By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Putnam Police Chief Rick L. Hayes.  The former Putnam High School football lineman is entering his 10th year as the chief of the department.  In his spare time Hayes now enjoys hitting the links for a relaxing deviation from his everyday duties.  On Sunday, Jan. 17 Hayes will blow out another candle on the cake.

Quinnatisset Country Club in Thompson has been fortunate to have the services of one of New England’s finest golf course superintendent for the past 27 years.  Michael Coty, not to be confused with Bishop Michael Cote of the Norwich Diocese, came to Quinnatisset in 1985 at a time when the course was in dire need of tender loving care.

Coty, who was a young man with only a few years experience under his belt at the time, has proven to be one of the best investments the course has made in its long and illustrious 110 plus years of existence.

A man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty, Coty dug into his job immediately with a plan for revitalizing the “Gem of Northeastern Connecticut.”  Along with his staff he undertook the work of restoring the greens, to the point where they became known as not only the fastest but the best maintained in the area.  He also dug in and repaired areas where water often accumulated by installing drainage in key areas of the course.

In order to maintain the proper amount of sunshine to all portions of the course he toiled spring, summer, autumn and even in the cold winter months removing damaged trees and those obliterating the sunshine without affecting the ecology of the beautiful landscape.  Proving that he wasn’t averse to putting in extra hours on the job, Coty could often be seen driving the course in the evenings and on weekends assuring that the sprinkler system was addressing arid parts of the fairways and rough.

As a jack-of-all trades, Coty maintained the valuable equipment needed to care for his baby, Quinnatisset Country Club.  He could often be found in the maintenance area repairing broken and often aged equipment, saving the course hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repair fees.

In 2003, when Quinnatisset underwent a major $3 million overhaul to its front-nine, Coty worked many long hours hand-in-hand with then Club President Peter Deary and Roger Rulewich, the architect hired to design and oversee the project.

Despite his many and varied duties, Coty was always affable with and considerate of the membership.  His unique sense of humor was often his biggest ally.  Whether it was Club tournament events or community golf tournaments or just a regular day on the golf course for the members, Coty always has the course looking like an 18-hole layout on the Emerald Isle. 

He had pride in himself, his work and the 18-hole golf course on County Road.

According to the current President of the Board of Trustees, Atty. Mark R. Brouillard, Quinnatisset is honoring Coty on the occasion of his retirement for “the fabulous job he’s done during his 27 years.”

On Sunday, January 23 at 6 p.m. Coty will be honored with a retirement dinner at the Thompson Speedway.  Joanne Crowley, along with Brouillard, is handling the particulars.  Tickets for the evening are $45 per person and can be purchased by mailing a check made payable to Quinnatisset Country Club to Crowley at 10 Wyndham Landing, Danielson, CT 06239.

As a member of Quinnatisset Country Club for nearly 35 years, RPC is proud to say that Mike Coty is “one hell of a guy.”  Mike, we extend to you one of the highest honors in sports, A Tip of the Sports Fedora from RPC.

A Big Mac on the Way

In November, Putnam Science Academy 6-foot, 8-inch power forward Mamadou Diarra from Queens, N.Y.,  signed a Letter-of-Intent to play basketball at UConn beginning in 2016.  Diarra, who is the main cog in coach Tom Espinosa’s team, which is off to an 12-1 start and ranked #4 in the Nation, recently received more good news.

Diarra was among nine Connecticut high school basketball players nominated to play in the 2016 McDonald’s All American Game, according to a release by McDonald’s dated Tuesday, January 5.  This year’s list includes 760 players from 49 states and the District of Columbia.  Selections were made by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee.

The final roster of the 24 young high school basketball players who will be chosen will be announced during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on ESPNU, airing Sunday, January 17.  The 39th Annual Boys Game will tip-off at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 from Chicago’s United Center.  The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Stayed tuned for the results of the Selection Committee’s decision.

Local Football Coach Resigns

Although it hasn’t been announced publicly, news from an anonymous source indicates that Clay Killingsworth has resigned his position as head football coach at Woodstock Academy.  Killingsworth has been at the helm of the Centaurs program for the past three years.  During that time, the program that’s been attempting to find its identity since its inception, has won three games.

