Arthur Macomber,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Arthur C. Macomber, “Mac”, 90, of Putnam, formerly of Thompson died Nov. 14, 2015, at home. He was the husband of Yvonne Lorraine (Mayer) Macomber. They were married Oct. 25, 1947, in the Danielson Baptist Church. 

He was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Danielson, son of the George and Myrtice (L’heureux) Macomber.

Arthur had made his home in Thompson for many years, was a member of the Thompson Congregational Church where he sang in the choir and also was a soloist. He served as a deacon for more than 50 years.  Arthur was employed at Agway for 28 years as a truck driver delivering feed. His hobbies included square dancing, restoring his home, jack of all trades, trips to the casino, playing Bingo and roller skating. He loved to entertain at the retirement home playing the organ and singing. 

He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army. 

He leaves his wife Yvonne Lorraine; children Sheila Ann Arnold (Mike) of Thompson, Michael Jon Macomber (Sandra) of Webster, Stacey N. Macomber and his friend Magdalena of Webster; four grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his sister May Maciejewski. 

Services are private. Donations: Thompson Dog Pound, Animal Rescue, 185 Pasay Road, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to NECCOG Animal Services, PO Box 759, Dayville, CT 06241. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Evelyn F. Bourque

WEBSTER — Evelyn F. (Myette) Bourque, 91, of Pontiac Ave., formerly of Hawkins Rd., Putnam, died Nov. 17, 2015, in Brookside Rehabilitation Center.  She was the wife of the late Alfred Bourque.  Born in 1924 in Burrillville, R.I., she was the daughter of the late William and Eva (Green) Myette.

Mrs. Bourque worked as an instrument technician at the Day Kimball Hospital for many years.  She enjoyed riding motorcycles with her late husband, bus trips, traveling, and people watching.

She leaves her daughter Judith Laundry (John) of Putnam; a sisters Muriel Bruinsma of Shrewsbury, Mass.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Gale R. Bourque and her brother William Myette Jr. 

Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 1.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. 

 

Lucilia Leandro

WAUREGAN — Lucilia M. Leandro, 80, of Wauregan died Nov. 15, 2015, at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester. She was married April 8, 1957, to the love of her life, David S. Leandro. He died March 14, 2014. She was born June 18, 1935, in Sao Miguel, Portugal (Azores Islands), daughter of the late Manuel and Arina (Cabral) Aguiar.

Lucilia was a maid in Azores before immigrating to Canada in 1964. She moved to Wauregan in 1969, where she has been a Communicant of Sacred Heart Church. Lucilia was a packer at Anchor Glass Container in Killingly. She was a member of the Grupo Amigos da Terceira. She loved cooking, baking, feeding her birds in the yard. She was known throughout the community for her famous Portuguese sweet bread. 

She leaves her children: Manuel Leandro of Jacksonville, Fla., Maria Ponciano (Jose) of Brooklyn, Robert Leandro (Julie) of Moosup; grandchildren: Derek Ponciano, Jessica Leandro, Kali Leandro, Amanda Ponciano, Nadia Ponciano, Paige Leandro, Erika Malito and Marina Medeiros; brothers: Henrique Aguiar and Manuel Aguiar; sisters: Odett Bernardo, Jorgina Lima and Graca Pereira; her grand-dog Rosie, grand-cat Scooby, great grand-pup and great grand-kitty. She was predeceased by her husband David S. Leandro, her brothers Eduardo Aguiar, Jose Aguiar and Amancio Aguiar. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 21 in Sacred Heart Church, Wauregan, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations: American Diabetes Association, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Beatrice Jackson

PUTNAM — Beatrice L. (Hazzard) Jackson of Putnam died Nov. 20, 2015, at Matulaitis Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Robert H. Jackson Sr., who died May 9, 2005.  They married Feb. 10, 1940.  

