Saturday, October 31, 2009

In the end, she was a pip

"Betty was a natural cook who loved nothing more than gathering her family for a meal. She was a quick study with a love of witty banter. She also loved to dance and often performed a soft-shoe tap routine in her kitchen. Short of stature, she vowed to come back as a Rockette at Radio City Musical Hall and invites all to look for her there. Whenever a gathering of friends came to visit, you could count on her to get everyone singing. She worked on crossword puzzles until the day she died.

"Her Maine accent was a family treasure. When the Red Sox made it to the World Series in 2004, she said that if they won against those damn Yankees, she’d be ready to go. She was, in the end, a pip."

Thursday, October 29, 2009

In honor of the World Series, four baseball fans

"She loved reading, her garden, and birds. She also loved to travel, especially her Opera Tour to Europe. She was an avid New York Yankees fan."
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"Tom was a lighthouse collector, enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots, using his computer and spending time with his family."
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"Paul enjoyed the simple pleasures of life whether it was a Yankees game, a good cup of coffee, a fish dinner (his favorite!), or a ride down Main Street, Niantic."
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"SACO — Arthur McInnis loved the New York Yankees. His wife loved the Boston Red Sox. ... But Jean fell in love with Arthur, they married and for the next 62 years, they waged their annual battles. ... On Thursday, Jean McInnis held her husband's hand as he passed away."

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Loved teams from Calif. except for two

"He was a former tuba player in Auburn's Marching Band. His musical interests were broad and eclectic, encompassing everything from Brahms to Brubeck, Count Basie, the Doobie Brothers, and Sir Elton John. His love of American popular composers in performance found satisfaction in the Music Circus. His literary interests were likewise diverse; he read everyone from Faulkner to Borges, Sax Rohmer to Flannery O'Connor, Gerard Manley Hopkins to William Stafford. His longing to experience the fine arts inspired travel to the world's greatest cities, museums, concert halls and opera houses. His love of sports included a passion for all things Notre Dame, and a love of all teams from California (except the Dodgers and USC)."

Monday, October 26, 2009

She loved blue crabbing

"Lucie enjoyed animals, especially cats. She also loved life, blue crabbing, seafood and most of all, spending time with her family."

Saturday, October 24, 2009

She told the best family stories ... and secrets

"Reather loved people. She was warm, friendly, caring and fun to be around. When there was laughter, there was Reather in the center of it all. She told the best family stories and secrets. She loved to travel, dance and sing."

Friday, October 23, 2009

Higher praise there never wert

"David R. Hinkle was a happy man, a hardworking entrepreneur, a loyal friend, a real patriot, and a solid family man. In uniform he was more than a capable mariner; he was that, of course, but also a great deal more. He was technologically competent, militarily innovative, and a real leader of men."

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A strong and diverse woman

"She was a strong and diverse woman. She loved to travel abroad, was a strong swimmer, and until ten years ago, she was still skiing. She was an avid reader even after losing her sight, she would listen to books on tape."

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What a Renaissance kind of guy!

"He enjoyed skiing in Vermont, sailing on Long Island Sound, and traveling in Europe and the Caribbean.

"As a young man, George was employed by Pfizer and also was the owner and manager of Scacciaferro's Excavating Business from 1952 until his successful retirement at the age of 46. He moved to East Lyme in the early 1960s and became a flourishing land developer. He worked throughout southeastern Connecticut with projects including Olde Mistick Village and Tweed Airport. Many streets and roads in East Lyme were named by George.

"George was affectionately known by his family and friends as the "World Conqueror." Upon his retirement, George developed his legacy, Pond Mere Farm in East Lyme where he built the home, barn, and gardens. He dug a four-acre pond, becoming a licensed fishery where he enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren. For a period of time, George and his first wife, Barbara, raised championship French Alpine dairy goats, traveled to goat shows throughout the country and placed in the Top Ten in the Grand National Championships. He was a member of National Dairy Goat Association.

"As a hobby in later years, George, "The Wood Man", designed and built a number of world class wood splitters for sale and personal use. George also enjoyed buying and refurbishing trucks and antique tractors. He was an avid storyteller and his tales will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Monday, October 19, 2009

Yet another way to put it

"Westerly - Ian Geoffrey Robin MacLaury, an artist and illustrator of great whimsy, and prolific philatelist, had his final closing in the morning of Monday, July 6, 2009, at the Westerly Hospital, surrounded by family, dear friends, and life companion, Kathleen Harkins. His struggle with cancer was conducted with great courage and stoicism, greater, perhaps, than loved ones may have wished."

