Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Talk about leaving your heart in San Francisco ...


In accordance with her wishes, her organs were donated and ironically her lungs went back to Ohio where she always wanted to end up.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

"This is a true love story"


It was one of those summer nights in upstate New York. It was a Thursday in August of 1952 and the department stores stayed open until 9 p.m. The entire commercial area was bustling and a great time for boy meets girl. I was standing on a corner watching all the girls go by, and there she was ...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

After graduating from the American School for the Deaf ...


Bob moved to interior Alaska 100 miles from Fairbanks where he built his log cabin and setup a trapline on Bear Paw River at the mouth of the Kantishna River. In 1978, Bob received the Fabian Carey Trapper of the Year Award from the Interior Alaska Trappers Association.

(H/T to Barth Lentini!)

Monday, December 13, 2010

Charlie Burdick's life -- rich in detail: "tick, tick, tick, thumpa, thumpa"


He especially loved "Gasoline Alley," and in fact for years called the haircuts he gave his boys a "Skeezix," as it resembled the hairdo of one of that strip's characters.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Survived by friends "who were lucky to be invited to her party"


"... an indispensable member of the demi-monde, dancing the night away at Studio 54 in its heyday. She was a friend to many of the most notable figures of the last half century and every velvet rope in Rhode Island or New York parted for her on sight."

(H/T to Tim Cotter)

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I have only one question: why?


The sport he loved competing in and promoting most was canoe poling, as a member of the American Canoe Association. In this sport, he stood in his canoe and pushed it with a 12 foot aluminum pole up and downstream in Class II whitewater, competing with men 20 years or more his junior. He designed several racing canoes used in the sport. He won many trophies and received recognition by local and national canoe associations for his devotion to the sport and for promoting and teaching the skills. On Nov. 6, 2010, he was presented the American Canoe Association's highest award, the President's Award, for his contribution to the sport of canoe poling.

Monday, December 6, 2010

"Don't be sad, don't be blue, I may be better off than you."


"I died this week. I wish it had been from too much sex, tennis, fishing, or something fun. But when it's time, it's time; I have no regrets, and have had a great life. I hope God puts me on a level where I will be with people I know."

An amusing autobituary, but as I read along, I wondered, did it go on a little too long? What do you think?

Who wouldn't like to have this said about them?


His cerebral and provocative sense of humor and approach to life proved him to be an exceptionally unique and admirable human being.

Monday, November 29, 2010

A Death Notice for Obituaries?



"An obit is, to be sure, a courtesy to the bereaved. In reading a published account of the heroics and losses, the trials or triumphs, and especially the redemptive experiences of a loved one, family and friends are reinforced in their knowledge that the loss was a punctuation mark on a life lived in earnest."

From "obit"

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Hmmm, there's more to this story ...


Jack Sullivan was a lover of family, friends, and Budwiser. He could be counted on to help a friend or even a stranger in need; it didn't matter if it was a ride to the airport or a doctor's office, digging a trench for a utility hook up, or even moving a boat under the cover of darkness.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Yes, yes we will (a good pair of shoes?)


We will miss Mommy Kuhn, her love of garden tomatoes, a good pair of shoes, and her singing of, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" at the kitchen sink.

Monday, November 15, 2010

The world needs more Theodore Kheels


He was described as “the most influential peacemaker in New York City in the last half-century” and the “master locksmith of deadlock bargaining.”

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Aw, that's kind of cute, no?


She enjoyed golf and her crowing achievement was a Hole in One at Silverado Golf Club, which resulted in the shriek heard around the world.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Fame did not elude her


Mrs. Goetz enjoyed poetry, music, puzzles and bingo. She once won honorable mention in a nationwide poetry contest held by the former Springfield Journal for her poem titled "Vermont".

Monday, November 8, 2010

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Parenthetically speaking


Her character and her life were marked by elegance, intelligence, decency, humor (occasionally of the banana peel variety), love of reading, and quiet dignity.

Friday, November 5, 2010

What is that heavenly aroma?


In her usual generous style, she presented a pan of her famous lasagna to her Heavenly Father. Requesting the assistance of His Beloved Son, God the Father directed that the earthly gift of lasagna be blessed and distributed to the multitudes. Saint Peter, working on his third helping and thanking God for Jesus' "miracle," was overheard saying, "finally, we got someone who can cook!"

H/T to blog follower Margaret!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thinker and tinkerer: Good combo!


He was a thinker and tinkerer. He could rebuild an engine or design and build a shed. He liked fixing or repurposing things and solving problems, as well as tutoring math when asked. Charlie was a good Samaritan, a fair man and gentleman, and he could make you laugh out loud with his one-liners that he seemed able to pull out of the air.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

He passed into "the great mystery"


Bob came from a bloodline with an unusually strong constitution that unless shortened by cancer or hard liquor could easily live until their 90's without problem. Sadly had it not been for the Asbestosis he was exposed to while working his trade there is no doubt he could have racked up another dozen years of "good" life.

Monday, November 1, 2010

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.


