Roger A. LaBrec,

Korean war vet

DANIELSON — Roger A. LaBrec, 85, of Danielson, died Oct. 2, 2017, at home. 

He was born Nov., 28, 1931, in Putnam, son of the late Alphonse and Yvonne (Landry) LaBrec. Roger was married to Misao (Iwano) LaBrec. She died in 1981.

Roger worked construction from the age of 16 on. He built the house that he lived in. He loved to get his hands dirty fixing things. On the farm he would fix the farm tractors, the dump trucks and the bulldozers. 

He was a veteran of the Korean war, serving with the U.S. Air Force. During his enlistment he would travel to fix antennas in various places. Roger also worked for the Town of Killingly in the Killingly Garage.

He leaves his son Charles LaBrec (Mary Brzezenski) of Derry, N.H.; his daughter Naomi Clifford of N. Grosvenordale; his significant other for 27 years Cindy Espinosa of Danielson; grandson Joshua Stewart; his great-granddaughter Madison Coffin. Besides his wife Roger was predeceased by a sister Constance Rybacki and a granddaughter Kayla Coffin.

The Funeral was Oct. 6 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson, with military honors. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Frank Babcock Jr.

DANIELSON — Frank E. Babcock Jr., 80 of Danielson, died Oct. 7, 2017, at Davis Place in Danielson. 

He was born June 5, 1937, in Norwich, son of the late Frank and Clarabell (Penry) Babcock. He was the husband of Rita Babcock. She died in 2013. 

Frank had a long career at American Standard and was a coach in the Plainfield Little League.

He leaves his children Robert Babcock of Danielson, Mary Rhoades (Allen) of Danielson and Christine Coleman (Mark) of Willington; his grandchildren Travis Babcock of W. Warwick, R.I., Matthew Coleman and James Coleman of Willington; his brother John Babcock (Pam) of Danielson; his sister Joan Cullins (Fenton) of Sherman, Maine; nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Rita, he was predeceased by his son Guy Henries and his brothers David Babcock, Percy Babcock, Ronald Babcock and Albert Babcock. A Graveside Service will be at noon Oct. 14 at Riverside Cemetery, Rt. 14 A, Sterling. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Karen (Rider) Shea

THOMPSON —  Karen (Rider) Shea, 66, of Hiawatha Dr., died Oct. 7, 2017, at UMass Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of 44 years to Scott C. Shea.

Born in 1951 in Cleveland, she was the daughter of the late Morris and Helen (Shredl) Rider.

Karen was an alumnus of Kent State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary school education and where she met her future husband.

On July 14, 1973, she was united in marriage to Scott C. Shea, in Ohio.

Mrs. Shea worked for many years prior to starting her family as a credit analyst at Data General Corporation. 

Mrs. Shea enjoyed tracing her family’s ancestry, knitting, cooking and celebrating the holidays.

She leaves her husband Scott Shea; two daughters Jill Thomas of Killingly and Valerie Larose (Carl), formerly of Killingly; her siblings William Rider and twin sister Kathy Grundman; two grandchildren Daniel Larose and Charlotte Thomas; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother Richard Rider.

Donations: ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St., New York, NY 10128; or to your local “No Kill” Animal Shelter. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Doris E. Greene

PUTNAM — Doris E. Greene, 99, of Putnam died Oct. 6, 2017. Doris was born July 15, 1918, in Putnam, daughter of the late Arthur and Eva Pepin of Putnam.

She attended St. Mary’s and Putnam High School. She was married to the late Leslie Greene. She was a homemaker until later in her life. She worked for Cherry and Webb and Bugbee’s department store. She enjoyed cooking for her family and was also an avid reader, loved all animals especially cats. 

She leaves her children Richard and Joan Greene of Thompson, Colin and Linda Greene of Wakefield, N.H., Joyce Sears of Pomfret, Debra and George Carabina of Woodstock; brother Leslie and Charlotte Pepin of Canterbury; grandchildren Kelly Greene, Garry Greene, Tammy Dalterio, Kevin Greene, Mandy Carroll, Geoffrey Greene, Meghan Canning, Antonio Carbina; nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her siblings Estella Menard, Arthur Pepin and Richard Pepin

Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 12 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, Putnam with burial in Grove Street Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005; or PO Box 31, S. Woodstock, CT 06267. 

