William Murdock Jr.,

WWII vet

POMFRET CENTER — William H. Murdock Jr., 93 of Pomfret Center, died Feb. 10, 2017, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Barbara (Baker) Murdock.

 He was born Feb. 18, 1923, son of the late William and Virginia (Gibault) Murdock. He was a WWII veteran serving with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific.

Bill worked for the Connecticut State Highway Department for many years. 

In addition to his wife, Barbara, he leaves his daughters, Sandra and Diane Murdock; his son, Douglas Murdock; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Virginia Duggans, Elaine Baker and Joan Nelson. He was predeceased by two sons, John Murdock, Donald Murdock, his brothers Robert Murdock and Donald Murdock. 

Donations: American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Lillian Newth

PUTNAM — Lillian Mae Newth, 82, of Putnam died Feb. 3, 2017,  in her sleep at Davis Place after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Putnam to Adelbert V. and Bernice S. Peckham. Lil eloped with the love of her life Franklin L. Newth on May 21, 1951.

Lillian worked in the selectmen’s office at the Putnam Town Hall and filled in as Putnam Town Clerk for her dear friend Dee Bernier, Lillian was elected to town clerk in 1985 and held that chair for 10 years, a job she truly loved. She was instrumental, along with many others, in forming the West Putnam Tax District where she served as tax collector. She served on the Putnam Democratic Town Committee, Board of Ed, and was the Democratic Registrar of Voters.

Whatever Lil did in life, she did thoroughly and with passion, seeing any responsibilities through to the end. Her mantra, “is there anything I can do for you?” carried through until the end. She loved to bake and can vegetables, “making goodies for her boys at Rawson’s” often. She was a fun-loving, dedicated and giving individual who never cared for notoriety. When introduced to Pete’s friends she would reply with “Call me Ma” and treated them as her own.

Before and during retirement, she enjoyed going to horse shows, successfully showing her beautiful Morgan mare “Saucie” at Morgan shows throughout New England. She loved spending time with her cousin, Nora Johnson at the shows. Lil was director of the Woodstock Fair Horse Show and was instrumental in many updates at the show ring facility.

She leaves her husband Franklin, their son Peter and his wife Kelly and numerous nieces and nephews.

There are no services. Donations: Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489; or the Abington Public Library, 536 Hampton Road, Pomfret, CT 06258. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Tammy M. Bennett

PUTNAM —  Tammy M. (Houle) Bennett, 58, of Smith St., died Feb. 8, 2017, in Day Kimball Hospital.  Born in 1958 in Palmer, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Francis and Olga (Desourdy) Houle Sr.

Mrs. Bennett worked for many years as a meat packer at Steak-Umms.

She enjoyed fishing, listening to music, playing scrabble, karaoke, and playing with her dogs.

She leaves her companion Lisa Pendleton of Putnam; her children Christy Yorz of Putnam and William Yorz of Taylorsville, N.C.; siblings Francis J. Houle Jr. of Putnam, Frank Houle (April) of Thompson, Sandra Challinor (Dennis) of Thompson, Rachael White (Richard) of Webster, Lisa Vallou of Putnam, Doris Curtis (Joe) of Thompson, and Rosie Brown (Glen) of Putnam; three grandchildren Christian, Dustin, and Aliah Yorz; and step-grandchildren Jazlyn and Wesley Pendleton. 

Services were private. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Robert J. DeSantis

WALLKILL, N.Y.  — Robert J. DeSantis, 84, entered into rest Feb. 7, 2017, at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, Newburgh, N.Y., campus.

Known by his family and close friends as “Sanc,” he was born July 16, 1932, in Putnam, the son of the late Magdelena and Tito DeSantis. 

He married Ann (Dupre) in St. Mary’s Church in Putnam 62 years ago. 

Following graduation from Putnam High School and then business school, he served as a trouble shooter for Fruehauf Trailer Company.  After moving to Newburgh in 1959, he founded Newburgh Truck and Trailer Sales with his two brothers, Tito and Phil, as partners and his sister Rosemarie as secretary.  He served as president for 35 years before retiring.  