It’s anticipated that an announcement will be forthcoming that Killingsworth will be moving on to Norwich Free Academy, where he’ll assume the position of offensive coordinator under head coach Jemal Davis.

Killingsworth replaced Gary Brine at Woodstock Academy when he assumed the position.

Patience and Perseverance Pay Off

In a recent Major League Baseball announcement Rajai Davis who played last season for the Detroit Tigers was signed for the upcoming season by the Cleveland Indians.

Davis, who graduated from New London High School and later played for coach Roger Bidwell at UConn-Avery Point, was drafted in 2001 by the Pittsburgh Pirates at age 20.  He made his Major League debut in 2006 with the Pirates.  The much-travelled outfielder, known for his speed and base running, has also played for the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants.

During his 10-year career, Davis has posted a .269 batting average and stolen 322 bases.  He will become a free agent in 2017.  In signing a one-year contract with the Indians, Davis will receive a salary of $5.25 million.  Not bad for a local kid who was drafted in the 38th round.  

Locally, he’s expected to be on hand at the World Baseball Coaches Convention at the Mohegan Sun on January 21, 22 and 23.  In the past Davis has appeared in Putnam at the former Day Kimball Hospital Sports Auction.

Keeping Up With the Collegians

Oscar Assie, who played at Putnam Science Academy during the 2011-2012-season, is enjoying a productive career at American International College in Springfield, Mass.  Assie, who is in his senior year scales in at a chiseled 6-feet, 7-inches and 225 pounds.  He’s coach Andy Burkholder’s force in the middle for the Yellow Jackets.

In a recent Northeast – 10 Conference victory over Assumption College, Assie saw limited action due to early foul trouble.  He ended the evening with four points and five rebounds.  AIC is 6-7 after 13 games.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: Cheerful givers do not count the cost of what they give.  Their hearts are set on pleasing and cheering the person to whom the gift is given.

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

..

 

 

Visits

Award winning actor of film, stage and television Brian Dennehy recently visited Westview Health Care Center and praised Phuong Nilo, RPT, Director of Rehab, left, for her work at the facility. Dennehy was very active and played sports at the high school and collegiate levels and has dealt with a recurring knee injury for many years. “I have worked with dozens of people in the best hospitals around the world and dozens of physical therapists and in terms of therapy there is no one like Phuong.” said Dennehy. “She has real knowledge and a real understanding of her craft. She is the best therapist I’ve ever worked with and seen at understanding the human body in such a profound way. Phuong knows her stuff and makes you feel completely relaxed. She is absolutely amazing!”  Courtesy photo.

 

Kenneth F. Whiteoak,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Kenneth F. Whiteoak, 87, of Sabin St., died Jan. 5, 2016, in Matulaitis Nursing Home where he was a resident for the last six months.  He was the husband of June (Salvas) Whiteoak who died Sept. 11, 2006. 

He was born in 1928 in Southbridge, son of the late Arthur and Ellen (Hampson) Whiteoak. Ken graduated from Mary Wells High School and the School of Practical Arts in Boston. He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army.

Mr. Whiteoak worked as an inspector at Pratt & Whitney retiring in 1990. He was an avid Red Sox, Patriots, and UConn basketball fan. He enjoyed yard work, drawing, trips to the casinos, and his scratch tickets.

He leaves his children, Ellen Hayes (Gary) of Thompson; Elizabeth Whiteoak and her partner Chas Armstrong of Harrisville, R.I.; and Scott Whiteoak of Dayville; a sister Mildred Steenburn of Dewittville, N.Y.; three grandchildren Todd and Brad Hayes and Krystle Whiteoak, four great-grandsons Mason, Tate, Keagan, and Kalvin. He was predeceased by a brother Donald and a sister Ruth. 

A private graveside service will be held in the spring in Putnam Heights Cemetery. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Thomas C. Samuels,

WWII vet

PUTNAM — Thomas C. Samuels, 80, of Putnam, died of lung cancer Dec. 14, 2015, at home. He was the husband of Lucille (Tetreault) Samuels. They were married Jan. 16, 1964. She died March 9, 2005. 

He was born Jan. 22, 1935, in Gallion, Ala., son of Eddie and Georgia (Abernathy) Samuels. 

He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged Jan. 31, 1956. He was a lover of sports and fishing. 

