Eyeing U.S.
championship
The Putnam Science Academy boys’ prep basketball team released its schedule last week as it eyes its second national championship in three years.
“As always, we want to play against the top teams and we think we have a very tough schedule that we are looking forward to playing,” said PSA coach Tom Espinosa said. “We expect to have a lot of success this year but we’re going to have to beat some really good teams and play some really big games.”
The Mustangs open their season in the Bahamas Nov. 1-3 with games against Ridley Prep (Ontario, Canada), NBA Academy Latin America, and BC Christian Academy (British Columbia, Canada). This will be PSA’s second time playing in the Caribbean Tip-Off Classic.
“It’s a great event that we are really looking forward to,” Espinosa said. “A lot of good teams are there, it’ll be a good test for us.”
The schedule also includes the “Battle in the Apple” showcase event at The Barclays Center, home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, on Dec. 14 when PSA faces Core4 Prep of Atlanta.
“Playing in New York City, it’s close to where a handful of our guys are from, this is a good opportunity for them to go back and play at home a little bit,” Espinosa said, referring to Hassan Diarra (Queens), Josh Gray (Brooklyn), JuJu Murray (Bronx), as well as Mekhi Gray and Elijiah Everett, who are from nearby Montrose, N.Y., and Orange, N.J., respectively. “That’s an exciting event for us to be at.”
Other big games on the schedule include: a home meeting with Navy Prep on Nov. 12; versus New Hampton as part of the Hoophall Prep Showcase on Jan. 19; two conference games against Our Savior Lutheran – on the road Jan. 20, and at home Feb. 4; and against St. Thomas More on Feb. 17.
PSA is coming off a 38-2 record and a third-place finish in the national prep tournament last year. The Mustangs won the national title two seasons ago.
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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The regular season comes to a close for the Woodstock Academy girls’ soccer team this week.
The Centaurs had one match left to play against Plainfield coming into the week.
“This one went by fast,” said Woodstock Academy coach Dennis Snelling. “We’ve been playing three games a week and now, it’s over.”
But there is plenty more still to come for the Centaurs.
Woodstock Academy will be one of the four teams involved in the ECC Div. I tournament as either the third or fourth seed.
The pairings had not been determined at press time but E. Lyme and Plainfield will likely share the top two spots followed by Woodstock Academy and Killingly.
“I think that was the goal looming over us particularly once the division (title) went away,” Snelling said. “I think it was a bigger goal anyway because if you win the division, (it means) you beat East Lyme, NFA and Fitch and that’s not much of a target. It’s a good goal, you get a piece of plastic for it, but the league tournament is the goal to get the team comfortable and organized by the end.”
The Centaurs certainly can compete with all three teams in the tournament.
They lost to the Panthers, 5-3, in the season opener on Sept. 12 but have the chance to make up for that this week.
The Centaurs downed the Red Hawks of Killingly, 5-1, in their only meeting and fell 2-0 to East Lyme in their meeting at Woodstock Academy. The Centaurs also lost to the Vikings, 4-1, in E. Lyme.
The ECC tournament will begin on Nov. 5. The Centaurs are defending champs. The Class L state tournament will follow. The Centaurs are currently ranked 12th in Class L.
Woodstock Academy raised its record to 10-4-1 with a 1-0 win over Bacon Academy Oct. 25.
The only goal came 8:45 into the second half when Peyton Saracina, with her back to the goal, had a ball played into her. She got her foot on it and flicked it into space behind her where Grace Gelhaus was coming on. The result was the 16th goal of the season for the freshman.
Snelling said the Centaurs did have some other chances, but Bacon’s keeper was able to keep them out of the net.
With about 25 seconds left, the Bobcats (4-7-3) had a chance to tie when they were awarded a free kick at the top of the box.
Woodstock Academy keeper Rachel Holden got her fingertips on it, tipped it off the crossbar and got to the bounce before anyone else.
Earlier in the week, the Centaurs downed Norwich Free Academy, 3-0.
Gelhaus scored off a corner from Kayla Gaudreau early in the first half.
It was their only tally of the opening half.
Gelhaus added another, a left-footed, 20-yard rocket into the upper corner of the net off an assist from Saracina.
The insurance tally meant Snelling could substitute liberally late in the second half.
Ava Coutu had a goal for the Centaurs, the first of her career, off the first assist of the season for Ciara MacKinnon.
“The goal is to have a winning record to make states, but 10 wins is an impressive accomplishment considering who graduated and the fact that we, basically, had to start over,” Snelling said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy

