By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s column is dedicated to former owner of WINY Radio Mike Gerardi.  The ex-Marine now enjoys life relaxing on the shores of Lake Alexander and an occasional lunch at the Golden Greek Restaurant.  Always gregarious of nature, Gerardi continues to display a great sense of humor.  He celebrated a birthday on September 16.

Even though the high school golf season ended in June, a member of the Woodstock Academy women’s golf team continued her competitive golf regime throughout the summer.  Roxanne Garceau, a junior at the Academy finished runner-up in a pair of highly regarded PGA Junior Golf Association tournaments.

In July Garceau tied for 2nd place in the Frank Kringle Junior Tournament, which was held at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, Mass.  She finished with a score of 79.  The following month she once again tied for 2nd place, this time in the Ralph Denicolo Memorial Tournament with a score of 90.  The Dinicolo event was held at Manchester Country Club.

The PGA Junior Golf Association established in 1998 is open to male and female golfers, ages 10-18.  To become a member of the Association golfers must meet four requirements prior to being granted membership.  Golfers must pass an online Rules Test; be certified by a PGA Professional; obtain a USGA/GHIN member number; and must attend with a parent or guardian the Junior Golf Association Season Meeting. 

Garceau, who is a member of Quinnatisset Country Club, is the daughter of Richard and Patricia Garceau.  Her dad is the successful boys’ golf coach at Woodstock Academy.  She’s the granddaughter of Woodstock residents Dick and Gale Garceau, longtime Quinny members.

Former Hot Corner Hot Shots Visit Quinnatisset

In baseball third base is often referred to as the ‘hot corner.’  In the mid-‘60s Holy Cross College and Assumption College each had players who patrolled the ‘hot corner’ with great efficiency and skill.

The Crusaders’ third baseman was Worcester native Jack Avis, while the Greyhounds third sacker was Charlie Defilippo from Mechanicsville.  Both men enjoyed stellar college baseball careers and later went on to successful careers.  Avis became a lawyer, who continues to practice in Worcester.  Defilippo went on to a career in education and served as a high school principal at three different high schools in Massachusetts.

On Wednesday, September 9 the two former opponents met for the first time when they played golf at Quinnatisset Country Club in the same foursome.  They enjoyed a round of golf with a mutual friend Bob Jacques and yours truly.  Both Avis and Defilippo acquitted themselves well on the links as they once did on the diamond.

Weatherman Valuable Asset To Red Sox

While watching the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays on NESN on Wednesday, September 9, the broadcast team of Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy had Boston meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz as their guest in the booth.  Lemanowicz is the chief meteorologist for FOX 25 in Boston.

During the interview Lemanowicz described how he works with the Red Sox and the umpiring crew when threatening weather is headed toward Fenway Park.  It was interesting to get a behind the scenes look at how important weather information from Lemanowicz and his team plays a role in the broadcast and running of the game.

The interview piqued my interest as Lemanowicz is originally from Killingly.  As a high school student he played baseball for the Killingly Redmen and frequently we were on the same baseball field together, he as a strapping first baseman and me as an umpire.  I recall discussions with him between innings on his plans for the future.  I clearly remember him telling me how he was planning to attend Cornell University and study meteorology.

Much to his credit Lemanowicz graduated from Cornell in 1991 with a degree in Meteorology.  He’s been with FOX 25 since 1996, where he’s become a well known celebrity in the Boston area.  Lemanowicz is a great example to local students, proving that with hard work you can make your dreams a reality.

Verified Hole-in-One

Part of the thrill of recording a hole-in-one is the reaction of not only the golfer who hit the shot but the revelry that goes with it by those who witness the shot.  On Thursday, September 3 at exactly 5:51 p.m. Killingly resident George Lakatzis experienced the elation that accompanies an ace and the pats on the back accorded him by those who witnessed the shot.

Lakatzis recorded his dream shot at Quinnatisset Country Club on the par-3, 13th hole, which was playing 108 yards.  He hit the perfect shot using his trusty 7-iron.  Lakatzis, who’s been a member at Quinny for a “long time,” was playing with Bill Salvas, Louie Barasso and Bruce Woodis.

