Graduates

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jonathon A. Blais graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. Blais is the grandson of Jaunita and William Youngblood of Putnam.  He is a 2013 graduate of Putnam High School. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.  

 

 

 

Rachel Bain,

WWII vet

WAUREGAN — Rachel Antoinette Bain, 99, of Wauregan, died Feb.  20, 2014, at the Villa Maria Nursing Home in Plainfield. Born July 21, 1914, in Wauregan, she was the daughter of Francis and Mary Louise (Duprey) Potvin. 

She attended Sacred Heart School and Plainfield High School. Rachel worked at Wauregan Mills and was captain of Garde Ste. Rose de Lima drill team in her late teens and early 20s. She joined the WAAC (Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps) in 1942 and had basic training at Daytona Beach, Fla., from January through March of 1943. Rachel was assigned to Bolling Field in Washington, D.C., and worked in the Port Exchange for four years. She was assigned to many bases in the U.S., Europe and Asia in a variety of positions including Instructor in basic training, recruiting, first sergeant in WAC Units. She was honorably discharged in January 1971 as master sergeant with 28 years of service. Rachel enjoyed traveling through all 50 states, most of Canada, spent one year in Italy, three years in Germany and four years in Japan. Since retirement, she has lived in Hartford for 32 years, in Dayville for seven years and returned to Wauregan in 2004.

She leaves a foster sister Rose Duprey; caretaker Darlene Sweet; niece JoAnn Nipula; nephew Edward Potvin (Anna); niece Lucille Forbes (Kenneth). She was predeceased by her stepfather Elzear Boucher; brothers Alphonse Potvin (Blanche), Henry Potvin (Loyola); her sister Gertrude Marszalek (John); her former husband Wirt Bain.

Visitation is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 620 Wauregan Road, Wauregan, with burial with military honors in the spring in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations: Sacred Heart Church, PO Box 468, Wauregan, CT 06387. 

 

Joseph R. Rickey

DANIELSON — Joseph R. Rickey, 66, of  Furnace Street, died unexpectedly Feb. 21, 2014, at home. He was the husband of Cheryl (Manso) Rickey. They were married in St. James Church in 1965. 

He was born March 8, 1947 in Putnam, son of the late Arthur and Rita (Ethier) Rickey.

He had worked at Pervel Industries in Plainfield and Wyre Wynd in Jewett City. 

He leaves his wife Cheryl; two children, Joseph Rickey Jr. and his fiancée Donna Kaelber of Danielson and Laurie Preble (James) of Preston; four grandchildren: Ryan Rickey, Logan Rickey, Alex Preble, Andrew Preble; his brother and best friend Arthur “Bucky” Rickey; brother Richard Rickey; his sisters Doris Blair, Anita Beaudoin, Rose Ogden, Joann Young.

The Chapel Service was Feb. 25 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: To his family to assist with final arrangements. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Robert W. Beauchene,

WWII vet

BROOKLYN — Robert W. Beauchene, 91, of Brooklyn, died Feb. 22, 2014, at Regency Heights in Danielson. He was the husband of the Estelle (Lamothe) Beauchene. She died Aug. 4 1988. 

Born March 20, 1922 in Canterbury, he was the son of William and Mary (Lemay) Beauchene. 

He made his home in Brooklyn all his life. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army. He worked as a supervisor for CL & P for over 40 years. He enjoyed traveling throughout the world, to China, Ireland, Europe, Russia, Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the U.S. and many cruises. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and fishing, and was active with the Boy Scouts for many years. 

He leaves his companion of many years, Ingeborg Bieber of Uncasville; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sons Richard R. Beauchene in 1969 and Robert W. Beauchene in 1984, his brothers and sisters, Irene, Melina, Marcelle, Harvey, Dell and Conrad.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, followed by a 12:30 p.m. Chapel Service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson, with military honors. Donations: American Heart Association, PO 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. 

 

Sr. Angela

Joseph Caldarone 

PUTNAM — Sister Angela Joseph Caldarone, DHS, 102, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Feb. 20, 2014, in The Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she has been in residence since 1996.

Sr. Angela Joseph was born Maria Lucia Caldarone Feb. 18, 1912, in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Joseph and Angela (DiCicco) Caldarone.  She entered religious life in 1931 and made her religious profession on Aug. 8, 1935, in the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France.  She was then known as Sr. Angela Joseph.

During most of her religious life, she taught the primary grades in various localities:  St. Cecilia’s, Leominster, Mass.; St. Louis, New Haven; All Hallows, Moosup; St. John, Plainfield;  St. Anne, Hartford; St. Anne, Waterbury; Assumption, Chicopee, Mass.. In 1991 Sr. Angela Joseph retired at the Provincial House and was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 1996.

She leaves one sister, Tessie Masi of Waterbury; nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 24  in the Holy Spirit Provincial House. Donations:  Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT, 06260.  The Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Michael Roberts

EASTFORD —  On Feb. 14, 2014, Mike was unexpectedly taken from his family and friends. He was born in 1959.

