Michael E. Grimshaw,
Korean war vet
DANIELSON — Michael E. Grimshaw, 85, of Danielson died Feb. 5, 2019, in Putnam. He was born on Nov. 29, 1933, in Killingly, son of Frank and Marie (Babbitt) Grimshaw. He served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean war in 1951 to 1952. Michael was a member of the Masons, the Shriners and a past Patron of the Jasmine Chapter in Thompson and Putnam. He worked for Duro-Test Lighting Company in New York, in industrial sales for 30 years. He is predeceased by three brothers and two sisters and is survived by three brothers and a sister; nephews and nieces. Burial will be private. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Raymond L. Poirier,
Korean war vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Raymond L. Poirier, 83, of Faucher St., died Feb. 9, 2019, in St. Francis Hospital. He was the husband of Theresa (Brousseau) Poirier for 56 years. Born in 1935 in Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Lionel and Loretta (Dion) Poirier.
Raymond was a truck driver for the former Risom Manufacturing and Frito-Lay. He was a Korean war Army veteran and was a member of the American Legion. He served as assistant chief of Community Fire Department.
In addition to his wife Theresa, he leaves his children, Gary Thorstenson (Diana) of E. Lyme, Charles Thorstenson (JoAnn) of N. Grosvenordale, Michael Thorstenson (Marlene) of Vernon, and Linda Keeling (George) of Dayville; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Feb. 18 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Donations: St. Joseph Church.
Frederick J. Bates
N. GROSVENORDALE — Frederick “Fred” J. Bates, 59, of Linehouse Rd., died Jan. 21, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Shara (Lamontagne) Bates for nine years. Born in 1960 in Fairfield, Calif., he was the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Rojo) Bates-Leduc.
Mr. Bates was the owner and operator of Bates Auto Parts. He was a member of the Springfield Chapter of the Hells Angels. He enjoyed working with his antique sawmill; he was always “tinkering.” He enjoyed rat rods and racing his car #43 at the Thompson Speedway. Fred was known for always helping other people.
In addition to his wife Shara, he leaves his daughter, Nichol Paradise of Danielson; his step-son, Dillion Mark of Thompson; step-daughter, Larrissa Mark of Thompson; his brother, Christopher “Festis” Bates of Maine; his sisters, Danielle (Bates) Albrecht of Florida, and Terry Lynn Bardy of Southbridge; nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. A gathering will begin in the funeral home at 9 a.m. Feb. 16 followed by a burial in East Thompson Cemetery at 10. Donations: Shara Bates, 65 Linehouse Rd, N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255.
Janet Fellows
POMFRET — Janet Leschke Fellows died Jan. 24, 2019. She was born on Aug. 28, 1928, in Hartford to the late Emil and Bertha (Gilmour) Leschke. She was raised in W. Hartford.
Never letting her inability to hear well be a disability, she took ballet lessons when she was young, and even performed at the Bushnell Theater. She was a graduate of Hall High, attended the former Hartford College for Women and Vesper George Art School in Boston. In 1948 she moved to Pomfret when her father founded the former Leschke Puffer Insurance Agency in Putnam. While living in Pomfret, she met her future husband Norman Fellows. They were married in 1951, and made their home in Woodstock for the next 67 years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Pomfret for 70 years. She belonged to the women’s fellowship, was the organist, served as treasurer, and also taught Sunday school.
When her children were young, she did accounting for her father’s insurance company, working at home at night. She loved playing bridge. For many years she was part of a bridge league that benefited the Woodstock Nursery School. She and her husband were also long time members of the Woodstock Country Square Dancers. She was a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program, and enjoyed her interactions with the people that she met through her deliveries. An avid reader, she was always interested in learning new things. History was one of her passions. Along with her husband, they traveled to many historical sites throughout the northeast. They also enjoyed their trips to the mountains of New England and the shores of Cape Cod. She was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox and UConn women’s basketball. She never missed a game!
Music and art were an integral part of her life. She was talented at any form of art she pursued. However painting with oils was her love, and she produced many beautiful pieces that she displayed throughout her home. In addition to playing the organ, she was an accomplished pianist. She enjoyed listening to classical music and opera.
She was predeceased by her husband and best friend of 67 years, Norman Fellows. She leaves a daughter Susan Kozey (Michael) of Eastford; a daughter Katherine Fellows (Daniel Southall) of Pomfret; grandchildren Nicholas Kozey (Jody), David Kozey (Karrin), Brian Kozey, Collin Sumera and his partner Toquyen Doan, and Kristiana Sumera and her partner Carlos Rivera; great-grandchildren Evan, Alexander, Andrew, and Jillian Kozey, sister-in-law Bernice Fellows of Bolton. She was predeceased by her brother Robert S. Leschke; brother-in-law Donald Fellows and sister-in-law Elaine Fahle and her husband Robert.
Burial will be private at the Woodstock Hill Cemetery. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam; Donations: First Congregational Church of Pomfret, 13 Church Road, PO Box 297, Pomfret Center, CT 06259; or The Smile Train at P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 200090-6231.
