Robert Rickaby Sr.,

Korean war vet

N. GROSVENORDALE —  Robert E. “Pops” Rickaby Sr., 76, of Marshall St. died Feb. 13, 2015, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was the husband of Elaine Faye (Foux) Rickaby for 56 years.

Born in 1938 in Pittston, Penn., he was the son of the late John and Lenora (Borer) Rickaby.

Mr. Rickaby worked as a welder for the former Leslie & Elliot Company.  He served as an Army Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division during the Korean conflict and was a member of the American Legion Post 67.  He enjoyed fishing and playing pool.

In addition to his wife, he leaves three sons, Tom Rickaby (Joyce) of N. Brookfield, Mass., Robert Rickaby  Jr. (Michelle) of N. Grosvenordale, Joseph Rickaby (Tina) of N. Grosvenordale; three daughters, Amanda Langlois (Rocky) of South Carolina, Susan Mayo (Chucky) of Macon, Ga., Becky Gerrish (Randy) of Killingly; his sister, Eileen Rickaby of Pennsylvania; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his brother Jack Rickaby; and his sister Emma Mae Rickaby

Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a Funeral Service beginning at 6. Burial will be private.  

 

Raymond Cutler Sr.,

WWII vet

POMFRET — Raymond Everett Cutler Sr., 96, of Fox Hill Rd., died Feb. 11, 2015, at home. Mr. Cutler was born in 1918 in W. Gloucester, R.I., on July 13, 1918, the son of the late Everett and Roseanna (Montie) Cutler.  He moved to Connecticut in 1930.

Mr. Cutler worked for Pratt-Whitney Aircraft prior to the start of WWII.  He served in the Army Air Corps as a B-24 nose gunner.  On his last mission, his aircraft experienced engine trouble and was forced to land in Kamchatka, U.S.S.R.  He was interned there until the end of the war.  Sgt. Cutler was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Prisoner of War Medal.  

Mr. Cutler was the proprietor of Murdock’s Service Station on Rt. 44 in Pomfret.  After operating his business for 37 years, he settled into retirement enjoying gardening, traveling, deep sea fishing, and visiting with his friends and family.  Before his passing, Mr. Cutler was noted as the oldest living member of the Pomfret Volunteer Fire Department.  He was a communicant of The Most Holy Trinity Church, and a member of the Pomfret Senior Citizens Group.

He leaves his wife of 73 years, Rita (Roy) Cutler; seven children: Raymond Cutler Jr. of Pomfret, David Cutler of N. Grosvenordale, Joanne Mortellite of Largo, Fla., Russell Cutler of Hilo, Hawaii, Anita Cutler-Whitten of Woodstock, Elaine Auger of Putnam, and Susan Rhodes of Colorado Spring, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 17 in The Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. A celebration of his life and burial will be held in the spring.  Donations: The Pomfret Volunteer Fire Department, 67 Hampton Rd., Pomfret CT., 06258. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes.

 

Marjorie Mailhot

DANIELSON — Marjorie E. Mailhot, 96, of Danielson, died Feb. 9, 2015, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was the wife of Roland F. Mailhot. He died March 20, 1980. 

She was born Dec. 1, 1918, in Danielson, daughter of the late Winfield and Maude (Graves) Colwell. She owned and operated the Mailhot Cleaners in Danielson with her husband for more than 60 years and operated Ma-Ha Ceramic Shop and taught ceramic classes. She attended Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret.

She leaves her children Marcia Fortin (Joseph) of Danielson, Eileen Gallup (Jack) of Danielson, Jean Maas of Sebring, Fla.; Richard Mailhot of Sebring, Frank Mailhot (Gail) of S. Killingly, Paul Mailhot (Christine)  of E. Killingly; daughter-in-law Amber Mailhot of Dayville; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her infant children Marjorie and Robert, a great-granddaughter, Meagan and her sister Beatrice Mae Colwell Green. 

A Memorial Mass was Feb. 17, at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial in Westfield Cemetery in the spring. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38105. Gagnon & Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Kiku Andersen

THOMPSON — Kiku G. Andersen, 75, of Thompson died Feb. 3, 2015, at home, following an illness. 

She was born Sept. 1, 1939, in Karuizawa, Japan, daughter of the late Kurt and Margarethe Schubert. 

When she was an infant, her family returned to Germany on the last train that successfully traversed the Trans-Siberian Railway from Vladivostok during the war. Kiku immigrated to the U.S. in 1960, and shortly settled in Thompson after her marriage to the late Carl E. Andersen. Her lifelong love of tennis was kindled as a child in Hamburg; decades of competing in the sport were highlighted with many Worcester County Open titles, as well as a ranking of first in Women’s 40 Singles in New England. She was also active in many volunteer activities including the New England Tennis Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Audubon Society, Day Kimball Hospital, and the Thompson Historical Society.

