Dr. Henry Johnson,

Korean war vet

DAYVILLE — Dr. Henry (Hank) Johnson died Aug. 6, 2017.

He was born Feb. 19, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y., second son of Joseph and Aina (nee Selenius) Johnson. He and his brother Nils, spent their early years in Finland and Sweden during the Depression and WWII. Hank served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1955. 

Later he graduated from the University of Bridgeport and then went on to earn a doctorate of medical dentistry from Tufts University in 1959. He practiced dentistry in Putnam and Pomfret until his retirement in 1996.

Hank was active in the Pomfret Lions Club, taking a term as president. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and a longtime member of the Quinnatisset Country Club. 

He leaves his second wife, Alice Southwood Gascoigne Johnson; niece Janice Williams; his children, David and Joyce Johnson, Reid Johnson, and Julie Johnson and Matt Price; stepchildren Carol Albertelli, Judith Pashoian, Deborah Gascoigne; and his grandchildren, Ethan, Kendra, and Thomas. He was predeceased by his brother Nils and first wife, Joyce MacDonald Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 12 at Christ Church, Pomfret. Donations: Day Kimball Hospital, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or Pomfret Lions, Eye Research, PO Box 91, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.  Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Leon L. Santerre,

WWII vet

N. GROSVENORDALE — Leon L. Santerre, 90 of N. Grosvenordale, died Aug. 5, 2017, at Davis Place in Danielson. He was the husband of Theresa (Auger) Santerre. They were married April 14, 1951. She died Dec. 19, 1997. 

He was born March 14, 1927, in N. Grosvenordale, son of Eugene and Alberta (Grenier) Santerre. Leon worked as a carpenter his entire working career. 

He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Olmstead. 

He had a great love of polka music and enjoyed listening with his family on Sundays. 

He leaves three sons, Michael, Paul and Robert Santerre; a daughter Denise Recko; brother Maurice Santerre of Thompson; sister Irene Harvanek of Webster; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 10 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: American Cancer Society. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

John Wolchesky,

Army vet

W. WILLINGTON — John Wolchesky, 91, of Rt. 74, West Willington, died Aug. 9, 2017, at home after a brief illness. He was born May 16, 1926, in Pomfret on his family’s farm. He was the ninth child of 11 born to Alexander and Stephanita Wolchesky. 

John was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Donlon) Wolchesky whom he married Sept. 3, 1961, at Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Together they made their home in West Willington. 

After attending trade school in Putnam to become a mason, he joined the Mason’s union in 1950. He remained a member until his death, becoming what is known as a Lifetime Retired Member. He was also very well known for his skills at building chimneys and fireplaces. 

John proudly served in the U.S. Army from Aug. 4, 1953 to June 15, 1955. John really enjoyed his time outdoors working on his family’s farm and in his gardens. He loved to spend time in the fall hunting deer and cutting wood. 

He leaves three sons, John M. Wolchesky of Pomfret, Steven G. Wolchesky and Scott E. Wolchesky, both of Willington; one brother, William Wolchesky; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by nine siblings.

The Funeral will be at 9 a.m. Aug. 17 from Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. Burial with military honors follows in South Cemetery. 

 

Linda Ann Auger

THOMPSON — Linda Ann Auger, 68, of Thompson, died Aug. 10, 2017 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, after a brief illness. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Albena (Balli) and Nicholas J. Ferro. 

Linda was a kind and caring person. She took pleasure in helping others. She enjoyed being at the lake by her house and had fun playing video games on her phone. She also cherished her cats and enjoyed taking care of them. 

She was a 1966 graduate of Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson. She later graduated with a degree from Post Junior College in Waterbury. She recently worked in activities at Webster Manor and worked in healthcare all of her life.

She leaves the love of her life of 30 years, Kevin McKnight of Thompson; her son, Brandon Auger and his girlfriend Danielle Lamontagne of Douglas, Mass.; her children, and her three grandchildren: Matthew, Ryan and Sara; extended family members. She is predeceased by her sister, Gertrude Henault. 

Visiting is from 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 18 at William R. Short & Son Funeral Home, 95 West Main St. Marlborough, Mass. Funeral service follows at 10:30 a.m. with burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Marlborough.

