By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC shoutout is sent along to Army Sgt. Andrew Zamagni who recently returned from a tour in Iraq.  The remembrance of Memorial Day is a reminder to say thank you to Zamagni and all the men and women who are serving and have served our nation in the military.

Doug Valentine, who died on Friday, May 20, was an enigma to those who knew him and loved him.  He was a public person who enjoyed a long and successful career as banker, yet he was a very private person even with his closest friends.

Dougie V and I were very close friends for many years enjoying hours upon hours on the golf course, a few cigars and libations together, as well as sharing a few laughs over the years.  The phone would rings and it was Doug wondering what time we would meet at Quinnatisset Country Club.  Our rounds of golf were always enjoyable because his disposition on the links would never change whether he was playing well or poorly.

Let me tell you what I remember about the person whose death left everyone who knew Valentine  shocked and in mourning.

Born in New Haven and residing in that vicinity until his career took him to northeastern Connecticut, he was the son of the late George and Marjorie, who is currently 97 years old.  He was a faithful son, visiting his mother until recently when his health prohibited travel.  One of the worst things in life is for a parent to outlive a child but fortunately for Mrs. Valentine despite her age she was able to see her son briefly before he died.

Valentine was a graduate of Quinnipiac University, which he was loyal to and supportive of his alma mater.  He was a U.S. Army veteran, who like many others in his age group spent time in Vietnam.  Although he seldom spoke of his time in Southeast Asia, where he earned a Purple Heart, when he did speak his story was admirable.  He was wounded in an artillery attack that almost took his life.

He served in the Army from May 1968 to May 1970 and in Vietnam from October 1968 to March 1969.  In addition to the Purple Heart, he was the recipient of the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Expert and sharpshooter badge with the M16 and M14.

He admitted once about his injuries incurred in Vietnam, “They didn’t think I was going to make it.  I was fortunate.”

Embarking on a banking career he was known and respected as one of the best commercial lenders in the area.  His career led him to community involvement with the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Putnam Rotary Club and the Arc of Quinebaug.  He spent 19 years as the financial officer for the Chamber and was honored as the recipient of a Gold Key Award.  Active in the Rotary Club with its education program and golf tournament, he was the recipient of the organization’s highest recognition, the Paul Harris Award.  The Arc always held a special place in his heart, where he worked to improve the lives of those individuals affected with developmental disability.

Despite being a private person, he reached out when it came to helping others.

In the last 15 years his life was graced with the presence of his partner Barbara Rasmussen.  She was a faithful and loving companion who was by his side, holding his hand until his final breath.

Taken too early at age 68 from those who were his friends his presence will be deeply missed.  The memories will live on.  He was the only witness of the only hole-in-one in my golfing career.  The golfing trips to Maine, Cape Cod, Florida and Shelter Harbor.  The Fridays after work at J.D. Cooper’s and his Cosmos and Absolut Citron and tonics.  The cigars enjoyed while relaxing and talking sports, politics, the economy or whatever.

When life got tough or touchy situations arose, Valentine was known to say “Oh well.”  His way of rationalizing the situation.  Though Doug Valentine is no longer with us in body, his soul and spirit will remain, wherever friends meet and his name is mentioned.  Rest in Peace, good friend.

Tourtellotte Hall of Fame 

Calls Another Athlete…

The 1987 yearbook photo of Chris Mayotte is one of a healthy, smiling teen who was comfortable in his skin.  The fact of the matter is that Mayotte was also equally comfortable on the baseball diamond or the basketball hardwood for the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Tigers.

Mayotte enjoyed the privilege of playing for two legendary coaches, Jim Naum in basketball and Tom Auclair in baseball.  The reward for playing under the guidance of these men resulted in championships in both sports.

In basketball Mayotte was part of the 1987 Connecticut State Basketball Champions, a team that is often favorably compared to the team immortalized in the movie, “Hoosiers.”  During his high school hoop career Mayotte was a Quinebaug Valley Conference and Thompson Times all star.  As captain of the team in his senior year, he led the team in assists and was the second highest scorer.

On the diamond Mayotte led the Tigers to QVC championships in 1985 and 1986.  He was honored as an Observer Patriot, WINY and Journal Transcript all star.  He graduated with a perfect 6-0 pitching record and a minuscule 0.93 earned run average.  

Mayotte moved on to a college baseball career at Stonehill College where he played for four years.  He was the team’s captain during his senior year.  He also enjoyed an all star career with the TriTown American Legion baseball team.

The Tourtellotte Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2016 is scheduled to be inducted on Saturday, June 25 in a 2 p.m.in a ceremony at the Ryscavage Auditorium.

Happy Birthday to the Man 

They Call Cos… 

Family and friends gathered at Grille 37 in Pomfret on Friday, May 20 to celebrate the 70th birthday of Thompson resident Cosmo Quercia.  Approximately 75 people were on hand to congratulate the man they refer to lovingly as Cos.

Cosmo Quercia, who is retired but enjoys his avocation as a photographer, was a talented athlete as a young man.  He starred on the gridiron at Norwich Free Academy, where his play earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at Central Connecticut State University.

But on Friday night, Cos sat silently as his loving bride, Bernadette enjoyed the opportunity to roast her husband much to his chagrin and the enjoyment of the audience.  The evening was coordinated by Quercia’s son Chris and daughter Kaleen Taft.  Despite the chiding and poking, Quercia was still smiling the next day.

Running Note…

The long standing Wednesday 5K Summer Fun Runs at the West Thompson Dam, originally organized by Bobby Mayer, started last week but organizer Martin Fey reminds the serious and recreational runner that the FREE event is open to all.  The runs will continue every Wednesday through mid-September.  Participants should park and meet at the Ravenelle Road parking lot.  Runners will walk to the starting line at 6 p.m. and the start of the run will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.   

For information contact Fey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 860.428.5979.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good action in others.” Plato

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

 

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