Dale D. Grenier

Dale D. Grenier, 74, of Chaplin, died peacefully at his home of 42 years on April 28, 2013 surrounded by his loving daughters. Dale was born in Mansfield, CT on February 2, 1939, the son of the late Charles E. Grenier and Sophie (Delekta) Grenier. He was a graduate of Windham High School class of 1956, and served in the US Navy before going on to get his graduate degree at Southeastern Louisiana University class of 1962, then a Master of Education degree from UCONN. He taught at Killingly High School for thirty years and retired to pursue his love of travel, making many meandering road trips across the United States. A devoted father to two daughters, Kristin J. Grenier of Willington, CT and Darcy D. Richard of Chaplin, CT, he also leaves behind sons in law Alain D. Richard and Glenn R. Hunter; two grandchildren, Parker A. Richard and Jackson D. Richard; two brothers, Charles E. Grenier and wife Virginia Grenier of Baton Rouge, LA, Richard J. Grenier and wife Judith Grenier of Windham, CT and his twin sister Judith S. Edgecomb and husband John Edgecomb of Stonington, CT; several nieces, nephew and cousins. Dale was a true conservationist, historian by nature, skilled craftsman, and avid outdoorsman. He loved to travel and ski and was an outstanding cook. He and his late wife, Judith S. (Arnold) Grenier, together rescued and lovingly restored a tumble-down farmhouse deep in the Chaplin woods, living in a shed in the backyard during the process. His love for the land led him to contribute his time to Joshua's Trust and forest preservation. In 2003, Dale was one of the founding members and landowners of the Stonehouse Brook Watershed Preservation Circle where 704 contiguous acres of land in Chaplin and Ashford were preserved under the Federal Forest Legacy Program. And what a unique thrill it was to stand in his backyard with a handful of seed and have a chickadee fly over and land on your hand because Dale had the patience to stand there day after day, coaxing them closer and closer. An easy man to trust. Dale will be deeply missed and never out of our memories. Calling hours will be held Thursday May 2, 2013 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St.(Rte. 195) Willimantic. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, in memory of Dale Grenier, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611-3201, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or Hospice of Eastern Connecticut 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield Ctr. Ct 06250. For online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com