Obituaries pg 8 12-31-14
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Diane Vernon
POMFRET CENTER — Diane “Dinser Doodle” (Gill) Vernon, 46, of Brayman Hollow Rd., died Dec. 27, 2014, at home. She is the wife of Kevin D. Vernon, Sr. Born in 1966 in New Haven, she was the daughter of Joan (Fiondella) Gill of Brooklyn and the late Frank A. Gill.
Mrs. Vernon worked as a Speech and Language Pathologist for Westview Nursing Home in Dayville.
Diane enjoyed knitting and caring for her dogs, Trusty and Savanna.
In addition to her husband, Diane leaves her children, Kevin D. Vernon Jr. and Jessica Vernon of Pomfret; her brother, David Gill (Kara) of Sutton; her sister, Susan Fisher (James) Glastonbury.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 3 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret Road. Donations: to Diane’s children Kevin and Jessica Vernon, c/o their father Kevin Vernon Sr., 118 Brayman Hollow Rd., Pomfret Ctr., CT 06259. : Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Virginia M. Bibeau
PUTNAM — Virginia M. (Delhaie) Bibeau, 71, of Capron St., died Dec. 28, 2014, at Westview Healthcare Center in Dayville. Born in 1943 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Rose (Lamoureux) Delhaie.
Mrs. Bibeau worked for many years as the office manager for Dr. Hall in Putnam. Virginia enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, and being a “personal” seamstress for her family.
She leaves four sons David Bibeau of Massachusetts, Steven Bibeau (Patrice) of Maryland, Scott Bibeau of Kentucky, and Mark Bibeau (Kim) of Italy; a brother Richard Delhaie of Warrenville; two sisters Jacqueline Desantis and Cynthia Hicks both of New York; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.
Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 3 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 350 Hartford Pike, Dayville with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville.
Sarah Beth Lussier
BROOKLYN — Sarah Beth Lussier, 35, of Brooklyn, died unexpectedly Dec. 20, 2014. She was the daughter of Rhonda Regis Cathcart and the late Robert W. Cathcart.
She was born Aug. 30, 1979, in Putnam. Sarah was a graduate of Killingly High School Class 1997, and received an associate’s degree from the Quinebaug Valley Community College.
She was a member of the Big Red Marching Band playing trumpet.
Sarah worked for many years as a bank teller.
She enjoyed doing art work, going to concerts, and collecting angels.
She leaves, in addition to her mother Rhonda, her daughter Aisha Desaulnier of Putnam; grandparents Richard and Naomi Regis of Brooklyn; her great-grandmother Irene Clark of Putnam; her former husband Derrick Desaulnier.
The funeral and burial were private. Donations: QVCC Foundation, 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Katrina Challinor
PUTNAM — Katrina “Trina” Challinor, 29, of Marshall St., formerly of Thompson, died Dec. 20, 2014. Born in 1985 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Dennis and Sandra Challinor of Thompson and the late Doris (Bissell) Challinor.
Mrs. Challinor worked as a cashier at the Putnam Cumberland Farms; and enjoyed shopping and spending quality time with her son Ethan.
She leaves her parents; a son Ethan Challinor of Putnam, formerly of Thompson; three brothers Richard “Richie” Challinor of Thompson, Ron Houle of Danielson, and Maynard Hill of Thompson; five sisters Jennifer Wetherbee of Thompson, Jennifer Bliss of Putnam, Beth Challinor of Brookfield, Fla., Heather Lavallee of Thompson and Carrie Hill of Thompson; her paternal grandfather James MacKenzie of Thompson and her maternal grandmother Barbara Colon-Diaz of Thompson. She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother Gloria (Tetreault) MacKenzie and Clarence Bissell.
Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 3 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Donations: Ethan Challinor Care Fund, c/o Jennifer Wetherbee, P.O. Box 102, Grosvenordale, CT 06246.
Harry A. Elliott,
WWII vet
THOMPSON — Harry A. Elliott, 92, lifelong resident of Thompson, and husband of Ruth Bayer Elliott, died at home Christmas night, 2014.
