Obits pg 8 9-19-19
- Details
- Category: Current Issue
Ralph T. Carlson,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK — Ralph T. Carlson, 95, died Sept. 10, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Jean L. (Fowler) Carlson.
Born in 1923 in Portland, Maine, he was the son of the late Joseph O. and Ethel M. (Schools) Carlson.
Mr. Carlson was a graduate of UConn.
Ralph was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy.
While Ralph was serving in the Navy in Oklahoma, he sent Jean a telegram asking her to join him in marriage. Jean traveled by train to Oklahoma and the next day they were united in marriage.
He was honorably discharged from the Navy on Feb. 19, 1946.
Mr. Carlson worked for nearly 40 years as an electrical engineer for Connecticut Light and Power.
He extended his credentials by earning the distinction of Licensed Professional Engineer.
He was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Scottish Rite, and Church of the Good Shepard in West Woodstock. He enjoyed playing his trombone with the Shriner’s Band, East Woodstock Cornet Band, UConn Marching Band, Junior Symphony Band of New Haven, and The Blue Notes, a jazz dance band in Southington.
While most active with the Masons, Ralph served as Master of the Friendship Lodge #33, and as a District Deputy.
In his youth, Ralph also earned the honor of Eagle Scout with a palm and worked with Scouts in New Haven.
For the past 34 years, Ralph enjoyed sitting on his deck overlooking Chamberlain Lake, watching the birds, and enjoying nature.
He leaves his wife of 74 years, Jean L. (Fowler) Carlson; two daughters, Bonnie Stone (Thomas) of Old Saybrook and Susan Rosenblatt (Steven) of Prospect; a granddaughter, Kimberly Giddens (Benjamin).
Donations: Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Stephan M. Kellner,
Air Force vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Stephan M. Kellner, 72, of N. Grosvenordale, formerly of Gary, Ind. died unexpectedly Sept. 12, 2019, at home.
He was the husband of Anne M. M. (Sharples) Kellner.
They were married Oct. 4, 1980.
Born Aug. 10, 1947, in Gary, he was the son of the late Stephan D. and Ann (Ignatz) Kellner.
He was a retired Master Sergeant with the Air Force after 20 years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 67 in N. Grosvenordale. Also a member of the Cornerstone Quinebaug Lodge # 122 in Thompson, member of Betty Putnam Chapter 106 Eastern Star, served as Grand Representative of Nova Scotia P. E. I. near CT.
Stephan was a past Grand Royal Patron of Order of the Amaranth, member of Harmony Court #12.
He was an avid reader, airplane enthusiast and was a truck driver for 25 years.
Besides his wife Anne he leaves his children, Richard Kellner (Heather) of Virginia, Robert Kellner (Hilary) of Putnam; siblings Peggy Johnson (Jim) of Indiana, Ruth Lanham (Tom) of Indiana, Gail Murphy of Indiana, Mary Garus of Florida; sister-in-law Cheryl Kellner of Indiana.
He was predeceased by his brother Wally Kellner.
The Funeral was Sept. 17 from Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with military honors.
Donations: Cornerstone Quinebaug Lodge #122 PO Box 470, Thompson, CT 06277; or Harmony Court #12 (c/o Jan McIntyre 429 E. School St. Apt 605 Woonsocket, R.I. 02895).
Joseph M. Flynn,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Joseph M. Flynn, 92, of Breault St., Putnam, died Sept. 8, 2019, at home. He was the husband of the late Jane (Williams) Flynn who died on July 4, 2018.
Born in 1926 in Hartford, he was the son of the late William A. and Rose (Walsh) Flynn. Joseph was a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with the class of 1951.
Mr. Flynn was a veteran of WWII, having served with the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged on April 5, 1946, and then worked for many years as a chemist at Belding Heminway, Putnam and N. Grosvenordale.
He was a member of the Town of Putnam Library Board and Board of Tax Review. Joseph enjoyed reading and watching all New England sports teams as well as his beloved alma mater Holy Cross football team and the Putnam High School teams.
He leaves four sons, David Flynn (Erica) of Lino Lakes, Minn., Matthew Flynn (Katherine) of Libertyville, Ill, John Flynn (Kim) of Woodstock, and Luke Flynn of Waipahu, Hawaii; seven grandchildren, Andrea, Laura, Sarah, Nathan, Catherine, Victoria and Caitlin and two great-grandchildren, Tess and Piper. He was predeceased by his siblings, Edward Flynn and Helen Hamilton.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation Church, Putnam. Private burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Putnam Public Library, 225 Kennedy Dr., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Normand Despelteau,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Normand Phillip Despelteau, 93, of 366 Church St., died Sept. 5, 2019, of natural causes. He was born on May 16, 1926, in N. Grosvenordale, a son of Louis Phillip Despelteau and Marie Louise Fagnant Despelteau. His wife, Teresa (Lagrandeur) Despelteau, died Sept. 19, 2006.