“The screams of my playing partners from the enjoyment after seeing the ball falling in the cup were heard by other golfers on the 12th and 14th fairways,” said Lakatzis.  To celebrate his hole-in-one, Latkatzis and his golfing friends enjoyed some food and beverages and many laughs and teasing after playing 18-holes on Labor Day.

In reality this was Lakatzis’ second career hole-in-one.  His first ace came on the same hole many years ago when he was the owner of the popular George’s Galley in Danielson.  The reason it was never recognized was because he was playing by himself and didn’t have any witnesses to verify the shot.

“I was very disappointed at the time but the course was nice to me and gave one back,” notes Lakatzis.  It’s great to have witnesses.  RPC sends along congratulations.

Basketball Hotbed

The school year is just beginning but at Putnam Science Academy the ringing of the school bell means that basketball mania is already in the air.  Beginning in September college basketball coaches enjoy what is called “live period.”  This is a time when coaches can visit high school and prep school campuses and get a glimpse of prospects without violating NCAA regulations.

According to PSA basketball coach Tom Espinosa, the Mustangs gym was filled with college coaches on Wednesday, September 9.  Representatives of 15 colleges were in the bandbox gym on Maple Street to watch the 2015-2016 players workout.

Among the schools present were the University of Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Providence College, Kansas State, St. Bonaventure, Marist, Rutgers, University of Massachusetts, Rider College, Iona, Sacred Heart University, Bryant and New Haven.  Most notably was the presence of coach Kevin Ollie and his assistant coach Glenn Miller of the UConn Huskies.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”  William Arthur Ward

(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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Visitors

Students visiting Woodstock Academy from the country of Senegal dropped by the Putnam Rotary Club last week. Courtesy photo.

 

George J. Kasek,

National Guard vet

DAYVILLE — George J. Kasek died Sept. 9, 2015, at Westview Nursing Home and Rehab Center. He was born Feb. 7, 1938, in Hartford, to the late Mary (Magiera) and Joseph Kasek. 

George attended Hartford High School and later enlisted in the National Guard.  George worked as a service manager at Langan Volkswagon and later as a supervisor at Electric Boat in Groton. George spent his free time coaching his kids in youth sports. He was a head coach for youth football, Griffin Hockey, and an all-girl softball league for many years. He enjoyed boating in Mystic, hunting, fishing, camping, bird watching, crystal mining, and spending time with his grandchildren.  George was also actively involved in the Good Sam Camping Club as Connecticut Assistant Director. George and May thoroughly enjoyed traveling all around the country with their camping family.  

He leaves his wife of 40 years, May (Simonzi) Kasek; his children Kenneth Kasek and Jennifer Kingsley of Scotland, Timothy and Jennifer Kasek of S. Windsor, Andrew and Melissa Kasek of Los Angeles, Christine Blaser of Woodstock, Lisa and Robert Surprenant of Danielson, Daniel Simonzi of Providence, and Susan and Thomas Jodoin of Myrtle Beach, S.C.;  14 grandchildren and four great-grandsons: Jessica Simonzi and James Gagne, Brandyn Surprenant and Bethaney (Surprenant) Tucker, Christopher and Hilary Kasek, Noah and Chelsea Simonzi, Stacy Baranski, Shawn, William, Samuel, and Jake Kasek, Laura Kasek, Jack and Robbie Surprenant, Hudson Tucker and Caden Spencer, as well as, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Theodore Kasek and his sister Jean (Kasek) Callahan. 

The Christian Mass was Sept. 14 at St. James Church, Danielson. Donations: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

John Kapitulik Jr.,

Navy vet

WEBSTER — John J. Kapitulik Jr., 77, died Sept. 8, 2015, at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge. 

He was born in Thompson, son of the late John J. and Stella (Horanzy) Kapitulik Sr. and lived in Webster most of his life.  He was a U.S. Navy veteran.  He was retired from the Webster Police Dept, where he was a police office for more than 33 years.  He was a member of the BPO Elks, Masons, American Legion, Booster AC, 200 Sportsmen Club, lifetime member of the Beagle Club.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf.  

