WTIC Alumni Site

OBITS

Ken Allen: From Bill Hennessey: "Ken Allen died this morning (12/09/2006) at 1AM – at a hospice room in The Lutheran Home, Southbury.  He had suffered from Alzheimer’s for the past few years, following a highly successful career as a free-lancer, CBS Staff Announcer, and long-ago member of the WTIC family.  Some alumni will remember his 2004 visit to The Arch Street Tavern for one of the Monday night get-togethers.  He was a handsome and superbly-accomplished performer, a truly “gentle” man, and an all-around good guy."

Ken was a Massachusetts native who played football at Framingham High in the late 1940s, worked at WKOX, and then entered the U.S. Army, serving in Korea at AFRS (Armed Forces Radio).  Upon discharge, he resumed his full-time career at WTEN in Albany, moving to WTIC in 1959.   While there, he accompanied Bob Segal as a delegate from the Boston Local at a national AFTRA Convention in Detroit, along with Jack Chase, Bill Hahn, Bill Hennessey and others.

Later, Ken gambled on free-lancing (and won big!) by becoming the on-air TV spokesperson for New England Tel & Tel, appearing weekly on WBZ-TV commercials.  In his off-hours he’d roam the streets of NYC, auditioning and gaining acceptance there in the advertising community.  As an adjunct, he became a Staff Announcer at the CBS Network while continuing to ply the free-lance trade.

Ken’s many successes provided a comfortable life for him and his family, with homes in Stamford and Darien.  His professional activities declined with the onset of Alzheimers about 4 years ago, and he eventually was confined to Assisted Living facilities in Newtown and Southbury (Conn.).  Tragically, the horrors of that disease entailed total loss of ability-to-read -- the key strength to his considerable talents.

His legacy includes the fact that one of his sons (Jeff) followed his footsteps and was also at CBS, NYC… and is now a newsman at WINS.

C. Edward Anderson: Ed was an announcer at WTIC AM FM TV3 for 37 years. He was on the Jean Colbert Show, Sports Talk, Mind Your Manners, and weekend news casts on television. Ed died April 30, 2002 in Hartford Hospital at age 85.
  A Newington resident for 50 years, Ed sang in the choir at Church  of Christ Congregational. He was an Army veteran of World War II serving with the 508th military police unit. He entertained the alumni group at the 1997 reunion with his version of covering then President Johnson's attendance at the New England Governor's Conference at Bradley International Airport.
  Note from Lou Palmer: It's with great sadness that I read about the passing of one of the truly good guys--Ed Anderson.  All of us, I'm sure, have fond memories of Ed.
  My most vivid goes back to 1967, my first year as an announcer with WTIC Radio.   For those who remember, 1967 was the year of the "Impossible Dream" when the Red Sox won a pennant. 
  On October 5, the company sent any of us who had anything to do with sports to a World Series game---game two at Fenway Park.  The Red Sox had already lost the opener 2 to 1 to the Cardinals so Game Two was a very important one.  I sat next to Ed, whose view of the game, unfortunately, was obscured by one of the many pillars that support the roof of the stadium.  Our seats were not exactly box seats to be sure.   Fortunately my view of the game was unobstructed and I sometimes had to tell Ed exactly what happened on plays he couldn't see.  We were in deep right field where I can recall looking down on Roger Maris playing right for the Cardinals and "Hawk" Harrelson for the Sox. 
  The day in October 1967 was an historic one.  Jim Lonborg, pitching on only two days' rest, pitched a one-hitter as the Red Sox beat the Redbirds 5-0.  The only hit of the game was a double off the Green Monster Wall by Julian Javier. 
  The next day Ed devoted his five minute Sports Talk feature on the afternoon drive time show to the "greatest one hitter in World Series history that I never saw", mentioning his limited view of the action at Fenway Park.  I'm sure Ed always remembered that too, just as those of us who worked with him will always remember Ed with great fondness.  A gentle man and a very a kind man.  Those qualities came out in abundance when Ed was among the many announcers who became "Ranger Andy" for a day, a week, a month, or even longer.  He will be missed. -- Lou Palmer 
Note from Dick Bertel: Ed Anderson was one of my very favorite people at WTIC. He was my mentor on the very first day I started working for the station. It was Sunday morning, May 13, 1956. Ed was on duty in the old announce studio adjacent to Master Control in the Grove Street building. Of course, he was a young man, then - in his late thirties, as I recall. He welcomed me warmly and did his best to reassure me and put me at ease. He was great.
  I knew he was a good announcer - all you had to do was listen, and of course, he made a great foil for Jean Colbert every afternoon. I didn’t realize the extent of his talent, however, until December 31^st, 1956, the day of the Cathedral fire. His description of that holocaust was unbelievable. I knew right then and there that I had a long way to go before I could ever hope to fit into his shoes.
  No wonder we all look back fondly at ‘TIC. It was people like Ed that made it so wonderful and so memorable. Thanks, Ed. -- Dick Bertel  Back

Bob Arel Robert. L. Arel, 71, of Deland, Fla. died on June 4, 2003.  An Army veteran, he was an announcer at WTIC Radio and Television in Hartford, Conn. before moving to Florida in 1961.  A freelance announcer for many years, he worked with several companies as a technical writer, curriculum developer, and training analyst.  He also sang in the chorus of the Orlando Opera Company.  His wife, Jo-Ann, survives.

This is from the Middlebury College Alumni Magazine and contributed to us by Bill Hennessey who added:

Samuel V. Balnius: Sam, 76, of Vero Beach, Fla. died Nov. 1, 1993 at Indian River Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He was born Feb. 28, 1917 in Hartford, Conn. He was a radio engineer for WKNB in New Britain, Conn., and WTIC in Hartford.
  The Vero Brach newspaper listed his survivors as, his wife of 51 years, Anne, (passed away in 2000). Surviving are a daughter, Patricia Kopcsak of White Stone, Va.; a son, Charles A. Balnius of Vero Beach; five sisters, Bertha Jedziniak of Windsor Locks, Conn. (who passed away in 1998), Ida Faber of Glastonbury, Conn., (who passed away in 2001), Sue Srokowski of Windsor, Conn., Rose Ostrowski of South Windsor, Conn., and Lucy Michalman of Bloomfield, Conn., and three grandchildren.
  A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated at 3 p.m. Thursday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, Broad Brook, Conn. Internment was at St. Catherine Cemetery.
  Dick Bertel remembered Sam. "Sam was a perfectionist when it came to broadcasting. Sam would cue up a reel-to-reel tape for airplay and then check it over and over again to make sure that it was still properly cued up. He was always a pleasure to work with. He would carry out your production instructions to the letter and always give you the very best he had in him. Sam had a way of making everything we ever did in radio seem important. As a result he always brought out the best in me, even if we were only doing some kind of ten minute music fill. Sam represented quality of the highest order and I was very proud to work with him." Back

Milt Barlow: Milton F. Barlow, 98, of Newington died Saturday, (March 28, 2009) at Hartford Hospital. He lived a long and distinguished life. A native of Stafford, he lived in Newington for over 55 years. He was a well known and well respected weatherman, having served in Boston, Caribou, Pittsburgh and Hartford. In the mid-fifties he help found the Travelers Weather Service. He was seen on Channel 3, Hartford and was Bob Steele's weatherman on WTIC for many years. He was an avid fisherman, loved his vegetable garden as was a devoted follower of the New York Yankees. His wife Sylvia predeceased him in 1997. He was the beloved father of his daughter Jean and son-in-law Robert Hafner of Simsbury; his son and daughter-in-law Milton G. and Cynthia Barlow of Eastford; six grandsons and ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother Robert Barlow of Fayetteville, GA. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, at 12:30 p.m. in the Elmwood Community Church, 26 Newington Road, West Hartford conducted by Reverands Robert Woodward and Mason Ellison. Burial will be in West Stafford Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Elmwood Community Church. The Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, West Hartford has charge of the funeral. (From the Hartford Courant, March 30, 2009). Back

Dana Bate:Dana Bate (aka D.B.) passed from this earth in the early morning hours of July 28, 2013. He had been hospitalized in Bristol, Pennsylvania for a couple weeks. Dana himself summed up his life in his Blog profile~

"I am an actor and broadcaster. I am grateful to have spent my life in the arts. Now I also write and paint. I am humbly trying to overcome selfishness, it's effects and regrets. I read history, philosophy, psychology and religion. My desire is to share what I have with the world while trying to make sense of a difficult life and enjoying the journey, no rituals, no rules, no summations."

Dana had several Blogs, they included; Vagabond Journeys, Vagabond Tales, Vagabond Jottings, Vagabond Leaves and The Brian Saga.

I had the pleasure of many phone conversations with Dana over the years and I can tell you he had a deep, rich voice... suitable for any Shakespeare play and a slight east coast accent.

Dana, D.B. The Vagabond~you will be missed. Back

Tribute submitted by Linda S. Shook
Courtesy of SILENT KEYBOARDS - J-LAND AND BLOGGER ANGELS

Philip Becker: Started in radio in New York City. Came to Hartford in his 20s and joined WTIC in 1933. He was the "News Voice" of Hartford, presenting all the daily newscasts from 8 am to 3 pm. Phil died December 6, 2001.
  During World War II, he spent 4 1/2 years in the Army in charge of American Expeditionary Radio Stations in Iran. He later worked for National Cash Register and Pratt & Whitney where he was a manager in the publications department. He continued working in retirement for Connecticut Bank & Trust. He is survived by his wife Sibyl. Back

Dick Bertel: Click here for obituaries. Back

John Birchard: Veteran broadcaster-writer John Birchard died August 22, 2017 at home in Silver Spring MD at the age of 81.

A Vermont native Mr. Birchard enlisted in the U-S Air Force following graduation from high school in Shoreham, VT.

After his discharge in 1958, he attended the University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio & TV. He returned to New England, where he  worked for radio stations WCCC and WTIC in Hartford, CT. He hosted jazz programs at both Hartford stations and was honored by the jazz community for his efforts.

He then moved to WELI in New Haven, Ct where he led a popular talk show from 1970 to 1978. Mr. Birchard also served as Master of Ceremonies for the Quinnipiac Intercollegiate Jazz Festival, for jazz concerts at Yale University and for the Hartford Jazz Society.

Leaving WELI to become a freelance broadcaster-writer in 1978, he wrote articles for AutoWeek, the Hartford Courant Sunday Magazine, Connecticut Magazine and others. In 1981, he was auto racing reporter for Enterprise Radio, history’s first all-sports radio network. He later wrote a book about his Enterprise experience. During 1984-85, he was play-by-play announcer for sports car races on ESPN and public address announcer for Indy car races at the Meadowlands Complex in New Jersey. 

He returned to radio as news director of WAVZ and WKCI in New Haven, CT in 1986 and then in 1993 Mr. Birchard joined the Voice of America in Washington, DC as an international radio news broadcaster and automotive reporter where he remained until his retirement in 2008. 

In 2010 he published the book “Jock Around the Clock” on his days with Enterprise Radio. In 2012, he launched the internet jazz program CyberJazzToday.

Mr. Birchard married Donna Kelley of New Haven, CT. A previous marriage to Karen Litton of Hartford, CT ended in divorce. Neither marriage produced children.

Mr. Birchard is survived by his wife Donna, his younger brother Roy Birchard of Davenport, IA, as well as several cousins.  His remains will be cremated and his ashes buried in East Shoreham Cemetery in his hometown of Shoreham, VT. Back

Lynn Boscher: Our focused, selfless, fun-loving father, Lynn F. Boscher, 76, passed away at home on February 12, 2019 surrounded by his family. Born December 1, 1942, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late George and Ruth (Wegner) Boscher. Lynn proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed at Westover AFB. In 1967, he married the love of his life, the former Mary Joyce Marth, and moved to Westfield. Lynn spent the majority of his working years running the family business – Travel Bureau of Westfield. He retired as the Executive Director for the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Westfield, serving twice as president. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church, where he served as a lector. Lynn could be counted on to help out wherever needed – St Mary’s PTO, Westfield Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, board member for ARRHA, City Councilor for Westfield, and hosting foreign exchange students. He made many friends in the community and enjoyed many adventures around the world. When retirement rolled in, Lynn was not one to sit on the sidelines. He used his passion for photography to help document many events in Westfield and surrounding towns for the newspapers. His camera travelled everywhere with him and captured amazing memories. Anyone who knew Lynn knows that he loved to be with his family and friends. He enjoyed and celebrated life’s little moments: Pig roasts at Mill Street, time in Humarock with his grandkids, or travelling the globe with family and friends by his side. Any day was a good day for a party. Lynn leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Mary (Marth) Boscher; his children, Michael (Marion) Boscher of Westfield, Edward Boscher of Belchertown, Kerry (Thomas) Butler of West Springfield, and Mary (Robert) Hartmann of Agawam; treasured grandchildren, Emily and Kyle Butler and Caiden and Carson Boscher; siblings, Keith (Susan) Boscher of Wichita KS, Marvis Boscher of Lafayette IN, Gary (Pat) Struck of Rochester NY, Gail (Wayne) Winert of Rochester NY, and Ed (Sandi) Marth of St. Charles, IL; and many loving nieces, nephews, and relatives. Lynn was preceded in death by his son Paul Boscher in 2015. Calling hours will be Tuesday, February 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. The funeral for Lynn will be held on Wednesday, February 20 at 8:30 am from the funeral home and A Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St., Westfield, MA will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA. Memorial donations may be made to Rotary Club of Westfield Special Projects - PO Box 754, Westfield, MA 01086 or to St Mary’s Church – 30 Bartlett St, Westfield, MA 01085. firtionadams.com Back

Joseph Bourret:  June 4, 1929 - August 28, 2022
The Rev. Joseph E. Bourret, 93, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, died August 28, 2022, at home. Born in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Nelson George and Helen (Nystrom) Bourret, he was raised in Cranston, Rhode Island. A 1954 honors graduate of Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas and a 1958 graduate of Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois, he funded his education working as a carpenter, sign painter, and as a radio broadcaster at WOC, Davenport, Iowa. Ordained a Lutheran pastor in 1958, he served as pastor of several congregations in New Hampshire and Connecticut, continuing to serve the Church throughout his retirement. In 2006, he was named Pastor Emeritus of Concordia Lutheran Church in Manchester, Connecticut. In addition to his vocation in the Church, he worked in solar construction and radio broadcasting (WTIC and WKSS, Hartford). His many interests included woodworking, sailing, gardening, classical music, reading, and crosswords. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Nelson, Jr. and Mary DeFanti. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Patricia Konze Bourret; four children: Kristine (James Garofolo), Steven (Susan), Rebecca (Jeffrey Kinney), and Jon; six grandchildren: Jacob Kinney (Shanna Adrian), Michelle (Mark), Samuel Kinney (Morgan Hilliard), David Garofolo (Kaleigh Cragan), Hannah Kinney (Sammie Nichols), and Philip Garofolo; a sister, Elizabeth Robison; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin St., Manchester, Connecticut, at 11:00 a.m. on September 16, 2022, with calling hours from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on September 15 and one hour before the service, also at Concordia Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (lstc.edu) or the ELCA World Hunger Appeal (community.elca.org/elcaworldhunger) For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com. Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 4, 2022. Back

Mary Bowe:  Mary E. (Chaponis) Bowe, 101, passed away on December 24, 2020, at her home in Ottawa, IL.

Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Saint Mary Cemetery in New Britain, CT. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.

Mary was born on March 25, 1919, in New Britain, CT to Joseph and Mary (Babinskas) Chaponis. After living through the Great Depression with her parents, Mary graduated from high school and ventured into the business world. Among other endeavors, she directed a Lithuanian choral group. She became a sound engineer at WTIC radio in Hartford, CT, providing sound effects for several radio shows that her future husband wrote, announced, and produced. She married George W. Bowe on March 15, 1947 in Kingston, New York. Once their daughters were in school, she embarked on a new profession-banking-becoming a vice president at Connecticut National Bank. After retiring from banking and after her husband passed away, she moved to Ottawa, and soon began volunteering at Community Hospital of Ottawa, devoting more than 5000 volunteer hours in the gift shop and as treasurer of CHO benefits including the Holiday House Walk and Bazaar. She was also a member of St. Columba Church. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother as well as a UCONN Women's Basketball Team super fan!

She is survived by two daughters, Debby (Michael) Reagan, of Ottawa, IL and Sheila Sitomer, of Boston, MA; four grandchildren, Terry (Jaime) Reagan, of Kennewick, WA, Dan (Emilie) Reagan, of Durham, NH, Margaret (Jacob) Jeffries, of Carmel, IN, and Hayden Sitomer, of Los Angeles, CA; and eight greatgrandchildren, Lilly, William, Connor, Margaret Ryan, Catherine, and Sophie Reagan, and Finnegan and Maxwell Jeffries.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, and a sister, Virginia Chaponis.

Memorials may be directed to: OSF St. Elizabeth Auxiliary (https://www.osfhealthcare.org/saint-elizabeth/giving/auxiliary/, Ottawa YMCA (https://www.ottawaymca.org/), or the Illinois Valley PADS (https://ivpads.com).

You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433 Back

Ted Brassard: Ted went to the VOA in 1979 and retired from there in 1984, right after his wife died. He briefly retired to Palm Bay, FL, but migrated back to Putnam, CT in 1985 and passed away in June 1994 at the home of his son Ted, Jr., in upstate NY. He is interred at his home town of Putnam, CT next to his wife Dorothy. (Courtesy of Barbara Ann Brassard Sullivan, Frederick, MD, Ted's Daughter). Back

Ida Burbank: An officer of the former Broadcast Plaza Inc. and past president of the Business and Professional Women's Club of Hartford Inc., Ida Burbank died Friday, July 15, 1994, at Hartford Hospital. A West Hartford resident, she worked for the Travelers Corp. and for Broadcast Plaza Inc., the Travelers subsidiary that ran WTIC radio and television.
  At Broadcast Plaza, she was secretary to the president. In 1967 she was named assistant secretary of the board of directors the first woman to become an officer of the corporation. She retired in the late 1970s. She had belonged to the Business and Professional Women's Club for 35 years, serving as president of the Soroptomist Club of Hartford.
  Miss Burbank was a lifelong lover of opera, and attended many performances, said her grandniece, Jeid Gagliardi of Farmington. "Her career was very important and she took it very seriously, but she was well liked also," Gagliardi said. "The calls I've been getting have been amazing. She was kind of the matriarch of WTIC, the matriarch of our family." Back

Yolanda Carrera Our strongminded, intelligent and beautiful Yolanda Carrera, 83, of Windsor, CT, beloved mother and grandmother, entered into the home of her eternal Savior on July 17, 2022. She was born in Havana, Cuba, to the late Pedro and Angelica Sainz on June 14, 1939. Yolanda was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, Godmother and friend. She is survived by her three children: Gabriel Carrera and his wife Gabriela, David Carrera and his wife Aidith, and Susana Carrera and her husband Steven Niezgorski. Yolanda was blessed by the birth of her five grandchildren: Sebastian Carrera, Gabriela Contreras, Savanna Lee Petrunti, Hunter Niezgorski, and Benicio Carrera. She is also survived by her Goddaughter Joanna Santana, her husband Braulio, son Julian, sister-in-law Angela "Mimi" Espinoza, son-in-law Lenny Petrunti, niece Lisa McAlees and her sons Ace and Max, and her forever "partner in crime" Ada Vega who was there for her during the good and bad. She often referred to Ada as her sister. Where you saw one, you saw the other. She adored her Argentinian cousins Christina and Raul Auger and their visits to Windsor. She was predeceased by her younger brother Pedrito Sainz, her sister-in-law Minerva McAlees and husband George, and the incredible father of her children Justo "Pepe" Carrera. Yolanda Carrera immigrated to the United States in 1961 with only three dresses and a change of underwear. That was all she could carry fleeing the Castro regime in Cuba. After ten months in Miami, she and her husband were resettled in Windsor by the national Catholic Relief Fund, and sponsored by St. Gabriel's Church. "My life began when I came to Connecticut" she once told The Hartford Courant in a 1983 interview. Yolanda started her career as a social worker in the Hartford welfare department. For five years she got to know the Hispanic community and its concerns. During that time, she gave birth to twins, and returned to work only to be given "more paperwork than social work" according to that same interview. In 1970, she pitched a public affairs program to WTIC Channel 3 but was met with the response "we will call you if we need you." Three years later in 1973, Channel 3 offered her a part-time job to create a 9 minute Hispanic community calendar show. Only six months later that effort turned into a 30 minute weekly show entitled "Barrio." When the station was sold and became WFSB-TV in 1975, Yolanda was promoted to Director of Community Affairs and her show Barrio was extended to one hour. Yolanda would be the first female Hispanic to hold a Director's position, not only hosting a weekly TV show but also directing and producing the show. Yolanda used the Barrio stage to tackle issues in the Hispanic community including women's rights, fighting racism, and helping race relations during the riots of the late 1970's in Hartford. She marched on the state capitol, won awards for her activism, and was the voice for the Hispanic community in Hartford. She brought in star power interviewing such celebrities as Erick Estrada, Jose Feliciano, Tito Fuentes, Celia Cruz and many more. She was a voice for a Hispanic community that had been underrepresented for years. She drew praise from lawmakers, the Governor and Senators alike, helping to establish Hartford as one of the top Hispanic communities in the Nation. In 1979, she travelled back to Cuba to cover a basketball game between Trinity College and a Cuban National Team. This woman had no fear returning to a country she fled to avoid communism. She traced her steps back to her childhood neighborhood, to the front steps of her grade school, and even said hello to her teachers who were still there. All this while Cuban Communist troops armed with rifles followed and harassed her throughout the entire trip. She didn't care; she faced her fears to show how Castro had destroyed her island home. She was honored at dinners for her work, became president of the Hartford Lioness club and a founding member, always remembering where she came from and the Hispanic community she served. Yolanda's contribution to the Hispanic community was not just in Hartford, but New England-wide, and was widely acknowledged that her tv show "Barrio" was the primary vehicle. Her late best friend and coworker Elijah Young said it best, "she usually gets what she goes after. " Yolanda Carrera, whose career spanned decades in the spotlight, passed peacefully surrounded by her family. There was no press, there was no fanfare. She went quietly and on her terms. Her legacy, whether you see it or not, is still alive in Hartford. The thriving Hispanic community that she loved has a proud voice and the social issues that affected so many are now a mainstream topic of discussion. Yolanda Carrera and others like her made this possible. For this we honor her and her legacy. May God bless her beautiful soul. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor. Services will be private. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 701 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. Back

