George McGugan
Stonington — George “Sandy” Morgan McGugan, 78, peacefully entered eternal life on Feb. 10, 2018, surrounded and embraced by his family’s love.
A lifelong resident of Mystic and Stonington, Sandy was born in New London, on July 13, 1939. The son of the late George Edward and Gwendolyn Morgan McGugan, Sandy and his sister Joyce grew up on Church St. in Mystic. He attended Stonington schools, meeting the love of his life, Marguerite R. Rusch, for the first time in third grade at Broadway School. They were married in 1958, at the Mystic Methodist Church, and celebrated 59 unforgettable years together. In addition to graduating Stonington High School, Class of 1958, Sandy attended Mitchell College and served in the U.S. Army. He also served over 55 years in the Masonic Fraternity of CT and was honored to be the 2015 Grand Marshal of the Mystic Irish Parade.
His generous spirit and desire to help others began in his garage and extended to his community. A seemingly revolving door, he opened his heart and his home to anyone who needed his time, which he always seemed to have enough of. Whether it was supporting Stonington youth sports, the local YMCA and the Mystic Seaport, or donating the Mystic River Park dinghy dock, he understood what it meant to be present for humanity.
Sandy was a builder. He spent his working life creating and expanding Gwenmor Marina and Marine Contracting of Mystic. A business started by his father in 1947, and named after his mother in 1968, Gwenmor continues to be successfully operated by his three sons. A craftsman and mechanic by nature, Sandy was never without a project. His creativity and problem-solving skills brought to life many finished products, including his home and farm, and many cars, boats and toys for his children and grandchildren. In recent years, he enjoyed rebuilding and racing a 1968 Camaro with his son, Andy, and grandson, Emmet. He and Marguerite have many wonderful memories of time spent with family and friends on their winter trips to Florida on “Summer Girl,” a Hatteras which he masterfully refurbished. However, Sandy was most grateful for the experience of building his family. In cultivating a life full of laughter, joy and good feelings, he leaves his greatest expression of love.
In addition to his wife, Sandy is survived by his sister, Joyce Burnside of Mystic, his eight children, George “Andy” McGugan and wife Debra of Pawcatuck, Vianna McGugan and husband Roy of Stonington, Heather Donahue and husband David of Pawcatuck, Wendy Murphy and husband Robert of Pawcatuck, Marguerite McGugan and partner Rodolfo Mari of Stonington, Keith McGugan and wife Lauren of Stonington, Christian McGugan of Mystic, Gwendolyn McGugan and wife Sarina of Stonington, 29 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, three horses and faithful companion “Blue,” his Labrador retriever. He was predeceased by his parents, and daughter-in-law, Christine Conti McGugan.
A man of contagious confidence, Sandy will be remembered for his kind heart and fun-loving spirit. As a husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, he was loved for his gracious and true nature, for his love of life and sense of adventure. He will be forever held in the hearts of all who love him.
In honor of Sandy, a celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., with a service beginning at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, Feb.18, at Latitude 41, 105 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic. Parking can be found across the street from Latitude 41.
In lieu of flowers, his family kindly requests donations in his memory be made to Alzheimers Research UK (https:// www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/support-us/donate/donate-in-memory/) or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (https://www.gatesfoundation.org/Get-Involved/ Gates-Philanthropy-Partners/ Supporting-Our-Work) in support of dementia related research.