He was employed at Jacobs Rubber and a laborer. Thomas attended Linden, Ala., schools through junior high school. He moved to Connecticut and married his wife and raised his daughter Pamela. 

He leaves his siblings, Hazel, Chris, Melvia, George, Gene, Kathryn, Alma and Lena. He was predeceased by siblings, Edwina and Eula. He leaves one child, Pamela Vincelette Howard (Bradley); stepchildren Susan Walker and Joy Walker Webb; grandchildren, Ashley, Bradley, Rebecca, Andrew, Justin, John, Hannah, Oliver and Morgan, great-grandchildren Lauthell, Alyceya, Layah, Othelia, Charlotte, Jonah, Abagail, Molly, Aven and Coty. 

Graveside Services will be at 10 a.m. May 21 with military honors. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Robert R. Messier

ELLINGTON — Robert R. “Bob” Messier, 69, of Buff Cap Rd, died Jan. 7, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital. He was the husband of Dolores (Magao) Messier for 49 years. Born in 1946 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Theodore J. Messier Sr. and Lillian (Briere) Messier.

Bob was a 1970 graduate of Northeastern University.  He co-owned and operated Messier & Associates Civil Engineering & Land Surveying and was a member of the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors. He was a communicant of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Stafford Springs.  Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, reading and working in his yard.

In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Michael R Messier of Ellington; his daughter, Tammy Quinn of Windsor; his sister, Carol A. Rodriquez of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and his grandson, Alex Quinn;  Bob is predeceased by his brother, Theodore J. Messier Jr.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 12 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery.  Donations: Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors, 78 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Marcia L. Duval

DANIELSON —  Marcia Lynn (Guatieri) Duval, 53, died Jan. 5, 2016.

She leaves her eternal soulmate, Emile J. Duval.  

Born in 1963 in Pawtucket, R.I., she was the daughter of the late Marius and Dolores (Welsh) Guatieri and the daughter-in-law of Theresa Duval and the late Eugene Duval.

“My family means everything to me.  Loving them.  Nothing in my life has ever meant more to me than my family.  We made a beautiful life.  Our daughters are our joy.  We love them more than words can say.”  This fully embodied the devotion and passion she had for being a mother.    

After raising her daughters, she went on to graduate from Brown University and furthered her education by earning her master’s degree in education and child and family studies at Wheelock College.  

She was vibrant spirit whose purpose in life was guiding and educating others.  She had a contagious and goofy sense of humor, and was an inspiration to all those who met her.  She was a talented singer who loved music and dancing. She held the welfare of children close to her heart.  

She leaves three daughters Amanda Coutu, Samantha Duval, and Audra Duval; her son-in-law, Steven Coutu, whom she embraced as her own son; and her grandson, Caden Cavallaro. She was the sister of Linda (Anthony) Cipriano, Marty Guatieri, Gail Guatieri, the late Loren Guatieri, Lucille (Kenneth) Wood, Jeanine (Timothy) Spikes, Marie Duval, Ann (Thomas) Marshall, and Denise Duval. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 16 in St. Mary’s Church, 103 Pine St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. Donations: Boston Children’s Hospital-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program at http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/marciaduval. 

Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Mary P. Egan

ROGERS — Mary P. Egan, 59, of State Ave., died Jan. 5, 2016, in Hartford Hospital after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born in 1956 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late William and Rose (Carrier) Egan.

Mary worked as an administrative assistant for Farm Credit East.  She was a member of St. James Church in Danielson.  She enjoyed traveling, playing sports, leading a healthy and active lifestyle, socializing with her friends and family, and especially raising her daughter Megan.  She felt blessed to be able to watch her daughter graduate from college and land her dream job.

She leaves her daughter, Megan Robinson of Charlotte, N.C.  

A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 9 in St. James Church, Danielson. Donations: The Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Elizabeth A. Hart

PUTNAM — Elizabeth A. (Langlois) Hart, 73, of Woodstock Ave., died Jan. 8, 2016, in Day Kimball Hospital. Born in 1942 in Southbridge, she was the daughter of the late Leo Paul and Alise Isabelle (Livernois) Langlois.

Mrs. Hart worked for many years on the food assembly line at Idle Wild Farms.

