Louis J. Artiaco,

WWII vet

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Louis J. Artiaco, 86, of Ticecreek Dr. formerly of Putnam, died, June 19, 2015, in his sleep in Manor Care after a long and full life. 

Born in 1928 in Middletown, he was the fourth of five children born to Italian immigrants Luigi and Louise (Caizza) Artiaco.

When Lou was 17 he served in the Army as a meteorologist during the WWII occupation of Germany. After the war, he graduated from UConn in 1953. Lou worked as a software developer and accountant and is the founder of an accounting software firm called CRT Systems Inc.

Throughout his life, Lou cultivated many interests and passions including art, theatre, college sports, skiing, swimming, and pool. Just last year, Lou won the Ellsworth 8-baIl Pool Tournament at Rossmoor. Lou was an avid golf aficionado and played every chance he could. He was fortunate to have extensively traveled the world throughout his life; his sense of adventure and wanderlust was unrivaled.

Lou was a member of the Ecumenical Society at Rossmoor and was a communicant for St. Anne Catholic Church in Walnut Creek.

He leaves two sons, Gary Artiaco and Brian Artiaco; and a granddaughter Louise Miller. He was predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Artiaco. 

A Graveside Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24 in St. Mary Cemetery, Providence Street. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

John E. Pelczarski,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — John E. Pelczarski, 91, of Walnut Street, died Oct. 16, 2015, at home. He was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Putnam, son of the late Thomas and Emelia (Bienias) Pelczarski. 

John was married to Betty Pelczarski for 48 years. He was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Putnam and attended St. Mary School. John made his home in Putnam all his life. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army. 

He worked in construction, doing masonry work and general construction. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for more than 20 years. He loved camping in Maine and traveling with Betty. He was a fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. John enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. He was a member of the VFW Post #1523 in Putnam.

He leaves his three daughters; Debbie Pelczarski of Putnam, Sandy Perron (Brian) of Putnam, Kathy Pelczarski of Putnam; grandchildren Brad Perron (Kelsey) of Newport, Vt., and Haley Perron of Putnam; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley Pelczarski and Joseph Pelczarski. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 20 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations:  St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, CT.  Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.

 

Garnald L. Hewey,

Army vet

THOMPSON — Garnald L. Hewey, 83, of E. Thompson Rd., died Oct. 13, 2015, in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, after a battle with cancer.  He was the husband of 57 years to Barbara M. (Russell) Hewey.  They were married Nov. 23, 1957, in Dudley.  

Born in 1932 in Kingfield, Maine, he was the son of the late, Hayden and Bertha (Daggett) Hewey.

Garnald graduated from Kingfield High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.  After his tour, he was honorably discharged in 1961, earning the rank of Corporal. He was a truck driver for Webster Spring, and then Anglo Fabric. He was a volunteer firefighter for the East Thompson Fire Department.  He was an avid N.E. sports fan and enjoyed playing Wii bowling at the Thompson Senior Center. .  Garnald will be remembered for his honesty.

In addition to his wife Barbara, Garnald he leaves his son, Neil Hewey of Thompson; his daughters, Deborah Harvard of Killingly, and Karen Place (David) of Thompson; his brother, Lawrence “Joe” Hewey of Skoweghan, Maine; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jessica, Cory, Andrew, Erica and her husband John, and Kyle; and his great-grandchildren, Kiara, and Cameron.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Heland Hewey, L. Lewelyn Hewey; and his sister, Faye Niles.  

Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Charlotte Nowakowski

EASTFORD — Charlotte Nowakowski, 73, of Eastford, died suddenly Oct. 16, 2015. 

She was born on Jan. 23, 1942, in Windham, daughter of the late Harry and Lottie (Colburn) Amberg. She was married to Matthew Nowakowski in 1970. He died in 2013.

Charlotte was a social member of the Eastford Independent Fire Company. She enjoyed scrapbooking, card making and spending time in her flower gardens gardening. 

She leaves her daughter; Debi Johnson (Chris) of Eastford; her son; Ernest Nowakowski (Cindy) of Eastford; her brothers Sam Amberg (Becky) of Lebanon and Alfred Amberg (Sharron) of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; sister Sandy Amberg of Willimantic; grandchildren; Becca DeLay (Travis) of Eastford, Shane Johnson (Tanya) of Sterling, Carissa Johnson of Ashford, Robert Nowakowski (Heather) of Woodstock, Steven Nowakowski (Angie) of Eastford; great-grandchildren; Peyton, Amber, Andrew, Matthew, Timothy, Forest and Violet. 

