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Gary Burt Obituary
Born in Brooklyn, NY, on January 2, 1944. He was the son of the late Claire Abbruzzese (LaMontagne). Mr. Burt resided in Meriden for 75 years. He graduated from Maloney High School and attended Central Connecticut State University where he studied education and political science.
Mr. Burt proudly served the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, in Meriden for more than four decades. During his time at the Club, Tex mentored thousands of children in the community he was proud to call home.
A lifelong Yankees fan and supporter of UCONN athletics, he loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events, coaching his son Chris, and golfing with friends.
In addition to his wife, Carolyn, he is survived by his son Christopher Burt, his daughter Heather (Burt) Durant; His grandchildren: Briana Burt, Alex, Zoe, and Kaiya Rhodes, Andrew, Brandon and Ryan Burt; his brothers Arnold Burt (Lucia) and Kenneth Burt (Susan) and his brothers in law Edward, Thomas, David, and Brian Hotchkiss; and Adalberto "Sonny" Pereyo. He was predeceased by his sister, Jo-Marie Pereyo.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, February 2nd from 4 to 7 pm at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, February 3rd at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph Church, 22 Goodwill Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. All are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Meriden, 15 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT 06451 or at bgcmeriden.org/donate/. For online condolences and a complete obituary please visit jferryfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Burt
Sponsored by John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, Inc..
Dan and Debbie Roman
April 23, 2023
Dear Carol and family,
Recently at the Sports reunion banquet, the Meriden Boys Club was cited as being a positive role in a person's success. Once again I was reminded of Tex and his great influence on so many. He played such a big role in shaping so many lives. His legacy will live on and be passed on to many generations. I am sure that he is greatly missed.
Deep condolences,
Dan and Debbie Roman
Pete Stevens
February 17, 2023
Fond memories of the days at the Boys Club. Tex was a stand out and was a contributing factor of the success of the "Club." He always had a smile and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Tex!
David Salafia
February 3, 2023
There will never be another guy like Tex Burt! The opportunities that he made avaiable not only to kids but adults as well is immeasurable. He is a man that I was fortunate to know and learn from and I know many others feel the same as well. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest In Peace Tex!
Matthew Sosnowski and Family
February 3, 2023
Chris and Family,
Please accept my condolences. Your Dad was a great man who was well respected within the Meriden community. He was the epitome of a great leader to all young men who had the opportunity to cross paths with him. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
John and Sandy Ryan
February 3, 2023
Dear Carol and family,
We were so sorry to learn of Tex´s passing. He was a true gentleman and a giver to the community. We have fond memories of times spent with you both when we lived in Connecticut - summer league baseball. basketball games at the Boys Club and various school events that our children shared while growing up in Meriden. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With deepest sympathy,
John and Sandy Ryan
Ken Tomalski
February 3, 2023
Great guy, good friend from the old days. We need more people like Gary. Rest in Peace.
David Fahey
February 2, 2023
So many memories of Tex at the Club and Cuno Camp throughout the years. Knowing Tex both as a family friend and a mentor will always be one of the best things to happen in my life. From a young camper, to club member and longtime Cuno League coach, Tex was always there with encouragement and kind words, except occasional digs at the Red Sox! Somehow, he´d always convince me that I should coach "one more" year (this went on for nearly 30 years!)
Tex had the amazing gift of knowing the name of every kid that walked into the club, and he also had nickname for nearly all of them. I learned many things from Tex over the years, but one always stands out: Tex never judged a kid or a family based on race, finances, or athletic ability. In fact, he never judged at all, he just simply cared. For everyone!
They say don´t cry because it´s over, but smile because it happened. Tears will certainly be shed, but remember the Millions of smiles on kids´ faces that occurred because of this man!
To Carol, Chris, Heather, and the entire Burt Family, my deepest sympathies and my heartfelt gratitude to you for sharing this incredibly caring gentleman with the rest of us for so many years.
