Obituaries pg 8 12-5-13
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Timothy Hand Jr.
PUTNAM — Timothy M. Hand Jr., 31, of Church Street, died Nov. 24, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Marie (Trudo) Hand and the proud expectant father of their child due in January. Born in 1982 in Providence, he was the son of Timothy and Joyce (Lemay) Hand of Pascoag.
A native of Burrillville, Timothy attended Burrillville High School and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Pascoag Council 383. Most recently, he was a student at Johnson & Wales studying culinary nutrition and a Chef at Costantino’s Ristorante in Providence. Timothy immersed himself and those he loved in cooking, gardening, science, hiking, music, and travel. He was passionate about life and the natural world around him.
In addition to his wife and parents, he leaves his brother, Jonathan Hand, wife Sabrina and son Dolan of Johnston, R.I.; sisters Rebecca Hand of Pascoag, and Elizabeth Hand and son James Lubas of Pascoag; relatives in law: John and Elaine Trudo of Thompson, Leah Trudo of Thompson, Anne Carraher, husband Michael and children Benjamin, Meghan, and goddaughter Lauren of Dayville.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 30 at St. Patrick Church, Harrisville, R.I., with burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Pascoag. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Doreen F. Riley
PUTNAM --- Doreen F. Riley, 58, former of Putnam, died Nov. 2, 2013, at Hartford Hospital.
She was the wife of the late Frank E. Riley who died Feb. 28, 2011. She was born Feb. 14, 1955, in Worcester.
She was married Dec. 17, 1976, in her home in Putnam where she then started her family.
She worked at Anglo Fabrics in Webster and Brooks Distribution in Dayville until she fell ill in 2000.
She enjoyed playing computer games, watching the gameshow network and doing her crossword puzzles. She also loved going to the Circle of Fun every year in Putnam.
She leaves her children, Jennifer Bellone of Manchester and Patricia Riley of Plainfield; grandchildren, Julianna, Bethany, Christopher, Alexander, Miranda and Gavin; siblings MaryAnn Long of Plainfield, Paul Carpenter of Norwich and John Carpenter of Putnam, Carolyn and Beverly Zela of Dudley, Duncan Zela of Woodstock and Eddie Zela of Plainfield.
The funeral will be held in the spring. Contact family for more information. Donations may be made to: Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd. Newington, CT 06111.
Roland Bourque Jr.
PLAINFIELD — Roland George Bourque Jr. 54, of Ward Lane, Moosup, Nov. 26, 2013, at home.
He was born May 5, 1959, in Norwich a son of Anna (Simonds) Bourque of Moosup and the late Roland G. Bourque Sr. He had been a lifelong resident of Moosup. Roland was a 1978 graduate of Plainfield High School and a graduate of Rhode Island Trade Shop School.
He was employed as a Master Mechanic at King Cadillac since 1983. Roland was a member of the NRA, an avid reader, enjoyed feeding the birds.
Besides his mother he leaves a son Roland G. Bourque III of Moosup; two daughters Rebecca Bourque and Susan Bourque both of Moosup; a brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Carla Bourque of Moosup; a sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Ron Berti of Putnam; a granddaughter Anna Rose Chavez-Bourque; his former wife Donna Bourque of Moosup.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 30 in All Hallows Church, Moosup, with burial in All Hallows Cemetery. Donations: St. Jude children’s Hospital P.O.Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Dougherty Bros. Funeral Home, Plainfield.
Rita Girard
VERNON — Rita R. (Benoit) Girard, 96, of Vernon, formerly of Dayville, died Nov. 27, 2013, at the Fox Hill Center in Vernon. She was the wife of the late Albert Girard. He died in 1984.
She was born April 29, 1917, in Putnam, daughter of the late Alphonse and Antoinette (Gosselin) Benoit. She had made her home in Dayville, and Worcester for many years. She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville and the former St. Anne Church in Ballouville, and involved for many years with the church’s activities.
She leaves her daughter Cecile Girard of Rochester, N.Y.; sons Leon Girard (Pauline) of Tolland, Ronald Girard (Debbie) of Vernon; grandchildren Richard, Paul, Bryan, Stephen, Albert, Michael, Melissa, and 14 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law Lorraine Benoit of Manchester, Bertha Benoit of Woodstock. She was predeceased by two brothers Donald Benoit and Albert Benoit.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 2 in St. Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, PO Box 487, Dayville, CT 06241. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Julia C. Mahon
THOMPSON — Julia C. Mahon, 97, of Thompson Road died Nov. 28, 2013, at home. She was the wife of the late Edmund Mahon. Born in 1916 in Phenix City, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Francis C. and Ferol (Smith) Cunha.
