1946 – 2013

North Grosvenordale – Douglas “Dougie” L. Mitchell, 66, of Main St., died Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in his home.  Born in Charlton, MA, he was the son of the late Clyde King and Annabelle May Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell worked as a mason and carpenter for Union Local 107 in Worcester.  Douglas served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #67 in North Grosvenordale and volunteered at the Valley Springs Sportsman Club.  He enjoyed playing cards at the Knights of Columbus, playing softball on a men’s league in Thompson, reading the newspaper front to back, watching the red sox, patriots, and westerns.  Douglas also enjoyed going to L.B’s Diner, as he was a regular for 11 years, and was a family man who loved spending time with his grandchildren.  He gladly volunteered much of his time and put others before himself.

Douglas is survived by his sons, Donald Mitchell of Brooklyn, Richard Mitchell and his wife Mary of Norwich, and A.J Mitchell of Danielson; his daughters, Dawn Hippert and her husband David of Brooklyn, and Heather Mitchell of Saco, ME; his brother Carl King of Charlton; his sisters, Cecile Gilbert of Worcester, Carol Bachand of Northbridge, Marie Smith of Southbridge, and Tammy King of Palmer; seven grandchildren; and one great grand son.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Douglas’s family from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT.  On Wednesday at 1:00 pm on May 22, 2013 a graveside service will be held in the West Ridge Cemetery 40 Main St., Charlton, MA. Memorial donations, may be made to AMVETS P.O. Box 148 Quinebaug, CT 06262. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com

1940 – 2013

Putnam – Cressie Bardier, 73, of Centennial St., died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in her home.  She was the loving wife of the late Leonel Bardier.  Born in Allegheny Township, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clayton and Thelma (Briggs) Shaner.

Mrs. Bardier worked as a molding operator for PPM Manufacturing.  She enjoyed playing bingo at the VFW and building jigsaw puzzles.  She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

Cressie is survived by her sons; Brian Bardier and his wife Tammy of Putnam, Ernest Bardier of Putnam, Donald Platt of Indiana, PA, and Joseph Platt of Indiana, PA; her step daughter Sandra Hayward of Waterford; her sisters, Shirley Richard of Leechburg, PA, Dorothy Furlong of Putnam, Marylou Sabo of Leechburg, PA, and Mabel Desrosiers of Brooklyn; three grandchildren, Andrew, Alexandria and Austin Bardier; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her brother Clayton B. Shaner.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Cressie’s family from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, where a funeral procession will gather on Friday, at 10:00 am followed by a graveside service in St. Mary Cemetery, Putnam, CT at 11:00 am.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

1946 – 2013 

N. Grosvenordale – Raymond A. Phelps, Jr., 66, of Main St., died Sunday, May 5, 2013 in his home.  He was the loving husband of the late Florence (Lariviere) Phelps.  Born in Webster, MA he was the son of the late Raymond A. Phelps, Sr. and Jean (Cameron) Phelps.

Mr. Phelps first worked on his father’s dairy farm.  He then started delivering milk to homes for Deary Brothers Dairy and worked his way up to General Manager.  When Deary Brothers was sold, he worked for Guida’s Dairy.  He later worked as a truck driver for various local transport companies.  He also owned and operated the Health Haven Gym.  He enjoyed gardening, playing cards and spending time with his family.

Raymond is survived by his sons, Raymond J. Phelps and his wife Sue of Webster, MA and Shawn Phelps and his wife Lisa of N. Grosvenordale; his sister, Barbara Coderre of San Antonio, TX; and his granddaughter Courtney Phelps.  He is predeceased by his brother, the late Glenn Phelps; and his sister, the late Carol Graham.

Funeral arrangements are private.  Memorial donations may be made in Raymond’s  memory to TEEG, P.O. Box 664,  NorthGrosvenordale, CT  06255.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Nina Gailiunas, 95, of 2988 Susan Ave., died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the home of her special caregivers Judy and Stanley DeWalt.  She was the loving wife of the late Peter G. Gailiunas.  Born in Lithuania, she was forced to leave her home after Stalin’s army occupied her family’s farm.  She never was able to return to her family home and later emigrated to the U.S. after World War II. 

Mrs. Gailiunas worked for several years at Travelers Insurance Company and started her family with Peter in 1954.  They were both proud members of the Lithuanian community of the Greater Hartford area.