Sincerely, Dave Fahey and Family
Lou Bertagna
February 1, 2023
I have known Gary since the day he and his family arrived in Meriden to the day his nickname was coined and on to his days with the Boys and Girls Club.
He was a person of high principles.
He had a mission in life and his actions reflected that. He has left a lasting impression on thousands of us.
His family and Meriden has suffered a huge loss.
Gone from this life but not forgotten.
"Tex", my prayers are with you.
R.I.P.
Inocensio Ramos
February 1, 2023
To the Burt Family, thank you for sharing him with us. A mentor and loved by all.Our condolences Rest In Peace my friend
Patrick Kenny
February 1, 2023
Great Man Tex, Thank You
John Zajac
February 1, 2023
Our deeepest sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Burt Family. "Tex" was a dear friend to our entire family. He was a great friend to everyone who ever went to the Boys Club.
Leonard Smallacombe
February 1, 2023
Gary, Was a very special caring man who change so many lives of young boys & girls in Meriden . "Tex" led with a smile and great determination. Truly a wonderful person and friend to all who knew him. God Bless his loving wife ,family and friends. God Bless Always , Lenny.
Rich Pasinski
February 1, 2023
My condolences to the Burt Family. Tex was a special man in my life from a young age thru my adult years. I always enjoyed sharing time with him at the Boys Club or on the golf course. Tex was one of the most caring men I have had the pleasure to know.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Gregory Chester
January 31, 2023
Chris &; Heather, I was shocked to hear of the passing of your father. He was such an inspiration and San all round great guy who this will truly miss. My first condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Alfred L Fordiani
January 31, 2023
Dear Burt Family, My deepest sympathy. Tex was an extraordinary human being. We were so lucky and blessed to have him at our Boys Club. LOve
Michael L Murdy
January 31, 2023
Gary "Tex" Burt was more than a mentor and encourager. He was known by many of us "Boy's Club kids" as someone who encouraged us to grow and be kind to others less fortunate than us. Even though we had a fatherless home we learned much from him. I loved to coach basketball and did so for over 20 years at the club. We endeavored for whoever we helping to grow with confidence and kindness. Gary wouldn't have had it any other way.
Bryan Petit
January 31, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Bart family, I remember Mr. "Tex" Burt from playing baseball at Jack Berry back in 80's. He will be sorely missed by all.
John A. Young
January 31, 2023
Gary Burt was a true icon in Meriden. Taking over at the Meriden Boy`s Club in 1976 from the legendary Joe Coffey, Gary became a legend in his own right, mentoring so many of the youth in Meriden during his 30 plus years of love and dedication to which eventually was called the Boy`s and Girls Club of America in Meriden. I am proud to have called Gary Burt a friend and fellow member of the Meriden Sports Reunion Committee for so many years. May his Soul rest in God`s eternal peace, he certainly will be missed!
My deeepest sympathy and prayers go out to the entire Burt Family et al.
Sincerely,
John A. Young
Cromwell, Ct
Bill Wessenberg
January 31, 2023
Chris & Family
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing. You are in our prayers.
Jeffrey Rynaski
January 31, 2023
I remember going to the Boy's Club and Tex and Joe Coffey, and Mr. Pereyo were such wonderful people teaching woodworking, archery, target shooting, pool, ping-pong and of course, basketball. Those gentlemen were truly assets to the youth of Meriden in the sixties and seventies
Roger Hamilton
January 31, 2023
So very sorry to hear of the death of "Tex". We have very fond memories of our times with him at the Boys' Club. Roger and Margaret Hamilton
Greg Messina
January 31, 2023
So sad to hear of Tex's passing. Such a mentor and bigger-than-life figure to so many Cuno campers through the years. Always in charge, approachable, kind and decent man - definitely one of a kind, a true icon
Lauren Coffey
January 31, 2023
Our deepest condolences from the Coffey family. Tex was an amazing person leading the Boys' Club for many years. Meriden was lucky to have him.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
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John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450
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