Final Salute

Lyme – It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Gregory Sr., Aug. 7, 2026, at the age of 99, at his home in Lyme. Bill was born May 6, 1927, in East Haddam, and spent his early years on the family farm close to Devil’s Hopyard.

Growing up on a farm, Bill was very mechanically inclined; his family and friends would tell you Bill could fix anything. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was a proud member of the Seabees in World War II. He met the love of his life, Rita Trotochaud, when they were both participants in a wedding. They were married May 11, 1957, and celebrated 68 years together last May. Bill and Rita raised two sons, William Jr. and Steven Francis, in the Devil’s Hopyard and Old Lyme areas.

Bill worked in a variety of roles for the State of Connecticut rising to the position of second in command of the highway maintenance department for the CT DOT.

After retiring from the state, he worked as a property manager for Lord Creek Farm in Lyme for over 30 years. He retired from property management at the age of 85, but continued to maintain an interest in farm events and managed his own property until his final days.

Bill is survived by his son William (Jan) Gregory Jr.; and his daughter-in-law Michele (Steven) Gregory; his grandchildren, Rachel (Austin Wilson), Sawyer (Kasey) and Slater Gregory; and great-grandchildren, Rowan Wilson, Ella Gregory, and Vivian Gregory. In addition to his beloved Rita, Bill was predeceased by his son Steven; and daughter-in-law Jan Gregory.

Bill will be buried in the Eight Mile River Cemetery in a private ceremony. A special thanks to his caregivers: Mary, Ellen, Deb, Kellen, and Celeste. Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to Friends of the Lyme’s Senior Center.
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Published by The Day on Sep. 22, 2026.