Named pg 7 9-19-13
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Named
employee
of the year
DAYVILLE — Christine Zadora of Danielson was recently recognized as Westview Health Care Center’s 2013 Employee of the Year. She was chosen out of 232 employees.
Zadora joined the Westview team in March 2000 and works full time as the administrative assistant/marketing specialist. “I was honored to have people recognize my dedication to things that I believe in and get fulfillment from,” said Zadora. “I am proud to be working with a team of such committed individuals that encourage me to be my best. I truly enjoy coming to work.”
In an effort to recognize outstanding employees, Westview implemented the Employee of The Year Award in 2008 to enhance their established Employee of the Month program, which rewards outstanding employees who demonstrate dedication, outstanding work ethics, and a positive attitude that is reflected in their day to day work.
“Christine is an outstanding employee who brings tremendous value to our organization,” said Administrator David T. Panteleakos. “She is always positive, upbeat and a true example of what this recognition represents. She consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty each and every day.”
Putnam pg 7 9-19-13
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PUTNAM — The Town will go curbside and chip brush 6 inches in diameter or smaller the week of Sept. 23.
Residents should have bruch out for pickup Sept. 23.
The Town will pick up brush same day as your curbside pick up day. No land clearing will be picked up by the Town. Please put all brush and limbs by edge of property to be chipped.
Obituareis pg 8 9-19-13
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Stanley Ozog
PUTNAM — Stanley Ozog, 70, of Sabin Street, died Sept. 9, 2013, in St. Vincent’s Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara (Mitchell) Ozog for 49 years. Born in 1942 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Stanley and Mildred (Rucki) Ozog.
Stanley graduated from Killingly High School in 1960 and in 1972 received a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College. In 1976 he received his master’s degree in education from Assumption College, graduating cum laude. In 1981 he earned a 6th year degree in Professional Education at UConn. He taught in the Brooklyn School System and was a Jr. High Crisis Counselor retiring after 27 years. Stanley served 20 years in the 250th Engineer Co. of the CT National Guard retiring as staff sergeant.
Stanley became a Supernumerary of the Putnam Police Department in 1966. He was a member of the Putnam Finance Board in 1979, a Democratic Alderman for the City of Putnam Ward 4, co chairman of St. Mary’s Church Circle of Fun from 1977-1980, a member of the Putnam Board of Police Commissioners, the 25th and last Mayor of the City of Putnam from 1982-1984, Vice Chairman of the John Dempsey Center State of CT Advisory Council, Past Exalted Ruler lifetime member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, 4th degree member of the Cargill Council 64, Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Sons of the American Legion.
Stash was an avid New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboy fan. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, solving crossword puzzles, and reading. He and Barbara traveled extensively to places like Europe, Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Mediterranean, but their favorite spot was their summer home on Halls Lake, Newbury, Vt.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Michael Ozog (Stephanie) of Merrimack, N.H.; his daughter, Anne Marie (Ozog) Zielski (Michael) of West Warwick, R.I.; his sister Millie Sokolowski (Ron) of Brooklyn; grandchildren: Madison, Mackenzie, Mitchell, Rachel, and Joshua.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 13 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Killingly. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or DKH Women’s Board 320 Pomfret St. Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Matthew Nowakowski
EASTFORD — Matthew S. Nowakowski, 79, of Eastford, formerly of Griswold, died Sept. 14, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was the husband of Charlotte (Amberg) Nowakowski.
He was born on April 6, 1934, son of the late Stanley and Veronica Nowakowski.
Matthew loved hunting, fishing, bowling, his vegetable garden. He enjoyed woodworking and knife collecting.
He leaves his wife Charlotte; children Ernest and his wife Cindy, Debi and her husband Chris, Nancy and her husband Ed, Judy and her husband Henry, Kathleen and her husband Fred, Amy and her husband Gene, Janet and her husband Mark, Sally and her husband Bill, Beth, a sister Sophie Kichline; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his siblings Walter, Mary, Julia and Celia.