Upon graduating from Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Harry joined the Army Air Corps. In WWII he co-piloted a B-17, flying out of North Africa, and was shot down over the Bay of Salerno; he was taken prisoner of war in Northern Italy. Escaping the prison camp, he was on the run for 20 days before reuniting with American forces; he was awarded the Bronze Star. Returning to the U.S., he helped train young pilots. His military career continued in the Active Reserves and the Inactive Reserves, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Harry worked for Southern New England Telephone for 30 years, as a repair foreman. He also owned and operated Elliott Sales and Service in Thompson for over 50 years; he was known through those years for selling and repairing Peugeot, MG, Austin, Renault and used cars. His repair skills and his trustworthy service were respected and remembered.
He leaves his wife of 69 years, Ruth; three children and their families: son Brian Elliott and his wife Marlys of Thompson, their children, Luther Elliott, Noah Elliott, and Jordan Elliott; daughter Diane Elliott Glass and her husband Peter of Bridgewater, Mass., and their children, Austin Glass and Elliott Glass; and son Paul Elliott and his wife Mildred of Woodstock, an their children, Jomica Elliott, Geon Elliott, Harryn Elliott, and Taquiyy Elliott. Also 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers, Raymond Elliott and Edgar Elliott.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Thompson Congregational Church, UCC, where Harry was a longtime member, having served many years as deacon and trustee. Donations: Thompson Congregational Church, UCC, 347 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Madeline Zulkiewicz
PUTNAM — Madeline V. Zulkiewicz, 87, of Hawkins Rd., died Dec. 27, 2014, at home. She was the wife of Frederick Zulkiewicz. Born in 1927 in Killingly, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Angelina (Charest) Bernier.
Mrs. Zulkiewicz worked as a sewer for American Optical.
Mrs. Zulkiewicz was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She was also a communicant of St. Mary Church.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her daughter, Kathleen Bellanceau of Newark, Dela.; her brother, Paul Bernier of Webster; her sister, Irene Reenstra of Wisconsin; two grandchildren Jesse Greene and Kristen Perron; and five great-grandchildren Tabitha, Jesse, Amara, David, and Stephanie. She was predeceased by six brothers.
The Funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Laurana ‘Laurie’
Lathrop Wightman
PUTNAM — Laurana “Laurie” Wightman, 94, of Putnam, passed over Dec. 25, 2014, at her home. Born April 20, 1920, in Ware, Mass., she was the daughter of Alexander and Eleanor (Aldrich) Wilson. Laurie grew up in Stafford. She graduated from Lasell Junior College in 1939.
She married Richard A. Wightman on August 3, 1940, and they moved to Woodstock in 1948. She retired from the Court System of the State of Connecticut in 1989 where she worked for 28 years.
She was an avid bridge player for 45 years, and enjoyed playing until just two months ago. She was well known for her baked goods, especially her apple pies, and one never left her house without a sweet treat to take home. A hearty New Englander, she loved snow; when big storms were forecast she could be counted on to be the first out to make a snowman or throw snowballs.
She was predeceased by her husband and daughter Judith Cummings; sister Jean Haines, brothers Edward and Duncan Wilson. She leaves her daughter Marcia Sansoucy of Prescott, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Kimberly Sansoucy (Peter Lyons) of Cambridge, Mass., Jill Sansoucy (Scott Olson) of Apex, N.C., Amy Archambault (Tom) of Eastford and four great grandchildren, William, Avery, Benton and Ada.
For those who would like to gather and reminisce with her family, Laurie’s
home will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 24. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or to TEEG, PO Box 664, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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Tracy pg 9 12-31-14
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By Ron P. Coderre
It’s difficult to fathom, but this is the final column for RPC in 2014. As we transition to the New Year, 2015, this column is dedicated to a good sport and generous supporter of youth and high school athletics throughout Northeastern Connecticut, John Navarro. Appropriately Navarro celebrates another birthday on the first day of 2015. Happy birthday, John, from RPC.
It doesn’t seem possible that were writing about Tracy Lis as someone whose basketball and athletic career is in the past. It only seems like yesterday that a young Tracy Lis took the high school girls’ local, state and region basketball scene by storm.
Right from the start of her hoop days as a freshman at Killingly High School Lis was the rage in schoolgirl basketball, dropping the round ball through the net at an astronomical pace. People were flocking to Danielson from everywhere to watch the blond superstar perform.