 

Colleen Welsh Baker

PUTNAM — Colleen Welsh Baker, 71, most recently of Putnam, died Aug. 4, 2017, following a lengthy illness. She was born in December 1945.

In her own words, Colleen was a mermaid, Boho hippie, gypsy, goddess, artisan, guitar-playing chaplain and nurse practitioner.

Colleen studied nursing science at SUNY Empire State College.  She worked for many years independently, in hospitals and as part of multiple practices throughout Connecticut and New York.  Nursing was her passion; she found fulfillment taking care of patients, family and friends with the knowledge she obtained throughout her career and after.

Always a spiritualist, Colleen ministered mentally, physically and emotionally to those in need, incorporating many elements into her nursing practice. 

In retirement, Colleen continued to share her medical knowledge, as well as polish her many skills in other areas.  A self-taught craftswoman, she made jewelry, soaps and embroidery, sewed, baked, practiced interior design and played guitar.  She continued to find time to learn anything that interested her.  Colleen also traveled extensively, always being happiest at the beach.

She leaves her children: Robin, Jeff, Todd, Darren and Carryn, and their families; siblings: Bill, Neil, Lynn, Sally, Kelley, Kathie, and Scott; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Colleen was predeceased by her husband Lloyd and her sisters Kerry and Stacey. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.  Reception to follow at 10 Carey Ave., Central Village, (Plainfield).

 

Kevin J. McCarthy 

PUTNAM —  Kevin J. McCarthy, 70, of Lafayette St., died Aug. 13, 2017, in Day Kimball Hospital. He was the husband of Shirley (Pelletier) Harvard McCarthy for 17 years and the late Michelle (Rondeau) McCarthy. 

Born in 1947 in New York City, N.Y., he was the son of the late William J. and Mary (Hughes) McCarthy. 

Kevin was a truck driver for Frito Lay for many years retiring in 2007.  

He had previously worked at Electric Boat. 

He was an avid model train enthusiast, loved the company of his dogs, restoring and tinkering with classic cars, was a passionate New England sports fan, especially the Red Sox, and enjoyed flying model airplanes with the local flyers club. 

In addition to his wife Shirley, he leaves his stepson Brian Harvard (Glori) of Southbridge; his stepdaughter Lisa Kuszewski (Josh) of Webster; his brother, Geoffrey McCarthy (Julie) of Portland, Org.; his aunt Dorrie Bourget of New Hampshire’ and two grandchildren, Andrew Harvard and Autumn Harvard. 

Visiting hours are from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 18 in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with his funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Taftville. Donations: Local animal shelters.

 

 

Edward S. Beckman

PUTNAM — Edward Stephen “Ed” Beckman, 66, of Woodstock Avenue died Aug. 3, 2017, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., after an 18-year battle with multiple myeloma. 

Born in 1951 in Springfield to Edward F. Beckman and Jeannette M. (Hamel) Beckman of Springfield and later Southwick, Mass., Edward graduated Southwick High School in 1969 and American International College in Springfield in 1974. He later attended Westfield State College as a post-graduate.

A longtime devotee of the performing arts, Edward began his professional career as an actor at StageWest in Springfield before moving on to a career in sales. 

After receiving his diagnosis in 1998 and being given six months to live, Edward participated in a series of clinical trials at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and consistently defied medical expectations. He remained active in the arts community for the remainder of his life, serving as a part-time technical director for Opera New England in Woodstock and working on countless productions as actor, director, technical crewman, and dramaturg with amateur and professional companies throughout northeastern Connecticut. 

Edward also had lifelong interests in amateur radio (callsign KB1GLR) as well as aviation, having served in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager. Over the course of his life he was an avid world traveler, photographer, language and literature enthusiast, long-distance road cyclist, amateur scientist, musician, history buff, and a lover of philosophy and learning. 

He leaves his sister, Ellen Beckman of Putnam; daughter Ryan Beckman of Thompson;  sons Nathaniel Beckman of S. Portland, Maine, Zeke Parent of Woodstock,  and Jacob Parent of Woodstock. 

