Gerard Phil Roy Sr

Gerard "Phil" Roy Sr., 91, of Mansfield, husband of the late Betty (Benson) Roy, died Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at his home. He was born December 18, 1919 in Willimantic, the son of Pierre and Catherine (Laramie) Roy and had lived in Mansfield most of his life. After high school, from 1939 to 1941 he played on several farm teams for professional baseball. He was offered a contract to play for the Boston Red Sox but by that time he was serving in the U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal. Prior to his retirement he was employed as the service manager for Backus Motors in Stafford Springs. He is survived by two children, Gerard Roy Jr. of Mansfield and Barbara E. Morrison and her husband Wayne Sr. of Hebron and three grandchildren, Wayne A. Morrison Jr. and his wife Nola, Kelly Teixeira and her husband Anthony and Jason Morrison and his partner Christiann Wolfson. Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. His family would like to express their gratitude to the state troopers and EMT's who responded to their call, for their kindness and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Mansfield Fire Dept., 999 Storrs Rd., Storrs, CT 06268. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.