Donations: Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Henry B. Cole

WOODSTOCK — Henry B. Cole, 91, of Woodstock, died Oct. 11, 2015, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He was the husband of Janeth (McIntosh) Cole, who died March 4, 2011, and son of the late Arthur and Florence (Bogardus) Cole. He was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Jersey City, N.J. 

He worked as an engineering physicist at the American Optical Company in Research and Development in the field of fiber optics. Henry was a lifelong Mason with the Putnam Lodge #46 in Woodstock. He had a great pride and passion for being a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed visiting different Masonic Lodges in the states and around the world. Henry was made a Mason in Maine and then affiliated with Putnam Lodge #46 upon moving to Woodstock. He was a Past Master of Putnam #46 and District Deputy Grand Master for District 9A of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge AF&AM of Connecticut. Henry was awarded the Pierpont Edwards medal in bronze for his masonic service. He was a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Norwich. He was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Sphinx Temple. Henry was the long time treasurer of his lodge and a mentor to many young masons. 

He leaves his children Constance Lovell (Richard) of Waterford, Lauren De Herrera of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren; Sheri Barclay (Scott) of Oakdale, Pamela Rowe (Doug) of Niantic, Mark De Herrera (Jennifer) of Chandler, Christopher De Herrera (Alyson) of Austin, Ryan De Herrera (Hilary) of Mesa, Ariz.; 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Karkos and son-in–law Clifford De Herrera. 

A Memorial Masonic Service was Oct. 18 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Putnam Masonic Lodge charities, PO Box 46, South Woodstock, CT 06267. 

 

Tiffany R. Ball

WEBSTER — Tiffany R. Ball, 34, of Webster, died Oct. 13, 2015, after a long illness at UMass Hospital in Worcester. She was the daughter of Brenda (Rose) Ball and the late Shelby Ball. She was born Dec. 23, 1980, in Putnam. 

She loved music and her cats, especially Muffin

She leaves her mother Brenda Ball and her companion Roland Ross of Pomfret. She was predeceased by her boyfriend of 10years, John Boutilette who died in April of 2015. 

She will be buried in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Rose A. Evans

DANIELSON — Rose A. Evans, 77, of Danielson, died Oct. 13, 2015, at UMass in Worcester. Born May 29, 1938, in Danielson, daughter of the late Armond and Vina (Trahan) Genest. She was married to Howard W. Evans in 1979. Rose worked for Frito-Lay for 17 years until her retirement. She enjoyed bingo and trips up north for getaways.

She leaves her husband Howard Evans; children; Melody Knox, Alvin Corey, Clyde Corey and Jeff Corey; stepchildren; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons Kevin Corey and Reggie Corey.  

The Funeral was Oct. 19 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St. Danielson, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations: American Diabetes Association, Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457.

 

Christopher M. Rogers

KILLINGLY — Christopher M. Rogers formerly of Brooklyn, died unexpectedly Oct. 14, 2015, in Killingly. The son of David M. and Susan M. (Shaia) Rogers, he was born on May 12, 1982, in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

He graduated from Killingly High School and worked for Loos and Co. for 10 years as a machine operator. Chris loved sports, was a phenomenal pool player and a diehard Yankees fan. 

He leaves his parents David and Susan of Putnam; brother, Joseph W. Rogers (Jena) of Willimantic; grandfather, Donald Kusha; best friends Ryan Howley, Shane Field; uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents Doris and William Shaia, paternal grandparents Elizabeth Kusha and William Rogers.

Burial will be private. Donations: Hope Community Church, 25 Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam.

 

Dorothy Zmetra

WEBSTER — Dorothy “Dot” (Paciorkowski )  Zmetra, 79, died peacefully Oct. 11, 2015, in Fairfax, Va., after a long struggle with brain cancer.  

She graduated from Bartlett High School and later graduated from Leo’s Beauty Institute.  She was the owner/manager of Chet’s Smoke Shop on Main Street, Webster.  Dorothy enjoyed cooking, taking pictures and living on Webster Lake before moving to Chantilly due to health issues. She had a dynamic personality.

