Roswell Hall

Roswell G. Hall III, 80, of Storrs, died Tuesday, September 21, 2021. He was born in Boston to the late Roswell G. Hall Jr. and Harriet K. Hall. He grew up in Weymouth, MA, and spent many memorable summers with his family on Cape Cod, a place he loved all his life. Ros earned his degree in aeronautical engineering at Boston University. While in Boston he met the love of his life, Gretchen L. Ott, whom he married May 31, 1968. After the births of their daughters the couple moved to Storrs, where they lived for 43 years in the house that Ros helped to design and build, and continued to improve as long as he was able. A consummate engineer and handyman, he loved to tinker in his workroom and garage. He could take a car apart and put it back together and perform complex math in his head, to the amazement of his family. Ros lived for everyone around him. A proud veteran of the US Air Force, he served during the Vietnam War at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base. In Mansfield he was a longtime member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Lions Club, and First Church of Christ, and was a volunteer tax preparer at the Senior Center. He helped anyone who needed it and was generous with his advice, time, and mechanical know-how. A patient teacher, he made sure his daughters could swing a hammer and change a tire, make buckwheat pancakes, and become good humans. Ros found delight in just about everything, especially life's absurdities. A gifted storyteller, he could spin a yarn from his life's many adventures and his daily commute. His was a subtle humor, but if he got going he'd laugh until he cried. Most of all he loved time with friends and family. His positive outlook through multiple illnesses inspired everyone who knew him. Ros was quiet yet steady, and selfless to the end. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gretchen; daughter Phoebe and husband Peter; daughter Rebecca and husband Andrew; sister and brother-in-law Deborah and George Little; nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends. Services will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to Lions Clubs International and First Church of Christ in Mansfield.