Beatrice or Beady as she was called by siblings, nieces, nephews and friends, was born May 5, 1923, in Woodstock, daughter of George and Maude (Brown) Hazzard. Beady was a Native American and proud member of the Nipmuc Tribe. She made her home the majority of her life in Putnam and was a longtime member of the Putnam Congregational Church.  She loved to read, do word puzzles, knit, crochet and quilting, making beautiful items for home and family. She was a longtime employee of Hale Manufacturing Co. from where she retired. She was a hard worker, dependable and extremely honest. She loved to tell you what she thought. She loved to laugh and would often eat her dessert before her meal. 

She leaves her children: Anna Jackson of Bloomfield, Kay Foster of Southborough, Mass.; Robert H. Jackson Jr. of Cape Coral, Fla.; Francis Jackson of Putnam, Deborah Mounds of Hartford, and Cheryl Jackson-Morris of Windsor; her sisters: Clara Greene of E. Killingly, Gladys Kilgore of Richmond, Calif.; eight grandchildren: Robin Jackson, Scott Foster, Diana Jackson, Sonja Foster, Tracy Jackson, Wayne Jackson, Matthew Mounds and Christopher Morris; 15 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service was held Nov. 24  at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by burial in Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam.  

 

Teresa E. Muraco

GROSVENORDALE — Teresa E. Muraco, 93, the “Sweetheart of Grosvenordale,” of Klondike Street, died Nov. 17, 2015, at Westview Health Care in Danielson.  Born in 1922 in Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Carmine and Mary (Molinaro) Muraco.

Miss Muraco was a 1940 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School.  She was employed by the Cargill Trust and Putnam Savings Banks and as a waitress for Duffy’s Catering and Bakery.  She then went on to work as a clerk for the family services office at the Superior Court in Putnam for 15 years until her retirement in 1984.  

Miss Muraco was a member of the Connecticut State Retirees Association, the Daughters of Isabella, St. Bernard’s Columbiettes, the Democratic Town Committee, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #67, the Friends of St. Joseph and Sacred Heart,  Community Fire Auxiliary, Thompson Hill Fire Auxiliary and the West Thompson Fire Auxiliary feeding firefighters at the site of many a blaze during all kinds of weather conditions, handing out hot chocolate at the towns annual bonfire, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Quinebaug #1088, Thompson Together, and the Thompson Historical Society.  She volunteered at St. Joseph Thrift Store, the American Red Cross for 20 years, worked the Thompson Voting Polls for many years, and Volunteered in 2011 for the Worcester “First Night.”  She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale and was a volunteer for many of the church suppers. Miss Muraco received the Emergency Services Award, VFW Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011, Thompson Lions “Sweetheart of the Year” Award, Thompson Volunteer of the year Award in 2011.  She enjoyed watching the 4th of July fireworks in Boston and was an avid fan of the UConn girls’ basketball and the New York Yankees.  

She leaves her extended family and caregivers, Shirley Houle of N. Grosvenordale, Ray Houle of N. Grosvenordale, and Phillip Houle of N. Grosvenordale; her brother in-law Paul Olson; nieces; nephews; many friends and neighbors, especially the Johnson family: Pat, Linda, Ed and Joe.   She was predeceased by her sisters, Palma Muraco, Jean Olson, Rose Muraco, Vincentina Muraco; and her brothers, the late Anthony, Samuel, and Frank Muraco.  

A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 23 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, P.O. Box 897, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or to the Community Fire Company, P.O. Box 874, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255.  Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Maryann  D. McCrory

WEBSTER — Maryann D. (Desjourdy) McCrory, 78, formerly of Northbridge, Mass., died Nov. 20, 2015, in UMass/Memorial University Campus, Worcester after an illness.

She was born and raised in the Whitinsville section of Northbridge, the daughter of Alfred and Rose (Duso) Desjourdy.  She lived there most of her life before moving to Webster in 2005. She attended Northbridge High School. Mrs. McCrory was an assembler for 30 years at Fenwall, Inc. in Ashland before retiring in 2000. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Whitinsville. 

