Details

Category: Current Issue

Walter E. Johnson,
WWII vet
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Walter Einar Johnson, 93, of Daytona Beach, formerly of Woodstock, died June 29, 2019, after a brief illness.
He was born Jan. 17, 1926, in Philadelphia, and at age 9 his family moved to Woodstock in 1935.  Walt graduated from Woodstock Academy with the Class of 1944 and having enlisted in the U.S. Army, immediately entered Basic Training.  He was assigned to the 1287th Combat Engineers Battalion Company B, served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany participating in the liberation of Europe, and was honorably discharged in May, 1946.
After the war, like so many of the “Greatest Generation”, Walt married, set about to raise a family, and got to work. His employment began at Stillwater Worsted Mill in E. Woodstock, then on to automotive millwork at Simplex Automotive Parts in Providence, and for 30 years a truck driver and mechanic for F.C. Davis Transportation Company Inc. in Danielson, retiring in 1988.  Over the years he raised chickens for market, sold sweet corn and potatoes, also started two businesses: Woodstock Paving and Woodstock Truck & Auto.
He was an active member for more than 65 years of the Muddy Brook Fire Department and was awarded Life Membership for over 70 years of service to the Department. Walt also joined the Woodstock American Legion Post #111, achieving a Life Membership in that organization for his many years of volunteer service to the Post and fellow veterans. Other civic involvement was with the Woodstock Agricultural Society where he also became a Life Member. Walt was a 21-year member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Danielson. His most cherished awards were the recognition of these lifetime memberships and being honored for his service in the U.S. Army during WWII by the State of Connecticut in 2006.
Walt was also an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing, and in retirement, golf. Other interests included NASCAR, Bingo, and especially playing cards with anyone who would join him. He always had a smile, and an encouraging word, and was always available to lend a helping hand.
He leaves his wife, Doris Davis Johnson and members of four generations of his family; three children: Jeri Lee Musumeci, Richard (Jeanne) Johnson and Alan (Donna) Johnson; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Eric and Anne Johnson, step-mother Mitzi Johnson; his first wife Dorothy; sister Evelyn Eddy Fairfield and son-in-law Thomas Musumeci.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the E. Woodstock Congregational Church, E. Woodstock. A reception with the family will follow the service in Fellowship Hall. Donations: Muddy Brook Fire Department, PO Box 222, E. Woodstock, CT 06244. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

James W. Gilbert,
Navy vet
DAYVILLE — James W. Gilbert, 69, of Dayville, died Aug. 6, 2019.
He was born May 1, 1950, son of the late Robert and Gloria (Greene) Gilbert.
Jim attended St. Mary, Putnam High School and QVCC. He was a Life Scout and former Assistant Scout Master of Troop 25 in Putnam and a proud father of two Eagle Scouts. In his younger years he worked as paper boy for the Norwich Bulletin, then for Woodstock Line Co., McClellan, Joy’s Orchards, Bradley Provision Co. and for Garneau’s Slaughterhouse. Jim later was employed by the State of Connecticut at QV Fish Hatchery and Mashamoquet and Quaddick State Parks.
Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served on submarines USS Tigrone (AGSS419) and Thomas Jefferson (SSBN618). He was honorably discharged in 1972 as an E5 Commissary man.
Jim married the love of his life, lifetime partner and best friend Deborah (Daigneault) in 1972.
He had a love of the outdoors; hunting, fishing, clamming, gardening, surfing and woodcutting. He was a partner at the East Putnam Tree Farm and Braken Wynd, a summer cottage. Jim was a longstanding member of the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club, American Legion Post 13, Putnam Elks Pitch League and a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his children Kelly Gilbert, Jonathan Gilbert and Justin Gilbert (Alli); his grandchildren Andrew Chappell, Evan, Carter, Sawyer, Menden and “Princess” Calla Gilbert; siblings Bob (Donna), Dave (Pat), Terry (Norman) Gary (Mary), John (Pat), Cathy (Pat), Cricket (Bill), Timothy (John), Dennis, Kevin, Paul (Mary Ann) and Keith (Tory); mother-in-law Mildred Daigneault; friends Don, Dave, Gary, Randy K., Billy L., Ted H., Maynard Z., Stoge, Walt S., Ray D., Mike N., John F., E.J., Capt. AL, Kate, Marissa and Ken O’Kars.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 9 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial with military honors at Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Northeast Cancer Fund of DKH, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Po Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Anthony J. Fradette
DANIELSON — Anthony Joseph Fradette, 27 of Danielson died unexpectedly Aug. 9, 2019. Husband to Victoria (Perkins) Fradette, they were married Aug. 26, 2017. He was born Sept. 18, 1991 in Québec, Canada, son of Steve Fradette and Michelle Beaudoin.
He grew up in Danielson and was a graduate of Killingly High School where he played football for the Redmen. Whether it was a hard day’s work, playing a round of golf with friends, going on adventures or staying in for a movie night with his wife, Tony lived life to the fullest. His favorite days were those spent driving his boat or being by the water. He loved to squabble with his family in French, leaving those around him curious as to what they were saying. His infectious smile could light up any room and he was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He also loved his dogs Blue and Violet and was a proud member of the Danielson Elks Lodge 1706.
He leaves his wife Victoria; father Steve Fradette and his companion Sue of Augusta, Maine, mother Michelle Beaudoin of Canada; sister Tanya Worley, her husband John, and their daughter Bella of Mississippi; brother Nick Fradette and his companion Steph of Mississippi; grandparents Beaudoin of Québec, Canada and grandparents Fradette of Scotland.
Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at St. James Church, Danielson.