 

Muriel M. Beausoleil

PUTNAM — Muriel (Morin) Beausoleil, 80, of Sayles Ave., died Oct. 2, 2017, at Matulaitis Nursing Home.  Born in 1937 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late David and Edwardina (Beaudreault) Morin.

Mrs. Beausoleil worked as a clerk for Bugbee’s Department Store, Kmart, and Rite Aid.  She enjoyed shopping, going out to eat, playing cards, traveling to vacation in Wells, Maine. 

She leaves her daughter, Michelle Nicol (Kevin) of Putnam; grandchildren, Ethan Nicol, Evan Nicol, Megan Nicol, and Kyle Nicol, all of Putnam.  

Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Christopher S. Bell

NORWICH — Christopher “Chris” S. Bell, 68, of East Town St., died Oct. 2, 2017, at the William W. Backus Hospital. He was the husband of Paula (Rosenberg) Bell for 36 years. 

Born April 8, 1949,  in Arlington, Va., he was the son of the late Walter E. Bell Jr. and Bettie (Weeks) Bell Kerouack.

Before retiring, Chris was a self-employed antique dealer or as he liked to say, “a purveyor of fine junk”. He enjoyed collecting “parts of stuff” preferably in multiples to use in his assemblages. While a lover of most music his favorite genre was jazz. Chris could often be seen (or heard) in community theater performances in eastern and southeastern Connecticut. His rich and melodic voice as well as his flair for drama (or comedy) made him a welcome addition to many casts.

In addition to his wife Paula, he leaves his brother, Michael A. Bell (Carla) of Gaston, S.C.; his brother in-laws, Warren Rosenberg of Woodstock and Joel Rosenberg (Beverly Burke) of Brooklyn; his sister in-law, Barbara Bell of Bombala, Australia; nieces and nephews: Beth Peck, Samantha Truong, Bruce Bell, Sean Garland-Bell, Tim Garland-Bell, Jenny Bell-Knight, Jeff Knight, Matt Bell, Carrie Bell, Cara Rosenberg-Ramos, Salomon Ramos, Allie Rosenberg, Bailey Rosenberg, Connor Rosenberg; great- and great-great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Wayne Bell.

A Memorial Service was Oct. 8 at the Temple Beth Israel, Danielson. Interment was private.  Donations: Temple Beth Israel Preservation Society, c/o Rosa Goldblatt, 63 Sherwood Dr., Norwich, CT 06360. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Dustin Lee Orr

DANIELSON — Dustin Lee Orr, 33, of Brick House Rd, died Oct. 5, 2017, in Backus Urgent Care Center. Born in 1984 in Putnam, he was the son of Jody and Susan (Strout) Orr of Danielson.

Dustin was a shaker for Cassella Waste for many years. He enjoyed lifting weights, drawing and listening to music.  He was an avid Patriots fan. 

In addition to his parents, he leaves his brother, Travis Orr; his nephew, Ryan Orr; his paternal grandmother, Shirley Orr; aunts and uncles.

The funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Gladys Pizzotti

QUINEBAUG —  Gladys Pizzotti, formerly of Breezy Lane, died Oct. 1, 2017,  in Day Kimball Hospital.  

Born in Wilsonville, she was the daughter of the late Dominic and Lillian (Gilmore) Pizzotti.

Miss Pizzotti graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School.  

After graduation, she worked at a variety of jobs including as an inventory clerk for Webster Shoe Company; a machine operator for Beneeda Bed Spread Mill; a sales person in the Men’s Department for Montgomery Ward; assistant bookkeeper for Putnam Hardware; and as a bookkeeper for Windham Hardware.  

Gladys found her niche with the Kenyon Oil Company, Inc.  

She began her employment with them as bookkeeper, moving up to the position of office manager.  

She retained this position for many years before becoming the treasurer for Kenyon Oil Co. and several of its subsidiary companies.  She relinquished her management position in 1993 and was appointed executive administrative assistant until she retired to care for her family.  

She leaves nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was predeceased by her brothers, James Pizzotti, Earl Pizzotti, and Arthur Pizzotti; her sisters, Irene Pizzotti, Dorothy Groh, Mae Stiles, and Rose Pezzolesi; and her sister-in-law, Claire Pizzotti.

