“G,” as he was affectionately known, leaves behind a great many friends, loving relatives, and coworkers in the Northwest Corner and beyond. After Sharon Center School, he graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, and attended Northwestern Connecticut Community College. After an early apprenticeship, he was employed by Becton, Dickinson & Co. as a CNC machinist.
An avid outdoorsman, Gaelen spent time hiking, camping, and stargazing. He recently went sky-diving for the first time, with great enthusiasm. He was a big fan of the bands August Burns Red and Slipknot (among others). He had a passion for auto racing, and attended numerous races at Lime Rock. He particularly enjoyed camping at Hammonasset State Park: from his babyhood, when he stayed there with
immediate and extended family; to time camping with his mom, when he was five years old; to recent years, when he would accompany his cousins.
He was a light in the dark, and is deeply missed.
There will be no funeral. A Celebration of Life gathering is planned to take place at Dennis Hill State Park in Norfolk, on Sunday, October 14, from noon to 3 pm.
Donations may be made in Gaelen’s memory to Steep Rock Association, the land trust to protect the Shepaug River wildlife area—a place that resonated deeply with Gaelen throughout his life. Steep Rock Association, Inc., P.O. Box 279, Washington Depot, Connecticut 06794-0279 / www.steeprockassoc.org .
