Gary A. Weller

Gary Allen Weller
July 5, 1947 – April 17, 2025
It is with great love and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary Allen Weller, who left us on April 17, 2025, at the age of 77.
Gary was born in Oceanside, New York, a son to German immigrants. He grew up in Uniondale on Long Island, NY. Gary was a proud graduate of Hofstra University-where he attended college after his service in the military. While at Hofstra, he played both football and Division I lacrosse and met his beloved wife of 50 years, Aileen. Gary served his country with honor after being drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served in both the 173rd Airborne Division and the 25th Infantry Division, in the rank of Sergeant (SP5). For his courage and sacrifice to his country he received the Purple Heart (awarded for wounds sustained in action on October 6, 1967), the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Medal of Valor, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal Unit Citation, First Class.
After his service, Gary worked at General Dynamics in Norwich, Connecticut, and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Gary was extremely passionate and dedicated to youth sports, especially his children's. As a devoted coach, Gary led lacrosse programs at Ledyard High School, where he founded the program in 1998, and also at Mitchell College, and most notably, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. His commitment to mentorship and leadership left a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes. One of his quieter passions was photography-a craft he shared with his brother, both possessing a rare talent for capturing the essence of nature and people with a discerning and thoughtful eye. He also was a photographer for the UCONN basketball teams.
Gary was a diehard fan of the New York Giants, Yankees, Rangers, and all things UCONN. He always had a joke on his lips and a contagious grin that could lift any room. He brought childlike joy, innocence and playful energy to every interaction he had.
He loved deeply and freely-always willing to be vulnerable and sentimental, always present, and always making you feel like the only person in the room. He loved his family with his whole heart, cherished time with his wife Aileen in his happy place on Cape Cod, and found joy in the ocean, the beach, travel, his family, and animals - especially his beloved dog, Tilly. He had quiet wisdom, immense humility, and the invincible strength that never needed to announce itself. Gary introduced his daughter Christie to the world under the sea, and they took joy in time spent exploring marine life underwater together, especially in St Thomas. Gary treasured his time spent coaching his son Brian in lacrosse, and their time watching and playing sports together. Every ball hit on a golf course was met with the same calm reassurance: "You'll be all right from there."
Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Frances "Aileen" Weller, his loving daughter, Christie Lynne Weller, his loving son, Brian Robert Weller (Alexandra); his two adoring grandchildren, Aidan George and Mia Lynne; his faithful dog, Tilly. He was predeceased by his father, Erwin Hermann Weller; his mother, Sophie Seitz; and his brother, Frederick Weller.
A remembrance of life will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with a ceremony beginning at 5:00 PM, at Woyasz & Son Funeral Services, 11 Jerome Road, Uncasville, CT 06382.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Citizens Helping Animals in Need (Ledyard CHAIN) https://www.ledyardchain.org/donate - a cause close to Gary's heart.
Gary Weller was many things-funny, nurturing, silly, strong, humble-but above all, he was full of life. His spirit will live on in every laugh, every wave at the beach, and in the legacy of his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him but he will be alive in our hearts for eternity and in heaven.