Reginald "Red" Morin

Danielson – Reginald "Red" Morin, 95, of Birchwood Terrace, formerly of North Grosvenordale, passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at his home. He was the loving husband of the late Stasia (Duszlak) Morin, for 53 years. They were married on May 28, 1949 at St. Joseph Church. He was the son of the late Lionel and Malvina (Ravenelle) Morin.
Red enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 during World War II, serving in both the Asiatic-Pacific and European Theatres in the Navy Armed Guard as a gunner's mate 3 class. He was stationed on the SS Thomas Johnson, which carried ammunition and supplies for General Patton's 3 Army throughout the war in Europe. He took part in the Normandy Invasion on "D-Day".
After the war in Europe ended, he was sent to the Philippines, where he joined a taskforce with ammunition ready to invade Japan. He was stationed at sea off the coast of Okinawa when they dropped the atomic bomb. One of the proudest moments of his life was when he received his WWII medals from Congressman Joe Courtney 70 years after he was discharged from the Navy. His service awards included the European Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal, American Medal, Battle Star and the Victory Medal.
Upon returning from the service he finished his high school education at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, CT. After graduating he went to Massachusetts Radio & Saunders Electronic School in Boston, MA where he studied electronics. He was employed as a TV technician for Phil's Radio & Mike's TV. In 1961 he purchased Mike's TV, a business he owned until 1978. At that time he joined the custodial staff of the Thompson Board of Education where he worked for 13 years until his retirement in 1991.
Red was always very involved and a leader in his community. He was a two time past Commander of the VFW in Quinebaug, CT. (1975-1976 & 1988-1989), as well as president of the Thompson Lions. He received the Lion of the Year award in 1979. He was also a lifetime member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks 574 and the American Legion Post 67.
Red organized the first annual Memorial Day parade and services in the town of Thompson and was often in charge of the Memorial Day ceremonies for the next 60 years. He always believed that veterans should be honored on Memorial Day. He also was the Bicentennial Parade Chairman for the Town of Thompson in 1976.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna Carpenter and her husband Brad of Thompson, CT; and his grand-daughters, Kari Ebert & her husband Jonathan of Waltham, MA and Kelsey Carpenter and her partner Christopher Collette of Thompson, CT. He was predeceased by his son Michael Morin, brothers Gerard Morin and Lionel "Ray" Morin, his sister Cecile Alim, and his special friend Eleanor Lambert. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Red's family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27 in the Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St. N. Grosvenordale, CT. A gathering will begin in the funeral home December 28 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church; 18 Main St. N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Dayville Fire Dept. & Rescue PO Box 307 Dayville, CT 06241 or the Thompson Lions Club PO Box 28 Thompson, CT 06277.
For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanandValade.com.