By Ron P. Coderre
James “Jim” Naum, a Thompson icon, passed away Nov. 11, Veterans Day. His passing signals the end of an era in Thompson and the village of North Grosvenordale. His absence echoed throughout the town and northeastern Connecticut, leaving a void equivalent to the size of the Grand Canyon for the community to fill.
Jim Naum and his parental family like so many others of the era immigrated to the U.S. through Ellis Island when he was less than one year old. As part of this family heritage, Naum was ever thankful of the opportunities granted to him as a citizen of the United States. Like many in his community Naum grew up in one of the areas of N. Grosvenordale known familiarly as “the Greek village.”
As a young man in that village his hours when not in school were spent in the driveways and fields in the vicinity playing baseball and basketball. A trip through “The Greek village” would see youngsters playing basketball to hoops attached to every garage in the village. It was there that the tradition of winning basketball was spawned, in the unpaved sometimes muddy driveways of N. Grosvenordale.
Arriving at Tourtellotte Memorial High School in 1947, Naum quickly established himself as a three-sport star, running cross country and playing basketball and baseball for the Tigers of coach Jim Canty. Deadly accurate with his two-hand set shot, in the days prior to the jump shot and three-point arc, Naum combined with the likes of George Dargati, Christy Carabina, Jimmy Karapanos, Tommy Tanacea and Teddy and Tasi Vriga to form the nucleus of teams that brought State titles back to the little hamlet in 1949, 1950 and 1951.
In his senior year the Tigers won the second State title and Naum was accorded All-State honors by the New Haven Register. His work as a player, coach and contributing member of the community earned him entry with the inaugural class into the TMHS Athletic hall of Fame in 2010.
“As an athlete Jim had a deadly outside shot but it wasn’t only on the basketball court that he starred. He was a baseball pitcher for the high school and American Legion teams. He threw what was referred to as a ‘heavy ball’ that was difficult to hit,” said his longtime friend and sometimes teammate Jim Sali, also an alum of “the Greek village.”
Naum was good enough to go on and play college basketball at Nichols College from 1950 – 1952, where he served as the captain of the Bison’s team. His collegiate years were interrupted by the Uncle Sam and the Korean Conflict, but he returned to the collegiate hardwood in 1958, starring for two years at Eastern Connecticut State University. He was so respected in Willimantic that he remained there for two seasons as an assistant coach.
After banging around in semi-pro and industrial leagues Naum moved on to another phase when he became assistant basketball coach to his idol coach Jim Canty. Entering the old Cluett Gym it was a sight to behold, the stately Mr. Canty seated on the bench with his handsome young assistant Jim Naum seated beside him, both nattily attired in sport coat and tie.
Eventually, Naum was elevated to the position of head coach at Tourtellotte, where held the position from 1977 to 1989. Famous for his “yoyo” offense, Naum led his 1987 team to the Class S State Championship, one of his proudest moments. The title was the first for the Tigers since the days when Naum himself was a player.
“His death was a very sad day. My memories of coach Naum are ingrained with his sense of history and tradition for the high school and its athletic programs. It was an honor to play for him. And it was very special having his son Tom on our team,” said Earl Rosebrooks who was voted the MVP of the 1987 State Tournament.
“Mr. Naum was a big influence in my life and that of many others. He was a pillar of the Thompson community and will be dearly missed,” concluded Rosebrooks.
Naum, who taught in the Thompson Public School system for 33 years, turned to another phase of his life following his days coaching basketball. Always one to help others, he became active in the community with various organizations including the Thompson Lions, American Legion Post #67, TEEG and the Quinebaug Cornerstone Lodge #122. He also served as a member of the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning Commission and as a Justice of the Peace.
“Jim was a giving person. He was always there whenever there was a need. His loss is immeasurable and the town will be hard pressed to replace him,” said Sali, who for the last two months of Naum’s life visited him every Sunday morning.
A huge Red Sox fan, Naum was able to witness the Red Sox World Series triumph surrounded by friends during Game 6 prior to his demise.
Naum leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Anna and a son Tom. He was predeceased by his son Michael. A scholarship fund in his memory has been established and donations should be sent to the James Naum Scholar Athlete Scholarship Fund, c/o Citizens National Bank, P.O. Box 6002, Putnam, CT 06260.