Services was private. Donations: Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Michael Lafontaine
N. GROSVENORDALE — Michael Lafontaine, 69, of Gaumond Road, died unexpectedly Sept. 11, 2013, in his sleep at home. He was the husband of Marge (Grenier) Lafontaine. Born in 1944 in Putnam, he was the son of the late J. Arthur and Theresa E. (Myette) Lafontaine.
Mike was a graduate of St. Joseph School in N. Grosvenordale, Class of 1962 where he starred in basketball and also met the love of his life, Marge. They married at St. Joseph Church in 1964.
Mr. Lafontaine worked as a correctional officer in Somers and Brooklyn, retiring in 1996. He was an energetic and generous man who enjoyed working out and giving back to his community. As president of the Thompson Senior Society, he was very passionate and devoted to enhance the social life of his fellow seniors. Mike was also a 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus St. Bernard Council and a communicant of St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale.
He leaves his wife of 49 years Marge; three sons, Dan Lafontaine(Karen) and Jim Lafontaine (Cecilia) both of N. Grosvenordale, and Mark Lafontaine of Somers; a brother, Steven Lafontaine (Kathy) of N. Grosvenordale; a sister, Paula Walsh (Peter) of Brooklyn; two grandchildren, Tamara and Seth; He was predeceased by three sons Michael, Thomas, and Martin Lafontaine.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 16 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.Donations: St. Joseph Food Pantry. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Robert K. Lajoie
N. GROSVENORDALE — Robert K. Lajoie, 52, of Labby Road, died Aug. 12, 2013, in UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born Sept. 22, 1960, in Putnam, he was the son of Roland “Pete” and Lillian (Labonte) Lajoie, of Summerfield, Fla., formerly of N. Grosvenordale.
Mr. Lajoie worked as an engineer and consultant for several fiber optic companies and most recently, Sterlite Industries in India. He enjoyed working on cars, especially when he could fix car problems for others.
Besides his parents he leaves a son Robert “R.J.” Lajoie of Thompson; a sister Jacqueline Lajoie of Thompson; a brother Michael Lajoie of Ohio; nephews Ryan and Jeffrey Lajoie; godparents Mr. and Mrs. Eugene “Jim” Lajoie.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 14 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: St. Joseph Food Pantry, PO. Box 897, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home.
Doris S. Warren
KILLINGLY — Doris S. Warren, 94, of Killingly died Sept. 11, 2013, at Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Special Care. She was the wife of 53 years to the late Russell Warren. He died in 1992.
She was born in Putnam, daughter of the late Daniel and Bertha (Yates) Labonte.
Doris worked for Connecticut Bank and Trust for 25 years, retiring in 1982.
She leaves a daughter Louise Warren of Putnam; a sister-in-law Barbara Pratt of Thompson; nieces and nephews.
She will be buried in South Killingly Cemetery at a later date. Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Jeannette Gorman
BROOKLYN — Jeannette Rose (Leger) Gorman, 80, of Brooklyn, went to join her sweetheart in everlasting life Sept. 7, 2013. She was the wife of the late Carlton Henry Gorman Sr. They were married on Oct. 1, 1949. Mr. Gorman died April 15, 2013.
Mrs. Gorman was born on April 7, 1933, in Killingly, daughter of the late Wilfred and Ruth (Bowen) Leger.
She was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Brooklyn.
She leaves her children, Jeannie Duris of Virginia, Carlton H. Gorman Jr. (Linda) of St. Augustine, Fla., Heidi Gorman and husband Frank Zak Jr. of Moosup and Becky Gorman of Pomfret; grandchildren, Daniel Paine, Jennifer Paine, and Taylor Phillips; great grandchildren, Shyonne Challinor, Jason Challinor, Oliver Paine, Myleah Challinor. She was predeceased by her brother Wilfred Leger.
