Gregory Gordon

Gregory Francis Gordon, 94, of Simsbury passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at his home at Skybrooke of Simsbury, after a short illness. He was born in Schenectady, NY to Seery and Anne Gordon, the eldest of two sons. He was predeceased by his brother Michael W. Gordon of Gainesville, FLA. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara, with whom he travelled the world and shared a love of dining out and watching UCONN basketball. He is also survived by his son Christopher (Granby), daughter Jane (Simsbury), daughter in law Christine (Barkhamsted), and grandchildren Stephanie (Gordon) and JB OReilly, Jessica (Gordon) and Louis Beauchemin and Drew Gordon. He was predeceased by his oldest son Gregory (Barkhamsted).

He grew up in West Hartford and attended Hall High School. After attending Trinity College and UCONN, Greg enlisted in the US Army ASA, serving as a Russian Language Specialist in Germany from 1954-1957. His love of language continued his whole life and he would speak Russian or German as often as possible. After his military service, Greg went to work in sales, with his father, at Capewell Mfg in Hartford. His job allowed him to continue his love of travel, with a territory that covered Europe and South America. When he spotted a beautiful redhead at a friend's wedding, Greg began his life with Barbara, living in Flushing, NY, Hartford and settling in Weatogue to raise their family.

His early childhood hobby (or should we say passion) was model trains, and it continued into adulthood, with a HO gauge railroad layout that spanned the length of the basement at his home. He turned that passion into a retail business, Valley Hobbies, which he opened in Simsbury in 1977, followed by the Hobby Shop of Collinsville in later years. He was forced into retirement by failing eyesight or he would have been in the hobby business for life. Greg was a longtime member of Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford and served as a Deacon and member of the Partnership Committee. The Partnership of Churches took him to Dessau and Speyer, Germany and Purley, England where he formed lifelong friendships.

Greg attributed much of his happiness and success to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and was set to celebrate 55 years of sobriety in May. He was proud of his sobriety and contributed to AA through service in many capacities throughout the years. He could be found most mornings in the front row of his home group, the Avon Morning Meeting, whose members have provided much support and friendship throughout his life. His most rewarding service was bringing AA to men incarcerated at McDougall Prison in Suffield.

There will be no services, and in lieu of flowers, enjoy a meal out with your family as Greg loved to do. Friends of Bill W. can make a donation to their home group in Greg's name.