Obituary: Garry Bennett Davis of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

On Saturday, January 30 Garry Bennett Davis longtime resident of Guilford passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was predeceased by his parents Orville B. Davis and Dorothy (Spencer) Davis, along with a grandson Hunter Bennett Garen. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Janice Evarts Davis, two daughters Kimberly Garen of Portland, CT and Stephanie Brettman Zilinski (Joseph) of North Guilford; five grandchildren, Colton, Ashley, and Taylor Garen; Skye and Nya Brettman; and two step-grandsons, Joseph Jr and Christian Zilinski. Also survived by a brother, Lanny (Marsha) Davis of Coventry, RI ; several nieces and nephews and a cousin Brenda (Edward) McFarland of Laconia, NH.

The youngest officer of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department when a high school senior, he was an Air Force medic, businessman, and Yankees fan.

In his senior year at Guilford High School he became a member and youngest officer of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department – Washington Engine Co. #1. Garry proudly served his country in the 103rd Air Force National Guard as a medic for five years. Later he received his electrical license and in 1958 he went on to start his own business Jones and Davis. During this time he got involved in the building business, when he met a gentleman by the name of Donald Cloud. Together they formed the Country Home Development Corp and built a 200 unit complex called Quonnipaug Hills Condominiums. They also developed subdivisions in Clinton, Killingworth and Guilford.

In 1980, Garry and Don bought nine “Long John Silver” restaurants throughout CT and New York that they eventually sold throughout the years. Garry was an avid fan of the Yankees and UCONN Girls Basketball but his true love was his family and grandchildren who always knew him as ‘Papa’….cutest grandpa ever!

COVID-19 GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED - SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN.Friends are invited to PASS THROUGH calling hours on Saturday, Feb 6 from 11am – 1 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, 390 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437.