Obituaries pg 8 11-14-13

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James Naum,
Korean war vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — James Naum, 82, of Red Bridge Rd., died Nov. 11, 2013 in his home.  He was the husband of Anna (Noiseux) Naum.
Born on Sept. 6, 1931, Jankovec, Yugoslavia, he was the son of the late Anastasios and Blaga (Kuzmanovic) Naum. He arrived in the U.S. through Ellis Island on Thanksgiving Day 1931.
Educated in Thompson Public Schools and graduating in 1950, he went on to earn a degree in business from Nichols College in 1952, a bachelor’s degree in science from Willimantic State Teachers College and a master’s degree from UConn.
He served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Jim was a member of the following organizations for over 50 years: American Legion Post 67, Republican Town Committee, Quinebaug Cornerstone Lodge 122 where he served as Grand Master in 1960 and his beloved Thompson Lions Club where he awarded the Melvin Jones award in 2009.  Jim has also been in charge of the Lions Golf League for many years.
Jim served several terms on the Thompson Board of Education, Planning and Zoning Commission, Justice of the Peace and he has served on the school building committee for the new elementary school.  Jim was also on the Board of Directors for TEEG for many years.
He was a Real Estate Broker in both Connecticut and Massachusetts starting his career some 40 years ago with Negip-Naum Insurance Agency ending his career as a member of the staff of Johnston and Associates.
Jim taught in Thompson Public Schools for 33 years.  During this time he wore many hats; Athletic Director, Administrative Assistant in the Middle School, golf coach, Middle School Cross Country Coach and was one of the founders of the QVCJC which was an athletic conference for middle school students.
He was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.  He was a past member of the Church Council, served as an usher, and chaired church picnics.
But he will be best remembered as a basketball player and coach at TMHS. He coached the Tigers from 1977 to 1989. In 1987, his team won the State Championship. A feat that had not been repeated since he, himself, was part of the team in 1949 and 1950 under the legendary Jim Canty. In 1987, he was picked as Coach of the Year for small schools in Connecticut.
Jim’s entire professional life was spent helping scholars and athletes of all ages; therefore, donations to: James Naum Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens National Bank, PO Box 6002, Putnam, CT 06260.
He leaves his wife, Anna, of 47 years, his son Thomas and his wife, his daughter-in-law Genevive;  a special niece Kelly; a brother Victor; four grandchildren, Heather, Alexander, Loukas, Emily and two great nephews Brad and Christopher. He was predeceased by his son, Michael and a brother, John.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A Funeral Service will begin at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 37 Lake Parkway, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Grosvenordale.

Eleanor Jean Bovia
WESTERLY — Eleanor J. (Otwell) Bovia, 79, of Nutmeg Dr., died Nov. 10, 2013, in the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center in Providence. She is the wife of the late Robert J. Bovia.  Born in 1934 in Galena, Md., she was the daughter of the late Horace T. Otwell Sr. and Fannie (Boyd) Otwell-Towler.
“Jean” as she was known by most, married the late Robert J. Bovia, on May 15, 1954, in Galena. Soon after marriage, Jean supported Bob’s career in the U.S. Navy, beginning their first move of many. Their children were born in many of the locations that they called home including Annapolis, MD, Pensacola, FL, the Philippines, Japan, Guam, and Maine. In 1069, Bob retired from the Navy and as a family settled in Mystic, before she moved to Putnam in 1986 with Bob. Jean made her home in Putnam, until Bob’s death in 1995. After his passing she spent her years living with various children of her family. Jean loved her family tremendously and always wanted to be the “most useful” as she would say, helping raise her grandchildren and supporting her children.
Jean had a great love for God and read her Bible daily, which gave her great comfort as she neared the last days of her life. She also loved the Boston Red Sox, and bluegrass music.
She leaves two sons Stephen Bovia (Cathy) of Danielson, and James Bovia (Wendy) of Bristol; five daughters Debbie Connor (Steve) of N. Stonington,  Kathy Boumenot (John) of Westerly, Kim Bousquet (Tim) of Stonington,  Bonnie Stacy (Joe) of Westerly, and Cheri Bovia of Pawcatuck; a brother Horace T. Otwell Jr. of Galena; grandchildren Michael Bovia, Christopher Boumenot, Sarah DaSilva, Corey Beck, Jay Macko, Jr., Zachary Stacy, Ben Macko, Cody Stacy, and Holly Bousquet and great-grandchildren Emilie Bovia and Kennadie DaSilva;. She was predeceased by a brother Dallas Otwell and a sister Dolores Moran.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 14 in St. Mary Cemetery,  Putnam.  A Memorial Service will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Lighthouse Community Baptist Church, 22 Pequot Trail, Stonington. Donations:  Mystic Marine life Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355.