A Memorial Service will be held later at Trinity Episcopal Church, Brooklyn. Donations: The Mortlake Fire Department, P.O. Box 301, Brooklyn, CT 06234. Tillinghast Funeral Home, Danielson.
Brian O’Brien Jr.,
WWII vet
FABYAN — Brian O’Brien Jr., 90, born March 13, 1923, died Sept. 11, 2013, at Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care. He was born in Pittsburgh, the only child of Brian and Ethel (Dickerman) O’Brien. Brian was predeceased by his wife, Kathryn “Towie” (Jensen) O’Brien.
Brian was a graduate of the University of Rochester, N.Y., where he majored in optics and chemistry at the request of Mr. Eastman. He earned his master’s in chemistry at MIT, Boston, after serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a lieutenant.
He worked for Todd-AO early in his career, and along with his father, was very involved in the technology development of wide-screen system for cinema. Later in his career, he worked for Itek and Northrup Grumman. After his retirement, he mastered Photoshop and cataloged thousands of slides and photographs on his computer. He was an avid supporter of increasing the railroads in the U.S. and was a member of the Worcester Model Railroaders. He was an Eagle Scout and a long-time Scout Leader in Thompson. He also held a pilot’s license and piloted his own Cessna, yet abhorred commercial flying choosing to travel by train whenever possible.
Brian leaves his close friends, Kerstin and Richard Forrester of Fabyan, and his caretakers who provided 24/7 care during the past two and a half years: Dianna Rebello of Woodstock, Timothy Arsenault of Fabyan; Nicholas Rebello of Woodstock; Ashley Morin of Woodstock. He also leaves his brother-in-law, William S. Jensen (Carolyn) of Vancouver, Wash.; sisters-in-law Eloise N. Jensen of Tucson, Ariz., and Susan M. Jensen of Seattle; step-brother-in-law James B. Leonard of Seattle. He was predeceased by brother-in-law George J. Jensen.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 in New Boston Cemetery, Parker Road, Fabyan. Donations: Boy Scout troop #30, Quinebaug, CT; or to the Towie O’Brien Memorial Fund of the Mary Fisher Memorial Elementary School in Thompson. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Helen Matthews
WEBSTER — Helen R. (Dona) Matthews, 88, of Webster, died Sept. 12, 2013, at Webster Manor.
Her husband, Raymond J. Matthews, died in 1998.
Helen was born in Dudley, daughter of the late Yrackle and Gladys (Augustynkski) Dona and lived in Webster most of her life. She was a graduate of Bryant College in Rhode Island and worked for many years for the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare.
She leaves a brother, George W. Dona of Webster; a nephew, Paul Dona of Dudley; her nieces, Arlene Keegan of Shrewsbury, Lynn Wentworth of N. Grosvenordale, Noreen Dona of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Carol Watrobo of Dudley; great-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Christopher Dona.
A graveside service will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 19 in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: St. Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Putnam pg 9 9-19-13
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC Sporty shout out is sent along to the affable Richard Blake, a former Putnam High School Clipper standout athlete. Blake, one of the most reliable teammates ever in PHS athletic history, went on to distinguish himself as an officer in the Connecticut State Police. Now retired, Blake enjoys spending time with friends and family. He celebrates another candle on the birthday cake today.
On Monday, September 9 the community of Putnam lost a good friend with the passing of Stanley Ozog. He died following a most courageous battle with cancer.
Among Ozog’s numerous accomplishments in life were his leadership abilities, most notably the two years he spent in office from 1982 through 1984 as Putnam’s last mayor of the city just prior to the establishment of the town form of government and the Special Services District. He also distinguished himself as the Exalted Ruler of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, chairman of the St. Mary’s Circle of Fun and chairman of the John Dempsey Center State of Connecticut Advisory Council.
