Louis J. Artiaco,

WWII vet

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Louis J. Artiaco, 86, of Ticecreek Dr. formerly of Putnam, died, June 19, 2015, in his sleep in Manor Care after a long and full life. 

Born in 1928 in Middletown, he was the fourth of five children born to Italian immigrants Luigi and Louise (Caizza) Artiaco.

When Lou was 17 he served in the Army as a meteorologist during the WWII occupation of Germany. After the war, he graduated from UConn in 1953. Lou worked as a software developer and accountant and is the founder of an accounting software firm called CRT Systems Inc.

Throughout his life, Lou cultivated many interests and passions including art, theatre, college sports, skiing, swimming, and pool. Just last year, Lou won the Ellsworth 8-baIl Pool Tournament at Rossmoor. Lou was an avid golf aficionado and played every chance he could. He was fortunate to have extensively traveled the world throughout his life; his sense of adventure and wanderlust was unrivaled.

Lou was a member of the Ecumenical Society at Rossmoor and was a communicant for St. Anne Catholic Church in Walnut Creek.

He leaves two sons, Gary Artiaco and Brian Artiaco; and a granddaughter Louise Miller. He was predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Artiaco. 

A Graveside Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24 in St. Mary Cemetery, Providence Street. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

John E. Pelczarski,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — John E. Pelczarski, 91, of Walnut Street, died Oct. 16, 2015, at home. He was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Putnam, son of the late Thomas and Emelia (Bienias) Pelczarski. 

John was married to Betty Pelczarski for 48 years. He was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Putnam and attended St. Mary School. John made his home in Putnam all his life. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army. 

He worked in construction, doing masonry work and general construction. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for more than 20 years. He loved camping in Maine and traveling with Betty. He was a fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. John enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. He was a member of the VFW Post #1523 in Putnam.

He leaves his three daughters; Debbie Pelczarski of Putnam, Sandy Perron (Brian) of Putnam, Kathy Pelczarski of Putnam; grandchildren Brad Perron (Kelsey) of Newport, Vt., and Haley Perron of Putnam; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley Pelczarski and Joseph Pelczarski. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 20 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations:  St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, CT.  Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.

 

Garnald L. Hewey,

Army vet

THOMPSON — Garnald L. Hewey, 83, of E. Thompson Rd., died Oct. 13, 2015, in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, after a battle with cancer.  He was the husband of 57 years to Barbara M. (Russell) Hewey.  They were married Nov. 23, 1957, in Dudley.  

Born in 1932 in Kingfield, Maine, he was the son of the late, Hayden and Bertha (Daggett) Hewey.

Garnald graduated from Kingfield High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.  After his tour, he was honorably discharged in 1961, earning the rank of Corporal. He was a truck driver for Webster Spring, and then Anglo Fabric. He was a volunteer firefighter for the East Thompson Fire Department.  He was an avid N.E. sports fan and enjoyed playing Wii bowling at the Thompson Senior Center. .  Garnald will be remembered for his honesty.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Garnald he leaves his son, Neil Hewey of Thompson; his daughters, Deborah Harvard of Killingly, and Karen Place (David) of Thompson; his brother, Lawrence “Joe” Hewey of Skoweghan, Maine; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jessica, Cory, Andrew, Erica and her husband John, and Kyle; and his great-grandchildren, Kiara, and Cameron.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Heland Hewey, L. Lewelyn Hewey; and his sister, Faye Niles.  

Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Charlotte Nowakowski

EASTFORD — Charlotte Nowakowski, 73, of Eastford, died suddenly Oct. 16, 2015. 

She was born on Jan. 23, 1942, in Windham, daughter of the late Harry and Lottie (Colburn) Amberg. She was married to Matthew Nowakowski in 1970. He died in 2013.

Charlotte was a social member of the Eastford Independent Fire Company. She enjoyed scrapbooking, card making and spending time in her flower gardens gardening. 