Mike was one of those great guys with a true gift for making everyone laugh, always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor in need. A natural story-teller, he truly must have kissed the Blarney Stone. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. 

As a carpenter and builder with Heritage Building and Design, Mike had a true affinity for restoring historic buildings to their former glory.  His driving force, love of his life and side-kick these past 12 years was his son Riley.

A Memorial Service was Feb. 22 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Donations: First Niagara Bank, c/o Riley Roberts, P.O Box 71, Eastford, CT 06242 for an education fund for Michael’s son Riley. 

 

Beatrice Caron

DANIELSON — Beatrice (Benoit) Caron, 89, of Danielson, died Feb. 18, 2014, at the Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. Beatrice was born March 23, 1924, in Putnam, daughter of the late Ovila and Zama (LeClair) Benoit. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Raymond Caron, and her sister Rena Davieau. Beatrice worked many years in the Killingly High School Cafeteria until she retired in 1986. She was a communicant of St. James Church. Beatrice liked to sing, play bingo, and visit with her family and friends. She will always be remembered for making people laugh. 

She leaves two children, Fr. Donald Caron (Melanie) of Keyport, N.J.; Linda Newcomb (Thomas) of Danielson; grandson Tom Newcomb (Amanda) of Warwick, R.I.; great-granddaughter Lillian;  nephew Adelard Caron (Lynn) of Brooklyn; cousin Arlene Tetreault of Putnam. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 24 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James School, 12 Franklin St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Margaret  Ouillette 

BROOKLYN — Margaret Ouillette, 84, of Christian Hill Rd., died Feb. 16, 2014, at Pierce Baptist Home. 

Margaret was born May 19, 1929,  to Cora (Morin) and Ernest Bachand.  She graduated from Griswold High School in 1947.  In May, 1949, she married Armand Ouillette of Brooklyn. Margaret was a long-term member of Sacred Heart Church of Wauregan.  

Margaret enjoyed her large family.  She loved her family and particularly enjoyed having four sets of twins in the family because there was always a baby to hold.  Margaret was also an amazing cook and loved large family gatherings. 

In addition to her husband, she leaves two sons: Lawrence Ouillette of N. Grosvenordale and Francis Ouillette of Brooklyn; two daughters: Lois Platt of Florence, Ariz., and Joy Agger of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren: Nathan Platt, Jennifer (Platt) Gehrke and Hope (Platt) Bickmeier, of Fairbanks, Alaska, Becky (Platt) Denslow of Washington, N.H.,  Major (USAF) Seth Platt of Abilene, Texas, Nancy (Ouillette) Scott of Warren, Penn., and Renee and Katrina Agger of Jacksonville. She was predeceased by a son, John Ouillette and a grandson, Abram Ouillette.   The funeral was held at the convenience of the family. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Janice R. Garosshen

CANTERBURY —  Janice R. Garosshen, 68, of Woodchuck Hill Road, died Feb. 21, 2014, at home. She was the  wife of John Garosshen.  Born in 1945 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Martin) Strzelewicz. Mrs. Garosshen worked as a machine operator for Delta Rubber.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her daughter, Cheryl Gregoire (Roger) of Uncasville; stepdaughter Darlene Cave (Robert) of Canterbury; stepsons, Dennis Garosshen (Paulette) of Canterbury and David Garosshen of Lisbon; gradchildren:  Andrew and Donna; and great-grandchildren Michele and Giuliana. The gathering will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 26 at Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale and burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. 

Donations: Center for Hospice Care of Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.  

 

O. Carolyn Williamson 

POMFRET CENTER — Carolyn H. Williamson, 84, of Pomfret Center, died Feb. 18, 2014, at home. Carolyn was born on Jan.  15, 1930, in Charlotte, N.C., to Frederick and Opal (Hindman) Himes.  She was the wife of the late Charles E. Williamson Jr. 

Carolyn was a 1952 graduate of Goucher College, Baltimore, and began her working career with Baltimore Gas & Electric Company. After moving to Pomfret in 1971 she began working as a Language Training Tutor at The Rectory School from where she retired in 1995. 

She loved reading and had a passion for children’s literature. She also enjoyed a good game of Scrabble. Carolyn was an active member at St. Columba’s Anglican Church in Dudley. 

She leaves her children, Charles F Williamson of Pomfret Center, James T Williamson of Burlington, Vt., Timothy M. Williamson of Orchard Park, N.Y., and Amy G. Kelly (Joseph)  of Newport Center, Vt.;  grandchildren Sabrina, Ophelia, Noah, Sidney and Morgan. 

A Requiem Mass Funeral was Feb. 22. Donations: Leukemia Research Foundation, 3520 Lake Ave. Ste 202, Wilmette, IL 60091. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

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captions:

 

Centaur from Another Era

Bruce Johnson, above left, today and front right, kneeling in the front row second from left, with the Woodstock Academy Centaurs, circa 1954. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

The Woodstock Academy basketball team, winner of the 2013 Class L Championship, has the people of Woodstock and surrounding communities talking.  Names such as Ian and Adam Converse, Chris Lowry, John McGinn, Will Bourgeois and others are headliners.  Despite their high-powered offense where anyone of these players can score more than 20 points on any given night, there’s a Woodstock story of a high-scoring Centaur that’s been totally forgotten in the Academy’s history.