He was a graduate of St. Joseph Grammar School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School. He later graduated from Putnam State Trade School in the mechanical drafting and machining departments. He also received specialized training in that field at United Aircraft Co. in Hartford.
He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the 13th Jungle Air Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of sergeant. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Victory and the Good Conduct Medals. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post 15007 and the American Legion Mayotte Viens Post 13 in Putnam.
After his tour of duty in the Air Force, he worked at United Aircraft in Hartford, Roger Cramer Corp. in Killingly, American Optical Co. in Southbridge, and the final 33 years at A&M Tool and Die Co., in Southbridge, retiring in 1988.
He was a member of St Mary Church of the Visitation and had served as a lector and Eucharist minister. He enjoyed golf, collecting autographs, crossword puzzles and music.
He leaves two daughters, Ann Louise Despelteau of Tampa, Fla., and Norma Lynne Bouchard (Robert) of McMurray, Penn.; and a son, James Philip Despelteau (Lynn) of Exeter, N.H.; four grandchildren, Matthew (Christina) Bouchard and Jason (Melissa) Bouchard, Nicole Despelteau and Emily Despelteau; two great grandchildren, Hudson and Asher Bouchard. He was predeceased by six sisters, Yvette Duquette, Emily Despelteau, Bella Despelteau, Jean Crum, Gabrielle Auger and Rolande Bartlett, two brothers, Louis Despelteau and Bernard Despelteau, and one grandson, Robert Bouchard Jr.
Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam. Burial with military honors follows in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam.
Richard S. Smith
DANIELSON — Richard S. Smith, 83, of Danielson died Sept. 5, 2019, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford after a short illness. He was born on July 23, 1936, in New Bedford, Mass.., the son of Richard and Claudia Smith of Mattapoisett, Mass.
Richard was employed by local textile factories such as Revere Textile in Sterling, Pervel Industries in Plainfield, and his last position at Intermark Flock in Plainfield before retiring due to health reasons.
Richard leaves his wife, Beverly (Wall) Smith of Danielson; son Kevin Smith of Canterbury; his grandchildren Kaitlyn Smith and Kameron Smith, both of Sterling. He was predeceased by his son Kyle Smith who died in 1975 at the age of 4 of leukemia. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Margaret M. Dexter
PUTNAM — Margaret M. Dexter, 77, wife of Robert Dexter, of Putnam died Sept. 6, 2019, at Westview Health Care Center. She was born April 1, 1942, in Lansing, Mich., daughter of the late Alden and Ada (Rice) Chase.
Margaret was a graduate of Woodstock Academy class of 1960 and attended Annhurst College. She worked as an assembler for Fiberoptics Technology in Pomfret, but was most passionate about her nearly 20-year career at Woodstock Elementary School as a teacher’s aide working with children needing one-on-one assistance. She loved gardening, growing colorful flowers from spring until fall. She was an avid horseman and rode motorcycles from coast to coast. Whether in N.E. or S. Carolina, Margaret found walking paths, hiking trails and state parks to accommodate her combined love of the outdoors and exercise.
Margaret leaves behind Robert, her high school sweetheart and husband of 58 years; children Mark Dexter (Amy) of Woodstock, daughter Margaret Yonchak (David) of Fort Pierce, Fla.; sister Barbara Lyon (Gordon) of Eastford; nephew Michael Lyon; grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by a son Alan Dexter.
A Celebration of Life is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Ballroom at the Black Dog Bar and Grille in Putnam. All who attend are encouraged to wear bright colors. Yellow was Margaret’s favorite. Donations: Westview Health Care Center, Recreation Department, 150 Ware Road, Dayville, CT 06241; or Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Mary Louise Conover
EASTFORD — Mary Louise (Lapierre) Conover of Eastford, widow of Robert C. Conover, died in her sleep Aug. 23, 2019, after several years of decline due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Mary was born Nov. 16, 1946, in Concord, N.H., to George Arthur Lapierre and Celia (Labonte) Lapierre and was raised in Moosup. On Sep. 15, 1973, Mary and Bob were married and they enjoyed 43 years together in Eastford until Bob’s death on Dec. 17, 2016.
Mary worked for the state Department of Mental Retardation as a residential aide at Mansfield Training School for many years and at state Group Homes following the close of MTS, retiring in July 2002.
Mary and Bob spent many years enjoying the fruits of RC Farm with their extensive gardens and also participating in local farmer’s markets. After retirement they spent several weeks of the summer for several years fishing for salmon in Kenai, Alaska; and Mary enjoyed hobbies and was proficient at quilting and making pottery in her spare time and was a caring and thoughtful friend to many.