Mrs. Mahon worked as a librarian for both Tourtellotte Memorial High School and the Thompson school systems
Mrs. Mahon was an accomplished writer; writing many children’s books and had numerous articles published in several magazines. She also enjoyed cooking and won several area cooking contests, she was the regional reporter for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, and very active at St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale where she served on the Bishop’s Advisory Council.
She leaves a son Paul Mahon of Worcester, a daughter Rosemary Jackson of Middleboro, Mass.; three sisters Agnes Howard of Columbus, Ga., Madeline Welch of Putnam, and Margaret Bibek of N. Grosvenordale; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons Thomas “Gus” Mahon, John Mahon Sr., and a daughter Elizabeth Mahon.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Dec. 2 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255 Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
John Marszalkowski Sr.
DANIELSON — John Marszalkowski Sr., 70, died Nov. 21, 2013, at Regency Heights of Danielson after several years battling brain cancer. He was the husband of the late Florita Rankin-Marszalkowski.
He was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Webster. His hobbies included: fishing, coloring, and playing cards. He leaves behind his children: John Jr. of Putnam, Theresa of North Carolina, Robert of Attleboro, Mass., Marty of Jewett City, Barbara of Thompson, George of Moosup, Bobby of Florida and Rose of North Carolina; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Tillinghast Funeral Home, 433 Main Street, Danielson .
Patricia Regis
BROOKLYN — Patricia J. Regis, 59, of South Main Street, Brooklyn, Nov. 24, 2013, at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a long illness. She was the wife of Rick Regis. They were married Sept. 25, 1993. She was born Aug. 18, 1954, in Providence, daughter of the late August and Eileen (Lafrance) Mende.
She had made her home in the Brooklyn Danielson area for over 21 years. Patricia with her mother operated the Maple Glen Inn in Foster, R.I., for many years. She hosted many dart and billiard tournaments. She enjoyed collecting carousels and hobby horses.
She leaves in addition to her husband Rick, four children, Aaron Higgins, Nathan Higgins, Kaitlyn Regis Lazor, Taylor Regis; brother, August W. Mende; grandchildren, Alyse Lazor, Devika Higgins. She was predeceased by her brother, David E. Mende.
A Chapel Service was Dec. 2 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Anthony Lechert
WOODSTOCK — Anthony T. Lechert, 62, husband of Vone (Inthirathvongsy) Lechert, died Nov. 24, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam.
Anthony was born in Webster, son of the late Anthony T. and Fleurette J. (Paquette) Lechert and lived in Woodstock for many years. He was a machinist and tool maker. He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. Donations: MSPCA. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Beverly McDonald
QUINEBAUG — Beverly A. (Donovan) McDonald, 76, of Quinebaug, died Nov. 29, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam.
Beverly was born in Thompson, daughter of the late Mary H. Donovan. She lived in Quinebaug most of her life. She was a retired shoe factory worker and was well known for her work with wallpaper. She enjoyed going to the casino and was a member of the Nipmuc Tribe. She was also a member of the Quinebaug Fire Department Ladies Auxilary.
She was predeceased by her husband, John McDonald. She leaves two brothers, Donald Donovan (Jaucqueta) of N. Grosvenordale, Ronald Donovan (Alice) of Bridgeport; two sister-in-laws, Jean Donovan of Quinebaug, Norma Donovan of Webster; a brother-in-law, Norman Charrette of Putnam. She was predeceased by two brothers, Edward Donovan Sr., Joseph Donovan Sr., and a sister, Constance Charrette.
The Funeral Service was Dec. 4 with burial in West Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Quinebaug Fire Department. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Hogan pg 9 12-5-13
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Putnam resident Alex Caisse. The former basketball coach and athletic director at Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Caisse is enjoying retirement and spending more time each year in the sunshine of Florida.
Putnam High School quickly filled the chasm left by the sudden departure of Willie Bousquet as the Lady Clipper basketball coach by naming Mandy Hogan to assume the duty immediately. In naming Hogan the administration hired someone close to the program as she has served as Bousquet’s assistant for the past six years.
