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Norma May Lewis, 86
08/21/10 - Norma Lewis died peacefully on Sunday August 1 after a period of declining health. She was 86 years old.
A daughter of Mary Elizabeth Hyde (“Maizie”) and Clarence Hammett Lewis, Norma was born in Pawtucket, where her maternal grandparents lived. She was brought home to Block Island as soon as mother and baby could travel, grew up on Lewis Farm, and graduated from Block Island School in 1941.
After graduation Norma worked in Maizie’s department store in town, drove a taxi, and operated the Garden Gate Restaurant in the early 1950s, located where the Mohegan Café is today. Later in the decade, Norma became the House Mother for girls aged 9 to 13 at St. Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence, serving for many years. Subsequently she was head housekeeper at Steere House on Broad Street in Providence.
In 1980, Norma was befriended by Jan Lovegreen, a nurse at Kent County Hospital. Jan invited Norma to live with her in Cranston; Norma would keep the house and do the cooking. In 1984 Jan led the celebration of Norma’s 60th birthday; guests included some of the girls, adults by that time, for whom Norma was house mother at St. Mary’s. It was a joyous occasion. On her passing in 1993, Jan graciously provided for Norma, returning the love and care that Norma had provided to others throughout much of her life.
Predeceased by her brothers, John R. Lewis and William P. Lewis, Norma is survived by her sister Mary Lou Cushing and her husband, Robert, and numerous nieces and nephews in three generations.
Donations in Norma’s memory may be made to Block Island Conservancy, Box 84, Block Island, RI 02807.
Ulric Cyr, 91 — Surf Hotel proprietor for half a century
11/20/10 - Joseph Ulric E. Cyr, who along with his wife Bea operated the Surf Hotel for nearly half a century, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at South County Hospital.
Born in North Providence on November 8, 1919, his family moved to Block Island in 1923. Here, using lumber from the ruins of a demolished hotel on Spring Street, the Cyrs constructed a two-structure boarding house and operated it as Cyr’s Sea Breezes. Ulric’s father, Elphege, also worked as a fisherman on his vessel Evangeline with Ulric frequently accompanying him, thus developing a strong love of the sea.
This love led him to enlist in the Coast Guard in 1938, stationed in Newport. There he met and married Beatrice Bouchard on May 1, 1943. Ulric and Bea lived in Johnston with their two daughters, Barbara and Lorraine, until 1955 when Ulric returned to the island with his family to serve at the Coast Guard Station here. With his father, he built “Fairwinds,” a modest family home on Ocean Avenue. The cottage has gone through several renovations and still exists, proudly overlooking the July 4 parades in which Ulric so often participated.
In 1956, he and Bea purchased the Surf Hotel, which had been closed for 17 years, and labored tirelessly to open one section that summer. Over the next months, they worked to restore and open the entire hotel, finally moving the family into the east end of the building so they could work late into the night. Meanwhile, Ulric continued to serve with the Coast Guard until his retirement in 1959 and Bea managed the daily operations of the hotel. Several years later, with the hotel fully open and successful, he and Bea purchased a winter home in St. Petersburg, Fla., joining his sister there and enjoying the “off-seasons” in warmer weather.
Ulric thrived on problem solving and was a jack-of-all-trades tackling plumbing, electrical, construction, and whatever projects required attention at the hotel. He had seemingly every type of tool, fitting, screw, or arcane utensil needed for any job, and he was willing to lend a hand to anyone who sought his help.
Mornings often found Ulric on his tractor, raking the Surf beach of seaweed and grooming it for his guests. Fourth of July parades found him on that same tractor, proudly towing elaborate floats that always included numerous hotel guests clad in various costumes and engaged in assorted antics, which earned more than a few awards.
Affable and friendly, he was quick with a joke or tall tale, frequently found entertaining guests on the renowned front porch of the Surf. With a twinkle in his eye and a sunny smile lighting his face, Ulric was popular with old and young alike. His practical jokes and evening card games were well known among the hotel guests.
In the late 1980s he and Bea discovered that the newly installed fountain in the corner garden of the hotel garnered change from passers-by. At Bea’s suggestion, the collected monies were donated to the Mary D Fund. Most evenings Ulric could be found in the kitchen, counting and recording the collected change. These summer collections produced more than $4,000 for the fund.