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Joseph Lindley,
Army vet
THOMPSON — Joseph Lindley, 63, of Hill Rd., died Oct. 25, 2019, in Massachusetts General Hospital after a long battle with a heart condition. He was the husband of Suzanne (Tellier) Lindley. Born in 1955 in Bossier City, La., he was the son of Joseph and Maureen (Patterson) Lindley.
In Joe’s own words, “Joe lived with his wife and best friend of 43 years, Sue.  His two sons, Sean and Jonathan both live in CT.  Some of his past accomplishments include being an Army officer serving most of his 11 years as a combat engineer, published six books, three about local forgotten war heroes.  The others involve coaching youth athletics. Joe’s two favorite sports are baseball and basketball.  He had 25 years of experience coaching the two sports, ranging from Little League to the high school level.”
“He spent 18 years of his professional life at C & M Corporation where he started as an engineering manager and worked his way up to the president of the Special Products Division.  He held a bachelor’s in concentrated studies (business and youth counseling) and an M.A. E.D. in adult education and distance learning.”  Joe was also involved in many community organizations, including the Thompson Historical Society, Tourtellotte Memorial High School Alumni Association, Board of Education, Juvenile Review Board, and Board of Trustees for the Tourtellotte Trust.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Sean Lindley of Putnam and Jonathan Lindley (Jessica) of Wallingford; four sisters, Kathy Weidman (Richard) of Moon of Wayne, Penn., Pat Chadbourne (Chad) of Glen Rose, Texas, Karen Lindley of Lancaster, S.C., and Donna Butterworth (John) of Monroe, N.C.; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31 with a funeral service at 1 p.m. in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St, Putnam. Burial to follow in E. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Thompson Historical Society, P.O. Box 47, Thompson, CT 06277; or to the Tri-Town American Legion Baseball Program (TTALB) P.O. Box 123, Putnam, CT 06260-0123.

Norman Beaudreault,
Korean war vet
WOODSTOCK — Norman D. Beaudreault, 87, of Woodstock died Oct. 26, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was the husband of Yvette (Gagnon).
He was born Sept. 1, 1932, in Putnam, son of the late Antonio and Effie (Perry) Beaudreault.
He was a U.S. Army veteran (50-52) serving in the Korean war. He was stationed in the Fort Campbell, Ky., serving as a medic.
Norman retired from Putnam-Herzl Finishing Co. in 1985. He enjoyed hunting and raising animals.
He also enjoyed listening and singing country music. His favorite singer was Gene Autry. Norman and his wife Yvette also belonged to a local square dance club and spent many happy hours dancing.
He served as the president of the Putnam Fish and Game in Woodstock for several years.
He leaves wife Yvette; two sons Norman Beaudreault Jr. (Cindi (Baranski)) of Jewett City, Gary Beaudreault of Thompson; three daughters Deborah Alberghini of Enfield, Gail Jones of Vancouver, Wash., and Ann Page Barrett (Glen) of W. Springfield, Mass.; brothers Harvey, Paul and Leo Beaudreault; sister Ruth Roy; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers Robert and Richard Beaudreault.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Nov. 2 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial with military honors at St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.

Normand Coderre,
Korean war vet
SOUTHBRIDGE — Normand G. Coderre, 89, of Southbridge, died Oct. 22, 2019 in Bayberry Commons, Pascoag, R.I.
Born in 1930 in Thompson, he was the son of the late Uldric and Adrienne (Audette) Coderre.
Mr. Coderre served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean war.  He worked as an electrician for Day Kimball Hospital, American Optical and Dexter Russell. He was a lifetime member of the Thompson Little League, a member of the VFW in Quinebaug and the Putnam Rod & Gun Club.  He enjoyed bowling with his league at Mohegan Lanes in Webster and volunteered on the Thompson Hill Fire Department. 
He leaves his sons, Kenneth Coderre (Lisa) of Thompson, Jeffrey Coderre (Paula) of N. Grosvenordale, and Stephen Coderre (Andrea) of Putnam; a sister, Henrietta Blanchette of N. Grosvenordale; seven grandchildren, Nicole, Carolyn, Andrea, Jessica, Amanda, Scott, and Andrew and seven great-grandchildren, Max, Jaesean, Chase, Nora, Marielle, Arialynn, and Marceau. He is predeceased by his siblings, Robert Coderre, John Coderre, Gerry Coderre, and Florette Lavallee.  The service was Oct. 25 in Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, with burial in W. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Southington, CT 06460. 

Rita M. Manso
DANIELSON — Rita M. Manso, 94, of Danielson died Oct. 26, 2019, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam.
She was born April 14, 1925, in Putnam, daughter of the late Joseph and Delia (Michon) Dusseault. Rita was the wife of Paul Manso who died July 5, 2006.
Rita worked for Rogers Corp. as a mill worker. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and crochet and she loved her family and her cat Princess.
She leaves her sons Paul Manso Jr. (Amanda) of Eastford and David E. Manso (Linda) of Windsor; her grandchildren Kevin, Lori, Amy, Melissa, Paula, Rebecca and Julie; her great-grandchildren Zephan, Haleigh, Tabin, Max, Jodi, Zoe, Eve, Adeline, Camryn and Maeve. She was predeceased by her siblings Adelard Dusseault, Yvonne Sabourin and Norman Dusseault.  The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 29 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

