Our Teachers

Obituary for William J. "Billy Mac" McNamara

Former New Britain Mayor, William J. McNamara (“Billy Mac”) passed away peacefully at his home in New Britain, Ct., early Sunday morning, April 16, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Bill was a lifelong New Britain resident with over 30 years of public service.

William (Bill) served honorably with the U. S. Army during the Korean War as a Medic in Mainz, Germany. While there, he taught himself German as the only American Fencer in a German Fencing Club. Later, he attended Michigan State University on a fencing scholarship; where he received a B.S. in Police Administration. He met his wife Saundra there, to whom he would have been married for 63 years this May. Upon returning to New Britain, he joined the New Britain Police Force. During his time as a policeman, he attended the University of Hartford where he received a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education then taught German and English at Pulaski High School for 16 years.

While teaching, he became an Alderman and in 1977 he won the election for Mayor of the City of New Britain; continuing onto win five more terms; making Bill McNamara to this day, the longest running mayor in New Britain history, serving 6 consecutive terms in office. One of his proudest moments as Mayor was hosting President Ronald Regan’s 1987 visit to New Britain, Ct.

After his 12 year tenure as Mayor, Bill returned to teaching at New Britain High School for 6 more years. Upon retirement, he accepted a position at C.C.S.U. as a part time adjunct professor of German, where he taught for more than 20 years. While teaching at Central, Bill and Sam frequently took trips overseas becoming seasoned world travelers.

Bill was a member of the Irish American Club, Northwestern Vets, VFW, B.P.O.E. Lodge of Elks #957 and the Donau Club where he taught German for 25 years. Known for his quick Irish wit, a natural born politician, who was highly extroverted and a lifelong Democrat; as popular with residents of New Britain as with his high school and college students. He demonstrated an extraordinary gift for learning and speaking several languages; spoke German fluently and others nearly fluently.

Bill is survived by his wife, Saundra (Sam), daughters, Megan McNamara and Amy Kreger (Kevin),; sons Patrick (Rebecca) and Sean McNamara. He is also survived by granddaughters, Ashley and Claire McNamara and Priscilla Kreger; grandsons James McNamara and Henry Kreger and two nieces, Kellyanne Shaker-Tuscano and Kari Shaker Hudson; and several other family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen V. (Malinowski) and William F. McNamara; his daughter, Brigid Kay and son Kevin; his sister Kathleen Shaker Machowski, Godson and nephew, Paul A. Shaker, Jr. and niece, Katie Shaker.

Funeral rites for Bill will be held Monday, April 24, 2023 - Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Katharine Drexel Parish at Saint Jerome R.C. Church 1010 Slater Road, New Britain, Ct.
Attendees are asked to go directly to the church not the funeral home, prior to the service. Committal service and final resting place will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1709 Stanley Street, New Britain, Ct., which will be private for immediate family members only.

Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker Funeral Home, Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill’s memory to the Girls and Boys Club of New Britain. To share a memory of Billy Mac or to extend condolences to the McNamara Family, please visit:www.shakerfuneralhome.com


 1930-2022

Richard Dewing Prouty

Richard D. Prouty 91 of Newington, CT passed peacefully on January 14, 2022 with his family at his side.

Richard (Dick) was born in MA on October 11,1930 to the late John Abner Prouty & Grace Prouty. He graduated Dean Academy in 1949, & Springfield College receiving both a B.S. & Master's Degree in 1953 & 1958 in Teacher Education & Physical Education; And in 1982 pursued his PHD at Wesleyan University. His teaching/coaching positions included Huntington High School in MA, from 1954-60 where he taught social studies, coached basketball, baseball & soccer while serving as the Director of Athletics & becoming Vice Principal in 1958.

In 1960 he continued his career of teaching/coaching for 29 years in the New Britain school system. First, teaching at Pulaski Senior High School where he coached varsity basketball from 1961-74, tennis from 1962-80 & served as Vice Principal from 1967-80. He achieved the Outstanding Coach of the Year award issued by CHSCH in 1976. In 1980 he took the vice principal position at New Britain High School, again while teaching & this time, coaching tennis & girls' soccer.