Although her playing days are in her past, Lis continues to be recognized for her achievements, most of which still haven’t been surpassed since she departed the hardwood. The most recent acknowledgment of her heroics is the recent announcement of her entrance into the select circle of Connecticut Gold Key recipients.
Lis will be honored in a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on April 26 at the 74th Gold Key Dinner. She joins two other Northeastern Connecticut residents who were honored in the past, the late Walt Dropo of Red Sox and Major League baseball fame, who was honored in 1975 and former UConn men’s basketball coaching legend and Pomfret resident Jim Calhoun who was selected in 2003.
Joining Lis in this year’s class of honorees is former NHL star Craig Janney, ex-Yale running back John Pagliaro and longtime official John Kuczo.
Lis is legendary for her exploits at Killingly where she lit up the scoreboard for 3,681 points, the Connecticut high school record for most points ever scored by a male or female hoopster. Her record surpassed the record previously held by the great Walter Luckett. Lis moved on to Providence College following her days as a Redgal. As a Lady Friar she continued to tickle the twine at an amazing pace, scoring 2,534 points, which is the PC all-time record. She was also the Big East career scoring leader for many years until she was surpassed by UConn’s Maya Moore and Rutger’s Angel McCoughtry.
After graduating from Providence College Lis went on to a brief professional career in the old American Basketball League, which was the predecessor of the current WNBA. She also had a stint of approximately 37 games playing as the first female to take the court with the traveling troupe, Marques Haynes and the Harlem Fabulous Magicians. In a game with the Magicians in her hometown of Killingly, Lis poured in 77 points be beat her hometown friends.
Lis is a member of the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, entering in 1996. In January 2014, along with former Providence College greats Kevin Stacom and Joey Hassett, she had her jersey retired in a ceremony held at the Dunkin’ Donut Center in Providence. Following a brief time as a substitute teacher in Killingly, Lis enter the business world, a position she continues to pursue currently.
From the Where are They Now Files
It’s the University of Rhode Island in Kingston for former Woodstock Academy quarterback Nate Ploughman, where he’s majoring in engineering. Ploughman is also pursuing a military career at URI, where he is a member of the school’s Army ROTC program. As a way of supporting his academic endeavors, Ploughman is a member of the Rhode Island National Guard.
During his off time and especially during the Christmas break, Ploughman was spotted working at Phyllis’ Bakery in Putnam, where he was gladly waiting on customers and assisting his grandmother, the renowned Phyllis Ploughman.
Keeping Up with the Collegians
Former Marianapolis Prep big man Ousmane Drame continues his assault on the basketball record books at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. Coach Tom Moore’s center posted his 31st career double-double when he dropped in 19 points and corralled 11 rebounds in a big 80-65 victory over Lehigh. The Bobcats followed the win with another victory, this one over visiting Big-12 opponent Oregon State. In the 60-52 victory Drame was strapped with foul trouble but still managed six points.
Former Putnam Science Academy standout, 6-feet, 8-inch Chaise Daniels is beginning to see more playing time under the watchful eye of coach Moore. Against Lehigh he posted six points in a 3-for-5 shooting performance. He followed that up with four crucial points against Oregon State.
Tournament Stars
The 1st Woodstock Academy Centaur Classic Holiday Tournament resulted in the Academy men losing both contests they were involved in over the two-day event. The Centaurs however, did place 6-6 senior forward Adam Converse on the All-Tournament team. Oliver Simon, a senior guard, was honored by being selected to the All-Academic squad.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: For all our faithful followers, and we enjoy hearing from you, may all your days in 2015 be filled with peace, happiness and success.
(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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Centaur pg 10 12-31-14
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Centaur hockey
team wins
WOODSTOCK --- On Saturday the boys ice hockey team beat Belchertown (Mass.) by the score of 3-2.
Scoring for Woodstock were:
First period
Nathan Deluca, unassisted
Second period
Ryan Black, assisted by Deluca and Jon-Luc Cournoyer
Third period
Jon-Luc Cournoyer, assisted by Austin Beaupre and Ryan Black
Goalie Cal Wilcox made 26 saves on 28 shots
Happy pg 10 12-31-14
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By Ron P. Coderre
In what has become a tradition, RPC extends a Happy New Year and a healthy 2015 to our loyal readers and local good sports.
