Gregg Edward Magnuson

Gregg Edward Magnuson, 76, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away in the early evening of Feb. 4, 2021, of a rare disease: PSP.

Gregg was born in Springfield to Harry O. Magnuson Sr. and Virginia (Doyle) Magnuson on May 16, 1944. He grew up in the small idyllic and historic town of Suffield, where he attended public school and graduated from Suffield High School, 1962. In his youth, attended several Music Camps in Connecticut. His love of music offered him many opportunities and solos with the High School Band, where he excelled with playing the trombone. During high school and college summers, he worked for the family business, Atlas Overhead Doors of Pioneer Valley. He was accepted at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with honors, both with an undergraduate degree and Masters in Music. It was there he met his wife, Merilee Gauthier, also a fellow musician/pianist. Gregg marched in the Rose Bowl Parade and performed at the Tournament of Roses, 1966, when the University of MI Wolverines played at the Rose Bowl. After graduation he taught music at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa and later, Director of Music/Marching Band at the University of Maine, Orono. He later moved back to Michigan, near the University where he was involved. Gregg loved nature and the outdoors, especially, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His joys were his family, faith and friends and always active in his church.

He was predeceased by his parents and niece. He is survived by his wife, Merilee of 49 years and their son, Scott Magnuson, both of Clearwater, Florida. He was a brother to four siblings, Harry O. Magnuson, Jr., (Carol), West Suffield, Robert A. Magnuson (Linda) of Suffield and W. Palm Beach, Florida, Doreen Magnuson-Meleski, (Rob) of Williamsburg, Virginia, Julie Anne Magnuson of Dunedin, Florida.