Bob was also a community- minded man.  It was not uncommon for him to offer food, clothing and work to a person who was homeless or down on his luck.  This desire to help others in need led to his joining with a few close friends to form the Newburgh chapter of the service club, UNICO.  There he served as its first president and later as the district’s regional governor.  

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Ann (Dupre), at home, his brothers, Tito (Jeanne) of Newburgh, Phil (Marlene) of Newburgh, his sister Rosemarie Jodion of Newburgh,  his sons; Robert (Susanne) of New Windsor, Rori of Marlboro, Ricki of Destin, Fla., Rand (Deirdrea) of Wallkill, Russell (Renee), of Milton; his daughters; Robin Hecht of Wallkill and Roni DeSantis of Wallkill; his grandchildren; Domonique, Ashley, Sabrina, Samantha, Nicole, Angelica, Travis, Kyle, Rand Jr., Bridget, Stephanie, Taylor and Brittany. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Norman P. Jodoin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 11 at St. Francis Church, Newburgh with interment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburg. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN  38105; the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005; or the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Engel Funeral Home, Newburgh.

 

Gail M. Corriveau

N. GROSVENORDALE — Gail (Grochowski) Corriveau, 76, of Main St., died Feb. 8, 2017, at home. She was the wife of the late Arthur W. Corriveau.  Born in 1941 in Webster, she was the daughter of the late William J. Grochowski and Dora A. (Menard) Grochowski.

Mrs. Corriveau worked as a cashier for Xtra Mart. She enjoyed working on her tablet, ceramics, crocheting, knitting and reading.  

She leaves her sons, A. William Corriveau (Joann) of Thompson, and Derek R. Corriveau of Preston; her daughter, Lisa J. Gray of N. Grosvenordale; her sister Jeannie; and her grandson, Craig A. Corriveau of Danielson.  She is predeceased by her sister Carol.  

A Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 17 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Donna L. Delaney

MANSFIELD — Donna L. Delaney, 58, died Feb. 10, 2017, at her Mansfield home.  Donna was born May 29, 1958, in Boston, daughter of the late Joseph F. Delaney and the late Lillian K. Delaney.  

She leaves her daughter, Amie Delaney of Mansfield; son, Thomas Delaney and fiancée, Lynn Poulin, of Brooklyn; eight grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Joseph Delaney and Dennis Delaney;  one sister, Cynthia Boyd (Hugh); nieces and nephews including Keith Delaney. She was predeceased by her sisters Kristine Delaney and Gail Parker and her nephew, Jason Delaney.  

She will be most remembered for her love of children. Her love and devotion to all she touched was evident by all who knew her.

Visitation with a Memorial Service will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 18 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Robert R. Leclair

PUTNAM — Robert (Bob) R. Leclair, 80, died peacefully Feb. 11, 2017, in Putnam. Bob was born in 1936 in Putnam and was son of the late William Joseph Leclaire and Delina Rose (Peloquin) Leclaire. He was a longtime companion to the late Leonie Dauphinais for 40 years.

Bob was a gentle, hardworking man who always took time for others. He was a 1954 graduate of Putnam High School. He worked at US Button in Putnam for many years. He then worked as a warehouse worker for Frito Lay in Dayville, retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Society of American Foresters.  He was a lifelong, avid fan of the UConn girls’ basketball team and the Boston Celtics, holding season tickets for many years. Bob was also a collector of sports memorabilia and keeper of sports statistics. Bob was proud to be captain of the Southbridge Summer ¬Basketball League Champions. Bob enjoyed driving around town in his spotless Cadillac. 

He leaves two sisters, Denise Rondeau (Edward) of Thompson, and Jeanne Dougherty of Woburn, Mass.; 10 nieces and nephews, Jared Rondeau (Mellissa) of Killingly, Daniel Rondeau and his  companion Michelle Reaume of Putnam, James Dougherty (Susan) of Winthrop, Mass., Paul Dougherty of Medford, Mass., Edward Dougherty of Londonderry, N.H., Mary Haney of Fremont, N.H., Kathleen Andre (Charles)  of Medford, Patrick Dougherty of Boston, Maureen Thomas (Nicholas) of Woburn, and Jeanne McDonald (Sean) of Burlington, Mass. He was predeceased by his brother Paul Frank Leclaire and brother-in-law Robert Dougherty.