She leaves her daughter; Debi Johnson (Chris) of Eastford; her son; Ernest Nowakowski (Cindy) of Eastford; her brothers Sam Amberg (Becky) of Lebanon and Alfred Amberg (Sharron) of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; sister Sandy Amberg of Willimantic; grandchildren; Becca DeLay (Travis) of Eastford, Shane Johnson (Tanya) of Sterling, Carissa Johnson of Ashford, Robert Nowakowski (Heather) of Woodstock, Steven Nowakowski (Angie) of Eastford; great-grandchildren; Peyton, Amber, Andrew, Matthew, Timothy, Forest and Violet. 

Donations: Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Henry B. Cole

WOODSTOCK — Henry B. Cole, 91, of Woodstock, died Oct. 11, 2015, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He was the husband of Janeth (McIntosh) Cole, who died March 4, 2011, and son of the late Arthur and Florence (Bogardus) Cole. He was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Jersey City, N.J. 

He worked as an engineering physicist at the American Optical Company in Research and Development in the field of fiber optics. Henry was a lifelong Mason with the Putnam Lodge #46 in Woodstock. He had a great pride and passion for being a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed visiting different Masonic Lodges in the states and around the world. Henry was made a Mason in Maine and then affiliated with Putnam Lodge #46 upon moving to Woodstock. He was a Past Master of Putnam #46 and District Deputy Grand Master for District 9A of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge AF&AM of Connecticut. Henry was awarded the Pierpont Edwards medal in bronze for his masonic service. He was a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Norwich. He was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Sphinx Temple. Henry was the long time treasurer of his lodge and a mentor to many young masons. 

He leaves his children Constance Lovell (Richard) of Waterford, Lauren De Herrera of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren; Sheri Barclay (Scott) of Oakdale, Pamela Rowe (Doug) of Niantic, Mark De Herrera (Jennifer) of Chandler, Christopher De Herrera (Alyson) of Austin, Ryan De Herrera (Hilary) of Mesa, Ariz.; 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Karkos and son-in–law Clifford De Herrera. 

A Memorial Masonic Service was Oct. 18 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Putnam Masonic Lodge charities, PO Box 46, South Woodstock, CT 06267. 

 

Tiffany R. Ball

WEBSTER — Tiffany R. Ball, 34, of Webster, died Oct. 13, 2015, after a long illness at UMass Hospital in Worcester. She was the daughter of Brenda (Rose) Ball and the late Shelby Ball. She was born Dec. 23, 1980, in Putnam. 

She loved music and her cats, especially Muffin

She leaves her mother Brenda Ball and her companion Roland Ross of Pomfret. She was predeceased by her boyfriend of 10years, John Boutilette who died in April of 2015. 

She will be buried in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Rose A. Evans

DANIELSON — Rose A. Evans, 77, of Danielson, died Oct. 13, 2015, at UMass in Worcester. Born May 29, 1938, in Danielson, daughter of the late Armond and Vina (Trahan) Genest. She was married to Howard W. Evans in 1979. Rose worked for Frito-Lay for 17 years until her retirement. She enjoyed bingo and trips up north for getaways.

She leaves her husband Howard Evans; children; Melody Knox, Alvin Corey, Clyde Corey and Jeff Corey; stepchildren; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons Kevin Corey and Reggie Corey.  

The Funeral was Oct. 19 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St. Danielson, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations: American Diabetes Association, Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457.

 

Christopher M. Rogers

KILLINGLY — Christopher M. Rogers formerly of Brooklyn, died unexpectedly Oct. 14, 2015, in Killingly. The son of David M. and Susan M. (Shaia) Rogers, he was born on May 12, 1982, in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

He graduated from Killingly High School and worked for Loos and Co. for 10 years as a machine operator. Chris loved sports, was a phenomenal pool player and a diehard Yankees fan. 

He leaves his parents David and Susan of Putnam; brother, Joseph W. Rogers (Jena) of Willimantic; grandfather, Donald Kusha; best friends Ryan Howley, Shane Field; uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents Doris and William Shaia, paternal grandparents Elizabeth Kusha and William Rogers.

Burial will be private. Donations: Hope Community Church, 25 Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam.

 

Dorothy Zmetra

WEBSTER — Dorothy “Dot” (Paciorkowski )  Zmetra, 79, died peacefully Oct. 11, 2015, in Fairfax, Va., after a long struggle with brain cancer.  

