David Thomas McGregor

1948 - 2016

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of David Thomas McGregor (67) of Manchester, on Friday, March 25, 2016. Dave was the son of the late Edward and Myrtle (Orfitelli) McGregor of Manchester. Born September 28, 1948 in Hartford, Dave lived most of his life in Manchester and was a 1966 graduate of Manchester High. Dave served in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, Pleiku, Vietnam 1967-1968 and was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran. He earned a Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and to this day continued to stay in touch with Charlie Company, having reunions every two years. After his Honorable Discharge, Dave went on to receive degrees from Manchester Community College where he was a member of Phi Delta Si Fraternity. He earned his B.S. from Charter Oak College and Wharton School of Business/University of Pennsylvania. David worked in the employee benefits field for over forty years, retiring in 2009. Dave is survived by his devoted (and deserving to be beatified) wife of 40 years, Carole (Wisniewski) McGregor, beautiful daughter, Ashley McGregor Fraser and her husband Brian (East Hartford) and beloved son Michael David McGregor (Deerfield Beach, FL). Dave was really proud of his son for making some major life changes. He also leaves behind two precious grandsons, Jackson and Andrew Fraser (East Hartford); his sister, Robyn LeBlanc and significant other Erik (Manchester); brother Cliff and wife Gwen (Manchester); sister-in-law Gail Rogers and husband John (Glastonbury) and several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Dave leaves behind many great friends including his "12 pack", some dating back to the 1960's, who he loved very much. Dave was a die-hard Red Sox and Miami Dolphins fan. Dave enjoyed membership in several organizations including the Hartford Elks and Manchester Elks BPOE 1893, the Washington Social Club, the VFW Post 2046, British-American Club, and the DAV. During Dave's life his family and friends knew him as a handy man. If you needed something done ask Dave, and he'd hand it off to someone who really knew what to do. Dave always tried to create an atmosphere of humor around him, telling jokes or inventing pranks wherever the occasion and the mood presented an opportunity. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans foundation. DAV.org We invite everyone, veterans and civilian, men and women, young and old, to join us The love you take is equal to the love you make. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Tuesday (March 29th) at 6:30 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.