Richard E. Montigny, Korean war Army vet
PUTNAM — Richard E. Montigny, 91, of Putnam, died peacefully on April 13, 2026, just one week shy of his 92nd birthday. Born on April 20, 1934, in Putnam, he was the son of the late Alice and Joseph Montigny. He was raised in Putnam alongside his brothers Raymond and Roland Montigny, both predeceased, and Robert and Mark Montigny both from Thompson.
Richard was a lifelong resident of Putnam and a proud graduate of St. Mary’s School and Putnam High School. In the aftermath of the devastating 1955 Putnam flood, he answered his nation’s call, entering the U.S. Army on Aug. 31, 1955. He served in Korea as a motion picture photographer and continued his military service with the Connecticut Army Reserve and later the Connecticut Army National Guard.
From 1974 until his retirement in 1993, much of that time at the 242nd Battalion Armory in Putnam. Over a distinguished 25-year military career, Richard received numerous honors including, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Army Achievement Medal (twice), Connecticut Medal of Merit, Army Components Achievement Medal (4 times), Army Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Connecticut Long Service Medal (15 years) and five Connecticut Emergency Service Ribbons. His service reflects a lifelong dedication to his country, the State of Connecticut, and his hometown of Putnam.
Between his military service, Richard worked as a photographer and craftsman in positions at Kaman Aircraft Corporation in Moosup, Grube Camera in Putnam, and Jens Risom Design, Inc. in Thompson. During these years, he also raised the children of his first marriage, Maria Theresa Landry (predeceased), Ross Montigny of Brooklyn, Jay Montigny (Banya) of Putnam, Todd Montigny (predeceased) and Robin Gaucher (Timothy) of Danielson. In later years, Richard welcomed grandchildren Deirdre Lacroix and Stephen Lacroix, both of Tennessee, Tyler Montigny of Plainfield, and Sara Cloud (Michael) of New London; many great-grandchildren.
Richard married Alice (Bourey) Montigny in 1989, and together they shared a life defined by a deep and inseparable bond. With quiet strength and compassion, he cared for Alice at home throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s until her passing on April 19, 2012. Together they blended their families, creating a large and close-knit circle that included daughters Genie Johnson (Mike) of Woodstock, Dale Moore (David) of Port Charlotte, Fla., Marlene Clark (Tim) of East Killingly, Amber Lints (Robert) of Lansing, Mich., Kimberly Beauregard (predeceased), and grandchildren Jennifer Morton (Tony) of Freedom, Maine, Brandon LeClair and his partner Barbara DiFusco of Warwick, R.I., Jason Couture of Moosup, Melissa Francisco of Somerville, Mass., Amanda Cazden of Susanville, Calif., Harry Clark, III (predeceased), Ashley Milette of Jackson, Mich., Danielle Milette of Fallon, Nev., Alex Mauro of Asheville, N.C., and Kenda Zappasodi of Stoneham, Mass.
A companionship between Richard and Viola Anderson of Thompson, which began in 2015, blossomed into a partnership founded on love, devotion, and happiness. They cherished simple joys, like watching old TV shows together, swimming in the pool on hot days, and taking leisurely drives, always looking for ice cream stands. Their home transformed into a place of warmth and welcome, where time slowed and visits with family and friends were treasured. As Richard’s health needs increased, Viola’s role expanded beyond that of a loving partner to include that of a devoted caregiver. Her unwavering, affectionate care ensured Richard’s final season of life was filled with love, comfort, dignity, and profound peace.
Richard enjoyed a wide range of hobbies throughout his life, reflecting both his creativity and his appreciation for the outdoors. He found great satisfaction from construction and woodworking, and expressed his artistic side through oil painting and photography. His leisure activities included golf, camping, bowling, roller skating, bird watching, and fishing, which helped him stay physically active and maintain connections with people and the world. In later years, he became a familiar and friendly presence throughout the community while delivering for Putnam Pizza for nearly 20 years. Long before GPS, Richard knew every street in town by heart and could locate even the most obscure address with ease. He also enjoyed weekend yard sales, tending his garden, and time at home, finding his greatest joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments.