She graduated from Bartlett High School and later graduated from Leo’s Beauty Institute.  She was the owner/manager of Chet’s Smoke Shop on Main Street, Webster.  Dorothy enjoyed cooking, taking pictures and living on Webster Lake before moving to Chantilly due to health issues. She had a dynamic personality.

Dorothy was born on Nov. 15, 1935, in Dudley, the daughter of the late Benny and the late Mary (Gajewski) Paciorkowski.  Her husband of 53 years, William Joseph Zmetra died in 2008.

She leaves two daughters:  Karen Glenn (John) of Chantilly, Va., Maria Paska (Edward) of Chantilly; one son:  Mark Zmetra (Guylaine) of Woodstock; 11 grandchildren.

 A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 17 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in the St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster.  Donations: National Brain Tumor Society at braintumor.org, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA, 02458. Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, Dudley.

 

Patricia Bennett

WEBSTER — Patricia  (Brogan) Bennett, 79,  died Oct. 17, 2015, at home.

Pat was born in Boston, daughter of the late John T. and Mildred E. (Sheehy) Brogan and lived most of her life in Webster.  She was a retired supervisor, having worked for many years at Charter Communication.  She was a member of the Senior Bowling League and enjoyed playing cards, bingo and being around good people.

Pat leaves her son, Steven J. Bennett of Dedham, Mass.; a daughter, Kathleen P. Wojcik (John) of Putnam; two brothers, John T. Brogan of Attleboro, Mass., and Francis E. Brogan of New Hampshire; one sister, Annie Beaudry of Webster; two grandchildren, Ashlynne Wojcik and Joshua Wojcik. 

The Funeral Mass was Oct. 22  in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Shirley Dowgiewicz

WEBSTER — Shirley M. (LePine) Dowgiewicz, 89, died Oct. 14, 2015, at home. Her husband of 63 years, Edward W. Dowgiewicz, died in 2012.

She was born and raised in Putnam, a daughter of Clovis “Jack” LePine and Anna E. (Duffy) LePine. She lived in Webster most of her life. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Putnam.

Mrs. Dowgiewicz was an office clerk at Sandlerette Shoe and then at the Department of Employment Security in Webster for several years.

She was a communicant of St. Joseph Basilica and a member of its St. Anne Society and the St. Joseph Polish Women’s Club. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, visits to Foxwoods.

She leaves two sons, Richard E. Dowgiewicz (Diane) of Bennington, Vt., and Webster Selectman Mark G. Dowgiewicz and his companion Nancie Zecco of Webster; four grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, Jeffrey and Ashley Dowgiewicz; a great-grandson, Rhory Dowgiewicz. She was predeceased by a son, Edward W. Dowgiewicz II in 1988.

The Funeral Mass was Oct. 19 in St. Joseph Basilica with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. Donations: Friends of St. Joseph School Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Emanuel Ellis

PUTNAM — Emanuel Cayden Ellis died Oct. 11, 2015, shortly after birth at the Hartford Children’s Hospital. He was the son of Jerome E. Ellis Jr. and Ruth Bright Star White of Putnam. He leaves three brothers Jerome E. Ellis III, Michael T. Ellis both of Worcester and Jayden E. Fox Ellis of Putnam; a sister Mikala Wuggin Anockus White of Charlton; maternal grandparents, Michael J. Bessette Sr. and Ruth (Morse) Little Star Bessette of Charlton; paternal grandfather Jerry Ellis and step grandmother Jeanne Ellis of Connecticut; paternal grandmother Christine Pulkinen and step grandfather Ziggie Pulkinen of Connecticut. 

Amercan Indian ritual and celebration of life was Oct. 17 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Judith Kubiak

DUDLEY — Judith A. Kubiak, 69, died Oct. 12, 2015, at the Maryann Morse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Natick, Mass.

Judy was born in Webster daughter of Eugenia (Evanski) Kubiak and the late Joseph C. Kubiak of Dudley.  Judy in most recent years had her own animal sitting business. She also was a caregiver at Day Kimball hospital in Putnam.  Judy was a member of the RI Arabian Horse Assoc., and was a animal activist.  Her enjoyment was crocheting, animals and especially horses.  Judy’s kindness and caring for creatures large and small was a wonderful thing to experience. 