She leaves her two daughters, Michele P. Andersen of Nashua, N.H., and Nicole M. Andersen of Cambridge, Mass.

Kiku became Greek Orthodox before Christmas after attending Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster for many years. Her 40-Day Memorial will be part of the church service at 9:30 a.m. March 15. Donations: To the church at 37 Lake Parkway, P.O. Box 713, Webster, MA  01570. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Howard Bove

PUTNAM — Howard Bove, 74, of Putnam, and Daytona, Fla., died unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2015, in San Antonio. He was the husband of Ann (Desaulniers) Bove. 

He was born in Putnam, son of Dominic and Helen Bove. He was a graduate of Putnam High School “Class of 1958”. Howard worked as an automobile insurance adjuster for many years. He enjoyed traveling most of his adult life, Howard had great love for the Town of Putnam. 

He leaves in addition to his wife, Ann of 47 years, his brothers Kenneth Bove of Westbury, N.Y., and Douglas Bove of Massapequa, N.Y.; two nephews and a niece. 

A Graveside Service will be in Munyan Cemetery, Putnam, in the spring. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

A. Joyce Desruisseau

THOMPSON — A. Joyce Desruisseau, 75, of Thompson, died Feb. 6, 2015, at home. After a year-long bout with pancreatic cancer. 

She was born Nov. 25, 1939, in Putnam, daughter of the late Clement and Audrey Desruisseau. Joyce spent a few years of her youth in what was then, Newington Home and Hospital for Crippled Children with a spinal fusion operation that she was very proud of for going through and having a remarkable outcome to lead a normal life. 

Joyce continued to excel in her academics in Putnam Middle School and Putnam High School. Joyce continued her education at Annhurst College in S. Woodstock at the time choosing her life career in education. Joyce excelled through college and decided to pursue her master’s at UConn.  She also attended State University of New York at Albany to take additional classes. 

After college Joyce worked at a small insurance firm in Woodstock before she embarked on a 25-year career as a business teacher for Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson. Joyce was extremely proud of and believed in everything she taught. Throughout her years of teaching she acquired a love for collecting stamps and other memorable things from her travels. 

After her retirement from teaching she started to enjoy her personal life and now had her time to enjoy her cat Cinnamon and her new found love of genealogy where she worked relentlessly to obtain information about her family and friends. She was also a proud member of the Killingly Historical Society. Joyce also was a big fan and welcomed any challenge of puzzles. Joyce also loved the people she surrounded herself with, her best friends at breakfast every morning meant a lot to her. 

She leaves her nephew Matthew Desruisseau of Killingly; niece Jill Randolph of Dayville and her sister-in-law Kay Desruisseau of Killingly. Joyce was predeceased by her two brothers, Robert C. Desruisseau and Richard R. Desruisseau.

There will be a Graveside Service at 11 a.m. April 11 at Grove Cemetery, Rt. 198, Eastford. Donations: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, 282 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Lillian A. Rucki

POMFRET CENTER —  Lillian (Nerron) Rucki, 92, of Hampton Rd., died Feb. 10, 2015, in Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Walter J. Rucki Sr.  Born in 1922 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Arthur G. and Bertha (Brousseau) Nerron.

Mrs. Rucki owned and operated Abington General Store, retiring 25 years ago.  She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret.  She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds as well as doing crossword puzzles. 

She leaves her son, Walter Rucki Jr. (Lucille) of Pomfret Center; her daughters, Lillian R. Erskine of Pomfret and Gloria Kelly (Patrick) of Pomfret Center; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late John Rucki.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 14 in The Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial at Abington Cemetery in the spring. Donations: The Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret St., Pomfret, CT 06258; or to the Pomfret Volunteer Fire Dept., 67 Hampton Rd., Pomfret, CT 06258. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Joan T. Scraba

DAYVILLE/STUART, Fla. — Joan T. Scraba, 81, of Stuart, and Alexander’s Lake, died Feb. 8, 2015, in Martin Memorial Hospital.  She was the wife of the late B.G. Stanley A. Scraba who died in 2013.  Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Dorothy (Bone) Trudeau.

Joan worked as an insurance agent for Archambault Insurance Associates and Delaney Insurance.  She was a communicant of St. Mary Church of the Visitation and served on the Putnam Library Board.

