Obituary of Calvin F. Gladding

Calvin F. Gladding, age 77, a lifetime resident of Chester, born on August 10, 1937, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2015 at Aaron Manor in Chester. He was the beloved husband of Jill (O'Dell) Gladding for 53 years. A master mechanic awarded the NAPA/ASE technician of the year in 1988, he owned and operated Tri Service of Essex for many years as well as ventures in real estate development and construction/operation of a car wash. In his early years he helped build a race car dubbed the CT Valley Rocket and was known around town as having the fastest car. He served in the National Guard during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged after six years of service. Before his illness he had many passions including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, gardening and especially following Nascar. He worked hard all his life, had many friends and was always there for his children and his grandchildren. He was known for his legendary 4th of July party at the Gladding house and scaring all the children with stories of the " Wampus cat". Calvin went through many difficult times throughout the years but always kept going. He will be missed dearly by all of us but we take comfort in knowing he is with his parents, his daughter and grandson. Besides his wife Jill, he leaves his children Lisa Kryszat and husband Gary, Jennifer Lombardi and husband Larry, Joanna Danks and husband Trevor, Michael Gladding and wife Julie, Noah Gladding, as well as grandchildren Christine, Chyle, Jonathan, Brandon, Connor, Mason & Zoe. Calvin is also survived by his sister Janette Deroo of Chester, CT and Judith Reilly of Auburn, MA. He was predeceased by his parents G. Roger and Emma Gladding, daughter Nicole Alger and grandson Kieran Danks. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27th at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. The Rendering of Military Honors will be held at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28th at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street in Essex. Interment services will be privately held by his family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Chester Hose Company, Inc., P.O. Box 214, Chester, CT 06412. To share memory of Calvin or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com