ROGER GAY

1938 - 2014

GAY, ROGER S. We are saddened to announce the September 25th passing of Roger S. Gay, our cherished husband, father and grandfather. A caring and thoughtful husband, Roger was Joan’s best friend for over 47 years. As a father, Roger always said the best result of their marriage was their two children, Helena Lawrence and David (DJ) Gay whom he loved dearly. The sunshine in his life was his two grandchildren, Charlie and Evie Gay who gave him so much joy and pride. His son-in-law, Jerry Lawrence, and daughter-in-law, Kendra Gay, were a very special part of the family. He was predeceased by his first grandson, Sam. Roger’s passions were cooking, gardening and history. A gourmet cook, he passed on his expertise and love of cooking to Helena and DJ. He was happy developing and maintaining his bountiful vegetable and English-styled flower gardens, a talent he passed on to his granddaughter, Evie. A voracious reader, Roger passed on his love of reading to his grandson, Charlie. Roger was a student of history and world affairs, particularly the two World Wars. He applied this knowledge in a historical novel based on WWII. Additionally, Roger loved watching professional soccer games, particularly the FIFA World Cup Games. Roger was born in Wallingford on July 31, 1938 and attended the Wallingford schools. He graduated from St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY and received his Master’s from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. Roger and his wife resided in Killingworth, CT since 1968. Roger taught English and History at James H. Moran Junior High School in Wallingford, CT. He retired from the Connecticut Education Association where he started as a Field Representative and then focused on the computerization of CEA’s data as the Information Technology Manager. Roger is predeceased by his parents, David S. and Florence Gay. Roger is survived by his two brothers, David Gay and Charles Gay and his wife Jean. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: David Curtis and his husband Jeff Hammond, Heather Gay, Scott Gay, Debbie Holyst and her husband Chris, and Michael Spence and his wife Nancy. Visitation will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook on Saturday, October 4, 2014 from 10:00AM to 11:15AM. A Service of Remembrance will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roger’s name may be made to the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, 536 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457, Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care, 28 Crescent Street. Middletown, CT 06457, or to the National Public Radio (NPR) at WSHU Public Radio, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825. To send a condolence to his family or share a memory of Roger, please visit www.rwwfh.com.