She leaves by two sons, James M. Hart of Norwich, and Raymond R. Hart of Plainfield; three daughters, Janet M. Hart of Plainfield, Brenda A. Hart of Spring Hope, N.C., and Tina L. Lowell of Danbury, N.H.; two brothers, Leopold Langlois of Dudley, and Richard Langlois of Webster; a sister Pauline Peloquin of Sturbridge; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Donald R. Hart and a brother Dennis Langlois.

Funeral arrangements were private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Sr. Carla Hopkins, DHS

PUTNAM — Sr. Carla Hopkins, 94,  a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died Jan. 7, 2016, at the Holy Spirit Health Care Center where she had been in residence since 2009.  

Born Eunice Lucille Hopkins in 1921 in Plainfield, she was the daughter of Charles and Laurette (Guillet) Hopkins.  She entered religious life in Putnam in 1938 and made her religious profession there on July 1, 1943.  She was then known as Sr. Charles Edward.

Following her religious profession she taught in elementary schools in Hartford and Moosup from 1943-51.  In 1951 she was a student at Annhurst College leading to a bachelor’s in sociology.  In 1953 she was a student at Boston College leading to a master’s in education.  In 1954 she went back to teaching on the elementary level in Chicopee, Mass., and in Moosup our model school where young sisters observed and taught under the supervision of master teachers like Sr. Carla as part of their college curriculum.  She became a professor at Diocesan Sisters’ College in 1956 and a professor at Annhurst College in 1958 until 1962.  

She was among the first group of 13 sisters who went to Chile in 1962 in response to an invitation from the Bishops of Chile.   While there Sr. Carla opened a Normal School for the granting of teaching diplomas and served as professor and director of Escuela Normal Superior annexed to the Jesuit-run Universidad del Norte in Antofagasta.  She served in that capacity until 1969 when she returned to the USA at which time she became director of the New London Office of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Norwich.  Here she worked with marginalized Spanish-speaking black and poor Indians and Caucasians as well as the resettlement of Vietnamese after the fall of Saigon.  From 1986-92 she supervised the construction of the residence and Clinic of the Haitian Health Foundation in Jeremie, Haiti and served as administrator of the Clinic until September 1992.  In 1993 back in the U.S. she volunteered in Norwich at the Thames River Family Program, a transitional living program for homeless women and their children.  She also volunteered in a program for abused and neglected children at the Montville Juvenile Court and briefly in the Department of Probation at the Superior Court in New London.  She retired to Preston in 2002 and moved to the Provincial House in Putnam in 2008.  Following some health issues she was admitted to the Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2009.

She was predeceased by five brothers and a sister.  Her extended family includes numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. 

The Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 11 at the Provincial House chapel followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam.  Donations: Daughters of the Holy Spirit Retirement Fund, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Carol A. Labossiere

CANTERBURY — Carol A. Labossiere, 70, of Tripp Hollow Rd., died Jan. 5, 2016, in Hartford Hospital.  Born in 1945 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Ulysses and Jeannette (Labonte) Labossiere.

Ms. Labossiere attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and Putnam Catholic Academy.  She graduated in 1963, first in her class.  She worked at Pratt & Whitney for several years before relocating to California for 33 years.  Ms. Labossiere worked as a data analyst at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Long Beach, Calif., for many years and later as a payroll administrator at Edison Electric in Lakewood, Calif. She returned to Connecticut in 1999 to take care of her parents.

She leaves a sister, Jeanne Robidas of Canterbury; a niece Colleen Godino (Michael) of Mansfield; a great niece Morgan Krajniak; and a great nephew Michael Bertrand.  She was predeceased by her nephew, John Carter Whitney.

Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 16 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St, Putnam.  Burial will be private.  Donations: John Carter Whitney Scholarship Fund (#23203).  Please make checks payable to:  The UConn Foundation, Inc. and forward to the following address: 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3206, Storrs, Connecticut  06269; or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 

 

Lorraine C. Smith

POMFRET — Lorraine C. (Michaud ) Smith, 91 of Quassett Rd, died Jan. 5, 2016, at home. She was the wife of the late Bernard F. Smith who died July 28.1998. 

Born in 1924 in Willimantic, she was the daughter of the late William and Marie (Le Blanc) Michaud.

