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Thomas P. Laskey Sr.
WOODSTOCK — Thomas Penrose Laskey, 90, of Woodstock, died Sept. 11, 2021 in Dayville.
Born in 1931 in Old Town, Maine, Tom was the son of the late Samuel and Grace (Wickett) Laskey. One of nine children, Tom had many fond childhood memories and remained close to his siblings his entire life. Tom visited Maine often, especially “Letter G Camp” and was an integral part of his large loving family.
Tom graduated from University of Maine in 1953 and began his work as an engineer at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft where he met Jack Swigert, astronaut of Apollo 13. Jack became a good friend of Tom’s and served as a groomsman in Tom’s wedding to Jean Duncanson in 1959. Tom went on to work for Pearse-Pearson Co. as a manufacturer’s representative.
Because of his New England territory, he and Jean chose to settle in Woodstock. In the later 1960s, Tom switched careers and pursued his passion for real estate development. He is known for the development of Woodstock Meadows, Cornfield Point and The Country Manor Apartments in Woodstock, as well as building and restoring private residences.
A man of many projects, Tom was responsible for the American flag banners hung throughout his town of Woodstock and took pride in his political work. He served on the staff for Senator Lowell Weicker, was a convention delegate and stayed active in politics.
Tom kept track of all important information on Post-it notes, enjoyed ice cream, lobster rolls, fried clams, hunting, fishing, skiing and the game of cribbage. He was always impeccably dressed in khakis, neatly pressed oxfords and always carried a white handkerchief. Additionally, he took pride in his flower gardens and restored barn in which he hosted many celebrations, most notably his annual Octoberfest.
He leaves his daughter, Katherine (Matthias) Laskey-Bolling; two sons, Thomas P. Laskey Jr. (Betsy), Gregory E. Laskey (Liz); three brothers, Henry, Harold “Buzz” (Donna), Douglas (Iris); two sisters, Sylvia, Shirley (Steve); was “Gepaw” seven grandsons, Jack (Hillary), Peter (Karla), Liam, Aidan, Jude, Raymond, Paul; two granddaughters, Hannah and Anna (who he lovingly referred to as “my girlfriends”); and his treasured friend, Frank Sandberg; his former wife Jean Duncanson Laskey. He was predeceased by son, Peter D. Laskey; brother, Samuel (infant); and sisters, Mae and Sandra; sister-in-law Doris and brother-in-law Robert. He was the partner of Carol Perkins, whom he met in 2002 and who predeceased him by six months. He and Carol enjoyed traveling and sharing a vacation home in Camden, Maine.
A Celebration of Life for Tom is being planned. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. Donations: The Woodstock Academy Foundation (memo: Peter D. Laskey Scholarship) and mailed to The Woodstock Academy, 57 Academy Rd. Woodstock, CT 06281; or to Woodstock Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 222, Woodstock, CT 06281. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Helen E. (Rice) Miner
PUTNAM — Helen (Rice) Miner, 93, of Putnam, died Sept. 14, 2021. She was the wife of John Henry Miner, who died Dec. 30, 2013. Born in 1928 in Holyoke, Mass., she was the daughter of James and Jennie (Hodak) Rice. She attended school at St. Joseph’s and Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson and moved to Putnam after marrying John Henry. They were married for over 62 years.
Helen worked in banking for many years. After her career in banking, she went on to help families with home childcare. During her career, she was a member of the National Secretary Association. She was also a member of the Girl Scouts Association and served as a Girl Scout leader when her daughters were young.
Helen was an avid reader, enjoying murder mystery books. She also loved watching her favorite soap opera, General Hospital, every day at 2 pm. She loved to strike up conversations with anyone she came across and would always remember their name.
She leaves two daughters, JoAnn Hall of Thompson, Sharon Miner-Taylor (John) of Manchester; grandsons Brandon and Noel Hall of Thompson; granddaughter, Jacqueline Taylor of Enfield; two brothers, James Rice Jr. and John Rice (Betsy) of Thompson; three sisters, Mary Babbitt of Thompson, Jenny Beaudry of Southbridge, and Jane Nichols of Brookfield, Mass.; nieces and nephews; longtime friend Madeline Gastonguay of Spring Hill, Fla. Services were private. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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