Ruth Madeline
(Andrews) Derois
PUTNAM — Ruth Madeline (Andrews) Derois, 79, of Putnam died Nov. 4, 2013, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was born March 16, 1934, in Glocester, R.I., daughter of the late Arthur and Gertrude (Ide) Andrews.
She was a member for many years at the Putnam Methodist Church, served as a volunteer with prison fellowship ministry and was very active with the local AA programs.
She leaves two daughters Jean Patton and Patricia Briggs of Rhode Island; a son Mark Derois of Connecticut; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren;  five siblings Charles Andrews of Tennessee, Peg Andrews of New Hampshire, Arthur Andrews Jr. of Florida, George Andrews of Tennessee, Pauline West of Connecticut; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Robert Andrews.
Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Lynne E. Gayewski
N. GROSVENORDALE — Lynne E. Gayewski, 66, of Riverside Dr., died Nov. 4, 2013, at home. Born in 1947 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Richard J. and Ellen Y. (Belanger) Gayewski Sr.
She leaves a sister Carol Figueroa of Putnam;  two brothers Richard J. Gayewski Jr. (Stephanie) of Florida, and Robert Gayewski (Lisa) of Webster; nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Nov. 14 in St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Webster. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Ernest Labonte Jr.
PUTNAM —  Ernest Labonte Jr. (Ernie), 64, of Church St., died Nov. 5, 2013, at home. Born in 1949 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Ernest and Roseanna (Nadeau) Labonte.
Ernie worked as a machinist for Linemaster Switch, retiring in 2001.  Ernie enjoyed repairing and restoring old cars and attending car shows. He built his own workshop behind his house to work on his many projects. He enjoyed learning on his computer and sharing family photographs. Ernie was a self-taught piano and organ player and enjoyed playing for others.
He leaves his brother, Donald Labonte (Bonita) of Brunswick, Maine; sisters, Claire Mietzner (Kennet) of Muskegon, Mich. and, Roseanne Plihcik of Bristol; nieces and nephews. As part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program, Ernie was a Big Brother to Mark Janczyk and Kevin Tilson.  Ernie continued to be actively involved in their lives.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 11 in St. Mary Church, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Maurice J. Mathurin
BROOKLYN — Maurice “Kiss” J. Mathurin, 86, of Anderson Rd., died Nov. 3, 2013, in Day Kimball Hospital.  He was the husband of Theresa (DesJardins) Mathurin.  Born in 1927 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Joseph and Marie (Richard) Mathurin.
Mr. Mathurin was a N.Y. Giants and N.Y. Yankees fan.  He enjoyed politics and anything to do with wood.  He played semi professional football for the Danielson Blackhawks. Maurice was a member of the Danielson Elks, Knights of Columbus, and volunteered at the East Brooklyn Fire Department.
In addition to his wife, he leaves step daughters, Michelle Julian of Killingly and Elaine Marino (Jeffrey) of Cromwell; brother, Montcalm Mathurin of Brooklyn; sister, Marie Champagne of Spofford, N.H.; granddaughter Juliann Marino of Cromwell; nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Matty. Maurice is predeceased by his brother Martin Mathurin and his sister Madeline DesRoches.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 9 in Sacred Heart Church, Wauregan. Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

James Perkins
U.S. Army vet
ANDREWS, N.C. — Mr. James Allen Perkins, 72, of Valley View Manor Drive Andrews, and also of Dover, Fla., died Oct. 26,, 2013, at home following an extended illness.
Mr. Perkins was born on June 14, 1941, in Putnam, the son of the late Charles Perkins and the late Mary Emma Daigle Perkins. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and also a former member of the Elks Club. James enjoyed playing golf and raising cattle.  He and his wife attended the Holy Redeemer Church in Andrews and were members of St. Clements Catholic church in Plant City, Fla.
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Nancy Perkins of Andrews and Dove; one son, Larry Perkins of Lebanon, Mo.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Jamie Lee Perkins of Tampa, Fla., Tammy and Paul ‘Brien of Rincon, Ga.., Bobbi Jo and James Bass of Turtletown, Tenn.; one sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Herbert Peterson of Pomfret Center; one brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Vivian Perkins of E. Windsor;  seven grandchildren, Georgi and Charley Pairas, Raven Brett, Sierra Giles, James, Jimmy and Jonathan Bass, two great grandchildren, Charles and Emma Grace. He was predeceased by his parents and also one sister, Phyllis Zapoliski.
A memorial service will be held later. Donations: Good Shepherd Hospice of Andrews, N.C.; or to the Moffitt Cancer research of Tampa. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, N.C.

