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- Category: Past Issues
Walter Juszczyk Jr.,
special ed teacher
THOMPSON — Walter V. Juszczyk Jr., 60, of Breault’s Landing, died Sept. 5, 2011, at Westview Healthcare Center. He was the husband of Heather (De Jager) Juszczyk. Born in 1951 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Walter Sr., and Rose (Liguz) Juszczyk.
Mr. Juszczyk was a 1969 graduate of Putnam High School, attended Manchester Community College, Central Connecticut State University, and achieved a master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in special education in 1994.
Walt was a special education teacher for 17 years beginning at Grove School in Madison, The Learning Clinic in Pomfret, he taught at Griswold Public Schools, and Webster public schools. He was also a reporter for the Norwich Bulletin and an insurance agent for Horace Mann Insurance until 2002. He enjoyed golf, baseball, fishing, traveling, and history.
In addition to his wife, Walter leaves his daughter, Alyssa Louise Juszczyk of Thompson; sister Barbara Ann Luther of Thompson; two nephews, Wyatt Loftus, and Hunter De Jager.
Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 17 in Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: Day Kimball Healthcare, Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, 320 Pomfret St, Putnam, CT 06260.
Paul Etchells,
WWII vet
WOODSTOCK --- Paul Etchells, 93, of Woodstock, died Sept. 8, 2011. He was born June 18, 1918, in North Andover, Mass., son of Henry and Beatrice Etchells. Paul served in the Navy during World War II where shortly after returning married his wife of 59 years Rita whose death preceded his in May, 2011.
Paul and his late brother were the founders and owners of Union Engravers. They started the company in 1949 in Thompson and moved it to Putnam in 1952. He was the company's president for many years. While officially retiring in 1983 he enjoyed staying involved in company activities and would help in any way he could. He was at the offices as recently as three weeks ago.
While living in Woodstock for 59 years Paul was very involved in many organizations, while also serving on several boards. He was past chairman of Woodstock Board of Finance, served on the Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees, was a corporator at Day Kimball Hospital, a member of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Northeast CT Heart Association, past president of the Woodstock Lions Club, member of Woodstock Boy Scout Troop Committee, past president of the Woodstock Little League and a member of the Woodstock Congregational Church. Paul was an avid golfer and a member at Quinnatisset Golf Club for 49 years and served on their Board of Governors. Paul and his wife traveled extensively in New England, wester U.S. and Europe.
Paul leaves his daughter Karen of Woodstock, son Chuck of Woodstock, son Gary of Putnam, grandson Caleb of Woodstock, and granddaughter Erica of Woodstock. Paul was predeceased his sisters Constance McAndrew, Jane Galeucia and brothers Alfred and William Etchells.
A Graveside Service was Sept. 13 in the Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock,with military honors. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Joan Thibodeau,
former dean
PUTNAM — Joan M. (Serafin) Thibodeau, 77, of Putnam, died Sept. 7, 2011, at the Regency Health Care in Danielson. She was the wife of the late Philip J. Thibodeau.
She was born May 8, 1934, in Raynham, Mass., daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Shurgot) Serafin. Joan was a writer and educator. She was a graduate of the Putnam Catholic Academy, and received her bachelor’s from Annhurst College in 1956, her master’s from the University of Notre Dame in 1965 and her Ph.D. in 1968. She was a member of the faculty at St. Bernard High School in New London and dean of faculty at the University of Hartford. Joan also was an associate professor at the Capital Community and Technical College, the dean of faculty, an intermediate director of Connecticut Colleges Instructional TV. She is the author of “Faulkner’s Uses of the Classics” in 1983. Joan had a great love for poetry, writing, active in many community projects, including offering tutoring services and helping college student prepare for their careers.
She had made her home at the Regency in Danielson for over 18 years.
She leaves her brother Peter T. Serafin of Putnam; a niece Deborah Lamiotte of Putnam; an uncle Stanley Shurgot of Raynham; cousins including Virginia Shurgot of Killingly.
A Graveside Service was Sept. 10, in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Donations: St. Mary Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Mabel S. Waldron,
church member
WOODSTOCK — Mabel S. Waldron, 86, of Woodstock, died July 30, 2011, in Lanessa Extended Care in Webster. Born in 1924, on her family’s farm in Broad Brook, and was the daughter of the late Henry J. Sargent and Mabel F. (Gordon) Sargent.
Mrs. Waldron was a graduate of the Forsythe School of Dental Hygiene in Boston, and worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. Peterson in Rockville, Dr. Emil Dupont in Webster, and Dr. Theodore Koerner in Putnam. She was an active member of the East Woodstock Congregational Church where she served on many boards and committees over the years. Prior to moving to Woodstock, she lived in Thompson, and was on the board of the Thompson Visiting Nursing Association and worked as a volunteer for the Salvation Army. She was an active member of both the Woodstock and Thompson Historical Societies.
Mabel was an excellent athlete, and played both basketball and softball throughout her school years. Later she became an avid golfer at Quinnatisset Country Club, and also bowled in a ladies’ league. She loved collecting and refinishing antiques and working around her house and yard.