Paul C. Franklin
THOMPSON — Paul C. Franklin, 81, of Quaddick Town Farm Rd., died Feb. 6, 2019, at home. He was the husband of Marie (LaBrec) Franklin.
Born in 1937 in Putnam he was the son of the late Robert B. and Elsie E. (Meyers) Franklin. Paul received his bachelor’s degree in history from UConn.
Paul worked at Day Kimball Hospital for more than 40 years in the diagnostic imaging department.
He was a life member of and former secretary for the Thompson Lions Club where he received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Paul enjoyed woodworking. He was an avid reader and fan of the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed working on his computer.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Marie (LaBrec) Franklin; two daughters Paula Boisvert (Roger) and Anne Douglas, both of Thompson; siblings, Marshall Franklin of California, Donna Chunko of Putnam, and Jean Sherman of Plainfield; and eight grandchildren Dillon Boisvert, Emma Boisvert, Paige Boisvert, Paul Boisvert, Elizabeth Douglas, Sarah Douglas, Rebecca Douglas, and Riley Douglas. He was predeceased by a brother Leslie Franklin.
Visitation is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23 at Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, followed by a service in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Donations: Community Fire Department, P.O. Box 874, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255.
Mary E. Gunas
DANIELSON — Mary Elizabeth Gunas, 82, died Feb. 8, 2019, in Danielson. She was born on April 6, 1936, in Kansas City, Mo., to Harlie W. and Lulu Mae Smith, both missionaries who raised her in Gravette, AR. She studied English Literature at Greenville College (IL) where she lived out her love of music, traveling the country singing alto in a quartet. She also played the organ, piano, violin, and accordion. She met her husband, Peter Jones Gunas Jr., in Kansas City in December of 1958 while playing the piano at the Kansas City Rescue Mission, serving the underprivileged. She and Peter married in April of 1959 and had four children.
Mary loved the Lord. She had passion and deep appreciation for music, art, nature, gardening, literature and travel. She encouraged her children constantly to pursue experiences, education, and travel – one of the last trips she took was to visit her daughter and grandchildren while they were living in France. She taught in public elementary schools in Cape Cod, Manchester, and Belleville, Mich., as well as high school French and physical education at a Christian high school in Kansas City, Kan. Her passion for education and learning was a lifetime pursuit, not only for herself but also for others. She received a lifetime award for being the top fundraiser at Northfield Mount Hermon, the private high school where she sent two of her children.
She is cherished for her selfless and loving demeanor, sharp wit, superb intellect, and the keenest memory anyone could imagine.
She leaves her husband, Peter; her daughters Priscilla May Gunas of Putnam, Elizabeth Pamela Gunas Crampton of Lexington, Mass., Heather Leigh Gunas of northern Virginia; son, Peter Jones Gunas III (Alice Mary) of northern Virginia; three grandchildren, Peter James, Miriam Elizabeth, and Samuel Hillard Crampton; and her sister, Ruth Winona Herbert of Stouffville, Ontario.
Her Service was Feb. 11 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam.
L. Dorcas Labonte
PUTNAM — L. Dorcas Labonte, 103, of Putnam died Feb. 7, 2019, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was the wife of the late Leonel L. Labonte, who died in 2001. Born on Dec. 14, 1915, in W. Glocester, R.I., daughter of Homer and Bertha (Greene) Martin.
She was a licensed practical nurse and worked for Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She volunteered with the Red Cross. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Putnam, involved in the choir, volunteered with church suppers and also taught Sunday School. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading, loved to bake and she had a great sense of humor.
She leaves her children Eugene Labonte (Joyce) of Putnam, Michael Labonte of Putnam, Christine Paparo (Gary) of Dayville; brother Kenneth Bowen (Shirley) of Burrillville; grandchildren Gabrielle Labonte (David Gratton) of Pomfret Center, Carly Hetrick (Craig) of Putnam, Michael Paparo (Jessica) of Glocester, R.I., Krista Paparo (Jay) of Dayville; great grandchildren Zoe, Owen, Olivia. She was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.
The Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church with burial at Munyan Cemetery in E. Putnam. Donations: The Hole In The Wall Gang Fund, 555 Long Warf Dr., Department W, New Haven, CT 06511.
Richard A. Magnan
PUTNAM — Richard “Dick” Magnan, 80, of David Circle, died Feb. 10, 2019, at Matulaitis Nursing Home, after a long illness. He was the husband of Priscilla (Coderre) Magnan, and a lifelong resident of Putnam.
Dick was born on June 3, 1938, and was the son of the late Henry Magnan and Beatrice (Robitaille) Gay. Dick was a graduate of the Woodstock Academy.
Richard was a “Master” collector and builder of LEGOs and 3D puzzles. He also enjoyed dollar bill origami. He loved watching the UConn women play, and was a NY Giants fan, begrudgingly to his family.
