Eric Michael Regner

We are heartbroken to announce the death of Eric Michael Regner, 73, of Torrington. Loving husband to Ann Morey Regner, Eric died at home on 4/22/2024, surrounded by those he loved so much, after living with esophageal cancer.

There’s hardly a person in Torrington who didn’t know and love Eric, known to many as Big E. Friend to all, he always had a cheerful greeting for anyone he met. An avid collector of antiques and service station memorabilia, Eric was a regular at many swap meets, usually accompanied by his sons Eric, Jr and Jon. He was a member of the Litchfield Hills Historical Automobile Club. Every August, he was a fixture at their annual car show, taking tickets, greeting each guest and admiring their classic cars.

At home, Eric could often be found in his garage, puttering, having a beer or twelve, listening to AM radio, and visiting with anyone who happened to stop by. He was passionate about our American flag; proudly, and properly, displaying his. He was also a friend to the birds who visited their yard; keeping them fed while outsmarting the neighborhood bears was a challenge he loved.

Eric and Ann met in 1971 at the Dial Tone in Torrington. They were married in 1979 at their home in Harwinton. Their love and affection was plain to see, and only grew deeper as time went by. In 1998, they purchased their historic 1827 home in Burrville, proudly bringing it back to life.

Eric leaves behind his children: Eric Regner, Jr, Heidi Law, Prudence Giannini, Tracy Law, Jackie Gogel, Jon Law, Beth McNulty, and Pam Merriam. His sacrifices for his children knew no bounds. Eric introduced his big, young family to the magic of Cape Cod. He filled their basement with vintage arcade games, and a jukebox full of 45s that taught everyone to love a wide variety of music. Eric had fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren too, who all adored their Poppa. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Regner.

Eric is predeceased by his parents, Clara Schibi McMaster and Carl Regner, his sister Kathleen, his brother Michael, his son Jason, his grandson Kirk, and Rosie, the St Bernard.

Eric often expressed how thankful he was to Ann for the tireless love and care she gave him every day. The choice to enter hospice care and remain at home gave him great peace of mind at the end of his life. Our family wishes to thank his hospice team, and all his nurses, for their kindness and compassion. We’re also very grateful for the many dedicated friends who visited during Eric’s hospice care, sharing stories, jokes and cheer.

There are no calling hours. There will be a service in remembrance of Eric at First Congregational Church, 835 Riverside Avenue, Torrington, on Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 pm. You’re invited to join us after the service for a celebration of his life at Crystal Peak, 164 Torrington Rd, Winsted, from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests non-perishable contributions to the First Congregational Church Outdoor Food Pantry, a project with special meaning to Eric, as it was made by his grandson.

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” -Dr Seuss

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