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Norman G. Fellows,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK — Norman G. Fellows, 90, of Laurel Drive, Woodstock, died March 30, 2018, at Day Kimball Hospital.
Norman was born Jan. 14, 1928, in Flushing, Queens, N.Y., son of Kenneth and Rosalie (Benisch) Fellows. He was the husband of Janet (Leschke) Fellows. They were married 66 years.
He was a veteran of WWII serving with the U.S. Army. Norman was a resident of Woodstock since 1951, a graduate of Putnam High School and UConn. He held management and engineering positions with American Optical Corp., Norton Company, Brand-Rex and American-Standard. He retired in 1990 as a principal engineer for Digital Equipment Corp. (Hewlett-Packard). He was a member of the Pomfret Congregational Church, a Life Member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality, past chairman Worcester Section, a member of American Legion Post 111, Woodstock and the U.S. Naval Institute.
In addition to his wife Janet, he leaves his daughters, Susan E. Kozey (Michael) of Eastford, Katherine G. Fellows (Daniel Southall) of Pomfret Center; grandchildren Nicholas Kozey (Jody), David Kozey (Karrin), Brian Kozey, Collin Sumera and Kristiana Sumera; great-grandchildren Evan, Alex, Andrew and Jillian Kozey; his sister-in-law Bernice Fellows of Bolton. He was predeceased by his brother Donald C. Fellows; sister Elaine A. Fahle and brother-in-law Robert Fahle.
Private burial was in Woodstock Hill Cemetery. Donations: Congregational Church of Pomfret, PO Box 297, Pomfret Center, CT 06256. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Curt D. Heath
PUTNAM — Curt D. Heath, 58, died April 4, 2018, at UMass Memorial Health Care, University Campus, Worcester, after a brief illness.
Born Aug. 21, 1959, in Putnam, Curt was the son of the late Allard J. “Red” Heath of Lisbon, N.H., who died in 1998, and Alma “Elsie” (Lannaville) Bennett of Putnam, who died in 1997. He lived here all his life. Curt was last employed at Marianapolis Preparatory School, where he worked in the cafeteria. He was previously employed at U.S. Button in Putnam and Linemaster Switch in Woodstock. Amongst his favorite past times where spending time with Kacey, Kelsey and Benjamin - going to the park, Lake Compounce and collecting rocks along the River Trail. He enjoyed helping Kacey with Partylite, writing recipes in his recipe book, publishing the dinner menu on Facebook, cooking and baking with Mel, making dog treats for Diego and Chevy. He was an avid reader and would often times read an entire book in just one day while sitting by the river or the lake. He was passionate about cleaning his house and enjoyed watching HGTV, Food Network.
He leaves his cousin and lifelong friend, Melzer Heath of Putnam, with whom he lived for the past 18 years; his father, Harvey Bennett of Putnam; his brothers, Steven Heath (Rose) of Thompson, Jamie Heath (Debra) of Putnam; Scott Bennett (Misty) of Putnam; his sisters, Joyce Cote and her companion Hugh McLaughlin III of Putnam, Brenda Heath of Putnam and Heidi Bennett of Putnam; nieces and nephews, including his godson, Adam T. Heath of Colchester; a special niece, Kacey Terranova of Putnam; and a very special great-niece, Kelsey Terranova; special great-nephew, Benjamin Johnson, whom he thought of as his own. He was predeceased by his wife, Rose Marie (Jason) Heath in 2011, and by his brothers, Eugene “Huey” Heath in 1974 and Allard J. “Tyke” Heath Jr. in 2014.
A Prayer Service was April 9 in Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Stasia Rzepa
BROOKLYN — Stasia Rzepa, 97, of Brooklyn died March 28, 2018, at Westview Health Care Center in Dayville. She was born July 1, 1920, in New Bedford, Mass., daughter of the late Stanislaw and Katherine (Palys) Tomczewski. She was the wife of the late Frank Rzepa who died Jan. 29, 1979. They were married June 10, 1944, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Bedford.
Stasia was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson and considered herself a prayer warrior. She volunteered at the St. James Bazaar, bingo, craft group and was an excellent knitter. She worked at John I. Paulding Co. as an assembler.
In 1979 she worked for the Brooklyn Golf Course and worked at QVCC serving meals. In 1984 Stasia worked at the Brooklyn/Killingly Early Childhood Learning Center as a kitchen aide until she was 90, where the children lovingly referred to her as Grandma.