She leaves her children:  Susan Johnston (Mark) of Dayville, Paula Scraba of St. Bonaventure, N.Y., Mark Scraba (Liz) of Boulder, Colo., Christopher Scraba (Melissa) of Chesapeake, Va., Sean Scraba (Tracey) of Tolland; her brother, Robert Trudeau (Phyllis) of Thompson and Stuart; 10 grandchildren.  Joan was predeceased by her son Stanley Thomas Scraba in 1985.

A Memorial Service was held Feb. 12 at St. Christopher’s Church in Hobe Sound, Fla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at “ a.m. June 29  at St. Mary’s Church, Putnam. Donations: Scraba Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens National Bank, 182 Main St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Lorraine Sweatman,

Air Force vet

DANIELSON — Lorraine Michelle Sweatman, 54 ,of Maple Court, Danielson died Feb. 13, 2015, at Hartford Hospital after a six and a half year battle with liver disease. 

She was born in Putnam, daughter of Barbara (Boutin) Labonte and the late Robert Labonte. She had made her home in Putnam most of her life, moving to Danielson in 2012. She was a graduate of Putnam High and was a member of the Creation Church in Thompson. 

Lorraine served two years in the U.S. Air Force. She worked at the cafeteria at the Putnam High School for several years, she was known as the “Lunch Lady.” She had also worked at Food and Fudge in Dayville. She enjoyed crocheting and crocheted many baby blankets for the Birthing Center at Day Kimball Hospital. She also would love spending time in her garden. Lorraine would always give her time. 

In addition to her mother Barbara, she leaves her husband Vaughn Sweatman; her son Aaron Sweatman (Nicole) of Putnam; her adopted sons Eric Bates of Commack, Long Island, N.Y., and Joshua Wetherell of Dayville; her sisters Diane Kozaczka of Dayville, Sharon Yargeau of Pomfret, Barbara Smolen of Jacksonville, Fla.; her grandson Gavin. 

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Creation Church, 47 West Thompson Road, Thompson. Donations: Birthing Center of Day Kimball Hospital, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. 

 

Carol Anne Taylor

Carol Anne (Allen, Robbins) Taylor died Feb. 3, 2-15, at home. 

 Carol was born on May 24, 1950, in Putnam, to Louis “Bud” and Phyllis Allen.  She had three brothers; Louis, David and Richard.  Carol graduated from Killingly High School in 1968.  Upon graduation, she married Frank Taylor (Robbins) and began attending UConn where she went on to earn four degrees.  While teaching and raising her family, Carol earned her PhD in education in 1989.  Carol’s professional life leaves a legacy as a beloved teacher, administrator, school board member, mentor, and an inspiration for countless students over her 40-plus year career.  

Carol taught English, along with the gifted and talented program at Plainfield High School from 1971 until 2004. At PHS she ran many clubs and activities including the National Honor Society, the yearbook committee, and the nationally recognized Academic Decathlon team. In 2004, Carol moved into administration as Dean of Students at Woodstock Academy. In 2008 she was appointed Dean of Curriculum at the Woodhall School, from which she retired in 2009.

Upon “retirement” Carol worked for Yale University’s EXPLO program as a curriculum adviser and continued to serve as a mentor to her colleagues and former students all over the world until her passing.  She also remained active in politics, advocating for the rights of retired teachers through the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC) and served as president of the Windham-Tolland Retired Teacher’s Association. 

Besides her numerous professional achievements, Carol will also be remembered as an excellent gardener and chef, a devoted yogi, and wonderful story teller. 

She leaves her children, Kristin and Jonathan; two grandchildren, Aubrey and William Costello, and dear friend James Vacca. 

Her memorial service will be held on Feb 19. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

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By Ron P. Coderre  

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Keith Barnes, manager of the Crossings Restaurant in the former Putnam Railroad Station.  Since arriving in northeastern Connecticut from southeastern Connecticut, Barnes has made a positive impact in downtown Putnam.  In his spare time he’s a basketball coach in the Woodstock youth basketball leagues.

The name Mayo is familiar around northeastern Connecticut.  It may not be very familiar in California but if a young Irish dancer by the name of Caitlin Mayo has anything to say about it people in the Golden State, the nation and beyond will be hearing it more often.

Young Miss Mayo is quickly becoming an Irish dancer of renown.  Caitlin began Irish dancing at age 7 and has continued her passion with a lot of hard work.  The freshman at Justin-Siena, earned a pair of first in Irish dance at the Comerford Halloween Feis in Anaheim, which meant she qualified for the Open Championships and many other high level competitions.  

A feis is a traditional Gaelic arts and cultural festival, and the term is commonly used to refer to Irish dance competition.