Rose Marie Adams
PUTNAM — Rose Marie Adams (Mickey) 83, of Woodstock Ave. died Oct. 15, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late Leo C. Adams Sr. Born in 1936 in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Clarinda Lamiotte.
Rose drove bus for Putnam Headstart for 18 years. She managed Pomfret Livery & Community Cab for more than 20 years. She managed the Pomfret Village Store and worked for the C&M Corporation in Wauregan, as well as Gentex in Dudley.
Rose was a member of the Putnam VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She loved spending time with her mother Clarinda at the Thompson International Speedway cheering for her sons that raced there. She owned the RMA Motorsports Racing Team and she drove in a Woman’s Powder Puff Derby.
She leaves her sons, Leo (Bim) Adams Jr. (Claylene) of Putnam, John Adams of Dayville, David Adams of Dayville, Richard Adams of Woodstock, Bruce Adams of Dayville, Francis Adams and his companion Pamela Walker of Putnam; and her daughter Christine Adams of Putnam; her brothers, Raymond Lamiotte of Quinebaug, Ernest Lamiotte of Killingly; and her sister, Theresa Lamiotte;  her lifelong friend (Family) Paul Lajoie; her sister in law, Rose Lamiotte of E. Putnam; her brother-in-law, Jack Bellerive of Woodstock; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rose is predeceased by her son, Joseph (Jo-Jo) Adams; and her daughter, Donna (DeDe) Robichaud; her sister Mary Bellerive, her brother Authur (Sonny) Lamiotte
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Nov. 2 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations: Hospice of NE CT. 320 Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Kathleen Smith
BROOKLYN — Kathleen (Kay) Smith, 76, died Oct. 23, 2019.
Kay’s personality made friends with all that met her. She treated all with a friendly approach, but was also on the shy side until you got to know her better, and then you found a friend for life. Get her mad and she could overcome any obstacle.
She had four sons (wanted a daughter but never had one); 12 siblings; six grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Martin J. Witkowski
N. GROSVENORDALE — Martin J. Witkowski, 81, of Linehouse Rd., died Oct. 23, 2019, at home. He was the husband of Joan A. (Senderski) Witkowski.  Born in 1938 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Dominic and Anna (Suchoka) Witkowski.
Mr. Witkowski worked for almost 35 years as a cost estimator for Kaman Aerospace.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus in N. Grosvenordale, Thompson Lions Club, Quinebaug Community Center, Foster Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf, and was a founding member of the chicken BBQ fund-raiser for St. Stephen’s Church. Martin was very proud that he built his own home where he lived with his wife for 60 years.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his children, Debra LeBlanc (Philip) of N. Grosvenordale, Brian Witkowski of N. Grosvenordale and Allen Witkowski (Christine) of Murray, Ky.; a brother Raymond Witkowski of Delray Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren, Jacques, Gabrielle, and Frances LeBlanc and Rebecca and Matthew Witkowski.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 28 in St. Stephen’s Church, Quinebaug, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: St. Stephen’s Church, P.O. Box 897, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Linda A. Leech
BALLOUVILLE — Linda A. (Robidoux) Leech, 59, died Oct. 13, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital.
She was born in Worcester daughter of the late William Robidoux and Doris (Blais) Robidoux and lived in Ballouville for the past 17 years prior to that living in Pascoag.  Linda worked for the Target Dept. Store in Killingly.  She enjoyed working with stained glass, gardening and motorcycles.
She leaves her son Ryan M. Leech of Glocester, R.I.; a daughter Danielle Duquette (John) of Blackstone, Mass.; grandchildren, Brayden, Mason, Jordan, Hanna, Reagan and Ryan Jr.; sister Norma J. Borowski of Pascoag.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

W. ‘Spartsy’ Pizzetti
WEBSTER — Walter “Spartsy” R. Pizzetti, 92, died Oct. 24, 2019, at the UMass Healthcare Center, Worcester.  He was the husband of the late Nancy J. (Pepka) Pizzetti who died in 2004.
He was born in Webster son of the late Lorenzo Pizzetti and Nina (Poletta) Pizzetti and lived here all his life.  He was an accomplished drummer and enjoyed music.  He was employed for many years at Anglo Fabric Co. in Webster.  He was a member of the Sons of Italy.
He leaves his two sons and a daughter, James L. Pizzetti (Sarah) of Woodstock, Kenneth L. Pizzetti of Webster and Kara B. Pizzetti of N. Grosvenordale; a brother, Alfred “Cookie” Pizzetti of Webster. He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony, Francis and sisters Adeline Pizzetti, Josephine Pepsak, Ida Caplette, Eleanor Berthiume, Rose Tomaso, Rita Willis, Carrie Peters and Mafalda Pizzetti.
The Graveside Service was Oct. 29 service at the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Cat Connection, Thompson Rd., Webster, MA 01570. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

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