Hogan, who hails from Rhode Island where she played high school basketball, brings additional experience to the position as a college hoopster. She played two seasons at Mitchell College in New London and one season at Rhode Island College in Providence. In addition to the coaching position in Putnam, Hogan’s fulltime job is the physical education teacher at St. Joseph’s School in North Grosvenordale.
Although the Lady Clippers have played in the State Tournament for the last 10 seasons under Bousquet and finished 15-7 last season, the cupboard could be bare as Hogan begins practice for the upcoming season. Putnam lost its two best players from last season, Ashley Espinosa and Monica Phongsa to graduation. The unofficial census at Putnam has been reported as under 300 students, which means the numbers could be very meager this season.
Word around the sports mill is that Bousquet invited Hogan to join him at Woodstock as his assistant. Those close to the scene indicate that although the pair is very close, Hogan opted to try her hand as a head coach, an idea that she’s always thought she’d like to explore.
Baseball Convention Around The Corner
Baseball aficionados should mark their 2014 calendars for the weekend of Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January, 9, 10 and 11 as the Mohegan Sun will once again host the World Baseball Coaches Convention. The three-day event is an opportunity for high school, American Legion and youth league coaches to pick the minds of some of the top baseball people in the country. It’s also a chance for youngsters to meet some of the games stars, past and present.
Highlighting this year’s program is 2012 Cy Young Award winner and current ace of the Toronto Blue Jays staff R.A. Dickey. Joining Dickey as a headliner is Boston Red Sox World Series champions’ third base coach Brian Butterfield, a guy with a wealth of baseball knowledge garnered from his baseball family and his longevity around the game.
Also expected to be on hand is former East Lyme product and current member of the Boston Red Sox John McDonald. The popular McDonald will be available to discuss and demonstrate the nuances of infield play. Toronto Blue Jays outfielder and base running sensation Rajai Davis will talk base stealing and base running. Davis from New London and McDonald are both free agents at this time. It’s possible McDonald could be re-signed by the Sox and Davis could be with another team by Convention time.
The Convention will also feature numerous college coaches including Scott Stricklin, U of Georgia; Spanky McFarland, James Madison; Rob Cooper, Penn State; Phil Cundari, Seton Hall; Steve Trimper, Maine; Fred Corral, Georgia; and Jim Penders, UConn.
For more information, visit www.BaseballCoachesClinic.com or call 860 674-1500.
College Watch
A number of local athletes are currently members of college teams. In an effort to keep local fans posted on their progress RPC will run periodic updates on their status. If anyone has information on former local hoopsters feel free to send updates to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Last year at this time Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith was running the floor at Putnam Science Academy. A year later over the Thanksgiving Day holiday, Smith was running the floor for the University of Dayton Flyers in Maui, Hawaii, at the Maui Invitational and could be seen on ESPN and ESPN2. Smith and the Flyers finished third in the Hawaii tournament, upsetting 11th ranked Gonzaga in the opening game, losing by a single point to 18th ranked Baylor in the semifinals and dropping the University of California by 19 points in the consolation contest.
Smith saw considerable action off the bench for the Flyers and acquitted himself handsomely dishing out a number of assists, making key baskets and running the point for coach Archie Miller.
Quinnipiac University continues to roll behind the play of two former Marianapolis grads, Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame. The Bobcats are 4-1 after besting the Maine Black Bears 102-61 in a lopsided victory. Azotam had 14 and Drame 17 points in the victory. Azotam is averaging 14.2 points and 10 rebounds a contest, while Drame is scoring 12 points per contest and leads the team in rebounding.
In the Maine game former Putnam Science Academy standout Shaun Lawton, a sophomore for the Black Bears had 11 points for 1-4 Maine.
In Massachusetts, Ashley Espinosa, the former Putnam High School standout, is the first player off the bench for the Lady Lancers. Espinosa had four points in a 69-60 victory over St. Joseph’s. WSU is 3-3 entering the month of December.
Remembering a World War II Hero
Lou Brissie died in Augusta, Ga., on Monday, November 25 at the age of 89. Who was Lou Brissie you might ask? Some folks may remember him as a baseball pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletic and Cleveland Indians. Selected to the American League All Star team in 1949, he pitched three innings in the game played at Ebbetts Field in Brooklyn, NY.