Mary Howarth Cass: Mary Howarth Cass, 95, of Killingworth, formerly of Guilford and Hartford, died in late summer at the hospice at Middlesex Hospital. Mary was born on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1917, the daughter of the late Benjamin Howarth and Mary Baker Howarth. She was pre-deceased by her husband Robert Vanese Cass, her brothers Robert, Earl, Frederick, Percy, Ernest, Walter, Warren (Dutch) and Raymond (Skip) Howarth and her sisters Florence Dixon, Katherine Sadler and Ethel MacGregor. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Larsen College, now Quinnipiac College. She worked at WTIC, Traveler's Insurance, Monsanto and Yale Child Study Center. Mary is survived by her daughters - Nancy Cass Taboada and her husband Gilbert of Killingworth, and Robin Cass Kelly and her husband Fran�ois Desilio of New York, NY and Old Saybrook; her grandchildren Avalon Cass Taboada, Alisha Vanese Taboada and Allegra Skye Kelly; and three generations of nieces and nephews.
A private service and a graveside service were held in Killingworth, CT. She will be in our hearts forever. Back
Published in the Hartford Courant on December 23, 2012

Rose Marie (Tarvaian) Cistulli: Rose Marie (Tarvaian) Cistulli 90, of Newington, CT lost her battle with cancer and COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Rose Marie was born May 17, 1929 in Marseille, France. As a world-class trained vocalist, her passions were singing on stage, her true love husband and family. Rose Marie was educated as a vocalist in NYC, and in media at the CT School of Broadcasting. She worked at WTIC as an assistant to the radio legend Bob Steele. She sang in plays, on radio & TV, in dinner clubs, choirs and more, also with Cubby Clark, Sonny Costanzo, and many Big Band National greats. In her own words ""I had fun."" Her stage life was also spent as the Joe & Rose Marie Cistulli Quartet. Joe and Rose began making music together when she was 17 and continued until Joe passed. She joins her husband Joseph D. Cistulli Jr., who preceded her in death in 2002. A beloved and adored singer, cook, character, wife, and mother, she leaves behind her children, Donna Marie Cistulli of New Britain, CT, Joseph G. Cistulli of Howell, MI, a poet & artist son C.C. Arshagra, and Michael D. Cistulli of New Britain CT. along with her 2 grandchildren, Nancy and Joseph G. Cistulli, Isabella Mary-Rose and Dante Vincenzo of Howell, MI.
Due to the current situation, a graveside service will be held St. Mary's Cemetery on May 5 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a gofundme has been set up to help pay for Rose Marie's funeral expenses. The Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, CT has charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit SHAKERFUNERALHOME.COM (Back)
Published in New Britain Herald on May 2, 2020

Bill Clede: Emile W. "Bill" Clede, Jr. 75, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Lois (Stone) Clede, died Monday (June 16, 2003) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Ft. Worth, TX, he was the son of the late Emile W. and Evangeline (Hagler) Clede and spent his early career in the Washington, DC area before moving to Connecticut. He attended Augusta Military Academy in Ft. Defiance, VA and graduated from the University of Maryland majoring in Spanish and Law Enforcement. In his early career he was employed by the NRA. He was the former Outdoor Editor at the Hartford Times during the 1960s and later served as Outdoor and Environmental Director at both WTIC Radio and TV3. He later held various public relations positions in the firearms industry. Since 1985 he was a free lance writer in law enforcement and authored five books in various law enforcement subjects. He was a ham radio operator with the call sign of K 1 A H and a licensed small aircraft pilot. He was the former president of both the Outdoor Writers Assn. of America and the New England Outdoor Writers Assn. and was a founder of the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Assn. The funeral is Friday at 10 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield with the Rev. T. Michael McDowell officiating. Burial will be in Westfield Cemetery, Danielson, at the convenience of the family . Calling hours are Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assn., 2550 US Highway 1 North Brunswick, NJ 08902. For on-line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com
Published in The Hartford Courant on June 18, 2003 Back

Jean Colbert: Jean Colbert Martineau was host of a talk show on WTIC-AM for almost 30 years. She had interviewed such figures as Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, and Winston Churchill. She died at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farming on September 5, 1995 after a short illness.
  "The Jean Colbert Show" ran Monday through Saturday at 10 am. It featured live and taped interviews. Her favorites are reported to be Eleanor Roosevelt and Pope Pious XII.
  Especially popular were her Saturday broadcasts from the former Parkview Hilton that combined interviews and fashion shows.
  Her career at WTIC began in 1947 as director of women's activities. Previously, she had hosted radio shows in Philadelphia, Cleveland and New York City, where she had been one of the first female sportscasters in the country.
  She was a member of the Overseas Press Club and International Association of Women in Radio and Television. She was a trustee of the Goodspeed Opera foundation for more than 20 years. After retiring from WTIC, she volunteered for the Connecticut Radio Information Services (CRIS), doing a weekly half-hour program for visually handicapped people. Back

Frank Corbeil: CORBEIL, FRANK A. Frank A. Corbeil, 77, of Unionville, beloved husband of Judith (Marshall) Corbeil, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Monday, June 29th, 2015 at his home. Born in Bristol, April 6th, 1938, he was the son of the late Edward Corbeil and the late Laura (Lundgren) Corbeil. Prior to retirement Frank was the School Plant Director for the Farmington School System. Besides his wife, he is survived by his seven children, Sharon Dupont Culbertson and her husband Jeffrey of Naugatuck; Thomas Dupont of Colorado Springs, CO; Glen Corbeil and his wife Maryanne of Portland, OR; Pamela Dupont Gebauer and her husband John of New Hartford; Timothy Curtis and his wife Patty of Farmington; Michael Dupont and his wife Marcia of East Granby and James Dupont and his wife Jennifer of Unionville, his brother, John Corbeil and his wife Ann of Green Valley, AZ, his grandchildren, Kelley, Jesse, Kyle, Ryan, Christopher, PC, Curtis, Julianne and Madison and nine great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Richard, Edward and Charles Corbeil. Frank was a long time member of First Church of Christ Unionville, and later became a member of Memorial United Methodist Church of Avon. He was an avid collector of historical items and had a nationally recognized collection of Women’s Suffrage memorabilia. He was a member of APIC (a political collector’s association), and served on several town boards and committees. Frank served as director of the Unionville Museum for 20 years and was instrumental in getting the town Gazebo built. He delighted in playing Santa Claus for many town events and for his grandchildren at Christmas time. Frank enjoyed the beach, his family and possessed a wealth of knowledge, funny stories and sayings which are remembered with great fondness by all who knew him. The family is thankful for the loving support of so many. A Memorial Service will be held Friday July 3rd at 2:00pm at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon with Rev. Joseph Piccirillo officiating. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001 or to the Farmington Valley VNA, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc. www.ahernfuneralhome.com Back
Published in The New Haven Register on July 1, 2015

Robert Corbin On Tuesday, (June 19, 2007) Robert L. Corbin, 74, a resident of the Enfield community for over 45 years, passed into eternal life after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Olsen) Corbin of 53 years and his daughters, Bonnie Devine of Jefferson, Georgia; Brenda Denno and her husband, Kevin of Burlington; and Beverly Corbin and her husband, Ernest Corbin, Jr. of Enfield. Also surviving are his brothers, Ernest Corbin, Sr. of Jupiter, FL and Clinton Corbin of West Springfield, MA; and his sister, Jeanne Dwight of E. Windsor. He was predeceased by his brother; Stanley Corbin of Martinez, GA. Bob was born in West Springfield, MA to Gilbert and Blanche (Bates) Corbin, but was raised by his maternal grandparents Ernest and Mina Bates from an early age. Bob loved life and was very much a people person. He was blessed by many close and loyal friends. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was very proud of his military service. He was involved in many activities throughout his life. His membership as a Freemason spanned over 50 years. Bob was member of the Composite Lodge #28 A.F. & A.M. and was a Past Master of the Euclid Lodge #109 A.F. & A.M.. He was also was a member of the Melha Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. and the Legion of Honor in Springfield. He was chairman of the Enfield Republican Town Committee and served on various town committees and boards as well as serving as a Justice of the Peace. After the Army, he studied communications and became a radio announcer for WMMB in North Adams, MA, and several other area stations before becoming an account executive with WTIC in Hartford. Bob retired from Asnuntuck Community College as the Director of Personnel in 1991. Bob was above all a family man always making time for his wife and daughters and his grandchildren, Corbin Sharp of FL; Kirstin Abell of New York, NY; Christopher Abell of Wethersfield; Ernest Corbin III of Enfield, Robert Corbin II of Enfield, and Matthew Denno of Burlington. He loved visiting the Charlestown Breechway in Rhode Island and taking trips with his family. His family would like to thank Dr. Darshan Shah and his staff and all the doctors and nurses at Evergreen Health Care Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care during his last days. Funeral services will be held at the Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., on Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. Burial will private. Relatives and friends may call on the family, Thursday evening from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held on Thursday evening at 6:30. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, CT. 01104. For directions or to leave an online expression of sympathy, please visit: www.leeteste vens.com. Back
Published in the Hartford Courant on 6/20/20

Howard Corey: Passed away October 21, 2020. Click here for memorial.

Rocky Coxx:  Roland Miclette, 80, of Vernon, died May 6, 2004.

Roland "Rocky" Miclette had two identities, two lives that rarely intersected. By day, he worked at a company that made parachutes for the military, where he printed brochures and sales material.

In the evenings and on weekends, he was Rocky Coxx, part of the Cowboy Caravan, a country-and-western band that played Lake Compounce, fairgrounds, clubs and just about any place that enjoyed toe-tapping, passionate thigh-slapping music. Rocky played bass and sang. His older brother Gerard Miclette, known professionally as Slim Coxx, was the band leader and played fiddle.

The brothers apparently inherited their musical skills from their father, George Miclette of Vermont, a self-taught fiddler. His lively jigs and intricate foot-tapping rhythms have been copied, but never duplicated, by his three sons, six grandsons and one great- grandson, all musicians.

George Miclette worked in many of the New Deal programs formed to combat unemployment, and after his wife died, their younger children went to live with relatives.

Rocky moved in with Slim but joined the Navy in his late teens. He served four years, mostly in the Pacific, where he was part of the Leyte Gulf assault and the battle of the Coral Sea. After his discharge, he returned to Vermont and joined Slim's band, the Kentucky Ramblers. The group played at barn dances, fairs, parades and over the local radio station. They sometimes had gigs in movie theaters on Saturday afternoons before the picture shows began.

The Ramblers' growing reputation became known to the Down Homers, a nationally popular country-and-western band that at one time featured Bill Haley, who later performed with the Comets, and Kenny Roberts, known as "the king of the yodelers."

The brothers were offered a job with the Down Homers, but they were reluctant to leave Vermont and move to Connecticut.

Never thinking the band would meet their demands, the brothers asked for the ridiculous sum of $200 a week in wages.

"They said OK, which is how Slim and Rocky got down to Connecticut," said Rocky Miclette Jr., who lives in Delaware.

The Down Homers appeared on popular television shows, including the "Ted Mack Amateur Hour," the Arthur Godfrey show and at Madison Square Garden in New York. They also broadcast coast-to-coast on WTIC radio. The Miclette brothers worked by day, and their alter egos, the Coxx brothers, played music on weekends.

By the late '40s, the Down Homers had dissolved, and the brothers were playing Lake Compounce every Sunday afternoon and evening in Slim's band, the Cowboy Caravan. As Slim's five sons grew, they joined the band, as did Rocky Jr. and the Miclettes' brother Maurice.

At that time, "The Lake" was a homey, friendly place; concerts were free, and families could spend all day listening to music, swimming and watching children play. Sometimes local bands would appear with the Coxx brothers, and new Nashville groups would gain practice playing the amusement park.

"It was a great time in our lives," said Paul Miclette, Slim's oldest son, who, like his four brothers, is a musician. "We enjoyed it immensely." The band also played hundreds of gigs in small towns across Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts: American Legion halls, Granges and band shells on town greens. They met notables in the entertainment world, including Hank Williams Jr., Danny Kaye and George Jones.

Rocky and his brothers were self-taught and could not read music. They listened, they improvised, they composed and above all, they performed.

"Slim was like a Bob Hope," said Rocky Miclette Jr. "He was the consummate entertainer. Nothing could ruffle him." Rocky and the band performed old favorites: "Your Cheatin' Heart," "The Key Is in the Mailbox" and "Orange Blossom," an instrumental.

At one of the early Vermont concerts, Rocky began talking to a fan, Terry Viens, whom he later married. Rocky was tall, blue-eyed, good-natured and told corny jokes. When he played, he wore a Western shirt, cowboy boots, a string tie and a Stetson.

"I inherited his silliness, his klutziness, his love of junk food and, thank God, his metabolism," said his daughter, Dee Sweeney. She also
absorbed her dad's motto: "Humor is the key to getting through life.

"Terry Viens Miclette died in 1997, and besides their two children, Rocky Miclette is survived by his second wife, Carlene Martin Miclette, and five grandchildren. One grandson, Travis Sweeney, 17, is carrying on the family tradition with a band called Escape Generation. He has hopes to be a rock star.

In 1998, Slim and Rocky were inducted into the Connecticut and the New England Country Music Hall of Fame. They played their signature song, "Golly, Gosh, Oh Gee," which they composed.

Slim died in 1999, after the brothers had played together for almost 60 years. The younger generation -- Slim's five sons and Rocky Jr. -- hope to hire a hall and gather some of the old-timers for a concert in honor of the Coxx brothers.

"I'd love to see everybody playing," said Rocky Jr.  Back
By Anne M. Hamilton, Special to the Hartford Courant May 30. 2004.

Slim Coxx: Gerard A. Miclette was a Downhomer under this stage name, and he continued to sing until the day he died. He entertained at Lake Compounce for over 37 years without missing one Sunday. He attended the 1999 WTIC Alumni Reunion On October 2 and announced proudly that he was still running the Manchester Driving Academy at age 84. On October 13 he passed away at Hartford Hospital. Back

Joe Crowley: Joseph F. Crowley, 83, of New Britain, died Thursday Night (Sept. 17, 2020) at his home. Born January 7, 1937 to Joseph A, and Anna Reynolds Crowley in New Britain. He attended St. Thomas Seminary, graduated from New Britain Senior High School and attended Georgetown University and the University of Hartford. He served as a New Britain police officer before joining the Hartford Times where he was a crime and court reporter. He later joined the staff of WTIC Radio and TV where he served as an on-air reporter, writer and news producer. During that time, he covered every major crime story and criminal trial in Connecticut and New England. He also served as a guest instructor at the Connecticut Municipal Police Training Academy in Meriden, Ct. Following that, he served as director of the Public Information Office of the Connecticut State Police and as executive assistant to the state police commissioner. He found time to return to New Britain and assist in training and supervising an auxiliary police unit that included a volunteer police rescue squad that won several awards and state-wide competitions. He closed his career as the director of Public Affairs at New Britain General Hospital. He served on the parish councils of the churches he attended. He called himself the "oldest alter boy" and lastly served as a Eucharistic Minister at St Katherine Drexel Parish. Joseph is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Wolny) Crowley; his children, Kevin Crowley and his wife Lisa, Thomas Crowley and his wife Jackie, Maureen Bracco, Timothy Crowley and his wife Lauren, Christine Youmans and her husband Erik, John Crowley, and Kathleen Tartt and her husband Jason, his grandchildren, who were his world, Samantha Colangelo, Tyler and Andrew Crowley, Christopher and Alex Bracco, and Adam, Ayyub, Bilal, Safiyyah and Ibrahim Tartt and his great grandson, Calvin Bracco. He also leaves his sisters Joanne Casey and husband Gerald and MaryEllen Kindelan and husband Davey and many nieces and nephews. He had many friends that were important to him, especially Mary and Frank Rich. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial Friday (Sept. 25, 2020) at 10:00 AM at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish (St. Jerome Church) 1010 Slater Road New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Bristol. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent Saint Katharine Parish 1010 Slater Rd. New Britain, CT 06053 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 20 Batterson Park Rd. Farmington, CT 06032. To send a condolence, please visit www.FarrellFuneralHome.com.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in The New Britain Herald on Sep. 22, 2020. Back

Denise D'Ascenzo: WFSB-TV Newscaster. Honorary Member of WTIC Alumni. Click Here for More Info

Larry deBear:  Larrye deBear of Cromwell, has retired for the seventh time, this time from life, on April 2, 2023. Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, son of Edward and Augusta deBear, and a graduate of Northwestern University, he had retired previously from WFSB-TV after 17 years as a broadcast journalist, from Connecticut state government after 12 years as press secretary to Governors Ella T. Grasso and William A. O'Neill, from Northeast Utilities where he worked for nine years in corporate communications, from the Rocky Hill Town Council after four terms, as Chairman of the Rocky Hill Economic Development Commission after two terms, and as a realtor in Old Lyme and Greater Hartford. While a resident of Old Lyme, he served for six years as chairman of the town's Economic Development Commission. As a resident of Rocky Hill, he was a member of the Rocky Hill Democratic Town Committee and the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Carol (on March 22, 2020) after 33 years of marriage. He is survived by four children: David deBear of Mullica Hill, New Jersey and his spouse Mary Lynn McKenzie, Joanna deBear of Cheshire and her husband David Hajdasz, Marye Ellen Valentine of Walnut Creek, California, and Peter deBear of New Gloucester, Maine, and his wife Misty; two stepdaughters: Mary Woods of Newington and her husband Stephen, and Nancy Guerrera of Rocky Hill and her husband Antonio; twelve grandchildren and step grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his stepdaughter, Jacquelyn Peterson of West Hartford. He will be laid to rest privately beside Carol in the Church of Christ, Congregational Memorial Garden, Newington. There will be no calling hours. Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, is serving his family. To share your sympathy, please visit us at www.duksa.net. Please celebrate Larrye and his amazing life as you see fit.
Published by Hartford Courant on Apr. 9, 2023.

Dennis House Blog Comment about Larrye's Passing Back

DELANEY, Linda-Lu (Lawton): Linda-Lu Delaney (Lawton), 70, of South Windsor, died Saturday (May 17, 2008) at Hartford Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, J. Douglas Delaney. She lived in the Hartford area for 50 years and resided in South Windsor for the past 32 years. Linda-Lu retired from the law firm of Day, Berry and Howard. Born in Chester, WV, on August 29, 1937, the daughter of the late Frank Y. and Virginia B. Lawton, she is survived by a sister, Lenna Lockhart, of East Liverpool, OH, and brothers Thomas and Joseph Lawton, of Chester, WV. A brother, David Lawton, predeceased her. The family expresses its deepest gratitude to the Hartford Hospital Transplant and Bliss 7 East Intensive Care units for their dedicated care throughout the years and in Linda-Lu's final days. A memorial service and burial will be held in West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation.
From the Hartford Courant. Back

John F. DeLisa: John retired from WTIC in 1971 after 44 years with the station. He was Supervisor of Recorded Commercials. He passed away September 30, 2000 at age 87. Back

Ed Derry: TV construction and maintenance. Died June 5, 1992. Back

Harold Dorschug: Harold A. Dorschug was Chief Engineer for WTIC AM FM TV3, then vice president of Engineering Research and Development. After he retired in 1978, he moved from West Hartford to Cape Cod. He passed away at age 86 on September 13, 1999 in Cape Cod Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Buzzard's Bay MA. He served in the Navy during World War II and was an avid Amateur radio operator, earning W8AST at age 16. He became W1AST. He was one of the two engineers on duty in Master Control the night of Orson Welles' famous 1938 broadcast of "The War of the Worlds", and was a member of the first CBS television remote crew. Back

DOUGHTY, Leonard A. Leonard A. Doughty, passed quietly away at home on October 24, 2009. He was the son of the late Elsie May Coppen and Everett Doughty, born and raised in West Hartford. Radio and television were the theme of his life. In 1930, at age 12, he received his amateur radio operating license, a nationwide record of the youngest to do so. His call letters were W1GZC. He retired from Travelers Broadcasting Co. where he was in charge of the radio and TV transmitting equipment on Avon Mountain. In the early days of television, he made a TV set from component parts to his own design. It was a central point for the neighbors to gather to watch the Wednesday night fights. As an avid fisherman, he flawlessly tied flies; many to his own patterns. He would walk miles to fish a small stream overgrown with bushes for brook trout. Besides fishing, he studied astronomy and viewed the heavens through a home-made four-inch refracting telescope with an astronomical mount. Photography was another accomplished past time of his. After waiting many years he married his childhood sweetheart, Pearl J. Woran. Mr. Doughty is survived by his wife Pearl; four stepdaughters, Judy Deegan of Florida, Jean McNeil of Massachusetts, Joyce Thomas of Middletown, CT, Essie and Ronnie Clifton of Wyoming; and six grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Robert; a nephew, Richard; a niece, Adrian; and a grandnephew and grandniece, all of West Hartford. Mr. Doughty will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A funeral service will be at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, on Monday, November 2, 2009, at 11 a.m. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of donor's choice.

