Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park hosted its second weekend of oval action on May 21 with the second annual Limited Sportsman Long Distance & Military Night where veterans were welcomed to the race for free in celebration of their service, Armed Forces Day, and the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The drivers of the Limited Sportsman series took center with the highlight event of the evening, a 30-lap long distance race with 30 cars making up the field of competitors in the biggest race the series hold all season at the Big-T. The race was a popular new addition to the calendar in 2016, extending the normal 20-lap Limited Sportsman feature an extra ten laps. The 2017 event saw its share of drama as Ryan Waterman proved to be the car to beat, leading for much of the first half of the event. However, the extra distance paid off for Brent Gleason who took the lead around halfway and never looked back, surviving numerous cautions and a hard charge from Waterman to take the win but was later disqualified after post race inspection.

The Mr. Rooter Protruck series made its second appearance of the season at Thompson Speedway and started off the night’ action with a 22-truck field for a 35-lap feature. Frank Dumicich Jr. came into the event hoping to continue his success at the track after taking the win in the Icebreaker in April. However it was a different name who found himself in victory lane as Roger Turbush survived numerous cautions and a competitive field to claim a win.

Pole sitter Dumicich, Jr was involved in a crash right at the drop of the green flag that stacked the field and sent his #42 truck into the outside wall. Turbush, who started second on the inside line, avoided the incident and never looked back on his way to victory lane. Turbush said that he didn’t have the best truck in practice or in qualifying, but credited his brother for making the changes needed to make his #88 truck a competitive winning machine.

“I pulled a good lap in the qualifying session, but I fell off like there was no tomorrow. My brother made huge changes. We didn’t know how it was going to go. We put two percent of wedge in. it was so loose and it got worse and worse in the qualifying session, but in the main event it was on the money,” Turbush said. “I love it here (at Thompson). This is my favorite track. Any chance I can get to race here I want to be here. When they added this show I was excited because I couldn’t make the Icebreaker so this was my opportunity to get here and race.”

The Sunoco Modifieds held their second race of the season at Thompson and it was a pair of familiar names up front battling for the checkered flag as Keith Rocco out-dueled Ryan Preece for the win after Preece took the victory in the Icebreaker when Rocco settled for a runner-up finish. 

The duo had to survive numerous multi-car wrecks that resulted in two red flag periods before racing to the finish in the 30-lap feature. Despite Preece’s best efforts, Rocco claimed a dominant win in his hunt for a second consecutive title.

“It’s always nice to start fresh and start a new season with Ryan. We do have a lot of respect for each other, but at the same time we both have a passion to win and sometimes it gets out of control,” Keith Rocco said in victory lane. “He ran me clean and I appreciate that.”

In the mini stock 15-lap feature Wayne Burroughs continued right where he left off in 2017, taking the checkered flag after a hard fought battle with newcomer Jacob Perry, who made only his second start in Thompson. Perry held the lead for much of the event while Burroughs worked his way through the field from a sixth place starting position before challenging for the lead on numerous restarts. It took a lap nine restart for Burroughs to take the lead for good, passing Perry and setting the pace to the finish.

“We had it figured out today. Every restart I was beating (Perry) by a little bit and had enough to clear him going into one that last time. I slid up in front of him just enough. I knew he could have got me, but we have a lot of respect for each other,” Burroughs told reporters after the race.

Nate Taylor managed to claim a second-place finish while Jacob Perry held on for a third place result. Steve Michalski took a fourth place finish and Icebreaker winner Dave Trudeau bounced back from an early race spin to round out the top five.

The night closed out with a 25-lap Late Model feature and a 20-lap Lire Modified feature. Veteran Rick Gentes added to his record victory count at Thompson on the Late Models, fending off a last lap charge from William Wall and Ray Parent for the win, while Josh Galvin claimed his first Lite Modified victory at Thompson after coming out of a one-year retirement from the series

Up next for Thompson Speedway, the Whelen Modified Tour makes its second appearance at the track in 2017 with the Thompson 125 on Wednesday, June 14. The event will also feature the third races of the season for the Sunoco Modifieds, Late Models, Limited Sportsman, and Mini Stocks and a 20-lap feature for the NEMA Lites.

