Gregory F. Tallent

Gregory F. Tallent, of Reading, passed away January 13, 2010 at age 53 at Peter Sanborn Place after a long battle with diabetes. Born in Lynn to Herbert Tallent and the late Constance (Rutledge) Tallent. Greg lived in Winthrop until the age of 9 with a large extended family. Upon moving to Reading in 1965 he was active in youth hockey and was quarterback of his high school football team. Greg, affectionately known as "Goofy", graduated from Reading Memorial High School Class of 1974.



After graduation Greg enlisted in the US Navy, Vietnam Era for three years and was honorably discharged in September of 1980. He worked as a diesel mechanic for ten years at Power Products in Wakefield and worked another ten years for American Diesel in Foxboro.



In his mid thirty's Greg was diagnosed with diabetes and suffered many related illnesses due to the disease. However, he never once complained or allowed his diabetes to rob him of his optimism. He worked hard to maintain his independence and dignity while coping with the many illnesses that befell him.



At the beginning of 2008 Greg moved into Peter Sanborn Place where he soon became endeared by the loving and caring staff. He made many friends with the residents who grew to care deeply for him. He especially loved to drive around on their bus to talk sports with his friend Al the driver. Greg served on the board of directors for the past year with the late Mary Lou Doucette. Among the many friends he made there was Mrs. Cusolito who always had a smile for him. He will be remembered for being helpful with the other residents and for his sense of humor and wit. His family will be forever grateful to the compassionate staff that cared for Greg with love and respect.



Greg is survived by his loving family, parents Herb Tallent and Sheila (DeVita) Tallent of Kennebunk, ME. Dear brother of William Tallent of Barnstead, NH and sister Linda Tallent of Reading. Loving uncle of Kenneth and Constance Perry both of Reading. His loving extended family, Donna Powers of Rowley, Mike DeVita of Tewksbury, Sandra Anderson of Londonderry, NH, Andrew Devita of S. Windsor, CT and Diane Donaldson of Lowell and many loving aunts, uncles, cousin, nieces and nephews.



Funeral from the Doherty Barile Family Funeral Home 11 Linden St. READING Saturday at 8 am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Gregory's Life in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading at 9 am. Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share remembrances with the family on Friday from 4-8 pm in the funeral home. Parking is available in the municipal parking lot on Linden St.



Please honor Gregory with donations to Friends of Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road, Reading, MA 01867 and also the American Diabetes Assoc., 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.