Friday, October 16, 2009

A satisfied real estate broker

"He found satisfaction as a real estate broker helping families find homes in Rockland County, N.Y., after the Tappan Zee Bridge was built across the Hudson River. His wood sculpture has been exhibited in area galleries and his wood carving talent can be seen locally on the pediment of the Mystic and Noank Library, the eagle and Liberty cap at the top of the Mystic flagpole and several hand carved, gilded commercial signs in the Mystic area."

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Joe was simply a good man.

"He had a passion for swimming and would swim for miles at Pleasure Beach in water temperatures fit only for polar bears. In his later years, he could be found nearly every morning at the Waterford High School pool. Joe was simply a good man. He gave much and asked little. He loved unconditionally. Joe will be especially remembered for his outgoing, happy personality and the kindness he showed to all he encountered. Joe was blessed in life, achieving all of his goals with ease."

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Fireworks on her birthday

"She was born on the Fourth of July 1929, in Norwich. Her birthday was always a great source of pride for her and since childhood considered the festivities her own personal birthday party. … Jeanne lovingly embraced her extended family and friends by acknowledging all special occasions with cards."

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

My all-time favorite obituary lede

"Groton - The naturally-selected DNA of Dr. Kevin Rice Jones, 85, Groton has run its course. "With nicknames from his Navy days 'Available Jones,' family 'Ol' Bear' and locally 'KJ,' 'KR,' Jones loved sailing, playing (and all things) tennis, the UConn women's basketball team, his tools and gadgets, skiing, playing bridge and poker, computing, his annual vacations to visit beloved friends in Westport, N.Y., reading, and living life in a way that defies description. "Among his many memorable experiences: jumping off a roof onto a trampoline, several ocean sailing trips, being on a Selma march with Dr. Martin Luther King, constructing a 90-pound ping-pong table, building a slot-car racetrack, coaching volleyball at the University of Kansas (and recruiting Wilt Chamberlain), creating a 'teaching machine,' being nationally ranked for his age-group in racquetball, and buying an ultralight plane at age 82. "A member of Mensa, Jones was a lifelong defender of going barefoot, a habit begun as a child in idyllic times on a Lake George, N.Y. island."

Monday, October 12, 2009

A thoroughly modern obit

"Her email signature sums up what was most important to her, simply and elegantly, 'Love & Family. Embrace them.' Indeed, her hugs will be sorely missed."

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Big fan of the 'Duke'

"In his spare time, he loved to fish and bowl, and he enjoyed watching westerns, especially those featuring John Wayne."

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Teach and Jean

"Teach was a ferocious reader of history and politics and loved to share his great knowledge with family and friends (living up to his nickname "Teach"). He also had a passion for the sea where he will be buried. His love of classical and big band music touched his soul deeply. Teach and his siblings sang for many years as a family tradition. His family and friends enjoyed many gatherings of laughter and debates throughout the years with Teach. He was never at a loss for words or a gut wrenching burst of laughter. He lived a wonderful life with the love of his life, Jean, for almost 60 years."

Friday, October 9, 2009

Still at it in her 80s

"Well into her late 80s she would still correct speakers in their grammar."

Thursday, October 8, 2009

How poetic

"Roger lived a life that was filled with family and friends he truly loved, laughter that, at times, made him cry, and adventure that took his breath away. His life was filled to overflowing and no regrets were left behind."

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Wow, you read about tsunamis ...

"Old Lyme - Thomas James Douglas Jr., 60, of Old Lyme, passed away on Oct. 4, 2009, at his home with his family by his side.

He is predeceased by his father, Thomas James Douglas Sr., and his mother-in-law, Fofoga Timoteo, who died on Oct 1, 2009, a victim of American Samoa Tsunami."

Wow, the timing here is so sad

"Old Lyme - Thomas James Douglas Jr., 60, of Old Lyme, passed away on Oct. 4, 2009, at his home with his family by his side.