She leaves her daughter Katie; two grandchildren Benjamin and Isabella of Australia; her mother Eugenia M. (Evanski) Kubiak of Dudley; three brothers; Paul of Florida, Robert of Yarmouthport, Mass., and Joseph of Oakton, Va.  Judy was predeceased by her sisters, Joan Racicot and Patricia Greenleaf. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 21 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace.  Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., E. Brookfield, MA 01515. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

In the initial recruiting phase for the Putnam Science Academy 2015-2016 basketball season, coach Tom Espinosa loaded his backcourt with a stable of ball handling, sharp shooting guards.  Since that time Espinosa’s been concentrating on bringing big me into the fold.

The most recent recruit is 17-year-old, 6-foot, 9-inch big man Darnell Brodie from Newark, N.J.  Brodie adds strength to the Mustangs frontcourt, which keeps getting bigger with each succeeding recruit.

Brodie is a young player by recent standards and should provide depth to the Mustangs program for at least two seasons.  Despite his youth Brodie brings a wealth of experience to the Putnam campus.  He’s been playing competitively since the 8th grade.  While playing for St. Joseph’s Jr. High School he once had a game where he scored 28 points, had 50 rebounds and 12 blocked shots.

The last two seasons Brodie’s been a member of the Newark Eastside High School program, where he’s been a varsity player since his freshman year.  As a frosh he helped Eastside produce a 30-2 record, which included a New Jersey State Championship and entry into the tournament of champions.  As a sophomore he was recognized as one of the top 100 rebounders in New Jersey.

“Darnell is a player we’ve been involved with for some time.  We like him for his size and rebounding ability but he also brings a great attitude to our program.  Despite his youth he’s ready to compete on our level,’ said Espinosa.

During the summer for the past three years Brodie’s competed in AAU basketball with the New Jersey Roadrunners.   He’s helped the Roadrunners to a New Jersey championship and been named Most Valuable Player on numerous occasions.  While at Hoop Group camp at Albright College he was named to the camp’s all star team.

Brodie’s drawn interest from more than 20 NCAA Division I schools.  Among his early suitors are such schools St. John’s University, Boston College, Quinnipiac University, George Mason University, Seton Hall, Stanford, St. Peter’s and Holy Cross.  He’s also been contacted by Duke University of the ACC and Big Ten Schools, The Ohio State University and Iowa State University.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Chris Bowen of Woodstock.  RPC extends a tip of the sports fedora to Bowen in recognition of his personal salute in honor of my military service.  Much appreciated, Chris.

They say records are made to be broken.  Whoever comes along in the Killingly High School field hockey program in the future will have a mountain to climb as senior stick wielder Alyssa Rainey is setting the bar very high.

In a recent 10-2 win over the Windham Whippets Rainey tied and broke the Redgal’s field hockey career goals record.  Rainey took care of business early as she broke the existing record of 46 goals set previously by Gina Allen, who played from 1981 to 1984.

Entering the contest against Windham with 45 career goals, Rainey scored four times, giving her 49 career goals with seven regular season games and postseason play still remaining.  The high scoring Rainey has proven that she’s not a selfish player as she’s also been credited with 13 assists this season.  The Redgals are currently 7-1-2 overall and 7-0-2 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference.  They’re tied at the top of the conference with Stonington.

According to sources close to Rainey, she’s received a number of letters of interest from NCAA Division I and II schools.    As she continues her assault on the career and single season scoring records, Rainey, who is the daughter of Dan Rainey, is primarily concentrating on Killingly’s season.

Mustangs Ranked in Top 

10 Preseason Poll

The National Post Grad Top 10 rankings according to NextUp Recruits were released on Wednesday, October 7.  The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs coached by Tom Espinosa are ranked No. 7 in the first poll.