Other interests & accomplishments included serving as a member of CIAC State High School Committee from 1978-88, Director of Class M state tennis tournaments from 1978-84, & a certified swim meet official for Central & Western CT from 1978-87. He was a member of the USTA serving on the N.E. Tournament Committee as well as being ranked as a tennis player himself from 1979-83, holding the Father/Daughter N.E. title in 1979-80. He was an avid athlete who was a fierce competitor on the tennis court, holding many championship titles both locally & nationally.

His other passions were his family, friends, coaching/mentoring and a love for U.S. History. He was a Free Mason, but most importantly a Christian who enjoyed his Sunday congregational gatherings. He was a dedicated advocate for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, The Wounded Warriors Project, & The Humane Society - to name a few. A few years after his retirement in 1989, he relocated to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Front Royal, VA. only to come back to CT for the last few years of his life.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years - Joanne (McDonald), his daughters - Dorrie Ann Prouty & Virginia Ellen Prouty & his son - Richard Keith Prouty; Also, 4 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 2 nephews and a niece.

There will be a 'Celebration of Life' service at the Plainville Congregational Church to be announced at a later date and he will be laid to rest in Westborough, MA come spring. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Hartford Healthcare Home Hospice personnel & affiliates for their kindness and professionalism. Any donations can go to the Humane Society as wished by the widow of the deceased.

Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 27, 2022.

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Edward A. Dabkowski

                        

Edward A. Dabkowski, 84, of Southington, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 23, 2017. He was the husband of Shirley (Bouchard) Dabkowski.

Born September 30, 1932 in New Britain, he was the son of the late Kostanty and Stella (Fliss) Dobkowski. Edward was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Airforce. He was a Teacher for 37 years with the New Britain School System and member of the Southington VFW. He had a love for sports especially coaching in Southington for baseball and football teams. He was also involved in the sports programs at Pulaski High School.

In addition to his wife he leaves his children, Edward Dabkowski of FL, Richard Dabkowski of Southington, Glenn Dabkowski and wife Tracie of MD, Gerry Dabkowski and wife Nicole Robertson of FL and Tim Dabkowski and husband Sam Roberts of DE; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter Roslyn Mauro, a daughter-in-law, Sally Dabkowski and a sister Terry Montana.

His funeral will be held on Friday, 9:15 a.m. from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington to St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com


Published in the Hartford Courant and New Britain Herald, July 25, 2017

 
 
 
 
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Ralph W. Leiper


1938 - 2015

Ralph W. Leiper Obituary
 



Ralph W. Leiper, 77, of Windsor Locks, CT loving husband of Janet (Riding) Leiper, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2015,at St. Francis Hospital.

Ralph was born August 26, 1938, in Hartford, CT the son of the late Charles and Anna (Thompson) Leiper. Ralph proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in September of 1962. He retired in 2004 from the New Britain Board of Education, after 42 years at New Britain High School and the former Pulaski High School as a physics teacher. Ralph was a member of the Republican Town Committee and served on several boards in Windsor Locks such as the Board of Education, the Zoning Board of Appeals and served at the Chairman of Planning and Zoning for over 10 years. Ralph was a member of the Windsor Locks Lions Club and recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. In Ralph's youth he enjoyed roller-skating and was an amateur photographer, a founding member of the Pine Meadow Photographers and enjoyed tinkering with computers.

In addition to his wife, Janet he is also survived by his son, Andrew Leiper and his wife, Bethany of Brooklyn, NY; two brothers, Robert Leiper of Vernon, CT and Thomas Leiper and his wife, Dorothy of Enfield, CT; a sisters, Mary Colbert of Engelwood, FL, a sister-in-law, Ann Leiper; his beloved granddaughter, Peyton Leiper and several nieces and nephews. Ralph was pre-deceased by his parents, brother, Charles Leiper, Sister-in-Law, Millie Leiper, and "Mother-In-Law".

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family during visiting hours on Friday, October 9, 2015, from 6 pm to 8 pm and a prayer service at 7:30 pm by the Windsor Locks Lions Club at the Windsor Locks Funeral Home, 441 Spring St., Windsor Locks. A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday, October 10, 2015, at St. Mary Church, 42 Spring St., Windsor Locks. (Please meet at the church). Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Windsor Locks Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 653, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. For online expressions of sympathy or directions please visit www.windsorlocksfuneralhome.com

 
 
Published in The Hartford Courant on Oct. 7, 2015

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John W. Slauenwhite

1936 - 2014 | Obituary  Condolences
 
John W. Slauenwhite Obituary
 


John W. Slauenwhite, 77, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Nancy (Einsiedel) Slauenwhite, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington.
 
