Past Issues of the Putnam Town Crier
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By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC column is dedicated to former Putnam High School basketball standout Bryan Smith. The 2004 Putnam graduate enjoyed a four-year varsity career for the Clippers, ending his playing time with 610 points. Today he’s the mainstay of Gentleman’s Choice barbershop in Putnam, where he’s known as the “Clipping Clipper.”
Killingly High School recently announced the latest group of inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame. The group of 10 includes seven former male athletes and three females as well as six teams. A review of the names not only brings back fond memories but also makes one realize just how good these athletes were in their day.
The group includes former National League umpire Frank Dascoli who was an all-league baseball player at Killingly in 1930 and 1931 as well as a highly respected basketball player. During his 17-year Major League umpiring career Dascoli was one of the most colorful and competent arbiters in blue in the history of the game.
Three players were selected from the era of the early ‘50s, which produced undefeated Redmen football teams. Named were James “Jimmy” Burns, Walt Kozlow and Ray Balick. Burns was a strong running back who led the State in scoring. He also played baseball. Later in life, Burns was one of the area’s top golfers. Kozlow was a big lineman for the ’52 and ’53 gridiron teams, who later went on to a corporate career with Kaman Aerospace. Balick was a three-sport athlete who was a two-way starter in football. In 1952 he set the State record with a javelin throw of 179 yards.
A trio of well known individuals from the era of the ‘60s received the word of their well deserved selection. Charlie Panteleakos was one of the top pitchers to ever toe the rubber for the Redmen. The three-sport performer was All- Eastern Connecticut Conference in football and baseball. The UConn grad was a standout pitcher for Wonder Bar in the Norwich City League for many years. Ed Desaulnier was also a three-sport athlete, who was the captain of the basketball team. He later went on to a successful career in insurance. Norm Chartier was one of the best receivers to ever grace the gridiron in Killingly. He had a standout college career at UConn. He’s a noted artist whose works are known throughout the country.
The three females who were selected are Gale Suomi, Nancy Dion Cole and Maryrose Roach. Suomi was a three-sport athlete who led the Redgals basketball team in scoring in her junior and senior seasons. Cole was an All-ECC selection in softball and basketball. Today she’s the head of finance for the Putnam School system. Roach who once played women’s professional football was a two-time All-State athlete in girl’s track.
Among the honorees the evening will feature six teams, the 2003 wrestling squad, the 1994 girls track team, the 1981 football team, the 1976 softball team, the 1953 football team and the 1931 boys basketball team. The 1953 and 1981 football teams were undefeated, while the other four teams were State champions.
Wedding Bells and Dancing
A wedding reception of more than 200 people from throughout the northeast was on hand for the nuptial of Joe Markley and Chloe Schulze at the Inn at Woodstock Hill on Saturday, September 12. In addition to a sumptuous repast the large group danced late into the night to the music of DJ John Don Francisco.
Markley, who was a solid baseball and basketball player at Killingly High School, was attended by his brother Tom Markley and two of his lifelong friends, Kevin Cole and Bill Bartholic. Father John O’Neill of St. James Church welcomed the guests prior to the ceremony and bestowed his blessing on the couple. Sam Markley, father of the groom, regaled the large gathering as he took a walk down memory lane highlighting his son’s achievements in life.
Former Acad Booter
Leading ECSU
Last season former Woodstock Academy female soccer star Emily Becher burst on to the college scene leading the Eastern Connecticut State University Lady Warriors to success on the pitch. Becher, who is a sophomore, has once again been providing the scoring punch for ECSU this year.
In a recent game Becher scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Westfield State University. The goal was her fourth of the season for the 3-1-1 Lady Warriors. It was also the 22nd of her brief career for the Willimantic based school. In only her second season, Becher is already ranked in the Top 10 female soccer scorers in Eastern’s history.
Tourtellotte Hall of Famer Dies
Northeastern Connecticut was saddened by the news of the death of 87 year old William “Bill” Bates. In 2014 Bates was inducted into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1944 championship basketball team. The team enjoyed an 18-6 record including winning its final 15 games of the season. They produced a pair of last minute victories on their way to the championship. The ’44 Tigers beat Ellsworth 29-27 in the State semifinals and edged Bloomfield 28-27 in the title contest.
In addition to Bates the members of the championship team included Walt Modilszewski, Ted Fatsi, Ed Babula, Burt Elliot, Don Maitland, Van Tanacea, Don Gleason, Bob Willett, Paul Azud, Swede Constantine, Leo Courtemanche, Leo Beaulac and Leo Mead. The team was coached by the legendary Jim Canty.
UConn – Putnam Connection
The UConn men’s soccer team recently picked up its first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Harvard. One of the Huskies goals was tallied by former Montville High School athlete Tyler Leeman. Leeman is the son of former Putnam High School basketball great Kyle Leeman, who’s the leading scoring in the history of Clippers basketball with 1,854 points.