Nina is survived by her two sons Raymond Gailiunas and his wife Gretchen of Stamford, CT and Dr. Ernest Gailiunas and his wife Laura of Osterville, MA, and four grandchildren Katie, Sara, Jana, and Kara Gailiunas.  She was predeceased by three brothers.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Nina’s family from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2013, in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in St. Mary Church, 230 Providence St, Putnam, CT.  Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com

1942 – 2013

Dayville, CT – Thomas “Tom” M. Hogan, 70, of Primrose Village, died Friday, May 3, 2013, in BackusHospital.  Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Francis and Flora Hogan.

Mr. Hogan worked as the manager of the meat department at McMerriman’s Market and later Brooklyn Market.   Tom was a Marine Corps veteran serving during the Vietnam War.  While he was enlisted, he volunteered for many training missions that allowed him to travel all over the world.

Tom is survived by his son, Michael Hogan and wife Jodi of Dudley, MA; his daughter, Amy Hogan and fiancé Jason Dumaine of Thompson; his grandchildren, Troy and Kylie Hogan of Dudley, MA and his former wife Cheryl Hogan of Sturbridge, MA.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tom’s family from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2013 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, with a funeral service at 7:00 pm.  To sign the memorial guestbook, please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

1922-2013

South Pasadena, FL – Aldona M. (Gudaityte) Drukteinis, 90, died peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2013, in St. Petersburg, FL after a sudden illness.

She was born on Aug. 10, 1922, in Klaipeda, Lithuania; the daughter of Mykolas Gudaitis, a prominent newspaper editor, and Maria Gudaitis who lived under the loving care of Aldona all of her life.  Aldona was predeceased by her younger brother Algirdas who was her only sibling.

Aldona’s early schooling was in Klaipeda and then Kaunas, Lithuania where she finished AusraHigh School.  She went on to study dentistry in Kaunas but completed those studies at ErlangenUniversity in Germany, where she and other family members fled during WWII. Years later, after coming to the United States, she earned a bachelors degree and teaching certificate from the University of Dayton, and taught German and Russian language studies at Centerville High School.

Aldona was married 53 years to Dr. Edmund Drukteinis, who predeceased her in 1997.  Dr. Edmund practiced internal and family medicine in DaytonOhio for 35 years.  They were communicants at Holy Cross Lithuanian-American Catholic Church.  Aldona and her husband moved to Palm Harbor, FL after their retirement, and spent their last years in South Pasadena, FL.  Aldona was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother; who was active in her Lithuanian community, religious, and an avid reader of literature.

Family members who will miss her include a son Edmund Drukteinis and his wife Olga, and their extended family; a son Dr. Albert Drukteinis and his wife Jura; grandchildren Drs. Dainius and Jennifer Drukteinis, and Drs. Saulius and Lesbia Drukteinis; and great grandchildren Lily, Daniela, Gavin, Annika, and Mila.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Aldona’s family from 10:00 am to 11:30 am on Thursday, May 9, 2013 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 pm in St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam, CT.  Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Putnam, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Convent, 600 Liberty Highway, Putnam, CT 06260.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

1952 – 2013 

Putnam, CT - William R. “Billy” Cunha, 60, of Sabin Street, died Tuesday, April 30, 2013 in New Britain, CT after an illness.  Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Richard and Doris (Charron) Cunha.

Billy enjoyed WWF wrestling and his cat “Mama”.

Billy is survived by his brothers, Kirby Cunha of N. Grosvenordale, and Richard Cunha of Millbury, MA; his sister, Barbara Cunha-Naumann of N. Grosvenordale; nine nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was the brother of the late Philip Cunha.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Billy’s family on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 9:00 am in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St.,   N. Grosvenordale, CT.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  For Memorial Guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com

1982 – 2013 

Dayville – Andrew “Andy” Sasser, 30, passed away suddenly in his sleep on April 30, 2013.  His gift to us all was helping us realize the true nature of patience and tolerance.  He had a passion for telling jokes, and an infectious chuckle that could make a whole crowd start to laugh.  He touched the lives of many.

When Andy was born on August 14, 1982, the sun shone like gold on the trees.  He lived his life in N. Grosvenordale, and Dayville.  He received a Certificate of Participation at Woodstock   Academy, won several medals at the Special Olympics, and received the “Mr. Casanova” award in 2004 when he graduated from the EastConn Young Adult Program.  He was well known to many local businesses as a result of his daily activities with the Arc Quinebaug Valley where he had been a participant since he was very young.

