Elizabeth Ann (Petersen) Nogiec, 66, of Plainville passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010. Born in Bristol, CT on Jan. 30, 1944, daughter of the late Richard and Lillie May (Parsons) Petersen, she is survived by her children, Michael Davenport of Port St. Lucie, FL, Jean Bennett and her husband Everett of Collinsville, Greg Nogiec and his wife Kate of Burlington, three sisters, Diane Royko of Burlington, Lois Monroe of Tucson, AZ and Ann McDonald of Jacksonville, FL, two brothers, Ernest Petersen of New Britain and Arthur Petersen of Tacoma, WA, five grandchildren, Samantha Nogiec, Katie Greeley, Timothy Davenport, Amber Nogiec, and Robert Bennett, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The Memorial Funeral Service will be held Thursday, Dec. 30th at 10am in The Ahern Funeral Home 111 Main St. Rt. 4 Unionville with the Rev. Wendell Taylor officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311.
Stella Dudecz, 92, of Farmington, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 15th. Born in Hartford, July 31st, 1917, daughter of the late Samuel and Tessie (Kudnick) Dudecz. Prior to retiring, she was employed at Veeder-Root Company and Pratt and Whitney for many years. Stella travelled extensively with her sister Anna. She is survived by her two brothers, Joseph Dudecz and Stephen Dudecz both of Farmington, her niece, Kristine D. Green and her husband Gary D. Green Jr., of Farmington, her nephew, Stephen W. Dudecz and his wife Julie of Simi Valley, CA, her great nephews and nieces, Andrew and Matthew Green and Katelyn and Kylee Dudecz. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Caroline Dudecz and Anna Dudecz, her brother, William Dudecz and her sister-in-law, Adrienne (Cowles) Dudecz. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Farmington Valley VNA, Companions and Homemakers, and the staff at Amberwoods for the care given to Stella. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Thursday (Dec. 17) from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be held Friday (Dec. 18) at 10:00am in The Ahern Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, Southern New England Region, 825 Brook St., 1-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
Robert B. McCallum, passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital Tuesday morning, December 14th. He was born in Hartford, on September 21, 1935 to Henry and Edith McCallum. He is survived by his wife Janet of Avon, his son Michael McCallum of Farmington, and daughter Amy Bailey of Unionville as well as five grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Donald McCallum of Burlington, Malcolm McCallum of Vancouver BC, and a sister Marjorie Smith of Portland, OR. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Douglas McCallum. Robert ran McCallum Motor Supply Company with his father and his brother, as well as running Roy Auto Parts in Willimantic, for many years. He was a graduate of the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, Kettering University, and The Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. He enjoyed road trips, spending time with his family and long walks with his wife. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Saturday, December 18 from 2:00- 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Salvation Army, 855 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105.
Pi Lee, 88, of Hartford, husband of Nyunt Yee, died Monday December 13th at Hartford Hospital. He was born July 13th, 1922 in Burma. A Baptist by upbringing, Pi Lee was a farmer in Burma before being displaced with many Karen people in a United Nations Refugee camp in Thailand. He moved to Hartford two and a half years ago and attended the Central Baptist Church in Hartford. Besides his wife, he is survived by his three daughters and one son. Funeral services will be held Saturday (Dec. 18) at 10:00am in The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
Roger G. Chasse, 61, of Hartford, passed away Monday, December 13th, 2010. Born in Madawaska, ME on September 27, 1949 son of Aline (Lavertue) Chasse and the late Lawrence Chasse. Besides his mother, he is survived by his three children, Amy Reynolds, Jessica Bettie and Jason Chasse all of Vermont, his sister, Muriel Guillemette, two brothers Lwellyn “Pete” Chasse and Lawrence Chasse Jr. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday (Jan. 15) at 11:00am in St. Brigid Church, 1088 New Britain Ave., West Hartford.