LIMITED SPORTSMAN LONG DISTANCE 30-LAP FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Ryan Waterman (Danielson, CT); 2. Chris Meyer (North Franklin, CT); 3. Shawn Monahan (Waterford, CT); 4. Scott Sundeen (Sutton, MA); 5. Kevin Mason (West Warwick, RI); 6. Jesse Gleason (Lisbon, CT); 7. Kevin Bowe (Smithfield, RI); 8. Larry Barnett (Moosup, CT); 9. Al Stone (Durham, CT)

MR. ROOTER PRO TRUCK SERIES FINISH TOP-10: 1. Roger Turbush; 2. Gerard Giordano, Jr.; 3. Allen Coates; 4. Jordan Churchill; 5. Andy Lindamin; 6. Caleb Cashman; 7. Jeff Kearns; 8. Frank Dumicich, Sr.; 9. Shayne Young; 10. Rick Ashlaw

MINI STOCK FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Wayne Burroughs, Jr. (Oakdale, CT); 2. Nate Taylor (Brooklyn, CT); 3. Jacob Perry (Pawcatuck, CT); 4. Steve Michalski (Brooklyn, CT); 5. Dave Trudeau (Mansfield, CT); 6. Charles Canfield (East Haven, CT); 7. Andrew Krzeminski (Haddam, CT);  8. Larry Loomis, Jr. (Moosup, CT); 9. Tommy Silva (Groton, CT); 10. Mike Anzalone (Planfield, CT)

SUNOCO MODIFIEDS FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Keith Rocco (Berlin, CT); 2. Ryan Preece (Berlin, CT); 3. Woody Pitkat (Sturbridge, MA); 4. Nick Salva (Prospect, CT); 5. John Studley (Framingham, MA); 6. Troy Tilman (Oxford, MA); 7. John Studley (Framingham, MA); 8. Matt Gailo (Kesington, CT); 9. Danny Cates (Chaplin, CT); 10. Paul Buzel (Trumbell, CT)

LATE MODEL FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Rick Gentes (Burriville, RI); 2. William Wall (Shrewsbury, MA); 3. Ray Parent (Tiverton, RI); 4. Ryan Morgan (Pawcatuck, CT); 5. Ray Christian, III (Uncasville, CT); 6. Woody Pitkat (Sturbridge, MA); 7. Ernie LaRose (Moosup, CT); 8. Tom Abele (Norwich, CT); 9. Mark Jenison (Warwick, RI); 10. Nick Johnson (Rehoboth, MA)

LITE MODIFIED FEATURE TOP-10: 1. Josh Galvin; Damon Tinio (Mendon, MA); 3. #79 NO NAME; 4. Albert Ouellette (Ellington, CT); 5. #73 NO NAME; 6. Glenn Griswold (Vernon, CT); 7. Nathan Pytko (Oxford, MA); 8. Joe Graf, Sr. (Mahwah, NJ); 9. Andrew Les (Boston, MA); 10. Glenn Korner (Canton, CT).

 

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William Chapman,

Army veteran

DANIELSON — William J. Chapman, 80, of Danielson, died unexpectedly May 14, 2017, at home. 

He was born Feb. 2, 1937, in Johnston, R.I., son of the late Robert and Jessica (Tacey) Chapman. He married the love of his life Carol A. Ladd on April 8, 1958, at the Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson. 

They were married for 59 years. 

He served with the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963.

Bill worked for Autocrat in Rhode Island and then for 29 years at Anchor Glass Container, retiring as supervisor. In retirement he worked as a jack of all trades for the Antonino Dealership in Colchester. 

He loved doing crossword puzzles.

He leaves his wife Carol A. Chapman; daughters Barbara (David) Gagnon and Lynne Dooley; grandchildren Ben, Meredith, Dan, Chelsea, Jacob, Tommy, Justin and Molly; brother Albert Chapman; sister Betty Stress. He was predeceased by a daughter Lori Chapman; brothers Robert Chapman and Charles Chapman.

A Graveside Service with military honors was May 19 at High Street Cemetery, Dayville. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Darlene A Sweet

WAUREGAN — Darlene A. Sweet, 57, of Wauregan died May 18, 2017, in Hartford after a battle with cancer.

She was born on Aug. 9, 1959, in Putnam, daughter of the late Richard Sweet and Rose (Belanger) Duprey.

Darlene worked for C & M Corporation, Foxwoods Casino and as a caregiver to her mother, aunt and others. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, trips to the beach and going to yard sales. 

She leaves her brother Ronald Sweet of Sterling; a very special niece Sherry Sweet and her fiancé Brad Bonin of Woodstock. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was May 24 in Sacred Heart Church, Wauregan, with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA 02215. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St. Danielson.

 

 

William N. Bruce

PUTNAM — William N. “Billy” Bruce, 65, of Laconia Ave., died May 16, 2017, in Hartford Hospital.  Born in 1951 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Jack D. and Alice A. (LaFleur) Bruce.

