Richard C. Gressley

Richard C. Gressley
May 19, 1946 - March 2, 2025
Richard C. Gressley, of Guilford, CT, passed away on March 2, at the age of 78, with friends by his side and music playing. A true friend beloved by many, Rich leaves a legacy of wit, intelligence, community service, and gracious spirit. His was a glorious soul with a deep appreciation of the beauty of life found in the arts, nature, reading, and community.
Born to Edward and Virginia Gressley (nee McNally) in Greenwich Village, Rich grew up in Maywood, NJ until the death of his father in 1967, after which he and his mother moved to Guilford. In search of a faith community, Rich found and joined the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society (SUUS) in Madison, where he remained an active member until his death. Rich's passion for social justice and equality - cores of his Unitarian Universalism faith - was long-standing, dating back to his attendance at the 1963 March on Washington. He donated regularly to Americares and Feeding America.
Rich's career was marked by many years in banking and other retail businesses. Of note, Rich helped launch Take the Cake, a bakery in Guilford that started in his basement and eventually moved to its own location. Beyond his work career, Rich had an active life of community service. His years-long involvement as a volunteer at the Community Dining Room in Branford combined his passions for service and food. Rich especially loved the prep work, which he referred to as his "Zen moments". Local food banks also benefited from Rich's desire to express gratitude through service.
For over 30 years, Rich was a fixture at the Guilford Free Library, where he regularly volunteered to shelve books. Doing so served well his passion for reading and exploration. He claimed Melville as his favorite author, with love also for Dickinson and Emerson. On many an occasion while shelving, he would come upon a new book or previously unread author that would pique his interest. Those quickly were added to his reading list. He regularly devoured The New York Times, often reading it while enjoying the beauty and serenity of a Connecticut shoreline beach.
This deep love for reading propelled Rich to develop a wonderful writing style of his own. He wrote many essays for the SUUS newsletter, which eventually were collected and published as "For What It's Worth - Thoughts of a Spiritual Curmudgeon". The publication of this volume was, in Rich's words, "the realization of one of my grandest dreams."
Fueled by curiosity and an inquisitive mind, Rich regularly participated in discussion groups and listening circles. He was thoughtful in the exploration of new ideas. Rich enjoyed the arts in its many forms. He was a true cinephile, always ready to check out new movies, regularly keeping track of upcoming showings at the Madison Arts Cinema.
Perhaps no art form moved Rich more than music. He was both an accomplished musician and avid listener. He especially delighted in folk music and all things Richard Thompson. Rich treasured his Martin guitar, which he played on several occasions at SUUS.
His friends knew Rich had a complex relationship with food. While he suffered through anorexia, he saw the enjoyment of well-prepared food - and wine - as one of life's gifts. He painstakingly prepared and savored - in small doses - exquisite dishes, particularly in the French style. He loved discovering new recipes and hearing others speak of wonderful meals. He spoke often of his several trips to Paris, where he experienced fine dining in all its glory.
Those who had Rich come into their lives are forever enriched. His memory is a blessing.
A celebration of life service will be held at SUUS at a later date. If you care to honor Rich, please consider a donation in his name to the Guilford Library or a community food bank.