Many familiar names are in the Top 10 with most on the Putnam Science Academy 2015-2016 schedule.  Hargrave Military Academy of Virginia holds down the top spot followed by Brewster Academy of New Hampshire.  Next in third place is Elev8 of Florida with South Kent School of Connecticut fourth, St. Thomas More of Oakdale, in fifth and Northfield Mt. Hermon of Massachusetts one spot in front of the Mustangs.  IMG Academy of Florida, New Hampton School of New Hampshire and Spire Institute of Ohio are in the 8th, 9th and 10th spots respectively.

It’s only the preseason and regular season action doesn’t begin until November 17 but the fact that the Mustangs are recognized as National quality is thanks to the diligence and hard work of coach Espinosa and his staff. 

Running Shorts

The Eversource Hartford Marathon organized by Beth Schluger of the Hartford Marathon Group, the people who run the O’Putnam 5K in March, was a huge success again this year.  The day included a full marathon, half-marathon and 5K and attracts thousands of runners combined for all events.

A local product broke the Top 10 in the marathon as he looks forward to the Boston Marathon on Patriots Day in 2016.  Michael Stadolnik of Plainfield, who’s a familiar face at the O’Putnam 5K and the Deary Memorial Road Race, finished ninth in the prestigious field.  Stadolnik posted a time of 2:34:33.  The winner of the event Jonas Hampton of New Britain broke the tape in 2:15:58.

Another familiar name, Nick Magani of Higganum, formerly of Brooklyn, finished seventh in the 5K.  He had a time of 15:46 only 45 seconds behind the winner Brian Biekert of North Stonington.  Biekert’s time was 15:01

Meanwhile in Worcester, two Putnam runners fared very well in the weekly Central Mass. Striders 5K at Worcester State University.  Scott Deslongchamps finished second to winner Rob Auger.  Deslongchamps’ time was 19:34, while Auger crossed the finish line in 19:19.  Veteran runner Alan Rondeau finished eighth with a time of 20:50.

Happy Birthday?

A large gathering of relatives and friends from throughout South Central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut gathered Friday, October 9 at the Courthouse Restaurant in Putnam, surprising Mike Madden of Woodstock on his 50th birthday.

Madden, who was an Olympic caliber weight lifter as a young man, was totally taken aback and speechless.  The event was planned and pulled off flawlessly by Madden’s wife, Heather.  RPC sends along birthday wishes.  You can now officially become a member of AARP now, Mike.

Get Well Wishes

Home from the hospital and recuperating from hip surgery is Sam Markley of Dayville.  The energetic Markley, who’s been instrumental in raising funds for St. James School with the St. James Golf Tournament, is a little edgy but moving better every day.  As a former Killingly High School athlete he’s cognizant that he must take it one day at a time if he wants to get back in action.

Send Sam a get well card and help him along with the recovery process.  He’s at 102 Island Road, Dayville, CT 06241.

Q School

Former Putnam resident Nicole Scola is currently a junior at Quinnipiac University in Hamden.  Scola is one of the Bobcats standout scholar/athletes and a member of the women’s golf team.

In the three-day Quinnipiac Invitational, which was played at the par 72, 5,896-yard New Haven Country Club, Scola was the top finisher for her team in the 11-team field tournament.  The Bobcats finished fourth behind champion Albany University.  In the individual competition Scola posted a three-day total of 79-75-77-231, five strokes off the winning pace of winner Annie Lee of Albany University.   

Scola is the daughter of Danielson attorney Nicholas Scola and his wife Jill, who currently reside in Watch Hill, R.I.

Still Running

Last November Mae Flexer was running around northeastern Connecticut in her effort to capture the Connecticut 29th Senatorial District seat.  Almost a year later Sen. Mae Flexer, who was successful in her bid for the seat, is still running but with a different goal.

On Sunday, Flexer undertook a venture that she’s never done previously when she ran in the Hartford Marathon.  She was in the field of the thousands who participated and is proud of the fact that she completed the 26-mile 365-yard run.  And she wasn’t last.

“I’m pleased that the race is over and I can say I did it.  I don’t think I’ll ever do a full marathon again.  Running the race it was amazing that at one point along the route I was running one way and the leaders were heading toward the finish line.  They were at the 20-mile marker and I was at the 10-mile marker.  I’m proud that I finished,” said Senator Flexer.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “First say to yourself what would you be, and then do what you have to do.”  Epictetus

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