A graduate of Assumption College, undergraduate 1972 and graduate school 1976, Ozog was proud of his 6th year degree in Professional Education from the University of Connecticut. He distinguished himself in education, which spanned a 27 year career as a teacher and crisis counselor in the Brooklyn School system. A proud American, Ozog served 20 years in the Connecticut National Guard, honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
His community service included work as a supernumerary Putnam police officer, member of the Board of Finance, Police Commissioner, and member of the Knights of Columbus and Sons of the American Legion.
A little known fact about Ozog was his athletic background, which included playing in the Putnam and Killingly Little League and his exploits on the golf course. His golf interest was passed on to his son Michael, who later served as a golf pro in Vermont for a number of years. He is lovingly remembered as a staunch New York Yankee and Dallas Cowboy fan, who was always ready to rub in the good fortune of his teams on his friends who rooted for the Red Sox, Patriots or other teams.
To some he had a hard side, however beneath Ozog’s frank demeanor was a person with a heart of gold. He was always available whenever charitable endeavors were concerned or when there were people in need. It’s a side of him that probably will be better understood in death than it was in life.
He leaves his wife Barbara and his children Michael and Anne Marie as well as five grand children to carry on his legacy. Rest-In-Peace, Stanley Ozog.
A New Athlete
Enters The World…
On Tuesday, September 3 the community of Putnam and the Mauer family welcomed its latest addition Jack Charles Mauer who came into the world weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches. The proud parents are Eric and Rachelle (LeBlanc) Mauer. Jack’s grandparents are Gordie and Jeanine Mauer and Kathy and Doug Taylor.
If Jack inherits his dad’s genes he’ll be “ready to play three sports for the Assumption College Greyhounds in about 18 years,” according to his dad Eric. Jack’s dad was a football, basketball and baseball standout athlete at Putnam High School. He went on to distinguish himself as a football receiver at Assumption College, where he established and still holds some of the school’s pass catching records.
Running Toward A Teaching/Coaching Career…
A former Marianapolis cross country runner, Liam Adams is now a member of the Gordon College X-country team. Adams, who graduated with honors from MPS in June of 2013, is majoring in history and education at Gordon. His career goal is to become a history teacher and to coach on the secondary level.
In a recent meet with his Gordon College team, Adams posted a personal best time. According to reports he ran a 5K in under 19 minutes. Adams, who also plans on running indoor and outdoor track in college is the son of Atty. Steve Adams, his mother is Annie (Hoar) Adams.
Sunday Afternoon Social…
The Putnam High School Alumni Athletic Association (PHSAAA) fresh off a successful Trivia Nite fund-raiser, is hosting another interesting event on Sunday, September 22 at the Knights of Columbus home on Providence Street in Putnam. The afternoon will feature enjoying the 1 p.m. televised football contests between the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Bucs and the New York Giants versus the Carolina Panthers.
Your donation of $25 gets you admission to the doubleheader, all you can eat football food and your choice of two quality cigars or two beers. The event with outdoor seating and viewing is limited to the first 75 people and organizers David Vitale and Willie Bousquet caution that all tickets must be pre-paid. There are no sales at the door! For tickets contact Vitale at 860 428-4768 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Family Golf And Fun…
On Saturday, September 7 the Coderre clan and extended family and friends, 51 people in all to be exact, gathered for golf, food, libations and fun. Seven threesomes teed off at Harrisville Golf Course for bragging rights until next year. The winning threesome was composed of Chris Coderre, Mike “The Mailman” Coderre and Jacki Zommers, posting a two under par 34 for the nine-hole tourney. The “Wait Til Next Year” Award went to the group of Marc and Jason Coderre and Steve Pomroy.
From The Annals of Putnam Sports History…
September 1893: A total of 77 pupils entered Putnam High School. Putnam’s football team defeated Southbridge 16-6; they also defeated Woodstock Academy, Nichols Academy, a team from Pomfret and on Thanksgiving Day, they defeated Willimantic 6-0. (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: When you get to thinking you’re really important, try giving orders to your cat.