Gary Reho

Naugatuck, CT Gary M. Reho, 69, loving husband of Debbie Reho, died peacefully on July 12, 2023 at Complete Care at Glendale Center.

Gary was born August 17, 1953 in Bridgeport, CT, son of the late Ernest and Frances Reho. Gary graduated from Trumbull High School, Dean Junior College and Springfield College.

While at Dean, Gary was the winner of the Amos Alonzo Stagg Player of the Year award. Additionally, Gary boxed some of the best fighters in New England, while becoming the Novice Division Heavyweight Champion of Western New England Golden Gloves. He also participated in the AAU tournament of New England and was a member of the Dunbar Community Center Boxing Club, in Springfield MA. While student teaching in Whitesboro, NY, Gary not only met the love of his life Debbie, but was also a member of the Rome Boxing Club.

Gary also was known to wrestle. While at Springfield College, he lost his starting position in lacrosse for some unknown reason. His coach, being a hardened veteran of the Marine Corp, and former wrestler, told Gary that he would wrestle Gary and if Gary won, he would get his starting position back. They went in the back room and after a 2-hour struggle, Gary had his starting position back. Though he wasn’t sure he had truly defeated his coach, he certainly out persevered him.

After student teaching, Gary went on to coach at various schools and colleges, including University of New Haven, Hampden-Sydney College, Worcester Academy and ultimately Sacred Heart University. During this time Gary was an active member of the American Football Coaches Association. While at Sacred Heart, Gary started their Division I football program from scratch. They did not even have a full field to practice on initially. From humble beginnings, the SHU football program grew into a major program and the university followed. Gary was also instrumental in the building of the William H. Pitt Center and served as its director. All through Gary’s career, he was a wonderful and caring mentor to students as well as peers. He launched many careers and quite possibly saved some too.

Gary always tried to better himself. He kept himself in top physical shape and later in life, at the age of 60, he earned a black belt in Filipino Kun Tao, a hard combat art. Gary loved to compete and breaking concrete blocks in competition was a way to keep challenging himself while setting records along the way.

At SHU, Gary started a Martial Arts Club for the students. Every year, the club culminated with a choreographed self-defense demonstration using the skills they learned. The SHU Martial Arts Club, teamed up with Gary’s martial arts family, the AFKTF, and over the course of several years, were able to use this demo to generate funding to endow two scholarships at Sacred Heart University. They were in honor of two Sacred Heart athletes, Lisa Moray (SHU basketball) and Eric Hernandez (SHU football), both of whom tragically lost their lives far too soon. This was one way for Gary to give back, something that has always been very important to him.

Gary loved riding his 2003 Harley Road King, supporting his children at all their dance recitals and sporting events, and WWE Wrestling. He was even lucky enough to meet his idol, Hulk Hogan. He also enjoyed spending time at the beach in Cape Cod, running the Falmouth Road Race, and listening to some of his favorite music by Chicago, The Temptations, The Four Tops and Bruce Springsteen. Gary spent most of his life working out and staying in shape, and loved helping others to do the same.

In addition to Debbie, his wife of 46 years of Naugatuck, CT, Gary is survived by his daughter, Jessica Reho of Thomaston, CT; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Zuleta and Julio Zuleta of Fort Myers, FL; his son, Michael Reho of Waterbury, CT; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald Reho and Joy Reho of Shelton, CT; his sister, Sr. Michelle Anne Reho of Albany, NY; his mother-in-law Jean Schoen, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael & Claudia Schoen, his brother-in-law Timothy Schoen and Linda Lawendowski all of Whitesboro, NY, his grandchildren, Gaby, Kenzo and McKenzie Zuleta of Fort Myers, FL and several nieces, nephews, and cousins residing in CT, NY, NJ and FL that he loved dearly. Gary also leaves behind countless friends who were like family.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 3-6pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 25 Maple Avenue, Beacon Falls, CT. Everyone attending is kindly asked to please meet directly at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Jane Doe No More, a charity that Gary was very involved in and loved. Checks can be mailed to: Jane Doe No More 203 Church Street Rear Naugatuck, CT 06770. Please include a memo "Escape Alive/Gary Reho" Donations can also be made online at https://donorbox.org/give-today-19?default_interval=o with the same note "Escape Alive/Gary Reho".