As time passes, Naum will always be remembered as an athlete and coach. The tales of his exploits will echo through the halls of Tourtellotte Memorial High School for many years. In the hamlet of North Grosvenordale, his name will continue to be mentioned and honored wherever the good folks of the town gather. His mark on life goes on.
By Ron P. Coderre
Only two football games were on the docket this weekend as the 2013 season moves toward traditional Thanksgiving Day contests. The two games resulted in very disparate results.
Quinebaug Pride staged late game heroics to force an overtime game against visiting Bullard Havens, picking up its 8th victory of the season in a nail biter 40-34. On the other end of the spectrum, Plainfield traveled to Woodstock for a rare noon time start and after getting off slowly won convincingly 34-0.
The win for the Pride began like a checker game with Bullard Haven scoring first only to have the home team Pride respond on a Raif Santerre 5-yard run. Bullard Haven then responded with another first period score and then took control, going to the locker room at halftime ahead 28-12.
Following halftime the Pride behind quarterback Tylor Genest (11-17-155 and three touchdowns) rallied to outscore the visitors 22-6 in the second half forcing the OT. The Pride took possession of the pigskin first in the extra stanza and used a Genest to sophomore Saige Louis 15-yard pass for the touchdown that would prove to be the eventual winning tally.
The one-two running back punch of John Sanderson (18-128) and Raif Santerre (15-95) proved effective once again, although coach Joe Asermelly unveiled a passing game that now gives the Pride’s Turkey Day opponent, Killingly something new to worry about.
In addition to Louis’ game winning catch, Benjamin Brissette caught touchdown passes of 27 and 44 yards. Brissette had four catches on the evening for 87 yards and Jeremee Perez pulled down six of Genest’s aerials for 53 yards and a two-point conversion, as the Pride raised its record to 8-2.
In Woodstock, Plainfield used a pair of offensive surges in shutting out the Centaurs. The Panthers erupted for 20 points in the 2nd stanza and 14 in the final quarter to ice the team’s fifth victory of the season.
Cody Alday led the way to victory, scoring three touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns came via the air on scoring tosses of 55 and 20 yards from quarterback Steve Jankowski. His third score came on an 11-yard run to paydirt.
The win puts the Panthers of Coach Pat Smith at 5-4 on the season with two games remaining on the schedule. Woodstock remains winless at 0-10 as it prepares for its Thanksgiving eve encounter with the Windham Whippets.
Extra Points
With his 128 yards rushing, Quinebaug Pride’s John Sanderson broke the 1000-yard barrier for the season. He’s at 1019 going into Thanksgiving Day…Raif Santerre, Sanderson’s running mate is a 971 on the season. Combined, the duo has galloped for 1990 yards…Pride QB Tylor Genest has scored in every game this season. He leads the area in scoring with 94 points, followed by Santerre with 86…The Pride win over Bullard Havens avenged last season’s 42-8 loss to the Bobcats…Plainfield unveiled another running back in the person of Kade Amster who scored the Panthers final touchdown against Woodstock…Panthers quarterback Steve Jankowski injured his hand in the second half and was replaced by Marcus Robinson…The Pride remains the last local team in the hunt for a playoff spot. They occupy the 9th spot (the first eight get in) behind Stonington. Despite Stonington’s loss to NFA the Bears’ strength of schedule could be the determining factor…Last week in Plainfield’s game against Central Falls, R.I., the Panthers concession stand caught fire. The blaze, which was extinguished quickly, did cause coach Pat Smith to call a timeout…Plainfield’s Andre Bergeron had a great day against Woodstock, registering two sacks, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt and a 20-yard run…Two games are on tap for this week. In unusual Thursday night contests, Plainfield entertains Jonathan Law at 6 p.m. and Killingly is a Stonington for a 6:30 p.m. start.
Putnam Town Crier Super Standings: Quinebaug Pride
By Ron P. Coderre
This week’s RPC sporty shout out is sent along to Ellsworth Chase and his wife the former Patty Divincenzo. The couple is happy to be back in northeastern Connecticut and reacquainting with their many friends. Ellie is a noted golfer, who holds the course record at Norwich Golf Club where he fired a blistering 62.
Marianapolis Prep School’s athletic programs are noted for producing basketball players who move on to the college level but in a rare offseason announcement on Friday, November 15, the school noted the signing of a baseball player to a National Letter of Intent.
Devin Springfield, a postgraduate student, signed on the dotted line to play next season at Franklin Pierce University, located in Rindge, N.H. Springfield, who will play for the Golden Knights and coach David Austin in the spring, comes to Marianapolis from Jaffrey, N.H. and Conant High School.