A memorial service in celebration of Edward’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Grill 37 in Pomfret. Donations: Dana-Farber   Cancer Institute:

www.danafarbergiving.org    or by sending checks to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.

 

Aline Blanchette

PUTNAM — Aline King Blanchette, widow of Joseph Blanchette, died Aug. 3, 2017, three days shy of her 93rd birthday at Davis Place Nursing Home in Danielson.

Aline was born Aug. 6, 1924, in Putnam, the eldest daughter of Earl and Elsie Johnson. She lived and worked her entire life in the Putnam/Danielson area. From 1965 to 1986 she worked in the Superintendent of Schools office in Putnam as executive secretary. Following that, she was in the school Superintendent’s office in Plainfield. She was also a bookkeeper for several local churches. 

During her lifetime she was active in the American Baptist Association, the Aspinock Historical Society, the Community Concert Association, as well as a docent for the Textile Museum in Willimantic. 

After becoming a resident of Davis Place she continued her volunteer activities by reading to the first graders at Killingly Memorial School. She enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing. She enjoyed visits with family and friends,  especially when it involved a home grown tomato sandwich and brownies, or grape nut pudding.

She leaves brothers Sidney (Marsha) Johnson of N. Stonington, Rolland (Alma) Johnson of Putnam, and sister Mabel (Phil) Ross of Brooklyn; her daughters Anne (Jim) Milliard of Dayville and Fran (Donn) Pittman of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; granddaughters Carolyn (Richard) Blackmar of Putnam and Catherine (Rob) Bazinet of Pomfret, and great grandchildren, Lauren and Morgan Blackmar, and Asa and Iris Bazinet.

Services were Aug. 16 in Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Grove Street Cemetery. Donations: Putnam Elementary PTO (Classroom Supplies), 33 Wicker St., Putnam, CT 06260; or the Putnam High School Wall of Honor, PO Box 673, Putnam CT 06260. 

 

John W. Carosi

THOMPSON — John W. Carosi, 67, died Aug. 8, 2017, at home. He was the husband of Marlene (LaFlamme) Carosi for 46 years.  Born in 1950 in Providence, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Elizabeth (Betters) Carosi.

Mr. Carosi was an avid N.Y. Yankees and New England Patriots fan.  He enjoyed cooking and thoroughbred horse racing.  

In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, John Carosi of Chepachet; his daughter, Amy Carosi-Palazio (Joseph) of Cranston, R.I.; his brothers, Ernest Carosi of Burrillville, James Carosi of Chepachet, and William Carosi of Burrillville; grandchildren, Alyssa Carosi, and Angelina Carosi.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Michael and Joseph Carosi; and his sister, the late Joanne Carosi.

Services were private. Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. 

 

Joseph E. Green

WOODSTOCK — Joseph E. Green of Woodstock, the husband of Jennifer (Peck) Green, died Aug. 11, 2017, at the Masonic Hospital in Wallingford. 

He was born Dec. 22, 1942, in Oceanside, N.Y., the son of Hiram and Florence (Silvey) Green.

Joe graduated from Brown University in 1964 and from Columbia Business School in 1966. As a young CPA, he was employed by Arthur Young, Price Waterhouse and several other firms in New York and Boston before opening his own office in Weston, Mass., in 1995. His clients were scattered from coast to coast. Thanks to his fluency in German (learned at college), he had a long association with a prominent German publisher which provided an excuse to travel abroad every year.

K2VUI, Joe, began a lifelong love affair with ham radio when he was 13 years old. Operating solely in Morse code, he spoke to other hams all over the world. Joe loved to talk (ragchew), even in code. He belonged to several amateur radio organizations including the ARRL and was a proud member of FOC and CWOPS, clubs restricted to those proficient in Morse code.

He first met Jenny in a music survey class at Brown, and that class changed his life in many ways. Both music and Jenny became abiding interests. He married Jenny on May 18, 2003, was a subscriber to the BSO and supported Tanglewood as a Business Partner.