She attended Stonington High School, where she excelled in typing and was awarded the gold pin for being a champion typist.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

In memory of my mother, who died Oct. 30, 2009

"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 Music 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 28, 2010

He's been booked!

James MacArthur passed away early today at his Palm Desert, California home. He was 72 years old.

The son of stage and screen legend and “First Lady of the Theatre” Helen Hayes and writer Charles MacArthur (Front Page), James MacArthur had a long career from his days as a child actor (he starred in the Disney movie Swiss Family Robinson).

H/T to Thom Forbes!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Monday, October 25, 2010

Can't you just picture this?




She loved being a majorette and could be found twirling her baton, at times with the special effects of fire, at New Britain High football games as well other sporting and pep rally events.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

All about Jim



Jim also enjoyed woodworking, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, capturing the perfect shot with his camera and creating extraordinary ink sketches.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

'The incredible story of Ernie Wallace'


On top of his business savvy and giving nature, he was a man who made people laugh til their sides hurt. He is often remembered singing loudly, encouraging everyone to join in his revelry. Ernie did not simply walk across this world, he left large footprints.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ann Arbor has lost a gem

He was the quintessential "diamond in the rough", a man of untold mystical wisdom, a walking encyclopedia of botany and natural spaces, a profound and talented artist who created many oil paintings and pen and ink drawings (the majority of which he gave away), a philosopher king who dabbled in religions and theologies, both east and west, and a political spokesperson who, despite his gnome-like size and demeanor, was never shy about sharing his point of view, particularly when it came to cruelty to animals, the abuse of our natural resources, the over-stimulation of technology, or even, as he did, attempting to save seven landmark trees in the parking lot of the Traver Village Mall (he saved just one … see the one tree left standing!)

H/T: Ryan J. Stanton

Monday, October 18, 2010

Look out, below!

She continued on to Yeshiva University (referring to herself as the "token WASP") for a master's degree but was side tracked by an onslaught of grandchildren.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Now don't tell me he's nothing to do

He was a gentle man with playful, boyish delight and a knack for shooting elastics, making paper airplanes, and flipping coins with his friends. He repaired everyone's broken eyewear and replaced batteries or wristbands for broken watches. He remembered his friends with theme gifts such as key chains, pens, state quarters, and tiny flashlights. Warren knew considerable rock 'n roll history and lore. His favorite group was The Doors.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

It's not every day you meet Jesus there

"He emulated goodness in everything he did. He had an angelic aura all around him. He was the most peaceful man I ever met," said Mann, director of volunteer services for the New London Community Meal Center Inc.

Jarrett, who was known as "Father Emmett" to most of those who knew him, had a background in English, wrote poetry, served in the Army from 1959 to 1962 and became an ordained Episcopal priest after "meeting Jesus on the Taconic State Parkway."

)I actually worked with the man at Conn College, where he was a member of the clergy.)

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Yeah, yeah, seamstress, artist. Where's the beef?

With an outspoken questioning attitude, Mrs. Bucko was a concerned patriot never satisfied with today's governmental charades.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tip of the iceberg here

He was not an 'occasional' cook but rather, he took pains to invest with equal ardor in each and every meal. He shopped daily. For him, leftovers were unacceptable. Each meal was new.


H/T to Peter Elikann!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

"(Except the Yankees)"

He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, coin collecting, baseball (except the Yankees), and spending his mornings with the McDonald's 8 a.m. Coffee Club.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Norman Wisdom, British funnyman, 95

Margalit Fox nails it again:

But he remained beloved in Britain, where he gave many command performances for the royal family. His most talked-about came in 2000, when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. As widely reported in the British news media, Mr. Wisdom, leaving the ceremony, could not resist stumbling.

The queen, the British press reported, was Most Amused.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

He was pedaling home from his job as a dishwasher at the Crab Shack

When a reader made a nasty comment about the man's obituary, the newspaper wrote a story about his life. Journalism doing its job.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Hot times in Toledo!

"Connie" to the thousands who knew her - was born to Gilbert Henry Morman and Norma Elizabeth Beutler in the 107-degree heat of July 15, 1934: an occasion of which her mother would remind her annually on her birthday. It was high noon when she came into the world, and the entire town of Ottawa, Ohio, knew of her arrival, because they could smell the ether wafting down the street as they walked home from St. Peter & Paul Church a half-mile away.

Okay, not sure I understand about the smell of ether at a birth ... but here's a new idea: two photos, one when young and one when ... ripe.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Ouch!

He once told of a hiking trip that included a pack of porcupines stalking him until he shared his food with them. When he tried to touch a young porcupine, it was clear that he had overstepped his boundaries with the pack.

H/T to Cindi Bowden!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Don't judge a Marine by his cover

Michael served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Mystic Rod and Gun Club and the Teamsters. He was an avid cake baker and enjoyed sharing his cakes with family and friends.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

And you thought YOU operated on a petty level ...

WINTHROP ADAMS CLARK sailed away September 12, 2010, in Dallas, Texas.

Another great euphemism for dying. There are so many ways to go. But what I liked particularly about this obit, and which was pointed out to me by its contributor, is the part about Win's service in the U.S. Navy during which he sailed to Guam and ...