He was born December 27, 1936 in Hartford to the late John W. and Edith (Peltier) Slauenwhite. A 1955 graduate of Weaver High School in Hartford, John went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. After his service he attended and received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Central Connecticut State University. Before his retirement, John was a High School History and Social Studies teacher with the New Britain Public Schools for 38 years, teaching at Pulaski High School and New Britain High School. He also coached basketball and baseball. John was a Director of the Meiklejohn Educational Foundation at the University of Wisconsin. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman as well as occasionally playing a round of golf. He loved his English Springer Spaniels, sports, a good joke, American History, but most of all cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
 
In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his children, whom he loved dearly, Susanne Slauenwhite and her fiancé, Paul Pisoni of Brooklyn, NY; John F. Slauenwhite of Newport, RI; his sister, Joan Zito of Newington; and his niece, Karen Brusseau and her husband Randy of Wethersfield.
 
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. at the North Canton Community United Methodist Church, 3 Case St., North Canton. John's family will receive friends on Friday, May 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd., Avon. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center Foundation, Inc., 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. To leave expressions of sympathy please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com

 
 
Published in The Hartford Courant on May 15, 2014
 
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DOMIJAN, Leo C.
 
Friday, July 12, 2013 10:13 PM EDT

Leo Chester Domijan passed away peacefully after a short illness July 7, 2013, at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center under the care of Hospice. He was born one of six children to Stanley and Mary Domijan in New Britain, Conn. He met and married his wife of 71 years, Helen Bernacki in New Britain, where they raised three children. Leo was a World War II Army Air Corps veteran. He served with the 50th Air Service Group in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of operations. He was a charter member of the VFW in Farmington.

Leo graduated from Teachers College in New Britain and received a master’s degree from The University of Connecticut. Leo taught math and was athletic director at Pulaski and New Britain High School. Leo also taught calculus and statistics at Central Connecticut State University.

Leo was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in New Britain and St. Paul’s in Kensington before moving to Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he became a parishioner at St. Ignatius Loyola.

Leo is survived by his daughter, Dorothea Tribuiani and her husband, Louis; grandchildren, Michael Tribuiani and his wife, Kimberly; Robert Tribuiani and his wife, Rinku; Mark Tribuiani, David Domijan and Tara Domijan; great-grandchildren, Isabella Tribuiani, Emma Tribuiani, Matthew Tribuiani, and Benjamin Tribuani. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Nancy Brindle; his brother, Mickey Domijan; his sister, Claire and her husband, Stanley Nurzyk; sister-in-law, Sally Domijan, numerous nieces, nephews, friends and a large extended family.

 

 

Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Helen Bernacki; daughter Barbara Lemanski and son, David Domijan; brothers, Henry, Al, and Harry Domijan. Leo will be missed for his World War II stories and his attention to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 485 Alling St., Kensington. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Britain. Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St., New Britain, is serving his family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Leo’s names to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.burritthill.com.

 

 

      

 

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PEASE, Kathryn F.
Kathryn F. Pease of West Hartford died Saturday (July 14, 2012). Born in Miami, FL, daughter of the late George H. and Kathryn (Bresnahan) Pease, she lived in West Hartford most of her life. She graduated from St. Joseph College, West Hartford and retired from teaching after 30 years with the New Britain Public School System. Kathryn enjoyed golfing, travel, and sharing her good humor and caring with her many friends in Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Her funeral service will be Tuesday, July 17, 10 a.m. at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. There will be no calling hours.