Happy New Year to Stan Lesniewski, Mike Madden, James Martin, Alan and Carolyn Granberg, Jeff Rawson, Earl Rosebrooks, Romeo Blackmar, Tom Borner, Charlie Puffer, Dick Loomis, John Miller, Jay Sinha, Doug Valentine, Scott Pempek, Bob Halloran, Linda Lemmon, Steve Adams, Kevin Shaw, David Conrad, Tony Falzarano, Rep. Dan Rovero, Sen. Mae Flexer, Hon. Don Williams, Pete Place, Jeff Bond, Rick Carnahan, Jim West, Doug Porter, Willie Bousquet, Rande and Fred Chmura and Shawn Deary.
Also to Tom Espinosa, Giray Gebes, Eric Mauer, Chris Coderre, Rene Morin, Jim Bellavance, Bob Lachance, Paul Faucher, Dan Durand, Mike and Cheryl Ann Carignan, John Foucault, Ray Faucher, Everett Shepard, Joe Lindley, Ron Desrochers, Barney Seney, Don Steinbrick, Rep. Mike Alberts, Doug Cutler, Pete Benoit, Owen Tarr, Alma Morey, David Landry, The Vitales, Dave, Andy, Peter and Mary, Eric Gustavson, Joe Hanrahan, Charlie Baron, Dickie Androlewicz, Joseph Adiletta, Keith Aubin, Linda and Mike Lamoureux, Andy Crowley, Jeff Lefevre, Larry Guillot, David LaFleur and Don St. Onge.
Charley Panteleakos, Keith O’Hara, Sam Markley, Michael Coderre, Rick Koneicny, Gary O, John Wilbur, Kerensa Konesni-Hammerschlag, Buzz King, Gene Blain, Dale Smith, Walt Crabtree, Cliff Aubin, John, Steve and Dave Smutnick, Peter Cooper, Earl Semmelrock, Laurence Hale, Jim Zahansky, Jim Weiss, Dr. Marc Cerrone, Dr. Murray Buttner, Woody and Sylvia Danenhower, Charlie and Joanne Crowley, Gary Brine, Paul Kelly, Matt Smith, Cody Semmelrock, Teddy Babcock, Bob Bernier, Charlie Lee, Christian Sarantopoulos, Pete Gerardi, Roger LaFrancois, Kevin Hogan, Cosmo Quercia and Chuck Bourgeois.
There are more, Greg Smith, Mike Bourgeois, John Krot, Lauren Moore, Mark Russell, Dr. Jeff Howe, Victor Kratz, David Coderre, Pete Trama, Dick Turcotte, John and Lauren Dignam, Bob Fournier, Bill Juszwic, Armand Jolly, Bob Clemens, Gary Brock, James Frost, Donna Coderre, Paul Aldrich, Jerry Beausoleil, Gerry Langevin, Benny Auger, Dave Landry, Linda Colangelo, John Casey, Moe Coderre, Jim Gothreau, Jim Shaw, Derek Coderre, Neil Bernier, Dan Goyette, Rick Place, Dave Pomes, Jim Dandeneau, Brad Rabitor, Lisa Casettari, Pete Bonin, John Adams, Al Smat, Phil Durand, Kevin Johnston, Kevin Lengyl, Armand LaFleur, Greg King, Jerry Vaillant, Marc Coderre, Bruce Johnson, Mike Sherman, Tony Gronski, Shawn Johnston and Marc Archambault.
How about Deb Spinnelli, Greg and Charlie Kozey, Guy Lapointe, Fr. Ed Dempsey, Fr. David Choquette, Paul Nelson, David Champeau, Tony Pasiakos, Sean Sullivan, Keith Barnes, Jim Guillot, John Donovan, Andrew Faucher, Tyler Smith, Joe Voccio, Gene Michael Deary, Gunnar Andersen, Tom Archambault, Rick Ives, Pat Smith, Bob Arremony, Chad Neal, Jay McNally, Josh Scraba, Dan Gomes, Ryan Rumrill, Ryan Walsh, Mike Peters, Travis Godley, Jim and Pat Calhoun, Tim Richards, Peter Deary, Walt Hinchman and Peter Leclair.