Mrs. Smith worked for many years in the healthcare field, first as director of Medical Records at Windham Hospital, and later for 20 years at Day Kimball Hospital as assistant director in Medical Records , administrative assistant in Community Relations, administrative assistant to Dr. Bruce Lyman in Oncology and as the manager of the Medical Staff Library. She served with her husband Bernard on the Day Kimball Hospital Centennial Planning Committee, in which they enthusiastically participated.

Lorraine was a member of the Pomfret Seniors along with her husband Bernard, and a communicant at Most Holy Trinity Church for over 58 years where she participated in organizations such as St. Monica’s Guild and volunteered for many years for the Church’s fund-raising efforts. She was an avid traveler with her friends, family and constant companion, Bernard, always up North.

She leaves a son Donald W. Smith of Windsor; two daughters Christine M. Smith of Woodstock and Jane E. Smith-Ruta (Christopher) of Dayville; a brother-in-law Alfred Cote of Willimantic; seven grandchildren: Jami Smith, Ethan Willett, Meryl Willett, Leah Smith Caruso (Stephen), Claudia Willett, Aimee-Rose Willett, and Madison Ruta, and a great-granddaughter Hayden Zhang-Willett. She was predeceased by a brother Clyde Dube and six sisters Alice Dorr, Viola Batsie, Alma Giraca, Nan Dube, Jeannette Solnick, and Eveline Cote.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial in the spring in Pomfret South Cemetery. Donations: Most Holy Trinity Church, 568 Pomfret Rd., Pomfret, CT 06259; or the Susan G. Komen Fund,   P. O. Box 650309 Dallas, TX 75265-0309.   Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

..

 

 

caption, page 11:

 

Honored

Woodstock resident Everett Shepard, American Legion State of Connecticut Adjutant, was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Contributor Award.  Left to right: John Foucault, Ronald P. Coderre, Shepard, Joe Lindley and Alan Joslin. Courtesy photo.

 

 

Shepard honored

at state ‘Hot 

Stove Banquet’

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

American Legion members gathered at The Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville Jan. 8 for the 15th Connecticut American Legion Baseball “Hot Stove Banquet.”  More than 400 legionnaires, players, coaches, friends and dignitaries were on hand for the festivities.  Rich Coppola of WTIC –Fox 61 Connecticut served as Master of Ceremonies.

Woodstock resident Everett Shepard, American Legion State of Connecticut Adjutant, was honored as the recipient of the 2015 Contributor Award.  Shepard has served as the State Adjutant since early 2000, following his term as the State American Legion Commander.  Shepard is retiring from the Adjutant position in June.

In addition to being the State Adjutant, Shepard was honored for his role in the success of the TriTown American Legion Baseball Program.  He’s served as the team’s treasurer and financial officer for approximately 15 seasons.  During that time he’s maintained the finances of the organization as well as being instrumental in the team’s fund-raising efforts.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the TriTown program and its executive committee, which is one of the best organized teams in the State.  Supporting the program in the small way that I do has been very rewarding,” said Shepard.

The “Hot Stove Banquet” evening included recognition of individuals in the categories of Alumni of the Year, Friend of the Game, Minor League and College Player of the Year, College and High School Coach of the Year, Baseball Committee Leadership Award, Media Award and Umpire of the Year.  The State Championship 19-U and 17-U teams, RCP (Rocky Hill, Cromwell, Portland) were honored as well as the 15-U champion Stamford.

The 2016 Hall of Fame class inducted three individuals.  Paul LaFleur of the State Baseball Committee recognized Lou Ernst (posthumously) of Niantic, former State Baseball Commissioner Phil Anger also of Niantic and Fran Slattery.  Paul Spendaliere, Commander American Legion Department of Connecticut addressed the gathering as did Craig Zimmerman, State Baseball Committee Chairman.   

“It was an honor to be at the head table with all the notables and dignitaries who were recognized.  I’m humbled by this award.  The years that I’ve devoted to the American Legion and its baseball program has meant so much to me,” said Shepard.  

“The relationships I’ve developed over the years are memories I’ll have for a long time.  It’s been a great run” concluded Shepard.

 Shepard was joined at the event by his wife, Pat and his son Matt.  Also on hand were TriTown Baseball Executive Committee chairman Ronald P. Coderre, secretary Joseph Lindley, committee member Alan Joslin and Senior team head coach John Foucault.