Caitlin, the daughter of Greg and Christine (Trudo) Mayo, competed in the Western Regional championships in Phoenix in November and is scheduled to travel to Montreal in April for the World Championships.  

“I practice four to five days per week, traveling to Walnut Creek, not to mention the competitions.  Keeping up with classes, and homework is challenging – I put in some late hours!” said Mayo of her dancing activity.

Although she competes individually, Caitlin enjoys the team dancing competition, which is generally composed of two to eight dancers who work in unison.  Caitlin performed with a team of eight girls in the World Championships in London last year.  She’s looking forward to the World’s this year in Montreal.

Prior to enrolling at Justin Siena, Caitlin attended Stone Bridge School in Carneros, Calif., where she received the Leadership Award at graduation.  Looking to the future, the freshman is interested in working in crime investigations and/or forensics someday.

Caitlin’s dad Greg is a radiologic technician, working with a mobile X-ray unit in California.  She is the granddaughter of Donald and Elizabeth Mayo of Putnam.

Gibson Enjoying Success in NBA-D League

Remember Shane Gibson, the former Killingly High School basketball standout who brought so much joy to Redmen fandom with his offensive exploits on the hardwood?  Well, Gibson, who had an outstanding four-year college career at Sacred Heart University, is still aspiring to someday reach the National Basketball Association.  He’s currently a member of the Idaho Stampede of the NBA-D League.

Gibson, who scored 2079 points at Sacred Heart, is averaging 13.8 points per game for the Stampede in 33 games this season.  He’s also the D-League top free throw shooter with a 97.1 percent accuracy rate from the charity stripe.

On Sunday, Feb. 15 Gibson was one of only six players from the entire League selected to be in New York for the NBA All Star Weekend, where he competed in the NBA D-League three-point shooting contest, which was held at 2 p.m. at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn.

Gibson moved to California, where he began working out and was originally signed by the Sacramento organization of the NBA and eventually signed by the Idaho Stampede of the Utah Jazz organization.

Incidentally, one of Gibson’s teammates on the Stampede is former Putnam Science Academy standout guard Ta’Quan Zimmerman, who has appeared in 27 games and is averaging 5.7 points a game.

Championships Abounding in the Region

Congratulations are in order for the Woodstock Academy gymnastics team which captured the Eastern Connecticut Conference Championship for the sixth year in a row.  The Centaurs, who were led by their two all-star performers Grace Logan and Paige Stuyniski, took the title by beating second-place finisher Norwich Free Academy 147.40 to 130.85.

Logan captured the All-Around title with an individual score of 38.1, while Stuyniski, who finished third overall, posted a 36.7.  The Deary twins, Nickie (36.45) and Jackie (36.15) rounded out the Top Five performers.

Woodstock Academy is coached by Robin Deary-Fillmore, who will be retiring as a high school coach after this season.  Deary-Fillmore will leave her post as probably the most successful high school gymnastics coach in Connecticut and even all of New England.  Deary-Fillmore is assisted by her daughter, renowned gymnast Kasey Fillmore, and her brother Gene Michael Deary.

While on the subject of championships, a ‘tip of the sports fedora’ to the Woodstock Middle School Lady Wildcats who captured the Quinebaug Valley Junior Conference Championship with a hard fought 22-20 victory over Thompson Middle School.  The Wildcats are coached by Terri Creedon.  Thompson is coached by Serena Germain.

In the boys’ title game, Plainfield prevailed over Woodstock 40-34.  Plainfield is coached by Al Denomme.  Bill Sullivan is the coach of the Woodstock Middle School Wildcats.

Happy Anniversary

Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park is celebrating a significant anniversary this year as the venue is in its 75th year of existence.  The brainchild of the late John Hoenig was the first paved oval in the Eastern part of the U.S.

Since that time the operation has remained in the hands of the Hoenig family, first with Donald Hoenig and most recently with his son DR and his grandson Jonathan.  In marking this anniversary officials of TSMP announced that the 2015 Championship Awards Banquet will be held at Mohegan Sun on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

TSMP General Manager Josh Vanada also announced that racing for the 2015 season will begin on Friday, April 10 with the 41st running of the Icebreaker.  Many special events are planned throughout the upcoming season at the oval and the new road course.  For more information and details visit their website, www.thompsonspeedway.com. 

One Final Note Worth Mentioning

Get well wishes are sent along to Pomfret resident and one of northeastern Connecticut’s truly good guys, Raymond Navarro.   The noted golfer, sports enthusiast and premier “Catch Five” player recently had a stay at Day Kimball Hospital.  RPC sends along best wishes and prayers.  We’re all looking forward to seeing you walking Sports Avenue in the near future, Raymond.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” Confucius

(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

Three are in.  Three are out.  