She leaves her husband of 60 years, Thomas A. McCrory; two sons, Michael T. McCrory and his fiancée Barbara Peters of Northbridge, and Dennis M. McCrory and his fiancée Nancy Shelsky of Medway; two daughters-in-law, Doreen McCrory of Putnam, and Sandra McCrory of Woonsocket, R.I.; five grandchildren, Michael, Misty, Kevin, Aaron and Cassie McCrory; three great-grandchildren, Seth, Althea and Hunter Thomas McCrory; a brother, Michael Desjourdy of Charlton. She was predeceased by two sons, Patrick J. McCrory and David J. McCrory.

The funeral was private. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Raymond Williams,

U.S. Army vet

WEBSTER — Raymond A. Williams, 78, died Nov. 22, 2015, with his family by his side.  He was the husband of the late Nancy (Washburn) Williams and the late Janet (McCarthy) Williams.  

He was born in St. Albins, Vt., son of the late Armand and Hortence (St. Pierre) Williams and lived her for the past 35 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran.  He was retired from Webco Chemical in Dudley.  He enjoyed gardening and fishing.  

He leaves three sons; Mark A. Williams of Woodstock, Mike (Bonnie) Chickering of Southbridge and Glenn (Helen) Chickering of Webster; two daughters, Peggy Totman (Owen) of Webster and Cindy Chickering of Dudley; two brothers, Kenneth Williams and Loni Bingham; three sisters Peggy, Sylvia and Betty Williams; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a brother, Butch Bingham  The Funeral was Nov. 24 from Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery, Webster, with military honors.  Donations: Webster-Dudley Veterans Council.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Massachusetts resident Larry Doucette.  A graduate of Putnam High School, Doucette recently returned to his hometown for his 50th class reunion.  Does it feel like 50 years Larry?

John and Drew Aitken, twin brothers who attend Killingly High School’s Vocational Agricultural program, have been playing golf since a very young age.  Their love of golf has been nurtured by the twin’s stepfather, Jim West, the golf professional at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam.  Anyone who’s played at Connecticut National has witnessed the transition that’s taken place as the twins have grown from little boys to mature and courteous young men.

As they’ve grown in maturity their golf game has also grown and flourished.  The growth in their game can’t only be attributed to natural talent.  Both John and Drew are golfers who put in the time on improving their game.  During the summer, the twins who are also equally talented in the classroom, can be found at the golf course very early in the morning and are usually around well after the sun sets.  When it’s dark they often practice under the lights and during inclement or winter weather they continue working on their indoor stuff to improve and hone their skills.

The hard work and determination along with the support of West and their mother Jenn, is now paying rich dividends as the twins are seniors at Killingly.  On Thursday, November 12 the brothers fulfilled a lifelong dream when they signed National Letters of Intent to attend Central Connecticut University in New Britain on a golf scholarship.

Although those who have followed their careers thought they might end up playing college golf in warm sunny climes were perplexed by the decision, there were good reasons for the selection.  Central Connecticut is close to home, which appealed to the boys and the family.  The Blue Devils are an NCAA Division I program that’s made a commitment to bringing more notoriety to golf.  And Central is coached by Kyle Gallo.  Most importantly for the twins they’ll be together, something that they’ve cherished since they were born.

Although Drew Aitken was being pursued by other bigger name Division I schools, he wasn’t going anywhere unless his brother went with him.  Coach Gallo was another incentive.  He and Jim West played and traveled together for eight years when they played on some of the minor professional tours.  In fact, Gallo played on the Nationwide Tour, one step below the PGA Tour, in 2005 and 2006.

Now that the college selection’s been finalized the twins want to concentrate on their senior year with the Killingly Redmen of coach Kevin Marcoux.  Competing in the Eastern Connecticut Conference, Killingly led by the Aitken brothers, has captured the crown for the past three seasons.  They’re looking forward to picking up conference title number four in the spring of 2016 but their biggest goal is to bring a State Championship to Killingly.