She leaves her children, John Rzepa, Diane Barrette, Theresa Rzepa, all of Danielson, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 2 at St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: St. James School, 120 Water St. Danielson, CT 06239. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Claire R. Bartolomei
PUTNAM — Claire (Robitaille) Bartolomei, 89, of Thurber Rd, formerly of Vandale St., died April 1, 2018, in Day Kimball Hospital. She was the wife of the late James H. Bartolomei Sr. Born in 1929 in Ballouville, she was the daughter of the late Armand J. and Albina (Cusson) Robitaille.
Claire worked as a school lunch director for the Putnam school system. She was a member of St. Mary Church of the Visitation, The League of Catholic Women, Daughters of Isabella, Widows Support Group, and was a literacy volunteer and mentor where she was recognized for her contributions to the programs. She enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, cooking, baking, ceramics, golfing, bowling and traveling.
She spent most of her summers on Long Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine; and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and UConn women’s basketball teams.
She leaves sons, James H. Bartolomei Jr. (Donna) of Brooklyn, John A. Bartolomei (Pamela) of Woodstock, Jeffrey F. Bartolomei (Laura Burke) of Woodstock, and Jay R. Bartolomei and Karen Minette Weinstein of W. Hartford; daughters; Jo-Ann B. Dean of Vernon, Joyce D. Adams (Michael D.) of Killingly; and Dr. Jill M. Espelin (Gary) of W. Hartford; grandchildren, Wendy O’Brien (David), James H, Bartolomei III (Suzanne), Lesley Young (Douglas), Benjamin Bartolomei (Melissa), Ian Bartolomei (Paul), Tyla Cielinski (Brian), Misty Baff, Marc Espelin, Michael Espelin, Zack Bartolomei, Darius and Delina Bartolomei, Laura Laidley (Larry), Justin Loura and Jenn Conely, and Kayla Simpson; and great-grandchildren Nick O’Brien, Grace and James Henry IV Bartolomei, Alexa and Drew Young, Eli and Elena Bartolomei, Reagan, Kennedy, McKinley and Maddie Cielinski and Mason and Hunter LaRoche. Claire was predeceased by her younger sister Theresa O’Connell.
Visitation is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. May 3 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam. A Mass of Christian Burial be at noon in St. Mary Church of the Visitation Church, Providence St., with burial in Calvary Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Matulaitis Nursing Home for the Residents Activities Fund, 10 Thurber Road, Putnam, CT 06260.
John M. Chzaszcz
PUTNAM —John “Cha-Cha” Chzaszcz, 65, of Oak St, died April 1, 2018. Born in 1952 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Stanley and Theresa (Adamczyk) Chzaszcz.
John began working for American Optical in Putnam and later transferred to their Southbridge location. He then went to work for Crabtree & Evelyn and then the former Guido Murphy’s nightclub where he was the light technician for the different bands and DJs who performed there. John owned and operated the former Horse Feathers Café and worked at several other local bars and taverns including the Lake Tavern.
He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64 and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1523 in Putnam. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Yankee and Dolphin fan.
He leaves his son, Joseph Chzaszcz (April) of Wauregan; his two brothers Gary J. Chzaszcz of Thompson and Steve Chzaszcz (Lucy) of Putnam; his granddaughter Jasmine Chzaszcz; his step grandchildren Amber Hawkins and James Hawkins; his niece Magdalena Chzaszcz and his nephew and Godson, Mathew Chzaszcz.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was April 6 in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Knights of Columbus Cargill Council 64, 68 Providence St. Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Sonia J. Jones
THOMPSON — Sonia J. (Gawle) Jones, 80, of Ballard Rd., died April 4, 2018, in Davis Place. She was the wife of 61 years to William W. Jones Jr.
Born in 1937 in Dudley, she was the daughter of the late Peter Gawle and Catherine (Laskowski) Gawle.
Mrs. Jones worked as a group home supervisor for the John Dempsey Center. She enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting and playing bingo. She enjoyed watching UConn women’s basketball and the Red Sox.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her son, William A. Jones (Judi) of Danielson; daughters, Donna Sullivan (Jack) of Stafford Springs, Laura Papia (David) of Thompson, Lynn Byberg of Pomfret, and Sharon Belliveau (Scott) of Putnam; brother, Edwin Gawle (Lorraine) of Chicago; sisters, Frances Fournier (Hugh) of Thompson, and Sylvia Klejna (Frank) of Ellington; grandchildren, Frank & Brianna; Sabrina & Matthew; Rebecca & Andrea; and Farrah, Stacey & Hayden, and her great-grandchildren, Quinn & Cassidy. She was predeceased by her siblings, Henry, Theodore, Louis, and Mary.
Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 21 in Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: Friends of Autistic People (www.autisticadults.com)
Sr. Yvonne Martell, DHS
Sr. Yvonne Martell, 95, a member of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, died April 5, 2018, at St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, a Diocesan facility, where she had been in residence since June of 2016.
She was born Yvonne Martell on Jan. 3, 1923, in Swanton, Vt., the daughter of Adelard and Yvonne (l’Espérance) Martell. Sr. Yvonne entered religious life at Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 1943 and made her religious profession there in 1947. She was then known as Sr. Jean Marie.
She taught on the elementary level in various schools staffed by Daughters of the Holy Spirit in Waterbury, Jewett City and Putnam; all in Connecticut, as well as in Pittsfield, Mass., and Tupper Lake, N.Y., from 1947-1961. In 1962 she served as a nurse’s aide at St. Joseph Villa in Putnam and took an LPN course at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford in 1963. Following this she served as a nurse in Putnam, Bridgeport and Providence, as well as Swanton, Burlington and St. Albans, Vt. In 1992 she was assigned to her hometown of Swanton where she did domestic services and part-time nursing. In 2001 she served in Essex Junction, where she did Pastoral Ministry out of Holy Family Parish there. She retired to the Holy Spirit Provincial House in Putnam in 2010 and was admitted to Holy Spirit Health Care Center in 2011. The Health Care Center closed in October of 2016 and she was transferred together to St. Joseph Living Center in Windham.
She leaves her sisters in community, the consecrated Seculars and the DHS Associates; nieces.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 10 with burial at St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: DHS Retirement Fund, Holy Spirit Provincial House, 72 Church St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Grace E. Vanasse
DAYVILLE — Grace E. Vanasse, 92, of Pineville Road, Dayville, died April 5, 2018, at the Day Kimball Hospital. Grace was the wife of Harry A. Vanasse. They were married 68 years. He died Feb. 2, 2010. She was born Aug. 3, 1925, in Putnam, daughter of Byron and Susan (Mason) Larkin. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, going on cruises and dancing with her husband Harry.
She leaves seven children Ronald Vanasse of Dayville, Carole Harwood of Putnam, Dennis Vanasse of Putnam, Lee Marquis of Thompson, David Vanasse of Putnam, Gary Vanasse of Killingly and Stephen Vanasse of Dayville; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by brothers Harry Larkin, Melvin Larkin; twins John and James (Whit) Larkin; her sister Elsie Skinner; granddaughter Grace Sliva. She was predeceased by her pet and friend Taco.
Visitation is from noon to 1 p.m. April 14 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rose McDavitt
PUTNAM — Rose McDavitt, 96, of Putnam, died April 2, 2018, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. She was the wife of Daniel McDavitt. He died in 1959.
She was born Sept. 29, 1921, in Providence, daughter of the late Frank and Evelyn (Greco) Gammardella. Rose worked as a bookkeeper for many years. She had made her home in Putnam for more than 50 years and attended St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. She enjoyed oil painting, classical music and reading.
She leaves her brother Ralph Gammardella of Putnam; nieces and nephews.
There was a private graveside service in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston, R.I., Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
T. Erik Piecyk
T. Erik Piecyk unexpectedly passed on to his eternal reward on April 3, 2018, in his sleep at his Squaw Rock Group Home.
He had an infectious grin and a greeting to all who knew him. His smiling face lit up the whole room.
He leaves his parents Theodore and Rosemarie Piecyk; his sister Taramarie and her husband Jeremy and their children Calvin, Mason and Aliya Rose; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was April 6 in St. Philip the Apostle Church, Ashford, with burial in St. Philip Cemetery, Ashford. Donations: The Erik Piecyk Memorial Fund, c/o Rosemarie and Theodore Piecyk, 161 Searles Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. This fund will help support and fund recreation programs for adults with developmental and intellectual delays in the Quinebaug Valley area of Connecticut. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Carol O. Regis
DAYVILLE — Carol O. Regis, 79, of Dayville, died March 31, 2018, at home. She was the wife of Raymond Regis. They were married Feb. 10, 1962, at St. James Church.
She was born on Dec. 4, 1938, in Putnam, daughter of Edeo and Irene (Emond) Clark Sr.