She leaves three children: Mrs. Waldron: Eric (Suzanne) Waldron of Worcester, Warren Waldron of Enid, Okla. and daughter Cristine Waldron of Woodstock. She was predeceased by four brothers; Henry, Tom, Edward and Earl; and her sister, Anne Clark.
A celebration of Mabel’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 at the E. Woodstock Congregational Church, Woodstock Road, East Woodstock. Donations: E. Woodstock Congregational Church; or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Philip Ceccarelli,
artist
PUTNAM --- Philip Ceccarelli, 88, die dAug. 30, 2011, in the Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was born Feb. 23, 1923, in Southbridge, the son of Paulo and Leonida (Tulli) Ceccarelli from Italy. When he was 12, he moved to Fabyan.
He was employed on a local farm in Fabyan and later became part of the original six-person crew working at the John Dempsey Center Greenhouse Program. In those days, it is said that he was a “trail blazer” showing that individuals with disabilities could do real work and be valued for their contributions to their community. He was well respected for his ability to teach others with exceptional patience and caring. He will also be remembered for his strong work ethic, sense of humor and gentle nature. He always made sure that everyone’s birthday and special holidays were celebrated and remembered.
Philip had an eye and appreciation for beauty and was able to capture that in his artwork. He had a gift for drawing nature and religious pictures. Philip took art classes at the Quinebaug Valley Community College and won a national Christmas card contest sponsored by the Arc of United States.
Philip moved to Pomfret in 1979 and lived at the Regina Pacis Villa. When he retired, he became a member of the Quinebaug Valley Senior Citizens Center and the Arc of Quinebaug Valley’s Retirement Services Program. He continued his artwork and also enjoyed bowling, table games, going on trips and jigsaw puzzles. Philip lived at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam for the past 13 years.
He leaves nephews and cousins in the Southbridge area. He was predeceased by two brothers Albert and Arthur
The Mass of Christian Burial was Sept. 12 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation Adoration Chapel, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam.
Michelle Armstrong
PLAINFIELD — Michelle (Lefebvre) Armstrong, 55, of Norwich Road, died Sept. 3, 2011, at home following a battle with cancer. She was the wife of Walter Armstrong. She was born Aug. 9, 1956, in Putnam, daughter of the late Norman “Terry” and Marjorie (Sadoway) Lefebvre. Michelle attended Killingly schools. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Westview Nursing Home prior to becoming a mother. Michelle was very active in the Gospel Light Christian Fellowship Church community.
Besides her husband she leaves a son Christopher Whipple (USAF) and his wife Aubrey of Palmdale, Calif.; two step-sons, Russell Starr of Mansfield, and Christopher Armstrong of Norwich; siblings Renae Vandale of Sterling, Norman Lefebvre of Dayville; seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by her step-son Brian Thurman.
A Memorial Service was Sept. 10 at the Gospel Light Christian Fellowship Church. There was a Memorial Mass Sept. 12 at St. Joseph’s Church. Donations: The Gospel Light Christian Fellowship Church, c/o Pastor Ralph Stravato, 61 Dog Hill Road, Dayville, CT 06241. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Anna Anger
DANIELSON — Anna H. Anger, 94, of Danielson, died Sept. 10, 2011, at the Regency Heights. She was the wife of the late Emile Anger. They were married Sept. 4, 1937. He died March 28, 1996. She was born Jan. 17, 1917, in Grafton, Mass., daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Bigda) Poprawa. Anna’s favorite pastimes were crossword puzzles, reading and crocheting. She enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox.
She leaves two sons, Richard Anger (Vi) of Danielson; Robert Anger (Shirley) of Brooklyn; two granddaughters, Karen Westervelt of Elizabethtown, Penn., and Barbara Kane (John) of Kingston, UK; three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Anger who died at five months old, her siblings John, Frank, Agnes, Stephanie, Helen and Edna, and a grandson Scott Anger.
A calling hour is from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson, followed by an 11:30 Chapel Service at Holy Cross Cemetery on Maple Street.
Michael Fontaine
ROGERS --- Michael Wayne Fontaine, 54, of Boys Avenue died Sept. 9, 2011, unexpectedly in his home. He was the husband of Linda A. (Hardy) Fontaine for 38 years. Born in 1957 in Putnam, he was the son of the late Ernest and Helen (Fifield) Fontaine. Mr. Fontaine worked in the quality control department for the paper mill in Sprague for 32 years. He served as the financial secretary for the United Steel Workers Union, Local 1840. He enjoyed fishing.
In addition to his wife, Michael leaves his son, Dale R. Fontaine (Amy) of Plainville; three daughters, Beth Frink (Daniel) of Sterling, Jennifer Bates (Tyke) of Rogers and Megan Fontaine of Rogers; three brothers, Ernest Fontaine of Thompson, Bruce Fontaine of Putnam, and Brian Fontaine of Thompson; six sisters Cynthia Bergeron of Simsbury, Kathleen Fontaine of Dayville, Debra Neundorf of Thompson, Lisa Pratt of Thompson, Lori Herrick of Danielson, and Billie Jo Fontaine of Lowville, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Anika Frink, Abigail Bates, Molly Bates, and Michael Fontaine. He was the brother of the late Eugene P. Fontaine who died on Dec. 12, 2004. The Funeral Service was Sept. 13 at Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.