<According to Len's nephew Stephen there are apparently errors in the obituary. Stephen was not mentioned, and all the children mentioned are step-children.>

Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements. Back
Published in Hartford Courant on October 28, 2009

Robert M. Downes, "Downsey": There is a very understated obituary in the Hartford Courant this morning, one that outlines the life of a great man, but fails to add detail. I am not finding fault with the approach, I praise it as typical of the family from which it came, a reflection of the man himself.
  Bob Downes was never one to blow his own horn, never one to call attention to himself. For his entire life, forty four years of which were devoted to maintaining the quality of the reputation of WTIC Radio, Bob Downes deflected attention and credit to others.
  Bob was there to allay my fears that first morning at WTIC as I found myself thrust into the middle of the most prominent radio show in New England history. He was the mainstay behind the Bob Steele Show.
  He was the man at the controls for most of the Steele years, right up to the final sign-off of the show in its original form. Every morning during the legendary run of that great program the name of Bob Downes was heard by the hundreds of thousands of listeners who regularly tuned in for the word for the day, the weather around the world and the corny jokes, but Bob Downes's voice was never heard.
  It was never his way, he was unique to this business, without ego. He never wanted the spotlight, he just kept it shining on others. Almost as much as Steele himself, Bob Downes was the driving force behind that show. Known by many simply as "Downsey", I could rarely bring myself to call him anything but Bob, out of respect for the man, a respect I felt from the moment I met him, a respect he never asked for but always quietly commanded.
  It can accurately be said that one never really worked at WTIC unless they worked with Bob Downes. He was everything the reputation of this radio station was built on. Class and dignity, trust and respect, a quiet, workmanlike approach to the job, a day to day determination that the job would be done at its highest level and the audience would be served as it is our responsibility to serve it.
  In retirement Bob retreated from the spotlight he avoided during his career and quietly lived out his life with his wife Ann and a loving family. To meet him during his career you would never know he was one of the most respected and influential people in Connecticut radio, in retirement he preferred that few were aware of the stature he once held.
  He was a constant, there at his post in the Bob Steele control room every morning, flawlessly performing the awesome duty of bringing the region's largest audience it's most important program, perhaps the closest friend in the business Steele himself ever had, a man Steele certainly trusted more than any other.
  Bob Downes passed away yesterday morning (July 26, 2001) following a long illness. He was eighty one years old. He was WTIC Radio, as much as anyone the reason the station attained it's great standing. He's a man I loved, and will continue to love, dearly. (Scott Gray Commentary, July 27, 2001) Back

Gladys Schwab Drew: Gladys (Schwab) Drew died at Avery Heights, Hartford, on Friday (December 19, 2003). She and her late husband, Dr. Bernard T. Drew were married for 64 years. Her parents, Miriam Knies Schwab and the Rev. Benjamin T. Schwab, were missionaries in Tokyo, Japan, where Mrs. Drew was born on October 2, 1914. Her family moved back to the United States when she was 5 1/2 years old. She graduated from high school in Pierre, SD when she was 16 years old and went on to graduate from Yankton College in South Dakota, where she was Executive Secretary to the Dean and Registrar. After graduation she worked at Chicago Theological Seminary where she met her husband. They were married on June 27, 1937 in Sioux Rapids, IA. As a minister's wife, Mrs. Drew was very active in church and volunteer work, tutoring and clubs. She was also involved in parent-teacher organizations and functions of the private schools attended by her children. She worked for Frank Atwood of WTIC Radio and was Executive Secretary to Dr. Vincent B. Coffin, the first Chancellor of the University of Hartford. She also worked at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CIGNA), retiring in 1976. She was a member of the College Club of Hartford as well as the Asylum Hill Congregational Church of which her husband was Senior Minister for 24 years, from 1949-1973. Mrs. Drew is survived by two children, Linda Jo Shaw of New Market, NH, and Richard A. Drew and his wife, Sandra of Hillsborough, CA. She also leaves five grandchildren, J. Christopher Drew and wife Kimberley Kiesewetter of San Francisco, CA; Robert T. Drew and wife Jeanise Eisenman of Windsor, CA; Benjamin T. Drew and wife Erin Roeder of Concord, CA, Kimberly Varney and husband Nathan of York, ME, and David M. Shaw of Somerville, MA. She had five great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Dwight L. Schwab and his wife Ann of Vancouver, WA and Galen P. Schwab and his wife Maxine of Stockton, CA. A brother, Ward W. Schwab; and a sister, Dorothy K. Johnson predeceased her. A memorial service will be held at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT 06105 for the maintenance of Drew Hall. The James T. Pratt Funeral Service in Wethersfield is serving the family.
Published in the Hartford Courant on 12/26/2003. Back

Robert F. Dwyer: Robert F. Dwyer of Vernon, beloved husband of the late Arlene B. Dwyer entered into eternity Friday, March 11, 2011. He was born August 5, 1924 in Providence, RI to the late William and Ellen “Nell” Dwyer. His introduction into a photo journalism career began with his enlistment in the United States Army in October 1941. Bob served his country proudly October 1941 through December 1946 in WWII on the European and Pacific Theaters. After the war ended, he remained in service in Germany until 1956. He returned to the U.S. with his wife and son in 1956 and separated from the U.S. Army in November 1957. He reenlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard from August 1962 through May 1963. In September 1965, while employed with then WTIC-TV, he photographed the Vietnam War. Bob received many photographic awards including the NPPA Burt Williams Award for his filming of the 1962 Hartford Hospital fire. Bob believed the greatest reward in his career was after being inspired by his coverage of the civilian plight in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, WTIC started a campaign drive to help. WTIC's "Baby Bundles" campaign sent thousands of supplies to affected areas and eventually led to building a hospital in An Khe. Bob’s dedication to veterans included his position as the past commander of Anderson-Shea VFW Post 2046, Past Commander of Varca-Lechausse DAV Chapter 17, Past Chief of Staff, Connecticut State Department DAV serving under the late Elwood Lechausse 1999-2000 and most recently the Manchester Veterans Council. Bob enjoyed his exciting career, it led him to photograph many celebrities, politicians and cover the news with Gayle King for ten years. In addition to his wife and parents, Bob is predeceased by his son Michael, a brother William and his sister Helen. He is survived by his niece Dru Shockley, many caring friends and two special children Rebecca and Ben Hansen who will miss "Papa" dearly. Services for Bob will be held Monday, March 28, 2011 at Holmes Funeral Home 400 Main Street Manchester, starting with calling hours from 10-11 am followed by the Manchester DAV and VFW Ceremonies at 11 am. Burial will follow with full military honors in St. Bernard's Cemetery, Rockville. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the DAV or VFW, 608 East Center Street, Manchester, Ct. 06040, For directions to the funeral home or to sign the online guest book please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com. Back

  In 1955 expanded its operations on the sixth floor of the Travelers Tower to include a television station. Eaton became the television station's first news director. In 1973 when Channel 3 was sold, Eaton stayed on with the station's new incarnation as WFSB. "He felt there was more opportunity in television news than radio news," said his son Howard of Newington. "He really believed that your TV anchor should be a journalist, a newsman."
  Retired in 1985, Eaton worked as a consultant, helping to set up stations in Virginia and Florida. He had led his son Robert into the business. "I wound up working as a runner at WTIC television in high school. There wasn't much of a shot of avoiding the career," said Robert, now senior vice president and managing editor of ESPN.
  Eaton is survived by his wife Jenna. His first wife, Roberta Eaton, lives in Wethersfield. His daughter, Janet Walker, lives in North Carolina.Back

George Ehrlich: The epitome of the traditional Sports Director, that's how I describe George Ehrlich. Announcers including Bob Arel, Arnold Dean, Don Robertson, Floyd Richards and certainly others worked with George doing color for his sports coverage. I remember he was bitter that he had no input to sports programming decisions. He left WTIC while we were in the Gold Building and went with WINF in Manchester. He continued doing a sports talk show there and also did play-by-play for the Univ. of Hartford Hawks basketball team -- ALL of whom attended his funeral. Dee Rowe gave the eulogy, by the way, and it was so moving that Bill Hennessey wrote to him asking for a transcript. But Dee responded that he had ad-libbed the whole thing! (It was so touching that the full-house of mourners was brought to awestruck attention.) George passed away probably in the late 1970s. Back

Bob Ellsworth: Click Here

Ralph Eno: With great sadness, the Town of Lyme shares the news with residents today that Ralph Eno, who served as our Town's First Selectman from 1991 to 2001, and again from 2006 to 2017, passed away on September 29 at his home in Maine.

First Selectman David Lahm said, "Ralph was an incredibly talented and longtime-serving steward of our town, and our hearts go out to his friends and family."

Among his many accomplishments during his tenures as First Selectman, Eno played an integral role in the renovation of Town Hall, the building of a new public library and the conversion of the Town's landfill into a transfer station – which was later named in his honor when he retired in 2017. He was also known as a champion of open space.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service or formal obituary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Maranacook Food Bank via the Maranacook Education Foundation website. Back

John Erikson: John Henry Erikson passed away November 27, 2010 in Roswell, Ga., at the age of 74.  He had a lifelong passion for weather, the study of complex systems, the writing of Kurt Vonnegut, and many types of music.

Born March 2, 1934, Mr. Erikson graduated from New York University in 1957 with a BA in Meteorology. He served in the United States Air Force as a meteorologist from 1957 to 1963, leaving as a 1st Lieutenant. Mr. Erikson then worked for many years as a meteorologist with the Travelers' Weather Service in Hartford, Conn. His children eagerly awaited his appearances on television, as he used radar to track Santa's progress from the North Pole. After retiring from the Weather Service in 1984, he returned to his family home in Rye, where he lived until recently.

He is survived by his former wife, Ann Erikson of Marlborough, Conn.; son John M. Erikson and wife Jan of Tolland, Conn.; son Lawrence C. Erikson of Marlborough, Conn.; daughter Keelin M. Erikson of Hartford, Conn.; daughter Julie Ann White and husband Derrell of Alpharetta, Ga.; son Thomas G. Erikson and wife Aimee of Marlborough, Conn.; fourteen grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Mr. Erikson was predeceased by his mother, Alice Bird Erikson, a lifelong resident of Rye, and father Carl John Erikson of Brooklyn. Donations may be made in his name to the Salvation Army. A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Erikson's life will be held at Christ's Church December 13 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow immediately. For more information, please contact Doug Carey at 967-1139. Back

John Ferguson: Dear John,

You were born May 7, 1929, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, to John and Hilda (Fuller) Ferguson. You passed away at home Oct. 5, 2018 (your daughter's birthday). You married Jane Lockwood June 17, 1950, in East Norwalk. We had four children: Jack (Susan), Jill (deceased), Jay (Dana), and Jerry; three grandchildren: Curtis (Laura), Matt (Sarah), and Sara Meyer (Nicholas); two great-grandchildren, Miles and Aaron. Your extended family includes the Hanson family and the Coderre nephews and their families.

We will all miss you - a kind and gentle man.

Love from all,

Your wife, Jane

There will be no calling hours and burial will be private.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Friends of South Windsor Public Library, 1550 Sullivan Ave., South Windsor, CT 06074.
Published in Journal Inquirer from Oct. 9 to Oct. 13, 2018 Back

Ken Garee:  Kenneth C. Garee, 85, of Ashford CT, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022. He was born and raised in Williamsport, PA, the son of the late John and Hope (Donnelly) Garee. Ken attended Penn State and received his degree in meteorology in 1960. He served as a research meteorologist in the US Army from 1962 to 1964 at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, NM. He then moved to Connecticut and worked at the Travelers Weather Service, forecasting and reporting the weather on WTIC radio and Channel 3 WFSB. He was a proud member of the American Meteorological Society. After his career in meteorology, Ken returned to school to learn computer programming and was employed by the Travelers Insurance Company until retirement. Ken was a member of the Freemasons, American Legion, and was active in the Lake Chaffee Association and the Town of Ashford, where he lived for 35 years. He attended the Westford Congregational Church. He enjoyed sports, especially college football and basketball. Ken enjoyed working on his home, and was always tinkering on a variety of projects. He enjoyed observing nature from his home on Lake Chaffee. There were always fun and engaging discussions of all things weather related. Ken was a kind man, very sharp, and always quick with humor, no matter what the circumstances. He adored his grandsons and was very proud of them. He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Labrencis, daughter and son in law, Karen and Richard Layman, and grandsons Nathan and Ryan Layman. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Jeanne Rachal, Allen Garee and Muriel Garee Corrado. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 10 to 11 AM with a prayer service following at 11 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Merrow Rd. (Rte. 195) Tolland, CT. Burial will follow at Westford Hill Cemetery in Ashford CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ashford Volunteer Fire Dept, PO Box 1, Ashford, CT 06278. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com Back

Jane M. Giarrosso:, 75, of Port Richey, passed away November 16, 2003 at Regional Medical Center at Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson. She was born in Hartford, Conn. and had been in Florida since 1992, when she moved from Syracuse, N.Y. She was a retired office manager in Radio and Television. She was of the Catholic faith. She was a member of Magnolia Valley Golf Club in New Port Richey. She is survived by a daughter, Marna Bergmann of Glastonbury, Conn.; five grandchildren; and eight stepchildren in Syracuse, N.Y. National Cremation Society.
Published in the TBO.com on 11/18/2003 from the Tampa Tribune Back

Paul Gionfriddo: Paul J. Gionfriddo 84, of Boynton Beach Florida, formally of Wethersfield, Ct. passed away on April 2,2018. Born to Giuseppe and Concetta (Buccheri) Gionfriddo in Hartford Ct. Upon graduating from Wethersfield High School he went on to the University of Connecticut where he began his career in broadcasting. After college he joined the Army where he served in Europe then when honorably discharged he was determined to make radio and the emerging television his career. Paul quickly found a job at WNBC-TV the new channel 30 in West Hartford. He went on to become a radio producer at WTIC in Hartford. Eventually moved to Hollywood California where he became a columnist then went on to motion pictures as a writer. Later he moved to Florida where he was hired by the States Department of Labor as a counselor for "Project Independence" until his retirement in 1999. He is survived by sons Jeffrey Gionfriddo, his wife Carol-Ann of Port St. Lucie Florida, Kevin Gionfriddo of California, grandsons Anthony and Nicholas of Connecticut. Predeceased by his parents, brother Sal A.Gregg and daughter Kimberly Gionfriddo. Burial will take place on Monday April 9, 2018 at the South Florida National Cemetery with full military honors in Lake Worth Florida. Back

Donald Gorman:  Donald L. Gorman, 87, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of 62 years to Mary (Moroney) Gorman, passed away peacefully Friday (February 4, 2011) with his family by his side. Born December 21, 1923, and raised in Hartford, he was the son of the late William & Beatrice (Callahan) Gorman. Don graduated from Weaver High School in 1942 where he pitched for the school baseball team. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army, serving during WWII  in China and India. He attended Ohio University, graduating in 1949 with a degree with honors in Journalism. Don and his new wife moved to Hartford, where Don worked for WTIC as a news editor. In 1954 he and his wife established the Yankee Flyer, a weekly advertising newspaper in the Bloomfield, Simsbury, and Farmington areas. It has remained family owned and operated for over a half century. He was a member and past president of the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Wethersfield Country Club for over forty years. Second to his family, Don had a passion for golf and Dixieland music. He was fond of saying he only played golf on days that ended in "d-a-y." Along with his wife Mary, Don will be fondly remembered by his loving family, son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Lorri Gorman, of Pelham, NY; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Rick Hughto, of Wellesley, MA; sister Rita Connelly, of Glastonbury; nine adoring grandchildren, Mary Kate, Bill, Annie, and Jimmy Hughto, Katie, Bobby, Mickey, Kelly, and Trish Gorman; many nieces and nephews; and not to be forgotten, his second family at the Yankee Flyer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 9 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield. Interment will follow in Village Cemetery, Marsh St., Old Wethersfield. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd. Wethersfield,. Tuesday, February 8, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. To extend online expressions of sympathy, or for further information, please visit farleysullivan.com. Back

Edward J. Gracyalny: Edward J. Gracyalny, 81, of Manchester, beloved husband for 57 years of Anne-Louise (Mello) Gracyalny died on Friday (September 1, 2006.) He was born on April 29, 1925 in Warren, RI son of the late John and Julia (Bartosewitz) Gracyalny. He graduated in 1942 from LaSalle Academy in Providence and attended Capitol Radio Institute in Washington, D.C. and earned his television engineer license. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army in Europe. He worked as a television engineer at WJAR in Providence and then for 29 years at WTIC (WFSB) in Hartford until his retirement in 1986. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children; Anne E. Green and her husband Bill Green Jr. of Vernon, Mary L. Gracyalny of Manchester, and John C. Gracyalny of Brookdale, CA. He is also survived by his grandson, Paul Callen of Pinellas Park, FL and his aunt, Wilhelmina Camara of Manchester. Ed was an avid reader and gardener who loved to share with his family and friends the flowers, vegetables, and fruits of his gardens and orchard. He enjoyed traveling with his wife especially the many cruises they shared over the past several years. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 11 a.m. at St. James Church, 896 Main St, Manchester. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester has care of arrangements. The family requests no flowers. Memorial donations maybe made to the Protectors of Animals, Inc., PO Box 24, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.
Published in The Hartford Courant 9/3/2006. Back

Jack Guckin: John R. “Jack” Guckin was one of the most prolific and creative directors at Channel 3. Jack was born September 16th, 1930 in New Haven. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1953 with a degree in English. It was his involvement with the campus radio station while at UConn that charted his career course. Jack headed for New York where he did commercial film editing and camera work at WPIX. 

In June of 1957 Jack married Lois, his beloved wife of more than 30 years. When he heard that Channel 3 in Hartford was about to go on the air he applied for a job as cameraman, knowing that he would have the opportunity to grow with the new station. Within a short time he became a director, which allowed his creativity to flourish. He directed the “Saturday Dance Party” hosted by Brad Davis as well as the major newscasts and, of course, “The Ranger Andy Show.” 

However, it was as the director of “Perception” with Dick Bertel that his considerable talent really had a chance to shine. He wrote and produced, among other shows, “The Story of Benedict Arnold”, a drama which included not only uniformed members of the Governor’s Horse Guard but an actual horse, on whose back rode an actor portraying the infamous Arnold shouting “Charge.”. 

Jack was behind the camera again in the early ‘60s for live coverage of the Yale – Harvard Regatta, this time from a helicopter, a highly innovative technical achievement for the time. 

He worked closely with producer Dick Ahles and reporter John Sablon on the documentary series “What’s Happening”, probing into stories designed to challenge the status quo of news reporting in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. 

Jack continued to work for Channel 3 until his retirement in June, 1988. He looked forward to finally using his talent and experience on a free lance basis. Sadly, six weeks later, while directing a movie in Boston, Jack suffered a fatal heart attack.

Jack loved the music of New Orleans. At his funeral a jazz band played the familiar dirges as hundreds of mourners paid their final respects. Then, one by one, his friends shared precious memories of their good friend. . When they were finished, the band, in celebration of Jack’s life, broke into a rousing rendition of “When the Saints go Marching In”. Jack would have loved it.
Courtesy of Dick Bertel Back

Jerry Haber: . Gerald "Jerry" Raymond Haber, 76, of New Britain, passed away March 11, 2011 at New Britain General Hospital. Jerry was born in New Haven, CT on June 9, 1934, son of the late Mark and Irene Bernstein Haber.

Prior to Jerry's retirement, he worked at United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney & Sikorsky Aircraft as a Photographer/Audio Visual Marketing Technologist; and prior to UTC he worked at Channel 3 in Hartford, as a film editor and on air projectionist. Jerry created and was director of the 16mm Cinema Club at WTIC and entertained such film greats as Frederic March, Mel Torme, Dennis Morgan, Katherine Hepburn, Ruby Keeler, and many others. Jerry was a film historian who collected 16mm silent and black and white movies from the 20's through the 40's, posters, press books, magazines and film memorabilia.

Jerry was a member of the Syracuse Film Festival, The Motion Picture Association, and the Sons of the Desert (Laurel & Hardy Club).

Surviving family is his daughter Natalie Irene Haber of Bloomfield, CT, his brother Andrew Haber of Atlanta, GA, his dear friend Penny Broberg of Glouster, MA and his former wife and friend Grace Winnick Williams. He also leaves cousins, other relatives and dear friends. Jerry was predeceased by his son, Gary Stuart Haber of Sunnyvale, CA.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Temple Beth Torah Memorial Park, Jordan Lane Ext. off the Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. Memorial donations may be made to "Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary", P.O. Box 673 Bloomfield, CT 06002. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Hartford Courant on March 14, 2011 Back

Bill Hanson: Western's Public Radio and all of its listeners lost a dear friend today, April 4, 2000. Bill Hanson died on Tuesday at a Bowling Green hospital following a long illness.
   Although he was confined to the hospital, his popular nightly program, MOONLIGHT SERENADE, continued on tape to be a favorite with listeners throughout the region. Bill Hanson was indeed a broadcasting professional. His career began in 1951 as an NBC page in New York City. There he used his wonderful voice and the guidance of NBC professionals to develop his style.
  In his career, Bill worked in Boston, Massachusetts as the host of the American Airlines classic MUSIC THROUGH THE NIGHT. In the mid-1960's, he joined the staff of WTIC radio and television in Hartford, Connecticut. There he hosted numerous radio programs and served as a television news anchor. In the late 70's, Bill moved to the NBC television affiliate in the Hartford market as a news anchor. His career then led him to Washington, DC where he spent a number of years as an international program host for the Voice of America. He retired from VOA in 1990 and joined the WKYU-FM staff that August, bringing with him a style and voice that quickly earned him and his MOONLIGHT SERENADE a very special part of our service.
  In March of 1999, as he was celebrating his 72nd year, Bill decided to retire from fulltime announcing once more, but stayed on in a part-time capacity to produce and host MOONLIGHT SERENADE. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time, but we are sure you join all of our public broadcasting staff and our Western Kentucky University family in extending our most profound sympathy to Bill's wife, Shirley, his daughter Paula, sons Mark and Greg, and his family. Bill Hanson brought a very special something to not only Kentuckians, but listeners around the world. (From Dave Wilkinson) Back

William Haskell  COLEBROOK - (Published around 12/15/2022) William Haskell, of Pondwood Farm, passed away recently at age 89 at his home with his loved ones at his side.