Local Man Meets El Senor
While vacationing at Poland Springs in Maine this summer Putnam resident Mike Santerre, his wife Anita and son David met a former Boston Red Sox pitching great. As Santerre tells the story, the family took a trip to a nearby casino for a little diversion from Poland Springs. As he was engrossed in a poker machine an individual sat down at the machine next to him. The gentleman then asked for some assistance with selecting a game on his machine. It wasn’t until sometime later that the gentleman was recognized as the one and only El Senor Luis Tiant.
According to Santerre, Tiant was very friendly and outgoing. David Santerre received the thrill of his lifetime when he met his boyhood idol Tiant.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: In life, read the small print and see the big picture.
(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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Armur ‘Buster’ Houle,
WWII vet
N. GROSVENORDALE — Armur “Buster” Houle, 92, a lifelong resident of N. Grosvenordale, died Sept. 16, 2015, at Southbridge Rehabilitation and Care Center. He was the husband of the late Laurette (Dumont) Houle. Born in 1923 in N. Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Thomas and Sylvia (Hamel) Houle.
Mr. Houle attended St. Joseph School in N. Grosvenordale and worked at the cotton mill in N. Grosvenordale. In 1943 Buster enlisted in the Army and did his basic training at Ft. Dix, N.J. He was assigned to the ambulance corps as a driver picking up wounded soldiers at the aid station and bringing them to the field hospital. After being wounded he was sent back to the U.S. where he met his wife Laurette Dumont who was in the Navy. They soon were married both wearing their uniforms. They were married for 51 years. She died in 1996.
Buster worked for the State of Connecticut Highway Department for more than 25 years before retiring and opening his own tool sharpening shop. He was also a part-time school bus driver and runner for Putnam Ford.
He was very active in the American Legion Oscar Swanson Post#67 where he held all the offices and was also a fourth district post commander.
He leaves a grandson Michael Plotczyk of Queensbury, N.Y.; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, a daughter Lorraine (Houle) Plotczyk; three brothers George, Albert, and Gerald Houle, and six sisters Alberta Therien, Cicele Noiseux, Noelle Beaudry, Adeline Lamare, Alphonsine St. Germaine, and Georgette Morin.
Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 23 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT. Burial follows in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Robert ‘Bob’ Lepire,
Army vet
DAYVILLE — Robert “Bob” L. Lepire, 76, of Country Club Rd., died Sept. 14, 2015, at St. Joseph Living Center in Willimantic after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Madeleine (Labonte) Lepire for 49 years. Born in 1939 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edward and Lillian (Vaillant) Lepire.
Mr. Lepire attended St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale before entering the U.S. Army. Upon being honorably discharged he went to work in the woodworking field until his retirement. Bob enjoyed playing golf.
In addition to his wife, he leaves a son Shawn Lepire (Jessica) of Dayville; a sister Pauline Menoche of Thompson; and his two grandchildren Jonathan Lepire of Dayville and Cassandra Lepire of Sterling.
A graveside service was Sept. 21 in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Kasia M. Jurczyk
POMFRET CENTER — Kasia M. Jurczyk, 27, died Sept. 12, 2015, in Georgia. Born in 1988 in Putnam, she was the daughter of Craig and Brigitte (Boisvert) Jurczyk.
Kasia was a graduate of Woodstock Academy where she was a member of the track and field, and soccer teams. She was last employed as a waitress for Prime 82 in Norwich. She enjoyed dancing, music and especially spending quality time with her daughter. She had an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up any room. She touched many with her love of life and her adventurous spirit.
In addition to her parents, she leaves her daughter, Caedence Estel Jurczyk of Pomfret; her brother, Stone Alexander Jurczyk of Pomfret Center, and attending URI School of Engineering; her maternal grandparents, Armand and Muriel (Morris) Boisvert of Woodstock; her paternal grandmother, Carol Burzycki of Danielson; godparents/uncle and aunt, Brian and Johanne Bates of Pomfret Center; aunts and uncles, Marc Boisvert of New Haven, Roger and Paula Boisvert of Thompson, Mariel Boisvert Njuguna of Worcester; Jean-Louis and Jamie Boisvert of Woodstock, Jim Kondratowicz of Danielson, and Arlene Jurczyk of Danielson. She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Alexander Jurczyk.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 22 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret with burial in Quasset Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Help Bring Kasia Home, For: Brigitte and Craig Jurczyk on the Go Fund Me Page: https://www.youcaring.com/brigitte-and-craig-jurczyk-432912#.VfaS9eutofy.facebook Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Marshall B. Kronholm
WOODSTOCK — On Oct. 4, 1931, Marshall Brown Kronholm was born to Mary Madeline and Conrad John Kronholm in New Britain. Also present was his only sibling, Conrad, two years and three months old at that time. They were to become close and best friends for life.
Marshall died Sept. 15, 2015.