Find out here!

H/T to Peter Elikann!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Musta been one big radio ...

She used to tap dance on the radio and danced every chance she could throughout her entire life.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Zapping the bird -- also new and interesting!

A few times Leon brought moose meat to his family in California, and it was a new and interesting experience for everyone brave enough to try it. He also enjoyed cooking and was known to pressure-cook whole turkeys at Thanksgiving. In later years, he used the microwave.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

LOL, Margalit Fox! Most clever ...

Among the sins that set Mr. Newman’s teeth articulately on edge were these: all jargon; idiosyncratic spellings like “Amtrak” and a great many others; the non-adverbial use of “hopefully” (he was said to have had a sign in his office reading, “Abandon ‘Hopefully’ All Ye Who Enter Here”); “y’know” as a conversational stopgap; a passel of prefixes and suffixes (“de-,” “non-,” “un-,” “-ize,” “-wise” and “-ee”); and using a preposition to end a sentence with.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

He lost to his friend, Isadore Demsky, now known as Kirk Douglas.

Dex remained vibrant and active into his 90s, continuing to drive, maintain his summer camp, and mix a gorgeous vodka martini.

H/T to Thom Sayers!

Friday, September 10, 2010

"Oh yeah, also please decriminalize marijuana."

My love affair with life finally came to an end on August 27, 2010. ... I had the pleasure of being single throughout the 1980’s, during which I had many adventures -- most too bizarre to recount here.

Don't miss this one!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Funeral and extraction services will be held ...

He is survived by the Whirlpool Refrigerator of 7 years and GE Stove and Oven of 2 years. He will be missed.

One of the all-time best pastimes: Napping ...

He was a very loving and kind dad. He was our favorite dad. He enjoyed vacations, and he enjoyed listening to all kinds of music. His favorite pastime was taking a nap or smoking a cigarette.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Sounds like the second time was a charm ...

During his marriage to Maxine, they lived life intensely, traveled throughout the world, and he perfected downhill skiing. Michael was an avid ping pong player, and a persistent jogger. He loved the roar of loud motorcycles, the faster the better! Michael also cut quite an elegant figure on a dance floor.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

And ... she's off!

She peacefully and without regrets began her next great adventure while in the loving embrace of her children and grandchildren, maintaining her sense of humor and penchant for the unexpected to her last breath.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

You can feel the love in these words

She spoiled her husband and children to pieces.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Wanderlust!

Often accompanied by her dear friend and traveling buddy, Jan Hoover, Mary also loved to travel, anywhere, anytime, and was famous for just hopping in the car and driving without a particular destination in mind.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Four days short of 99 ...

He took a course at Columbia University with Franz Boas, the father of modern anthropology. It was his sole brush with higher education.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Some accountants have interesting life factoids

Arthur briefly owned an Indian motorcycle, but had to part ways as many tales of youthful exuberance got back to his parents.

Some accountants have interesting life factoids

Arthur briefly owned an Indian motorcycle, but had to part ways as many tales of youthful exuberance got back to his parents.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Jerry and Kate: A Forbes Love Story

Upstate, when any kids would come to the house including his grandkids, he made them milk shakes. He loved the fact that there was more than a glass could hold. He loved that second pour.

H/T to Dave Kiley

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Jim also enjoyed woodworking, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycles, capturing the perfect shot with his camera and creating extraordinary ink sketches.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

And then there was the bike trip to the library ...

His life motto, 'leap first, look later,' inspired gravity-defying adventures.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

OMG, what a headline!

Morrie Yohai, 90, the Man Behind Cheez Doodles, Is Dead

Monday, August 2, 2010

The political obituary lives!

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bob’s humorous outlook on life, please feel free to make contributions to whoever may be running against Obama in 2012.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Rosalie never refused a motorcycle ride

She drove her Plymouth to Vermont and made it halfway up Blush Hill before she had to be pulled out of the snow by Russ Lowe's horses.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A quadriplegic, alcoholic cartoonist

“This is John, I’m a little too depressed to take your call today,” the message on his answering machine said. “Please leave your message at the gunshot.”