Mr. Bruce worked as a well driller for LaFramboise Well Drilling, Inc. of Thompson.  He also worked for Staples Co. 

He leaves his daughter, Shannon Bruce of Danielson; nieces, nephews and friends.  He is predeceased by his brothers, Gary and Scott Bruce; and his sisters, Alice Zlyon and Edith Brigham.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. May 26 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam with a funeral service in the funeral home at 2.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  

 

Niles A. S. Deary

THOMPSON — Niles Alexander Scott Deary, 23, of Thompson died May 21, 2017, at Hartford Hospital. Niles was born in 1993 in Portland, Maine, and was the son of Paul and Eileen (Boutin) Deary of Thompson. 

Niles was a delivery person for Thompson House of Pizza and enjoyed participating in many sports but, was an avid hockey player. Niles especially enjoyed playing floor hockey with his father’s Coast Guard Admiral’s Cup Team and with Mr. Poirier’s hockey team. Niles graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 2011, where he played baseball and soccer. He also enjoyed playing darts and boating.   

He leaves his parents; siblings Joshua Deary and Chelsea Deary, both of Thompson;  a uncle Daniel Boutin (Jennifer) of DeKalb, Ill.;  aunts Elizabeth Pelletier of Hope Valley, R.I., Diane Lefler (Bruce) of N. Grosvenordale, and  Patricia Boutin of N. Attleboro, Mass. He is predeceased by his uncle Donald Deary.

Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. May 26 at Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. The Funeral will assemble at 9 a.m. May 27 and the Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St. N. Grosvenordale. 

 

Mona J. Walker

N. GROSVENORDALE — Mona J. Walker, 75, of Marshall St., died May 21, 2017, in Hartford Hospital.  She was the wife of Carlton Walker.  Born in 1941 in Mehoopamy, Penn., she was the daughter of the late Nathan and Catherine (Wright) Foux.

Mrs. Walker worked as a clothing factory worker.  She enjoyed playing bingo, visiting Foxwoods Resort and Casino, attending community lunch, enjoyed going out for walks.

In addition to her husband Carlton, she leaves her son, Robert Sands Jr. of Laceyville, Penn.; daughters, Bonnie Tetreault of N. Grosvenordale, and Diane Sands of Carlisle, Penn.; her brothers, Nathan “Paul” Foux Sr. of Pittston, Penn., Rollin “Ronnie” Foux Sr. of Carroll, Maine, and Chucky Kobyus of Massachusetts; sisters, Elaine Faye Rickaby of Danielson, Catherine Mayo of Webster, Graceanne Winkler of Binghamton, N.Y., Connie Houle of Brookville, Fla., and Melody Kobylus of Orono, Maine, and Richard Paul Foux Sr. of Massachusetts; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert “Bobby” Foux, and Duane Foux; and her sister, Margaret Turcotte. 

Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. May 25 in Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale with a funeral at 4 in the funeral home. Donations: American Lung Association of CT, 45 Ash St., East Hartford, CT 06108.  

 

Janice Ann King

DANIELSON — Janice Ann King, 72, of Prospect Avenue, died May 18, 2017, in Davis Place.  Born in 1944 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Gertrude (Smith) Blain of Danielson and the late Roger George Blain.

Janice was an elementary school teacher for the Brooklyn School Department. She loved to play cards.

In addition to her mother Gertrude, she leaves her brother, David Blain of Danielson; her sister, Denise Aubin of Pomfret; five nieces and nephews; a great-niece and a great-nephew.

The Funeral was private.  Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

John E. Masse

HYANNIS, Mass. — John E. Masse, 75, of Hyannis, died peacefully May 13, 2017.

He was born in Providence to the late John and Mary (Brosseau) Masse.

He was the husband of Michele (Ducat-Cyr) Masse.

John attended schools in Rehobeth and Dighton, Mass. 

He worked hard all his life, owning service/gas stations, working at Electric Boat in Groton, becoming a welder Journeyman, and he was proud to say that he worked on building the Twin Towers in New York City and was on the 56th floor of the South Tower when his daughter Jennifer was born.

He worked for Boudreau’s Welding in Dayville and after moving to Cape Cod in 2000, he worked for Starboard Side Landscaping in S Dennis and Bayside Equipment in E .Dennis, Mass.

John took great pleasure working in his yard and bird watching. 

But, most of all, he enjoyed fast cars, NASCAR race days, and drag racing.  John’s quick wit and winning smile won him many friends.

