Edeo Clark Jr., U.S. Army Airborne vet
PUTNAM — Edeo Clark Jr, 86, of Pomfret Street (Route 44) died unexpectedly Nov. 22, 2023, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford.
Born June 13, 1937, in his childhood home in Putnam, he was the son of the late Edeo Clark Sr., and Irene (Emond) Clark, who lived in Putnam. He attended Putnam High School where he played football with excellence.
He joined the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne, in 1957. After his time and service, he worked as an operating engineer until his retirement. He was well-known around Putnam.  He especially enjoyed eating breakfast every morning at many local restaurants. He had a big heart, and personally helped people with no accolades wanted. He was a member and enjoyed attending High Pointe Church.  He enjoyed opening his pool to all church families to stop in for a swim. He loved having visitors each day and talking under the shade trees.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dwayne, Clark Sr., and his sister Carol Regis. He leaves his sons Michael Edeo Clark (Gretchen), Dr. Todd Christopher Clark (Kyong); four grandchildren Ashley Worthington, and Joshua Clark, Allison Taylor, and Phillip LaRochelle; four great-grandchildren Emma and Gracie Worthington, Lucas and Mason LaRochelle, he recently learned of a new baby boy, Beau Clark, expected in February 2024 that will carry on the Clark family name. He also leaves his sister, Naomi Regis, and two brothers Gerald and James Clark; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at 6 p.m. Dec.15 at High Pointe Church, 1208 Thompson Rd., Thompson. Donations: High Pointe Church. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.

Steven F. Baranski
POMFRET CENTER — Steven F. Baranski, 58, of Hampton Rd., died Nov. 30, 2023, at William W. Backus Hospital.  Born in 1965 in Putnam, he was the son of Francis H. Baranski of Pomfret Center and the late Betty (Holgerson) Baranski.
Mr. Baranski worked as a truck driver for United Parcel Services.
He enjoyed golfing and fishing but, above all he treasured the quality time that he spent with his grandson, Bohdi Naylor.
He leaves his father, Francis H. Baranski of Pomfret Center; his daughter, Stacy M. Naylor (Joe) of Jamestown, RI; his sister, Joelle Guillot of Pomfret Center; grandson, Bohdi Naylor of Jamestown. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty (Holgerson) Baranski.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret. (Please meet directly at church). Donations: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 280285, E. Hartford, CT 06128.

Mark H. Miner
WILLIMANTIC — Mark H. Miner, 64, of Willimantic died Nov. 28, 2023. He was born in Willimantic, the son of the late Roger and Dorothe (Tuthill) Miner.
Mark loved playing with his nieces and nephews. He loved car racing and worked at the Lime Rock Raceway. Mark was devoted to his family and friends; helping wherever he was needed. He was a great traveler, making friends wherever he went. He worked for the telephone company for many years.
He leaves his siblings Pamela Berrea (Donald), John Collins (Diana), and Jacquelyn Collins; nieces and nephews. Mark was predeceased by his brother Eric Miner and sister Patrice Miner.
The Funeral was Dec. 5 at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, with burial following at Mansfield Center Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

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