During the years 1951 to 1955 Woodstock Academy produced a player by the name of Bruce Johnson who consistently scored 20 points and even 30-plus points on many occasions for the Centaurs.  A sampling of the headlines in the scanty newspaper reports of the era often read “Johnson Sparks Woodstock to Win,” “Johnson Hits 39 in Woodstock Win,” “Johnson Fires 29 Markers For Beaten WA Array,” and “Johnson Sparks Woodstock Cagers.”

Regardless of the opponent, and there were some very good ones, Johnson had a knack of being Woodstock’s top scorer, the guy who scored the winning basket or the man on the charity stripe when the game was on the line.  Johnson competed against some fabled local opponents such as Stafford Springs’ Art Andreoli, who went on to a great career at Holy Cross, Tourtellotte’s Ted Vriga, who was drafted out of high school by the Red Sox but was equally good on the basketball hardwood, and Putnam’s Paul Phaneuf, who went on to Springfield College.

Although the undated clippings are frayed and fading and in no particular order, it’s difficult to discern what year of his high school fou- year varsity career they’re from, they are impressive.  A sampling of the games include Johnson scoring 26 in an overtime loss to Putnam, 34 in a big win against Plainfield, 29 and 39 in a romps over Putnam Tech, 30 against Lyman, another 30 point performance in a loss to Putnam, a pair of 29 point games in losses to Stafford Springs, a couple of 32 point games against Marianapolis, and 35 in a season opener against the Academy alumni.

All these high scoring performances came in an era long before the addition of the three-point circle.  And at a time when most teams usually played 18 game seasons.

“I believe if I were in high school today I’d be very competitive.  No question, the three-point shot would really have helped me.  I wish we’d had the three-pointer back then,” said Johnson.

And if you think Johnson was a ball hog, think again.  He was surrounded by the likes of Rollie Sheldon, who played basketball and baseball at Texas A&M and UConn and went on to a great baseball career with the New York Yankees.  There were also very good athletes like Kenny Smith, Ken Sherman, Donald Walker, Dwight Norman, Glenn Peterson and David Ask.  Though surrounded by these talented players, Johnson was the go-to guy.

When asked about what game he remembered most, it was difficult for Johnson to select a single contest.  There was a 53-46 victory over Putnam in which he led Woodstock with 16 points and although it wasn’t his greatest offensive showing it was the first Woodstock win over the Clippers going back to the 1938-1939 season according to an article by columnist Al Todd.  

Here’s the way Todd describes what happened, “Bruce Johnson hooked a pair for Woodstock, and Don Parkin dropped one in from the outside to insure the victory for the Blue and Gold.  The Academy team carried their coach to the shower room, where he was introduced to the cold water.  Woodstock became very excited following the game as victory had been long coming in their neighborly rivalry.”

During his years as a Centaur, Johnson played for coaches Walter Schmidt and Ed Craver.  In September 1994, on the 40th anniversary of the team, Johnson received some clippings and miscellaneous material from coach Schmidt with the following note, “I thought you’d get pleasure out of some materials I had in my files.  You can now spend the winter by the fireplace studying the data and indicating to your grandchildren that you were young and athletic at the same time.”

Some of the clippings indicate that at some points in his career he had accumulated 477 points in a season, while another notes 461 points.  Whether these are two different seasons or not, it’s difficult to detect.  Other clippings refer to Johnson averaging 27.3 points a game in an 18 game season.

Despite the lack of records, in the 20 games that were reviewed from newspaper clippings, Johnson tallied 520 points an average of 26 points per game.  As a four-year varsity performer with the pace that he scored it’s possible he could be a 1000-point scorer for the Academy.

Johnson went on to the Boston Art Institute for four years and graduated with a degree in advertising and design.  He enjoyed a career in art design as an art director in the Providence area.  He’s been married to his second wife Sue for 40 years and has two adult children from his previous marriage.  Johnson and his wife returned to Woodstock 10 years ago following his retirement.  Today he enjoys hunting and skiing, though he admits it’s limited today.

Asked if he had any misgivings about not playing basketball competitively beyond his four years at Woodstock Academy he said, “I sometimes regret that no one ever pushed me to go and play in college.  I think I could have easily played at some level.”

The records of the 1951-1955 Centaur basketball teams are probably lost in the Woodstock archives.  One thing is certain, Bruce Johnson was one of the most prolific scorers in the more than 200 year history of the Academy.  One question remains, “Is it possible that he was a 1000 point scorer?”

Those who remember Bruce Johnson will attest to his offensive scoring prowess in an era of what might be referred to as the “dead ball basketball era.”  Another question that should be pondered seriously is, “Does Bruce Johnson merit admission in the Woodstock Academy Athletic Hall of Fame?”

 

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