Monday, July 26, 2010

Don't make a habit of the rhyming obit


HAGGERTY, Constance Eloine
December 5, 1934 - July 14, 2010
On the 5th of December in the year '34
Sprouted a girl all would grow to adore
Sown by Eloine and Peter, that is a fact
The second seedling in the pony pack
Rooted in New York, then transplanted West in '52
Santa Barbara became home for the Sozzi crew
Lambert Road was the location of her new digs
Assisting her father cutting back twigs
Spring came to Connie in '55
She married Hugh James and they did thrive
A fourth child was coming when tragedy struck
It was a dark time, she was down on her luck
A second bloom came in the form of Cowboy John
He rescued that garden, brought forth a new dawn
With twinkling blue eyes and his Irish charm
He nurtured the garden and kept it from harm
Great were her cuttings, she did think
Eight in all - 5 blue, 3 pink
Botanical names: Patrick, Jeffrey, Shawna, Hugh
Erin, John, Ian and Brigid, too
She poured her heart into this bouquet
Letting each flower grow in its own way
Embracing each stem's unique scent and color
An all-weather, dirt-digging, damn good mother
Camping with her bushel of kids was the best
Be it Mono, Clear Lake or her own Hawk Nest!
She delighted in her family, the fauna and flora
Especially on her excursions to Bora Bora
Harvest time came every week
All types of treasures she did seek
On Friday acorns were gathered to pay
For all the bargains found on Garage Sale Day
More accurate than Farmer's Almanac
She kept the weather gods in check
A rain gauge placed on the porch was a must
As rainfall was tracked from dawn to dusk
Like any gardener she was not fond
Of finding a gopher mound on her lawn
Traps scented with Chanel #5 she did set
Did she get that darn gopher? You can bet!
Her final transplant to Heaven was one of grace
She is sure to make it a more beautiful place
Heaven is awesome:
There Constance Eloine will forever blossom

Friday, July 23, 2010

Okay, I completely know her now. You?

Carolyn seemed tireless. She was always the first person up and the last one to go to bed. Her frequent overnight guests would wake to find her ironing, watering her flowers, or happily doing some other household chore. Throughout the day, she was in constant motion and her frequent laughter filled the air. At night, when everyone else was ready to sleep, Carolyn was still going, putting away things and "just straightening up." She would stop just long enough to give a hug and say, "Sleep well, dear. See you in the morning!" It was one of her many gifts to make each person feel that he or she was the most special and loved person in the world.

Monday, July 19, 2010

"Determined detachment," what a life ...

Anton Rosenberg, a storied sometime artist and occasional musician who embodied the Greenwich Village hipster ideal of 1950's cool to such a laid-back degree and with such determined detachment that he never amounted to much of anything, died on Feb. 14 at a hospital near his home in Woodstock, N.Y.

H/T to Dan Kolber, BU CLA '75, and a fellow blogger at www.DowJonesMonitor.com.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Awww, a mama's boy ...

Walter enjoyed his birds and gardens, but mostly enjoyed betting on sports games with his mother over the phone.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July 6 should be a national holiday in her honor

Dr. Boulding said one of her most important tasks was challenging people in workshops held across the country to envision a world in which quarrels are settled without threats or weapons.

"We cannot achieve what we cannot imagine," she wrote.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"Always game for a good time"

She was a refined lady, whose gracious manner sometimes belied an adventurous woman, with a quick wit and lively sense of humor, who was always game for a good time.

Sally Olmstead had an interesting life.

Friday, July 2, 2010

We should all go so well ..

William, Prince of Wales
1997-2010
William, Prince of Wales “Bill” died Friday afternoon at Starch Pet Hospital after a brief illness. There will be a special spot for him to mark in Dog Heaven where he joins his niece Ashley who died earlier in the week.
Bill was born March 3, 1997 to Tuff’s Dolly Rose and Foxworth Zodiac’s Mocha Chip at the Denning Family Farms in Houghton, Iowa. He was adopted at the age of 5 months by Jake Norman and his parents.
Billy lived for nearly 12 years on Polk Boulevard in Des Moines. He covered an estimated 7,000 miles in that neighborhood where he walked every day. He made friends with countless walkers and runners who greeted him by name. He moved to Windsor Heights last year and loved to lie in the yard and watch people and cars.
Bill was beloved by all who knew him. He had a brief career as the Company All-Around Stress Reducer at Microware Systems, Inc. where he was nominated for Hero of the Month. He worked in a similar capacity at N’Site Solutions and did occasional stints as a therapy dog at the Des Moines Public Library where he was sometimes sneaked in after hours. He enjoyed retrieving his “man” and making it squeak, lying on his back and waving his front paws, and barking at dogs on television.
Bill is survived by his human family, Sally, Jim, Jake, and Hannah, his dog niece Claire, special friend Saara Khounlo, and an extended group of family and friends who loved him dearly.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Simple needs, apparently met

Dominic's interests were reading, tending his lawn, enjoying the warmth of the sun, watching basketball and Nascar racing and hanging out at his favorite lawnmower shop.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

How will you spend YOUR retirement?

Though the punishment from a lifetime of hand work and kneeling on sail loft floors left Roy wracked with arthritis, his passion for cooking remained. Renowned for his clam chowder, clam fritters, and lobster bisque, he added canning to his repertoire, gifting all with fabulous pickles, jams, and jellies and his own version of "V-6" juice (six vegetables, not eight). Model making, sailboats of course, and painting, boats and oceans of course, filled his retirement days.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A three-time hospice graduate!

Upon their first meeting by a patient's bedside, Joe is reported to have told one of the other residents, "There is the woman I am going to marry."

Read more about Vicki Pastorelle, interesting gal!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Sad and in the North, too

While playing for the Norwich Yellow Jackets one day, major league scouts who were there to watch Gene DeSautels, who later played for the Boston Red Sox, were overheard to say, "the colored fellow was better." Unfortunately, because of practices in existence at the time, "Burch" was never given an opportunity to play for the major leagues.