Over the years, the Surf Hotel became the proving grounds for dozens of island youngsters and summering nieces and nephews who found their first jobs under Bea’s watchful eye in the hotel’s kitchen and dining rooms, or on the front porch. Ulric truly loved children and they felt the same about him, regarding him with affection as a father, and later, grandfather. Last November, he was delighted to share his 90th birthday gala with the christening celebration of 9-month-old Zane Turner and proudly held him for photographs.
Ulric was a member of the American Legion Post 36, the island Lions Club, and a communicant of St. Andrew Church where he was active in many church functions over the years.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Bea, two daughters, Barbara and Lorraine, both of Block Island; two sisters, Aline Fallon of Orange, Calif., and Noella McMullen of Block Island; a brother, Robert Cyr of North Ft. Myers, Fla., two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Donations made be made in his name to the island Medical Center or volunteer Rescue Squad.
Barry M. Honan, 74
03/21/09 - Barry Honan of Madison, Conn. and Amy Dodge Lane on Block Island, died on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2009 at his home in Connecticut surrounded by his family.
He was the husband of Connie M. (Cherms) Honan. Born and raised in Providence, a son of the late Dr. Frank J. Honan and Florence (McGee) Honan. He met the love of his life, Connie, his beloved wife of 48 years, on Block Island in the summer of 1958. He was a 32-year resident of Madison and a lifelong resident of Block Island.
Barry’s passion for trucks sustained a 48-year career with Navistar International and Nutmeg International Trucks. Working his way from mechanic to branch manager to fleet account executive, Honan loved going to work each day and reveled in every facet of the trucking industry.
He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean conflict.
Honan was a deeply committed to his Catholic faith, his beloved family and his country. He was an adoring husband, a devoted dad, a “sweet Pop-Pop” and an unabashedly proud Republican. Nothing made him happier than spending time on Block Island with his family and friends marveling at the beauty and miracle of nature from his deck.
Besides his wife, he leaves four adoring daughters: Susan Honan and her husband Gary Hanson of Tiverton; Nancy H. Wallace and her husband Jack of Annapolis, Md; Kate Honan-Carter and her husband Michael of Alexandria, Va; and Jenny H. Smith and her husband Bill of Branford, Conn.; eight grandchildren, Molly and Lily Hanson, Kelsey and Shelby Wallace, Greta and Caroline Carter and Sam and Jack Smith; two brothers, Stephen Honan of Concord, Mass., and Elliot Honan of Sherborn, Mass.; a sister, Ann Rodrigues of Cranston; his step-mother, Frances Perry-Honan of Narragansett and three step-brothers, Bob, K.C. and Danny Perry.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 21, at 11 a.m. in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford, Conn. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 23, at 12:30 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Parish Center, Spring Street, Block Island. Interment will follow in Island Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the “Mary D.” Fund, P. O. Box 323, Block Island, RI 02807 in his memory would be appreciated.
Julia Smith Cooke, 74
07/04/09 - Julie Cooke, a Block Island summer resident, died January 30, 2009 at her home in Pasadena, Calif., after a yearlong battle against esophageal cancer. She was 74.
Wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and advocate for children’s literacy, Julie was born August 27, 1934 in Norwalk, Conn., the daughter of Wellesley and Jean Smith.
She lived in Norwalk and in Salisbury, Conn., through high school, then attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. After graduating in 1956, she took a summer job in Squaw Valley, Calif.
When the Squaw Valley Lodge burned to the ground that summer, leaving Julie with neither a job nor possessions, she went with her roommate to San Francisco to buy new clothes and, instead of returning to the East Coast, decided to stay and work in San Francisco.
In 1960, Julie married Robert Cooke, a San Francisco banker. They remained in the Bay area, and their children Christopher and Jean were born there. In 1967 Bob was transferred to Los Angeles, so they made “a temporary move” that became permanent, except for the three years the family lived in England.
After returning from England to San Marino, Calif., in 1977, Julie earned an advanced degree and a teaching credential at California State University, Los Angeles. She then taught in the Reading Center of Northrup Elementary School in Alhambra, where she intensified her interest in children’s literacy.
