Cynthia Johnson

WEBSTER — Cynthia Johnson, 46, of Webster died July 18, 2017, at home.  

Cynthia was born April 23, 1971, in Webster, daughter of Evelyn (Geotis)  Aperges and the late Anthony Aperges.   

Cindy served on the Webster Police Department since 1993 as a reserve, became a sub patrol officer in 1998 and in 2002 became a full-time patrol officer.  She was promoted to detective in 2016 and also served as the School Resource Office assisting and mentoring many students in Webster.  

Cindy served on the Council Board at her church for more than a decade at Sts Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church where she was a life long member. She was on the board at the Webster/Dudley Boys and Girls Club, oversaw multiple community projects including National Night Out and Winter Wonderland. 

She raised more than $50,000 in her annual Golf Tournaments for the Jimmy Fund / Ovarian Cancer Research.

She leaves her husband of 21 years  David Johnson; her mother Evelyn (Geotis) Aperges; sister Helen Salce; nephew and Godson Marc Anthony of Southbridge;  brother George Aperges of Colorado; sister Marie McNally; niece Tori McNally and great-niece and goddaughter Avery Daignault of Webster; sister Alex her husband Chris and nephew Tristen Massie of Lancaster Penn.; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and her dearest friends Mo and Mark Pierangeli.

The funeral was July 21 at Sts. Constantine & Helen, Greek Orthodox Church in Webster, with burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Webster  Donations: Sts Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 713, Webster  Ma. 01570; or UMass Memorial Ovarian Cancer Research, 333 South St., Shrewsbury ,MA 01545  Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, Dudley.

 

Walter S. Swantek,

WWII vet

DANIELSON — Walter S. Swantek, 98, of Danielson died July 10, 2017, at the Davis Place healthcare facility in Danielson. Walter was born on July 4, 1919, in W. Warren, R.I., son of the late Stephen and Theresa (Wiewcuzak) Swantek. 

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII in September 1942. Walter was assigned to the 473rd Ordinance Evacuation Company. He attended the Ordinance Auto Schools in Halabind, Md., and Anita, Calif. He was deployed in Central Europe as a sergeant and earned the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. He was discharged in February of 1946.

Walter was the sole proprietor of Walt’s Auto Body Works in Danielson for 42 years, providing automobile towing services and complete vehicle repair and restoration for a countless number of Windham County residents. He was passionate and dedicated in his work and always strived for the highest quality of fit, form and finish for his customers.

He leaves his sons Henry Swantek of Danielson and Leonard Swantek (Kathy) and their daughter Kristen of Nazareth, Penn.; his niece Mary Gagnon and her companion Jeffrey Songco and their children; Christine Gagnon, Scott Gagnon and Jeffrey Gagnon (Melissa), his nephews Paul Swantek (Melanie) and their children; Stephanie Swantek and her husband Cesar Jimenez, Jennifer Swantek and Marisa Swantek. Walter was predeceased by his wife Rose Rugienus and siblings Adele Briere, Joseph, Helen and Michael.

A Mass of Christian Burial was July 13 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson. Donations: Hartford HealthCare Hospice, Attn: Karen Pagliaro, 1290 Silas Deane Hwy, Suite 4B Wethersfield, CT 06109. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Robert B. Parker III,

Army vet

EASTFORD — Robert B. Parker III died July 11, 2017, at the age of 71.

He was born Feb. 19, 1946, in Providence,  the son of Robert Jr. 

and Maude (Bemis) Parker.

He was a retired career Army Major in the Signal Corps. He enjoyed cooking, literature, history and his pets. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, David; and son, Jason. He leaves his sister, Janis and son, Robert IV.

Burial will be private. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Milton Barlow

EASTFORD — Milton G. Barlow, 82, of Eastford died July 20, 2017, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. He was the husband of Cynthia (Price) Barlow. They were married Sept. 10, 1960.

Born on Nov. 1, 1934, in Stafford Springs, son of the late Milton F. and Sylvia (Caroline) Barlow. 

He was a graduate of Newington High School. During his high school years Milton started a Radio and TV repair business in Newington, which he later moved to Eastford. He attended The University of Hartford and graduated. Milton was a volunteer for the Newington Fire Department and Newington Police Department. Milton developed a love for classical music and attended many concerts in Worcester. 

