last mission. He separated from the Air Force and continued working in the defense technology arena until retirement. Gary then trained to become a pistol instructor and joined Jodi in their firearms safety business, The Savvy Shooter, as an instructor and co-owner, until his death.

Gary is survived by Jodi, his wife of 48 years; son Brandon Newton (Karin); sister Allison Bissette (Dan); nieces Lyndsay and Chelsea Bissette; nephews Kyle and James Newton (Kate).

His ashes were interred at the National Veterans' Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

The Life Celebration Event will be held at 3:00 pm, on June 6, 2026 (Gary's 74th birthday!), at Valley View Christian Church in Edgewood, NM with a reception following the service. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Please see "SERVICES" below for more information.