Although a long winter looms before the high school golf season begins, it’s a safe bet that John and Drew Aitken and the other members of the Killingly team will be having regular indoor sessions throughout the cold and dark days as they prepare for the spring and the quest for the State title.

College Commitments Abound

Announcements from Woodstock Academy and Pomfret School indicated that athletes from both institutions have made commitments to continue their athletic careers on the college level.

Rylee Hehir, a senior softball standout at Woodstock, made her selection recently when she signed a National Letter of Intent to attend NCAA Division II Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Penn.  Hehir, who began her high school softball career at Marianapolis, has been a pitching and hitting standout for the Centaurs since arriving on the campus.  In joining the Griffins of Seton Hill she’ll compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.  She’s the daughter of Chris and Dawn Hehir.

Basketball standout Gerald Blount, a 6-foot, 7-inch power forward at Pomfret School signed his National Letter of Intent to attend St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  Blount, who is from Bayonne, N.J., has been the Golden Griffins leading scorer since arriving on the Pomfret campus.  The St. Joseph’s Hawks are coached by the popular Phil Martelli and play in the rugged Atlantic-10 Conference.  The Hawks are an NCAA Division I program.  According to Pomfret basketball coach Joe Kremer, Blount’s signing is an indication of the quality student/athlete that Pomfret School produces.

CSC Names Net Stars

The Constitution State Conference East Division announced its volleyball all stars for the recently concluded fall season.  Putnam High School placed two players on the First Team.  Selected were Gabrielle Simpson and Lindsay Roberts.  Named to the second team were Monet Smith and Kirsten Light of Ellis Tech.

 Former Redgal Scores Big Time

Devin Hill, whose basketball career seems to have been resurrected at Rhode Island College under coach Glenn Senecal, led the Anchorwomen to an early season tournament championship.  Hill, who had an up and down career at Killingly High School because of a series of knee injuries, is still not quite 100 percent but is improving quickly.

In the 18th Annual USJ Tip-Off Classic at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Hill rose to the occasion in leading her mates to the title.  In the championship contest, she poured in 33 points in leading RIC to a 71-45 victory over Western New England University.  Hill was named the tournament Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performance on the hardwood.  Rhode Island College plays in the Little East Conference.

1000-Yard Ground Gainers

When Killingly High School squares off against the Quinebaug Valley Pride on Thanksgiving Day morning two 1,000-yard runners will be on the field.  The Redmen will feature Austin Caffrey, who is almost unstoppable.  He’s gained 1,538 yards in the first nine games for the 8-1 Killingly Redmen.  Caffrey has 20 touchdowns rushing this season.

The Pride will feature its own 1000-yard ground gainer in the person of Jeremee “Buddha” Perez.   He’s rolled up 1,001 yards for the 6-3 Pride.  Perez has 11 rushing touchdowns to his credit.  Both players also play the linebacker position on defense for their respective squads.

Both the Pride and Redmen also feature premier receivers.  Saige Louis of the Pride leads the area with seven touchdown receptions and 379 receiving yards, while Killingly’s Vasileios Politis has six TD receptions.

Becher Watch

Throughout the fall RPC has followed the soccer fortunes of Emily Becher of Eastern Connecticut State University.  Becher has been a scoring machine for the Lady Warriors.  The former Woodstock Academy standout was rewarded for her outstanding play, being named to the All- Little East Conference first team.  This is the second year in a row that the sophomore Becher has achieved this honor.  She’s the second player in ECSU women’s soccer history to gain this distinction.  She ended the season as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: When times are tough, turn the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

 

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By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy standout Mamadou Diarra fittingly hit the first basket of the season, signaling the start of the long journey for the Mustangs in their quest for a National Prep School Championship.  In a matchup of Nationally ranked teams the #7 Mustangs prevailed over #10 Spire Academy of Geneva, Ohio, in a high scoring affair 100-85.  