Theresa G. Herrick
DAYVILLE — Theresa G. Herrick, 84, of Dayville, died Aug. 7, 2019, at Davis Place in Danielson.
Born July 19, 1935, she was the daughter to the late Stanisclaus and Simone (Richard) Beaudoin. She was the wife of Albert A. Herrick. They were married on Sept. 4, 1954, in St. James Church. He died Dec. 15, 1996.
Theresa worked for Danielson Curtain as an inspector and next at Rosen’s Poultry as a plucker and next at Hale’s Manufacturing as a spinner and then after 21 years as a mold operator at Danco Manufacturing. She retired in 2000. Theresa was an avid reader and in retirement enjoyed traveling to Arizona to visit Connie Bachand, a dear friend.
Theresa leaves her sons Albert F. Herrick (Denise), Mark E. Herrick, Norman J. Herrick (Irene Robbins), Patrick F. Herrick (Tammy) and Arthur C. Herrick (Lori); her sister Claire A. Mayo; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Francis Beaudoin and a sister Lorraine Blake.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 12 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Barbara A. Langelier
N. GROSVENORDALE — Barbara A. (Godzik) Langelier, 84, of Floral Ave., died Aug. 11, 2019 at Matulaitis Nursing Home.  Born in 1935 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late Louis J. Godzik Sr. and Irene (Beaulac) Godzik.
She was the wife of her first husband, the late Donald E. Morin, and her second husband, the late Joseph C. Langelier of 54 years.
Mrs. Langelier worked for the Thompson school system for 35 years as the business secretary managing the fiscal department.  In addition, she served as secretary to the Thompson Board of Education for a vast portion of her tenure.  She served two terms as 2nd Selectwoman for the Town of Thompson.  She was a lifelong resident of N. Grosvenordale who served as a Justice of the Peace for many, many years.  She was also a lifelong communicant of St. Joseph Church, serving as lector. Barbara spent her retirement winters in Sarasota, Fla., where she was on many Tri Par Estate committees in addition to being elected to Tri Par Estate’s Board of Trustees representing the community to Sarasota County.
She enjoyed summers at the School House Pond Cottage making her delicious “clam chowda,” following all New England sports teams, NASCAR (especially Jeff Gordon,) spending time at the Sarasota area beaches, playing bingo, arts and crafts, knitting and watching the Seinfeld. She loved to dance, especially her favorite, Polka dancing. 
She leaves her sons, Donald A. Morin (Kathy) of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and John J. Langelier and his girlfriend Melissa of N. Grosvenordale, her daughter, Jennifer I. Langelier of N. Grosvenordale; her grandchildren, Christopher Morin, Michael Morin, and Kyle Morin. She was predeceased by her brother Louis Godzik Jr.
Visitation is from 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Aug. 16 in Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial follows in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: Matulaitis Rehabilitation and Skilled Care, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260; or the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Jonathan T. Mayo
PUTNAM — Jonathan T. Mayo, 26, of Sabin St., died unexpectedly Aug. 5, 2019. 
Born Aug. 13, 1992, in Putnam, he was the son of Christopher G. Mayo Sr. of Putnam and Tammy (Orlowski) Castore of Coventry, R.I.
Jonathan was an electrical technician and worked for Aerial Wire Service of Bellingham, Mass., a job he loved. He was a hard worker who loved to work with his hands. Building beautiful wooden decks was one of his favorites. Jon was a clown of sorts. If you were in a bad mood or sad, he would always get you to smile or laugh.  If it was water related Jonathan loved to do it, especially jet skiing and fishing. He enjoyed classic cars and his pets, especially his dog, Noah.
