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William George Armfield, Sr., 77, of Lake Hayward, East Haddam, widower of the late Margaret Ann (Halko) Armfield, passed away peacefully Wednesday (Feb. 27, 2008) surrounded by his children. He said he could feel his beloved wife Margie with him as he ended his life’s journey. His positive attitude and strong will to live extended his life. Born Dec. 23, 1930 in Scranton, PA, he was a son of the late Austin and Mildred (Lewert) Armfield. A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly served with the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. On April 22, 1957, he and Margie were married in Scranton and moved to Connecticut to start their family. Together they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage before she sadly predeceased him on Oct. 3, 2005. She was the love of his life and they were devoted to each other, their children and grandchildren. Family, duty and honor always came first for him. He was a lead man and group supervisor for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford for over 36 years before his retirement in 1993. He prided himself on being hard-working from a young age, mechanical, driven, smart, responsible, handy, positive and mathematically gifted. William was an inspiration in his attitude of overcoming challenges and looking for the best in every situation.
In his earlier years, he enjoyed roller skating and was a professional speed skater. He met his beloved wife roller-skating and continued to skate and swim until two years ago. But most importantly on his life’s path, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a strong, encouraging role model for his grandsons and has been integral in raising them to be wonderful boys. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he told them that he and his wife would always be with them. He is survived by four children, Deborah Armfield of East Haddam, who cared for him unfailingly for the last year, Linda and husband, Kenneth Stewart of Lyme, William Armfield, Jr. of East Haddam and Susan Armfield-Britt of Norwich. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his much loved grandchildren, Bridget Stewart, Jordan Armfield-Britt, Colby Armfield-Britt and Quinn Armfield-Britt whom he was so proud of and a great grandson, Zackary. He is also survived by his siblings that he loved from Scranton, PA. They include Donald Armfield, Albert and wife Donna Armfield, Kay Armfield, and Millie and husband Bill Davis. He was proud of the fact that he quit smoking 15 years ago and strongly encouraged everyone to stop smoking. In honor of this fact, all services are entirely non-smoking. Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 AM Saturday directly at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, with Fr. Michael Giannitelli, officiating. Committal with full military honors will follow in the New St. Andrew Cemetery, Colchester. Education was very important to him. In lieu of flowers, he would appreciate donations in his memory for his grandchildren's college education. All donations may be made in care of William Armfield, 160 Geoffrey Road, Colchester, CT 06415. How he lived his life is best represented by his favorite saying; "I'm on the job!". This was his way of showing that he was always ready for whatever life brought him. He was an amazing man whose life inspired others and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Thomas M. Pacholski, 93, of Colchester and formerly of Orland Park, IL, widower of the late Katherine (Maslowski) Pacholski, passed away Wednesday (February 27, 2008) at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born Dec. 29, 1914 in Chicago, IL, he was a son of the late Michael and Marie Pacholski.
On April 24, 1937, he and Katherine were married and shared 63 years together before she predeceased him on February 12, 2001.
Mr. Pacholski was a maintenance engineer for Oppenheimer Casing Co. for many years before his retirement. In his spare time, he was an avid woodworker. He was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church in Tinley Park, IL before moving to Connecticut in 1998, where he attended St. Andrew Church in Colchester.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Edwin Geiger of Colchester, with whom he made his home; his son-in-law Gene Visockis of Elwood, IL; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Loretta Schonsheck of Missouri and Dorothy Friel of California; and numerous extended family members and friends.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Marcia Visockis.
Friends may call Saturday morning from 10 to 11 AM at the Colonial Chapel, 15525 73rd Avenue, Orland Park, IL. The celebration of the Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11:30 AM at St. Julie Billiart Church, 7399 West 159th St., Tinley Park, IL. Entombment will follow in the Resurrection Cemetery, Summit, IL.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Julie Billiart Church.
Care of local arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.
Stanley Edward Dudar, 83, of Goshen Hill Road, Lebanon, beloved husband of Anne, passed away peacefully Thursday morning (Feb. 21, 2008) at the Wm. W. Backus Hospital in Norwich.
Born March 26, 1924 in Greenwich, he was a son of the late John and Mary (Krzemien) Dudar.
Stanley relocated to Lebanon in 1940 with his family and graduated from Lyman Memorial High School with the Class of 1942. Early on, together with his parents and brother, he operated the family dairy farm on Goshen Hill Road.
On August 2, 1952, he wed the former Anne Kulynyck at the original St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church on Pleasant Street in Colchester.
