Gay R. Szumyk

SZUMYK: Gay R. Szumyk, 78, of Ellington passed away unexpectedly on August 3, 2025.  She was born on April 19, 1947, in Queens, New York, the daughter of the late William R. and Margaret S. Ruocchio.  Gay grew up in East Haven and East Hartford and graduated from East Hartford High School in 1965.  She was admitted to Tufts University as a member of the first class in which women were accepted, graduating in 1969.

Upon graduation, she joined Pratt and Whitney and enjoyed a successful career in the IT Department, finishing with IBM.  It was at Pratt that she met the love of her life, Randy Arms.  They enjoyed 47 wonderful years together until his passing in 2021.

Gay shared Randy's love of animals and together they adopted several cats.  They were especially fond of their little dog, Maggie.

Literature was always a passion of Gay's and libraries held a fascination.  Upon retirement, she spent 23 years with Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, first as a volunteer and later as an employee.

Gay also loved the outdoors and was committed to protecting the environment.  She was a longtime member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, helping to organize Fall Hiking Week.

Gay will be remembered for her warm and friendly smile, her kind and generous nature and her ability to put anyone at ease.  She took a genuine interest in people, which they could feel.

In addition to her parents and Randy, Gay was predeceased by her sisters Marilyn and Patricia.  She is survived by her brother William of Colchester;  brother and sister-in-law Richard and Mary of Colleyville, TX; sister Barbara of East Hartford; Gary and Shirley Arms of Waterford;  Donna and William Rivero of Waterford; Randall Arms, Jr. and Renee Keller Arms of Melbourne Beach, FL; Randall "Trey" Arms III of Tampa, FL; Aiden Arms of Melbourne Beach, FL, and very special friend, Sheila Dunn of Vernon.

 A memorial gathering will be held on Friday from 11 to 12 pm at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

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