Putnam - Gary M. Foley, 66, of Putnam, and formally of New London and Waterford, passed away of natural causes in Putnam, Friday, Sept. 19, 2021.
Gary was born Sept. 8, 1955 in New London to Ina J. Foley and Joseph M. Foley Sr. (deceased 1988)
Gary graduated from New London High School (NLHS) in 1973. Gary attended UConn at Avery Point and Storrs.
During high school Gary played basketball during his four years at NLHS. Gary also played basketball for 2 years at Avery Point, UConn. Gary also played basketball for many years in local basketball leagues and played softball for many years in local leagues. He particularly loved playing softball for the Wizards, in the New London leagues, with his lifelong friends.
After school, Gary started his BioTech career at Pfizers and then worked for numerous BioTech companies in Connecticut and Rhode Island. 30 years ago Gary went to work for Sonofi global biopharmaceutical company in Boston. Gary started as a lab technician and quickly rose to several management and training positions. Gary was recognized by Sonofi as the "most technical supervisor in cell culture". Gary was a respected system/process trouble-shooter who traveled to multiple locations in Europe for Sonofi. Gary also took pride in, and loved training new workers, many of whom are in the BioTech industry still today. Gary retired from Sonofi about 4 months ago hoping to spend time with daughter Meagan, gardening and fishing.
Gary married Deborah Maheu May 22, 1982 in New London at St. Joseph's Church in. Gary's daughter Meagan was born October 9, 1982. Meagan was Gary's "brown eyed girl" and they hiked, camped, fished, traveled, vacationed, etc. together.
Gary overcame medical issues during his life time including cancer and recently celebrated 10 years cancer free.
Gary is survived by daughter Meagan, mother Ina (Lemelin) Foley, brother Joe Foley Jr., brother Michael Foley and his wife Rayna and son Zack. Gary is also survived by his former wife Deborah Lewis.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at the Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, CT. Face masks and social distancing will be required. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London. Calling hours will be held at the Byles Memorial today, from 4-6 pm. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.
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