Gregory Schena

Gregory Schena, 27, died May 12, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, from injuries he suffered May 5 in a car accident in Southington.

He was born in Waterbury, the son of Dick and Mary Ellen (Murray) Schena. He was a 2001 Cheshire High School graduate where he played football and was captain of the varsity ice hockey team for both his junior and senior years. He later graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in physical education and health education. During his four years at CCSU, he was a member of the ice hockey team, holding the position of captain for two years. He also touched the lives of many youngsters in Cheshire and Wallingford. He was a camp counselor for Cheshire Park and Recreation and was most recently the director for Camp Sachem. He was a substitute teacher for both Cheshire and Wallingford School systems and coached girls track and field at Moran Middle School. He was an assistant varsity coach for the Cheshire Rams football program. He was known for inspiring and motivating the youth in the Cheshire and Wallingford areas.
His generosity, humor and love for life touched the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, students and all of those who knew and loved him. He was an avid Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics fan. His many years as a leader and tough competitor on the ice and playing field have left a lasting impact on his friends, fans and teammates. His legacy will continue on in others by the gift of organ donation.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his brothers, Bob, of Cheshire, and Matt, of Boston; his sisters, Christine Murray, of Henniker, N.H., and Patrice Cachat and her husband, Frederic, of Weston, Fla.; and his nieces and nephews Max, Ian, and Saer Murray; Dan and Ben Schena; and Estelle, Pierre and Olivia Cachat.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday May 22, 2010, 10 a.m., at St. Thomas Becket Church, 435 N. Brooksvale Road, Cheshire. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 21, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. Memorial contributions may be made to the Greg Schena Scholarship Fund, c/o Cheshire High School, 525 S. Main St., Cheshire, CT, 06410.