Friday, June 18, 2010

'Diaperman' dead at 56

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda, and mourned by the city of Plainfield and wherever the language of funk is spoken.

Here's more about P-Funk's Garry Shider!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

OMG, one can die from them?!

He was born Jan. 14, 1953. Nino was an accomplished musician and played frequently throughout the region, including most recently drumming on the Calvary Chapel worship teams. He widely travelled the country and died from the complications of life.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Do you battle rocks as well?

His tomatoes were unmatched, although he found constant challenge from rocks, which appeared in untold numbers, and generations of wildlife that consumed more than their fair share of his produce.

Read more about Stephen J. O'Leary.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

"Extremely well liked by all creeds and classes"

Possessed of a cheerful temperament, and having the faculty to be able to think clearly and express himself wittily, he was a most interesting man to meet.

Read more about James Burns, native of Carrickmacstay, Ireland.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Coffee ... and a corn muffin

In his most recent days, he enjoyed spending time with his best friend, Joe Holdridge, enjoying coffee and a corn muffin.

Read more about the long life of Courtland Elisha Littlefield.

His name sounds like that of a character in a children's book, no?

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

That is pretty much the whole gambit, ain't it?

Ann had the ability to successfully accomplish any task, from teaching herself to play the popular songs of the day on piano as a child to roofing her house in Noank.

Friday, June 4, 2010

While there he developed a formula for calculating a future value for certain business situations that was published in several textbooks. However the most noteworthy accomplishment of his college career was his engagement to Sylvia Lack Aaronson.

Read more about Myles Joseph Aaronson.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

What a way with words

Mr. Haney, a rumpled high school dropout from Canada who was at home in taverns, joined with a fellow journeyman journalist, Scott Abbott, to dream up a board game to test players’ grasp of wickedly inconsequential trivia.

Short and, oh, so sweet

Jason M. Harmony, 50, kicked the bucket surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the VNA Hospice House of St. Lukes, Lower Saucon Township. Born in Allentown to Martha A. (Tonay) Harmony of Allentown with whom he resided and the late Alvin Harmony. Jason was a Navy Veteran, avid fisherman, hunter, nature-lover, Harley-rider, NASCAR Fan, wood-worker, cabinet maker and smart-ass. He was a jack-of all-trades.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Another Do-It-Yourselfer!

I was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin (the date is none of your business), but lived and died (on May 17, 2010) in Bay City, Michigan.

Read more about Marian McPeak.

Friday, May 28, 2010

He danced AND he whistled. A happy soul, indeed.

Harold loved his family and friends with all of his heart, and he was a very happy soul.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

I always find this phenomenon fascinating, don't you?

The two were married August 30, 1950. That union lasted sixty years until their death just 3 days apart.

Read more about Gerda Christine Janis.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

And yet another great way to go!

Plainfield - On May 15, 2010, at approximately 1:11 p.m., Kathy Lynn Kelsey Ezzel Minzy, of 300 Black Hill Rd., Plainfield, passed from this earth to other spiritual levels leaving her body surrounded by family and friends.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Played golf in winter? Now that's avid!


His hobbies, according to a thumbnail sketch he wrote some years ago, included golf, reading (mostly history), and "chasing after grandchildren." He chased his nine "little monsters" around tennis courts, golf courses, beaches, and museums; a trip to "Grampy and Nana's" by out-of-towners often included a visit to the Mystic Aquarium. He was an avid golfer until just a month before he passed away. In winter, he and his most hardy friends would play in ski caps, long johns, and neck warmers. They insisted that everyone hit their short putts, particularly when the temporary greens were icy.

Read more about the life of Paul Ives Bartholet here.

Friday, May 21, 2010

I know the feeling ...

After graduating from Fitch High School in 1940, he attended the University of Connecticut, but "found the academic environment too hostile".

Thursday, May 20, 2010

It's the simple pleasures that count.


A lovely lady, she enjoyed her outings; in particular her 'breakfast club' at Tim Horton's, her grinders at Bluff Point and her fun at the casino's.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Um, yeah, that'd be me. You?

Bernard Schoenbaum, who in hundreds of cartoons in The New Yorker needled the relatively affluent, the media-conscious, the irony-besotted and the socially competitive — in other words, the readers of The New Yorker — died on May 7 at his home in Whitestone, Queens. He was 89.

Friday, May 14, 2010

"She had the heart of a lion and magic in her soul"

New London - Mary Delome, 78, a feisty and wonderful lady, who lived at 149 Huntington St., New London, died on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at Beechwood Manor.

Sounds like my kinda gal!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Nothing wrong with that!

He enjoyed boating, sailing, gardening, photography, traveling, tinkering and reading the 'funnies' every day.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Particularly good to remember these days ...


George was an avid Boston Red Sox fan who cherished every time the Red Sox beat the New York Yankees, and especially the series where Boston beat New York for the pennant.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Romantic? You be the judge

After a three-year separation, Nancy C. Spear has accepted the invitation to join her husband, Robert M. Spear, in Heaven on May 5th, 2010. A fifty-six year romance that started in April 1951 is now complete.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Someone certainly knew how to live ... and die. Mercy!