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PETRIN, Yolande                             

Yolande Petrin, 84, a resident of Avon, CT and then Brewster, MA, passed away on Wednesday, (June 15, 2011) at the Our House Residential Care Home in Rutland, VT following a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Born July 26, 1926, in Biddeford, ME Yolande was the daughter of the late Paul Emile & Lucienne (Pelletier) Petit. Yolande married Albert Petrin on June 15, 1948. They met in Biddeford, ME and eventually settled in West Hartford, CT to focus on their careers and raise a family. She graduated from Rivier College in 1947 with a B.A. in Foreign Languages and later received her Master's in Foreign Language Education from Central Connecticut State College. She continued her post graduate studies at Trinity College and the University of Hartford. Mrs. Petrin taught Foreign Languages, primarily French, in Middlefield, CT until 1964. At that time she joined the faculty at Pulaski Senior High School in New Britain, CT. For the next fifteen years she would teach French to her students and for many years helped train young French teachers by working with student teachers in her classroom. Yolande kept a busy schedule serving as editor of the Connecticut Foreign Language News Exchange , travelling to France as President of the Connecticut Chapter to the CONGRES ANNUEL de l'AATF, and making several trips toFrance with college students studying abroad. She also held positions and was a member in numerous teaching associations including: President of Foreign Language Teachers Association, the AATF, COLT, ACTFL, Alliance Francaise, and ACTFANE. Her passion for learning continued throughout her later life, taking courses, lessons and workshops in any and all of her many hobbies. A talented piano player, Yolande often spent 3 hours a day tickling the ivories on her beloved grand piano. She had a passion for being active and was an avid downhill skier . who enjoyed the slopes with her husband and children. In warmer weather she golfed in prestigious women's leagues and as a member of the Avon Country Club and then the Brewster Country club in Massachusetts. Her shelves were littered with various golf trophies including the coveted hole-in-one. Other hobbies included writing, gardening and relaxing at the ocean. Her love of the sea started in Biddeford, Maine and then continued in her retirement years in Cape Cod (Brewster).

Yolande was predeceased by her parents and a son-in-law, Robert G. Fuller. Surviving are her devoted husband of 65 years, Albert; one son, Marc Petrin, and his wife Yvonne of Cheshire, two daughters, Lise Fuller of Queensbury, NY, and Margot Donovan and her husband Barry of Rutland, VT; and one sister, Jeannine Petit, of New York City. Yolande (Yo-Yo) leaves behind six very special grandchildren; two great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews. The family extends a special thank-you to the staff at Our House for their wonderful care of Yolande, known affectionately as Madame.
 

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, (June 25, 2011), at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Published in the Hartford Courant, June 20, 2011

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  Michael Joseph Borselle

 

 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 10:47 PM EDT

Michael Joseph Borselle of New Britain, Conn., passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General.

Michael was born in New Britain, and was the son of the late Joseph and Michalina (Maietta) Borselle.

He graduated from New Britain High School, playing an active role in major sports.

Mike served his country honorably during World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard for three years in the South East Asia Theater. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.

He graduated from St. Michael College, Winooski, Vt., with a B.H. in history and social studies and continued his education receiving his Master’s Degree from the University of Hartford and also a sixth-year program in administration and guidance.

Mike taught at Washington Junior High School and also coached sports. He became a guidance counselor at Washington Junior High School and Pulaski Middle School, retiring after 37½ years in education.

Mike was active in politics from 1972 to 1976, serving as an alderman under Mayor Stanley Pac and Matthew Avitable.

He was V.F.W. Sportsman of the Year in 1983 and was later inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Mike was a member of St. Ann Church, serving on the Parish Council.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus third and fourth degree and also a Life Member of the New Britain Elks Lodge No. 957.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rose (Palmisano) Borselle of New Britain, and his two loving daughters, Marlene O’Neill and her husband, Maurice, of Plainville, and Attorney Marianne P. Borselle of Los Angeles, Calif., and several nieces and nephews. Michael was predeceased by his four brothers, Anthony, Patrick, John and Louis and three sisters, Chiara, Elizabeth and Louise. 

Funeral rites for Mike will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. with the procession departing at 9 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker/Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Ave., New Britain, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Ann Church, 101 North St., New Britain. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Mary Cemetery, 1309 Stanley St., New Britain. The American flag will be presented to Mike’s wife, Rose. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker/Farmingdale Funeral Home Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Directions to funeral home: I-84 East or West — Exit 37 (Fienemann Road) — right off exit — one mile down on right. Elks Lodge No. 957 will hold a ritual Friday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in Michael’s name to St. Ann Church, 47 Clark St., New Britain, Ct. 06051.

To extend condolences to the Borselle family or to share a memory of Mike, please visit our website at SHAKERFUNERALHOME.COM.


