Douglas Scruton was just months from retirement when he was killed in the massacre in a Manchester beer distribution facility.
When his wife, Mikel O'Brien, heard about the shooting on Tuesday morning, she was frantic, trying to reach him, she told the Hartford Courant. The call never connected and he was never able to call back.
On Tuesday afternoon, she received a call from a detective, giving her the tragic news.
"He was a basic, regular blue-collar guy and I loved him, and I'm so sad he's gone," O'Brien told the Courant. "I'm going to miss him every single day. I'm just glad he kissed me goodbye when I saw him last."
Scruton, 56, lived in Manchester and had recently moved to Middleton, New Hampshire, according to the Associated Press.
O'Brien told the Associated Press that two had recently moved to a retirement home in Middleton, because Scruton enjoyed visiting the White Mountains and New Hampshire beaches. He stayed with a friend in Connecticut.
For 30 years, he was employed by Hartford Distributors and worked on the warehouse dock during the week, the Courant reports. He spent weekends in New Hampshire.
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"He was a basic, regular blue-collar guy and I loved him, and I'm so sad he's gone," O'Brien said. "I'm going to miss him every single day. I'm just glad he kissed me goodbye when I saw him last," his wife, Mikel O'Brien, said.
According to his obituary, he was an avide duckpin bowler in Manchester and was a fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and UConn sports.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main St. Manchester. His burial will be private.
Family and friends may call on Friday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St. Manchester.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Doug's name, may be made to; UCONN Foundation 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206 Storrs, CT 06269.