Following the basket, the first half got off to a rocky start before Diarra led the team to a second half comeback and a victory over the visitors.  The hosts put together a 56 point second half offensive performance to seal the win following a dismal first half showing in which they trailed by ten points 54-44.

In the first eight minutes of the second half the Scientists reeled off a 21to 8 run putting them on top 65-62, a lead they never relinquished.  

“Spire played a great first half.  Their shooting was outstanding.  At halftime I told our kids they needed to turn up the defensive intensity and make Spire put the ball on the floor.  We worked hard in the second half and it paid off for us with the win,” said coach Tom Espinosa.

Diarra, who is headed to UConn in September, led the way as he poured in 18 points on a 9-for-9 performance, including three spectacular dunks.  He posted a double-double, corralling 11 rebounds and adding three steals and three blocked shots.  Diarra was joined in double figures by four of his teammates.  Saul Phiri, a transfer from Worcester Academy had 16 markers in his first game for PSA, while two newcomers Eric Ayala and Jaheam Cornwall each had 15 points.  Rounding out the double figure scorers was Hamidou Diallo, who had 14 points off the bench.  Tyere Marshall turned in an outstanding all-around game as he used his big 6-foot, 9-inch frame grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring nine points.

As good as the Mustangs played in the second half they struggled equally in the first half.  Demonstrating the fact that this was their first real test as a unit they had 10 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.  Their shooting from the foul line was well below subpar as they hit only 7-of-16 from the charity stripe.

They improved to 23-of-37 overall for the game as they hit 16-of-21 in the second half and offensively protected the ball much better over the final 20 minutes.

“We still have a lot of work to do before we get to where we aspire to be.  I’m proud of the way the team played in the second half.  We’ll take the win,” said Espinosa.

Spire Academy was led by a pair of guards, Aidas Kavaliauskas and Tyrell Gumbs-Frater with 17 points apiece.

Mustangs Sweep Two at National Prep Showcase

Putnam Science Academy raised its early season record to 3-0 following two victories in the National Prep Showcase at Albertus Magnus College.  On Friday in the opener the Mustangs squeaked by Sunrise Christian Academy of Kansas 53-51 and followed that up with a more convincing 90-78 win over Montverde Academy of Florida.

The Scientists , who were paced by Diarra with 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, were in command for most of the contest.  Tyere Marshall once again turned in a stellar performance with 11 points and seven boards, while Diallo added 13 points in the winning cause.

In the Montverde game the Mustangs ran off with a 57-33 halftime advantage and were never headed.  They were led by Ayala with 11 points and five caroms, while sophomore Darnell Brodie corralled 10 boards to go with his four points.  Another sophomore, 7-2 Manny Umoffia added eight points and nine rebounds.  Brandon Hurst and Phiri each had nine poine, all scored from beyond the three-point arc.  

Hoop Happenings: The Putnam Science Academy gym looks like a different facility with a new coat of paint, a fully operational lighting system and a scrubbed playing surface…The gym also features two sets of bleachers on the stage at the far end of the gym, increasing the seating capacity…A large turnout of approximately 200 fans filled the gym, proving the adage, “Everyone loves a winner”…Spotted in the crowd Kansas State coach Bruce Webber…Also in attendance was PSA President Teqiang Ding and Headmaster Don Cushing…Cushing is coach Tom Espinosa’s father-in-law…Among the local coaches in attendance were Shawn Deary, Putnam basketball coach and Chad Neal, Killingly football coach…Moe Coderre, longtime timekeeper and scoreboard operator at Putnam was on the clock and graced the large crowd with a moving rendition of the National Anthem…The game was officiated by Christian Sarantopoulos and Rick Bogert, members of the newly created IAABO Board #35…Following UConn’s 83-58 win over Furman, coach Kevin Ollie was at the Showcase to watch his 2016 signee Diarra and his 2017 target recruit Diallo.