The FOC motto is “A man should keep his friendship in constant repair,” and Joe took this to heart. He was truly interested in people, and he remembered things about them; names and ages of children, birthdays, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, ham call signs. He was intellectually curious and omnivorous. There was no topic that escaped his desire for knowledge; he owned more books than he ever had time to read and he was generous, always willing to lend equipment, offer advice, help out financially if possible.

And finally, Joe loved to travel. Initially dismissive of the cultural value of cruising, spending a few hours in a given port, he quickly became a convert and really looked forward to the annual pre-tax season cruises to the Caribbean. His favorite trips, though were the two crossings on the Queen Mary 2. Joe always liked the finer things in life, and they certainly qualified!

In addition to his wife, he leaves his son, Adam Green, his wife, Laura Graham, and their children Michael and Sophie Graham Green of Arlington; a daughter, Barbara Green (Eric Siegel) of Michigan; his sister, Elsa (Ron) Rienzi of Ocala, Fla., and her children Mara and Gillian; his aunt, Estelle Silvey of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; cousins.

The Funeral is at 11 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Congregation B’nai Shalom, 125 Church St., Putnam, with burial in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock.  Donations: Masonicare Hospice, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492.  Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. 

 

Raymond N. Blanchette

Raymond (Ray) N. Blanchette, was called home Aug. 10, 2017, after being cared for by the love of his life, Joyce Blanchette, who he met when he was 19 years old and working as a bagger at Weiss Supermarket in Putnam. 

Just like in that first job, with Joyce as his cashier, they made a terrific team. Together they raised three children, have six grandchildren, were married 53 years and shared a loving devotion to each other that has been an inspiration to anyone that has been lucky enough to know them.

Ray was born Dec. 11, 1941, to Raymond and Eva Blanchette. He graduated from H.H. Ellis Technical School in 1963 with a diploma in architectural design and engineering.  Raymond worked as a technical illustration, for 33 years for UConn. Ray not only drew UConn’s official campus map, but also created thousands of illustrations, graphs, and maps for academic books, catalogs, professors, and administration.

Ray was a man of ideas, creativity, mechanical skill and dozens of talents. He was the original “MacGyver” who not only sketched out his ideas into intricate plans but who could create whatever it was that he needed to complete a task. Known for his perfectionism and technical abilities, it was not uncommon for him to “help” his kids with their homework projects; which still are a source of not only many comical stories but more than a few A+ grades.

Ray took his passion for craftsmanship, self-sufficiency and frugal living and created a  “homestead”  that included buildings, animals, gardens and his prized creation, “Meadowood,” a  3-hole golf course for his family to enjoy.

In addition to being a life-long golfer, Ray was an avid long distance runner, who hit his peak in his 40s when he enjoyed his most competitive period of long-distance racing. While Ray went through many health food fads, he had a sweet tooth and a life long love affair with ice cream and donuts. As his oldest daughter will tell you, they often finished up a training run with a Bostoncreme from the Donut Hutch in Putnam.

Ray and Joyce traveled the country with their camper and Ray loved to seek out trains and historical sights. Ray was an avid Volkswagen fan. His pride and joy was his 1964 VW Beetle that he fully restored.

While Ray was known as a quiet man, he loved to tease people, enjoyed a good joke, and Clint Eastwood movies. He had an off-beat sense of humor and he had running jokes with everyone in the family including his grandchildren who not only participated in teasing him back but loved his stories of how mischievous he was when he was a child. 

Ray leaves his wife Joyce (Savard)  Blanchette of Putnam; his daughter Monique (Blanchette) Oatley, her husband Micheal Oatley and their two daughters Allyson and Emily, from Brooklyn daughter Michelle (Blanchette) Landry, her husband Robert Landry, as well as their sons Jack and Dillon of Merrimack, N.H.; a son, Nathan Blanchette, his wife Shelly (Seney) Blanchette and their children, Caden and Paige of Manchester, Penn.; his brothers Paul Blanchette (Kathy) of Ashford and Maurice (Gerry) of Woodstock; brother-in-law Roger Savard of Putnam.

A private service was held to celebrate Ray’s life. In honor of Ray, the family asks to reflect on a happy or funny memory you shared together and keep that as your lasting image of him. Donations: Lewy Body Dementia Association. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

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