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Gregory Giesing Obituary
He was born in New London on July 31, 1980, the son of Brian Giesing of New London and Rae Leonard Giesing of Mystic.
He was a loving husband to Laurel Hugh Giesing of Groton. He would do anything for the people he cared about.
Greg was born with Spina Bifida and was confined to a wheelchair all his life. He never thought anything about it except as his method of transportation. His famous quote was "I tried walking once, it's over rated." Greg was a child who lit up every life he touched and grew into a man who others sought out for guidance and advice. A wise and compassionate man he was, to know him was a privilege. Greg was an accomplished guitar player who loved to play any chance he got and wanted nothing more that to share his music with the world. He was also determined to compete in the Boston Marathon and beat the six-time first place record holder in 2008.
Greg was very into the Wiccan religion for over 13 years and got married to Laurel by those beliefs.
He also was a member of the Challenger Baseball League and participated and soared at wheelchair racing in Glastonbury. He had worked as a Black Jack dealer at Foxwoods, and also in the electronics department at Wal Mart in Norwich and before that at the Ames store in Lisbon.
Besides his wife and parents he is survived by three brothers, Jason, Anthony and Evan Giesing; a sister, Casey Giesing; a stepbrother, Anthony VonWinkle; his paternal grandparents, William F. and Marie Giesing, of Clinton; his maternal grandmother, Beverly Simpson, of Norwich; his stepfather, Charles Draughon, of Groton; and his stepmother, Linda Giesing, of New London. Greg also leaves nephews and niece, Gabriel, Nigel and Emma Giesing as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and adopted brothers and sisters, too many to name, all too precious to forget.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday morning, June 7, at 9 o'clock at Smith Lake Cemetery, Groton. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 o'clock at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St.
Donations in his memory may be directed to the Spina Bifida Association, 4590 MacArthur Blvd., NW Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007.
Please visit www.byles.com for online obituary, directions or to send a condolence note to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Giesing
Jim Shinn
June 19, 2006
Brian and family, thinking of you at this terrible time. I never got to know your son, but if he was anything like you Brian you can be proud. Remembering the old days at the firehouse, God be with you all, Jim and Paul Shinn
Kymmi
June 14, 2006
Im sorry for your loss. Greg will be deeply missed by all. I use to talk to greg every morning online and he always had a way of making me laugh. He changed alot of ppls life by being their friend and always listening to them and giving advice. I wake up in the morning still hoping to find him there online to get my daygoing. He has helped so many in so many ways he will be missed alot
Sharon and Glenn Olsen
June 13, 2006
Rae, Charles and family. We are keeping all of you in our prayers. We have faith that Gregory is at peace, and you will see him again.
In loving friendship.
shannon shippee
June 10, 2006
Hey I just wanted to say I love you man. And I just wanted to say alot but I dunno. I know you're still here...well I mean I just want your familey to know that you didn't cease to exist and everbody else too cause there was alot of love there. I don't know what to tell them to make them feel better. I mean...I'm real sorry. I know people know that sort of stuff anyway. You did a good job man. I'm proud of you dude. we'll see you again.
Krystal Yusko
June 8, 2006
Greg, you were an inspiration and a hero to many. Such a beatiful person. Although, you cannot be with us today, your legacy will always live on.
May God be with the family and give them the comfort they need at this time. Laurel, Brian, Rae, Jason, Tony, and family, my heart goes out to you, and you are always in my prayers.
I will miss you, Greg.
Always in my heart,
Your cuz
Denise Ericson
June 7, 2006
RaeRae, Laurel and families,
Greg was an amazing kid and grew into an even more amazing adult. God and your loving family will help you through this trying time. I love you guys and will see you soon. Love Neenee (Nese)
Amanda Montgomery
June 7, 2006
My heart goes out to Laurel and the Giesing family. I remember back in the day growing up with greg in PQ. Greg always knew how to put a smile on someones face. Love you and miss you man.
David Branche
June 6, 2006
We are sorry for your loss,it is always so hard to say goodbye to our loved ones. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
David & Annette Branche
Heather Peterson
June 6, 2006
Laurel,
Your husband was a wonderful man he will be missed by many. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Patrick
June 6, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Greg as a little boy with so much determination and strength. Always a smile on his face.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Leonard
June 5, 2006
Dearest Rae Rae & all,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. When someone we love is taken they leave the best part in our hearts and our memories.