 

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     John T. “Jack” Halpin Jr

 
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 10:54 PM EST

 

John T. “Jack” Halpin Jr., a long-time Plainville resident and former teacher, passed away Christmas Eve at the age of 85 after a long-term illness.

Jack was predeceased by Eleanor (Lorenzo) Halpin, his wife of 46 years, and his two sisters, Patricia and Dorothy. Jack is survived by his brother, Donald and two sisters, Ann and Carol. He is also survived by his six children and spouses, John and Barbara Halpin, Linda and Philip Daniel Albert, Bruce Halpin and Lynnda Miller, Susan and David Milhollan, Nancy Scotto di Luzio, Tracy Halpin-Wood and Daniel Wood. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Kerri, Kimberly, Jodi, Casey, Jamie, Nicholas, Wyatt, Samantha, Daniel, Alysa, Raymond, Kylene, Katelynn, Ryan and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Madeleine.

Jack is also survived by his life-long best friend, George “Baldy” Sheele, and more recently his lady friend, Marilyn Lombardo.

Jack led an active life and was always involved in physical fitness endeavors. Jack played organized sports into his 60’s including hockey, basketball and golf. When he hung up his skates, he took up bowling and remained involved in leagues until the end.

Furthermore, until just months before his death, he would walk for miles each day around Plainville or anywhere his world travel schedule placed him; usually sporting Red Sox or Celtic gear.

Ever since his retirement in 1986, Jack was able to satisfy his love of travel. By air, land and sea Jack took trips to every corner of the earth spending almost half of his time out of Connecticut. Jack was never short of traveling companions or friends to visit.

Born in Lowell, Mass., to John T. Sr. and Anna in 1925, Jack attended Lowell schools and was always active in sports. A World War II veteran, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 upon graduation from high school and served until 1946 as a signalman aboard transport ships to Europe during the war earning a purple heart.

After the Navy, Jack pursued his athletic career while attending college at Lowell Tech. At Tech he played both football and baseball. Jack’s standout pitching was spotted by scouts. In 1947 to 1948 the young southpaw spent time in the Dodger organization. While with the Dodgers AAA Montreal Royals, he was a teammate to both Jackie Robinson and Tommy Lasorda.

Jack met Eleanor Jean Lorenzo in 1947 and they wed in January 1948. After the 1948 baseball season he became a dad. Realizing a full-time baseball career would not provide for a long-term future, he enrolled at Boston University and earned a B.A. and Phi Beta Kappa in 1952 and a Med in 1953. Throughout his college days he continued to pitch in Canadian leagues every summer where he pitched and later managed teams in Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and St. Johns until 1962. He received numerous awards for his play and managerial accomplishments at each of his stops.

As the family grew through the decade of the ’50s, Jack came to Connecticut to pursue teaching and coaching opportunities at Amity High School in Orange, Joel Barlow High School in Reading and finally Pulaski/New Britain high schools. He taught physical ed and biology and coached almost everything including football, baseball, golf and swimming through the years.

His years at Pulaski spanned from the first day the high school opened, until its last when New Britain consolidated all high school students into the new New Britain High.

A celebration of John’s life will be held Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, Forestville. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Family and friends are welcome to gather Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack’s name to The Plainville Public Library, 56 E. Main St., Plainville, CT 06062.

To share your memories with John’s family please visit his memorial tribute wall at www.bailey-funeralhome.com.

 

 

 

MARSH, William G. William G. Marsh, noted New Britain educator and son of the late William and Anna (Overstrom) Marsh, passed away October 3, 2009.

He was born in New Britain on November 2, 1912, and resided there all his life. For the past six years he was a resident of the Jerome Home in New Britain. Mr. Marsh received a Bachelor's degree in 1937 from the Teacher's College of Connecticut, now Central Connecticut State University, where he was class president and captain of the first football team. He received his Master's Degree from the University of Connecticut in secondary school administration and supervision, completed 30 hours beyond his Master's Degree at the University of Hartford and pursued further post-graduate studies at Yale and Boston Universities. Mr. Marsh spent his career as a teacher and public school administrator. He taught in Middletown from 1937-1938, and was appointed principal of the Broad Brook Grammar School in 1938. In New Britain he taught at Washington Junior High School in 1942. He became principal of the Northend Elementary School in 1946, and Roosevelt Junior High School in 1950. He opened the Pulaski Senior High School in 1961, serving there as principal until his retirement in 1974. He was a past member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Hartford Area Junior High School Principals, and Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Society. In 1979, Governor Grasso appointed him to the board of Trustees for the Connecticut State Colleges. Mr. Marsh was a photography and art buff. In later years he enjoyed gardening, golfing, and traveling with his wife and former high school sweetheart, Josephine (Rascoe) Marsh. They were married in 1940 and enjoyed 63 years together before her passing in 2003.

