Louise Gunn

1935 - 2022

Louise DeGregorio Gunn, wife of the late Richard "Coach" Gunn, passed away on Monday, April 4th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Louise was born in Pittsburgh, PA in December 1935 and was raised there before settling in the Rockville/Ellington area in 1959 with her husband Dick of 64 years. Louise leaves behind her son, Gregory Richard Gunn and his wife Lynne of Ashford, CT; son Gary Steven Gunn and his wife Michel of Ossining, NY; daughter Gina Louise Gunn; and grandchildren Daniel Gunn, Rebecca Gunn, Mia Gunn and Macy Gunn. Louise also leaves a sister MaryAnn DeGregorio Tucci, of Florida and many loving nieces and nephews. Louise was predeceased by her brother John DeGregorio. While growing up in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh she was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan (gathering as many foul balls hit out of Forbes Field as she could). As a teenager she set the record for participation in the most number of clubs and activities at her high school but was best remembered for her role as the head majorette for the Taylor Allderdice Dragons. While Louise would say her primary role was as a homemaker, she held various jobs over the years, from the accounting department at Amerbelle Corp. in Rockville, CT before her children were born, and later working as a bus driver for the Ellington school system, Savings Bank of Rockville, and J.C. Penny Company, Inc. Locally Louise is fondly remembered for running the concession stand for the Ellington Little League and Ellington Roadrunner football team while also coaching the Roadrunner cheerleading squad in its early years. Additionally, she was instrumental in starting the Ellington Athletic League (EAL), Ellington Little League, Ellington Recreational basketball League and Ellington Roadrunner football alongside her husband Dick. Never one to sit still very long, after her volunteer work for the youth of the Ellington community waned she was quick to pick up the mantle of activism as one of the charter members of Connecticut Opposed to Waste (COW), having proudly fought against a proposed nuclear waste dump in Ellington during the early '90s. When she wasn't fighting that she could be seen indulging her favorite holiday of Halloween, volunteering for the Connecticut Trolley Museum as a witch in their Rails to the Darkside production. As the family photographer and archivist, she was a great listener and could recite details of every conversation – whether one liked it or not. Some of the fondest memories she would share were of attending live music performances by her daughter and sporting events for all her family members. An excellent cook and baker, Louise especially cherished gatherings with her loving family. Some of her favorite hobbies included quilting, playing bridge, softball, volleyball, and basketball, where she was tasked with guarding Court Harned. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Critical Care Unit at Manchester Memorial Hospital and the Visiting Nurse and Health Services of CT. At the request of the family, there will be no formal funeral or calling hours. Understanding she touched many lives, to those who wish to pay their respects and honor Louise's legacy, we would ask and encourage you to consider donating your time volunteering for youth sports programs in your own community or in some other way that supports and promotes community service and civic involvement, as both Louise and Dick always did. Additionally, we would also encourage you to consider donating blood or volunteering for the American Red Cross: www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com