Newington Obituary: Richard Gregory, 90

Richard A. Gregory, 90, of Newington entered into eternal rest peacefully, on June 10th. Richard was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jean P. Gregory, who brought love, happiness, humor and warmth to his life.

Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Amedeo and Elizabeth Zielman Gregory. He resided in New Britain until moving to Newington in 1994. Richard attended New Britain High School prior to joining the United States Navy. He served during WWII as an Aviation Machinist's Mate aboard many Naval sea and rescue aircraft, where he acquired a lifelong interest and pleasure in flying.

Mr. Gregory retired from the State of Connecticut where he was a State Police Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. Prior to his State Police position he served as a Department of Motor Vehicles Inspector, working in the New Britain and Wethersfield Offices. He began his career as an auto mechanic having worked for several local car dealerships. Richard will be remembered for his passion for planes, boats, and antique cars. His greatest joy came from his family and friends.

He leaves his children, Kathleen Sandelli and her husband, Gregory, of Rocky Hill, Brian Gregory and his wife, Carol, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Paul Gregory and his wife, Lenore, of Canton. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Amy (Sandelli) Tesz and her husband Gregory, Eileen Sandelli, Meghan Sandelli, Aaron (Gregory) Waterman and her husband Sean, Joseph Gregory, and Francesca Gregory. Affectionately known by his great grandchildren as Grand Papa, he cherished the time he spent with Lily, William and Brandon Tesz. He marveled at the amount of energy the little ones have. Richard also leaves a sister, Beverly Spinney of Bristol, two sisters-in-law, Maureen Plourd and Nancy Brignoli and her husband Robert, of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Prout.

His funeral services will be held on Friday, June 16 at 9:00 AM from the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM at Church of the Holy Spirit, Newington. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Newington Memorial.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.