William was born and raised in Bradford, Pa., and Stamford. He attended The Kent School (Kent, Conn.) and Mercersburg Academy (Pa.).

He earned his B.A. at Yale and his M.S. at the Columbia University School of Journalism. William took a leave of absence from Yale to serve three years with the Green Berets (77th Special Forces), U.S. Army Airborne.

William was a man of letters and loved reading, mostly nonfiction (he devoured The New York Times every single day and would regularly consult the Encyclopedia Brittanica). He loved words and writing and spent the majority of his journalism career writing for the Torrington Register, where he covered court proceedings and produced a popular weekly column Hill Country letter. Working at the Register allowed him to maintain a bucolic lifestyle at his large property, Pondwood Farm, in North Colebrook.

Before working at the Register, he worked for newspapers from New Zealand to Nantucket, with stints in broadcast news at WTIC in Hartford and in Manhattan for news units of CBS, NBC, ABC. He preferred print journalism and one of his favorite assignments was for Science magazine, who deployed him to Antarctica to cover a story.

His favorite pastime after retirement was cutting firewood and sitting on the terrace overlooking the pond where he could observe nature unfolding before his keen eyes.

William was a fan of wildlife and nature, and especially a fan of crows and ravens that he raised and cared for. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, and traveling the world.

William Haskell is survived by his loving partner, Marcia Evans, and his loving children, Anne and Ben Haskell, Ben’s wife Jill, and his four grandchildren Kate, Morgan, Adam and Laura.

A memorial service will be June 24 at the Church in the Wildwood, North Colebrook. Contact cowhaskies@gmail.com for information.

Donations are gratefully accepted at the nonprofit Aton Forest Inc., P.O. Box 509, Norfolk, CT 06098. Back

Herman Heinze: Mr. Herman D. Heinze of Wartburg, TN, formerly of West Hartford, passed away peacefully Friday, (November 18, 2005) in the Life Care Center of Morgan County. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jane Heinze; parents, Hildegard and Herbert Heinze. Survived by a brother, Bernhard Heinze of Ontario, Canada; a son, Austin and wife Elaine S. Cooley of Houston, TX; as well as his dear friends, Angela Brewster of Wartburg, Rhonda Biddle of Wartburg and Faye Deaderick of Lancing. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer's Association are greatly appreciated. Funeral services were held Friday, November 18, 4 p.m. at Schubert Funeral Home, Wartburg, TN with Rev. Clay Mulford officiating. You will be greatly missed, may he rest in peace.
Published in the Hartford Courant Back

Everett "Shorty Cook" Hinderer: Everett "Shorty Cook" Hinderer, 87, of Fort Wayne, owner/operator of Music Manor since 1959, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana.The Bremen native was founder/musician of Shorty Cook and The Downhomers. Surviving are his wife, Millie; a daughter, Karen Persen of Palm Springs, Calif.; stepdaughters Marilyn Daffron and Karen Sciriha, both of Taylor, Mich., and Barbara Jeffery of Fort Wayne; a son, Larry of Texarkana, Ark.; stepsons Robert Kirtley... Back

James Hopkins: James E. Hopkins, 92, of Granby, husband of the late Mildred (Wallace) Hopkins, died Friday, November 11, 2016 at Apple Rehab in Avon. He was born April 6, 1924 in Hartford, son of the late William F. and Ruth (Wisner) Hopkins. He served in the Navy during World War II, earning several medals, including four battle stars for his service aboard the USS Curtiss in the South Pacific. A graduate of Hamline University, he received his Bachelors Degree after completing his military service. In 1956 he married Millie and the couple subsequently moved to Simsbury, where they raised their four children. Jim and Millie were active members of the community, serving on numerous Town boards and commissions. For many years, Jim was a member of St. Mary's Church in Simsbury and, more recently, St. Therese Church in Granby. An advertising and public relations executive, Jim founded Hopkins & Associates in 1971 and operated the firm until his retirement. He loved the beach, especially the Connecticut shoreline. Having spent summers growing up at Point O' Woods, Jim continued to enjoy visiting there during his retirement, with his long-time companion, Phyllis MacMillan. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Hennig of West Simsbury; his sons Mark Hopkins of West Simsbury, Brett Hopkins and wife Teresa of Clearwater, FL and Craig Hopkins and wife Monica of Newton, NC; his grandchildren, Kyle Hennig of Simsbury, Kendra Potalivo and husband Mike of Philadelphia, PA, Kelsey Darch of Hoboken, NJ, Darcy Mauke and husband Chris of West Simsbury, Cori Hopkins of Essex, MA, Erin Hopkins of Unionville and Jamie Hopkins of Newport Richie, FL; his great grandchildren, Grace and Parker Mauke and Lily and Keira Hopkins as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, William and Richard, his wife Millie, his companion Phyllis MacMillan, his daughter-in-law Janice (Gilbert) Hopkins and his granddaughter Paige Katherine Hopkins. Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Monday, November 14th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 15th at St. Mary's Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. Back
Published in The Hartford Courant on Aug. 5, 2009

Dr. George Marvel Howe: Bill Clede said: Director of the old Traveler's Weather Service, George passed away February 12, 2003 of New London, New Hampshire at age 77. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carolyn Rogers Howe, in 1966. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet W. Howe of Wilmot, NH; daughter Sandra St. George of Anchorage AK; stepson W. Ward Nipper III of Chicago IL; stepdaughter Susan Nipper of San Diego CA; and sister Ruth Howe Chamberlain of Vero Beach FL.
  George and I once discussed doing a packaged ski show, features and ski reports which we'd sell to other stations for them to inject their own local host. Then Debra Kent started doing the same thing on TV.. George left Travelers before anything came to fruition. He moved to Michigan, as I recall, then we lost track of him until we saw his obit in the Hartford Courant on 2/14/03.  Back

Richard Huntley: Richard "Dick" Gordon Huntley, 89, of Wethersfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5th, 2014, with his family at his side. He was born on December 11th, 1924, in Boston to Ricarda (Christiansen) and Alfred V. Huntley Jr., grew up in Milton, MA, and went to Milton High School and Vermont Academy. He attended Dartmouth College and Brown University, from which he graduated with a BA degree in 1948. During World War II, he was on active service in the US Naval Reserve, then commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Salvager in 1946-47. Dick joined the staff of WBZ-TV Boston in 1949, where he directed some of the first telecasts of Boston Bruins games. He helped erect the first television broadcasting towers at WWOR-TV in Worcester, MA and at WCAX-TV in Burlington, VT. In 1957 he joined WTIC-TV (later WFSB) in Hartford, where he worked as Program Manager and Director of Production. In 1975, Dick formed his own company, Dick Huntley Video, and was one of the first independent producers to use the then-new mobile videotape cameras in the field. His producing work took him to far-flung places and he enjoyed shooting throughout Europe, South America and Asia. As a young man he was a member of the Sea Scouts and worked on Cape Cod, where he nurtured a passion for the ocean and all things nautical. Richard also loved the summers of his youth spent in Berlin, NH, exploring the White Mountains. With his family, he shared his passion for those special places and all outdoor activities, leading them on many hiking, skiing, and camping adventures throughout New England. An aficionado of sports cars, he competed in rally races in the 1950s and owned a variety of MGs, Porsches, and Renaults over the years. With his wife Sonia he enjoyed traveling throughout California, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and especially France. Richard shared his pleasure of knowledge freely and loved the Boston Red Sox, history, geography, polar exploration, literature, music, and games of all kinds. He taught English as a Second Language with the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford for 25 years, a cause close to his heart. He was a proud member of the Sons of Norway and traveled to Iceland to honor the reenactment of the Voyage of Long Ships. Richard is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sonia L. Huntley, his children, Dr. Richard Huntley, Jr. and his wife Joanne of Westport, Rebecca Huntley of East Hartland, Kristen Huntley of New York City, David Huntley and his wife Laura McGrath of Sudbury, MA, John Huntley and his wife Blakely of Southport, NC, and Mark Huntley of New York City, and their mother, Lynn (Davis) Huntley; his sister, Joan Rugani, of Marshfield, MA, and nine grandchildren, Matthew, Brett, Ryan, Peter, Megan, Olivia, Henry, Sadie, and Noah. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 19th at 11:00 am, with reception to follow, at the Wethersfield Historical Society's Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main St., Wethersfield, CT. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (http://lvgh.org/donate/). Back

Bernadine Janco: Bernadine B. Janco, 89, of South Windsor, beloved wife of the late Anthony S. Janco, Sr., passed away peacefully on February 21, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 10, 1929, in Eagle Lake, Maine; daughter of the late Bernard and Cecile (Pinette) O'Brien. Bernadine was a resident of South Windsor since 1970, and after retirement moved to Englewood, FL, eventually returning back to her home in South Windsor. She lived a beautiful life filled with love, cooking, sewing, quilting, bowling and dancing. She'd float on the dance floor, as if no one was watching, with a smile from ear to ear. Bernie put her amazing talents together with the Women's Club in Florida to fundraise for underprivileged children and often modeled at charitable events. Among many different occupations, Bernie secured a position with WTIC, in the traffic department, programming commercial air time for many years. Above all Bernie was completely devoted to her family, often the life of the gatherings at all holidays, especially the home built, with love, by the family on a lake in Washington, NH.She is survived by two children, Cheryl Mader of South Windsor and Anthony S. Janco, Jr., and his wife Kathryn of Hudson, NH; five grandchildren, Nicholas Mader and his wife Sarah of Broad Brook, Christopher Mader and his wife Catherine of Hebron, Jennifer Kirk and her husband Benjamin of Simsbury, Stephen Janco and his wife Kelly of Windham, NH, Kyle Janco of Nashua, NH; 12 great-grandchildren, Evan , Emelia, Damien, Isabella, Trevor, James, Ellie, Ethan, Everett, Ryan, Kate, and Noah, a brother Carroll Dubay of Dexter, ME and a sister Charlene Welch of Sudbury, MA. along with several nieces and nephews. Bernadine was predeceased by a son, Arthur E. LeBlanc, a sister-in law, Sharon Dubay, and a brother-in-law, Thomas Welch.Relatives and friends may join the family for visiting hours on Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Samsel and Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 673 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT. Burial will follow in East Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Bernadine's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. Bernadine's family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to the staff at Woodlake at Tolland for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided over the past four years. "There are four kinds of people in the world, those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver." Great job Woodlake caregivers! Please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online expressions of sympathy. Back
Published in The Hartford Courant on Mar. 11, 2019

Bruce Kern: The words below were read on the air shortly after the station learned of his death. Close family friends immortalized the words in calligraphy for his family. The words are reprinted below with the family’s permission.
  "Bruce Kern was and is part and parcel of the WTIC legend. It has been my good fortune to serve with WTIC since 1929 and, in all the years since,…no man or woman has joined our staff who served WTIC with greater dedication and integrity than Bruce Kern. He came with WTIC in 1936, and immediately his sense of perfection and courteous gentle manner impressed not only his associates, but all those we did business with. Advertisers vied with one another to have Bruce handle their commercials on the air. His God given manly voice—sonorous, resonant and honest—is now stilled, but all of you and all of us will long remember it and the man. His voice will always ring in our ears and help still the sorrow in our minds and hearts." (Leonard J. Patricelli)
  Robert Bruce Kern, a good friend. Bruce was an actor with the WTIC Playhouse (The Guy Hedlund Players) when I first met him in 1936. I had just joined WTIC as an announcer and Bruce became a member of the staff the following year, so our careers sort of developed together and we were always good friends. On the air, Bruce was a model of decorum. Off the air he was a warm and witty personality and his laugh was something to remember. He was an announcer of the old school, demanding perfection from himself. His deep, rich voice and his insistence on correct pronunciation and precise enunciation were known to all who heard him on Radio and TV newscasts, classical music broadcasts and other kinds of shows. He was another Milton Cross when he announced that the orchestra would’ now play Cavallaria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni.’ He was as impeccable in his appearance as he was in his speech—a ‘fun’ guy who was also as dignified as a judge or a member of parliament. In a work, Bruce Kern was a professional—all the way. His thousands of friends and fans are saddened by his passing; we’ll miss him. (Bob Steele)
  "In memory of Bruce Kern…known for his voice by his listeners…known for his heart by his friends. (William M. Savitt)  Back

Jean Tucker Kravsow: Jean Tucker Kravsow, of Bloomfield and Naples Florida, wife of the late Irving M. Kravsow, beloved sister and aunt died Monday December 15. She was born on July 10 in Worcester Massachusetts to the late Edward J. Tucker and Agnes Mara Tucker; Jean was a graduate of Classical High School and Clark University. Jean's life was filled with adventure and her career took her to many places, doing things that most women of her era never had the opportunity to do. While attending a dance with her sister at the Statler Hotel, in Boston, across the street from the Coconut Grove Nightclub fire on November 28, 1942 Jean was one of many individuals pressed into service that long and cold night by Boston Fire and Police personnel to help comfort and transport scores of victims of the inferno. She spent a winter skiing in Aspen and sailed on the Andrea Doria. Jean worked for several years as a journalist at the Worcester Telegram, the Manchester (NH) Union Leader, the Catholic Free Press, and the Springfield Republican before coming to Hartford in the early 1960's to join the Hartford Courant. During her years at the Courant, she covered stories in locations from Hartford to halfway around the world. She traveled to Pakistan in 1963 to report on First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's visit to that nation. Jean was the Courant's civil rights reporter throughout the 1960's, detailing those issues for her readers wherever the story took her. She reported from the March on Washington and in Selma, and the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and highlighted discrimination in housing and employment in Greater Hartford during those tumultuous years. In the early 1970's she joined Hartford's CBS affiliate, now known as WFSB, as a television news reporter. During her time there, she also worked as an anchor and as Editorial Director. Not content to sit around after she retired, Jean became a volunteer at the American School for the Deaf and a docent at the Wadsworth Athenaeum. In Naples, she volunteered by teaching English.
Jean is survived by her brothers Donald S. Tucker and his wife Marguerite of Wilmington Ma, Edward J. Tucker, Jr of Naples FL and Robert N. Tucker of Vernon, CT and her brother in law Philip Kravsow and his wife Midge and her sisters in law, Elaine Schultz and Frances Greenblatt. In addition, she is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister and brother in law Agnes and Paul McGrath and her sister in law Madeline Tucker and her brothers in law Morris Schultz and Edward Greenblatt.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 North Main Street in West Hartford on December 27 at 10:00. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. Her family will receive friends at the church, prior to the Mass from 9-10 am. Ladd Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home in Vernon has care of the arrangements. Please visit us at www.carmfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guest book. Back
- See more at: http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Jean-C.-Tucker-Kravsow/Bloomfield-CT/1462007#sthash.UkwoScK0.dpuf

Lew Krause: Llewellyn Peter Francis Krause, 61, died Dec. 5, 1997 after attending the WTIC Alumni Reunion in October. He began as an account executive for WTIC Radio in 1960, and moved to WTIC TV3 in 1968. He spent his last years working at Hopkins Advertising in New London. Back

Larry Kenfield: Lawrence F. Kenfield spent 40 years at WTIC Radio as supervisor of music. He retired in 1970. He attended the 1997 WTIC Alumni Reunion but asked Brian Hartnett to pick him up and take him home. He did not attend in 1999. He died October 26, 1999 at age 89 at Avery Heights in Hartford. Back

Paul Kuntz: Paul George Kuntz Sr., a veteran television and radio newsman, died Friday July 23, 1982 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford. Kuntz, 52, was Bloomfield's director of community relations at the time of his death. He had lived at 60 Sheffield Drive, Windsor. Born in Erie, Pa., Kuntz earned bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University before coming to Hartford in 1954 as radio and television news editor for WTICAM-FM TV. He became trews director in 1966 and, when the station was sold in 1974, became news director of WTIC AM-FM. Kuntz was hired by Bloomfield in 1978 after several community groups suggested the town hire a public relations representative to combat the community's poor image. His job was to promote all aspects of living in Bloomfield throughJ advertisements, brochures and press releases and to coordinate publicity for several town agencies. ''He did a super job," town Personnel Director Adele Wright said Friday. Kuntz is survived by his wife, the former Marie Westbrook; a son, Paul G. Kuntz Jr. of Windsor; five daughters, Lisa Kuntz, Amy Kuntz and Barbara Kuntz, all of Windsor, Catherine K. Jourdan of Windsor Locks and Nancy K. Ryan of Wayne, Pa.; a sister, Barbara Teubert ofErie, Pa., and one grandchild. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and. 7-9 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home, 6 Poquonock Ave., Windsor. The funeral mass will be said Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Church, Broad Street, Windsor, with burial at Veterans Memorial Cemeteryin Windsor. Back
Published in the Hartford Courant on July 24, 1982

John Carl LaBella: Memories 96.7 (KMEO) morning drive host John LaBella was killed Monday morning (March 4, 2002) in a freak accident on Interstate 30 in Dallas. A truck traveling westbound was in the middle lane of I-30 when part of a forklift assembly it was carrying caught the top of the Fort Worth Avenue Bridge, Dallas police Lt. John Branton said. The forklift assembly was ripped off and struck LaBella’s eastbound vehicle, killing him, Branton said.
  LaBella had been a morning drive radio fixture in Dallas/Fort Worth for more than 20 years. LaBella got his start at WWUH at the University of Hartford, then moved across town where he hosted a morning music show at WTIC FM from the mid-1980s to 1991 and had worked at several Dallas-area stations before joining KMEO when that station went on the air in 1998. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
  "The load was taller than the bridge," said Kenneth Shirley, assistant area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation. "We’ve got signs on the bridge and on the road giving fair warning. He (the truck driver) didn’t follow the advisory."  Back

Ruth H. Latamore: The co-creator and producer of "What in the World,"  passed away at age 90 on December 5, 2002 at her home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. A long-time Newington resident, her travel quiz show ran on WTIC-TV3,  holding its prime-time slot and same sponsors, the electric companies of New England, for its entire 20 year run. Ruth is survived by her nephew George B. Latamore of Springfield, Virginia and grand-nephew Andrew B. Latamore of Keene, New Hampshire. Back

Jack Lenhoff: John Carey (Jack) Lennhoff died Sunday, (June 6, 2010). The son of Moses J. and Ellen Carey Lennhoff, he was born on Nov. 5, 1925. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles, and sister, Helen Lennhoff King. He attended St. Joseph Cathedral School and Hartford Public High School, class of 1943. He was further educated at the College of the Holy Cross, entering in 1946, aided by the recommendation of fellow alumnus Thomas J. Quirk, his high school principal. He graduated in 1950. Jack was introduced to broadcasting by his parents, although at the time, no one suspected the then 4 year old singer would spend the better part of his life in various capacities in radio and television. After several years as a performer with the "Daddy Couch Young Folks Program" on WDRC until his voice changed, Jack became the youngest announcer the country at WDRC. In 1943, he joined the US Army and served as a gunnery instructor until discharged in 1946, just in time to enter college where his extracurricular work included the campus radio station, part-time work at WAAB, Worcester, and summer stints at WLCR, Torrington. On a gorgeous February 20, 1954, his life began anew when he married Jeanne Catherine Danaher at the Cathedral of St. Joseph where they were both baptized and confirmed. They became and remain best friends and together they raised and nurtured Ellen Lennhoff Sears of Amesbury, MA, John Danaher Lennhoff and his wife Nancy, and Michael Christopher Lennhoff and his wife Heidi, whom have rewarded them with six glorious grandchildren, Amy Munankarmi of Boston, Christopher Michael Lennhoff, Kevin William Lennhoff and Allyson Carey Lennhoff of Fairfield, and Forrest James Lennhoff and Ethan Stone Lennhoff of N. Andover, MA. He returned to the army during the Korean War serving as a writer-producer in the Psychological Warfare Section at Radio Tokyo. After discharge he wrote motion picture scripts for Aetna Life & Casualty for a time and joined WTIC AM FM TV until he was given the opportunity to join what is now Connecticut Public Broadcasting. He started as Director of Development before the first station was on the air and later became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until his retirement. Jack had a difficult time adjusting to inactivity and a few weeks later joined Imagineers, the leading property management company in Connecticut where his financial experience has been put to good use. After leaving WTIC, Jack maintained his membership in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild doing commercial and voice over work as well as occasional appearances on syndicated TV shows. For more than 25 years he wrote a broadcast review column under the pseudonym John Clare for the Catholic Transcript, a weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Hartford. He was an adjunct instructor in communications for the University of Hartford until 1986. He has been active in his churches as a CCD teacher and lector at St. Justin, Hartford, and St. Peter Claver, West Hartford, serving on the parish council including one term as chairman. In 2000, he was recognized by the Boston Chapter, National Association of Television Arts and Sciences with a Silver Circle Award for more than 25 years of service in the profession. Jack will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends who are blessed to have known and loved him. Friends are invited to join Jack's family at the celebration of his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday June 9th at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter Claver 47 Pleasant St. West Hartford. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours are TODAY from 4-7 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford, CT. Donations in his memory may be made to St. Francis Hospital ICU, 114 Woodland St. Hartford, CT 06105. Online remembrances may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com
Published in The Hartford Courant on June 8, 2010

Roberta "Babs" Liverant: Babs Liverant, Oriental rug and knitting instructor and administrative assistant, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on May 2, 1934, in Norwich and was a daughter of the late Pauline (Rader) Russell and Robert Russell. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Robyn Liverant Marquis and Roger Marquis of New York City and her granddaughter Paige Marquis. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Russell of Mexico City, and sister, Sandy Gartin of New York City, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. She lived in Glastonbury since 1970. Babs attended Mitchell College and UCONN. Her early career began as a secretary at WMAQ-TV in Chicago and lead to work at NBC-TV in New York where she was the executive secretary to Jack Paar, the host of the "Tonight Show," among other positions. She was an office manager at WPOP-AM and the manager of the Radio Traffic Department at WTIC-AM in Hartford. A talented craftswoman, she learned to make Oriental rugs and exhibited at fine arts and crafts shows in Connecticut since 1983 and at the annual Hartford Flower Show while teaching classes statewide. In the 1990s, she was the administrative assistant at two Glastonbury-based financial planning offices and since 2002, she held that position at HARC's Birth to Three Program. She loved organizing Broadway theater trips, attending Whalers games, watching UCONN basketball and tending her garden. Her greatest joy came from helping others and in watching her beloved Paige grow. A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2019, at The Glastonbury Boathouse, 252 Welles St., Glastonbury, CT, with Rabbi Marci Bellows officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends immediately following the service until 4:00 p.m. In Babs's memory her family requests that an act of kindness be done in her honor or a donation be made to the . Arrangements were entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. To sign the guest book for Babs, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

From Bill Hennessey: People may not have known, but Babs was a secretary to Jack Paar before she married and moved to Connecticut.  At 'TIC, she managed the Radio Traffice Department along with the late Annie McAfee, and they were both a constant source of fun and laughter. 

