By Ron P. Coderre
In the initial recruiting phase for the Putnam Science Academy 2015-2016 basketball season, coach Tom Espinosa loaded his backcourt with a stable of ball handling, sharp shooting guards. Since that time Espinosa’s been concentrating on bringing big me into the fold.
The most recent recruit is 17-year-old, 6-foot, 9-inch big man Darnell Brodie from Newark, N.J. Brodie adds strength to the Mustangs frontcourt, which keeps getting bigger with each succeeding recruit.
Brodie is a young player by recent standards and should provide depth to the Mustangs program for at least two seasons. Despite his youth Brodie brings a wealth of experience to the Putnam campus. He’s been playing competitively since the 8th grade. While playing for St. Joseph’s Jr. High School he once had a game where he scored 28 points, had 50 rebounds and 12 blocked shots.
The last two seasons Brodie’s been a member of the Newark Eastside High School program, where he’s been a varsity player since his freshman year. As a frosh he helped Eastside produce a 30-2 record, which included a New Jersey State Championship and entry into the tournament of champions. As a sophomore he was recognized as one of the top 100 rebounders in New Jersey.
“Darnell is a player we’ve been involved with for some time. We like him for his size and rebounding ability but he also brings a great attitude to our program. Despite his youth he’s ready to compete on our level,’ said Espinosa.
During the summer for the past three years Brodie’s competed in AAU basketball with the New Jersey Roadrunners. He’s helped the Roadrunners to a New Jersey championship and been named Most Valuable Player on numerous occasions. While at Hoop Group camp at Albright College he was named to the camp’s all star team.
Brodie’s drawn interest from more than 20 NCAA Division I schools. Among his early suitors are such schools St. John’s University, Boston College, Quinnipiac University, George Mason University, Seton Hall, Stanford, St. Peter’s and Holy Cross. He’s also been contacted by Duke University of the ACC and Big Ten Schools, The Ohio State University and Iowa State University.
Louis J. Artiaco,
WWII vet
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Louis J. Artiaco, 86, of Ticecreek Dr. formerly of Putnam, died, June 19, 2015, in his sleep in Manor Care after a long and full life.
Born in 1928 in Middletown, he was the fourth of five children born to Italian immigrants Luigi and Louise (Caizza) Artiaco.
When Lou was 17 he served in the Army as a meteorologist during the WWII occupation of Germany. After the war, he graduated from UConn in 1953. Lou worked as a software developer and accountant and is the founder of an accounting software firm called CRT Systems Inc.
Throughout his life, Lou cultivated many interests and passions including art, theatre, college sports, skiing, swimming, and pool. Just last year, Lou won the Ellsworth 8-baIl Pool Tournament at Rossmoor. Lou was an avid golf aficionado and played every chance he could. He was fortunate to have extensively traveled the world throughout his life; his sense of adventure and wanderlust was unrivaled.
Lou was a member of the Ecumenical Society at Rossmoor and was a communicant for St. Anne Catholic Church in Walnut Creek.
He leaves two sons, Gary Artiaco and Brian Artiaco; and a granddaughter Louise Miller. He was predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Artiaco.
A Graveside Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 24 in St. Mary Cemetery, Providence Street. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
John E. Pelczarski,
WWII vet
PUTNAM — John E. Pelczarski, 91, of Walnut Street, died Oct. 16, 2015, at home. He was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Putnam, son of the late Thomas and Emelia (Bienias) Pelczarski.
John was married to Betty Pelczarski for 48 years. He was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Putnam and attended St. Mary School. John made his home in Putnam all his life. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U.S. Army.
He worked in construction, doing masonry work and general construction. He worked for the U.S. Post Office for more than 20 years. He loved camping in Maine and traveling with Betty. He was a fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. John enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. He was a member of the VFW Post #1523 in Putnam.
He leaves his three daughters; Debbie Pelczarski of Putnam, Sandy Perron (Brian) of Putnam, Kathy Pelczarski of Putnam; grandchildren Brad Perron (Kelsey) of Newport, Vt., and Haley Perron of Putnam; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Stanley Pelczarski and Joseph Pelczarski.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 20 at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Providence Street, with burial with military honors in St. Mary Cemetery. Donations: St. Mary Church of the Visitation, Putnam, CT. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam.