Debby Lynn Underwood Gross danced her way into heaven on Sunday, April 25, 2010.

Celebration of life: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 8, at the home of David and Toni Lewis in Fort Worth. Forgo the bad organ music and somber routine. Let's raise a glass, deliver our best jokes, tell some stories, stir it up and laugh. She expects old fashioned home cookin' funeral food! If you try to sneak chain restaurant brown gravy or powdered potatoes into the party, we will hurt you. Also, please don't ask us when you can pick up your covered dishes. We're keeping them! Dates are encouraged as long as you are not too closely related. Two-drink minimum. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Life's a bitch when you lose your chicken-sexing skill

But in the 1960s, Whitehead suffered a blow when his chicken-sexing skill became outmoded by technology.

Life's a bitch when you lose your chicken-sexing skill

But in the 1960s, Whitehead suffered a blow when his chicken-sexing skill became outmoded by technology.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Yet another way to go

Peggy B. (Sebastian) Cornish, 75, of 149 Huntington St., New London, passed on to greatness on April 28, 2010.


Read more about this Native American here.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Aw, how sweet for such a turbulent time.

He met the "love of his life," Bonette Marcolini, while flying kites in high school. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1969. They eloped on April 7, 1970.

Read more about Robert Michalski here.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

At first, I read it literally and thought the guy was unidentified

Did you know him? He died in his sleep on April 9, 2010, after a short illness at age 91.

And odd start to an obit ...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Another great obit from the Times' Doug Martin

She never hesitated to update her predecessor’s dictums. Emily wrote that a young widow should wear “deep crepe” for a year, then “lighter mourning” for six months, then “second mourning” for six more months. Elizabeth allowed as how a single season of grieving was plenty.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Whoosh!

When he was young he was nicknamed 'Breeze' because that was all that you felt when he went driving by.

Read more about this automobile-o-phile here.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

And there you have it in one graf -- John's life.

John led a very active life before suffering a stroke. Come rain or shine, he would go out for long walks and jogs often stopping by Dunkin Donuts to chat with friends. He loved taking trips to Atlantic City, N.J., hoping to "hit the big one." Although he never did, he always had a good time. He enjoyed spending time relaxing in the park by the Connecticut River reading the news, feeding the birds and squirrels, and generally enjoying nature.

Read more about John Sullivan here.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Did she know you when?

In lieu of remembrances, Jean asks that we watch for her swift return. She says she'll be back as soon as she can.

Read more about this theosophist right here.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

His family feels ...

"loster than last year's Easter egg" without him.

His family feels ...

"loster than last year's Easter egg" without him.

His vast family feels

"loster than last year's Easter egg" without him."

Interesting person, this Kevin Nash Jeffries.


Tuesday, April 20, 2010

He wore a size 9-narrow ...

Stanley wore a size 9-narrow shoe and bore a striking resemblance to Frank Sinatra.

Oh, ho! Found a good line on vacation in Charleston! I love that people write this stuff!

Read more about Stanley Levy here.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

From a Facebook group I belong to :-)

Overheard in the Newsroom #3991: Obit clerk to editor: “Let me know if that obit’s too long and I’ll start hacking off grandchildren.”

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Nothing like a vintage Schwinn, I say!

He will be remembered by many for riding around on his old red vintage Schwinn bike and the fun antics he and Frank would pull during the old "Venitian Nights" on the lagoon.

Read more about this lively man here.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Hey, he was an egg farmer, after all ...

He was well known for his chicken jokes, which were oft repeated.


Read more about Farmer Doyle's life here. He and his wife were regulars at Brix restaurant in Cheshire.

Friday, April 9, 2010

What a slow week for good obits!



Just to let you know, I have been scouring for delicious bites of well-crafted obituaries all week but am coming up empty. I soldier on!

Meanwhile, you might enjoy reading Obit-Mag.com.

Cheers!

Nina

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The man behind Bill Gates

"And I began thinking, What if you gave everyone a computer?”

A bit of a stretch from my normal findings but one heck of a story. Enjoy!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A photographer who "abused in spades"

"He was 74, and honestly it was amazing he made it this far."

Much more about Jim Marshall.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Brace yourself

Elspeth Thompson, the much-loved gardening and interiors writer for "The Sunday Telegraph" who has died aged 48, had a particular talent for bringing beauty to the places where she lived, no matter how unpromising those places first appeared.

Monday, March 29, 2010

"The cause was general decline."

Mrs. Carter was one of the first people in broadcast-television to recognize that the shelf-life of natural pearls cannot be improved by waving around corporately-generated excessive comparisons.


This is one heckuva life story.

(H/T to Steve Slosberg)

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Reporter Who Challenged Fed Secrecy

“This is a personal loss, a professional loss and a societal loss. He is truly irreplaceable.”


Never heard of the man but he was obviously among the best in journalism. The world needs more like him.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

While taking a walk with his dog, Ridley

Richard discovered Thoreau in high school and heard a different drummer the rest of his life.

With that, we get a taste of Richard Piscitello. There's more.