Babs husband, Phil Liverant, ran a nationally-famous antique business in Colchester (which may still be in operation, although Phil died many years ago).  Babs was a close friend of Gayle King and provided school transportation rfor Gayle's kids when they lived in Glastonbury. 

Babs was also a frequent attendee at 'TIC Reunions at The Officers' Club, but contact has been lost since then.  She was short, cute, and bright.  A very nice gal. Back
Published in The Hartford Courant on July 24, 2019

Joseph A. Lorrain: Passed Away Oct. 29, 1991. According to Bill Hennessey: "Joe Lorrain owned/operated a TV repair business in Hartford prior to joining WTIC at-or-around the launch of TV/3.  He was one of the "founding fathers" of the new crew of technicians who ran TV broadcast operations; a quiet, efficient, capable guy who could fix anything.  I had the pleasure of knowing him from my pre-Travelers days and can attest to his employment and abilities. " Back

Barbara (Cope) Lounder: Barbara (Cope) Lounder, 78, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010. She was the daughter of the late John C. and Aloise (Fries) Cope.

Barbara had been employed by Imo Industries where she was a secretary in the Purchasing Department. She was a member of AARP where she organized trips; she was a member of the Berlin Senior Center, a member of Saint Paul Church and an active participant in the Ladies Guild and served the church as a counter and as a member of the church choir.

She is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Meighan and her husband, Patrick, of Hudson, N.H.; a son, David B. Lounder of Kensington, Conn..; two sisters, Mary Cutler and her husband, Myron, of Bristol, Conn., Susanna Melanson and her husband, Richard, of Bristol; one grandchild Richard Meighan of N.H. and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to call Tuesday, April 20, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Kensington.

Services will be Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Paul Church, Alling Street, Kensington.

Burial in South Kensington Burial Grounds will follow.Back

Paul E. Lucas: "Paul E. Lucas, 73; Was Radio "Uncle Ezra"

New Britain, Conn. (UPI) - A funeral will be held Friday for Paul E. Lucas, Sr., 72, widely known by WTIC radio listeners years ago.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, Lucas lived in New Britain since 1934. For 45 years he was a radio announcer and public relations executive for WTIC, retiring in 1969.
He died Wednesday in a convalescent home at age 72.
One of Lucas' radio names was "Uncle Ezra". He also was the New England Voice editor of the Wrightville Clarion Show, which was presented in three segments     over WPIX, New York, in 1953.
Another of his roles was that of Seth Parker, in "Seth Parker Singing School" in 1929 and 1930.

(Preceding transcribed from poorly legible newspaper article). Back

Don MacGovern:  James Donald MacGovern, 85, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Patricia H. MacGovern, passed away after a short illness on April 17th. Born in Hartford on March 4, 1925, he was the son of John Donald and Edith T. MacGovern. He graduated from Enfield High School, proudly served his country during World War II in the US Army and graduated from UCONN upon his return. Don worked for several years at WTIC Radio before retiring as General Sales Manager in 1977. He was an avid sports fan who followed all Wethersfield High School and UCONN sports along with his beloved NY Giants and NY Yankees. Don was predeceased by his daughter Sally M. Cormier, his sister Elinor Burney and her husband Don. Don leaves behind his daughter Susan L. MacGovern, his son Craig D. MacGovern and his wife Lisa, his brother Warren MacGovern and his wife Joyce, and his son-in-law Ron Cormier. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Dawn Wind and her husband Kevin, Chris Cormier and his wife Maria, Tim Beebe and John and James MacGovern. In addition he leaves great grandchildren Andrew, Cody and Devon Smith, KJ Wind and Corrina and Arianna Uliano as well as a loving family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also miss his special breakfast friends: Brother Bud, Mill Mason and Cephas Gagne. Special thanks to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center along with Dr. Timothy Hong and his nurse Donna. Thanks also to all the nurses and caregivers at the Salmon Brook Center and the Masonicare Hospice. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9-10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Village Cemetery in Old Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society , P.O. Box 5025, Wallingford, CT 06492-7525. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com Back
Published in The Hartford Courant on April 27, 2010

Kathryn "Kay" (Dimlow) Mahony: Kathryn "Kay" (Dimlow) Mahoney, age 95, of Manchester, loving wife for 61 years to Frederick L. Mahoney, died Monday, Oct. 13, 2014, at a local convalescent home.

Kay was born in Broad Brook on Aug. 31, 1919, daughter of Edward J. and Mae (Bresnahan) Dimlow, and had resided in Manchester since 1955. She was a graduate of the former Ellsworth Memorial High School in South Windsor and the former McKeown Secretarial School in Hartford. Prior to retiring in 1984, she was employed in the executive department at the Travelers Insurance Company for 20 years. Previously she had been employed at WTIC Radio and WTIC Channel 3 for more than 20 years.

Kay was a member of MCCOAA (Manchester Community College Older Adults Association), Irish-American Club, and Traveler's Retiree's Club, and was a communicant of St. Bridget Church. She had been a member of the Junior Women's Club and the League of Women Voters of Hartford, and served as an air raid warden during World War II.

Besides her husband she is survived by several nieces and nephews. Kay was predeceased by two brothers, Edward J. Dimlow and Sgt. Gordon Dimlow who was killed during World War II; and her lifelong friends, Evelyn Foley, Barbara Daly, and Anne Crowley.

A memorial Mass of resurrection will be celebrated Monday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Bridget School Fund, 74 Main St., Manchester, CT 06042.

Holmes Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Published in Journal Inquirer from Oct. 16 to Oct. 20, 2014 Back

Article in the Hartford Courant 11/28/2014

Bill Mammen: William Harry "Bill" Mammen, 66, died peacefully on December 5, 2013. He was born on September 7, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Dr. Harold W. and Marie (Apostle) Mammen. He graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University, where he was awarded a golf scholarship. For many years, Bill was employed by The Travelers Weather Service and WTIC in Hartford, Connecticut, first as a meteorologist, both on the radio and on television, and later as a computer programmer. In Indianapolis, he had worked as a senior programmer in the Marketing Division at Redcats USA. Bill had many gifts and skills, and loved to play golf, tennis and chess. At age 16, he won the New Jersey Public Golf Organization Junior Championship. He was a life member of the United States Chess Federation, and competed in numerous chess tournaments over a span of 40 years. Bill was proud to have a recent game published in Chess Life Magazine. He had a lifelong interest in meteorology and weather phenomena. Bill also had an interest and expertise in United States coins. Bill was witty, intelligent and thoughtful, and he will be deeply missed. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Pamela (Brown) Mammen; by his children Jeffrey Mammen and wife Kristin, of Westford, Massachusetts, Jennifer Centrone and husband Jeffrey, of Collinsville, Connecticut, Joy Hampton of Moyock, North Carolina, and son Jeremy Mammen of Beech Grove, Indiana; by his stepchildren Miranda (Brown) Smith and husband James of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Quinton Brown and Sawyer Brown, both of Greenwood, Indiana; by his grandchildren, Claire Mammen, Derek Centrone and Cole Hampton; by his siblings, Charles H. Mammen of Beverly, Massachusetts, Dorothy L. Mammen of Middlebury, Vermont, and Elizabeth M. (Betty) Thomas, of Houston, Texas; and by his nieces and nephews, Jason Mammen, Eric Mammen, Sage Trombulak, Ian Trombulak, and J ames Thomas. A private family service was held on Saturday, December 7, 2013. An additional memorial service will be held in Massachusetts in June, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Little Red Door Cancer Agency, 1801 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 8, 2013. Back

Bill Marks: William R. Marks, Jr. 88, of St. Augustine FL, died September 18, 2001. He had served WTIC Radio production department for 32 years before he retired. A long time amateur radio operator, Bill had the call signs W1DEF then W1AP. He enjoyed playing the concert tuba and, in Florida, spent 13 years with the "Recycles", an orchestra of older musicians who entertained children and adults. Bill and his wife, Irene, were married for 63 years. Back

Art Masthay: Arthur Masthay, 85, of Avon, beloved husband of Donna (Mohr) Masthay, died Wednesday, (April 17, 2013). Born and raised in Southington, son of the late Arthur and Anna (Bartusewicz) Masthay, he graduated from the former Lewis High School Class of 1945. He then served in the US Navy both in WW II and The Korean War. Arthur was an electronic engineer who was employed by Channel 3, WFSB for 38 years, before retiring in 1995. He was a ham radio operator with the call sign W1 IUZ. Besides his wife Donna, he leaves three sons, Dr. Robert Masthay and his wife Connie of Arvada, CO, Alan Masthay of Avon and Brian Masthay and his wife Melissa of Broadbrook; and a daughter, Joyce Lange and her husband John of Granby; a brother, Carl Masthay of St. Louis, MO; a sister, Shirley Norrie of Old Saybrook; and five grandchildren, Morgan Petrelli, Ethan Lange, Molly, Jamie, and Allison Masthay. He was predeceased by a brother, Edward Masthay and a sister, Dorothy Bishop. His family will receive friends Sunday, April 21, 3-6 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. A funeral service will be held Monday, April 22, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home, Avon followed by burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. Back

Robert Maxwell: Robert Maxwell, 90, a harpist and a Local 802 member since 1938, died last Feb. 7, 2012. Born Max Rosen, he and his two brothers, Abe Rosen (1916-2007) and Myor Rosen (1917-2009), all played the harp professionally. Mr. Maxwell was born in New York City. Neither of his parents had been involved in music, but at age 10 he began playing the harp. In high school, he won a scholarship to Juilliard. At age 17, he became the youngest member of the National Symphony Orchestra. He also gave solo performances in both New York and Los Angeles. Among the conductors he performed under were Arturo Toscanini and Serge Koussevitsky. During World War II, Mr. Maxwell enlisted and performed in the well-known Coast Guard band led by Rudy Vall�e, giving him the opportunity to play harp in a popular music context. Later, Mr. Maxwell entered a contest on radio station KFI in Los Angeles, failing to make the finals but winning second prize. This led to many appearances on radio, television, and in the movies, including one summer as replacement for Frank Sinatra on the CBS network.  Mr. Maxwell was also a composer. “Little Dipper,” “Ebb Tide” and “Shangri-La” were three of his better-known pieces. Another of his songs, “Solfeggio,” performed by Mr. Maxwell’s orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers, gained unexpected fame as the theme for Ernie Kovacs’ regular comedy skit called “The Nairobi Trio.” Mr. Maxwell is survived by his wife June, daughter Carla, and grandchildren Vanessa and Omar Guerrero. Back
-Obituary Courtesy of Associated Musicians of Greater New York

Daniel McAuliffe: Daniel G. McAuliffe passed away on December 25th, 2023. He was born on February 11, 1933, in Lawrence, Massachusetts to John McAuliffe and Margaret (Mullen) McAuliffe. He was predeceased by his siblings, John, Claire, and Marlen. He met and married his high school sweetheart Wynne Harkins, and they were married for forty years until her passing in 1994. Dan was also predeceased by his second wife Jane Zaccaro.

Dan had a very full life filled with family, friends, and a career that he loved. He was always interested in entertainment, and he graduated from Boston University with a degree in television in 1954. He was in the inaugural class receiving a degree in television at that time. He went into the Army directly from college and was in the Army Signal Corps providing media information to the troops. He and Wynne moved to Farmington Connecticut where he went to work for the new Channel 3 WTIC television station. Dan was a television director and producer at WTIC for 16 years directing local programming from children's shows to news programming. He earned his master's degree from the University of Connecticut in 1972 and began working in a new position for the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut Community Colleges as the Director of Instructional Television and Distance Learning. He loved being on the cutting edge of technology and media and he saw the great possibilities of how media could be used in education. One of the projects he was most proud of was being instrumental in forging a relationship with public television and broadcasting UCONN Women's Basketball on TV. In the early days before SNY, The UCONN women were televised on Channel 24, Public TV and he saw the possibilities of how broadcasting their games would change their future.

Dan was an avid Red Sox fan, Patriot fan, and most especially UCONN Basketball fan. He could be found wearing logo clothing for his teams pretty much all the time. He enjoyed going up to Fenway Park and was still attending games well into his eighties. Dan divided his time between his homes in Venice, Florida and Farmington Connecticut.

Dan leaves behind his three children; Sheilah (James) McConnell of West Simsbury, CT, Kym Gill (Gerry Witkoski) of North Port, Florida, and Daniel Scott McAuliffe of North Port, Florida. He also leaves his legacy to his beloved grandchildren: Tonya Zownir of Bristol CT., Keith McConnell of Simsbury CT., Victoria (Tori) Gill of Collinsville CT, Christine Cesaro of Avon CT, and Geoffrey (Jake) Gill of Bristol CT. He was a great grandfather to Makenzie, Dylan, Cameron, Caroline, Hudson, Reid, and Milo. Dan was the patriarch of a large extended family that he kept in touch with. He took great pride in keeping up with the lives of his cherished nieces and nephews. He was "Uncle Dan" to Debbie Thom, Dana Thom, Mike McAuliffe, Chris McAuliffe, Lisa Morrow, Mark Morrow, and Victoria (Vicky) Morrow.

Dan loved people and always had a positive outlook on life. He could find the good in everything. He had endless energy and in his later years, it took all three of his adult children as well as other family members to keep up with him and keep him out of trouble. He had a great sense of humor and was a great storyteller about his life whether it was about summers at the beach with his family and cousins, his days in the Army, or all the fun he had with our family. He was always present in our lives and our biggest cheerleader.

Services for Dan will be private. The family will host a celebration of his life this summer in Connecticut. If you wish to donate in his memory, you may do so by logging on or sending to The Unionville Museum Legacy Fund 15 School Street, Unionville, CT. 06085 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 3815.

Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 28, 2023. Back

Joseph P. McGuinness: Joseph P. McGuinness, 76, of West Hartford, the husband of Anne (Clark) McGuinness, died Wednesday, (June 8, 2005) at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born in New Haven, the son of the late Samuel and Elizabeth (O'Rourke) McGuinness, he had made his home in West Hartford the past 38 years. Joe was a graduate of St. Peter's Grammar School, James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, where he excelled on the baseball field, and the University of Connecticut, playing baseball and football. He also served as president of Beta Sigma Gamma fraternity at UCONN. He was a Marine Corps veteran. Mr. McGuinness was in his 45th year of employment with WTIC Radio, working as an advertising account executive. He was active in his community and his church. He was a past state president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, former chairman of the West Hartford 3rd District Republican Party, a longtime member of the West Hartford Board of Assessors, the West Hartford Republican Town Committee, the CT Veterans Memorial Committee in West Hartford, and the UCONN Alumni Association. Joe was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and served as a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Along with his wife, he is survived by his three children and their families, Paul McGuinness and his wife, Andrea of Holyoke, MA and their children, Emily, Megan, and Kara; Theresa (McGuinness) Hollon, her husband, Jack and their children, Jane and Bridget, and Peter McGuinness and his wife, Joan Levinstein of New York City, NY. Calling hours are Friday from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. The funeral will be Saturday, June 11 beginning with the celebration of his Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, and followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Donations in his memory may be made to New Hope Manor, 48 Hartford Rd., Manchester, CT 06040. Online remembrances and messages of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com. Back
Courtesy of the www.courant.com June 9, 2005

Bill Mill: William (Bill) Mill of Vineyard Haven, MA, pre-deceased by his beloved wife Muriel (Sue), died October 31st (2015) at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital surrounded by his family. Thanks are due to Father Nagle and the staff of Martha's Vineyard Hospital for the comfort they provided him.

A resident of the island for the last seventeen years, he greatly enjoyed his retirement in Vineyard Haven and membership in the Scottish Society, and gave back by serving on the Martha's Vineyard Airport Commission, among other volunteer positions.

He was a U.S. Army veteran (2nd Lieutenant, 82nd Airborne), paratroop and weapons instructor, race car builder and driver, airplane pilot, accomplished storyteller and practical joker, and loving father of six.

He began his working career as a news reporter, bridging the historical transition from radio to black-and-white video to the invention of color TV. Serving simultaneously as his own cameraman, photographer, reporter, and anchor on evening broadcasts, he became a fixture on the Connecticut news scene from Channel 30 to Channel 3 (WTIC, later WFSB). Bill was the only Connecticut reporter to be requested by Malcolm X for an exclusive interview. He later served Governor Ella Grasso, becoming her director of communications for several state agencies. Governors Meskill and O'Neill, Senator Abraham Ribicoff, and numerous other state and national politicians considered him a personal friend.

A lifelong train enthusiast who built his own extraordinarily detailed model railroads, he volunteered his editorial services for many years to "Railroadiana Express" magazine and earned a national reputation as an authority on all aspects of the field, particularly silver and china.

He leaves behind six children, Susan and Robert Mill of Vineyard Haven, William Mill and his wife Cheryl of Middletown, CT, Robin Stufano and her husband Vincent of Chesterfield, VA, Deborah Mill of Old Saybrook, CT, and Donald Mill and his wife Wendy of Old Saybrook, CT, along with eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who cherish the memories of every moment he shared with them. He also sadly leaves a dog Duncan, who is likewise heartbroken. Back

Ross Miller: A voice familiar to radio listeners for nearly 50 years was stilled on June 6, 1996. A broadcast pioneer, Ross was a member of the Catholic Actors Guild, an officer of the American Federation of Radio  and Television Artists, and a member of the Screen Actors Guide. After joining the station as an announcer in 1943, he retired in 1993 as Vice President of WTIC AM 1080. Ross, the Musical Boss, as a loyal listener dubbed him, brought many innovations to the station. He hosted the Capital Region Conference of Churches weekly broadcast, The Aging Process", and introduced the weekly Sabbath Message. Back

Jan Miner: Jan Miner played Madge the Manicurist in an age of blissful, new-and-improved consumer disbelief. Madge came about in a time when Madison Avenue conspired to fool diners at fine restaurants by having their coffee secretly replaced by Folgers, to make Mother Nature think margarine was butter, and to surreptitiously dunk women's hands in Palmolive dish soap.

"You're soaking in it" was Madge's trademark line, first uttered in a television commercial in 1966. Miner played Madge until 1992, outlasting even the original Colgate-Palmolive contract with the Ted Bates advertising agency that created her.

Miner, who died Sunday (02/15/2004) in Bethel, Conn., at age 86, enjoyed a long career as a serious stage and film actress, but she never played down or tried to escape her Madgeness.

She recognized and enjoyed the permanent spot Madge reserved for her in TV pop-cultdom, in addition to the royalty payments. She was one of those few Americans who make the ultimate sacrifice of likeness and personality to become unforgettable commercial mascots; consequently she would never walk through an airport again without hearing "You're soaking in it." (International airports, too: To Germans, Madge was called Tilly. The French knew her as Francoise. Miner read Madge's lines phonetically in different languages.)

Madge also made for excellent and lasting camp: Gay men of three decades have especially enjoyed telling one another, Madgelike, just how much "you're soaking in it," whether "it" was a metaphor for something emotional, political, fashionable or simply circumstantial. It's a gentle reminder that things aren't quite what they seem, Miss Thing. It's comeuppance. It's surprise. You think you're above all that, but you're soaking in it. Madge knows.

According to a Web site called TV Acres, which devotes itself to such trivia, the talkative, fictional Madge worked in "Salon East Beauty Parlor," where she put her lady customers' hands in a shallow bowl secretly filled with green, sudsy Palmolive. As Madge prattled on about how "Palmolive softens hands while you do dishes," the customer would predictably express doubt, and therefore had to be told:

"You're soaking in it."

Sometimes they'd gasp and start to pull their hands out, and Madge would coax them back in, saying relax, relax. You'd been punk'd by Madge, tricked into having such soft hands.

Repeat shtick for 26 more years, off and on. No one can explain why this commercial worked for so long, or to what degree anyone loved Madge. (More than Rosie? Less than Mr. Whipple?) She transmitted some of the sassy broad feel of her era -- Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, Jo Anne Worley, the strong women wisecrackers of sketch comedy and cocktail parties. But we never got to hear the rest of her gossip and knowledge. What else did Madge have to tell us?