He leaves his wife of 53 years, Jeanne R. (Leboeuf) Kapitulik of Webster; a son Joseph J. (Joyce) of Orange; a daughter, Christine Esposito (Kevin) of Webster; a sister Esther Lesse (Edward) of Webster; two grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a sister, Estelle Kapitulik

Services are private. Donations: Webster-Dudley Veterans Council, Veterans Way, Webster, MA 01570.  Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.

 

Chelsea M. Chenard 

NEW BRITAIN — Chelsea M. Chenard, 25, formerly of Killingly, went into the arms of her Savior Sept. 5, 2015, at the hospital for special care in New Britain.

Her strength and resolve were unwavering in the sight of insurmountable odds. She had a great love of friends and life itself; especially music and video games. 

She was born June 16, 1990, and attended Killingly Public Schools and was a communicant of St. James Church. 

She leaves her parents Irene Chenard of Brooklyn and Richard Chenard of Dayville; brother Joseph Chenard of Brooklyn; grandmother Mildred Woodmancy of Virginia; uncles, aunts and many cousins. She is predeceased by two uncles Michael R. Chenard and Robert Gonyer; grandparents Marcel and Rita Chenard and grandfather Charles Woodmancy. 

A Graveside Service was Sept. 11 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Gagnon Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Corby L. Kruzel

WOODSTOCK — Corby L. Kruzel, 50, of Woodstock, died Sept. 7, 2015, in Woodstock. He was born Dec. 4, 1964, in Putnam, son of the late Stanley B. Kruzel Sr. and Juliette (Flagg). 

A lifelong resident of Woodstock, he was a 1981 graduate of Woodstock Academy. He loved to golf, fish and watching NASCAR, his favorite driver was Dick Trickle. Corby started a band when he was younger called OO-OO in the Septic. He worked for Colts Plastics for 17 years. Corby also designed and built ponds.

He leaves his daughter Kelsey Kruzel and her fiancée Chris Roltz of New Hampshire; siblings Debra Gagnon of Thompson, Stanley Kruzel Jr. (Jane) of Thompson; godmother and aunt Jackie Croteau of Woodstock, who he nicknamed Inchie, a godson Nathan Gagnon (Alison) of Woodstock; nieces and nephews, Casey, Felicia, Tony, Britttany Mae and his good friend Mike Labelle.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam. Burial will be private. Donations: ASPCA American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) 424 E. 92nd St, New York, NY 10128-6804. 

 

Constance C. Credit

DAYVILLE — Dayville-Constance C. Credit, 82 of Dayville, died Sept. 6, 2015, at Davis Place after a brief illness. She was the wife of Paul T. Credit. They were married April 7, 1951, in St. James Church. He died Sept 19, 2011.  

She was born March 4, 1933, in Killingly, daughter of the late Steven and Eva (Alix) Suboliski.  Constance enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She attended Killingly High School.

She worked as a certified Nurses Aid at the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home in Brooklyn. Constance enjoyed crafts, knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening. She knitted many hats for newborns at Interfaith Stitchers. She was a former member of the Q.V.S.C.

She leaves her daughters: Sandra L. DeFilippo of Canterbury, Kathie Galbreath (Jim) of Dayville; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by son-in-law Samuel DeFilippo in 2011.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 10 in St Joseph Church, Dayville, with burial in St Joseph Cemetery. Donations: PAWS, PO Box 191, Eastford, CT 06246. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

William Bates

KILLINGLY — William “Bill” Bates died Sept. 7, 2015 at Davis Place.

He was born Jan. 7, 1928, to Rose (Lefleur) and George Bates. A life-long resident of Thompson, Bill enjoyed watching sports, woodworking, crossword puzzles, feeding and watching his birds, as well as trying to outwit the squirrels. 

Bill graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School where he played on the 1944 championship basketball team which was inducted into the school’s Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 2014. 

He leaves his wife of 66 years, Evelyn (Carpenter); daughter Nanci and her husband Rus. 

A Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at St. Joseph’s Church in N. Grosvenordale. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

 

Walter Kania Jr.

DAYVILLE — Walter A.  Kania Jr., 64, a lifelong resident of Dayville, died Sept. 4, 2015 at his son’s home after a battle with cancer. 

He was born Feb. 23, 1951, in Worcester,  son of the late Walter and Marion (Slota) Kania Sr. 