He is survived by daughter Linda Summers of Tolland: daughter Davida and son-in-law Michael Chudzik of Milford, MA; son Joel and daughter-in-law Barbara Marsh of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; four grandchildren: Marsh Summers, Tia Chudzik, William and John Marsh; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday October 9, 2009 at the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT, with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Church, 98 Franklin Sq, New Britain on Saturday October 10, 2009 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery 1309 Stanley St. New Britain, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of William Marsh to the Central Connecticut State University, Department of teacher Education, 1615 Stanley St. New Britain, CT 06050.To send a condolence or light a memorial candle, please visit www.FarrellFuneralHome.com

  Published in the Hartford Courant, October 7, 2009

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Herman Edward Miller  (published 7/27/09)

MILLER, Captain Herman Edward, Ret. Retired U.S. Navy Captain, Herman Edward Miller, 95, of New Britain, died Saturday (July 25, 2009) of cancer in the Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General. Capt. Miller stood out as a decorated Captain in the U.S. Navy, a pioneering teacher, a hardworking philanthropist for New Britain's Greek community, and a dedicated family man. Miller was born on May 26, 1914, in Tacoma, Washington, to Hadar A. Miller, a wholesale grocery store manager, and Maude Litton, an elementary school teacher. He was the eldest of three brothers. Miller's mother died when he was four years old. As a result, he was forced to help raise his younger brothers from an early age. Miller's father died in 1932, shortly after he enrolled in the University of Washington's forestry program in Seattle. Despite the financial hardships brought on by his father's death, Miller continued attending classes, eventually becoming the top student at the university's College of Forest Resources. Miller also took part in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program, at that time a requirement for students attending government schools like the University of Washington. In the summer of 1934, he transferred to the U.S. Naval Academy, being the only person in his congressional district to pass the academy's difficult entrance exam. He graduated in 1938, standing 53rd in a class of 406. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign and was given his first assignment: the U.S.S. Astoria, a destroyer. Miller enjoyed working on large ships, but a submarine demonstration at Annapolis left a lasting impression on him. After qualifying for the various officer jobs on the Astoria, he attended submarine school. It was during this time that Miller met his future wife, Artemis Perakos, with whom he had two daughters, Julia and Mary, and enjoyed 64 years of marriage until she died in 2004 of pneumonia. World War II began shortly after his graduation from submarine school. During the war, he served as the executive officer of four submarines: the USS Trumpetfish, USS Kingfish, USS Blenny, and USS Besugo. By the end of the war, Miller served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He sunk 12 ships under his command, including a German submarine, a Japanese troop transport ship, and a fuel ship carrying valuable fuel for Japan's air force. The latter act paved the way for U.S. Naval planes to destroy scores of Japanese fighters left stranded on the ground due to a lack of fuel. For these and other achievements during World War II, Miller received five medals, including a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Legion of Merit, and a commendation ribbon. After the war, Miller was stationed in Key West, where he spent four years developing anti-submarine equipment and tactics. His work contributed to the development of the scanning sonar, the underwater telephone, and a talking sonar system deployed by helicopter. His next assignment led him to Brown University in Rhode Island, where he became the executive officer of the school's Naval ROTC unit. Aside from administrating the ROTC program there, he supervised students on summer training missions to New York and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1953, he became the Chief of Staff of the Military Assistance Group, a unit that provided naval training and support for Taiwan shortly after its leader, Chiang Kai-Shak, and his Nationalist government signed an agreement with the U.S. guaranteeing its defense. There he played the roles of educator and ambassador, serving as an advisor to the admiral in charge of Taiwan's naval academy. He returned to America at the end of 1955, assigned to the Pentagon as Director of Mobilization Plans and Policies for the U.S. Navy. In this role, he developed personnel contingency measures to and reconstitution procedures for the U.S. Naval Reserve in the event of a nuclear attack. Consequently, he was among a small handful of naval personnel marked for airlifting to the famous Mount Weather protection facility, which was built to house key members of the U.S. government during major calamities. In 1959, he became Captain of the U.S.S. Amphion, a large repair ship carrying a crew of more than 1,000 men. There he commanded missions to help NATO allied ships and other friendly vessels in distress. His final assignment took him to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he served as the ranking administrative officer of a shipyard that built nuclear submarines. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1962. Shortly after retiring from the navy, Miller trained to become a science teacher. He attended Central Connecticut State University to earn an education degree. He trained to teach earth science, a new discipline being introduced into the public schools. Upon graduation, he was among the first crop of earth science teachers in Connecticut. He taught the subject for nine years at Washington Junior High School in New Britain. Miller retired from his civilian job in 1972, but he still worked hard. He became an active volunteer and philanthropist, donating much of his time and energy to St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in New Britain. There he supervised the planning and construction of St. George's community center, which was completed in 1980. For 20 years, Miller managed the center's banquet hall. He was also active on St. George's parish council, serving as secretary, treasurer, and then president for 5 years. While many of Miller's lifetime achievements were grand in scale and far reaching in their effects, Miller stayed well-grounded. On a personal level, he was known for his soft-spoken and witty humor, his calm demeanor, and his dedication to family. Capt. Miller is survived by his daughter, Julia Bogdan, his former son-in-law, Roger Bogdan; son-in-law Jim Hules of NC; his sisters-in-law, Signa Miller of WA, Edith Perakos, Veronica Perakos, Ukey Perakos, Nikki and Sparie Perakos all living locally, and Marilyn and John Perakos of FL; his grandchildren, Marilyn and Donald LoRusso; Phillip and KC Bogdan of MN; Diane and John McKinney of NC; Douglas Pierce of NC; Billy Hules of TX; and Tracy Hules of CA; and his great grandchildren, Lacey, Michelle, and Daniel Pierce, Katie and Hannah McKinney, and Ashley, Brice and James Hules. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Miller was predeceased by his wife Artemis Miller and his daughter Mary Hules; his brothers Harley and Jess Miller; his brothers-in-law Stephen Perakos, George Perakos and Socky Perakos. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11 a.m. at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 301 West Main St., New Britain, CT 06051, followed by burial Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday evening from 4-8 p.m. with a Trisagion service being held at 7 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund. Please share a memory of Capt. Miller with his family on our online guestbook at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com.

