Bruce Hirsch Gladys Dawson Eldon McGuire
Lisbon — Bruce Alan Hirsch, 73, of Lisbon, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the warmth of his family as the winds of the blizzard howled outside.
He was born Aug. 15, 1944, in Manhattan, N.Y., son of the late Bertrand Hirsch and Margaret (Burroughs) Hirsch. Bruce grew up in New Rochelle, N.Y. then moved to Stamford, where he graduated from Stamford High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in English and his 5th year Certificate from ECSU.
Bruce was a dedicated and much-loved English teacher at Griswold High School for 37 years. He received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Connecticut Alumni Association in 1989. Bruce loved everything literary. He was an avid reader, poet and writer, completing his novel days before he passed. Bruce’s love for writing helped him develop a creative writing curriculum for both teachers and students at Griswold. He supervised the school newspaper and literary magazine, as well as directed theater productions.
Bruce enjoyed playing tennis and basketball. He coached basketball and softball at Griswold for many years. He was also an avid UConn Huskies fan for his entire life.
Bruce leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 years, Alexandra “Sandy” Hirsch; his children, Brian, Becky and David; and his grandchildren, Brooke and Ethan. He also leaves behind his sister, Anita Kaufman; David’s girlfriend, Carissa, who was like a daughter to him; his first wife, Diane Hirsch; his faithful furry companion, Cocoa; as well as many loved friends and relatives.
During his illness he was fortunate to be cheered and loved by his close family and friends. Many visits and celebrations throughout the past month gave Bruce comfort and peace.
Bruce led his life following his father’s example with kindness, generosity and love for his family, friends and all humanity. All who knew him learned many life lessons by his example. Bruce loved life to the fullest and left in peace knowing he had done all he could to leave the world a better place.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care from the staff at ECHO as well as the Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice.
All family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life later this year in honor of his wishes.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the ASPCA, Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Old Saybrook — Gladys H. Dawson of Old Saybrook passed away on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.
She was born on Aug. 5, 1923, in Norwich, N.Y., the daughter of Gladys and Paul Clifford.
Mrs. Dawson was a very strong, independent woman. She was a military spouse, mother and grandmother. She retired from being a registered nurse and continued to volunteer her time as an emergency nurse at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London until she was 89 years old.
She was the widow of the late Andrew Dawson.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy McDade and her husband, Bruce, of Newport News, Va., and Dianna Nielsen and her husband, Kurt, of New London. She has six grandchildren, Jill Sanchez, Jason McDade and wife, Tracey, Dustin McDade and wife, Cassandra, Wayne McDade, Kelly McDade, and Alexis Guermeur and her husband, Eric. She also has five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Folsom, Mikayla McDade, Jaysen McDade, Arianna Sanchez and Nolan Sanchez.
She is predeceased by her longtime companion, Weldon Hartson; and son-in-law, Nick Lirakis.
There will be no calling hours and the burial will be private to respect Mrs. Dawson’s last wishes.
Stonington — Eldon K. “Mac” McGuire entered eternal rest on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Carol J. McGuire.
He was born on Aug. 22, 1942, in Miles City, Mt., to Katherine Cina (Booen) and Henry Eldon McGuire. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years and then went on to a successful career as a financial adviser.
In addition to his wife, Mac is survived by his son, Shane McGuire; and stepchildren, Colleen Miller and her husband, Charles and Christopher Corrigan.
He is predeceased by his daughter, Lorelei T. Rasmussen.
His family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., Mystic. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at Faith Lutheran Church, 625 Poquonnock Road, Groton. Burial will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.