In 1959, he went to work as a welder for Electric Boat for over 26 years before his retirement in 1986. Over the years, he enjoyed target shooting and was an active member of the National Rifle Assn. At home, Stanley loved to work in his garage and around the farm. He also cared for many pets over the years, but found his greatest joy in spending time with his family.
In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, he is survived by four children, Patricia Lacafta and her companion, Ray McCusker, John and wife, Nancy Dudar, Alicia and husband, Alan Lamb and Carole and husband, Todd Hutchins, all of Lebanon; five grandchildren, Nicholas Lacafta, Daniel and Monique Dudar and Katie and William Lamb; and numerous extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his brother, Carroll.
Friends may call 2 to 4 PM Sunday at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 10:30 AM Monday directly at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 67 W. Town St., Lebanon, with Fr. Brian J. Converse officiating. Interment will follow in the New St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Colchester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lebanon Vol. Fire. Dept., P.O. Box 51, Lebanon 06249.
For online condolences, please visit auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
William A. Doyle, Jr., “Big Bill”, 58, of Colchester, beloved husband of Sandra (Caiafa) Doyle, passed away unexpectedly Friday (Feb. 15, 2008) at home.
Born March 13, 1949 in Burlington, VT, he was the son of the late William and Catherine (Gokey) Doyle.
A 1967 graduate of Wethersfield High School, he went on to proudly serve with the Navy Submarine Service.
Bill was a delivery driver for Viking and Freihofer Bakeries for many years until he was disabled due to an injury.
Big Bill was well known in the antique and classic car circuit with “Dad’s Toy”; his 1968 Camaro.
In addition to his beloved wife and longtime companion, he is survived by two sons, Jason and his wife, Dawn and Matthew; his stepdaughter, Danielle; his stepson, Paul; his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Jonathan Potter; 12 grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by a son, Austin.
Friends may call Tuesday starting at 1 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester followed by a Memorial Service at 2 PM. Committal with full military honors will follow in the New St. Andrew Cemetery, Colchester.
Please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Frank Spafford Grabber passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday (February 6, 2008) surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 31, 1929, a son of the late F. Arthur and Helen (Spafford) Grabber. His livelihood was farming, where he and his brother owned and operated Oweneco Farms. He drove school bus for 35 years. He also enjoyed making homemade maple syrup with his wife, sister Dawn, and her husband John. To most people he was known as Spafford and was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Lebanon since January 4, 1942. He was a Trustee for many years and served on various boards and committees. His most cherished position was serving as Head Usher for many decades. He shared 57 years with his loving wife, Evelyn and centered his life on her, his daughter, Ellen Meseroll and his three grandchildren, Kelly, Ashley and Scott. He is further survived by his sister, Jonica and husband, Russell Blakeslee; sister, Gretchen and husband, Kenneth Lathrop; his brother, Henry Grabber and wife Elvi; sister, Virginia and husband, John Strenkowski; sister, Cheryl and husband, John Cavanaugh and sister, Dawn and husband, John Drum and many, many nieces and nephews. Please join the family for a Memorial Service in celebration of his life at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon on Saturday (February 9, 2008) at 2 p.m. A private burial service is planned for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund for Education, payable to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 125, Lebanon 06249. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements.
