William J. Ghent, Jr, 86, of Sandy Hook, died February 6 after a brief illness in Danbury Hospital with his family by his side. Born on April 30, 1930, in Portland, Conn., he was the 12th child to the late Gertrude Ghent and William J. Ghent, Sr.

He was raised in Devon, Conn., where he attended Milford Public Schools and upon completion enlisted in the US Marine Corps, where he served his country during the Korean Conflict.

Upon his discharge, he moved to Sandy Hook and was employed as a machinist at Bic in Milford until his retirement.

Mr Ghent never met a stranger. He was a kind-spirited, gentle man with a firm handshake. He enjoyed gardening, the Dallas Cowboys, and was always proud to have been a marine. Living on Alpine Drive for more than 60 years, he was known as the neighborhood "Grandpa."

His loving children, Cheryl A. Ghent and William "Chip" Ghent, Jr, of Sandy Hook, survive him. To cherish his memory are his grandchildren, William "Jimmy" Ghent of New Hampshire; Amanda J. Button of Colorado; Kelela Ann Wade, Alyssa Lynn Wade, Brandon William Ghent, and Madison Michelle Ghent of Sandy Hook; Richard Daniel Klein of New York City; and Melissa Gazaway of Massachusetts; as well as his numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, Dorothy Granniss Ghent; his son, Peter Eric Ghent; and granddaughter, Summer Ann Ghent, predeceased him.

A memorial service with military honors will be conducted on Friday, February 10, at 10 am, at the United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook. Burial will be in Zoar Cemetery, 53 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook, followed by a condolence luncheon at the Gathering Hall of the United Methodist Church at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Ghent family, 107 Alpine Drive, Sandy Hook CT 06482, to cover burial expenses.