The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 6 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. Gilman & Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

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caption:

 

Honored

American Legion Post #13 honored 21 of the 31 WWII and Korean Conflict veterans who are on the “Hometown Hero” banners that are on display throughout Putnam. Seated, left to right:  Willie Zamagni, Gerry Cotnoir, G. Stanley Shaw, Lester Parker, Fred Hedenberg, Robert Harris, Bob Clemens, Dick Turcotte, Joseph Cournoyer.  Standing: Post #13 Sr. Vice commander Alan Joslin, Pete Trama, Russ St. Jean, Paul Martell Sr., Armand Jolly, Victor Lippiello, Barbara Smith, Commander Ronald P. Coderre, Gerry Salvas, Joe Carrier, Chuck Mahoney, David Beausoleil, Leo Beausoleil, Post Historian Charlie Leach. Courtesy photo.

 

 

PUTNAM — Oct. 4 an overflow crowd of more than 100 veterans, family and friends honored 21 of the 31 veterans whose photos grace the “Hometown Hero” banners displayed throughout Putnam.  The program, organized by the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam was the culmination of months of work by Post members in cooperation with the Town of Putnam Recreation Department.

The program opened with the presentation of the colors by Post #13 Honor Guard members Alan Joslin and Charlie Leach.  Following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by those present, Donald Steinbrick, Post Chaplain Emeritus, offered a prayer.

Post Commander Ronald P. Coderre offered a brief welcome followed by greetings from the Town of Putnam by Mayor Tony Falzarano.

Coderre thanked the honored veterans for their service and willingness to be part of the “Hometown Hero” project.  He also recognized all veterans in attendance.  He noted that wherever and whenever a veteran served or is serving, they did so willingly, following orders and with respect for the flag of the United States of America.  

“These veterans did not kneel in the presence of the flag,” said Coderre in reference to the recent display by many of the current day professional athletes.

“I’m so proud of the men and women we honored today.  Their service to our country can never and must never be forgotten.  They are part of the reason we enjoy the freedom that is present in our country today,” said Coderre.

“I’m also very proud of the men and women of Post #13, who work collaboratively in providing programs and services throughout the greater Putnam area,” concluded Coderre.

All of the veterans present were recognized individually with a professionally produced replica of their banner, which hangs in downtown Putnam.  In addition the Post honored Putnam Recreation Director Wilfred “Willie” Bousquet for his assistance in seeing this project to its successful end.  American Legion Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to Chase Graphics, who designed and produced the banners and to The Crossings Restaurant for their support of the program.

Chase Graphics was represented by company owners Jim and Deb St. Jean along with designer Kathy Guertin and sales rep Jennifer Beckett.  Owners Jim Guillot and Sean Sullivan along with manager Keith Barnes were present from The Crossings.

The banners, which were raised just prior to Labor Day, will remain on display throughout October and until shortly following Veterans Day.

 

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Unveiling

Christina Andrade, left, watches the unveiling of her calendar page. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

Part of calendar

DAYVILLE — Sept. 29 Christina Andrade of Dayville was unveiled as Ms. April in the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation 2018 Calender at a ceremony at the RI Statehouse.

The calender will be included in the November issue of RI Monthly and will also be available at South County Hospital, N. Main Radiation, Bank of Newport and Collete Travel for a donation to the Foundation.

“To see the look on their faces when the photo is revealed and to know what it  means to them being surrounded by family and friends, keeps us inspired to celebrate these women” said Maria Gemma, executive director of Gloria Gemma

Andrade said: “I’m a stay at home mom of two girls and wife to Anhony. I was originally diagnosed in Oct 2014 on my wedding anniversary, then they found a second tumor just two months later. A couple of friends of mine knew Mandy Zito and knew that she ran a young survivor program at the foundation. I contacted her and can easily say that having the foundation by my side during surgeries, treatments, and repairing myself is exactly what I needed. After being diagnosed, my self confidence was stripped. Being in the calendar boosted me back up. I hope other survivors can see that shining in the calendar photos.”

 

 

Page 1 photo: Demonstration from Quest Martial Arts. Clockwise from upper left: Young boy standing in the red spotlight at the church. Beatrice Foronda (left) and Samantha Smyth. Zombies Kaevon Safford and Amanda Bennett.  Yvonne and Hazel Clavette of Thompson at the art table.