Besides his wife Michele, he leaves a son, Donald (Cindy) of Johnston; daughter Jennifer of Warwick, R.I.; two grandsons, Eric Masse and Tyler Gallagher of Warwick and two great-grandchildren Vanessa and Walter Gemma of Michigan; stepchildren Judy Lane (J. Jay Sylvia), Heather (Jon) Magnussen, and Stasia (Peter) Cardillo, step-grandchildren Jessica and Nicholas Sylvia, Henry, Holden, and Hayden Magnussen, and Marguerite and Domenic Cardillo, and one step-great grandson, Calvin Sylvia; brother (and good friend) Joseph; sister-in-law Rosemary of Brewster, Mass.; sister Kathleen Mayton of Atlanta. 

He was predeceased by his daughter Loreen Masse and his granddaughter Jessica Gemma.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. June 10 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. 

Donations: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, P O Box 417005, Boston, MA  02241-7005; or to The American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, P O Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN  56007; or to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. 

Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.

 

Roseanna D. Phillips

PUTNAM —  Roseanna D. (Gauthier) Phillips, 76, of Sabin Street died May 14, 2017, at Matulaitis Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Harry J. Phillips who died on June 18, 2006.  Born in 1941 in Central Village, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Loretta Gauthier Sr. Mrs. Phillips worked for many years as an assembler at Danco in Putnam. Danco is also where she would first meet Harry, her soulmate. They were married June 17, 1974. Roseanna enjoyed crocheting, watching her classic television shows, and hosting company. She especially looked forward to her visits with her dear friends, Tammy and Rhonda, as well as dinners and cookouts with her granddaughter, Jamie, and grandson-in-law, Tom.

She leaves a daughter Laurie Moore of Worcester; a brother Alfred Gauthier Jr. of Plainfield; a sister Ann Gauthier of Marshallville, Iowa; two grandchildren; Jamie Soroka (Thomas) of Putnam, and Chelsea Zimmer of Augusta, Maine; two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sisters; Dorothy “Helen” Viens and Beverly “Joey” Gauthier. 

Donations: COPD Foundation. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.

 

Khueavanh  Phongsa

LOWELL, Mass. — Khueavanh   Phongsa, 55, of Westford Road, died May 15, 2017, in Putnam. Born in 1962 in Vientian, Laos, she was the daughter of the late Khamchan and Hai Vorachuck. Khueavanh was a selector for Putnam Plastics for several years. She enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Laos Community Club. Khueavanh leaves her sons. Kham Phongsa, and NatonPhongsa of Baltimore; her grandson, Arthy Phongsa.  A Service was May 17 in the Park Tribute Center, Highland Drive, Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory.

 

Richard Guerin

WEBSTER — Richard L. Guerin of Brunswick, Ga., formerly of Webster, died  May 19, 2017. He was born July 10, 1927, in Webster, son of the late Emma Guerin. He enlisted in the Navy serving on USS Sampson. He then worked with the Webster Police Dept. He received two medals for his life saving efforts. Dick  was a tractor trailer driver with P. Wagers Express.  He was a Life Member of the Webster Lodge of Elks serving every officers role. He was predeceased by his wife, Rita Hajec in  2013.  He leaves one daughter: Patricia L. Buchser of Brunswick; one sister: Jackie Derosier (Ronald)  of Webster; nieces. A graveside service was May 23 at St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Bartel Funeral Home. 

 

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Headed to

Concordia

PUTNAM — The Putnam Science Academy Mustangs have sent another big man on to college with a scholarship.  

In an announcement late last week, coach Tom Espinosa announced that 2017 PSA big man Alex White has committed to Division 2 Concordia College in New York.

White came to Putnam Science Academy for his post grad year following four successful years on the court and in the classroom at Xavier in Middletown.  

An honor student in the classroom, White is equally adept on the hardwood and one of the nicest kids.   

“Alex’s best basketball is still ahead of him.  Alex is one of the nicest young men to walk the halls here at Putnam science Academy,” said Espinosa.

As the captain of the PSA varsity team this past season, White was a force all year long averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds per game. He led the Varsity Mustangs to the Northeast Prep Championship and an overall record of 21-8.

 

Presents

Vietnam veteran Alan Joslin Sr., vice commander of the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam, presents an American flag to Sr. Gertrude Lanouette of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, while members of the congregation look on.  Post Commander Ronald P. Coderre is on right.  The Post replaced the American and Connecticut flags as part of its Americanism program. Courtesy photo.