Love,
Aunt Patti
Pat Yusko
June 5, 2006
You are our hero Greg. You will always be with us in our hearts. Your inspiration is a gift for all of us. Your humor and smile lifted us. Nothing ever stopped you. Your passing will never stop us from holding you dear. My love and hugs to your Mom, your Dad, your wife and your brothers. I will miss you. --Your aunt
KC Willey
June 3, 2006
It is always so hard to say goodbye to a loved one. I remember old days in the neighborhood with Greg, Beaver, Kramer, Jay, just everyone hanging out. I remember going out on halloween and my father pushing Greg through Bay Mountain while we were trick or treating. So many good memories, thankfully, that we will never lose. I know my father was waiting for Greg with open arms to take him home. And I believe he will be with us again, and we will be with him. Until then, brother, you are a hero to so many, and you stay in our thoughts and prayers. To Gregs family- my heartfelt condolences.
Autumn
June 3, 2006
Greg was the kind of friend that was all ways there for you. Just a smile and you felt like everything was going to be ok. He lives on in my memories, So many goofy stories.
I hope your memories bring you peace in this time of loss.
Julio Ramirerz
June 3, 2006
There are no words that can comfort at a time like this. My heart go's out to your family and know your son is safe in the light of our savior. Those that leave us for the brief time before we get called home live in our hearts and will watch over us till we can once again hold them in our arms. Prayers and Blessing, Julio
Rachael King
June 3, 2006
From the first day that he started school in Griswold until the day I graduated Greg was the first friend I saw every morning and the last one I saw every night. He was always there to keep pushing me to do my best no matter how much it hurt,through every surgery, every day. No matter how long the time passed where we didn't see each other in passing it seemed like none had passed at all when I'd see him. My heart and prayers are with Mrs. Giesing, Laurel, Tony and Jason. Greg was a wonderful, loving man who was taken by the Goddess far to early from this world because he had so much to offer and teach people if they'd just take the time to see. I consider it a blessing and honor to have known him as long as I did and call him my friend.
Christina Morgan
June 3, 2006
Yellowbeard was one of the most intelligent and wise people I have ever known, and many people including myself looked up to him for those reasons. He is thought about and missed every day, and he will always be in our hearts. I wish the best for his loved ones. Rest in peace Greg.
Tiffany Crawford
June 2, 2006
My heartfelt condolences to Laurel and all of Greg's family members. I knew Greg for a short period of time, but in those brief moments, he touched my soul and will always be remembered. He was the type of person one can only aspire to becoming. He will be deeply missed.
Nicole Welch
June 2, 2006
Greg i will miss you forever and love you whole heartedly forever.you were my best friend and like an older brother to me.i hope you know you died not just everyones friend but a hero too.i love you for forever
trish gil
June 2, 2006
To Greg's wife, parents, and family my heart goes out to you. I was shocked when I saw it on the news. Not only did I have the pleasure to work with Greg at Walmart, he was a very good friend of my sons in highschool. We lost track of him over the past year but on his last visit with my husband, brother, and son Jerry, they all went to the Comedy Show at The Sun. Greg was always laughing and making other people laugh. He could have easily taken over the show. Greg will be sadly missed in our hearts and many others. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you.
The Gil Family - Joe, Trish, Joey, Jerry, and Justine
chris m
June 2, 2006
hey i knew greg from online and he was a cool guy it won't b the same not to talk or say hi to him sorry he gone but he still here in spirit
Rev. Holly Harwood
June 2, 2006
May you rest in the arms of the Goddess, and be reunited with your loved ones in the Summerland. Blessed Be, Sappho
Christina Ormerod
June 2, 2006
Greg,
I love you and miss you so much. You are my hero. You taught me to believe in myself and to never let the fact that I have SB stop me from acomplishing my dreams. I'm eternaly greatful that I had you in my life. You will always be in my heart. ~Chrissy~
ps. to Gregs mom, thank you for bringing an angel into the world to bless all of us who knew him.
Kathy Adamo-Mertz
June 2, 2006
Rae,
I remember when I worked with you in the Pequot Grill 11 years ago. Your eyes always lit up when you spoke of Gregory. I cannot imagine how heavy your heart must be at this time. My prayers are with you.
Katy Adamo Mertz
V. Schrage
June 2, 2006
I went to elementary school with Greg, and never forgot about him. He was always with a smile, and made those years memorable. I'm so sorry that you lost him so early. My prayers are with you.