Richard worked at Bud’s Garage and Church St. Texaco. He was also a maintenance man at the Putnam Housing Authority, and his last job prior to retirement was at Putnam Elementary School as a custodian. He had been retired for 18 years and enjoyed his daily trips to the coffee shop to catch up with his guys.
He leaves his wife of 54 years, Priscilla (Coderre); his son, Michael and his fiancée Kerry Stockwell; his daughter, Sharon Tyrrell and son-in-law Brandon; grandchildren Alexis and Taylar and a great-grandson Asher. He was predeceased by his stepfather, George Gay and his brother, Raymond Magnan.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at noon Feb. 14 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation Church, Putnam. Consider donations to: Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260; or the DKH Wound Care Clinic, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory 104 Church St., Putnam.
Rosanna L. Royer
THOMPSON — Rosanna (Sisson) Royer, 86, of Thompson Rd. died Feb. 5, 2019, at home. She was born Dec. 20, 1932 in Olean, N.Y., daughter of the late Gaylord and Rosanna (Green) Sisson. She married Eugene Royer in 1951. He died in 2001.
She was a homemaker and lived in Thompson for 38 years. She collected keys and spoons, and enjoyed genealogy, and playing the piano and organ.
She leaves her son, Eugene L. Royer Jr. (Kandi) of Cartersville, Ga.; her daughters, Karen Hartley (Bruce) of Sun City, Ariz., Pamela Martin (Kevin) of Dayville, and Lori Hatch and her partner Mike Lashua of Webster; 10 grandchildren, Christopher Ferrone, David Ferrone, Eugene Royer III, Christy Higgins, Trisha McAllister, Nicholas Royer, Bruce Hartley, Kyle Hartley, Jennifer Hatch and Amber Hatch; great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; her sister, Ethel Drane of Phoenix; her brothers, Frank Sisson and Edwin “Kelly” Sisson of Olean, N.Y. She was predeceased by her daughters, Debra Ferrone in 2000 and Patricia Royer in 2015; her brothers, Gaylord Sisson, William Sisson, Thomas Sisson and Robert Sisson; and her sisters, Betsy Arnold and Helen Boqacz.
Services will take place in the spring. Donations: Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
George C. Smith Jr.
DAYVILLE — George C. Smith Jr., 77, of Dayville, died Feb. 10, 2019, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. He was born Dec. 18, 1941, son of George C. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Smith Sr.
George retired from Anchor Glass after 32 years as a mold maker and worked for five years at Crabtree & Evelyn as a material handler. He was a former member and officer of the Danielson Lions Club and was a resident of northeastern Connecticut most of his life.
George leaves his son Kyle Smith (Erika) of Fairmont, W. Va.; and stepson Roger Duchesne (Lynne) of Fitchburg, Mass.; granddaughter Taylor Smith of Morgantown, W.Va.; step grandchildren A. J. and Laramie Linn, both of Fairmont, and Nicole and Jeffrey Duchesne, both of New Hampshire; sisters Janet Smith of El Cerrito, Calif., Sharon Mann (Robert) of Woodstock; special friends Robert and Judy Payne of Brooklyn; companion Ernest Cristo. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Gary Smith.
There will be a graveside service at a later date. Donations: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Doretta ‘Meme’ Tinti
N. GROSVENORDALE — Doretta P. Tinti “Meme”, 96, of N. Grosvenordale died Feb. 5, 2019, at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Plainfield. She was the wife of Charles R. Tinti, who died in 1985.
She was born Sept. 26, 1922, in New Britain, daughter of Howard and Gertrude (Strosser) Pascoe.
Doretta was a member of the Thompson Congregational Church since 1965 and was a member of the Thimble Club, volunteered with the Red Cross for 25 years, the voting polls in Thompson, the Thompson Library and TEEG. She owned Tri-State Electronics with her husband from 1965-1971, later working as a bookkeeper for Bugbee’s Department Store from 1972 until closing. She loved her doll houses that her father made her in 1940, enjoyed plastic canvas and knitting, playing cards, puzzles and games.
She leaves her children Roger Tinti (Sandee) of Missouri, Darlene Kudzal (Frank) of Putnam; siblings Jean Coghill (Henry) of Schenectady, N.Y., Arthur Pascoe and Grace of Connecticut; grandchildren Randy Kudzal and his fiancée Sarah of N. Grosvenordale, Ryan Kudzal (Stephanie) of Sellersville, Penn., Raun Kudzal (Lindsey) of Putnam, Ross Kudzal (Jessie) of Woodstock, Rene Kudzal (Edtess) of Danielson, Reid Kudzal (Naomi) of Thompson, Rory Kudzal of Moosup, Regan Kudzal of Putnam; great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Isabella, Kayden, Khaya, Blake, Connor, Dustin, Zachary “Bobo”, Jackson, Andrew. She was predeceased by a sister Eadie Martin of Oregon and an infant brother.
Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 with a Funeral Service at noon at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in W. Thompson Cemetery. Donations: Thompson Public Library, PO Box 855, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or Thompson Congregational Church, PO Box 308, Thompson, CT 06277; or Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.
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