She was a 1958 graduate of Putnam High School, communicant of St. Joseph Church in Dayville. She had worked at American Optical in Southbridge, Parizek Button for 11 years and later at Preferred Plastics. Carol cared for many families, babysitting their children and cleaning their homes.
She was devoted care and time to the love of her family and home at Alexander’s Lake where she lived for 46 years. Carol loved animals and over the years cared for and took in many stray cats. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening and swimming.
She leaves her daughter and caregiver Karen Greene (Mark); grandchildren Connor Greene, Courtney Greene, all of Danielson; siblings Naomi Regis (Richard) of Brooklyn, Edeo Clark Jr. of Putnam, Gerald Clark (Joyce) of Pomfret Center, James Clark Sr. (Daryle) of Woodstock; nieces and nephews; her cat Tom. She was predeceased by a brother Dwain Clark Sr.
The Mass of Christian Burial was April 5 at St. James Church, Danielson with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241; or to any charity of your choice. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Sheila McDowell
WEBSTER — Sheila M. (Ciabaszewski) McDowell, 75, died April 4, 2018.
She was born in Webster, the daughter of Dorothy (Volker) Ciabaszewski and the late William Ciabaszewski. She lived in Webster her whole life. Sheila was very devoted to her faith, attending High Pointe Church in Thompson.
She leaves a son, Keith McDowell of Woodstock; two daughters, Cheryl A. McDowell and Lisa McDowell of California; her mother, Dorothy (Volker) Ciabaszewski; two brothers, Bobby Ciabaszewski of Dudley and Wayne Ciabaszewski of Webster; two sisters, Linda Gabler of Brimfield, Mass., and Wendy Ciabaszewski of Charlton; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation was April 8 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Donations: High Pointe Church, 1208 Thompson Road, Thompson, CT 06277.
Visitation was April 5 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster. Burial will be private in North Woodstock Cemetery. Donations: Allagash Widerness Waterway Foundation, PO Box 1211, Bath, Maine 04530.
John C. Jones
QUINEBAUG — John C. Jones, 83, died March 31, 2018, after a short illness. His wife of 50 years, Carolyn A. Jones, died in 2009. John was the owner of Hilltop Archery in Webster. He was an accomplished archer and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing at Allagash Lake in Maine. He leaves his daughter Sarah Plantinga (David), grandson David Mainville (Veronica); granddaughters Emily Tice (Will), and Hannah Plantinga; brothers and sisters. He was predeceased by a great-grandson, Nolan John. Shaw Majercik Funeral Home, Wester.
Robert F. Gould
DAYVILLE — Robert F. Gould Sr., 66, of Dayville, died March 22, 2018.
He was born on April 11,1951, to Robert and Mary Gould. He grew up in southern New England where he attended college, and later started a highly successful business which still thrives 30-plus years later as Gateway Hearing. He was Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. While he was immensely successful in his secular career, his most rewarding job was educating his family and others in the community about his Bible-based faith.
He leaves his wife of nearly 40 years, Jacqueline; and two sons, Robert Jr., and Trevor (Jennifer); two brothers Richard (Susan), and David; as well as a great number spiritual brothers and sisters.
A Celebration of his Life was April 7 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 200 Tracy Rd., Danielson.
Donations: Charity of one’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Michael J. Williams
SPENCER, Mass. — Michael J. Williams, 77, died April 2, 2018, at Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge.
He was the husband of the late Bette J. (Christy) Williams who died December of 2016.
He was born in Washburn, Maine, son of the late Arnold Williams and Edna (Lavine) Williams and lived in Spencer since 1975, prior to that living in Worcester.
He was a mechanic and specialized in truck repair. He enjoyed old movies, fishing and reading.
He leaves two sons, Michael Williams (Mary) of Woodstock, and Scott Williams and his companion Lori Derosier of Warren, Mass.; two grandchildren, Tyler and Stephanie; two brothers Joseph and Allen Porter.
Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter, East Brookfield, Mass.. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Kerry L. Field
PUTNAM — Kerry L. Field, 60, died April 4, 2018.
He was born in Putnam, son of Jeanne Carter Springfield Burlingham of Putnam and the late Charles P. Field. He was a heavy equipment mechanic. He enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical.
He leaves his wife of 30 years, Lisa J. (Shields) Field; three sons, Justin Field, Jaime Field of Putnam and Shane Field of Attawaugan; a daughter Katie Field of Putnam; brother Michael Field of Putnam; sister Debra Alarie of Ontario, Canada; five grandchildren.
Donations: Charity of donor’s choice. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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