After her retirement, Julie focused her talents on the work of Reading is Fundamental, a nonprofit children’s literacy organization. Her major interest there was planning and organizing the supply and distribution of books throughout Los Angles County for participating schools in the program. She logged thousands of hours as a volunteer during a 12-year period and served as an officer and director.
Julie’s years in San Marino and Pasadena were focused on family, friends and her volunteer work. She enjoyed her children’s sports, traveling with Bob, family Christmas ski trips, walking in the Arroyo Seco with friends and discussing politics.
Most summers were spent on Block Island. Julie had been going to her parents’ beach house there since childhood; later, Julie and Bob had their own house there. Block Island was an important part of Julie’s life, a magnet where the extended family gathered every summer to renew and strengthen family ties. Julie loved welcoming her family there and showing her beloved grandchildren the pleasures of simple beach living. She loved the beach below their house and watching the family’s Vizsla, Bela, race along it. Julie usually made an early trip to the island to plant the vegetable garden that became a joy all summer.
Above all, Julie loved her family and friends. In addition to Bob, her husband of 48 years, Julie leaves her son Christopher and daughter-in-law Kelly Cooke, of Denver, Colo.; her daughter Jean Cooke Stein and son-in-law David Stein, of Sparta, N.J.; her grandchildren Kendall, Riley, and Scott Cooke, and Samantha, Robert and Daniel Stein.
She also leaves her brother Wellesley “Skip” Smith and his wife Fran, of Frisco, Colo.; her sister Kathryn Shellhorn and her husband Dennis, of Sandpoint, Idaho; her sister Jean Smith Payne and her husband Clif, of Breckenridge, Colo. and Block Island; her sister Bernie Smith of Torrington, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews. As well, Julie leaves loving friends who cherished her loyalty, her quiet, nonjudgmental humor and her passion for politics.
The family held a private memorial service. Donations in Julie’s memory may be made to Reading is Fundamental of Southern California, 7250 Bandini Blvd., Suite 208, Los Angeles, Calif., 90040.
Mary Ellen Yinger, cottager
Mrs. Mary Ellen Yinger, 59, of Braddock Heights, Md., died at home Oct. 20. She was the wife of David Harrison Yinger, Jr. for 40 years. They had a summer home on Lakeside Drive on Block Island.
Born Sept. 4, 1943, in Paterson, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Richard Underhill Comstock and Myra Johnston Comstock. She grew up on a farm in Woodsboro, Md., graduated from Frederick High School and studied at St. Mary's College.
She dedicated her life to her husband and children and cared for aging relatives. For many years she worked with her family at the Braddock Heights Roller Rink, where she spearheaded the Christian music programs and particularly enjoyed supervising many children and teenagers.
Surviving are her husband; two sons, David Harrison Yinger III of Middletown, and Stephen Alex Yinger of Frederick, Md.; two grandchildren; two brothers, Harold R. Comstock of Brunswick, Md. and David J. Comstock of Braddock Heights; a sister, Catherine Comstock Walker of Deming, Wash.; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 8 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Grace Brethren Church, 5102 Old National Pike, Frederick. Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Grace Brethren Church of Frederick on Alternate Route 40.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Harbor Baptist Church, Water Street, Block Island.
Phyllis Bertapelli, 76
03/28/09 - Phyllis Bertapelli, a long-time visitor to Block Island, passed away on March 12, 2009 in Manchester, Conn. She was the mother of Rachele Fallon of West Side Road and grandmother of Jeannie Fallon of Temple, Texas. Phyllis enjoyed the solitude and beauty of the West Side off-season during her occasional visits. She loved to travel the United States and spent a good share of her time visiting her children and grandchildren.
She is also survived by sons Rich and Tony; daughters Regina, Vicky and Kathy, and eight other grandchildren. Regina and Kathy, and several of the grandchildren have worked on the island during the summers at different times during the past 25 years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Ashaway.
Louis (Louie) Mitchell Sr., 68
Louis Mitchell Sr. passed away at Delray Medical Center in Boca Raton, Fla., August 9, after a nine-month struggle with cancer. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Ballard Gardiner, and his brother, Gerald Franklin Mitchell.
He was born in Providence January 10, 1939. His father was a commercial fisherman and he and his brothers grew up with a love of the ocean.