While at Conant, Springfield roamed centerfield and pitched for the New Hampshire team. Last season he posted a batting average of .430, with 22 runs-batted-in and 25 runs scored. His performance garnered him All-State honors and selection to the prestigious New Hampshire vs. Vermont all star game. He also helped his high school team to its first baseball state championship since 1956.
Franklin Pierce University is an NCAA Division II school that plays in the highly competitive Northeast-10 Conference. Former Woodstock Academy and TriTown American Legion standout Ross Lincoln is a member of the FPU baseball team.
The Coaching Shuffle
The departure of Willie Bousquet as the girls’ basketball coach at Putnam High School presents not only a changing of the guard on Woodstock Avenue but speculation as to how the dominoes will fall in the local coaching ranks. Currently, with approximately one week prior to the official start of practice, Putnam is left without a varsity coach for the Lady Clippers.
Bousquet’s arrival at Woodstock fills the void left by the sudden departure of former coach Dave Walley. The Centaurs have Peter Green in place as the girls’ freshman coach, a situation that Bousquet is in concert with. However, there is a vacancy on the junior varsity level at Woodstock, which Bousquet should fill rather quickly.
The questions remains — who will take over for Bousquet in Putnam? And who will Bousquet tap to fill the JV role in Centaurland?
Speculation is that Bousquet’s former assistant at Putnam Mandy Hogan may be his successor on the bench for the Lady Clippers. Her selection seems logical, based on her years sitting beside Bousquet (when he wasn’t roaming the sidelines) and also based on the fact that she was a college basketball player. But then again, why wouldn’t Bousquet invite his longtime assistant to come up Rt. 171 with him? She is well ingrained in the Bousquet coaching philosophy, making the transition fairly comfortable for both.
If that scenario occurs, where does that leave Putnam? Scratching its head as usual when it comes to filling coaching vacancies? The next few days should prove interesting as the plot thickens and the coaching skein unravels.
PSA Grad Gets Playing Time
Last season, 6-foot, 9-inch Paul Brooks was a key inside operative for coach Tom Espinosa at Putnam Science Academy. His play for the Mustangs earned him an opportunity to move on to the hardwood at Worcester State University.
Early in the season it appears that Brooks is taking advantage of his elevation to the college level. Last weekend, the Lancers opened the season in Willimantic at the Eastern Connecticut State University Tip-Off Tournament.
Worcester State University played its cross-town rival Becker College in the consolation game on Saturday. The Lancers lost by a score of 66-64 with Brooks contributing four points.
Woodstock Netter in Coaches All Star Contest
Sarah Swenson, Woodstock Academy’s outstanding volleyball player, has picked up another postseason honor following a great fall season for the Centaurs. Swenson was named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-Star Game, which was played at 7p.m. on Monday, November 18 (after the Putnam Town Crier went to press) at Maloney High School in Meriden. Her selection comes off the heels of being named a First Team Eastern Connecticut Conference all star.
RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “The only difference between me and General Custer is that I have to watch the films on Sunday.” Rick Venturi, Northwestern University Football Coach.
Steven Wilber Sr.
THOMPSON — Steven P. Wilber, Sr., 63, Hillside Avenue, died Nov. 14, 2013, in UMass Memorial Center. He was the husband of Jean (Nolet) Wilber for 45 years. Born in 1950 in Southbridge, he was the son of the late Cortland and Theresa (Courcy) Wilber.
Mr. Wilber worked as an Equipment Operator for Webco. He enjoyed fishing, four wheeling, going to Maine, and telling a good joke. Steven was an antique car restoration enthusiast and was an extremely talented “Mr. Fix It”, as well as an accomplished acoustic guitar player.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sons; Shawn M. Wilber (Carmen) of Vista, Calif., Shannon M. Wilber (Paula) of Charlton, Steven P. Wilber Jr. (Trisha) of Thompson; daughter, Sheri M. Putnam (Robert) of Thompson; sister, Jeanne P. Wilber of Sterling; grandchildren, Brian, Matthew, Logan, Noah, Jolie, Cole, Sadie M., and Tessa M. He was predeceased by his brother, Cortland Wilber Jr. and grandson, Colin Mark.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 19 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale. Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
Barbara Dexter
PUTNAM — Barbara (Drost) Dexter, 70, of River Road, died Nov. 15, 2013, at home. She is the wife of 50 years to Thomas R. Dexter.