More remarkably, Brissie was seriously injured in the Apennines in Northern Italy when his platoon was ambushed and a German shell exploded beside him, causing injuries to his right foot, right shoulder and shattering the shinbone of his left leg into more than 30 pieces. He begged surgeons not to amputate his leg so he could fulfill his dream of playing in the major leagues.
You can read more about Brissie in a book titled “The Corporal Was A Pitcher” by Ira Berklow. As a young man I saw a movie entitled (I believe) The Lou Brissie Story. As a young left-handed pitcher, I guess that’s why I had an interest in the left-handed Brissie. I also admired him because he was an American hero.
He’ll be remembered by the many veterans he visited in hospitals in his later life. His life is one of courage and the will to go on. Brissie is missed by RPC and I imagine by many who knew him or remember him.
From the Annals of Putnam
Sports History
November 1905: Killingly defeated Putnam in basketball 11-9. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Blessings overflow and are unceasing. Be thankful for grace to overcome and forgive any transgressions.
Hoopster pg 10 12-5-13
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Letter of Intent
Marianapolis Prep School postgraduate women’s basketball player Nicole Viselli signs a letter of intent. Courtesy photo.
By Ron P. Coderre
Marianapolis Prep School in Thompson Nov. 20 announced that postgraduate women’s basketball player Nicole Viselli has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Post University in Waterbury next season. Viselli’s signing is the second in less than two weeks at Marianapolis. Golden Knight baseball player Devin Springfield last week indicated he would be attending Franklin Pierce University in 2014.
Viselli came to Marianapolis by way of Pentucket Regional High School in West Newbury, Mass., where she starred for the Sachems who were State Champions in 2012. A point guard and shooting guard, Viselli averaged 11 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season, while also recording 3 assists and 2.9 steals per contest. While in high school her team boasted a record of 93 wins and only 12 losses.
“I chose Post University because the school is exactly what I’m looking for. They have my intended major which is special education. I am really excited to play for a program that is going to be very successful; they are already on their way. They made me feel like I am part of the team already,” said Viselli.
In coming to Marianapolis, where she will play for Lady Knights basketball coach Lauren Moore, Viscelli has the credentials to back her selection.
Viselli is the daughter of Donald and Lynn Viscelli of West Newbury. Her sister Ashley is a senior at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester, N.H., where she is a member of the Hawks women’s basketball team.
The Post University Eagles coached by Stephen Schuler play in the NCAA Division II and are a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Sophomore Hailey Griffin, a former Plainfield Panther, is currently a member of the Eagles women’s hoop squad.
Lelly pg 10 12-5-13
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caption, page 11:
Letter of Intent
Pomfret School's Joe Kelly signs a National Letter of Intent. Courtesy photo.
Kelly signs
NLI with
Richmond
By Ron P. Coderre
Joe Kelly, a postgraduate senior at Pomfret School who helped the Griffins football team to a 4-4 season this fall, signed a National Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at the University of Richmond next year. Kelly, who hails from Rockville, Md., will join the Spiders newly formed NCAA Division I lacrosse program.
Nov. 19, Kelly, surrounded by his parents James and SueEllen and his coach and adviser Jon Sheehan, signed on the dotted line indicating he’ll attend the University of Richmond, which plays in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to attend the University of Richmond and join the Spider lacrosse community. It is an excellent school and I’m looking forward to playing for coach Chemotti,” said Kelly.
This fall Kelly was a member of the football Griffins that are coached by Henry Large. In the spring he’ll play lacrosse for coach Jon Sheehan. The Pomfret experience appears to be agreeing with the rugged athlete.
“Pomfret School has been a great fit for me as I prepare for Richmond. I think it is pretty special that as a PG I have made some great friends and everyone has been very welcoming,” said Kelly. “Playing football in the fall was an awesome experience, and I hope to be able to contribute in the spring to the proud and winning tradition built by coach Sheehan and the Pomfret lacrosse program,” he added.
The University of Richmond has just added men’s lacrosse to its offerings of championship sports. The school has been working diligently to put together its D-I lacrosse team. Kelly has been a recruit the Spiders have had an eye on as they look forward to next season. This should prove to be not only an historic signing for Kelly but a chance to help develop a program from the ground level.