Garnald L. Hewey,
Army vet
THOMPSON — Garnald L. Hewey, 83, of E. Thompson Rd., died Oct. 13, 2015, in Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, after a battle with cancer. He was the husband of 57 years to Barbara M. (Russell) Hewey. They were married Nov. 23, 1957, in Dudley.
Born in 1932 in Kingfield, Maine, he was the son of the late, Hayden and Bertha (Daggett) Hewey.
Garnald graduated from Kingfield High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his tour, he was honorably discharged in 1961, earning the rank of Corporal. He was a truck driver for Webster Spring, and then Anglo Fabric. He was a volunteer firefighter for the East Thompson Fire Department. He was an avid N.E. sports fan and enjoyed playing Wii bowling at the Thompson Senior Center. . Garnald will be remembered for his honesty.
In addition to his wife Barbara, Garnald he leaves his son, Neil Hewey of Thompson; his daughters, Deborah Harvard of Killingly, and Karen Place (David) of Thompson; his brother, Lawrence “Joe” Hewey of Skoweghan, Maine; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jessica, Cory, Andrew, Erica and her husband John, and Kyle; and his great-grandchildren, Kiara, and Cameron. He was predeceased by his brothers, Heland Hewey, L. Lewelyn Hewey; and his sister, Faye Niles.
Donations: American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Charlotte Nowakowski
EASTFORD — Charlotte Nowakowski, 73, of Eastford, died suddenly Oct. 16, 2015.
She was born on Jan. 23, 1942, in Windham, daughter of the late Harry and Lottie (Colburn) Amberg. She was married to Matthew Nowakowski in 1970. He died in 2013.
Charlotte was a social member of the Eastford Independent Fire Company. She enjoyed scrapbooking, card making and spending time in her flower gardens gardening.
She leaves her daughter; Debi Johnson (Chris) of Eastford; her son; Ernest Nowakowski (Cindy) of Eastford; her brothers Sam Amberg (Becky) of Lebanon and Alfred Amberg (Sharron) of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; sister Sandy Amberg of Willimantic; grandchildren; Becca DeLay (Travis) of Eastford, Shane Johnson (Tanya) of Sterling, Carissa Johnson of Ashford, Robert Nowakowski (Heather) of Woodstock, Steven Nowakowski (Angie) of Eastford; great-grandchildren; Peyton, Amber, Andrew, Matthew, Timothy, Forest and Violet.
Donations: Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Henry B. Cole
WOODSTOCK — Henry B. Cole, 91, of Woodstock, died Oct. 11, 2015, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. He was the husband of Janeth (McIntosh) Cole, who died March 4, 2011, and son of the late Arthur and Florence (Bogardus) Cole. He was born Oct. 29, 1923, in Jersey City, N.J.
He worked as an engineering physicist at the American Optical Company in Research and Development in the field of fiber optics. Henry was a lifelong Mason with the Putnam Lodge #46 in Woodstock. He had a great pride and passion for being a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed visiting different Masonic Lodges in the states and around the world. Henry was made a Mason in Maine and then affiliated with Putnam Lodge #46 upon moving to Woodstock. He was a Past Master of Putnam #46 and District Deputy Grand Master for District 9A of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge AF&AM of Connecticut. Henry was awarded the Pierpont Edwards medal in bronze for his masonic service. He was a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret 32nd Degree in Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Norwich. He was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, Sphinx Temple. Henry was the long time treasurer of his lodge and a mentor to many young masons.
He leaves his children Constance Lovell (Richard) of Waterford, Lauren De Herrera of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren; Sheri Barclay (Scott) of Oakdale, Pamela Rowe (Doug) of Niantic, Mark De Herrera (Jennifer) of Chandler, Christopher De Herrera (Alyson) of Austin, Ryan De Herrera (Hilary) of Mesa, Ariz.; 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Elizabeth Karkos and son-in–law Clifford De Herrera.
A Memorial Masonic Service was Oct. 18 at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam, with burial in Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock. Donations: Putnam Masonic Lodge charities, PO Box 46, South Woodstock, CT 06267.
Tiffany R. Ball
WEBSTER — Tiffany R. Ball, 34, of Webster, died Oct. 13, 2015, after a long illness at UMass Hospital in Worcester. She was the daughter of Brenda (Rose) Ball and the late Shelby Ball. She was born Dec. 23, 1980, in Putnam.
She loved music and her cats, especially Muffin
She leaves her mother Brenda Ball and her companion Roland Ross of Pomfret. She was predeceased by her boyfriend of 10years, John Boutilette who died in April of 2015.