Dorothy was born on Nov. 15, 1935, in Dudley, the daughter of the late Benny and the late Mary (Gajewski) Paciorkowski.  Her husband of 53 years, William Joseph Zmetra died in 2008.

She leaves two daughters:  Karen Glenn (John) of Chantilly, Va., Maria Paska (Edward) of Chantilly; one son:  Mark Zmetra (Guylaine) of Woodstock; 11 grandchildren.

 A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 17 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in the St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster.  Donations: National Brain Tumor Society at braintumor.org, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA, 02458. Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, Dudley.

 

Patricia Bennett

WEBSTER — Patricia  (Brogan) Bennett, 79,  died Oct. 17, 2015, at home.

Pat was born in Boston, daughter of the late John T. and Mildred E. (Sheehy) Brogan and lived most of her life in Webster.  She was a retired supervisor, having worked for many years at Charter Communication.  She was a member of the Senior Bowling League and enjoyed playing cards, bingo and being around good people.

Pat leaves her son, Steven J. Bennett of Dedham, Mass.; a daughter, Kathleen P. Wojcik (John) of Putnam; two brothers, John T. Brogan of Attleboro, Mass., and Francis E. Brogan of New Hampshire; one sister, Annie Beaudry of Webster; two grandchildren, Ashlynne Wojcik and Joshua Wojcik. 

The Funeral Mass was Oct. 22  in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Shirley Dowgiewicz

WEBSTER — Shirley M. (LePine) Dowgiewicz, 89, died Oct. 14, 2015, at home. Her husband of 63 years, Edward W. Dowgiewicz, died in 2012.

She was born and raised in Putnam, a daughter of Clovis “Jack” LePine and Anna E. (Duffy) LePine. She lived in Webster most of her life. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Putnam.

Mrs. Dowgiewicz was an office clerk at Sandlerette Shoe and then at the Department of Employment Security in Webster for several years.

She was a communicant of St. Joseph Basilica and a member of its St. Anne Society and the St. Joseph Polish Women’s Club. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, visits to Foxwoods.

She leaves two sons, Richard E. Dowgiewicz (Diane) of Bennington, Vt., and Webster Selectman Mark G. Dowgiewicz and his companion Nancie Zecco of Webster; four grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, Jeffrey and Ashley Dowgiewicz; a great-grandson, Rhory Dowgiewicz. She was predeceased by a son, Edward W. Dowgiewicz II in 1988.

The Funeral Mass was Oct. 19 in St. Joseph Basilica with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. Donations: Friends of St. Joseph School Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Emanuel Ellis

PUTNAM — Emanuel Cayden Ellis died Oct. 11, 2015, shortly after birth at the Hartford Children’s Hospital. He was the son of Jerome E. Ellis Jr. and Ruth Bright Star White of Putnam. He leaves three brothers Jerome E. Ellis III, Michael T. Ellis both of Worcester and Jayden E. Fox Ellis of Putnam; a sister Mikala Wuggin Anockus White of Charlton; maternal grandparents, Michael J. Bessette Sr. and Ruth (Morse) Little Star Bessette of Charlton; paternal grandfather Jerry Ellis and step grandmother Jeanne Ellis of Connecticut; paternal grandmother Christine Pulkinen and step grandfather Ziggie Pulkinen of Connecticut. 

Amercan Indian ritual and celebration of life was Oct. 17 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Judith Kubiak

DUDLEY — Judith A. Kubiak, 69, died Oct. 12, 2015, at the Maryann Morse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Natick, Mass.

Judy was born in Webster daughter of Eugenia (Evanski) Kubiak and the late Joseph C. Kubiak of Dudley.  Judy in most recent years had her own animal sitting business. She also was a caregiver at Day Kimball hospital in Putnam.  Judy was a member of the RI Arabian Horse Assoc., and was a animal activist.  Her enjoyment was crocheting, animals and especially horses.  Judy’s kindness and caring for creatures large and small was a wonderful thing to experience. 

She leaves her daughter Katie; two grandchildren Benjamin and Isabella of Australia; her mother Eugenia M. (Evanski) Kubiak of Dudley; three brothers; Paul of Florida, Robert of Yarmouthport, Mass., and Joseph of Oakton, Va.  Judy was predeceased by her sisters, Joan Racicot and Patricia Greenleaf. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 21 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace.  Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., E. Brookfield, MA 01515. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

..