He worked for Lindon Tree Service for many years, worked on several of the local farms including Spring Farm and Miller’s Farm. Milton worked for Goodhall’s Garage as a parts manager and Brooklyn Hardware. He spent his life cutting wood to heat the home. Many people will remember Milton and his daily walks on the roads near his home, people often joked about wearing down the road and wearing out the dogs on their many walks.

In addition to his wife Cynthia he leaves his children Joel Barlow of Pomfret, Kevin Barlow of Woodstock; a sister Jean Hafner (Robert) of Simsbury; grandchildren Vincent Barlow of Oxford, Mass., Cecilia Taylor of Pennsylvania, Joel Barlow Jr. of New Hampshire, Kevin Barlow Jr. of Ashford, Dylan Barlow of Woodstock; two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son Stephen Barlow.

The Graveside Service was July 26 in Grove Cemetery, Eastford. Donations: NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Peter S. Ricard

THOMPSON — Peter S. Ricard, 56, of Jensen Dr., died unexpectedly July 17, 2017, at Day Kimball Hospital.  He was the husband of Ann M. (Bergeron) Ricard.  Born in 1960 in Norwich, he was the son of the late Roland J. and Stella (Banasiewicz) Ricard.

Mr. Ricard was a 1979 graduate of H.S. Ellis Tech High School. He went on to work as a manager in the textile industry, as a manager for Crabtree & Evelyn and then as an exclusion technician for Terminix. Peter enjoyed boating, riding his ATV, playing the guitar, the harmonica and loved animals. He was an avid fan of UConn Huskies basketball.  

In addition to his wife Ann, he leaves his daughter, Krystle Ricard-Breault of Ashford; his brother, Paul A. Ricard (Diane) of Voluntown; his sister, Renee A. Jowett of Griswold; and his grandchildren, Jessica Breault and Waylon Breault, both of Ashford.  

A Mass of Christian Burial was July 21 in St. Joseph Church, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations: Humane Society, 2100 L. St. N.W., Washington DC, 20037.  Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

 

Susan Lee Walker

PUTNAM — Susan “Suzy” Walker, 64, died unexpectedly at home June 30, 2017. Born on Sept. 20, 1952, in Putnam, she was the daughter of Daniel Walker Sr. and the late Lucille Samuel (Tetreault). 

Suzy enjoyed passing her time by drawing, coloring and writing. She loved wrestling and music. She really cherished the times playing chess with her grandson Morgan.

She leaves behind her son Morgan Walker Sr.; grandsons Morgan Jr. and Hunter; Jennifer Skeens who has always been like a daughter; two sisters Joy Webb (Terry) and Pamela Howard (Brad); brothers Philip, Daniel and Steven; nieces and nephews; dear friend Lisa Marquis; her cat Willow.

A Graveside service was July 18 in Grove Street Cemetery, Putnam. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. 

 

Ronald J. Gonyer,

National Guard

BROOKLYN — Ronald J. Gonyer, 73, died peacefully July 14, 2017, at Gaylord Hospital.

He was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Holden, Mass., son of the late Charles J. Gonyer and Dorothy (Elie) Gibson.  

After being honorably discharged from the National Guard in 1969, Ron moved to Connecticut with his wife, and began working for General Dynamics; He worked at Kaman Aerospace for 37 years until his retirement in 2003.  Ron always revered his colleagues from Kaman (in all departments) as family.

Ron was a member of the West Wauregan Fire Department for 20 years before they merged with the Mortlake Fire Department.  Ron will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, quick wit, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Roseanne (Jameson) Gonyer; son: Tim Gonyer of Hollywood, Fla.; daughter: Tammy Rainville of Pomfret; five grandchildren: Levi, Caleb, and Grace Gonyer of North Carolina, and Emily and Megan Rainville of Pomfret.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. July 29 at Our Lady of LaSalette Church, Brooklyn. Donations: The Wounded Warriors; American Legion; or to the Mortlake Fire Department (Brooklyn). Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Patricia Brody

WEBSTER — Patricia B. (Sandecki) Brody, 77, died July 20, 2017, at the Auburn Life Care Center.  

She was born in Webster daughter of the late Marion (Sandecki) Kumiega and lived there all her life.  She was a clerk at Holly Farms in Webster. 

She leaves by her husband of 59 years, Joseph B. Brody; leaves two sons, Richard J. Brody (Robin) of Clinton, Mass., and Kevin Brody (Wendy) of Woodstock; four grandchildren, Alyssa, Samantha, Zachary and Emma.

The Mass of Christian Burial was July 24 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Donations: St. Jude Children Hospital. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

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