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Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

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South Windsor, Connecticut

Gary Sarra Obituary

Gary J. Sarra, beloved husband, father, and friend, died Thursday, July 29th surrounded by his family. He was 70. Admired for his exceptional kindness, generosity, and compassion for others, Gary will be remembered by a diversity of individuals and communities spanning an eclectic mix of interests, passions, and professions. He was a fervent amateur radio operator, and spent countless hours finding and restoring antique equipment and forging connections with other operators locally and around the world. He was an avid amateur astronomer with a depth of self-taught knowledge of our night sky and the tools through which we can observe our most promising frontier. He built a number of his own telescopes and hosted public stargazing activities for local students and the community. And he was a spirited vintage performance automobile enthusiast frequently seen-and heard-traversing the state in his Ford Mustang Shelby GT. Gary was deeply devoted to the community of the Gilead Congregational Church, where he served as deacon for nine years, and to his first and foremost priority--his family. Gary was raised in South Windsor and lived in Barkhamsted, Meriden, and East Hampton prior to settling in Hebron, his home of four decades. Gary attended South Windsor High School, Hartford State Technical College, and the University of Hartford. He served in a hospital unit in the US Army Reserve. After college, he joined the field service team at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he met his wife of forty years, Ann, and also worked at the United Technologies Research Center. In 1986, he joined Northeast Utilities (now Eversource), where he served in a variety of roles until his retirement in 2014. Gary is survived by his wife, Ann (Frascatore) Sarra of Hebron; his children, son Michael and his wife Julie Bowerman of Ipswich, Massachusetts, and daughter Emily Morrissette and her husband Matthew of Windham; grandchildren Ella and Sawyer Morrissette of Windham, and Grace Sarra of Ipswich, Massachusetts; brothers James Sarra of Escondido, California and John Sarra of Westfield, Massachusetts, and sister Arlene Marvonek of Palm Coast, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Elsie (Collins) Sarra, of South Windsor. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 10th at 11 a.m. at Gilead Congregational Church, 672 Gilead Street, Hebron. Burial will follow at Gilead Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, August 9th from 4 - 7 p.m. at the church. Services will be largely outdoors, a mask is required for the calling hours and the funeral, and COVID-safe. Donations in Gary's honor are welcomed on behalf of Protectors of Animals of East Hartford, Save the Children, and Gilead Congregational Church. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor is caring for the arrangements. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com

Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 7, 2021.
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Gary was my oldest brother. I am proud of the person he was, not just because he was my brother. He cared for people, children, animals, and they responded to his kindness. It is with a heavy heart that I write this, but to know that we will see each other again brings me joy. Love you Gary. Until then....Your Sister...Arlene

Arlene Marvonek

Family

August 31, 2021

My heart goes out to you and your family. We are so very sorry to hear of Gary´s passing. With deepest Sympathy

James and Patricia Provera

Friend

August 9, 2021

I have known Gary for many years and always enjoyed seeing and talking with him at many of the ham radio get-togethers. We would swap stories, trade restoration ideas and parts.
He always had a smile and a gentle laugh. I will truly miss seeing him.
My condolences to his family.
Carl

Carl Nord WA1KPD

Friend

August 7, 2021

So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of knowing Gary at work for a number of years. He was always a great guy and I enjoyed knowing him. He will surely be missed.
With all my sympathies,
Jack Huckin

Jack Huckin

Work

August 7, 2021

Our deepest sympathy to all who loved Gary.

The Webers

Friend

August 6, 2021

I worked with Gary at NU for twenty-six years. We often would arrive at work at the same time in the morning and discuss amateur radio or vintage mustang stories. What I remember best about Gary was his soft and quiet demeanor. Never a bad word about anyone. He was a wonderful gentleman. May he rest in peace.

Bill Melican - Southington, Ct.

August 6, 2021

My condolences to the entire, Sarra Family.
God Bless.

Glen Vaudrin Sr

August 6, 2021

Our sincere sympathies for your loss.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

August 7, 2021

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Memorial Events
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Aug

9

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Gilead Congregational Church

672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT

Aug

10

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Gilead Congregational Church

672 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home

419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074-3709

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