She leaves her sister Laura Baker (Mike) of Moosup; brothers Arthur Lapierre of Moosup, Roger Lapierre (Phyllis) of Coventry, and Maurice Lapierre of Plainfield; sisters-in-law Janice Conover of Cumming, Ga. , Marion Lapierre of Eastford, and Peg Conover Morley (Joe) of Prescott, Ariz.; nieces and nephews; and her aunt Dori Randmetz; dear friends Cookie Carberry, Betsy Main, and Lettie Schultz. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Bob, and her brothers Girard, Henri, and Oliver Lapierre.
A graveside ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 28 at Grove Cemetery in Eastford, where Mary’s and Bob’s ashes will be interred in a family plot and where military honors will recognize Bob’s military service in Vietnam. Donations: Hospice of Northeastern CT, c/o Day Kimball Development Office, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rita Dragon
DAYVILLE — Rita (Touchette) Dragon, 76, of Primrose Crossing, died Sept. 9, 2019, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in 1943 in Dayville, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Ida (Charon) Touchette.
Mrs. Dragon was a homemaker and in her younger years she enjoyed dancing.
She leaves a son, Frederick Dragon, III of Willimantic; and two daughters, Ida Dragon and Valerie Kozlowski (Michael), all of Dayville; her siblings, Joseph Touchette of Manhattan, N.Y., Alfred Touchette of Putnam, Donald Coloumbia of Plainfield, and Agnes Cote of Danielson; a granddaughter Brandy Boudia of New London; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers Edmond and Leon Touchette.
A celebration of Rita’s life is being planned. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Jean Kerr
PUTNAM — Jean Kerr of Putnam died Sept. 13, 2019, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam.
She was born Dec. 20, 1925, in Aurora, Ill., daughter of the late William Dodge and Henrietta (Bush) Macdonald. Jean was predeceased by her husband Paul B. Kerr and son Robert E Ross.
Jean loved her home and enjoyed her time in it. She also loved spending her time with her husband Paul either at home or on a cruise which they took twice a year. Jean was an executive secretary for more than 30 years for Hale Manufacturing Co. and later was the office manager for Dr. Mahendran.
She leaves her sons William H Ross (Rose) and David A. Ross; step children Karleen Gedney (Charles) and Robert Kerr (Linda); grandchildren SaraBeth Ross of Seattle, Jeannette Ross of Sabattus, Maine, Katielyn (Randy) Ross of Portland, Org., Elizabeth Ross of Southington; step grandchildren: Kimberly Gedney, Kellie (Steve) Panteleakos, Paul (Holly) Gedney of Moosup, and Robert (MaryBeth) Kerr Jr. of Pomfret.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Turnpike, Norwich. Donations: Day Kimball Hospital Cardiac Rehab, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Alfred R. Konesni
PUTNAM — Alfred Konesni, 69, died Sept. 5, 2019, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Meredith Shaw Konesni for 47 years
He was born in 1949, son of the late Erwin A. and Estelle Konesni, He was raised in Pomfret. He graduated from Putnam High School in 1967 and UConn in 1971 with degrees in economics and political science. He retired as a partner in The Sanford F. Hall Agency, Inc., Avon.
Al enjoyed home renovation, cooking, traveling, and caring for others. He had a secret soft spot for the elderly and anyone in need; cooking for them and visiting them, and in recent years was a Masonicare hospice volunteer. He and Merry also enjoyed time spent at home in Putnam, winters in Melbourne, Fla., and summers in York Beach, Maine.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter, Kerensa Natasha of Putnam; two “Texas Roses,” daughter, Courtney, and granddaughter, Mia; siblings, Bill Konesni (Judy) of Pomfret; John Kone (Connie) of Marietta, Ga., JoAnne Mitchell (Andrew) of Bloomfield; and sister-in-law Edith Konesni of Belfast, Maine; nieces and nephews, (he was especially close to his nephew Jon Preble). He was predeceased by siblings, Pauline and Andrew, and his son, Christian Shaw Konesni.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 21 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church on Grove Street, followed by burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery. Donations: American Red Cross of CT, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06032; or The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Robert S. Shaevitz
PUTNAM — Robert S. Shaevitz, 68, of Woodstock Ave., died Sept. 12, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Susan (Summers) Shaevitz. Born in 1950 in Providence, he was the son of the late Joseph and Doris (Ladd) Shaevitz. Mr. Shaevitz worked as a material handler at the Staples warehouse. Robert was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching Perry Mason on the television.
He leaves his wife, Susan (Summer) Shaevitz; his children, Thomas Shaevitz of Putnam and Ameenie James and a granddaughter Gloriana James all of Putnam. He was predeceased by a daughter, Tammy Shaevitz and a sister Gloria Shaevitz.
Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
..