Frederick Francis "Fred" Garych

80, of Wallingford, CT, passed away at Midstate Medical Center on October l9th, 2007, surrounded by his children. Born in New Britain, CT on May 24th, 1927, he was the son of the late Konstanty and Rose (Warych) Grzesczyk. He was the widower of M. Eileen Tierney Garych who he greatly missed after her death in 1984. Fred was a graduate of New Britain High School, served in the Navy in WWII and then went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut and MBA from the University of Michigan. Fred worked for 38 years for General Electric Company, mostly with the International Division in New York City. Fred and Eileen settled in Norwalk, CT to raise their four children; Paul Garych of Hamden, CT, Susan Garych Buller of Vernon, CT, Maura Garych Fritz of Avon, CT, and Kathryn Garych Forgione of Newtown, CT. Fred lived in Norwalk until 2002, when he moved to Ashlar Village in Wallingford, CT. Central to Fred's life was his drive to make a better life for himself and his wife, his children and his grandchildren, Paul, Annie, Stephen, Sarah, Alex and Ellyn through education. He was the rock who could be counted on to be there for his family without question and without fail. His greatest "hobbies" were the renovation of the family home in Norwalk in his younger years, cultivating roses and enjoying good meals with his family after he retired. In June of this year, Fred hosted a celebration of his 80th birthday for his family and friends including his children, grandchildren and siblings; George Grzesczyk, Lawrence Garych and Irene Dirrigl and his many nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his brothers Henry Gresczyk and Edwin Gray. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, UNIONVILLE, CT on Tuesday evening (Oct. 23) from 6:00-8:OOpm and again on Wednesday morning (Oct. 24) from 11:30-12:3Opm. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (Oct. 24) at 1:00pm in the Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 75 Main St., Farmington with the Rev. Dr. Ned W. Edwards Jr., officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.