Saturday's puzzle, too?

She enjoyed travel, golf at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., and the Chartwell Country Club near her home in Severna Park, she was a proficient bridge player, and fully capable of completing the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink.


More about Sylvia Rindskopf here.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

How the Kevlar vest came into being

They put their new vest over a gelatin mold to determine how a body might react to the impact of a handgun bullet and then drafted, as test subjects, a series of unfortunate goats.


Read all about Lester D. Shubin's fascinating life here.

Monday, March 22, 2010

He never forgot his alma mater ...

He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, majoring in poker.


Read more about James Needham here.


(H/T to Thom Forbes)

Friday, March 19, 2010

Plus, she hated her name so she changed it, at 81

She had an active and happy social life during her youth from which she would recall stories of picture-show dates at the Rivoli or the Opera House Theater, parties at the Rutgers fraternity houses, sodas at the Roger Smith Hotel, and canoe rides on Farrington Lake.

Read more about this sweetheart of a gal here.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Expiration dates? Suggestions ...

She was an avid reader and if you ever noticed a tiny pencil mark on the first few pages of a library book from the Hudson Library, that meant she had read that one. Rita was a lover of nature and enjoyed feeding "her" duck, Dovey. To Rita, expiration dates on food packages were only a suggestion. She loved to shop, and would hit the clearance rack at JC Penney with a vengeance. There was never a piece of chocolate or dessert she didn't like and she truly believed there was always room for ice cream.

Ah, Rita Brooks.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

A blue-ribbon bonsai



Mrs. Gibbs began growing bonsai trees with her daughter.

“Growing bonsai is something you do for decades if you get the chance,’’ said her friend Gail Docktor of Ipswich. “She knew the irony of it. She did it in hope.’’

Mrs. Gibbs’s bonsai tree won a blue ribbon last year in a category for novice growers at the Topsfield Fair.

Rebecca Richardson Gibbs was only 44.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

But, wait, there's more!

An avid biker, political observer, flatulator, and cinephile, Mr. Amland was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on the eighth of February, 1931.

More things you never knew about David Amland.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sounds like a fine way to wind things up ...

In her later years, suffering from dementia, she commented while sitting by the fire, "I do not know where I am or why I am here, but isn't it a nice place?" Contentment found.

Read more about this British Columbia pioneer.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Mary J. Ray, 114 years, 294 days

“If you shook her hand she would pull you in close," Ray said. “She was strong. And her mind was sharp as a tack."

Read all about the life and death of the oldest person in the U.S.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Such a positive outlook!

All arrangements are being handled by Boyd funeral home in Marion, Ohio. No showing, no nothing — it is what it is.

Sounds like she made quite an impact on those around her.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Why did she climb to the top of the orange tree?

A neighbor banged on the door and said there was an old lady with a broom on top of the ladder knocking off oranges. My God, it was my mother!


Lots more about this amusing woman's life!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Don't leave them guessing which one ...

Along with her love of flowers, she was fond of birds, in particular the cardinal.

More about Rose DeMatto.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

She was and is a true free spirit

"Westbrook - Rebecca 'Norris' Fowler passed away on Feb. 27, 2010, at the age of 97, though she liked to say 98."

So begins a charming tale of woman whose life was more interesting than most.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

"Denis' friends are numerous and mostly weird." No doubt!



While most people want to go quietly with dignity and grace, Denis assumed he would leave this world kicking, screaming, crying, and headed in the other direction.

Check out the rest of the story AND the drawing!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Born in an elevator?

Always one to make a grand entrance, Bob was born in an elevator on January 26, 1924 in Redlands, California and took his final bow on February 17, 2010 at age 86.

Here's more about this man with "a keen and clever sense of humor."

Monday, March 1, 2010

A delicious way to be remembered

She will always be loved and sadly missed but will joyfully be remembered for her delicious crescent rolls, apple squares, and awesome lemon meringue pies.

Read more about this wonderful baker here.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Think I'll go with the last option ...



If you'd like, donations can be made in Olive's name to the Waterbury VNA, the Waterbury Hospital Radiology Department, the Leever Cancer Center or a charity of your choosing. Also, you could just buy a scratch ticket and ask Olive for luck!

Read about this delightful woman here.

Thanks to Lorrie Minervini!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Sounds like a full life to me!

William had a very full life and most days could be found on his tractor mowing his beautifully cared for lawn.

This is from my early collection, before I started saving links. It appeared in The Day of New London.

"Died Monday"?


Ms. Ruth H. Arbogast: Retired from Kaman Aircraft
Edward J. Beers: Was school bus driver
Thomas J. Flanagan Jr.: Was Waterbury Elk
Ms. Verna Floyd: Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother
Ms. Irene Marie Sommer Gamble: Worked in Woodbury schools
Mrs. Ada Manfredonia: Leaves sister in Waterbury
Mrs. Ruby S. Meier: Owned The Middlebury Store
Thomas Parker: Died Monday
Mrs. Eileen Sarajak: Was Girl Scout leader

The "Waterbury Republican" lists its daily obits with a brief description of the person

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

40 years, 7 months and 9 days


Andy Rupf departed this plane to battle evil in another dimension.

