Gregory E. Henley, age 77, a longtime resident of Newtown, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 24.

He was the beloved husband to the late Suzanne (Kamaitis) Henley.

Gregory was born in Bridgeport on November 22, 1946, to the late Warren and Patricia (Boland) Henley.

He was a graduate of Trumbull High School, class of 1964. Shortly after completion of high school he was drafted into the military where he proudly served in the US Navy for five years. While serving he was stationed on the USS Muliphen at the Amphibious Naval Base in Little Creek, Virginia. His ship patrolled mainly throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.

Upon leaving the military, Greg began working at Fairfield Hills Hospital in Newtown, where he worked as a Grounds Keeper for many years before his retirement in the mid 1990s. He met his wife, Sue, there and they were later married in October 1970.

As a youth Greg enjoyed boating on Lake Zoar with his family. Greg had a passion for cars. He was meticulous about his vehicles and kept them in pristine condition. He was known for making everyone tap the sand off their shoes before getting into his car. He was also an animal lover all his life and often would bring home stray cats that were abandoned from his job. In his younger days he enjoyed getting together on Friday nights with his friends and motorcycle rides on the weekend. Greg was a generous man and type of friend that would do anything for you. He was very social and had a great sense of humor. He always enjoyed a good off humor joke and was witty enough to return one.

He is the loving father to Kristine Viglietta and her husband Christopher of Newtown, and the proud grandfather to Collin and Gwendolyn Viglietta. He also leaves behind a sister, Cynthia Burke of Shelton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Tottenham; and his parents.

Friends may greet the family at Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road in Shelton, on Thursday, May 30, from 4-7 pm. On Friday, May 31, his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 am for his Mass of Christian Burial at St Joseph’s Church, 50 Fairmont Place in Shelton, at 10 am. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Greg’s honor can be made to Newtown Animal Shelter, 21 Old Farm Road, Newtown CT 06470, and to House of Heroes Connecticut (hohct.org).

Online condolences can be offered at riverviewfh.com.