Visitation is at 9 a.m. April 22 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. April 22 at St. Mary’s Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

 

Lorraine C. Fournier

DAYVILLE — Lorraine C. Fournier, 79, of Dayville died, Feb. 8, 2017, at Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was born June 3, 1937, in Providence, daughter of the late Charles and Florence (Aubin) Butts. She was predeceased by her former husband Paul Fournier.  Lorraine attended St. James School and Killingly High School Class of 1955. She was a bookkeeper for Arrow-Hart Manufacturing. She enjoyed walking around Alexander’s Lake, traveling, camping and cooking. Lorraine baked the most excellent pies. 

She leaves her three children: Deborah Kirkconnell (Timothy Panteleakos) of Dayville; Brian Bourque (Candace) of Pomfret; David Bourque (Lynn) of Woodstock Valley;  six grandchildren: Randy Kirkconnell, Jason Kirkconnell, Justin Kirkconnell,  Natalie Bourque, Noah Bourque, Luke Bourque,  Katy Paradise, Kelly Brothers-Paradise and Ryan Paradise Sr.; her seven great-grandchildren: Lauren, Cadence, Christopher, Evelyn, Roscoe P., Riley and Ryan Jr.  

A Memorial Service was Feb. 12 at the First Congregational Church of Pomfret. Donations: The charity of your choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

William I. Neilson

PUTNAM — William I. Neilson, 89, died Feb. 11, 2017, at Westview Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. 

Born Nov. 25, 1927, in Frostburg, Md., he was the son of the late Marshall and Sarah (Wellings), Neilson. He married the late Virginia (Williams) Neilson on Oct. 7, 1946. 

He was an avid bowler and Baltimore Orioles baseball fan. He lived most of his adult life in Baltimore, employed as a painter for General Motors. He leaves his sons, William Neilson Jr. (Anne Lamondy), Michael Nielsen (Marsha);  daughters Linda Mathias, and Brenda Ray (Anthony); sister Thelma Neilson; a brother, Charles; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is predeceased by a son, Dennis Neilson, brothers, Clarence and Marshall Neilson and his sister Pearl Drew. Funeral services and burial will take place in Baltimore. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Marybeth Kelly

SHREWSBURY, Mass. — Marybeth (Pollier) Kelly, 57, of Shrewsbury, died Feb. 7, 2017, at home. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Roland and Patricia (Reiley) Pollier and lived in Webster before moving to Shrewsbury.  She was a CNA and worked in a nursing home.  She enjoyed reading and the New England Patriots. She leaves her husband, William Kelly of Shrewsbury; two sons, Andrew Stewart of Webster, Craig Stewart (Taryn) of Thompson; one daughter, Brianna VanDeusen (John) of Dudley; a brother, Roland Pollier of Haverhill, Mass.; two sisters, Lisa DeBruyn of Sutton, Mass., and Cheryl Burke of Brandon, Fla.; nine grandchildren.  She was predeceased by two brothers, Mark Pollier and Gary Pollier. A Celebration of Life service will be held later. Donations: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Anna Przystas

N. GROSVENORDALE — Anna (Szpyrka) Andrzejewski Przystas, 92, of N. Grosvenordale, and Wayland, Mass., died Feb. 8, 2017, in the Newton Wellsley Hospital, Newton, Mass.  She was the wife of the late Adolph Andrzejewski, who died in 1972 and the late Stanley Przystas, who died in 1991.  She was born in N. Grosvenordale, daughter of the late John and Mary (Markowski) Przystas and lived in N. Grosvenordale and Webster for many years before moving to Wayland.  She was a retired shoe worker and worked at B + W Footwear, retiring in 1989. She leaves a grandson, Robert (Kristina) Andrzejewski of Wayland; a granddaughter, Laurie Casavant of Webster; two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Sophie; a niece, Matilda Andrzejewski of Connecticut.  She was predeceased by her son, John Andrzejewski; a brother, Walter Szpyrka; a sister Gladys Pasay.Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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