Miner studied under Lee Strasberg and did repeat seasons of Shakespeare festivals. She played Gertrude Stein on stage in the 1980s, and into her old age was still working (among her last credits is an episode of "Law & Order" in 1994).

But Miner would always be Madge. Audiences attending plays in which she was cast would gasp -- "Madge!" -- when she walked on stage. A&W root beer once persuaded her in 1991 to moonlight as Madge for an ironic ad campaign that had her soaking her hand in a mug of root beer. She was a soaker, soaking in it on cue. She told the Boston Globe in 1987 that she was lucky to have been Madge, that landing a role in a commercial is like a "present from heaven for actors. Did you know that only 10 percent of all actors earn over $10,000 a year?"

As Madge, Miner was set for life. One line, one little commercial job, turning into something people would always remember, yelling "Hey, Madge," wherever she'd go. Waving at her with their dry, flaky hands.
By Hank Stuever
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 18, 2004; Page C01 Back

Fran Mulcahy:  Mulcahy, Frances L., 98, of Harwichport, passed away on June 28, 2015. Frances was born, raised and educated in Hartford, CT by her dear parents the late James and Harriet Louise (Rollo) Mulcahy. Frances graduated from St. Joseph College, W. Hartford, CT in 1937 and went on to work for over 40 years for Travelers radio and television stations in Hartford. She was also the corporate secretary of WTIC, AM/FM/TV and the Ten Eighty Corporation. Always eagerly learning and enjoying her passion in broadcasting. In 1980, Frances retired and moved to Harwichport and became a devout member of Holy Trinity Church, W. Harwich. She is pre-deceased by her sister Mary H. Mulcahy.

A Funeral Mass in Frances' honor will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Holy Trinity Church, 246 Main Street, W. Harwich at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow on Monday, July 6, 2015 at St. Mary's Cemetery in East Hartford, CT. Back

Bruce Murray: Donald Bruce Murray, Jr., 84, of Burlington, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 1st, 2021. Born January 16th, 1937 in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Donald Bruce and Charlotte (Jarvis) Murray, Sr. Bruce attended Colby College before enlisting in the United States Navy. Prior to retiring, he was a Photography Editor for WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford for many years. He worked on the PM Magazine, the news, entertainment show and shot many local features. Bruce enjoyed reading about trains as well as riding them, classical music, traveling, outdoor activities and most of all, he loved photography. He also greatly enjoyed "cousins" weekends in New Hampshire. Bruce is survived by his cousins and many friends. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bruce's memory may be made to Channel 3 Kids Camp, 73 Times Farm Road, Andover, CT 06232. Arrangements are being handled by

The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
180 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT
www.ahernfuneralhome.com. Back

Steve Myers: Was Chief Engineer in charge of studio construction at Grove Street.  Back

Lou Palmer (Puma)

ESPN Commentary

Meet the Cardinals' Spring Training Official Scorer (Video)

WTIC Alumni Memories of Lou

                    Lou & Arnold Broadcasting a UCONN Basketball Game

Louis Puma, age 83, entered into eternal heavenly rest on Friday, October 18, 2019.  He was born on November 5, 1935 in Newark, NJ to Luigi and Tina (Pastena) Puma.  He attended Barringer High School (Class of 1953) in Newark and Seton Hall University (Class of 1957) in South Orange, NJ.  After two seasons playing minor league baseball for the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox organizations, he began his career in broadcasting and raising his family.  On September 28, 1958, he married Angela Avallone.  Together they had four children.  When he went to work for WTIC Radio and TV in Hartford, CT in 1967, he was given the air name Lou Palmer.  Before that he began his career as a radio announcer for two small radio stations in Nebraska.  In his last year of playing professional baseball, the White Sox organization wanted to send him from the Class C Northern League to the Class D Nebraska State League.  Instead of accepting the demotion, he asked for his release.  So when he had his first job offer in radio come up in Hastings, Nebraska he thought it was fate that he should go back there afterall.  He only stayed there for one year and then came back to work for WJLK in Asbury Park, NJ for eight years.  Lou uprooted his family again to Connecticut to take the job at WTIC, where he handled a variety of duties including his own show where he played music from the era of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, to play-by-play of the University of Connecticut basketball and football games, to morning sports reporter on the famous and long running Bob Steele Show.  Lou would get the biggest break of his career when he left WTIC in 1978 to go to work for ESPN, an all-sports network which at the time was an unknown, start up company that planned on going on the air the following year to a national audience.   Lou was hired by ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen as the first sportscaster for the network.  Bill was confident that Lou’s knowledge of sports and experience in the business would help build the network into prominence.  From 1979-1985, Lou co-hosted the network’s signature show called Sportscenter, which still runs today.  He would also be assigned to cover numerous  sporting events throughout those same years; mostly in baseball and golf, but all sports.  He was also one of the driving forces behind the network’s original baseball show, Inside Baseball, a pre-cursor to its currently long running program, Baseball Tonight.  Lou moved his family to Wellington, FL in 1986, a place he loved right from the beginning.  He began his career in free lance broadcasting.  That same year, he would commute on weekends to host a show on WFAN in New York, the nation’s first all sports radio station.  Among many other ventures, Lou did play-by-play of the University of Miami baseball games, a weekly Florida Marlins highlight show for the Sunshine Network, many golf tournaments for various networks, and the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.  From 1998-2019, Lou was the official scorer for the St.Louis Cardinals during Spring Training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, FL.  During that same period, he was the P.A. Announcer for Florida State League games at the same ballpark.  He formed a long standing 3-man team behind the microphone that included long time friends and local legends John Frost and the late Dick Sanford.  Lou would start up an amateur baseball league called the NABA in 1992, which he ran until 2018.  He poured everything he had into this league and was so proud to provide an outlet for so many baseball fans like him to be able to participate in the game they loved.  His family was always the most import thing in his life.  But to those who knew Lou, it was not difficult to know that his biggest passion was the game of baseball.  He once said that Babe Ruth was right in Ruth’s famous speech at Yankee Stadium in saying that baseball was the only “real” game.  But baseball was just one of the many passions he had in life.  Although too many to mention, he always loved vacations at the Jersey Shore, particularly Seaside Heights and Wildwood.  A devout Catholic and a man of great faith, God was always the centerpiece of everything he stood for.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Angie; daughter Valerie Beaulieu (and her husband Dan) of Wellington, FL; son Lou Puma (and his wife Robin) of Greenacres, FL;  daughter Patty Conrad of Delray Beach, FL.  Lou was preceded in death by his daughter Linda.  He also leaves five grandchildren; Louis Puma (of Greenacres, FL), Amy Puma (of Greenacres, FL), Danny Beaulieu (and his wife Jordan) of Wellington, FL; Steven Beaulieu (and his wife Robyn) of Fort Worth, TX); and Kristina Conrad (of Smyrna, TN), five great grand children; Caleb Beaulieu (of Wellington, FL), Silas Beaulieu (of Wellington, FL), Oliver Beaulieu (of Fort Worth, TX), Juneau Beaulieu (Fort Worth, TX) and Aria Workman (of Smyrna, TN).   He was preceded in death by two brothers (Joseph and Anthony). He leaves a sister Johanna Gonzalez (of Toms River, NJ), and many in laws, nieces, and nephews.  Funeral services will be private.        Back

Leonard Patricelli:  Click here for Obit

David Patterson: David was born on November 9, 1948 and passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2013. David was a resident of Southington, Connecticut at the time of passing. David was married to Christine. Back

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday October 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St., Southington. Burial will follow in South End Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held on Sunday October 13, 2013 from 2 ' 5 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Back

Norm Peters (Polman): Norman Polman, 84 years of age, who was professionally known as Norm Peters, originally of Hartford CT, passed away Wednesday, April 9, after a sudden stroke this past weekend. He was a long time resident of Newington Connecticut and more recently resided in the summer in West Hartford, CT and as a winter residence in Delray Beach, Fla. Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Samuel H. and Ida (Laschever) Polman. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, where he was stationed in Sapporo, Japan and then graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Communication and Broadcasting.

His professional journey began with his dream for broadcasting and achieved a successful long career working for approximately twelve years at WTIC AM-FM-TV / WFSB-TV Channel 3 in Hartford, CT and for six years at WWLP-TV Channel 22 in Springfield, MA. His responsibilities at times included the producing, writing and reporting of newscasts, in addition to being a television news anchorman. His extensive background spanned a period of more than thirty years. In addition to his broadcasting background, he was a consultant in the audio/visual field, having written, produced and narrated for recording studios and clients in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 1985 he was appointed Public Information Officer for the Adjutant General of the CT Army National Guard and then at the CT Motor Vehicle Department before retiring in 1994. He also donated his personal time to the development of the Newington Community Television Public Access Channel for Cable TV.

Norman was a member of Temple Sinai of Newington, the Mended Hearts Organization, the West Hartford Regents and formerly of CRIS Radio. He was a passionate supporter of UCONN Basketball, both the Men's and Women's teams & the Boston Red Sox.

He leaves his wife, Zelda (Goldfarb) Polman of 12 Years, and was predeceased by his first wife, Marlene (Koppel) Polman of 46 years. He is survived by his two children, Robert Polman and his wife Linda of Kensington, CT and Larry Polman and his wife Barb of Aurora, CO as well as his 3 grandchildren, Ian, Jared and Kayla Polman as well as his step children, Jay, Eliot, and Donna Gershman, his brother, Ronald Polman and his wife Janet of Sarasota, FL, and is predeceased by his sister Thelma (Polman) Glasband. He will be sorely missed by his family and those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 13, 2014 in the Sanctuary of Temple Sinai, 41 West Hartford Rd., Newington, CT with Rabbi Jeffrey Bennett officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Sinai Memorial Park, which is located behind the Temple. A memorial period will be observed on Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mended Hearts Organization at www.mendedhearts.org . Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Norman, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm. Back

Ernie Peterson: Ernest H. Peterson, of Old Pawson Rd., Branford died suddenly in Yale, N.H. Hospital Saturday, (December 27, 2003), husband of the late Marion (Zahnleiter) Peterson and father of Cynthia Scalora of Newington, E. Theodore "Ted" Peterson of Branford and Scott W. Peterson of Florida; brother of Marjorie Spauling of Massachusetts; grandfather of Larissa Foster and her husband, Seth, Jeffrey and Jessica Peterson, Megan and Erin Reilly; great grandfather of Ryan Foster and Trevor Reilly. Mr. Peterson was born in Hartford, August 18, 1918 son of the late Ernest T. and Eva Peterson. He was before his retirement and after 36 years of service, Vice President and station manager of the radio station WTIC. He was later an employee of the Shoreline Newspapers for several years. He was a resident of West Hartford for many years before moving to Branford 30 years ago. He was a former Branford Police Commissioner and a member of the Republican Town Committee. He was a Army Air Corps. Veteran of World War II and was a Prisoner of War. He was a member of the American Legion and the Hartford Rotary Club. Services will be held in The First Congregation Church of Branford, Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. Friends may call at The Curtis-Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 69 So. Main St., Branford on the Green Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. Burial in Center Cemetery, Branford. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimers Assoc. 850 Mix Ave., Hamden 06514 or the charity of one's choice.          
Published in the Hartford Courant on 12/29/2003 Back

Lanny Pike: Pike, Lawrence F. "Lanny" Born to Eternal Life, Tuesday, January 20, 2015, age 100 years. Beloved husband of the late Florence (nee Staska). Beloved special friend for 21 years of Jill Ann (Larry) Wolf. Fond uncle of Patricia (David) Fekete and Michael (Claudia) Riley. Further survived by great-nieces, great-nephews and other friends. Visitation Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 3:00 PM until time of Service at 4:00 PM at LUTHER MANOR FAITH AND EDUCATION CENTER, 4545 N. 92nd Street, Wauwatosa. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church appreciated. Lawrence Frederick Pike was born on May 14, 1914 in Rockland, Maine to Elisha and Florence Pike. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving his country for 4 1/2 years. Lanny, which he chose as his radio moniker, was a pioneer in Milwaukee television and was the first staff director of WTMJ when only a few hundred TV sets were in operation. Drawing on his Air Force radio show writer/producer background, he went on to become program manager at WJBK-TV in Detroit. Later in his broadcast career, Lanny served as a TV and radio consultant to Travelers Insurance Co. in Hartford, CT. where he helped secure the license for Channel #3. He ended his career in 1979 at the University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT. He moved here shortly thereafter and was a member of the American Legion Post #449 and the D.A.V. He loved to write poetry, listen to Big Band music, keep his mind sharp with crossword puzzles and was an avid Green Bay Packer and Boston Red Sox fan. Lanny will always be remembered for his catchphrase, "In God we trust; all others must pay cash." The survivors wish to thank Luther Manor's second floor health center and hospice staff for their exemplary care. Back
Published in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 25, 2015

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Additional information at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.
Published in Newport Daily News from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2020

Arlane (Ross) Podeswa: Passed away October 19, 2020. See memories of Arlane HERE.

John Pohorylo: John T. Pohorylo, 97, formerly of Enfield and Suffield, husband of the late Wanda (Pawelec) Pohorylo, entered into eternal peace Monday, Jan. 10, 2022 at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. Born and raised in Enfield, John was one of twelve children of the late John and Sophie (Kwapier) Pohorylo. He was a communicant of St. Adalbert Church before moving to Suffield where he became a the John Maciolek Post #154 American Legion. Following his service, he was employed as a Television Engineer for WFSB for 27 years before retiring. John enjoyed playing cards, and loved driving to the track with his brother Ray to watch either the horses or dogs race in New Hampshire. He is survived by two daughters, Carol Dietz and her husband Michael of Prospect, CT, Elaine Hill and her husband Malcolm of San Diego,CA, a brother, Raymond Pohorylo of Enfield, four grandchildren, Monica Hill, Malcolm Hill, Jr, Eric Dietz and Patrick Dietz. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. Besides his wife Wanda, John was predeceased by two brothers, Edward and Stanley Pohorylo, and eight sisters, Josephine Niemic, May Poirek, Stasia Frigon, Stella Kowal, Francis Bourque, Felice Pohorylo, Agnes Pohorylo and Jean Campbell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday Jan. 15, 2022 at St. Adalbert Church of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish, 90 Alden Ave., Enfield, CT (Please meet at Church). Military Honors will follow the Mass. Burial will be private and held at the family's convenience. Donations in John's memory may be made to the John Maciolek Post #154 American Legion, PO Box 154, Enfield, CT 06083. To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com Back

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 12, 2022.

Chuck Renaud: Mr. Charles E. "Chuck" Renaud, 79, of Newport, Rhode Island, passed away on December 29, 2019. He was the husband of Linda (Rowell) Renaud of Newport. Chuck was born on June 1, 1940, in Concord, NH to Charles Renaud and Clairvine (Crevier) Renaud. As a young man, he served in the National Guard and was stationed at Ft Dix, NJ during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked as a producer for WTIC Radio for several years. He retired after a 30-year career in Estate Planning, as owner of North East Financial Group in Newport. Charles is survived by his wife Linda and two children, Christopher Renaud of Chaplin, CT, and Elizabeth Renaud of Old Lyme, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Sarah and Katie Renaud, and Charles and Elias Sahadi.Back

John Reno : John P. Reno, 80, of Farmington, CT died on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. He was the son of the late Nicholas and Mary Reno of Waterbury, CT. An early interest in aeronautics and amateur radio led to service with the Civil Air Patrol and the USAF Strategic Air Command. After graduating from the Ward School of Electronics at the University of Hartford, John led a long and distinguished career in broadcasting. He was hired by WTIC radio and was part of the pioneering team at Channel 3 WFSB where he eventually became Chief Engineer. Later he worked in telecommunications at Travelers. He was a member of the American Radio Relay League and a life member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers. In retirement John worked at Middlewoods of Farmington. At home he was known for his love of gardening, photography and model trains. John is dearly remembered by all who knew him, and is survived by his loving wife Patricia; two children, Alison Leeds and her husband David of Farmington, CT, Timothy Reno and his wife Andrea of Colonie, NY; three grandsons, Joshua and Nicholas Leeds, and William Reno. He is predeceased by his brother, Nicholas Reno of Waterbury, CT. Following a private burial there will be a Memorial Mass on Monday, June 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford, CT, 06107. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc. For online condolences to the family, please visit Ahearn Funeral Home. Back
Published in The Hartford Courant, May 31, 2014

Floyd Richards:Floyd F. Richards, 91, formerly of Wethersfield and Glastonbury, CT passed away Tuesday, (August 16, 2011) in Southport NC. He was born March 5, 1920 to Amelia and Alfred Richards and spent his youth in Farmington New Hampshire. He was a proud 1942 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Floyd spent his working career in Hartford first with WTIC in a varied career from Strictly Sports to the Hap Richards show and then with Pratt and Whitney in communications. He also taught public speaking for many years starting at Hillyer College through the University of Hartford and then at Middlesex Community College. As the father of three daughters he had his 10 year pin from the Girl Scouts. When his family was young he enjoyed sailing in Long Island Sound and was a member Power Squadron accomplishing the rank of Navigator. With his children grown he returned to golf and was a member of Glastonbury Hills Golf club, then Wethersfield Golf Club and until recently Legacy Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his daughters Katherine (Petey) Richards, his youngest daughter, Diana (Dee Dee) Richards O'Neill, and his second wife Eleanor Scranton. He leaves two surviving daughters, Denise R. York and her husband Tom of Southport, NC, and Donna Richards of Glastonbury; five grandchildren, Michael York and his wife Leslie of Wilmington NC, Kathryn (Katie) O'Neill McCartney and her husband George of Hoboken, NJ, Daniel O'Neill of Glastonbury, Erin O'Neill of Middletown and Luke O'Neill of Glastonbury; and one great granddaughter Fiona Dee McCartney of Hoboken, NJ. There will be a private ceremony at the family's discretion. Memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Bands P.O. Box 1023,Notre Dame, ID 46556 or the charity of donor's choice.  Obituary on WFSB, Channel 3 Back

Rusty Rogers: Russell H. Kempton, aka Rusty Rogers, of New Harbor, passed away peacefully in the afternoon, August 9, 2013, at home with his wife Patricia (Patty) and faithful black cat Kitty at his side. Born in Portland, Maine, on January 22, 1923, Rusty was the son of William R. Kempton, devoted teacher and a principal of the Bristol High School, and Daisy Mae Mears Kempton. Rusty was the youngest of three children. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Shirley Osier, of New Harbor, and his brother, Robert, of Florida.

A pioneer in country music, Rusty was raised in Pemaquid and was educated at local schools. Eight of those years were spent in the one-room schoolhouse at Pemaquid Falls. He could often be seen riding his pet bull Star from Pemaquid to Damariscotta, with a stop at the Bristol Mills spring for water. When Rusty was seven, his grandfather gave him his first guitar. Several years later, Rusty’s dad, a mandolin player, paid $5 for a Sears Silvertone Guitar and Rusty’s career was off and running.

As a teenager, Rusty would walk for miles or bum a ride just to enter amateur shows. Every time he won a contest, not only was his confidence boosted, his winnings of $25 or $30 almost every weekend made cutting or piling wood for $2 or $3 a cord seem paltry.

One of Rusty’s first professional gigs was the Jimmie and Dick show held at the theater in Damariscotta. When he was 15, he ran away from home for the first time to see a carnival in the area and watch a group called the Katahdin Mountaineers. Rusty joined the group when the carnival left town. Two weeks later his parents came and got him.

After being expelled from High School, Rusty was approached about doing some radio shows in southern Maine and nearby New Hampshire. Rusty’s radio promoter, Jim Small, also felt his given name wouldn’t work in show business, and one night introduced him on the air as Rusty Rogers, a name he used professionally for more than seven decades.

Show business had its ups and downs for Rusty in his teenage years. When not singing, he had to work to eat and it wasn’t easy. Returning home to Pemaquid, his father convinced him that before he left home the next time, he needed some money. It was 1940, and Rusty’s only asset was his bull Star. Rusty sold Star for $35. With his “huge” bankroll and guitar, he hopped a bus in Damariscotta for Boston, where he was quickly fleeced by a man posing as a promoter with all sorts of “connections.”

He then hitch-hiked to Portland and reached out to Jim Small, who booked him in beer joints and other places for a few dollars a gig. Rusty began working with Bud Bailey and the Downeasters until he was drafted in 1943 by the United States Army, serving with Combat Engineers in the North African campaign and in the European theater, earning four battle stars. Serving in the Army was a major source of pride for Rusty.

After his Army discharge in 1946, Rusty returned to show business. He created The Radio Ranch out of Kittery; rejoined the Downeasters doing coast-to-coast radio broadcasts from St. Joseph, Missouri, and then was asked to replace Bill Haley (when he formed the Comets) on the Down Homers. They did a daily show and a coast-to-coast radio broadcast carried over 230 NBC stations on weekends.

Rusty was lead singer and featured yodeler when the Down Homers appeared on the Arthur Godfrey Show in 1952. Two years earlier, the Down Homers had eight records in the Top 30 with Rusty doing four singles. The Rusty Rogers Show appeared on NBC-TV from 1956 to 1958.

Rusty also won the title of Light Heavy Weight Connecticut State Champion in weight lifting in the mid-1950s. And over the next 10 years, he had 230 professional wrestling matches throughout the northeast, while advancing his music career.

He worked with show business greats from Ezio Pinza to Roy Rogers. In March 1991, Rusty was a feature on the “Spotlight on the Past,” a show produced by the Down East Country Music Association. In the 1990s, he produced an award-winning cable television show, “Rusty Rogers: Tribute to the American Cowboy.” Rusty was inducted into the Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Country Music Halls of Fame.