Richard’s quiet devotion to his family, friends, church, and military service will stand as his lasting legacy. With the charm and perspective of an earlier generation, he was never without a story, a firm handshake, or a touch of humor that brought a smile to those around him. While modern technology never quite suited him, he possessed a genuine understanding of people and community, and he gave generously of his time and resources. Richard, a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, proudly “Army Strong,” will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 15 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery with military honors. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow from noon to 3 p.m. at The Black Dog Marley’s Four-Season Room, 146 Park Road, Putnam. We invite all to share memories and pay tribute to Richard’s life.
The Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Edward Westfall Renaud, WWII Navy veteran
With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our father Edward Westfall Renaud on April 3, 2026. He was 98.
Ed was born an only child to Arthur and Evelyn Westfall Renaud on June 25, 1927, in Detroit. He graduated early from high school so that he could join the Navy and serve his country in WWII. He was stationed aboard ship in the Philippines until the war’s end. After helping bring the ship back stateside, he was honorably discharged and returned home. He then enrolled at the University of Michigan.
It was during a holiday party given by a friend that Ed met the love of his life, Helena Walsh from Grand Rapids. In January 1952 they began their inspirational 71-year marriage together.
Ed was a devoted husband and father to his six children. Ed is fondly remembered by his children as a gracious host to numerous family get-togethers. Ed loved good food and interesting conversation at each meal with the mandatory dessert.
Ed was active in his church and in his community. He served as an usher, he was Committee Chairman of his son’s Boy Scout Troop; he helped with numerous fund-raising activities; and he was a member of the Holy Name Society. In Woodstock, he and Helena were members of the Theft Detecting Society.
Ed had a career supporting American manufacturing by designing and selling specialized industrial tools. His love of people, wit and old-fashioned work ethic were key to his great success over his 45 years of work. That career took he and his family from Detroit to Connecticut to Ohio, to New Jersey and then to Woodstock.
After Ed retired, he and Helena became part of the Stone Ridge community in Mystic, where they thoroughly enjoyed their neighbors and the staff there.
He leaves six children: Julie Davis (Mark) of N. Falmouth, Edward Jr. (Christine) of Baltimore, Stephen (Jane) of Darien, Michael (Michele) of Tenafly, Susan Reardon (Michael) of Berlin and Anne Miller (Douglas) of Bel Air. Ed has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also leaves by his sister-in-law Mary Hehl of Grand Rapids.
Ed was known for his warm smile and engaging conversation. He will be greatly missed.
A Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 5 at the Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Internment will immediately follow at the Central Cemetery in Woodstock. In lieu of flowers, donations: St. Edmund’s Retreat, Enders Island, P.O. Box 399, Mystic CT 06355 (Attn: Claire). Mystic Funeral Home.
Armando Massini Jr.
Armando Massini Jr, 76, passed peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Matulaitis Rehabilitation, in Putnam, after a short illness.
He was born on Dec. 31, 1949, in Middletown, he was the son of the late Armando and Irene Massini Sr.
He is survived by his beloved sister and best friend, Joan Dunham, Westbrook, and his partner of 34 years, Norma Shank, and her son John Shank. Armand lived his life in Westbrook, then Sterling, and settled 40 years ago in Pomfret Center. He found his joy on 44 acres, hunting, shooting skeet and trap, and foraging wood for the long winters. He competed in trap shooting and was rated high in his division.
Armand learned the craft of masonry from his father. From the time he was 8 years old, he could be seen on the roof of a house with his father, finishing a chimney. He excelled building field stone, brick and bluestone fireplaces. He learned the construction trade from spending time with his father on job sites. Eventually, Armand opened his own General Contracting company, building homes, condo complexes, and remodels in RI, CT and MA. He often drew the blue prints for new homes so buyers would get exactly what they wanted.
Armand never met an animal he didn’t like. He fed the deer, turkeys, birds, and squirrels. He lived a mile from a local vet, and it seemed like more homeless cats ended up on his steps. He never turned any cat away; they always had a home. Even hunting one day, he found two kittens in a tree stump. The mother had been shot, the kittens were left behind; two more kittens were added to his family.
The family would like to send special thanks to Matulaitis Rehabilitation, Putnam, CT, Wing B, for their exceptional care. Especially Vicki, Holly and DeAnn, who treated Armand like he was family.
Those wishing to remember Armand may make a donation to Pet Pals Northeast, P. O. Box 64, Plainfield, CT 06374.
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