In two simple sentences that’s the picture of the girls’ postseason situation with local high school teams.  Tourtellotte, Plainfield and Putnam are comfortably tucked into the CIAC postseason and also their respective conference tournaments.  Ellis Tech, Woodstock Academy and Killingly have either completed their season or it’s just a formality.

In the prep ranks, Pomfret School appears set to get into the NEPSAC-B playoffs, while Marianapolis V1 team is on the bubble at 10-10.  The Little Lady Knights split two games last week and are 4-8 on the season.  Hyde-Woodstock is meandering through the season at 3-10.

The Woodstock Mystery

Needing one more win to qualify for the postseason, Woodstock Academy suffered through a 0-3 week.  The Centaurs opened with a disheartening 47-43 loss to East Lyme.  The Acads fell behind 10-2 following one period of play but came back to lead 19-18 at intermission.  Despite a 16-point effort from Alyson Calabrese, Woodstock was unable to salt away the victory.  Gelina Gruder had 11 in the loss.

Against a good Ledyard team the Centaurs were unable to get the offense in gear as they lost 40-28.  Rebecca Messier had 10 points and Gruder 14 but it wasn’t enough.  In the finale of the season Woodstock went down to the Waterford Lancers 45-26.

Plainfield posted a pair of wins, beating Montville 47-25 and Ledyard 44-41.  Morganne Collins and Madeline Lorange with 11points apiece led the charge in the victory over Montville.  The Ledyard game was close throughout before the Lady Panthers pulled off the win at the end.  Madeline Lorange was the team’s high scorer with 16 points.  She was joined in double figures by her sister Adrienne and Julie Jordan with 13 points apiece.  Plainfield is 12-7 on the season and 5-4 in the Eastern Connecticut Conference Medium Division.

Tourtellotte hit a bump in the road when it was edged by a stubborn St. Bernard team 28-27.  A big fourth-period surge was not enough to overcome the Saints.  Abby Poirier was the lone Lady Tiger in double figures with 13 points.  

The Lady Tigers, who are the ECC Small Division champs at 8-1 and 15-4 overall, came back with a vengeance easily beating Griswold 62-23. 

 Four players posted double digits for the winners, with Poirier once again leading the pack with 18 points.  She was joined by Allie Ablondi (11), Emily Vincent (10) and Jess Dodd (11).   

 Putnam High School sporting a 10-8 overall record and a 9-3 mark in the Constitution State Conference – East, lost its opening game of the week 53-34 to Windham Tech.  

Alyssa Espinosa had 10 points in the loss.  The Lady Clippers rebounded to beat Grasso Tech 55-23 in a strong team effort.

Ellis Tech closed out its season at 1-19 losing three games.  The Lady Techsters were beaten Holy Family Academy 26-19, Norwich Tech 45-24 and MLC 48-8.  

Likewise, Killingly lost three games to finish at 3-17.  The Redgals were felled by Stonington 50-33, Montville 46-37 and Bacon Academy 53-16.

Pomfret Beats Rival Marianapolis

Pomfret and Marianapolis, two teams that are less than 10 miles apart geographically, squared off with the Lady Griffins easily beating the Lady Knights 58-30.  Pomfret was led by its big three, Deja Ross (21), Alyzae Davis (18) and Juliette Lawless (14).  Marianapolis, which lost two of its better players Rachel Aho and Jordan Frye to injuries early in the contest never got its offense untracked.

Pomfret also took the measure of Williston – Northampton 51-47 behind the hot shooting Davis who had 25 points. 

 Lawless chipped in 10 markers.  Sandwiched between the victories was a devastating loss to Worcester Academy 56-50.  The trio of Ross (18), Davis (11) and Lawless (16) was the top point producers for the 11-6 Golden Griffins.

The Marianapolis V1 team split its remaining two games.  The Lady Knights beat St. George’s 57-50 behind a big game from Caroline Soucy who had 27 points.  Elizabeth Sisko added 10 points in the win.  The 10-10 Lady Knights lost to Tabor Academy 70-35 in their only other game.

The 4-8 Marianapolis V2 squad picked up a 39-25 victory over The Williams School.  Sophie Achilles with eight points led a balanced scoring attack.  In its other contest the Little Lady Knights lost to Providence Country Day 45-35.

Hyde-Woodstock went winless in two games to fall to 3-10 on the season.  The Wolfpack was beaten by the Wheeler School 50-14 and by the Southfield School 54-41.

 

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