Andy leaves Bill and Warren and his extended family and friends at Tamarack and the Arc where he lived and worked so happily for the last several years of his life.  He also leaves his mother, Lucinda Bousquet and his step-father Richard Bousquet of Woodstock; his father, Bernard Sasser of New Bedford, MA; his brother, Matthew Sasser and his wife Jessica of Dayville; his grandparents Joan and David Sutter of Cape Porpoise, ME; his aunts, Alessandra Page of Windham, ME, Deirdre Sutter and Judy Dillon of Cumming, GA, and Katherine Sasser and her husband Roger Buck of Portland, ME; his uncles Jed Sutter and his wife Liddie of Milton, MA, and Rob Sutter and his wife Barbara of Bedford, MA; his cousins, Sarah, Nathan, Nina, Reed, David, and Cole; and his long-time special friend and “Cookie-Pie,” Sharon.  He was pre-deceased by his half-brother, Justin Sasser, his grandmother, Alice Mae Sasser, and his aunt Ruth Sasser.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service for Andy at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 5, 2013 in the East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Rd., E. Woodstock, CT. 06244. Donations may be made in Andy’s name to the Arc Quinebaug Valley, 687  Cook Hill Rd., Danielson,  CT 06239.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.

1945-2013

Danielson, CT – Agnes P. (Brodeur) Szpyrka Palazzo, 67 of Westcott   Rd. formerly of Putnam died Monday April 29, 2013 in RegencyHeights.  She was the loving wife of the late Ernest P. Szpyrka who died in 1967 and the late Angelo Palazzo who died in 2010.  Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Alphonse “George” Brodeur and Jeanne (Robert) Brodeur.

Mrs. Palazzo worked as an office secretary and counselor for Putnam High School for 31 years.  She was very family oriented and loved to cook and entertain.  She also enjoyed computer programming.

Agnes is survived by her son, David Szpyrka of Plainfield,  CT; her daughter, Christine Kingsbury of Thompson, CT; three stepdaughters, Mary Palazzo of East Longmeadow, MA, Angela Dwyer of Dudley, MA and Rose Gagnon of Woodstock, Ct; her brother, Andre Brodeur; six grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Agnes’ family on Friday May 3, 2013 at 1:00pm in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00pm in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT.  Burial will follow in St. MaryCemetery.  For memorial guestbook, visit www.GilmanAndValade.com

1920-2013 

N. Grosvenordale-Roland J. “Shorty” Durand, 92, passed away April 27, 2013 at Matulitis Nursing Home in Putnam CT.  He was born  at his parents’ home in North Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Philip & Rose Alma (Mandeville) Durand.

Roland left trade school early and worked full time to support his mother and younger siblings, before for joining the Army Air Force at age 18.  He trained to be a Sperry Ball and Martin upper gunner on B17’s, but was grounded by a severe knee injury during parachuting practice. After almost a year in Military hospitals, no specialist could be found to repair his knee.  He was told if he could walk out of the hospital on his own he could go home, to which he grabbed a cane and walked out.  He was honorable discharged in 1941.

Roland worked as a shipper/receiver for Simonds Inc. in Southbridge Mass, until his retirement at age 79.  He never took a sick day and never missed an opportunity for overtime.  Even at work he was better known as Shorty or Uncle Shorty.  He was a life long parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church, a member of St. Bernards Council 2087 Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Community Fire Department.

He was an extremely hard worker, who excelled at doing his own car repairs, plumbing, electrical and carpentry and made sure his children learned all of his skills.  He never let his damaged knee or arthritis stop him from working or completing a project at home, and once done, he enjoying his hobbies and weekend adventures with his children.   His dedication to his family was insurmountable.

His love for the outdoors included horseback riding, motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, camping, Nascar, Modifieds, and motorcycle racing at Laconia.  It was a common sight for him to come home from work on a Friday night, and head out on weekend adventure.   His truck cab was always equipped with a pillow and sleeping bag.  No matter where he went, he always made sure he knew where the closest church was, and the mass times.   His family is at peace knowing his adventures will now be with the Lord.

Roland is survived by his sons, Ronald Durand and his wife Donna, Raymond Durand and his wife Sue, David Durand and his wife Lisa; his daughter Paula Ramos and her husband David; his sisters, Doris Boutin and Evelyn Rogers; seven grandchildren, Ray Jr., Tony, Amanda, Laura, Megan, Sara and Dominick; five great grandchildren Jenna, Antonio, Elijah and two baby boys due in May.   He was predeceased by his daughter Pauline Durand and by his brothers Conrad Durand, Fredrick Durand, Lineal Durand, and Robert Durand.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Roland’s family from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Thursday May 2, 2013 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT.  A gathering will begin at 9:00 am Friday, May 3, 2013 in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial  at 10:00 am in St. JosephChurch, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. JosephCemetery.  For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.