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BRENT D. SHELDON
Brent D. Sheldon, 24, of North Woody Hill Road, Bradford, beloved son of Martin Sheldon of Ashaway and Becky (Harvey) Sheldon of Bradford, died Sept. 4, 2004, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on that date in Charlestown.
Brent was born in Westerly and graduated in 1998 from the Chariho Career and Technical School. He was a member of VICA and had placed second in statewide competition during his senior year in carpentry. He had been employed as a plumber by Oceanside Plumbing and Heating and was a member of Local 51, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Refrigeration Union of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Brent was also a certified open water diver and an avid Yankees fan, and he enjoyed playing basketball, golf, volleyball and riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes with his many friends.
In addition to his parents, he will be sadly missed by his finance, Jillian Burns and his one-week-old daughter Hailie Madison Sheldon of Westerly; his stepmother, Lucinda McGee of Ashaway; two brothers, Marty Crider of Hopkinton and Connor Jordan Sheldon of Ashaway; his paternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Bliven of Westerly; and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Charles Harvey and Nancy Harvey Raposa and Arthur Raposa, and by an uncle, Charles Harvey Jr.
Calling hours will be held today from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in River Bend Cemetery, Beach Street, Westerly.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Hailie Madison Sheldon Trust Fund, c/o Westerly Community Credit Union, 122 Granite St., Westerly, RI 02891, in Brent's memory.
LEBRO MARRA
Lebro Marra, 97, formerly of Woodville Road, Hope Valley, died peacefully Tuesday morning, Sept. 7, 2004, at the Westerly Health Center.
Mr. Marra was born in Flushing, Long Island, N.Y., on Feb. 6, 1907, the son of the late Guy Marra and Mary (DeBonis) Marra.
He was employed for several years as maintenance supervisor of the Ocean House in Watch Hill, worked at the former Ames Butter and Eggs Store on High Street in Westerly, and later retired from Bigelow Electric in Worcester, Mass.
Lebro was a member of the Associated Bible Students of Westerly and Pawcatuck, and he was a former member of the Westerly Players.
He is survived by his three children, Dorothy M. Hall, Raymond G. Marra and Linda D. Marra, all of Westerly. He also leaves one sister, Redencia Chiaradio of Westerly; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Vienee Bailey, Alba Pinardi, Vera Castagnaro, Rebella Panciera and Violet Howison.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly. A calling hour from 10-11 a.m. will precede the service. Burial will be in River Bend Cemetery, Beach Street, Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
RICHARD J. MASSEY
Richard J. Massey, 65, of Mystic, husband of Caroline Roux Massey, died peacefully at his home on Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Dayville, Conn., on Dec. 28, 1938, the son of Ulisse and Yvonne LaMothe Massey. He graduated from Stonington High School with the Class of 1956. He married Caroline Roux in Nashua, N.H. on Sept. 28, 1959.
Mr. Massey worked for 32 years for General Dynamics/Electric Boat Division as a crane operator, retiring from there in 1995. An avid hunter, he was a member of the National Rifle Association and a life member of the Groton Sportsmen's Club. He coached Mystic Little League, the Babe Ruth League and Pee Wee Football. He was a dedicated Red Sox and New England Patriots fan.
In addition to his wife of nearly 45 years, he is survived by their three children and their spouses; Donna and Chuck Gale of North Stonington, Laurie and James Bowski of Mystic and Brian and Lucila Solano Massey of Milford, Conn.; seven grandchildren, Nichole Bowski; Kyle, Brandon and Aaron Gale; Ashley Massey and Corina and Brian Richard Massey.
He was predeceased by a son, Richard J. Massey Jr. on May 23, 2001.
A funeral service will be held at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic, on Thursday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home today from 4 to 7 p.m.
His family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Kidney Patients of Westerly, P.O. Box 409, Waterford, CT 06385 or to the Groton Sportsmen's Club Scholarship Fund, 421 Al Harvey Road, Stonington, CT 06378.
GEORGE FREDERICK PROPER
George Frederick Proper, 82, formerly of 29 Pellegrino Road, Stonington, died Monday, Sept. 6, 2004, at Groton Regency, Groton.
He was born in Lyons, N.Y., Feb. 21, 1922, son of the late George and Anna Proper.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
He married the former Eva James at the United Church in Stonington on March 6, 1957. She survives.
Mr. Proper had been employed by the former New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, later Penn Central and Amtrak as a telegrapher for 39 years retiring in 1982.
He had been a member of the American Legion post in Niantic.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Linda Higginbotham of Palm Coast, Fla.; and a son, Gary Buonano of Tolland, Conn.
Graveside services will be held at the Stonington Cemetery, North Main Street, Stonington on Friday, Sept. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. There are no calling hours. The Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, Mystic, is in charge of arrangements.