Dr. James Leopold Corthouts, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 12, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. One month previously he reached his goal of living for 100 years. Doc was born on November 6, 1910 in Washington D.C. to Flemish parents, Marie Claussen Corthouts and Francois Pierre Corthouts. His family moved to Hartford in 1916 where he attended West Middle School and Hartford Public High School, graduating in 1928. He attended the Southern Missionary College in Tennessee and University of Maryland Dental School, graduating in 1936. He opened an office in Hartford and filled the dental needs of thousands of patients for the next 61 years, practicing until he was 87 years old. In 1935 he married the love of his life Viola (“Hokie”) Jones of New Bern, North Carolina. She predeceased him in December, 2000. He is survived by his sister Marie C. Hughes and was predeceased by his brother George Corthouts. He is survived by his eight children: Levette Perkins, Joan McCormick, Beth Ann Iacampo, Carol Costello, Mary Corthouts Brookmyer, Denise Toolan, Sandra Petruccelli and James L. Corthouts, Jr. Also surviving are 17 wonderful grandchildren: Clinton Downey, Jonathan Downey, Jennifer Grayson Hayes, Charles C. Grayson, Andrew Grayson, Beth Iacampo, Wendy Mizen, Virginia Cully, Michael Iacampo, Christopher Iacampo, Tracy Lowry, Allison Bernhardt, John Costello, Benjamin Rory Brookmyer, Megan Petruccelli, James L. Corthouts, III, Travis Corthouts and 22 great grandchildren all of whom are proud to be descended from their rolemodel, Pop Pop. Anyone that knew James appreciated his incredible work ethic. At the age of 4 he started his stage career as the little Dutch Boy in the Mary Pickford classic, “Hulda from Holland.” While at Dental School, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Company during their annual trip to the Lyric Theater in Baltimore. He was a spear carrier in “Aida”, a butler in “La Traviata”, and a peasant in “Carmen”. He was proud to tell you that he was paid $2 per performance. In order to send himself to college and dental school, he delivered bakery products for Newton Robinson Bakeries, he delivered ice along the shoreline and he worked in the labs and farms at school. James had unlimited energy and a significant entrepreneurial bent which led him into a number of memorable investments. At one time or another, his investments included, as owner and/or founder, Melodymaster, Restonic Mattresses, CSW Plastics, Wellington Tool, Church Corners Inn, Ryan’s Restaurant, New England School of Accounting, Salter School, Spinnaker Inc, Hughes Convalescent Home and, his pride and joy, Oxford Academy in Westbrook, Connecticut. Even with a large family, a dental practice and all his outside business ventures he was involved in the City of Hartford. He was a campaign manager in elections for Probate Court and he ran for the City of Hartford Board of Education. James was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and was honored as a Grand Knight of the Hartford Council. At the time of his death he was the oldest long time member of the Connecticut Governor’s Foot Guard and held the rank of Captain. For many years he was a member of the Rotary Club of Hartford, the Hartford Golf Club, the Avon Country Club, Wethersfield Country Club and the Mariner Sands Golf and Country Club. There is so much that can be said about this amazing and wonderful person. There is no one that has ever asked for help from him where he did not respond. He was a tireless fundraiser for various charities including The Mansfield Training School and Hospital where he raised funds and was hands on in building a swimming pool for the children. The Doc’s work ethic continues through his children and grandchildren, all who worked beside him during their formative years. They all have such respect for his boundless energy, optimism, kindness, enthusiasm and Joie de Vivre. There is no way to say how much he will be missed. The only solace is knowing that he lived a wonderful life and that he is now dancing with Hokie in Heaven. The funeral services will be held TODAY at St. Timothy’s Church on North Main Street, West Hartford at 11:00 AM followed by burial at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery on Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made either to A Place To Be , a registered non-profit corporation for autistic children at 15 South Madison St, PO Box 834, Middleburg, Va 20118 or Oxford Academy at 1393 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Ct 06498. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
Arnold Pedersen, Jr., 82, of Farmington, widower of the late Joan P. (Stowe) Pedersen, died Friday, December 10, 2010. He was born in Wethersfield at his parents’ home on March 21, 1928. Arnold and Joan were married for 54 years before she passed away in 2006. Arnold served as a mechanic in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged. He loved tinkering with cars his entire life, and his time in the military was primarily spent working on Willys Jeeps. Arnold was very active in the American Legion James Palache Post 53. After many years of service, countless parades, and numerous positions in the Legion, he stepped down as Post Commander in 2008. Upon leaving the Air Force, he had a long career with the Connecticut Valley Electric Exchange. He joined in 1948 as a switchboard operator and retired in 1985 as chief system operations supervisor. Arnold is survived by his children: Lynn Seery and her husband Bill of NY; daughter Virginia Pedersen of Farmington; son Carl Pedersen and his wife Courtney of Bristol; five grandchildren: Nicole Howard of CA; Daniel Howard of VA; Brian Howard of Torrington; Sam and Sydney Pedersen of Bristol; brother Richard Pedersen and his wife Gail of FL; niece Joyce Freeland and her husband Walter of FL; nephews Scott Pedersen and his wife Lana of Cromwell; and Russell Pedersen of Portland. Arnold was a devoted husband and father. He was the ultimate role model. Loved by all who were lucky enough to know him, he was gentle and strong and always did the right thing for everyone he cared about, never hesitating to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a unique sense of humor which carried him and his family through life’s struggles and achievements. He was extremely proud of his Danish heritage and would spend hours defending the correct pronunciation and spelling of his surname. He worked on Jensen’s Farm as a young adult, and loved all animals especially his many dogs and cats. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Wednesday (Dec. 22) from 4:00-7:00pm. A memorial prayer service will be held at 7:00pm in The Ahern Funeral Home followed by military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arnold’s memory to The American Legion Post 53, 22 Burnt Hill Rd, Farmington, CT 06032 or Connecticut Humane Society 701 Russell Rd, Newington, CT 06111.
