Myrtle Johnson Thomas
April 21, 2010
Myrtle Thomas
1920 – 2010
Myrtle (Johnson) Thomas, of Woodstock CT, died peacefully on Tuesday April 20, 2010 at the Westview Healthcare Center in Dayville, CT at age 90. Mrs. Thomas was born to Hannah (Hallberg) Johnson and Carl Johnson in New York City on February 4, 1920, and grew up with her five siblings on Coatney Hill Farm in Woodstock. She graduated from the Woodstock Academy and New York’s Pratt Art Institute before marrying the late Norman Edwin Thomas, a graduate of Rutgers University and New Brunswick Theological Seminary and a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church.
Mrs. Thomas followed a career in greeting card design with many years teaching art in school systems near Albany, New York and New Brunswick, New Jersey, while helping her husband with his ministry. She is survived by her children Noela Thomas Hooper, Norman David Thomas, and Holly Thomas, her grandchildren Michael, Jennifer, and Sarah, and two of her five siblings, Jane Newman and C. Oden Johnson.
Relatives and friends are invited to Myrtle’s Memorial Service on Saturday May 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. Her service will be followed by a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations to Woodstock-area charities and service organizations, in appreciation for years of care and support.
Kurt Ryan
April 21, 2010
Kurt Ryan
1960 – 2010
Mystic – Kurt Ryan, 50, of Fair Acres Circle, died Friday, April 16, 2010 in his home. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Donald and Marcia (Rackliffe) Ryan.
Kurt was a graduate of the Rectory School in Pomfret Center CT and of Proctor Academy in Andover, NH. He was also on the Dean’s list at Johnson and Wales in Providence, RI where he graduated with degrees in culinary arts and hotel/motel management. He was a licensed auctioneer and scuba diving instructor. He spent many years as a personal chef on private yachts on both east and west coasts. When he finally returned to dry land, he settled in Mystic, CT where he became involved in a number of small independent civic organizations in his area. He was a generous man who gave of himself, his belongings and his income to help those who were suffering from illness, loss or disenfranchisement… sometimes to his own detriment. Still he continued to hold out his hand to those in need of help, nurturing or a temporary place to live.
Kurt is survived by his brother, Craig Ryan of Hampton; and his sister, Jill Ryan and her partner, Ellen McWard of Wallingford, VT.; and a countless number of friends from all walks of life.
Services are private. Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St, Putnam, CT has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial donations, may be made to the ASPCA, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY. 10128.
Russell A. LaBonte
April 16, 2010
Russell A. LaBonte
1963 – 2010
Putnam – Russell A. LaBonte, 47, of Green Street, died Thursday, April 15, 2010, at home. Born in Putnam, he was the son of Robert LaBonte, Sr. of Putnam and Virginia (Corey) Zaloudek of Coventry, RI.
Mr. LaBonte worked as an assembler for Symbol Mattress. He enjoyed golfing and playing pool.
In addition to his parents, Russell is survived by his brothers, Robert LaBonte, Jr. of Putnam, James LaBonte of Norwich, Michael LaBonte of Putnam, Stephen LaBonte of Putnam, and Richard LaBonte of Pomfret Center; his sister, Lisa O’Connor of Canterbury; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services are private under the direction of Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT.
David Thompson
April 14, 2010
David Thompson
1963 – 2010
Brooklyn – David Thompson, 46, of Bailey Woods Road, died Thursday, April 1, 2010, in Brooklyn, CT. He was the loving husband of Karen (Misiazek) Thompson. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late George S. Thompson, Sr. and Rena (Bonneville) Thompson.
Mr. Thompson worked as a kiln operator for Hull Forest Products until 2002. He enjoyed fixing small engines and loved cats.
David is survived by his brothers, George Thompson, Jr. of Grosvenordale, Michael Thompson, Sr. of Grosvenordale, and Bruce Thompson of Connelly Springs, NC.
As requested by the family, services were private. Gilman Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.
Frederic A. Vigue
April 12, 2010
Frederic A. Vigue
1938 – 2010
N. Grosvenordale – Frederic A. “Tony” Vigue, 72, of LaPorte Road, died Saturday, April 10, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Norma (Marsh) Vigue for 30 years. Born in North Grosvenordale, he was the son of the late Antonio Vigue and the late Angelina (Termine) Vigue.
Mr. Vigue worked as a millwright for Industrial Transfer & Storage.
He enjoyed all his animals and raising horses. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
In addition to his wife Norma, he is survived by three sons, Stephen Milligan and Phillip Vigue both of Fitchburg, MA, and Daniel LaFlamme of Debary, FL; three daughters, Cristina Keegan of Canterbury, CT, Teri Anne Buck of Woodsville, NH, and Belynda Cae Daniels of Parishville, NY; three brothers, Richard Menga of FL, Anthony Vigue of Robstown, TX, and Gary Vigue of Charlton, MA; nine Grandchildren and one great grandson. He was predeceased by two children, Christopher and Elizabeth Vigue; and a brother, Phillip Vigue.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with “Fred/Tony’s” family from 9:00 am to10:00 am, Friday, April 16, 2010 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Franklin Commons, 106 Rt. 32, Franklin, CT 06254
William V. Swanson
April 2, 2010
William V. Swanson
1929 – 2010
Woodstock – William V. Swanson, 81, of Castle Rock Road, died Monday, March 29, 2010, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He was the loving husband of Donna (Castner) Swanson. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Vernon and Mae (Carroll) Swanson.
Mr. Swanson was a self employed dairy farmer for 40 years. He enjoyed fly fishing.
William is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including John and Kathy Blackmore.
Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service for William at 10:30 am Monday April 5, 2010 in Saint Mary Cemetery, Providence St., Putnam, Ct. Gilman Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements. Memorial Donations may be made to the Woodstock Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 222, South Woodstock, CT 06267.
Francis W. Bousquet Jr.
April 2, 2010
Francis W. Bousquet Jr.
1935 – 2010
Putnam – Francis W. Bousquet Jr., 74, of Ballou Street, died Monday, March 29, 2010 surrounded by his family at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Helen (Poore) Bousquet. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Francis and Adelina (Allard) Bousquet, Sr.
A veteran of the Korean War, Frank served his country in the United States Air Force followed by a career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Frank later graduated from the Reese Auction School, Mason City, Iowa receiving the honorable title of “Colonel”. Besides his love of his wife and children, Mr. Bousquet enjoyed searching for the “ultimate treasure”. Swapping, bargaining, and bartering for the perfect and unique artifact.
Francis is survived by his sons, Michael Bousquet of Worcester, Charles Bousquet and his wife Kathy of Woodstock, Terry Bousquet of Webster, and Jason Bousquet and his wife Ann of Scotland, CT; his daughter, Sandra Chesanek of Putnam; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his great granddaughter, the late Elisabeth Jarvis.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Francis’s family from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday, April 5, 2010 in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin at 9:00 am on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.