Raymond Gergler
June 28, 1930 ~ July 11, 2018 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
Raymond Earl Gergler, 88, of Mansfield, CT passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018. He was born June 28, 1930 to Edward Juan Gergler and Thelma Louise Gergler. Raised in Mansfield Depot, Ray graduated from Windham High School in 1948. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army serving most of his tour in Germany where he met and married Marianne Weigert. Following their marriage on May 4, 1952 in Nurnberg Germany Ray and Marianne returned to Mansfield.
Ray began work in 1952 for Wilcox & Reynolds Insurance taking ownership in 1977 through his retirement in 1995. At age 16 Ray joined the Eagleville Fire Department and firefighting became his passion. He rose through the ranks of the department serving proudly as Chief from 1970 until 1983. Ray was very active in County and State Fire Associations serving as President of the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service Dispatch Center and as County Vice President for Tolland County to the Connecticut State Firefighters Association. The pinnacle of his 72 year career in the Fire Service was being named to the inaugural class of the Connecticut State Firefighters Hall of Fame in April of 2009.
Ray was predeceased by his wife of 38 years Marianne and second wife Arlene.
He is survived by his son Michael (Wendy) and his daughter Cathy Gergler-Stuart; grandchildren Scott (Amy) Dunstan, Shane (Rebecca) Dunstan and Caitlin (Joshua) Strube; great-grandchildren Madison, Ryan, and Owen Dunstan, Finley and Ronan Strube. He also leaves his very dear friends Ernie and Elsie Herrick.
Donations can be made in Ray’s name to the, Connecticut State Firefighters Memorial Fund c/o CSFA, PO Box 9, Mansfield Center, CT 06250.
There will be no calling hours and internment will be private. To sign the online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfunralhome.com