 

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Recently Cliff Cayer reached out via email to Mr. Ralph Leiper who taught our class Physics.    Nice to see Mr. Leiper is well and still active.   Now if we can only get him to send a picture with our Traveling sign !!   :o)

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Mr. Leiper,

I got your email address from your brother, Tom, a fellow ham operator.   Just wanted to drop you line to invite you to view the PHS Class of '68 web blog.  You will see pictures and notes from many of the graduates,  including some photos of the 40th class reunion held in New Britain back in June of this year.

There are many of us who fondly remember you and the impact you had on our lives.  Hope life has treated you well, and continues to do so. Many regards from your former student prankster, 

Cliff Cayer, Class of '68
October 12, 2008p>

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Sunday, October 19, 2008 7:31 AM
Subject: Re: Greetings from the Pulaski High Class of 1968

Hello Cliff:

How nice to hear from you! I can recall the name, but at the moment I'm having difficulty recalling the face after forty years...a senior moment?

I have been retired for four years now--retired from full-time teaching,  that is. I teach part time for the State of Connecticut where I teach adults who are leaving the business world to become public school teachers. They take a crash course to get certified. My job is to teach them how to teach science to teenagers, specifically how to teach physics, chemistry, earth science, or physical science.

I also occasionally do substitute teaching as well. I still miss the interaction with teenagers and substituting keeps that interaction alive in me.

I have one son, a police officer in NYC. My wife and I reside in Windsor Locks where I serve on the Board of Education. As you can see, even though  am retired, I remain active in education.

I'll check out the web site this week. Stay in touch, but please use my main e-mail address:   RLeiper@aol.com

Ralph Leiper

 



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