Mitchell worked with his brothers in the 1970s for The Mitchell Brothers drilling and blasting company of Hope Valley. They drilled and blasted for new sections of I-95, imploded large buildings in Hartford, Conn., and worked to prepare the site for the Thompson Dam in Thompson, Conn. They were well known all over New England for their abilities.
Mitchell also worked on the Alaska pipeline, the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in New Hampshire and in underground mining in Colorado and Virginia.
He operated the Block Island Airport Restaurant in the early 1970s and again in the late 1980s, and worked for the Filippi family at Ballards Restaurant. His grandfather, Lewis Mitchell, was born on Block Island in 1848, and his great grandfather, James Mitchell, was also born there in 1817.
After relocating to Florida in 1979, Mitchell owned and operated A-1 Drilling and Blasting, as well as a machine shop. This was primarily quarry work, with his son, Louis James Mitchell Jr., as his number-one man.
He also owned boats and traveled to Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.
He married his wife, Rita, in 1962, and they had three children before divorcing in 1985.
He is survived by his son, Louis James Mitchell Jr., and his wife, Patti, of Coral Springs, Fla.; a daughter, Kathryn Mitchell, and her husband, Harry Coman, of Woodstock, Conn.; daughter Deborah Gardner of Stuart, Fla., and a brother, Ronald A. Mitchell, of Mims, Fla. He leaves three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Mitchell was a member of the Jewett City Knights of Columbus for 10 years.
A funeral mass was held in Mims, Fla., August 13. Mitchell’s final resting place is beside his beloved brother, Gerald Franklin Mitchell, in LaGrange Cemetery in Mims, Fla.
James Roswell Mitchell, 59
One of the last of the true islanders, Jim Mitchell — aka Captain Hook — was born on Mitchell Lane on August 16, 1949, and died peacefully in his Mitchell Lane home on December 1, 2008.
Jim graduated from the Block Island School and then attended the University of Rhode Island, where he studied marine sciences. He went on to work on fishing vessels before joining Lew Gaffett and Island Trucking. He then worked in construction with Bobby Rose until he decided to start his own contracting business.
One of his many projects was building his own home on Mitchell Lane. Jim then started Island Rubbish Removal alongside his construction business. He eventually traded both businesses for cement foundation construction, known as James Mitchell Construction. He worked with many of the local island contractors, and remained involved in the business until his death.
In between it all, Jim could always be found doing favors for people and having great adventures with his friends. Over the years, he served on the island Zoning Board, the Block Island Volunteer Fire Department and was a charter member of the Fred Benson Scholarship Committee, something he always enjoyed.
Although he never married or had any children Jim was constantly surrounded by those he loved. He was a wonderful uncle who always wore a smile and showed great joy watching his nieces and nephews grow up. He was very easy going, never in a hurry and always willing to share his time with others. And if you ever wanted to know anything, Jim was always the one to call.
He will be remembered and missed by all of his family and friends — including his many four-legged friends: Skip, Scoot and Ellie Mae.
He was predeceased by his parents, Virginia and Wilbur Mitchell, of Block Island; his brothers, Robert Mitchell of Block Island, and Frederick Mitchell of Fla.; and his sister, Margaret Brain, of Block Island.
He is survived by his brothers Donald, David and Billy Mitchell of Cranston; his sister Maureen Quackenbush, and her sons Paul and Joey, of Block Island; his brother Tom Mitchell, along with his wife Kathleen and their children Ryan (along with his wife Kate and their son Colby), Christopher, Susan, Megan and Peter, of Block Island. He is also survived by Frederick’s wife Stella, their son Frederick Mitchell Jr., his wife Jenny and their sons Frederick III and Mathew Ryan Mitchell. Margaret’s daughter, Tabetha Benton and her daughters Randy Thompson and Sabrina Benton, also survive him.
Besides his cousin Adrian Mitchell of Block Island and many cousins on the mainland and in Nova Scotia, Canada, Jim also leaves behind his “adopted” nieces and nephews — Doug, Colleen and Sara Fowler — of Block Island.
His lifelong friends are left with their many treasured memories and hilarious stories of moments shared together.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Block Island Rescue Squad, the Block Island Volunteer Fire Department, the Block Island Health Services or the Mary D. Fund.
The funeral will be held at the Harbor Baptist Church, on Saturday, December 6 at 12:30 p.m. Following the service, all are invited to celebrate Jim’s life at the Albion Pub.