Rusty spent 28 years with his horses Sunny and Tina, which brought him much joy.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Irene Neas, whom he married in 1978; step daughter Monique Hoffman and her husband, Mike, of Attleboro, MA; step son Arnold Arsenault and his wife, Tracey, and their children, Michael and Tyler, of Anaheim, CA; foster son Harold Albee of Springfield, MA; niece Belinda Osier of New Harbor and Falmouth, ME; nephew Donald Vigue of New Harbor and Brunswick, ME; niece Maryanne Kokoszka of New Jersey and Florida; and nephew Michael Kempton of New Mexico.

Interment will be in the New Harbor Cemetery with a graveside celebration of Rusty’s life at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 24.

Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Back

Barbara E. (Fearon) Rowley: Barbara E. (Fearon) Rowley, 71, of Ellington, formerly of Tolland, beloved wife of Perry K. Rowley passed away Wednesday, (June 24, 2009) at Manchester Memorial Hospital. She was born July 16, 1937 in South Windham, ME, the daughter of the late Clyde M. and Elizabeth (Joyce) Fearon. Barbara was a member of the United Congregational Church of Tolland and a long time choir member at the church. She was a former member of the Hartford Chorale. Besides her husband, she is survived by her brothers and sisters, Daryl Fearon, Stanley Fearon, Louise Siciliano, Marjorie Timberlake and Mary Woodbury; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 29, at 11 a.m. in the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland Green, Tolland. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the DeQuattro Community Cancer Center, 73A Haynes St., Manchester, CT 06040. The Tolland Memorial Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. For on line condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.
From www.courant.com on 06/25/2009 Back

Mike Russell: We have little information on Mike Russell. At some point he left the station and moved to the mid-west. Bob Scherago reported he'd heard Mike died of a heart attack in about 1993. Back

Alan Sagal: Hired by Broadcast Plaza Inc just before the split, Alan reported to work at 1080 Corporation in the News Department. "Close enough," the committee decided. He came to WTIC in 1974 as News Assignment Editor and teamed with Dana Whalen for "The Sunset Special." He did a weekly "Traveling in Connecticut" on the Friday edition of the Steve Morris Show. He covered the 1980 Democratic and Republican conventions. He won the 1980 Connecticut Associated Press award for Outstanding Achievements in Cooperative News Coverage." He left WTIC and went finally with AAA-Hartford where he continued to do travel features on WTIC until he passed away in 1999. Back

Randy Scalise: Rinaldo J. Scalise died Saturday, (February 12, 2011) at Candlewood Valley Nursing Home in New Milford, Connecticut after a long illness. He was 84 years old. Rinaldo, better known as "Randy", was born April 7, 1926 in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Rosario and Concetta Tisci Scalise of Calabria, Italy. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Catherine Osochowsky Scalise, presently of Danbury, Connecticut; brother Dominic Scalise of Durham, Connecticut; sister Mary Anne Rapuano of Los Osos, California, and three grandchildren, Rosario Scalise of Danbury, Connecticut, Brenna and Ryan (R.J.) Scalise of New Milford, Connecticut. A Word War II Army veteran, Randy was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as an M.P. Randy and Catherine Scalise were married on August 6, 1947 in New Haven, Connecticut. They had two children, Ronald and Claire Scalise Yonan, both deceased. Randy's career as a television soundman began in the early 1950's at Channel 6 (now WTNH, Channel 8) in New Haven and then at WFSB, Channel 3 in Hartford, Connecticut. He traveled the world as a part of WFSB's PM Magazine production team and was shop steward for NABET (The National Association Of Broadcast Employees & Technicians). While at Channel 3, he volunteered to climb their transmission tower in Avon, Connecticut and even saved one man's life once, by helping him down the tower when his lung collapsed. In his free time, Randy enjoyed working in his yard, hunting at his lodge in New Hampshire and drinking martinis. A can-do type of guy, he built three houses, in East Haven and Durham, Connecticut and in Claremont, New Hampshire. All donations can be made to: The Ron Scalise Memorial Fund, Att: Kurt Heitmann, c/o CP Communications, 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. Back
Published in The Hartford Courant on March 1, 2011

Thomas Scanlan: June 4, 1940 - June 1, 2017 - Tom Scanlan worked in the broadcast industry for nearly 50 years, 39 of which were spent in the state of Michigan. He first saw television as a five-year-old when his dad took him into a New York City restaurant, and he was instantly transfixed by a prizefight on a 7 screen on a TV above the door. At 14-years-old with $100 borrowed from his dad, he went into business installing TV antennas in his neighborhood.

In 1966, he graduated from Michigan State University on an Air Force Scholarship, which carried with it a four-year active duty commitment. Scanlan was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service and served as the commanding officer for nine television and radio stations in Turkey and Germany. While in Germany, he organized a campaign to raise funds to broadcast the moon landing of Apollo 11, because at the time, the military broadcasting network received their programming via 16mm, black and white film two to six month after it was first seen in the U.S. Scanlan arranged for a microwave interconnection to Eurovision and paid for it with the money raised, and was able to bring the overseas community seven days of live, real-time broadcasts of the landing and surrounding events to his audience. This event was the first live, overseas satellite television broadcast to military families overseas and demonstrated the need for live transmissions overseas. His pioneering endeavor leads to appropriations of the necessary funds to launch satellite circuits for live broadcasts, a system that remains in place today.

Leaving active duty in 1973, Toms career included working as a staff engineer at WTIC-TV, Hartford while studying electrical engineering at UConn, serving as Owner and General Manager for eight full-power commercial TV stations over the next years while maintaining a career as an active reservist until retiring in 2000 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Of the stations he owned, three, WBKB-TV (Alpena), WBKP-TV (Calumet) and WBUP-TV (Marquette/Ishpeming), were brand new sign-ons, serving new areas in northern Michigan. He also bought and managed WGTU-TV and WGTQ-TV in Traverse City and served as General Manager of four other stations in Florida, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Tom was a lifetime Rotarian, President of Michigan Association of Broadcasters, and the recipient of the Michigan Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award, and President of the Keweenaw Economic Development Association. He was on the Miscowaubik Club Board of Directors and an active supporter of Michigan Tech Hockey. He enjoyed hockey, travel and big bowls of ice cream with family. He relished the chance to watch local news from around the US, with feeds he orchestrated via various satellite providers. He loved telecommunications infrastructure and would stop at any and all microwave transmission tower, AT&T tower or radio/TV transmitter. He was also a train buff and collected antique locks.

Tom is survived by wife Sue, of Copper Falls, MI and Tucson AZ, son Thomas Jeffrey (Monique) and daughter Jessica Claire (Bryan Ramsey), and grandchildren Rowan Ramsey, Nathan Scanlan and Nova Ramsey.
Published on  June 2, 2017 Traverse City, MI Record-Eagle Back

Robert (Bob) Schlenker: Robert "Bob" Francis Schlenker, 70, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Hartford Hospital. Born on June 18, 1946 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Robert M. and Alice (Caine) Schlenker. He was a graduate of Wethersfield High School, class of 1965. Bob served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a television editor for ABC News 20/20. He enjoyed fishing, boating and golfing. Bob will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Schlenker of Wethersfield; two sisters, Ruth McCabe and husband Charles of St. Petersburg, FL and Eleanor Gardner and husband Jack of Rocky Hill; sister-in-law Marianne Schlenker of Wethersfield, as well as many special nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Edward Paul Schlenker. Calling hours will be Saturday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield. Burial will be in the State Veterans' Cemetery, Middletown at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Connecticut Arthritis Foundation, 35 Cold Spring Rd., Suite 411, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Back

Hal Schnerr: PROSPECT — Mr. Harold L. "Hal" Schnerr Jr., 80, of 63 Clark Hill Road, died Nov. 19, 2010, at Waterbury Hospital after a long illness.
Mr. Schnerr was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Waterbury, son of the late Harold L. Schnerr Sr. and Ruth (Doolittle) Schnerr. He was a graduate of Prospect Community School and Leavenworth High School in Waterbury. He served as a staff sergeant in the 43rd Infantry Division in Germany during the Korean War. He then worked for WTNH in New Haven and WFSB in Hartford as a television engineer for many years. This was followed by his second career that evolved through his passion for light aviation. He was a pilot, a flight instructor and FAA flight examiner. He was also the flight school director and fixed operations manager at Bradley Airport and later was manager of airports in Simsbury, Meriden and New Haven. He was a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Bell City Rifle Club in Southington.

Mr. Schnerr leaves his wife, Mary (Martel) Schnerr of Prospect; a son, Douglas Schnerr and his wife, Lori, of Prospect; a daughter, Doreen Cocchiola and her husband, Robert, of Waterbury; a granddaughter, Kylene Schnerr, and a grandson, Eric Schnerr, both of Prospect; and his sister, Marjorie Schnerr of Prospect.

His family wishes to express their thanks to both Dr. Joseph Renda and Dr. Henry Borkowski for their many years of caring for Harold.

Private funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. The Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 26 Waterbury Road, Route 69, Prospect, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut, 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill 06067.
-Courtesy of Waterbury Republican.

                                   
Nancy Segee: Nancy Ann (Prann) Segee, age 86, of Simsbury, CT, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2019. Born and raised in Deep River, CT, she was the daughter of the late Wallace and Nellie (Gerhardt) Prann. She graduated from Deep River H.S. in 1951 and Colby Junior College in 1953. A resident of Simsbury CT for 59 years she is survived by her husband of 63 years Donald. In addition to her husband she is survived by their three children; daughter Paula J. Scott, her husband Daniel of Monroe, CT, son Daniel K. Segee of Granby, CT, son Robert Segee, his wife Kelly of Bloomfield, CT as well as two grandsons, Andrew C. Scott, and Benjamin M. Segee. She started her career as a secretary at WTIC leaving in 1957 to raise her family. She returned to work in 1974 for Simsbury Public Schools as a secretary at the high school retiring in 1994. She was a member of the Gardeners of Simsbury, Farmington Valley Square Dance Club, Family Motor Coach Association and Indian River Manatees (a motor home association). She enjoyed twenty years of vacations with friends and family at their cottage on Cape Cod in Dennisport, MA. Upon retiring they enjoyed winters at their home in Titusville, FL and traveling back and forth across the United States and Canada in their RV visiting all (including Alaska) but 7 states and all but three Canadian Provinces. Funeral arrangements will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance of Association at https://www.simsburyems.com/ or to Flags for Simsbury at http://www.flagsforsimsbury.com/. Please visit Nancy's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Published in The Hartford Courant on June 30, 2019 Back

Peter Shaw: Peter Curtis Shaw, 61, of New Hartford and Black Point passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, (February 16, 2006) after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Bonnie Maglathlin Shaw, his wife of 34 years. Born in Hartford July 6, 1944 the son of the late Lester G. Shaw and Mary Jane Shaw, Peter was raised in West Hartford before moving to New Hartford with his wife Bonnie 32 years ago. As a young man, Peter served in the Army National Guard 141st Medical Company. In 1970, he began a successful 27 year career with television station WFSB, formerly WTIC, Channel 3 as an engineer/editor. Because of his talent, Peter was honored with television Emmy awards for his expertisein video/audio media editing in 1991 and 1993. Peter will be fondly remembered for his boundless wit and humor as well as a devoted UCONN basketball fan, boating on Long Island Sound, his remarkable mechanical ability, his graciousness and his love for his Golden Retriever Bud and his feisty cat Moe. Peter was the proud father of his sons, Jamison Bradford Shaw and Matthew Williams Shaw. He is also survived by a sister,Barrie Jayne (Shaw) Prevuznak; four nieces, Laura (Simon) Richardson, Meghan (Halloran) Romero, Sarah Flynn, and Abby Flynn; three nephews, Eugene Lyn Simon, Seamus Halloran and Joseph J. Prevuznak III, a sister-in-law, Nancy (Maglathlin) Flynn,and a brother-in-law, Robert Halloran. He was predeceased by his sister, Leslie (Shaw) Halloran. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday February 21 at 2 p.m. at the North Congregational Church located at 17 Church Street North in New Hartford. In memory of Peter, the family asks that you consider becoming an organ donor.
Published in the Hartford Courant on 02/19/2006   Back

Nick Skripol: Nicholas Paul Skripol of Simsbury, went home to be with the Lord on Monday (November 18, 2002). Mr. Skripol was born in Hartford on July 16, 1918. He was the son of the late Paul N. Skripol and the late Anna S. Skripol. He attended local public schools and had the distinction of skipping two grades during his tenure, He was a veteran of World War II serving his country in the U.S. Navy in Naval lntelligence as a liason and interpreter. He was a lifelong member and officer in the Boulevard Baptist Church in West Hartford. He was a 27 year veteran of the Hartford Police Force serving in both the detective and patrol divisions. He was one of two original officers awarded, in 1957, the City of Hartford Police Medal for Heroism. He was a member of the Hartford Police Veterans Association, Inc. and the Hartford PBA Police Association. After retiring from the City of Hartford, he briefly worked as Security Director for Travelers Broadcasting System (WTIC) and then undertook his third career with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Nick leaves his wife of 60 years, Mary G. Skripol of Simsbury; two sons and daughter, Dr. James N. Skripol and his wife, Dr. Vivian A. Skripol of Clinton, NY; Attorney Paul G. Skripol and his wife, Roberta R. Skripol of Farmington; and Susan L. Stewart of Avon. He also leaves two grandsons, Harrison Stewart and Graydon Stewart of Avon and his sister, Katherine S. Lind of Hartford. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary S. Anderson, Theresa S. Calusine and Elizabeth S. Shuman and his brother Frederick T. Skripol. Friends may call at the Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St, Rte. 4, Unionville on Thursday from 2-6 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the Ahern Funeral Home with the Rev. Amos J. Overton officiating, followed by burial in Simsbury Cemetery in Simsbury.  Back
Published in The Hartford Courant from November 20 to November 21, 2002

Woody Sloan: Harwinton- George W. "Woody" Sloan, Jr., 89, died Tuesday, October 27, 2015 with his family at his side. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (MacAskill) Sloan. Mr. Sloan was born in Montclair, NJ, on August 3, 1926, son of the late George W. Sloan, Sr., and Adele (Turner) Sloan, and had been a Harwinton resident since 1960 where he was a longtime member of the Harwinton Tennis Club. He was a WWII U.S. Navy Veteran, had been active in scouting where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Woody obtained his Master's degree from Boston University School of Communications and was a retired sales manager from WTIC-TV. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, his sons Mark W. Sloan of Goshen, and Craig H. Sloan and his wife Cyndi of Torrington, two daughters, Ellen H. Sloan and her husband Charles Smith of West Hartland, and Robin Sloan and her husband Rowland Denny of Norfolk, three grandchildren, and three nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Sloan. Services will be held Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:00a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St., Torrington. Burial will be private. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, is in care of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 165, Harwinton, CT 06791. To offer an online condolence, please visit www.gleesonryanfh.com
Published in The Hartford Courant on Oct. 31, 2015 Back

Dillon Smith: Dillon Smith, a longtime NBC executive in Chicago, died Thursday February 22, 2013 at his Naples home. He was 71.
A native of Johnstown, PA., Smith attended Northwestern University. He holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism and a Northwestern law degree.
During his 15 years with WMAQ-TV (NBC) Chicago, Smith received many awards. He won five consecutive Emmys from 1975 to 1979 for Outstanding Editorial Achievement. A documentary he produced on the criminal justice system won a Silver Gavel Award in 1976 from the American Bar Association.
Smith was active in Northwestern alumni affairs. He is a former president of the Medill Alumni Association and was a current member of the Medill Board of Advisors. He taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Medill as an adjunct faculty member.
In 1983, he received an Alumni Service Award from Northwestern.
Smith moved to Naples in 1996. He lived in Quail Creek Estates where he was an active low-handicap golfer.
Smith is survived by his wife, Patricia; four children, Kevin Smith, Lisa Fulton, Colleen Lenderman, Kerry Smith, all from the Chicago area; and ten grandchildren.
A funeral mass is being held Thursday in Chicago.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Dillon Smith Fund, Office of Alumni Relations & Development, Northwestern University, 1201 Davis St. , Evanston, IL, 60208 Back
Published in Naples Daily News on February 26, 2013

Ken Smith: Kendall Smith, of West Hartford, beloved husband of Jean (Slade) Smith, died on Tuesday, (May 25, 1999) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Boston, MA, May of 1925, he grew up on Cape Cod, MA. During World War II, he served aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific. Following the war, he attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He was in broadcasting for much of his adult life, starting with radio (at WOCB,West Yarmouth, MA) during high school. His first television job was at WHEN-TV in Syracuse, NY, where he met his wife in 1949. He served as program manager for WHYN-TV, Springfield, MA from 1953 to 1957,when he became assistant program manager at WTIC-TV, Channel 3 in Hartford, then owned by The Travelers. After a series of promotions, he was appointed vice-president, station manager and elected to the Board of Directors. When the station was sold to Post-Newsweek Stations in 1974, he was appointed vice-president, Broadcast Operations for the new WFSB. In 1976, he joined Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (now CIGNA Corporation) as manager of Corporate Audiovisual Services. He retired as director of communication services in November, 1988, later serving as a consultant to CIGNA. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of West Hartford Community Television (WHC-TV), the local access channel. A communicant of St. Helena Parish in West Hartford, he was one of the original trustees of the parish. He was a member of the Old Guard of West Hartford and of the Hartford Chorale. During his business career he held memberships in several professional organizations, including the Broadcast Pioneers and International Television Association. In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and William D'Eugenio of Plainville; five sons and two daughters-in-law, Mark and his wife Debra of Windham; Joel and his wife Elizabeth of West Hartford; Gregory of West Hartford; Brian of New York City, NY; and Paul of Chicago, IL; eight grandchildren, Justin, Matthew and Nicole Smith of Windham; Katie, Annmarie and Brendan Smith of West Hartford; Billy and Emily D'Eugenio of Plainville; and many relatives and friends. The funeral will be Saturday at 9:15 a.m. from the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Helena, West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spondylitis Assoc., 13135 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604 or St. Helena Church, 30 Echo Lane, West Hartford, 06107. Back

Bob Steele: Robert L (for Elmer) Steele died in his sleep at his home in Wethersfield on Dec. 6, 2002. His middle initial actually stood for Lee.
  Jim Shea of the Hartford Courant began his obit on the front page by saying, "The word for the day is adieu. Bob Steele, the voice that coaxed Connecticut from slumber for 66 years, closed a thousand schools, whistled a million tunes, told a zillion corny jokes and did more for proper pronunciation and grammar than an army of English teachers, died Friday at the age of 91."  
  The Steele family said that he had been feeling fine. Just two days before, he autographed 52 copies of his book "The word for the day" for the Travelers Employees Club.
  Brad Davis, now the morning man at WDRC, called Steele his mentor as he was interviewed on WVIT Channel 30 6:00 News. "He always said that in your presentation, to remember you are not speaking to a class of college professors, you are speaking to everyday working people. Talk to one person at a time. He was tops."
  Paul Sutton, former announcer, said, "What can you say about a legend that hasn’t been said a hundred times over. We all had the pleasure, of knowing and working with Bob Steele. On the few mornings I had the opportunity sitting next to him as his announcer, (when everyone else was on vacation) I felt more than, that I had "arrived" It was, indeed an honor, to just be there contributing to his show, in any minute way possible. He was genuinely loved by everybody. I shall miss him, the cornerstone of WTIC 1080.
  Steele "retired" from his six day a week schedule on Oct. 1, 1991, 55 years to the day from when he became a junior staff announcer at WTIC. Like all beginners, he was hired on six-month probation. His rich baritone voice and genuine personality captivated the audience so Bob became part of the WTIC family.
  He reported sports and in 1942 took over the "G. Fox Morning Watch" after Ben Hawthorne went to war. The show was eventually renamed "The Bob Steele Show".
  Bob used to threaten retirement every April 1st (April Fool's Day) but it was not until 1991 that he made it stick. Even then, he hosted his old show on the first Saturday of each month, except for December, January and February..Bob's son Phil said his father had told the family that the November 2nd would be his last. "Not because he was sick. It was just that at 91 he wanted to be free of obligations and commitments like that. He ended that show by saying 'auf Wiedersehen, cheerio, sayonara, and then ' What I'm trying to say is, goodbye.'
  "Those were his last words on the air. It turned out to be his last show."
  "He was the most most professional person I ever worked with," said Arnold Dean. "If the President of the United States came in and said 'nucular' rather than 'nuclear', I'll bet Bob would suggest the President check his pronunciation."
  Some Classic Steele:
  "Where I live in Wethersfield, we have a scientist who's active in genetics. He crossed a praying mantis with a termite. Got a bug that says grace before eating your house."
  "One of his favorite things was breaking you up while you were on the air," Dean added. "He got me a few  times."
  The family released a statement that Bob wrote in 1996, detailing how he wanted to be remembered.
  "Robert Lee Steele, born Kansas City, Mo. July 31, 1911. Moved to Hartford in 1936. Husband of Shirley (Hanson) Steele, father of four sons, Robert H. (former U.S. Congressman) Paul A., Philip L., and Steven M. and eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Retired vice-president WTIC Radio, announcer, morning personality and sports director. Member National Radio Hall of Fame, Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame, four times named Connecticut Sportscaster of the Year, recipient of Marconi Award for top radio ratings, received Pierpont Edwards Awards for distinguished Masonic Service, 33 degree Mason, 50-year Shriner, Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Humane Letters) University of Hartford. Weight 202 � lb."  Back

John Stevens:  See Joseph Bourret

Paul Sutton: SUTTON, PAUL VINCENT, in Westfield, MA, July 10, 2009, after a prolonged illness. Born in Providence, RI, on September 27, 1936, to the late Geraldine (Payne) and Francis X. Sutton. Husband of the late Dorothy (Kosierowski). He leaves a daughter, Maria and her husband Douglas Drake of Agawam, MA, a son, Brian Sutton, MD and his wife Cherie Santagate, of Westfield and a son, Peter and his wife Roberta Beauchamp of Somerville, MA. He also leaves his grandchildren, Frances, Adam, and Rosie Sutton and Joseph and Patrick Drake. He was the brother of David (Edith) P. Sutton, Esq. of Annapolis, MD, Mary (Earl) Mahar and Jean Tierney, of Coventry, RI, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Paul graduated from St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, RI, and served in the US Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He received a degree in broadcasting from Emerson College and began his career at WKRI in W. Warwick, RI. Locally, Paul worked as radio disc jockey at WTXL and WSPR in Springfield. His radio career reached its pinnacle at WTIC in Hartford where he worked as a staff announcer for several years and hosted his own late-night talk-show.