They were married on Oct. 26, 1963, in St. Michael Cathedral in Springfield, Mass.
Born in 1943 in Ludlow, Mass., She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Mildred (Wolak) Drost.
Mrs. Dexter enjoyed flower gardening, vacationing in Florida and Cape Cod.
In addition to her husband, she leaves sons, Mark A. Dexter (Maureen) of Ellington, and Russell E. Dexter of Mansfield; daughter, Tracey D. Matthews (Lee) of Feeding Hills, Mass.; grandchildren Brandon, Timothy, Madison, Emma, and Marek.
The Memorial Service will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 23 in the Clark Memorial Chapel at the Pomfret School, Pomfret.
Donations: Deary Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 688, Danielson, CT 06239. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Alice Desilets
DANIELSON — Alice Y. Desilets, 83 of Black Rock Avenue, died Nov. 14, 2013, at the Colonial Health Center in Plainfield. She was the wife of Lucien J. Desilets. They were married in 1949 in St. James Church. She was born Nov. 30, 1929, in Southbridge, daughter of the late Peter and Anna (Auger) Heon.
Alice was employed at Jacobs Rubber for 39 years working in Danielson and Dayville. She had made her home in the area most of her life. She was a communicant of St. James Church in Danielson. She enjoyed working with her hands, knitting, crocheting, sewing, macramé, and quilting and was an excellent cook. She was known for her kindness and sweetness.
She leaves her husband Lucien of 64 years; sons: Richard Desilets of Moosup, Michael Desilets (Liisa) of Tolland; grandchildren: Anna Feeney (Jarrod) of Plainfield; Justin Desilets and Tyler Desilets, both of Tolland, great-grandchildren, Simone and Isabella. She was predeceased by her son Donald Desilets in 1977, her siblings: Emil Heon, Lionel Heon, Yvonne Savard, Joseph Heon.
The Mass of Christian Burial Nov. 18 in St. James Church, Danielson, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Donations: Colonial Health Center, 16 Windsor Ave., Plainfield, CT 06374. Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson.
Dr. Richard F.
Lefebvre, D.M.D.
POMFRET — Dr. Richard Lefebvre, 80, of Searles Road died Nov. 10, 2013, at home.
He was born July 28, 1933, in Pittsfield, Mass., to the late Walter and Jenny (Jacques) Bean.
He was a graduate of Holy Cross College and Tufts Dental School. He practiced oral surgery in Southbridge and Pomfret for over 30 years until his retirement in 1993. He was on staff at Harrington Memorial Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital.
Richard loved working on his farm in Pomfret, landscaping, and raising farm animals. He enjoyed skiing, sailing, cooking, and country music. His passion was reading books, especially about the Civil War and he was able to travel to some of the historic battlefields.
He leaves his children, Loretta (Lefebvre) Foisey (Mark) of Pomfret; his son, Richard Lefebvre of Weatherford, Texas; his grandchildren Siana Green, Amanda Lefebvre, and Lucas Lefebvre; as well as a loving friend, Nancy Fox, of Coventry, R.I.
The Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Nov. 25 in Most Holy Trinity Church, Pomfret, with burial in Abington Cemetery. Donations: Hospice of NE CT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260; or NECCOG Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 759, Dayville, CT 06241. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
George H. Pearce
WOODSTOCK— George H. Pearce, 73, died Nov. 14, 2013, at home, after an eight month battle with lung cancer.
He was born Aug. 22, 1940, in Whitehouse Station, N.J., son of George A. Pearce and Esther Gerth. As a young man he moved to Putnam where he met his wife, Iride (Edie) Rossi, and they married on Nov. 16, 1963 (now their 50th anniversary). He and Iride raised their family and ran his businesses Pearce Electric and Pearce Properties in Danielson, and later retired in Woodstock. George was an extremely strong and capable person who gave more than 100 percent. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed his beagles and was very active in local beagle clubs.
He leaves his wife Iride; two daughters Laura Pearce and Janice Pearce; nephew Jeffrey Smith, his wife Cheryl and their two children Ellie and Brandon; nephew Paul Reed, his wife Kathy and their two children Damon and Elena; niece Jane O’Donovan and her husband Tom. He was predeceased by his sisters Margaret and Mary Jane, and his daughter Susan Pearce.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 18 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam with burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Putnam. Donations: Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.