Victor E. Lippiello,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — Victor E. Lippiello, 100, of Emond St., died Dec. 10, 2020, at home.
Born July 16, 1920, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Bartolomeo and Maria (Trama) Lippiello. He was married to the late Josephine (Barrille) Lippiello on June 21, 1947, in Buffalo, N.Y.
A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Mr. Lippiello served in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne – 511th Parachute Infantry as a paratrooper in the Pacific Theater of WWII. He made 27 jumps, including one combat jump over Japanese-occupied Manila. At the end of the war, he was stationed as a peacekeeper in Japan before returning home. His decorations and citations included the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged at Fort Devens in January 1946.
He was employed by the Uncas Printing and Finishing Company in Mechanicsville. He also worked as an upholsterer for Risom Manufacturing before moving on to the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. He retired in 1992. Victor was a Life Member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks #574, a member of the American Legion Post #13 Putnam, and a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation in Putnam. In 2020, the town of Putnam declared July 16 “Victor Lippiello Day” in his honor. Victor could often be seen on his daily walks and enjoyed playing cards as a member of the “Iron Dukes” at the Elks. He was an avid gardener and was known for his homemade tomato sauce. In addition, he was a 22-gallon blood donor with the American Red Cross.
He leaves his daughter, JoAnn (Lippiello) Gorham of Woodstock Valley; his granddaughter, Victoria (Gorham) Ywarsky (John) of Brooklyn; great-granddaughter, his “Queen” Josephine Ywarsky; siblings, Constantino “Connie” Lippiello and Matilda “Tillie” Deotte, both of N. Grosvenordale. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Louis Lippiello, and sisters Lisa Pope, Carmela Czechowski, Lydia Cutter, and Virginia Lippiello. Due to COVID-19, services will be private. A Celebration of Victor’s life will be announced at a later date. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260; or the American Legion Post #13, P.O. Box 123, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

Thomas F. Watson Sr.
Korean war vet
DAYVILLE — Thomas F. Watson, Sr., 85, of Falcons Way, died Dec. 12, 2020, in Davis Place. He was the husband of Maria (Bashaw) Watson. Born in 1935 in Worcester, he was the son of the late Thomas and Ila Mae (Carroll) Watson. Mr. Watson worked in the wire industry prior to his retirement.  He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  He enjoyed cooking for his family. He would always volunteer to help anyone needing assistance with a project.  He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his ability to maintain a positive outlook as his illness progressed.  Although he died from COVID-19, he fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to his wife Maria, he leaves two sons, Thomas Watson Jr of Webster, and Daniel Watson of Webster; his four daughters, Cheryl Kuchachik (John) of Webster, Darlene Watson-Robinson of Plainfield, Christine Watson of Webster, Jeanne Nalewajk (Bruce) of Harrison, N.C.; two step-daughters, Laurie Rivard (Nick) of Spencer, Mass., Shanon Sabourin (Jim) of Thompson; grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Thomas is predeceased by his son, Mark Watson, and his siblings, Carroll, Edward, and Wayne Watson, Audrey and Gail Watson. Donations: Davis Place Resident Activity Fund, 111 Westcott Rd. Danielson, CT 06239. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam.

Ronald L Baribeau Sr.
DANIELSON — Ronald L. Baribeau Sr., 75, of Margaret Henry Rd., died Dec. 5, 2020, at home following a brief illness. Ron will be remembered for his warm smile, generous spirit, and no-nonsense, tell-it-like- it is attitude.  Ron leaves behind his best friend and the love of his life, Deborah (Harding) Baribeau. Anyone who knew Ron quickly recognized that his world revolved around her. The two met as teenagers, married in 1967, and have been inseparable ever since. Ron’s second love, his big Cadillacs, were even named after her — “DEBBYB.” They enjoyed traveling, summers at the lake, casino excursions, and nightly dinner dates. They also enjoyed UConn women’s basketball and were season ticket holders to the Connecticut Sun. Born in 1945 in Putnam, he was the son of Louis and Irene (Theroux) Baribeau, and was one of four children and a proud life-long resident of Killingly. After graduating from Ellis Technical School, he joined his in-law’s family business, People’s Loan Company in Danielson. There he learned the lending business and eventually went on to head the company where he led as president for decades. Though a sharp businessman, Ron’s generous nature always won out and he aided many families in their times of need. Ron was a life member of the Elks and a committed supporter of Special Olympics.  Soon after retiring, Ron realized the idle life was not for him and took on a second career when he got a CDL license and went to work for the Town of Killingly as a school bus driver. Ron loved the children and the children loved him back. He was a surrogate grandfather to many and got much joy from not only those relationships, but also from the many friends he made at the bus garage.
In addition to his wife Deborah, he leaves his children Jayne Haythe and her fiancé Richard Ryan of Dayville, and Ronald (Joe) Baribeau Jr. (Holly Backes) of Pomfret Center; five grandchildren: Crawford Haythe, Sean Haythe (Alecia Fontaine), Aidan Morin, and Alec and Yianni Baribeau.
A Graveside Service will be held in late Spring 2021 at Westfield Cemetery. Donations: Special Olympics. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam

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