He is predeceased by his father, Thomas James Douglas Sr., and his mother-in-law, Fofoga Timoteo, who died on Oct 1, 2009, a victim of American Samoa Tsunami."

Monday, October 5, 2009

Farmington River ducks were fed

"Mario had a full career in the restaurant business, but carried his passion for good food and company with him everywhere and in all aspects of life. He could be found on any given afternoon of his retired life strolling through Farmington on his bike, playing golf with his grandsons, or enjoying a meal and story telling with his family. ... Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to Farmington River Watershed Association ... in light of Mario's love for the Farmington River, where he enjoyed to bring his daughters, grandchildren, a fishing pole and bread to feed the ducks."

(Thanks to Onella Gayraud, whose daughter wrote this obit for her grandfather.)

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Coupla white lies?

There are eight million stories in the Naked City -- and, evidently, a couple of little white lies:

Burke obituary: The obituary of actor Paul Burke that appeared in Section A on Sept. 15 quoted Burke in a 1963 interview in which he said he did numerous stunts on the TV series "Naked City," including once climbing to the top of the 59th Street Bridge in New York City and, on another occasion, jumping from one roof to another. Max Kleven, who was the stuntman on "Naked City" and Burke's stunt double, said he did all of the stunts for Burke, including the two mentioned.

(Thanks, Thom Forbes!)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Kickapoo Juice, anyone?

"They traveled many places together and enjoyed jumping in the car to 'go for a ride'. Of course, if they just happened to pass a casino and Virginia could play her nickel slots, so much the better! Virginia had an insatiable curiosity and was always interested in learning new things and exploring new ideas. She was a wonderful cook, displaying her talent for preparing delicious seafood recipes from her native New England and sharing them with friends and family. She was the resident expert on vitamins and healthy eating and was always ready with a dose of her famous 'Kickapoo Juice' if anyone she cared about came down with a sniffle!"

"Whether it was piling the neighborhood children into a car for a day at the beach, taking power walks through town, or quietly practicing Tai Chi, Dorothy used the time given her with grace, good humor and indomitable spirit."

Kickapoo Juice, anyone?

"They traveled many places together and enjoyed jumping in the car to "go for a ride". Of course, if they just happened to pass a casino and Virginia could play her nickel slots, so much the better! Virginia had an insatiable curiosity and was always interested in learning new things and exploring new ideas. She was a wonderful cook, displaying her talent for preparing delicious seafood recipes from her native New England and sharing them with friends and family. She was the resident expert on vitamins and healthy eating and was always ready with a dose of her famous "Kickapoo Juice" if anyone she cared about came down with a sniffle!"

Kickapoo Juice, anyone?

"

They traveled many places together and enjoyed jumping in the car to "go for a ride". Of course, if they just happened to pass a casino and Virginia could play her nickel slots, so much the better!

Virginia had an insatiable curiosity and was always interested in learning new things and exploring new ideas. She was a wonderful cook, displaying her talent for preparing delicious seafood recipes from her native New England and sharing them with friends and family. She was the resident expert on vitamins and healthy eating and was always ready with a dose of her famous "Kickapoo Juice" if anyone she cared about came down with a sniffle!

Kickapoo Juice, anyone?

"They traveled many places together and enjoyed jumping in the car to 'go for a ride.' Of course, if they just happened to pass a casino and Virginia could play her nickel slots, so much the better!

"Virginia
had an insatiable curiosity and was always interested in learning new things and exploring new ideas. She was a wonderful cook, displaying her talent for preparing delicious seafood recipes from her native New England and sharing them with friends and family. She was the resident expert on vitamins and healthy eating and was always ready with a dose of her famous "Kickapoo Juice" if anyone she cared about came down with a sniffle!"

Thursday, October 1, 2009

What will your obit say about you?

Early responses to our latest poll indicate a strong preference for being remembered as one whose Facebook posts “always provoked a response.” Sixty-six percent of respondents chose that answer to “What will your obit say about you?”

One-third would like to be remembered as “a champion Scrabble player.”

How about you? Vote today!

'A brilliant conversationalist.' Nice.

"Amy was well known to so many as a superior culinary expert, queen of the kitchen. She was widely renowned for knitting prowess, making everything from mittens and hats for charity to very elaborate Afghans that she gave to many. She was a brilliant conversationalist, and her sense of humor was legendary."