There are others Stu Morse, Scott Tetreault, Lee Konicki, Rick Hayes, Tim Bly, Chico Andersen, Richard Galloway, Merrill Seney, Bruce and Monique Wolanin, Betty Hale, Sean Hendricks, Kevin Farr, Joe Tsaczinsky, Bill Hull, Robin Deary-Fillmore, Kasey Fillmore, Freddie and Lucille Nelson, Lauren Briere, Chris Sandford, Aaron Patterson, Clay Kinngsworth, Joe Assermelly, Matt and Ed Desaulnier, Eric Quinn, Jay Long, Lysa Molnar, Mike Brodeur, Willie Z, Mike Vassar, Sarah Hamby, Pam Childs, Jim and Deb St. Jean, Jay Cyr, Justin Dumas, Justin Cyr, Gordie Mauer and Rick and Bob Bogert.
The list continues Molly and Michael Panteleakos, Laura Crosetti, Chris Vaillencourt, Roger Franklin, Bernie Ducat, Roger Daigle, Jesse Mayo, Chuck and Jim Mahoney, Mike Deary, Marc Coderre, Jr., Bill and Kathy Zamagni, Chelsea Leverette, Michelle Gaimari, Fr. John O’Neill, Mike Bernier, Mike Pizzetti, Paul Roy, Pat Ruffo, Don King, Brendan Larkin, Jim Sali, Eric Sarette, Norm and Terry Perron, Bob Jacques, Tony Giambattista, Ed Perron, Brian Castle, Mike Termini, Bob Beaudry, Greg Harubin, Bill St. Onge, Ed Higgins, Nick Longo, Roger Mercier, Jack and Mary Jane Burke, Norm Chartier, Ray Navarro, Jean Hryzan, Vic Lippiello, Ann Montiero, and Paul Toussaint.
Jeff and Kalin Bousquet, Jack Reeves, Valentine Iamartino, Priscilla Dowd, Ellen Knight, Rev. Tom Meyers, Jessica and Scott Jellison, Diane Harmon, David and Billie Gaudreau, Ed Morrissette, Bruce Dexter, Ed Piccione, Joe Nash, Crawford Haythe, Dr. Ron Klare, Bob Guillot, Don Hoenig, Bob Lebeau, Bob Rovatti, Steve Peluso, Dick Tremblay, John McCormac, Ed Hamill, John Iovino, Eric Gustavson, Kevin DeRoth, Bob McCormick, Lefty Lefevre, Dave Guillot, Eugene “Smitty” Smith, Mike and Paula Lajeunesse and Mike Sosik.
And some more names, Mark Lowell, Willie Davis, Walter and Terri LaRochelle, Lou Chartier, Sarah Mortensen, Adam Minor, Charlie Lenz, Andy and Emily Morrison, Brian Smith, Bob Girard, Kevin Haggerty, Roger Breault, John Lachance, Mike Lussier, Snook Gardner, Don Musial, John Sarantopoulos, David Austin, Steve and Sean Martel, Nate Broduer, Richard Blake, Frank Griffin, Charlie Franklin, Dave Kingeter, “The Kingbees,” Jeff Ploughman Sr. Gertrude Lanouette, Jim LaPrade, Carlo Key, Ricky and Stu Neal, Paul Coutu and Scott Derosier.
The list is near the end, Jonathan Hoenig, Gary Hayes, Roger Mercier, John Daviau, Dave Hall, Bob Mondor, Ronnie Vargas, Bob Tetreault, Warren Scholl, Liz Zachow, Jim Gothreau, Bill Kelleher, Gerry Cotnoir, Russ Burgess, Paul and Joy Nelson, Leon “Bingo” Gothreau, Bill Neumann, Mary Beaulac, Gerry Tetreault, Diane Bates, Meg Popiak, DR Hoenig, Vic Lippiello, Jim Kroll, Chico Panu, John Peters, Alan Rawson, Peter Lange, Don Cushing, Phil Leveille, Tim Oliver, David and Lori Foisy, Michael and Deidre Artiaco, Bob Breault, Dan and Delpha Very and Kenny LaFleur.
To all good sports, have a great 2015 and be safe.
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