Due to the Depression, his father lost his job, and the family was forced to move often, about a dozen times over the years. They lived with their aunt Anna Daley on her abandoned farm and their grandmother Charlotte in New Britain. Their mother suggested that their father go to hairdresser school in West Hartford. He did and he eventually opened two salons in West Hartford. They bought a home and the boys were able to get good educations. Marshall went to Kingswood and received a bachelor’s from Trinity College and then a few years later returned to earn a master’s in mathematics from Wesleyan University.
In the Air Force, Marshall flew a single engine jet and a refueling KC97 in SAC. A few years later he flew both fixed wing and helicopters in the CT National Guard. Marshall worked for United Air Craft but went on to start his own manufacturing company.
At 69 he met, fell in love with and married the very best person he ever knew, Dr. Christine Madaski. She brought an awareness of an appreciation for many things missing in his life. He never loved anyone so completely.
The Funeral was private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260.
Mary C. Roberts
WOODSTOCK — Mary C. Roberts, 88 of Woodstock, died Sept. 12, 2015, at the Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was the wife of Preston T. Roberts, who died in 2006. She was born July 1, 1927, in New York City, daughter of the late William and Marie J. (Gumber) Cuff. She attended public schools in New York and graduated from Riverhead High School in 1944. She worked in the executive offices of AT&T for several years before her marriage.
She has made her home in Woodstock for the last 60 years. Mary was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Woodstock, where she served on many committees and boards. She was a former president of the Woodstock Garden Club, and a member of the Woodstock Historical Society, the Woodstock Young Homemakers and the Woodstock Theft Detection Society. She had also served as treasurer of the Bracken Memorial Library. Mary was a great supporter of the Woodstock Academy’s Music Program for many years.
She leaves her son, Richard Roberts (Melissa) of Wethersfield; grandchildren Amelia Roberts and Thomas Roberts; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son David Roberts in 1981, and her siblings Emil Weichand, Ethel Moffitt, and William Cuff Jr.
A Memorial Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, Rt. 169, Woodstock. Donations: David Roberts Memorial Fund, Woodstock Academy, Woodstock, CT 06281; or Preston Roberts Scholarship Fund, Woodstock Agricultural Society, Woodstock, CT 06281. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
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Woodstock public schools
Monday: Hamburgers, baked beans, fruit. Tuesday: Cheese ravioli, peas, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken Caesar salad, fruit. Thursday: Ziti, meatsauce, cucumber cups, fruit. Friday: Pizza, carrot sticks, fruit.
Pomfret Community
Monday: Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, corn, pineapple cups. Tuesday: Hamburgers, baked beans, pears. Wednesday: Meatballs, ziti, green beans, celery cups with dip. Fruit, cookies. Thursday: Pizza, broccoli, apples. Friday: Deli turkey on rolls, fruit, frozen dessert.
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Country chicken drummies, gravy, mashed potatoes, carrots. Tuesday - Wolf Meal: Beef urgers, sherbet. Wednesday: Chicken and broccoli Alfredo over wheat penne. Thursday: Macaroni and cheese, broccoli. Friday: Putnam Special Pizza, spinach salad with tomatoes and cucumber.
Putnam High
Monday: Clippers Burgers, cole slaw, sherbet. Tuesday: Baked tilapia, rice pilaf, carrots. Wednesday: Honey BBQ chicken sandwiches, carrots, baked beans. Thursday: General Tso chicken, vegetable fried rice, broccoli. Pizza, salad with grape tomatoes.
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Redemption
center
now open
PUTNAM — The Arc Quinebaug Valley opened its new business, The Arc Redemption Center. Based at 96 Front St.. It is licensed through the CT Department of Environmental and Energy Protection and offers the community a convenient location to redeem their bottles and cans that carry the CT 5 cent deposit mark. The mission of the business is to provide individuals with life-affecting disabilities a meaningful “real work for real pay” opportunity and a chance to increase their skills toward greater independence.
The Redemption Center accepts glass, plastic and can containers from beverages such as beer, soda and water. “We can accept all brands from any grocery or liquor store which makes redeeming so much easier for customers,” said Linda Lamoureux, chief business development officer for The Arc. It’s quick in and quick out customer service. Customers walk in with their bags and staff conveniently count out their returns and pay back the deposit. There is no need to stand at a machine feeding your bottles and cans in one at a time.
The Redemption Center also accepts donations of bottles and cans from the community. “Proceeds from these donations help to cover the operating costs of the business including the salary of the workers,” said Susan Desrosiers, executive director. “We are proud to help our community prevent litter, promote recycling and reduce waste while providing this excellent opportunity for those we support,” she added.
This opportunity has grown out of the redemption project which The Arc has been operating for two years.
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Fund-raiser
Master Mike Bogdanski and Master Kristin Duethorn of Quest Martial Arts in Putnam is cooperating with The Putnam Parent-Teacher Organization to raise funds. Fifty percent of each introductory program sold will be donated to the Putnam Elementary School PTO. This fund-raiser will run until Nov. 1. For more information contact the Masters at 860-928-9218.