Gary Orefice , long time resident of Niantic, lost his battle with cancer on September 23rd 2018 at the age of 75. He was born in Hartford, CT to Mario and Lorraine Boucher Orefice and shortly thereafter the family moved to Niantic. He attended St. Joseph's School in New London, then on to New London High School where he was an All-State swimmer. Gary went on to attend UCONN and the University of Hartford. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator, where he served in Squadron VP 11 out of Brunswick ME. He retired from the USNR with the rank of Commander. He married his long time love Donna Leverone in 1970, and raised his 2 sons in Crescent Beach. Gary worked in the insurance industry in Hartford, and was also active in state and local politics. He served the town of East Lyme as Chairman of the Board of Finance and also on the Board of Selectmen. Gary was an active member of the Lions Club and was a past president. He was elected to the State Legislature for East Lyme and Old Lyme for 6 terms. Gary was known far and wide for his unique and legendary sense of humor, which he maintained until the end. Gary is survived by sons Charlie Orefice of Niantic, David Orefice of Murphysboro TN, and grandchildren Kate, Ben and Matt, Brennan and Logan. Also sisters Amee Bollenbach of Niantic, Teri Orefice of Wells ME and brother Peter Orefice of Niantic. Outside of his Family, his greatest joys were traveling and of course horse racing. through Niantic River Racing, especially at Saratoga Racetrack, where he was lucky to stand in the winners circle frequently with his favorite horse Nehantic Kat. A celebration of life will be held at Gary and Donna's residence at 49 Columbus Avenue in Niantic Ct at 2:00 PM on Sunday September 30. Donations may be made in Gary's name to Miracle League of CT c/o Dave Putnam at East Lyme parks and Rec The Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St. Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Orefice

Sponsored by the family.

25 Entries

Carol Neilan

September 19, 2021

Gary was one in a million. He was devilishly handsome, so kind, intelligent with an infectious sense of witty humor. I´m proud to have been his friend. He is & will be missed always.

Susan Halpin

November 4, 2018

Please accept my sincere sympathies. I was lucky enough to work with Gary when he was a legislator in Hartford. He was a man of integrity and all-around wonderful guy. I will always remember him fondly. May all your shared memories carry you through this difficult time.

October 1, 2018

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

Whitney Marr

September 30, 2018

My deepest felt condolences to Donna and family. Gary was a good man, and in the tradition Niantic guys, possessed a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

September 29, 2018

To the Orefice family,my sincerest condolences on Gary's passing. I worked with Gary for many years at the Phoenix and later at Group America. He was one of the most unforgettable individuals anyone could ever have known. May God rest his soul and still keep them laughing.

Diane Meader

September 28, 2018

Donna & Family, Gary and I were first cousins, my mother, Edith, was his Dad's sister. I am very saddened at his death, and although it's been many, many years since we last saw each other, there are so many memories of our childhood together. Gary had a very impressive life for which his family is very proud. Rest In Peace, Gary. You will always be remembered. Diane D'Esopo Meader, Winston-Salem, NC

Jean Storrs Lyerly

September 28, 2018

To Donna and family: So sorry to hear of the passing of this kind and gentle giant. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Jeanie Storrs Lyerly

Jeannette Woodworth

September 27, 2018

Donna and family--I was so saddened to hear of Gary's passing.....He will always be remembered with great joy and love of his family and community..

Mary-jean Dunn

September 26, 2018

Donna and family; I was saddened to hear about Gary's passing. May you find comfort in your memories. RIP Gary!

Jim Peters

September 26, 2018

Very sorry to hear of Gary's passing.He was a good friend from grammar school through high school. RIP

Catherine Steel

September 25, 2018

I'm sorry for this loss of life.
In sympathy
Rich and Cate Steel

September 25, 2018

9/25/18

Always one of my favorite members of the NLHS Class of 1960 who proudly served his country, the Town of East Lyme and the residents of the CT voting district that he represented. Always looked forward to visiting with Gary and Donna at our class functions at Ocean Beach.

My sincere sympathy to Gary's family.

Rest in Peace my friend.

Bill Donovan, Waterford

carol saal

September 25, 2018

When I received news of Gary's passing, it mad me very sad, especially for the fact that it was over 65 years since we saw each other. We were first cousins but time and distance got in the way. I remember fondly the many summers our families spent together in Niantic. My Mom and Gary's Dad turned out some of the most memorable pizzas at a time when there weren't pizza parlors on every corner. He went from a rambunctious little kid to a successful Military man, State politician, and loving husband, father, brother and friend.
May his memory be a blessing for all who loved him. My deepest condolences to Donna and family.

Rosanna Carabelas

September 25, 2018

Dear Donna and Family, I was shocked and sadden to hear of Gary's passing. May he rest eternally in God's peace.

Steve and Deidre Baker

September 25, 2018

We remember Gary's dedication to the town and representing us in Hartford. Sorry for your loss.

CAROL VENEZIANO

September 25, 2018

TO THE ORIFICE FAMILY,

I WORKED WITH GARY FOR MANY YEAR AT PHOENIX. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING AND WISH TO EXTEND MY SINCERE SYMPATHY.

Tom Rozman

September 25, 2018

Gary was always that older cousin who was doing great things be it attending UConn, Navy training at Pensacola, flying all over the Atlantic in Navy patrol bombers...he pointed the way for us younger cousins. He was a great role model in those early years. Our last get together was after a Navy league function where he was presenting awards if I recall properly. It was in Mystic. We had drinks at a separate table of the bar room. He had just won his last election for his legislative seat and we had a good conversation. I enjoyed that reconnect having spent the years since our last meeting on his porch in Niantic in 1982 out of state at different Army assignments and later working for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In several ways, Gary was a mentor to me that made a difference. Bon voyage cousin, till we meet again...

September 25, 2018

Gary will be remembered as a "shore" cousin. Many memories of family gatherings in Niantic. RIP Gary Peter and Lis Boucher

Jeannine Sicard

September 25, 2018

Dear Donna, Charlie and David: I was saddened to hear of the passing of Gary. He was certainly a pillar of the community of Niantic. My prayers are with you all during this very sad time. I hope that the love of your family and friends will help you to get through this difficult time. Love, Jeannine

September 25, 2018

We send your family our most heartfelt sympathies and love at this
time. We will keep you & Gary in our prayers.

Cousin Jerry and Karen Orefice (from CA)

Carol Neilan

September 25, 2018

Gary was a classy guy--always, with a classic handsomeness I'm sure many envied. His great sense of humor was pure pleasure. he had a vibrant personality that will be sadly missed. I was glad to call him my friend. My heartfelt love and sympathy goes out to all his family. Donna you were lucky to find the love of your life early and have so many wonderful years together. He is not alone He is at peace with Pete, Zoe and Mike

Doreen Arnold

September 25, 2018

So very sorry. He was a definite presents walking through town with his walking stick. May he rest in peace pain free

September 25, 2018

The Orefice Family have my deepest sympathy. Philippines 4:6,7 says that God has the peace that excel all thought and guards the heart, may that peace be with your family during this difficult time.

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