Frederick B. Clark, Jr., 84, of Colchester, beloved husband of Barbara (Warzecha) Clark, joined the Angels in Heaven peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday afternoon (Oct. 20, 2008) after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Nov. 18, 1923 in Middletown, he was a son of the late Frederick and Mary (Odermann) Clark, Sr., and would continue a 300+ year family tradition of calling Colchester home. He was a 1942 graduate of Bacon Academy in Colchester and would go on to lead a fruitful life as a dairy farmer, lumberman, and that of his true passion, a tree farmer. His tireless labor of love was that of the Sugar Plum Tree Farm, as well as the former Fred. B. Clark Corp., both of North Westchester. Fred was a communicant of St. Andrew Church in Colchester, a former member of the Colchester Lions Club and a member of the CT Christmas Tree Assn. His interests were quite diverse. He was an avid Red Sox fan, loved to be outdoors working with his hands; and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends – he will be greatly missed. “Love you Dad”. In addition to his loving wife of 61 years, to whom he was ever devoted, he is survived by his four children, Steven Clark of Norwich, Pam and husband, Daniel Maresca of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Thomas and wife, Beth Clark of Westford, MA and Fred B. Clark, III of Cobalt; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Evelyn Turner of Colchester and Mary Lou and husband, Richard Wall of East Hampton; his brother, Everett and wife, Faye of Summerville, FL; and numerous extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Christopher; and two sisters, Margaret “Peg” Clark and Dorothy Johnston. Friends may call 3 to 5 PM Sunday at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated 11 AM Monday directly at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, with Fr. Michael C. Giannitelli, officiating. Burial will be private and a Repass will follow Mass in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice CT VNA, 339 Flanders Rd., Ste. 215, East Lyme 06333. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
John J. Petrofsky, 87, of Goshen Hill Road, Lebanon, widower of the late Pauline (Wolynchuk) Petrofsky, passed away Sunday morning (October 19, 2008) at the Haven Health Care Center in Willimantic. Born June 25, 1921 in New York City, he was a son of the late Constantine “Gus” and Wanda (Kostecki) Petrofsky. On February 9, 1947, he and Pauline were married at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in NYC. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage before she predeceased him on December 9, 2005. Throughout his life, he always enjoyed all facets of farming on the family farm in Lebanon. He worked at several jobs, including master mechanic at both Colt Firearms and Barrett Division, which made all the trap rock for the CT Turnpike. A skilled welder, he worked for Electric Boat in Groton for many years and was involved with the first nuclear-powered submarine, the Nautilus, as well as the USS George Washington and the battleship Massachusetts. Mr. Petrofsky was also involved in construction for many years and was proud to have helped build his sons’ homes. In earlier years, he had also enjoyed flying biplanes. Mr. Petrofsky served in the State Legislature for two terms and was also very involved with affairs in the town of Lebanon, having served on the first Planning & Zoning Committee and on the Board of Assessors. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Linda and John M. and Judy, all of Lebanon; two grandchildren, Bethany Petrofsky of Virginia and John William Petrofsky of Lebanon; his sister, Gloria Bigenski of Lebanon; and numerous extended family members and friends. Friends may call Wednesday starting at 9:30 AM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 OId Hartford Road, Colchester. A Chapel Service will follow at 11 AM with Fr. Brian J. Converse, officiating. Committal will follow in the New Lebanon Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be to the American Cancer Society, 106 Franklin Commons, Franklin 06254. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Richard George LaFlamme, “Rick”, 46, of Lake Hayward, East Haddam, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (October 18, 2008). Born August 15, 1962 in Middletown, he was a son of Richard and Rosemarie (Buzzell) LaFlamme of East Haddam. Ricky was a 1980 graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School in East Haddam, where he was an accomplished Basketball player. He went on to work as a mechanical engineer for W.R. Grace for a number of years. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering, fishing with his friends and he was a member of the East Haddam Rod & Gun Club. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters and their husbands, Laurie and David Epler of Griswold and Lisa and Greg MacDonnell of Foxborough, MA; his brother, David LaFlamme of Colchester; nieces and nephews, Kristen and Sean MacDonnell, Taylor and Morgan Epler and Rachelle and Connor LaFlamme; and numerous extended family members and friends. Friends may call 5 to 8 PM Thursday at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11 AM Friday directly at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, with Fr. Michael C. Giannitelli, officiating. There are no calling hours Friday morning and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Lake Hayward Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 230, Colchester 06415 For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Gerda Florence (Bergstrom) Bouvier, “Flo”, 88, of Colchester and formerly of Glastonbury, widow of the late Norman G. Bouvier, passed away Sunday (Oct. 12, 2008) at the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Born March 15, 1920 in Hampton, VA, she was a daughter of the late Ivar and Maria (Larson) Bergstrom. In the 3rd grade, her family moved to Glastonbury and she attended local schools. On Nov. 23, 1944, she and Norman were married at St. Ann Church in Hartford. They settled in Glastonbury and started their family. In 1978, they retired to Colchester and together shared 61 beautiful years of marriage before he predeceased her on May 28, 2006. Flo loved to dance in many styles; including tap, line, ballet, round and square. She and Norm were active with the Glastonbury Square Dance Club for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed to read, knit and play Bingo and was also active with the East Hampton Seniors. She is survived by three children, Nancy and husband, Dave Lynch of Manchester, Jeanne Bouvier of Glastonbury and Jerry and wife, Tracy Bouvier of Flagstaff, AZ; two sisters, Ruth Laneri and June Moore and her husband, David all of Glastonbury; six grandchildren, Chip, Mark, Allison, Jeremy, Jesse and John; and numerous extended family members and friends. The Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated 11 AM Friday at St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, with Fr. Michael C. Giannitelli, officiating. There are no calling hours and burial will be private in the Neipsic Cemetery, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 2550 US Hwy. 1, No. Brunswick, NJ 08902-4301.
Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Nellie (Whitney) Cyr, 99, of Hebron and formerly of Windsor, widow of the late Roland J. Cyr, passed away Tuesday morning (Sept. 30, 2008) at Cobalt Lodge in East Hampton.
Born Dec. 11, 1908 in Salisbury, VT, she was a daughter of the late Edward J. and Ida May (Thomas) Whitney.
A 1934 graduate of the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing, she was a Registered Nurse there for many years as well as working in the private sector for many years. Following her retirement, he enjoyed spending her summers in Vermont where she loved to fish. Mrs. Cyr was a longtime member of the Salisbury (VT) Congregational Church.
She is survived by her sister, Martha (Whitney) Hooker of Hebron and her family; as well as numerous extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by nine brothers.
Care of private arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. For online condolences, please visit auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Catherine Eileen Matthews, 77, beloved wife of James, of East Haddam, passed away on Tuesday (September 30, 2008) at the Harrington Court GHC Center in Colchester.
Born January 1, 1931 in Queens, NY, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Alice (Quirk) Harrington.
Catherine was a homemaker who was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. In her spare time, she enjoyed boating and camping with her family and she gave love unconditionally. Mrs. Matthews was a communicant at St. Bridget of Kildare Church in Moodus.
In addition to her loving husband of 55 years, she is survived by seven children, Eileen Dolan and husband, Patrick of Norwich, Patricia Matthews of Moodus, Kathleen Olearnick and husband, Michael of Colchester, Barbara Stanley of Norwich, James Matthews and Christine Matthews of Norwich, Joseph Matthews of East Haddam and Paul Matthews and wife Maryellen of Cleveland, TN; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor and Ted Rennenberg of St. James, NY and Helen and Bill Wagner of Levittown, PA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerry and Angie Harrington of Kew Gardens, NY and Arthur and Adrianna Harrington of Holtsville, NY; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. Family and friends will be invited to share their remembrances at 7 PM. The funeral will gather starting at 9:30 AM Friday at the funeral home before a 10 AM Chapel Service with Fr. Gregoire J. Fluet, Ph.D., officiating. Interment will follow in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation, 1236 Ginger Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. For online condolences, please visit auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Janis Elmars Strazdins, 97, beloved husband of Milda (Ozols) Strazdins, of Stamford and presently of Colchester, passed away Monday evening (Sept. 29, 2008) after an extended illness.
Born October 5, 1911 in Nitaure, Latvia, he was a son of the late Juris and Anna (Schmidt) Strazdins.
Mr. Strazdins will be remembered fondly as a generous and helpful friend to everyone who knew him. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.
In addition to his loving wife of 71 years, he is survived by two daughters and their husbands, Silvija and David Wheeler of Colchester and Beata & Nicholas Vukson of Vienna, VA; a brother, Edward Strazdins of New Hampshire; five grandchildren, Beth Knapp, Matthew Wheeler, Nicholas Vukson, Michael Vukson and Karen Pittman; six great-grandchildren; his brother, Edward Strazdins of New Hampshire; and numerous extended family and friends.
Care of private arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. For online condolences, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.
Thomas Edward Wheeler, 64, of Lebanon and formerly of Moorpark, CA, beloved husband of Carolyn (Rueb) Wheeler, passed away Thursday (Sept. 25, 2008) at the Harrington Court GHC Center in Colchester.
Born Jan. 25, 1944 in Red Mountain, CA, he was a son of the late Carl and Anna (Notthoff) Wheeler.
Mr. Wheeler was an Emergency Response Planner for the NE District Department of Health in Brooklyn for three years before his retirement. Previously, he worked for the City of Calabasas, CA in the same capacity. He also served as Chaplain with the Ventura County (CA) Fire Department. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, most recently in Norwich.
In addition to his loving wife of nearly 38 years, he is survived by three children, Holly of Encinitas, CA, Jolie of Manhattan Beach, CA and Lacy of Las Vegas, NV; his grandson, Nicholas Leiva; his sister, Cynthia Phillips of Boron, CA; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Friends may call from 5:30 to 7 PM Wednesday directly at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 597 Scotland Road, Norwich. A Funeral Service will follow at 7 PM.
Graveside Services will be observed 2 PM Thursday at the New Lebanon Cemetery, Waterman Road, Lebanon.
Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester.
