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Edward Gryga Jr. Obituary
He was born in Meriden, May 12, 1946, the son of the late Edward J. Gryga Sr. and Josephine Naszcyniec Gryga. Edward served four years as a Second Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. During the Vietnam War he was a Sea Cobra Team Leader for Inshore, Undersea Warfare Group 1 where he earned a Silver Star. He was also awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He later earned a degree in Fire Science and Administration and went on to serve the Wallingford Fire Department for over 32 years, retiring as a Captain in 2002. Edward was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church and a member of the International Association of Firefighters, the Bremen Volunteer Fire Department, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Honorary Board of Directors of the Wallingford Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
In addition to his wife Miriam, he is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly M. Johnson and her husband, Jesse Johnson III, of Wallingford, and Michele Gryga, of Washington, D.C.; his two grandchildren, Jesse Johnson IV and Paige M. Johnson; his three sisters, Geraldine Stempien and her husband, Edward, of Hilton Head, S.C., Noreen (Mrs. Robert) Brooder, of Old Saybrook, and Jean Deary, of Meriden; and many nieces and nephews.
His family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, on Tuesday, March 1, from 4 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, at 9:30 a.m., from The Wallingford Funeral Home when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106 New York, NY, 10087-7106. www.wallingfordfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Edward Gryga Jr.
Ned Arcouette
April 29, 2019
Ed and I served together on Naval Recondo / Sea Cobra Team in Vietnam. Ed was tough, able & determined. He led the team through more than 100 operations against a determined enemy. I think of him often. He was one the finest and most courageous person I have ever known.
March 5, 2011
To the GRYGA family, he was a fine man and a great father. We will keep him in our prayers always. Sean Meehan
March 3, 2011
I am very saddened to hear of Ed's passing... although it's been a number of years since I've seen him, my memories are of a " Good Guy " always friendly........ willing to help someone out when they needed it.... The world has lost a good man.
Harry Pender
Deanna Amato
March 1, 2011
Dear Michele and Family...I know this a tough time for all of you...You all are in our thoughts and prayers...and he is in your heart forever. Take care.
Deanna and Tom Amato
Laurene Goode Gade
March 1, 2011
To the Gryga and Johnson Family,
May the love and devotion to his family and career give you all comfort and peace during this difficult time. He will be missed but the work and commitment to his family will be in your hearts forever. May he continue to inspire those even in his absence.
Sincerely,
Clark Doehr
March 1, 2011
Miriam & Family;
I am sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ed on the Wallingford Fire Dept. he will be greatly missed. God's speed Cap.
Clark Doehr
Marie Gryga MacCollom
February 28, 2011
Miriam and family, and cousins...Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sandy DelGreggo-Schwink
February 28, 2011
Miriam and Family...My very deepest sympathies on Ed's passing.
Donna Iannuzzi
February 28, 2011
Miriam and Family.....We are so sorry to read about Ed's passing. May your memories help you through this tough time. Sincerely, Carmen and Donna Iannuzzi and Family
Jim Krupp
February 28, 2011
He closed his eyes and felt the rushing air,
The whispered secrets of his ebbing tide.
Angelic fingers gently brushed his hair.
His errant spirit fled, his body died.
Now what majestic visions fill his view,
What brilliant stars to light him on his way.
His soul set free, in lofty spiral flew
Leaving behind a useless hulk of clay.
Winging his way across celestial heights,
Traveling onwards in a heavenly sea,
Marveling at the wonder of such sights,
He claims his portion of Eternity.
Ed was one of the nicest people one could ever hope to meet. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and his community.
Vaya con Dios, Ed.
Marty & Lisa Rigoulot
February 28, 2011
Rest in Peace Cap ...I will never forget all the memories of working with you on the department ..To the family you have lost a hero and
a very good man ...God Bless
Marty & Lisa Rigoulot
Kents Hill , Maine
John Ferreira
February 28, 2011
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family & especially Miriam..Ed had a kind heart and fought a tough battle..He will be missed God Bless..Class of 64' send their blessings.
John & Regina Ferreira
Frank and Diane Douglas
February 27, 2011
Miriam, Kim and Jesse, Jesse and Paige, Michele and Brian, and all of your family, Ed waged a valiant and courageous battle for 9 years knowing he had your love, support, and strength every day. We will miss him dearly but have great memories and his inspiration to guide us. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Love, Frank and Diane Douglas
Jocelyn Drzewi
February 27, 2011
Michele and family.. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.. I will always remember when your father would come to Highland Elementary with the fire truck.. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, CT 06492
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