Members pg 9 11-14-13

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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to one of Putnam’s oldest residents and a truly great guy Theodore “Ted” Messier Sr. who is approaching his 99th birthday.  Always friendly and vibrant, Messier can still hold his own and gets around very well.  Ted, keep getting up each morning.  RPC thinks you’re a great sport.
Whenever there’s a Smutnick making news in the sports section, it’s usually John Smutnick.  He’s often found on a winning foursome for a local charitable golf tournament or receiving recognition for his exploits on the baseball diamond from his winter home in Florida.
This week there are two Smutnicks in the news a male, Major Doug Smutnick of the United States Air Force 188th Fighter Wing and Margo Smutnick of Norwich University, where she’s Cadet Corps Battalion Commander.
Maj. Smutnick, a graduate of Woodstock Academy, was recently cited for his exemplary service while on assignment in 2012 in Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Col. Mark Anderson in a commander’s call ceremony at Fort Smith, Arkansas presented Maj. Smutnick with an Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Maj. Smutnick was a key participant in a troops-in-contact predicament during a close-air support combat mission July 4, 2012, while piloting a 188th A-10C Thunderbolt II “Warthog” defending the lives of Coalition ground troops engaged in a firefight with the Taliban.  It was because of Smutnick’s action that day that multiple Coalition troops made it home safely to their families.
“I remember noting the date (July 4) when I was completing my admin paperwork at the operations desk before stepping to the aircraft.  But after I sucked the gear up and heard the troops in contact call come over the radio, the date as well as all other nuances quickly melted away,” said a humble Maj. Smutnick.
Maj. Smutnick is the son of John and Laura Smutnick of Pomfret and Avon Park, Fla.
Margo Smutnick, cousin of Maj. Smutnick and also a graduate of Woodstock Academy, is a senior at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt.  Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States.
Smutnick, a political science major with a Chinese minor, is due to graduate in May, when she will be commissioned by Ret. Asst. Commandant of the United States Marine Corps 4-Star General Richard I. Neal.  Following graduation she’ll enter the Marines.  Her pinning ceremony, when she’ll be commissioned a 2nd Lt., will be done by her father David Smutnick, a former Marine.  Her mother is Mary Smutnick.  The Smutnicks reside in Pomfret.
Putnam resident Roger Franklin, a 1960 graduate of Norwich University and a Ret. United States Army Reserve Colonel, is a member of the Norwich University Board of Trustees.  He recently had the privilege of meeting Miss Smutnick when he attended a Board meeting on the campus. 

The Stars Are Bright

The Eastern Connecticut Conference continues to release its fall sports all star teams, the latest being men’s soccer and women’s field hockey luminaries.

Two Woodstock Academy booters, midfielder Cam Hartland and defender Austin Beaupre received Honorable Mention accolades in the Large Division.

Sportsmanship Awards went to Kyle Duethorn of Woodstock, Nathan Martins of Killingly, Jared Beauregard of Plainfield and James Bellows of Tourtellotte.

Killingly’s outstanding goalkeeper Kristy Gallant headed a group of First Team All-Stars who were honored in field hockey.  Joining Gallant on the First Team was her teammate defensive standout Emma Guillot and Woodstock Academy’s Stephanie Marasco.  Midfielders Kathy Wu and Alyssa Rainey were recognized in the Honorable Mention category as was Helena Ives of Woodstock.  Defensive players Kristen Cunneen of Killingly and Allie Swan of Woodstock received Sportsmanship awards.

Former Marianapolis
Standout Recognized
The Connecticut 6 Classic, the annual gathering for the state’s six mid-major men’s basketball teams was held Saturday at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.  The six schools participating were the University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, Central Connecticut State University, Yale University, Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University.
The 2013 All-Connecticut Preseason Team, selected by the head coaches included former Marianapolis forward Ike Azotam of Quinnipiac University.  It was further noted in the tournament notes that Azotam along with another former Golden Knight Ousmane Drame, form one of the best rebounding duos in college basketball.  The two make the Bobcats of coach Tom Moore one of the best rebounding teams in the nation.

Soccer Team Honored
Putnam Science Academy honored its soccer teams Nov. 6 at an Awards Presentation Evening held at the school.  The Mustangs had three teams on the field this fall with more than 60 players participating on the varsity, junior varsity and 3rd squads. 

Senior Suleyman Ozgul walked away with most of the varsity honors, including team Most Valuable Player.  During the season he led the Mustangs to 7-5 record as he recorded 14 goals and 20 assists.

From The Annals
of Putnam Sports History
Although Putnam usually played football on Thanksgiving Day, in November 1906 on Thanksgiving afternoon, Putnam defeated Leicester Academy in basketball 35-8, in a game played at the Armory.  (Information contributed by Willie Zamagni)
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: A bird in the hand… can be messy.