She will be buried in Barlow Cemetery, Woodstock. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St., Putnam.
Rose A. Evans
DANIELSON — Rose A. Evans, 77, of Danielson, died Oct. 13, 2015, at UMass in Worcester. Born May 29, 1938, in Danielson, daughter of the late Armond and Vina (Trahan) Genest. She was married to Howard W. Evans in 1979. Rose worked for Frito-Lay for 17 years until her retirement. She enjoyed bingo and trips up north for getaways.
She leaves her husband Howard Evans; children; Melody Knox, Alvin Corey, Clyde Corey and Jeff Corey; stepchildren; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons Kevin Corey and Reggie Corey.
The Funeral was Oct. 19 at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St. Danielson, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Donations: American Diabetes Association, Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457.
Christopher M. Rogers
KILLINGLY — Christopher M. Rogers formerly of Brooklyn, died unexpectedly Oct. 14, 2015, in Killingly. The son of David M. and Susan M. (Shaia) Rogers, he was born on May 12, 1982, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He graduated from Killingly High School and worked for Loos and Co. for 10 years as a machine operator. Chris loved sports, was a phenomenal pool player and a diehard Yankees fan.
He leaves his parents David and Susan of Putnam; brother, Joseph W. Rogers (Jena) of Willimantic; grandfather, Donald Kusha; best friends Ryan Howley, Shane Field; uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was predeceased by maternal grandparents Doris and William Shaia, paternal grandparents Elizabeth Kusha and William Rogers.
Burial will be private. Donations: Hope Community Church, 25 Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT 06260. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam.
Dorothy Zmetra
WEBSTER — Dorothy “Dot” (Paciorkowski ) Zmetra, 79, died peacefully Oct. 11, 2015, in Fairfax, Va., after a long struggle with brain cancer.
She graduated from Bartlett High School and later graduated from Leo’s Beauty Institute. She was the owner/manager of Chet’s Smoke Shop on Main Street, Webster. Dorothy enjoyed cooking, taking pictures and living on Webster Lake before moving to Chantilly due to health issues. She had a dynamic personality.
Dorothy was born on Nov. 15, 1935, in Dudley, the daughter of the late Benny and the late Mary (Gajewski) Paciorkowski. Her husband of 53 years, William Joseph Zmetra died in 2008.
She leaves two daughters: Karen Glenn (John) of Chantilly, Va., Maria Paska (Edward) of Chantilly; one son: Mark Zmetra (Guylaine) of Woodstock; 11 grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 17 at St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, with burial in the St. Joseph Garden of Peace Cemetery, Webster. Donations: National Brain Tumor Society at braintumor.org, 55 Chapel Street, Suite 200, Newton, MA, 02458. Bartel Funeral Home and Chapel, Dudley.
Patricia Bennett
WEBSTER — Patricia (Brogan) Bennett, 79, died Oct. 17, 2015, at home.
Pat was born in Boston, daughter of the late John T. and Mildred E. (Sheehy) Brogan and lived most of her life in Webster. She was a retired supervisor, having worked for many years at Charter Communication. She was a member of the Senior Bowling League and enjoyed playing cards, bingo and being around good people.
Pat leaves her son, Steven J. Bennett of Dedham, Mass.; a daughter, Kathleen P. Wojcik (John) of Putnam; two brothers, John T. Brogan of Attleboro, Mass., and Francis E. Brogan of New Hampshire; one sister, Annie Beaudry of Webster; two grandchildren, Ashlynne Wojcik and Joshua Wojcik.
The Funeral Mass was Oct. 22 in St. Louis Church, Webster, with burial in Mount Zion Cemetery, Webster. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Shirley Dowgiewicz
WEBSTER — Shirley M. (LePine) Dowgiewicz, 89, died Oct. 14, 2015, at home. Her husband of 63 years, Edward W. Dowgiewicz, died in 2012.
She was born and raised in Putnam, a daughter of Clovis “Jack” LePine and Anna E. (Duffy) LePine. She lived in Webster most of her life. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Putnam.
Mrs. Dowgiewicz was an office clerk at Sandlerette Shoe and then at the Department of Employment Security in Webster for several years.
She was a communicant of St. Joseph Basilica and a member of its St. Anne Society and the St. Joseph Polish Women’s Club. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, visits to Foxwoods.
