Samuel J. Leo, served in the Marines
THOMPSON — Samuel J. Leo, 80, of Thompson, died in Montefiore Hospital Oct. 26, 2025.
Born Oct. 16, 1945, in Putnam, he was the younger brother of Parmi P. Leo Jr., and the son of the late Parmi and Grace (DiBennetto) Leo.
Sam served in the Marines, worked as a custodian at Thompson Public Schools, and was an official at the Thompson Speedway for 47 years.
He loved ham and cheese sandwiches (cut down the middle), reading the paper, word searches, auto racing, cracking a joke, spending quality time with his daughters, enjoying the outdoors, and cooking home fries and eggs.
To know Sam Leo was to like him.
He was outgoing, playful, and always honest.
Around the Quiet Corner, he could be found swapping stories with fellow veterans at the Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, mowing the lawn on his yellow tractor, or chatting with his brother on the sun porch.
He leaves his daughter Hannah Pei Leo, MD, and her fiancé Kevin J. Guzman, MD, of New York City; his daughter Hallie Lin Leo of Pomfret and partner Garrett A. Roberts; brother, Parmi P. Leo, Jr. of Thompson.
A Memorial Service was Nov. 3 in the Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
There was a private burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Donations: Danielson Veterans Coffeehouse, PO Box 3, Danielson, CT, 06239.
Please indicate that your donation is in memory of Sam Leo.
Gifts will support social events for veterans, scholarships, and Food Share.
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Wed. Nov. 5
Art Exhibit
DANIELSON --- Thompson artists Ann C. Rosebrooks and Donna O'Scolaigh Lange will be showing paintings and mixed media collage work through Dec. 1 Heirloom Food Company on North Main Street.
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America." Please call for more info: 860-928-1035.
Stumpo Retrospective
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret on Day Road will present Pomfret works by the late watercolor artist, David C. Stumpo through January. Reception at 2 p.m. Nov. 9. No admission fee to attend the reception or view the exhibition. Hours: noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Book Talk
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present Lisette Rimer, author, with “Back from Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick” at 6 p.m. at the library. Signed copies available – proceeds support the Patrick Wood Scholarship at Pomfret School. www.backfromsuicide.com
Thur. Nov. 6
Book Signing
PUTNAM --- A book signing and talk for “The Flood of 1955” by Ron Coderre will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Aspinock Historical Society office in the Municipal Complex. Coffee and … provided. RSVP:
Sat. Nov. 8
Fund-raiser Concert
POMFRET --- The Vanilla Bean Café will host a classical guitar concert with Mark and Beverly Davis at 7 p.m. The concert is sponsored by Pomfret Proprietors to help Pomfret Historical Society (PHS) raise money for renovations and repairs in their historic building, The Old Town House. Tickets are $25 at the door. For info: 860-465-7228.
Sat. Nov. 9
Lantern Workshop
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “Korean Lotus Lantern Workshop” from 1 to 2:15 p.m. at the library. Presented by the Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project. Registration required: 960-963-6826.
Tues. Nov. 11
Veterans Tribute
PUTNAM --- The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post 13 will present its Guest Bartender Night and Veterans Tribute to Ron Coderre, Bruce Hay and Brian Maynard at 5:30 p.m. at Marley’s Pub. Tips and donations raised support American Legion Post 13 youth programs and veteran programs.
Al-Anon Meeting
POMFRET --- Al-Anon will meet at noon on Tuesdays at the Christ Church, 527 Pomfret St. Please use the lower level door, near the flagpole. All welcome.
Wed. Nov. 12
Writing
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “From Fuzzy Idea to Finished Story: Crafting a Murder Mystery” by local author Sarah P. Blanchard from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the library. Author talk and book signing.
Sat. Nov. 15
Toy Collection
WOODSTOCK --- The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association Station 76 will hold its 20th annual toy collection from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a new unwrapped toy or a donation.
Craft, Bake Sale
ABINGTON --- The Abington Congregational Church on Hampton Road (Rt. 97) will hold a Holiday Craft and Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local vendors, home makes and luncheon.
Sat. Nov. 22
250th Event
PUTNAM --- The Putnam CT250 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Declaration of Independence Kick Off will feature a roast beef dinner followed by a band at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523. Dinner is from 5 to 7 and the band Jailbreak follows from 7 to 11 p.m. $20/pp or $40 per couple. Tickets at the Putnam Recreation Department.
Cow Chip Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Lions Club will hold its 19th annual Cow Chip Raffle from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Pomfret School Dining Hall. $120 per ticket, includes admission for two. Benefits local charitable groups and traditional humanitarian Lions charitable causes. Need not be present to win. Tickets: 860-428-4364.
Sun. Nov. 23
Fund-raiser Breakfast
MOOSUP --- The Mason Lodge #113 is hosting an all you can eat breakfast to support Paws Cat Shelter from 8 to 11 a.m. at 69 Prospect St. $15 per person. Tickets: at the shelter, 74 School St., Putnam or at the door. 860-315-1228.
Thur. Nov. 27
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Service Award
Putnam Rotarians Karen and Gary Osbrey were recently awarded The Arc Eastern Connecticut Community Service Award. The Arc’s Barry Shead, who is also a member of the Putnam Rotary Club, presented the award at a recent Rotary meeting. The award says: “In appreciation of your long-time support of our agency and its mission and for your enthusiastic efforts to rally our communities around causes that benefit the people of Eastern Connecticut.”
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Invested
W. WARWICK, R.I. — Centreville Bank announced a $100,000 community investment in partnership with H.O.P.E, Inc. (Housing Opportunities to Promote Equity) to support the renovation of a residential property in New London. The investment will create an affordable home for a local family and strengthen long-term neighborhood stability.
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