Quinebaug pg 9 11-14-13

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By Ron P. Coderre
The local football season is quickly rolling toward its Thanksgiving Day and postseason conclusion.  Two area teams continue to make a bid to play beyond Turkey Day, as Quinebaug Pride and Hyde-Woodstock posted victories maintaining slim chances of playing for State and League titles.
Pomfret School, which this year played an abbreviated eight-game schedule, closed its season on a positive note while Plainfield made it three-for-three over schools from Rhode Island with a victory over Central Falls.  Killingly continued its up-and-down season, losing big to Norwich Free Academy.  Woodstock picked up a moral victory, losing to Fitch 28-6.
Quinebaug Pride extended its winning streak to five games with a 27-0 shutout victory over visiting Platt Tech.  The Pride jumped out to a first quarter 14-0 lead thanks to its one-two punch of Jon Sanderson and Raif Santerre who tallied touchdowns of eight and seven yards respectively.  On the day,
Sanderson posted 122 yards on 21 carries and his counterpart Santerre recorded 142 yards on 23 carries to lead the way.  The Pride of coach Joe Asermelly is now 7-2 after starting the season at 2-2.
Hyde-Woodstock entertained its sister school Hyde-Bath (Maine) but showed no mercy defeating the visitors 26-14.  Kyle Jordan paced coach Sean Saucier’s Wolfpack running for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  The win raises Hyde’s overall record to 6-2 and 6-1 in the Evergreen League.
In Pomfret, the Griffins of coach Henry Large concluded their season on a winning note, besting visiting Westminster 34-7.  After falling behind 7-0 in the first stanza, the remainder of the contest belonged to Pomfret as it ran off a string of 34 unanswered points.  Austin Jones led the way with two touchdowns, both on runs of five yards.  Pomfret concludes its season at 4-4 overall and in the Colonial League.
Plainfield erupted for 29-first quarter points in rolling past Central Falls, Rhode Island 46-6 in Central Village.  Junior quarterback Steve Jankowski delighted a large Homecoming crowd, passing for 116 yards and three touchdowns.  Plainfield raised its record to 4-4 after a clean sweep of three Rhode Island teams. In addition to the Central Falls victory coach Pat Smith’s Panthers earlier defeated North Providence and North Smithfield.
Killingly journeyed down Rt. 395 to Norwich for a Friday game under temporary lights and had its lights turned out by the Wildcats 56-12.  The Redmen were entertained by the Marcus Outlow show as the Division I college-bound running back had his best game of the season for NFA running for three touchdowns and 260 yards on 18 carries.  The loss drops Killingly to 4-5 overall.
Woodstock though never in the game made Fitch play all four quarters losing 28-6.  Following a scoreless first quarter, Fitch scored 21 unanswered points before Woodstock’s Billy Harrington scored on a one-yard plunge.  The Centaurs are 0-9 overall and 0-2 in the ECC Small Division.
Extra Points…
A pair of Pomfret School seniors, Chappy Paul and Noah Van Dyke recorded their first career touchdowns in the win over Westminster…The Hyde-Woodstock Wolfpack has to play a waiting game following its win over Hyde-Bath.  The team will find out this week if it receives a bowl bid from the New England Prep School Athletic Council…Quinebaug Pride remains the only local high school in the running for State Tournament play.  Last week’s CIAC rankings had the team in 8th place just ahead of Stonington.  Both teams won this week, but the strength of schedule may have an effect on the standings…Trent Appleton started at quarterback this week for Woodstock and was 4-5 for 39 yards passing prior to getting injured attempting to block an extra point kick…Quinebaug Pride’s trio of Tylor Genest, Raif Santerre and Jon Sanderson continue their assault on the scoring and rushing lead for the area.  Genest, who has scored in every game this season, is the area scoring leader with 88 points.  He also has 447 yards rushing.  Sanderson and Santeerre have a combined 1767 yards on the season.  Santerre, who has 80 points and is second in the scoring race, has 876 yards on the ground while Sanderson has 891.  Both have a great shot at 1000-yard seasons with two games remaining…In the win over Platt Tech, Quinebaug Pride allowed only 61 yards of total offense to the visitors…The Pride has a talented toe in the person of kicker Connor Pion…This week’s upcoming schedule includes Bullard Havens at Quinebaug Pride (6:30 p.m.) on Friday.  Saturday has Plainfield at Woodstock in a noon start.
Putnam Town Crier Super Standings: Quinebaug Pride – 7-2; Hyde-Woodstock – 6-2; Plainfield – 4-4; Pomfret School – 4-4; Killingly – 4-5; Woodstock Academy – 0-9.