Donald B. Haworth, 70, of Burlington, died suddenly on Thursday, December 9, 2010. “Poppa Don”, as he was known by his loving grandchildren, was born November 12, 1940 to the late Marion and Ray Haworth of Farmington. An exceptional athlete and avid outdoorsman, Don served aboard the USS Saratoga from 1961-1965, returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Elaine Marie Dabkowski, and raise a family. Don spent 25 years with the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET), retiring at the age of 50 after overseeing the successful implementation of the phone systems at Gampel Pavilion- home to his beloved UCONN Huskies. Realizing a lifelong dream, Don designed, built and spent recent summers with Elaine in a cliff-side home on Campobello Island. There he was able to return to his first love- the sea- and watch it boil with splashing tuna and breaching humpbacks, while bald eagles soared overhead. Besides his wife of 45 years, he is survived by two sons, John T. Haworth and his fiancée Suzanne DeGeorge of Newburyport, MA, Thomas B. Haworth and his wife Rebecca of Avon, two grandchildren, his sisters Barbara Cyr and her husband Marty of Shelton, and Betsy Strand and her husband William of Farmington, his brothers-in-law, Ronald Dabkowski and his wife Virginia, Gregory Dabkowski and his wife Judy and Allan Dabkowski and his wife Marilee, and numerous nieces and nephews. Personifying strength and resilience, Don valiantly endured a 30-year battle with progressive rheumatoid arthritis, never once complaining or yielding to its disfiguring power. Friends and family who know him best will forever remember him as “Bigfish”… a quiet, patient, loving man who never met a fish he didn’t like. Wishing you fair winds and following seas, Poppa Don. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend graveside services with full military honors Tuesday (Dec. 14) at 11:00am in Riverside Cemetery, Garden Street, Farmington. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Don’s name to Arthritis National Research Organization, 200 Oceangate, Suite 830, Long Beach, CA 90802. Please direct contributions exclusively to Rheumatoid Arthritis Research. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
Paul E. Miller II, 58, of Unionville, CT, and Summerville, SC, beloved husband of Mary (Kaczmarek) Miller, with the support of his devoted and loving wife and many other family members and friends died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hartford, November 20th, 1952, son of the late Rose Marie and Paul E. Miller Sr., he grew up in Canton and was a graduate of Canton High School. Paul was employed as a tractor trailer driver for Eastern Pipes Product Company (EPPCO), and then with Stop and Shop Transportation of North Haven for many years. He was a devoted father and grandfather. Paul enjoyed hunting with his brothers, camping with his family, and spoiling his dogs. Besides his wife , Paul is survived by his children; Jeanna Shillington and her husband Rob of Avon, Julie Miller of Granby, Jessica Miller of Unionville, Lisa Raymond and her husband Jim of Middleburgh, NY, Frank Arango of Middleburgh, NY, his brothers; Dana Miller of Unionville, Michael Miller and Lori of Burlington, a sister; Lori McAllister and Pat of Unionville, his grandchildren; Alessia, Becca, and Cole Shillington, Evan and Hailey Williamson, Andrew, Nicholas and Rosemary Raymond, two great granddaughters; Elizabeth and Gabriella, and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Friday (Dec. 10) from 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday (Dec. 11) in The Ahern Funeral Home at 11:00am with Rev. Barbara Bengston officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s name to The Connecticut Hospice, 110 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to the Yale Cancer Center, Office of Development, P.O. Box 7611, New Haven, CT 06519-0611.
Marie Ann Fiora, 56, of Unionville, passed away peacefully Saturday, (December 4th). Born in Hartford, March 10th, 1954 beloved daughter of Loretta (Falotico) Fiora of Unionville and the late Raymond T. Fiora. Marie was a resident of the Hartford Regional Center for 43 years. Marie was an angel sent to us whose time on earth was short. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the hundreds of caregivers at Hartford Hospital and the Hartford Regional Center. Besides her mother, she is survived by her sister Loretta Fiora Crossman and her husband Harold J. Crossman of Unionville, her nephew Matthew J. Crossman, her niece Mary O. Crossman both of Unionville, her special Godmother Patricia Falotico Grinavich of Manchester, her aunts, Pauline Falotico of Hartford, Grace White and her husband Walter White of East Hartford, Helen Parker of Newington and numerous cousins. Marie was predeceased by her maternal grandparents John and Loretta Falotico, her paternal grandparents John and Agostina Fiora and numerous aunts and uncles. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Wednesday (Dec. 8) from 4-8 p.m. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Thursday (Dec. 9) at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Unionville at 12 p.m. Burial will be in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery, Avon. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests donations be made to Hartford Regional Center, 83 Mountain Rd., House Account, Newington, CT 06111.