Sarai brown
June 2, 2006
I will never forget the day we met. I was very lucky to have met you and your family. You never judged me and I thank you for that. Rest in Peace Greg. You will be missed,but never forgotten.
Kim Callahan
June 2, 2006
Linnie,
I wanted to wish you and your family all our love and support during this horrible time. I am so sorry for your losses. I pray to god you get through this. We all love you dearly on the OH boards
Louise Christie
June 2, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm a teacher at Claude Chester and fondly remember Greg as a student here many years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Louise Christie
Claire & Gary Schwartz
June 2, 2006
We've known and loved Greg for many years. He was a close friend of my son, Julian and his family. We admired Greg for his strength, his courage, and his fun-loving nature. We are priviledged to have know and loved him. We miss him. Many times when he would visit at our home in Griswold, CT, my son Julian would crouch down so Greg could hold onto his shoulders and Julian would carry Greg up and down the stairs. It's a memory that will always be close to my heart. Whenever we spent time with Greg, he was so gracious and caring, and always ready to help anyone in need. We send our love and prayers to Laurel and Rae, and to all his friends.
Patti Giesing
June 2, 2006
Greg was a wonderful inspiration to his family and friends. Always had something good to say. He was a great example by his love for life. He wil be missed.
Christine Mack
June 2, 2006
Dear Greg,
Your EmmaBean cries for you. Nyny is too little too understand. There are so many things I never got to say to you. You were one of the strongest people I've ever met. You are loved and you will be missed.
Elaine Hale
June 2, 2006
You are loved. You will be missed. We feel the void already and every day.
Amy Hebert
June 2, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss, my thougths and prayers are with you all.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together.
marjory and wally
June 2, 2006
so sorry to hear of your loss we knew him from walmart always a nice man prayers are with you
Cherrie Buscher
June 2, 2006
I was very sorry to hear about Gregory. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Nadia Ohar
June 2, 2006
Greg, such an inspiration on how to live life to the fullest. You never let anything stop you from achieving your goals. I am so proud to be your Aunt. You will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences to the whole family! Love, DeeDee
Jeanette Briggs
June 2, 2006
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Greg through my brother and from frequenting the Norwich Walmart when he worked there. There aren't the right words to say when something like this happens.
Jann Lezon
June 2, 2006
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Margaret LePage(James)
June 2, 2006
I express my sincere condolences to Gregs wife and family. Greg will be missed....
Tina Pellicone
June 2, 2006
This is a veil of tears, indeed. But Wiccans believe in reincarnation - that their souls return to Earth to learn new lessons. We look forward to seeing, loving and being inspired by Greg again.
MARCI SENIOR
June 2, 2006
MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OFF NEED! MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO RAE RAE MOST OF ALL. Y OU ARE A WONDERFUL WOMAN ONE OF A KIND KEEP SMILIN YOUR SON WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN STAY STRONG!!
Timothy Blackstone
June 2, 2006
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Greg was a dear friend to us. You have our sympathy...
- Timothy Blackstone and Mike Slattery
sheryl robert
June 2, 2006
greg, we will miss you very much. I am sorry that you had to leave this earth like this. You were a wonderful friend and I will never forget the way you looked at Laurel or the first time you danced together at the Christmas party. I loved your bright smile and your endless knowledge. Take care sweet man. Until we meet again.
Laurel and family ,I am so sorry that you have lost a wonderful person. It is such a shame to lose him at this young age and so soon after the wedding. Laurel,If you read this,know that in my heart i will be missing your husband with his wonderful smile and sense of humor.
andrea bray (madden)
June 2, 2006
god be with you and im sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you all.
Robin Oddo
June 2, 2006
I will miss your smile, your courage and specially the sparkle you have in your eyes. You may be gone but you will never be taken from our hearts. Love Aunt Robin
Linda Tock
June 2, 2006
I worked with Greg at Foxwoods, he was a wonderful, warm and caring person, always upbeat and smiling. It saddens me to hear he passed so young, while so full of promise for the future.
My sincerest condolences.
Kathy Krewsky
June 2, 2006
Dear Laurel and Linnie,
I would like both of you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Also I am praying your strength to get through this. May god bless both of you and your families
Hugs
Kathy Krewsky
Martin Giesing
June 2, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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