He would spend every available moment with his son Brayden. Brayden would stick to him like glue on the couch watching Pokémon or would play games such as “flippies” (flipping onto the bed,) baseball, soccer, fishing, or just shoot each other with the Nerf guns. Playing at the pond was a favorite, too.
In addition to his parents, Jonathan leaves his son Brayden Moitoza of Rhode Island; two brothers Christopher Mayo Jr. and Michael Mayo, both of Putnam; a stepfather, Robert Castore; a stepbrother, Nicholas Castore; a paternal grandmother, Elizabeth “Betty” Mayo of Putnam; aunts and uncles Kenneth Mayo of E. Putnam, Thomas and Kristin Mayo of Massachusetts, Greg and Christine Mayo of California, Bruce and Denise Beique of Florida, James and Charlene Orlowski of South Carolina, Bonnie Orlowski and Jennifer Dearing of Connecticut, Lorilee Litman of Washington. He was predeceased by uncle Alan Beique.
A Memorial Service will be held later. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Lucille B. McKay
WOODSTOCK — Lucille B. McKay, 87, formerly of Butts Rd. and Fabyan-Woodstock Rd., died Aug. 1, 2019, at Westview Healthcare Center in Dayville. She was the wife of the late James V. McKay.  Born in 1931 in Ware, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Leo and Laura (Boucher) LaCoste.
Known to many as Lou, she was an avid reader with a love for suspense novels and works by Stephen King and John Grisham.
She was a master of crossword puzzles and a fierce card player, particularly skilled in Bridge and Pitch. She enjoyed gardening and sewing projects, boating and travel; and she could    pronounce Lake   Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg   without hesitation
She loved time with family and friends, often relaxing with a Spicy Bloody Mary or Margarita in hand. Even at 87, Lou remained young at heart and could be counted on for a sassy remark or expression to brighten up any room. 
In her younger years, Lucille was a waitress and cook at Treasure Island in Webster. She also worked at the Continental Restaurant in Quinebaug, waitressed at Don’s Drive-In in Thompson, was the assistant manager at the Tip Top Hotel, and was a beekeeper at the New Boston Cemetery in Thompson.
She leaves her grandchildren, Rebecca L. Desjardins and Kevin J. McKay; great-grandchildren, Lily, Brook, and Chevy; nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughters, Karen L. Desjardins and Cindy A. McKay; and her brothers, Charles LaCoste and Aime LaCoste.
Donations: Westview Recreation Fund/ Lucille McKay, c/o Westview Healthcare, 150 Ware Road, Dayville, CT 06241. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Sally F. Doyle
CANTERBURY — Sally F. (Gorman) Doyle, 82, died Aug. 6, 2019, at Douglas Manor, Windham.
She was born in Bridgeport to the late John Gorman and Ruth (Parker) Gorman living in Canterbury all her life. Sally was a homemaker. She belonged to the Christian Fellowship Church in Scotland.
She leaves her husband of 64 years Richard E. Doyle of Canterbury;  her son Wayne Doyle (Dawn) of Marlborough; her daughters Kathleen Loomis (Robert) of Putnam and Keely Doyle of Plainfield; her sister Betty Jodoin of Jewett City; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her stepbrother John Gorman and her sister Marjorie Mancini. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.


Stafford Services
DUDLEY --- Celina Stafford, 100 years, 11 months and 14 days, formerly of 11 George St., died July 29, 2019.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Aug. 22 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Dudley. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. before Mass. Burial follows in Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. Donations: Lost and Found Cat Shelter, PO Box 84, Thompson, CT  06277.


..
..