Warren Bayreuther
Port Orange, Fla. — Warren F. Bayreuther, 89, passed away on Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, in Port Orange.
He was born on April 13, 1928, in Hartford, to Christian Jr. and Hermina Bayreuther. Warren grew up in Niantic.
He graduated from Chapman Tech in New London in 1946. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He joined the underwater demolition team 3, serving aboard the USS Basilone and became a Navy SEAL. Upon discharge from the Navy, he joined his father Christian Jr. and his brother, Christian III building Bayreuther Boat Yard on Smith Cove in Niantic.
Warren married the love of his life, Margaret Harrington, in East Lyme, in 1951. They were happily married for 66 years.
Warren loved to sail his remote-controlled model sailboats with his friends from South Daytona Model Yacht Club. He loved scouting where he would perform the graduation ceremonies as Cub Scouts became Boy Scouts. He had a full Indian Chief wardrobe complete with full length head dress, which was hand made by a good friend many years ago. He was very proud of this and treasured it deeply. He was most proud of when he “graduated” his grandsons John Rice and Joseph McShane from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. In later years, his great granddaughter, Sadie Perry, would assist him in these ceremonies. He also received the Silver Beaver award for the 47 years supporting the scouts. All together Warren was a registered member of the scouts for about 64 years. In the mid 1970s, he started a co-ed group, Sea Explorers Ship 15. He was a positive role model for thousands of children throughout the years, many of whom still keep in touch as of today. Warren is survived by his spouse, Margaret of Port Orange, Fla.
He is also survived by his daughters, Beverly and Harold Rice of Waterford, Gloria and Nevil Petrini of Waterford, Cindy McShane of Port Orange; and sons, Warren Bayreuther of East Lyme and David Bayreuther of Oakdale. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael and Michelle Petrini, Peter Rice and Anita Kuan, John and Jennifer Rice, Jennifer Perry and David Apoleon, Kim and Joseph McShane and Stephanie and Tiffany Bayreuther. He also has five great-grandchildren, Mia and Max Petrini, Sadie Perry, Selah Apoleon and Amelia Rice, and another one due in the spring. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Christian Jr. and Hermina Bayreuther; brother, Christian III; and his son, James Warren Bayreuther passed at age six.
Warren will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. A celebration of life will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Vitas Hospice, 575 N. Clyde Morris Blvd, Suite A, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 or to the Work Vessels for Vets, P.O. Box 215, West Mystic, CT 06388.
Condolences may be left on Warren F. Bayreuther’s online guest book at www.baldwincremation.com.