Roger C. Preu

Roger is survived by his older brother, John Daly Preu of Orleans, MA. Also surviving are his children: Pam McCallion (Peter) of Wilmington, NC; Geoff Preu (Lucia Chapman) of Bedford, NY; Steven Preu (Tammy) of Harwich, MA; and Sara Lithgow of McDonough, GA. Grandchildren are Katie Carroll Carney (Scott) of Boston, MA, Rob Carroll of Wilmington, NC, and Kelly McCallion of Wilmington, NC, Lizzie Lithgow and Matt Lithgow of McDonough, GA. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. Roger was predeceased by Thelma Miller Preu, his wife of 62 years. Roger was born in Hartford, CT December 14, 1922. In 1942, Roger left Pratt Institute and enrolled in the Army Air Corps. Between 1944 and 1945, he flew 30 heavy bombing missions into Germany, the last 18 as the group and wing lead bombardier. He won 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 5 Air Medals. After graduating from Pratt Institute with Honors, Roger received his Master’s Degree and Sixth Year Certificate from Columbia University. He went to work for the Stamford Public Schools, first at Cloonan Jr. High for 13 years, and then as the Head of the Arts Department at Stamford High School for 29 years. He retired in 1989 leaving a lasting impression on generations of students. Roger was a parishioner of St. Cecilia Church since 1948. He had membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the VFW. He enjoyed sailing, gardening, painting, the New York Giants, the San Francisco Giants, the New York Rangers, reading, pirating with his grandchildren, long conversations with his CT buddies, and traveling.

For the past 3 years he has been a resident of McDonough, GA and was on his way to Cape Cod to celebrate his brother’s 99th birthday.

Visitation will be held at the Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905 on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cecilia RC Church, 1184 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06905 on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Catholic Charities, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, Ct 06606 or Maryknoll Fathers, 121 E. 39th Street, New York, New York 10016.

Messages of sympathy and comfort may be left for the family at www.leopgallagherstamford.com