Walter was a simple family man, he loved nothing more than time at home with his family, especially with his kids and granddaughters. 

He was a graduate of Johnson and Wales University. Walter was a humble man, one of integrity, hard work and commitment. 

He worked more than 30 years for the Rogers Corporation filling many positions.  

He leaves his son Ryan Kania and his fiancée Jamie Pezzente; daughter Lori (Kania) Gidopoulos (George); his granddaughters Kassie Kania, Addie and Kristina Gidopoulos and Amanda Gidopoulos and her fiancé Mike; great-granddaughters Kyleena, Navia and Maya; sister Carol Kania; godson Matt Kania and his granddog Lexi.

The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 12 in St. Joseph Church, Dayville. 

Donations: The Masonic Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70 Wallingford, CT 06492. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Jessica Monahan

THOMPSON — Jessica Aleria (Saunders) Monahan, 43, of Quaddick Rd, died Sept. 10, 2015, at home. She married her husband, Sean F. Monahan, on May 22, 1998, in San Antonio. She was the daughter of Terry and Seria (Aleria) Saunders.  

She was born in Butuan City, in the Philippines, and came to the U.S. when she was 10 years old. Although at first not knowing the English language upon her arrival, she soon was fluent and excelled academically and in athletics in school. She attended San Antonio College in San Antonio and was a graduate of the paralegal studies program at UConn. 

Mrs. Monahan worked as a paralegal/office manager with her husband, Sean F. Monahan, attorney at law. She was invaluable to his law practice. She enjoyed downhill skiing, rock climbing, hiking, camping, gardening, traveling, and tennis and excelled in all of these activities, but her favorite pastime was watching her children’s sporting events and academic achievements. She was also a savvy board and card game player. She traveled extensively with her family, including to many national parks in the American West, Italy, Turkey, France and Greece. She was a hard worker, always active, vibrant and lit up a room with her presence. Those who met Jessica would never forget her.  She lived her life devoted to God and her family.  She was beautiful inside and out. However, she was not only beautiful, but had that rare quality of beauty and intelligence.  She also possessed a joie de vivre that was infectious to all that knew her.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her daughters, Seria Marie Hunter of Atlanta and Athena Noelle Monahan of Thompson; and her sons, Connor Saunders Monahan of Thompson, and MacArthur O’Neill Monahan of Thompson; and her parents Terry Saunders of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Seria Saunders of Rapid City, S.D.; and her sisters, Juliet Saunders of Rapid City, Lailane Henderson of Coral Springs, Fla., and Cristy Mosher (Kevin) of Tampa, Fla.; numerous in-laws,  including “father and mother-in-law Robert and Cecile Monahan of N. Grosvenordale. 

Visitation is from 5 to 7 .m. Sept. 17 in her home, 14 Quaddick Rd., Thompson. A Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale.  Burial, with the immediate family members, will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. A reception at the Knights of Columbus hall in N. Grosvenordale,  will follow the Mass. Gilman and Valade Funeral Homes. Donations: for her children’s education may be made to The Jessica A. Monahan Irrevocable Trust, c/o Bank of America, 211 Kennedy Dr., Putnam, CT 06260. 

 

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WOODSTOCK — The Italian American Committee on Education (IACE) awarded Woodstock Academy’s World Language Department with a generous grant.

The grant includes Studio Arcobaleno educational materials that will allow the department to add new film and literature studies to The Academy’s Italian curriculum. Italian Teacher, Melita Monahan, will also use the materials to begin an after school language program for elementary and middle school students. 

“It is critical to begin learning a language with children as early as possible, and this grant will enable us to do just that,” Monahan said. “IACE’s continued support of our Italian program will allow us to bring the language and culture to more students in this area than ever before.”

Additionally, the department will receive an IACE membership that will allow students to participate  in several cultural events such as operas and musicals, use library services with the IACE library in Manhattan, and take advantage of discounts on educations programs, tours, and workshops.

Monahan will be leading several Woodstock  Academy students on an Italian Tour to Rome, Ostia, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri Island in April 2016 with Studio Arcobaleno. The students trip will explore numerous historical sites, travel to culturally significant locations, enjoy a cooking lesson, and a visit to a local high school in Sorrento