She leaves two sons, Richard E. Dowgiewicz (Diane) of Bennington, Vt., and Webster Selectman Mark G. Dowgiewicz and his companion Nancie Zecco of Webster; four grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, Jeffrey and Ashley Dowgiewicz; a great-grandson, Rhory Dowgiewicz. She was predeceased by a son, Edward W. Dowgiewicz II in 1988.
The Funeral Mass was Oct. 19 in St. Joseph Basilica with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. Donations: Friends of St. Joseph School Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570. Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, Webster.
Emanuel Ellis
PUTNAM — Emanuel Cayden Ellis died Oct. 11, 2015, shortly after birth at the Hartford Children’s Hospital. He was the son of Jerome E. Ellis Jr. and Ruth Bright Star White of Putnam. He leaves three brothers Jerome E. Ellis III, Michael T. Ellis both of Worcester and Jayden E. Fox Ellis of Putnam; a sister Mikala Wuggin Anockus White of Charlton; maternal grandparents, Michael J. Bessette Sr. and Ruth (Morse) Little Star Bessette of Charlton; paternal grandfather Jerry Ellis and step grandmother Jeanne Ellis of Connecticut; paternal grandmother Christine Pulkinen and step grandfather Ziggie Pulkinen of Connecticut.
Amercan Indian ritual and celebration of life was Oct. 17 at Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
Judith Kubiak
DUDLEY — Judith A. Kubiak, 69, died Oct. 12, 2015, at the Maryann Morse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Natick, Mass.
Judy was born in Webster daughter of Eugenia (Evanski) Kubiak and the late Joseph C. Kubiak of Dudley. Judy in most recent years had her own animal sitting business. She also was a caregiver at Day Kimball hospital in Putnam. Judy was a member of the RI Arabian Horse Assoc., and was a animal activist. Her enjoyment was crocheting, animals and especially horses. Judy’s kindness and caring for creatures large and small was a wonderful thing to experience.
She leaves her daughter Katie; two grandchildren Benjamin and Isabella of Australia; her mother Eugenia M. (Evanski) Kubiak of Dudley; three brothers; Paul of Florida, Robert of Yarmouthport, Mass., and Joseph of Oakton, Va. Judy was predeceased by her sisters, Joan Racicot and Patricia Greenleaf.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 21 in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, with burial in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. Donations: Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., E. Brookfield, MA 01515. Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home, Webster.
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In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness. Since then Lions worldwide have risen to this challenge and worked on programs related to vision.
Oct. 3, Lions from Putnam and Killingly joined together at the Help Me Grow Fall Festival and Resource Fair at Putnam Elementary School to screen 41 children for vision problems. Of these screenings, 5 were referred to pediatricians or optometrists for further testing.
Between Sept. 15 to Oct. 7 40 volunteers screened 1,700 Killingly students in a little over 136 hours. 186 referrals were made. Volunteers from Lions clubs in Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Danielson, and Killingly Quiet Corner Regional Lions, as well as, Montville Mohegan-Pequot, Killingworth, East Haddam Community, AAA and a few friends of the Lions made this effort possible.
The screenings were conducted using a Welch-Allyn Spot Vision Camera, owned by the Lions’ District 23C which represents Windham, Tolland, New London and Middlesex Counties. The device takes a picture of the eyes and measures for 7 different issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatisms, eye misalignment and two types of unequal refractive powers. Screenings can be conducted on children as young as 6 months. Results are available within seconds. A trained team of two can screen 210 students in 5 ½ hours.
Each Vision Camera costs approximately $8900 and requires a Bluetooth enabled printer. The district owns 2 machines and is trying to raise $100,000 to get a matching grant from Lions Club International to buy an additional 10 complete units to be able to expand their efforts in vision screening.
For additional information on the screenings, Lion Tom Kohl can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 860-774-5185.
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Honored
PUTNAM — Nancy Cole of Brooklyn has been named Employee of the Month at Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) for September. A patient service representative, Cole has served patients at the same primary care practice for nearly three decades. Her long service is a testament to the connection she feels with patients, which she says is her favorite part of the job.
As a patient service representative, Cole is often the first contact patients make when seeking and receiving primary care at the Day Kimball Medical Group Internal Medicine office in Plainfield. Cole has been assisting patients with their medical care at the same primary care practice for the last 29 years.
A native of northeastern Connecticut, she also has deep roots in the community. She was born at Day Kimball Hospital, was raised in Brooklyn (where she still lives with her husband Steven) and is a graduate of Killingly High School.