Paul will be best remembered as the local TV weatherman for WGGB, Channel 40, in Springfield, where he worked from 1979 to 1999. During this tenure, he co-hosted the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy for many years. He also co-chaired, along with Wade Boggs, the annual Multiple Sclerosis Readathon. He was the founder of the annual Christmas card campaign, 'Operation Tiny Tim', on behalf of the pediatric patients of the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA. In his retirement, Paul was a member of the Dan Kane Singers, a patron of the local arts including the Springfield Symphony, and a world-traveler. He was an avid Red Sox fan until the end. The funeral for Paul will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, at 9 AM from Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Mary's Church, 28 Bartlett Street. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery in Agawam. Calling hours will be held on Monday at the funeral home from 4-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church Building Fund in Westfield MA or Griffin's Friends Children's Cancer Fund c/o Baystate Health Foundation. Firtionadams.com
Published in The Providence Journal on 7/12/2009 Back

Justin Tarnowski: Justin Edward Tarnowski, 83, beloved husband of Loretta (Pach) Tarnowski, of Wolcott, died August 28, 2015 at Bristol Hospital. Justin was born on March 9, 1932 to the late Joseph and Stella (Cieciewicz) Tarnowski in Bristol. He was raised in Bristol, attending Jennings Elementary and graduating from Bristol High School in 1950. After High School he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, fighting for freedom in the Korean War as a Sergeant, serving in Japan and Greenland. After the military he attended and graduated from The University of Hartford, Ward School of Electronics. Justin started his career as the Chief Engineer at WBIS, Bristol. Later, he worked at WCCC, AM/FM Hartford, again as the Chief Engineer. He then transitioned to Pratt & Whitney, Corporate Systems, where he was the Senior Inertial Guidance Technician for the first Apollo Space/Moon mission. In that position he was given the opportunity to meet the astronauts that flew that mission. After Pratt & Whitney he took a position at WTIC TV, Avon Transmitter which later became WFSB TV3, where he spent several years in master control until retiring on March 3, 1996 after 30 years with the station. He stayed in touch with his peers through his membership in the WTIC Alumni Group. Justin married Loretta (Pach) Tarnowski on June 25, 1960 in St. Bridget Church, Moodus, and they were happily married for 55 years. Later, they both became members of St. Stanislaus Church. Inaddition to his wife, Justin is survived by his daughter: Barbara Helen Tarnowski, South Boston, MA; son and daughter-in-law: Michael Joseph and Patricia Tarnowski, Moodus; two granddaughters: Olivia Helen and Catherine Rose Tarnowski, Moodus; sister and brother-in-law: Josephine and George Taylor, Bristol; several nieces and nephews: Nancy, Joann, George, Robin, Lisa and Jerry. In addition to his parents, Justin is pre-deceased by two sisters: Stella Williams, Helen Tarnowski; and two brothers: William and Jerome (Bob) Tarnowski. He loved to work in his garden, trying out many varieties of tomatoes each year until his stroke several years ago. All the neighborhood dogs knew where to find a treat and friendship with Justin. He loved reading, TV and playing his polka music loud and visits from his granddaughters who loved to blow bubbles with grandpa. The family would like to thank Keith, Fran, Lori and Tony who were always there when needed, Mary, Amy, Pam, Lori, Claire of Hartford Healthcare and the staff of G South Bristol Hospital. Funeral Service for Justin will be celebrated at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 on Monday (August 31, 2015) at 11AM. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Funeral Home prior to the service between 10 and 11AM. After the service there will be a procession to CT State Veterans Cemetery, Bow Ln, Middletown. Because of Justins love of animals donations may be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in Bloomfield, your local animal shelter or Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Company, 48 Todd Rd., Wolcott, CT 06716. Please visit Justin's memorial website at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com Back

Published in The Hartford Courant on Aug. 29, 2015

Benjamin Terry: Benjamin Clinton "Kink" Terry of West Hartford, CT was born on an historic day - August 6, 1945 –to Dorothy Burke Yeomans Terry Graulty and Benjamin P. Terry, who proudly proclaimed that his son was "the seventh consecutive Benjamin Terry born in the new world!" He died on April 2, 2019 as a result of complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was predeceased by his parents.He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 47 years Carol Eakley Terry, and their children and families: Benjamin Anders Terry and his wife Kara Nance Terry of Richmond, VA, and their daughters Alex, Kelly and Logan; Elida Terry Mullarkey and her husband Jamie Mullarkey of Toronto, Canada, and their children Elsie and Owen; brother David Yeomans Terry and his wife Suzanne Snyder Terry and their children Megan (Tucker) Hansen, Jed (Elizabeth) Terry and Nicholas; sister Diane Elizabeth Terry and her husband Artie Fasciani; and brother Christopher Burke Terry; niece Rachel Elisabeth Eakley; and the Yeomans cousins and families. Marjorie Miller Terry, his step-mother, and her children and their families are also among those who will miss him deeply. A graduate of the Kingswood School, Kink was a talented athlete, serving as captain of his high school soccer and baseball teams. Continuing his athletic career at Wesleyan University in baseball and soccer where Kink played goalkeeper, his college record for shutouts stood for many years. Later in life, Kink continued to pursue other sports, especially enjoying the game of golf with friends and family.After pursuing graduate studies at the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, he began his career in the Community Affairs Department at WTIC-Channel 3. Kink then moved into Commercial Sales at WTIC-now known as WFSB - where his knowledge of the community and skillful negotiating led him to seek broader opportunities. In 1981 he joined The Farley Company, which has since become CBRE-NE. Building a stellar track record in Commercial Real Estate Leasing, Kink represented clients in and around Hartford, as well as those on a regional and national level. He retired as a Senior Vice-President and Partner in 2014. Kink was also known for his outstanding community leadership. A lifelong member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church he served on the Board of Deacons and the Board of Administration and Finance, and the Outreach Board. He and Carol had the privilege of co-chairing the Search Committee which brought the Rev. Gary L Miller to AHCC. He was Past President of the Kingswood-Oxford Alumni Association and the Wesleyan University Club of Hartford; he was a Corporator at Hartford Hospital and served on the Board of the Montessori School of Greater Hartford. His love of the arts led him to support the Greater Hartford Arts Council and Spectrum in Motion Dance Theater Ensemble, and as the past President of Spectrum in Motion, he is remembered with love by the children they serve because he regularly treated them to chocolate chip cookies at their events.Kink loved his church, loved his family, loved his wife, loved his community, and the home of his heart – Hatchetts Point, Old Lyme. He was known as a friend, a counselor and a mentor. He will be remembered for his integrity, his dry writ, that certain twinkle in his eye and the laugh that let you know when he was surprised or delighted.His family extends deep appreciation to the staff of Duncaster (Dogwood) and Right at Home who provided such loving care to Kink and his family.Kink's life will be celebrated at Asylum Hill Congregational Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019. A reception will follow. Burial will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Asylum Hill Congregational Church at ahcc.org. 814 Asylum Avenue Hartford, CT 06105.
Published in The Hartford Courant from Apr. 24 to Apr. 26, 2019 Back

James Thompson:  James A. Thompson of Stratford, CT passed away January 12, 2023 following three-plus years of cancer treatment. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on May 5, 1933 to the late Leonard and Juliette (Sirvent) Thompson, Jim traveled the world as a child and ended up speaking five languages. He was a U.S. Army veteran and attended St. Francis College in Pennsylvania. For more than half a century Jim was a TV-Radio Broadcaster/News Director and known as "The Voice of Greenwich" before retiring. He had been on the air at WTIC-AM-FM-TV in Hartford, CT as the evening sports anchor and hosted the children's show, "The Ranger Station" in Hartford and at Cablevision of Connecticut's Channel 12 News as they began operations in Norwalk. With his passion for music Jim created and hosted a program called "Mario Lanza and Friends" where he invited singers from the Metropolitan Opera and various celebrities to co-host. His beautiful baritone voice was not only easy to listen to for news and interviews but he also sang for President Nixon and was featured on the "Ed Sullivan Show" after winning the "All Army Entertainment Contest" for best vocals. Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 35 years Dima Joseph-Thompson. He is also survived by his four children, James Thompson and his wife Carol of Florida, Colleen Wasicko and her husband Michael of Maryland, Leonard Thompson of Connecticut and Tiffany Antista and her husband Ryan of California, six cherished grandchildren, Jimmy Lee Thompson (Kasey), Kimberly Grandzol (Rich), Natalie, Michael, Melissa and Katie Wasicko as well as two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Eleanor Grandzol. Jim has had a strong faith-based life journey and will be remembered at a Christian Mass celebration expected in late Spring at St. Mark Church in Stratford. The Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford has been entrusted with arrangements. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Impact the lives of St. Jude kids - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or the Connecticut Humane Society Home – Connecticut Humane Society ( cthumane.org ). For more information or to make an online condolence please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com Back

Bob Tyrol: Veteran broadcaster Robert S. Tyrol, whose legendary voice swept him from his job as mail clerk for the Travelers Insurance Co. through an illustrious career as a radio announcer and chairman of WTIC radio's parent company, died Friday, December 13, 1991, at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. He was 68. In 1941, Mr. Tyrol was a runner for the radio department of Travelers, then the parent company of WTIC radio, when he made his debut announcing the NBC program "The United States Coast Guard on Parade" from New London. At 17, his voice was one of the youngest to be heard over the air waves from coast to coast. Back

Fred Wade: Frederick L. Wade, a 44-year veteran of the radio broadcasting industry and a former singer, announcer and actor on WTIC-AM, died Wednesday at his home in West Hartford. He was 95.
Over the years, his audiences ranged from U.S. presidents to Bowery derelicts. He had spent 35 years of his career at WTIC.
Mr. Wade had his broadcasting debut in East Springfield, Mass., in 1921, only a year after the first radio station went on the air. The studio of Station WBZ was in a shed on the roof of a factory, and Mr. Wade sang a few songs into a carbon microphone.
Mr. Wade, a Springfield native, had been singing professionally in New England and New York for many years as "New England's Phenomenal Boy Soprano." He was taught to harmonize at an early age by his mother, an amateur singer. Before World War I, in Massachusetts and Connecticut nickelodeons, he sang such songs as "On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine" with corresponding lantern slides flashing on a screen.
He performed for President William Howard Taft at a Boy Scout conference in New York.
"I was so excited," he said later, in an interview for a WTIC newsletter. "I sang the second verse of `When You Come to the End of a Perfect Day' before I sang the first."
He also sang at Sing Sing Prison and missions in New York's Bowery. "They'd have me sing a couple of very sad songs to put the audience in the proper frame of mind for the sermon," Mr. Wade once recalled.
Mr. Wade began his radio career when his voice changed; for a time, he was billed as "The Mysterious Tenor," and listeners were asked to guess his identity.
" `The Mysterious Tenor' wasn't unmasked until Joe White, `The Silver Masked Tenor,' came to town and complained that two singing mystery men were one too many," the newsletter said.
In the 1930s and early 1940s, Mr. Wade worked for WTIC. He sang as the featured vocalist with Norman Cloutier's "Merry Madcaps" and with the WTIC Concert Orchestra, and was part of a singing duo billed as "The Boy and Girl from Song Land."
He also had a role in the long- running WTIC comedy program, "The Wrightville Clarion," playing Zeke Peck, the advertising manager of a country weekly; "an old battle- axe" named Monrovia Brown; and a parrot named Twinkletoes. Other regulars on the show were actors Ed Begley, Michael O'Shea and Louis Nye.
Mr. Wade and organist Hal Kolb were in a WTIC studio on Dec. 7, 1941, when a minister's sermon on the "Sabbath Message" program was interrupted by a bulletin from Pearl Harbor.
"Kolb listened to me read the bulletin on the Pearl Harbor bombing, looked at the hymn he was scheduled to play next and hoped I'd be able to switch to the network before he had to play it," Mr. Wade recalled. "I switched to NBC immediately and Kolb didn't have to punctuate the Pearl Harbor announcement by playing `Joy to the World.' "
For many years he served as supervisor of announcers, auditions manager and production manager for the station. Mr. Wade retired as production manager in 1966.
He had lived in West Hartford since 1962, and formerly resided in Farmington.
Mr. Wade was a member of Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford and of the Masonic Lodge in Springfield.

By MARY K. FEENEY; COURANT STAFF WRITER
THE HARTFORD COURANT | DEC 16, 1995 Back

Godfrey Walters  GGodfrey Mortimer Walters, born March 23, 1939 in St. Ann, Jamaica, with a registered birth date of April 8, 1939, transitioned to be with his Heavenly Father on January 3, 2023. Godfrey emigrated to the U.S., pursuing his passion as a photographer and enjoyed an outstanding career as a photojournalist, working for WFSB News, the CBS News Affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut, for over 30 years. Godfrey retired from WFSB in the late 1990s and later relocated to El Mirage, Arizona, and then to Lake Forest, California in June 2021 to be closer to two of his children; Darice Michelle & Jennifer Marcella. Godfrey is survived by his children; Darice Michelle, Lesley Maureen, Godfrey Marc, & Jennifer Marcella, and his grandchildren; Jasmin, Joshua, & Eden. A private memorial for Godfrey Mortimer Walters will take place on Friday, January 27, 2023, 1:00pm at El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, CA.

Published by Hartford Courant from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2023. Back

Gerald Lee Weed: Gerald Lee Weed, 69, of South Point, Ohio, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008, in Cabell Huntington Hospital. Funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, W.Va., with Pastor Wilmer Napier officiating. Burial will be in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. Gerald was born March 2, 1938, in Huntington, a son of the late John William and Lillian Irene Newman Weed. Also preceding him in death were a sister, Corintha Lou Weed, and a brother, William "Buddy" Weed. He was a retired editor for ESPN and was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a member of El Hasa Shrines A.A.O.N.M.S. of Ashland, Ky.; International Shrine Clown Association; Wyllys-St. John's Lodge #4 AF&AM of West Hartford, Conn.; and American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Edith Miller Weed; a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Marc Timbrook of Leesburg, Va.; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Teresa Weed and John Weed, all of Huntington; a stepdaughter, Flora McLaughlin of Springfield, Mass.; a sister and brother-in-law, Cleva Jane and Stephen Roswall of Hanover, Pa.; eight grandchildren, Jerry, Kara, Brian and Tracy Timbrook of Leesburg, Va., Amy DeFoe, Ellen Weed, and Christopher Weed, all of Huntington, and Katie Weed of Ranson, W.Va.; and two great-grandchildren, Rylan Lee Hardy and Dylan Michael Hardy. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2008, at Chapman's Mortuary, where a Masonic service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. by Proctorville Lodge #550 F&AM. Back

John Welch:John Clifford Welch, 85, formerly of Somers and Old Wethersfield, departed this life on Tuesday, (March 15, 2005). He was the devoted husband of the late Ernestine (Panciera) Welch for 53 years. Born on July 14, 1919 in Somers to Nelson and Roselle (Parsons) Welch. In his early years John belonged to the Boy Scouts of American Troop 83 in Somers. He graduated from Rockville High School class of 1937. Upon graduation from high school John went on to attend Valparaiso Technical School in Indiana and also Bliss Technical School in Washington, DC. Mr. Welch was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II, he was stationed in Hawaii and aboard the USS Sitkoh Bay as an ARTC. John began his career at KVIC in Victoria, TX. Following his retirement after 40 years of his career in broadcast engineering at Channel 3/WTIC he reactivated his interest in HAM radio using the call letters W1MWP. He will be sadly missed by his two sons, Timothy and his wife Kathleen Welch of Somers and Clifford and his wife Anne-Marie Welch of Raynham, MA; a daughter, Ann Marie and her husband Philip Arrowsmith of Enfield; a sister, Katherine Welch of Suffield; four grandchildren, Jason, Andrew, and Jessica Welch and Sarah Maskill; a great grandchild, Hollise Welch; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main Street (Route 190) on Friday, March 18, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Barry Cass officiating. Interment will be in West Cemetery in Somers. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Somers Funeral Home TODAY, March 17, from the hours of 4–8 p.m. Memorial Donations to help Somers Boy Scouts lodge fund and may be directed to Friends of Somers Boy Scouts troop #387, 26 Lindell Drive, Somers, CT 06071. Attn: Building Fund. To leave a message of hope and remembrance please visit our web-site at www.somersfuneralhome.com. Published in the Hartford Courant on 3/17/2005.

Marjorie Wentworth: Marjorie (Stavola) Wentworth, 84, of Windsor, beloved wife for 35 years of the late John Irvin Wentworth, passed away on Tuesday (July 31, 2007), at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Hartford on June 23, 1923, daughter of the late James Francis and Victoria (Benard) Stavola, she was raised in Hartford and had spent most of her life in Windsor. Marjorie graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in West Hartford and continued her education at Larsen College in Hamden and received her associate degree in business. After graduating, Marjorie took a position with WTIC Radio in Hartford and eventually rose to the position of Traffic Manager, planning all the radio programs throughout the day. After she left to care for her family, she continued to work with her husband managing the East Hartford Cab Company. In her spare time, Marjorie enjoyed volunteering and served as the past president of both the Connecticut Opera Guild and the Mt. St. Joseph Alumni. Most of all, Marjorie will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother. She leaves a son, Gregory Wentworth and his wife Rebecca of Windsor; a daughter, Victoria N. Wentworth of Windsor; a sister, Jeannette S. Bird and her husband Robert of Jupiter, FL; and eight nieces and nephews. Besides her husband she was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley S. Macari and Phyllis S. Healey. Family and friends may gather on Saturday, August 4, 9:15 a.m., at the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor, followed by a Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., at St. Gabriel Church, Windsor. Burial will follow in Palisado Cemetery, Windsor. Her family will receive friends on Friday, August 3, 5-8 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gabriel Church, 379 Broad St., Windsor, CT 06095 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396. For online condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Wilson: Wilbraham-Jerry D. Wilson, 76, passed away,  Sunday, February 17, 2019.  Jerry was born in Lenoir, NC to the late Jesse F. and Dorothy (Angley) Wilson. He was a high school graduate and served in the US Navy.  Jerry was a meteorologist for Channel 3-WTIC in Connecticut for many years, he retired from Ocean Routes after being the head of sales. Jerry was a member of Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church in Brimfield and the Monson Arts Council.  He had a studio in the Indian Orchard Mills. He enjoyed sculpting, painting, pottery and was an avid reader.
Jerry was predeceased by his wife in 2018, Roberta T. (Roach) Wilson.  He leaves a son, Joel M. Wilson of Wilbraham; a daughter, Rebecca J. Carney of Brimfield; sisters, Victoria W. Parrish and  husband Michael of Pfafftown, NC; Sandra L. Duby and husband Richard of Belchertown; a granddaughter, Meghan Carney of Brimfield and a great granddaughter Lyla Murray.
Visiting hours will be held, Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 1-4pm in Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St Monson MA. A funeral Mass will be held Monday, February 25, 2019 at 2pm in Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church 167 Dunhamtown/Palmer Rd, Brimfield, MA.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Charismatic Catholic Church.. Back

Bennett Zinkerman: Bennett N Zinkerman, 78, of Newington died peacefully November 17th 2020 at Middlesex Hospital due to complications from Alzheimer's. He is survived by his wife Teri Atmannsberger-Zinkerman of Newington, his son Jeffrey of Fairfield and wife Anastasia, their children Jacob and Eve, his son Scott of East Hampton and wife Karen, their children Marley and Worthington, his Brother Larry Zinkerman of Ormond Beach, Florida and wife Sheila, their daughter Violet. Ben also leaves behind his first wife and lifelong friend Isabel "Bunny" Zinkerman of Hallandale Beach, FL. In addition, he leaves his stepson Jason Altmannsberger, his son Christopher and wife Jamie, along with Terri's 4 sisters and 3 brothers in law. Ben was born in Harford, January 22, 1942, the son of the late Frank and Ida Zinkerman of Hartford. He attended Harford schools and graduated Weaver High School in 1960. He attended University of Hartford and focused on electronics. He spent his early years helping in the family store in Hartford. After college he spent many years working in radio for WTIC and was the engineer for the Bob Steele show. He talked with enthusiasm about his years in radio and covering the UCONN basketball games. He later used his gift in electronics and opened Soundtronics in West Hartford, where he was well known as the person that could fix almost anything electronic, especially among local and touring musicians. In the 1980s along with two partners he opened one of the very first video rental stores, Downtown Video, in Hartford. Ben also spent nearly two decades working for the Radio Department for the State of CT D.O.T, working to ensure smooth and safe communications for the many facets of the transportation department. Ben loved spending summers with his family at the beach and during his years was fortunate to have traveled to many tropical destinations. Above all things his simplest joy was taking walks on the beach wherever his travel brought him. In his later years he enjoyed kayaking, traveling, and dining. The family would like to thank his caregivers and the staff at Middlesex hospital for exceptional care and compassion. Funeral services will be private with burial at the Emanuel Cemetery, 1361 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT, Rabbi Evan Shultz officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Association, West Hartford .Back

Published in Hartford Courant on Nov. 22, 2020.

 

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