BARBARA JEAN ROLFE
Barbara Jean Rolfe, 72, cherished wife of Donald L. Rolfe, of 27 Mullen Hill Road, Waterford, departed this life on Sept. 7, 2004, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Barbara was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Aug. 16, 1932, the daughter of the late Leah and John Goff of Hartford. Barbara made her home in Waterford since May 1960, when she and Donald were married.
In addition to her devoted husband of 44 years, Barbara leaves three children and their spouses, Mark Rolfe and his wife Betsy of Madison, Conn., Brian Rolfe and his wife Lisa of Stonington and daughter, Amy Rolfe and her husband Dana Hadfield of Quaker Hill, Conn.; as well as four grandchildren who gave Barbara much joy, delight and pride, Matthew and Caroline Rolfe of Madison and Lindsay and Margaret Rolfe of Stonington. Barbara is also survived by her brother, John Goff and his wife Mary of Bingham, Maine.
Barbara attended St. Joseph Cathedral School in Hartford and graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1950. Upon graduation, Barbara entered Hartford Hospital School of Nursing earning her R.N. degree, which was followed by a bachelor of science degree in June 1958 from the University of Connecticut. Barbara was employed as a nurse at Hartford Hospital and later the Visiting Nurses Association of Connecticut. The competency and compassion expressed in Barbara's professional care-giving role to patients was very much appreciated. In more recent years, Barbara very ably assisted her husband in the operation of the family business.
Barbara was a person of great faith, serenity, tolerance and wisdom. In her quiet, graceful way, she left this world a better place and served as a steadfast friend to many. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a generous spirit, contributing to many charities during her lifetime. She was a long-time member of the Mother's Circle at St. Paul's Church in Waterford, and Barbara very much treasured the friendships she made there. Some of her lifelong friends were those she met in her early childhood years, and with whom she still shared many happy times including a 50th high school reunion. Barbara loved the theater and had a true respect for the performing arts, visiting New York City on a regular basis to enjoy a Broadway play. Barbara loved traveling with her husband on many trips, but her favorite vacation was always by the sea. All of us who loved her in life, and will miss her presence in this world, will remember her best when we walk on a quiet beach or feel the freshness of an ocean breeze.
The Rolfe family wishes to thank all those involved in Barbara's care, and those who have been praying for Barbara over a long and tiring illness. During that time, Barbara was required to make difficult and challenging decisions, which she did very courageously and admirably.
Friends may call at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral will assemble on Friday at 10 a.m. and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London. Interment to follow in Jordan Cemetery, Waterford.
Memorial donations in Barbara Rolfe's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457 or to the National Kidney Foundation of Conn., 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 208, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
JOSEPH A. TASCA JR.
Joseph A. Tasca Jr., 57, of North Stonington, died peacefully on Sept. 13, 2004, at The Westerly Hospital. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. He was the beloved father of Geoffrey Tasca of North Stonington and Coryne Tasca of Cheshire, Conn.
Joseph was the owner of AGJO Printing in Pawcatuck, a commercial print shop that will continue to operate under the management of his son. In his stature as perhaps the world's greatest conversationalist, he forged many friendships with his customers throughout 11 plus years at the shop. His family is proud to know that those friends will remember him with fondness and respect.
Prior to owning AGJO Printing, Joe worked in sales with Specialized Packaging International in Hamden, Conn., and Amstar in Versailles, Conn.
If Joe couldn't be found on the back of his Harley, he must have been driving his Chevelle or another classic car. When it came time to relax, he enjoyed nothing more that a good movie or book, bluesy rock 'n' roll, or a Yankees or N.Y. Giants game.
Although he was a printer by trade, Joe's greatest career was as a father, a teacher and a friend. He and his best friend, Kathy Tasca, gave their children strength, intelligence, and compassion. When his son was young, Joe coached Little League and played endless games of backyard Wiffle ball. He was his daughter's favorite debate opponent, and he let her know it was OK for girls to love sports, too.
Joe never stopped reaching to his children's friends, bringing them into his circle of love, compassion and advice. When Joe was around, no child was fatherless.
In addition to Coryne and Geoffrey, Joe is survived by a sister, Jeanne Martin of Groton; two nieces; two nephews; and one grandniece; his canine sidekick Harley; three feline buddies; and a large collection of friends.
He was predeceased by two brothers, John and James; and his parents, Joseph Sr. and Mary Tasca of Uncasville, Conn.
Memorial services are private; a gathering of family and friends will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Comfort Zone Camp, 2101A Westmoreland St., Richmond, VA 23230 or to Friends of Animals, 777 Post Road, Suite 205, Darien, CT 06820.
Byles-Groton Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
