Gregory Schena

CHESHIRE - Gregory Schena, 27, passed away May 12, 2010 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford from injuries he suffered May 5th in a car accident in Southington.

Greg was born in Waterbury, the son of Dick and Mary Ellen (Murray) Schena. He was a 2001 Cheshire High School graduate where he played football and was captain of the Varsity Ice Hockey team for both his junior and senior years. He later graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a degree in physical education and health education. During his four years at CCSU, Greg was a member of the ice hockey team, holding the position of captain for two years.

Greg also touched the lives of many youngsters in Cheshire and Wallingford. He was a camp counselor for Cheshire Park and Recreation and was most recently the director for Camp Sachem. He was a substitute teacher for both Cheshire and Wallingford School systems and coached girl's track and field at Moran Middle School. He was an assistant varsity coach for the Cheshire Rams football program. He was known for inspiring and motivating the youth in the Cheshire and Wallingford areas.

Greg's generosity, humor and love for life touched the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, students and all of those who knew and loved him. He was an avid Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics fan. His many years as a leader and tough competitor on the ice and playing field have left a lasting impact on his friends, fans and teammates.

Greg's legacy will continue on in others by the gift of organ donation.

Besides his parents, Greg is survived by his brothers Bob of Cheshire and Matt of Boston; his sisters Christine Murray of Henniker, NH and Patrice Cachat and her husband Frederic of Weston, FL; and his nieces and nephews Max, Ian, and Saer Murray; Dan and Ben Schena; and Estelle, Pierre and Olivia Cachat.

Arrangements - Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 22, 2010, at Thomas Becket Church 435 N. Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire at 10 a.m. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours for Greg will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Greg Schena Scholarship Fund, c/o Cheshire High School, 525 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT, 06410.

There will be a reception to celebrate Greg's life at St. Thomas Becket Church, 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire immediately following the burial.

The Schena Family would be honored with the presence of all family, friends, teammates and community members who would like to join them.