Read more about his life here.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Monday, February 22, 2010

Simply put.

"She was a discerning and intelligent woman who will be missed and mourned."

Read more about her here.

Friday, February 19, 2010

93 and 1/2

Grace Louella Nenninger, Lou, of Alamogordo, NM, passed away on February 15, 2010 at the extraordinary age of 93 (and ½).

For starters, take a look at Lou's photo here.

Now, for another perspective, go here!

She loved to have her gaggle of great grand children ... around, but especially when they were outside in the backyard and not under her feet.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"It was a full-time job just being Dan Bailey." I bet!



Daniel “Dan” Bailey died with his boots off surprisingly enough.

(H/T to Moon Pie Chronicles)

Read the rest of the story here. Search for "Bailey."

Monday, February 15, 2010

Retired on his 100th birthday!

After a mandatory retirement from his custodian position he continued working as a crossing guard until he retired on his 100th birthday.

I used to see him regularly when I drove my kids to middle school a few years ago. Read all about this nice man here.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Betty Kenward, 94, Snobbish Chronicler, Dies

A snob and proud of it, Mrs. Kenward composed numbingly undramatic accounts of parties, with long lists of names preceded by unfailingly complimentary adjectives and with their relative importance encoded for her privileged readership by idiosyncratic punctuation.

Read this wonderful yarn here.

(H/T to Steve Slosberg)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

"Do you want a poke in the nose?"

Jim was a skilled wood crafter, an avid UConn women's basketball, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots fan. He also enjoyed bird watching and was known to many as "Grampy". Jim will be remembered for his patience, generosity, and kindness, along with his favorite quote, "Do you want a poke in the nose?", and singing with his grandchildren on the way to the Poppe Shop, the "Poppe Shop Song", a playful song he made up himself.

Read all about this loveable man here.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Celebrating obituaries with style

And last fall, Nina Lentini's Life Without End was born.

A local columnist enthuses!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

If she didn't want one, why is this under "Obituaries"?

Times Argus, The (Montpelier-Barre, VT)
January 16, 2010
Section: OBITUARIES
Eleanor Jane Albigese
WASHINGTON - Eleanor Jane "Casey" Albigese died on Jan. 13, 2010. She did not want an obituary. To honor her, you are invited to contribute to the causes that were important to her, since books and animals sustained her during life. Worcester Veterinary Care: The Mitzvah Fund, 10 Elmore Road, Worcester, VT 05682.
Calef Library, Main Street, Washington, VT 05675.

Copyright, 2010, The Times Argus

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

"The passive voice is the enemy."


Writer of notes and wearer of pearls, she kept a framed photo of Henry James in her kitchen and a rosary on her night stand. She taught Trollope well into her 80s, and while sensible in the extreme, also had the most contagious sense of occasion.

Read more about Elizabeth Christman.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

"He passed blissfully"

With little prompting, and sometimes none at all, he would launch into full length recitations of Shakespeare and other works of poetry, heedless of the interest level of the listeners.

Read more about Oliver P. Beckwith.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Artist, dancer, lawyer, professor -- all in one!

“The breadth of his talents was remarkable, the breadth of achievements was remarkable, and the breadth of his kindness was remarkable," said one who knew him.

“He was taller than most people and better spoken than most people, and he was better looking and had better manners," said another.

Read all about this most interesting person here.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Well, there ya go!


She was the majorette of the NFA Marching Band in the 1949 Macy's Day Parade in Manhattan.

More here.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Ihor or Igor? Now, we know.

On January 5, 2010, the NY Times published Professor Ihor Sevcenko's obituary. Alex Labunka followed with a letter published by Brama News on January 15, which addresses a key omission in the obituary.

In the New York Times obituary (January 5, 2010) for the late Harvard professor Ihor Ševčenko, the pronunciation for his first name was given as [EE-gore]. I immediately dashed off an e-mail to the author, William Grimes, informing him that the correct pronunciation of his name was [EE-hore], the Ukrainian form, and not [EE-gore], the Russian form. He replied that he had learned of the pronunciation with "g" from members of the immediate family.

When I inquired about that, I learned that, indeed, his close family members all used the name Igor. The pronunciation carried with it no disrespect whatsoever for Ihor's Ukrainian heritage, but being more familiar to American ears, it became their private name for him. He himself used only Ihor, the name by which virtually all his colleagues, students, and friends from the academic world and the Ukrainian community knew him.

The family, not wishing to depreciate the otherwise wonderful obituary that Mr. Grimes had produced, decided after due consideration not to request a correction.

Here's the link.

Monday, January 25, 2010

A daily pleasure

Olin loved watching birds from his window which gave him much pleasure on a daily basis.

Read the rest here.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Nothing was an obstacle for Mae

She raised two children by herself with love and support from her family in Lowville, N.Y. Walking two miles every day and snowshoeing in the winter were her favorite forms of exercise. She gardened, spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren and later her great grandchildren, read books, and generally delighted in living her life. Mae made most of her own clothes and loved to knit. She had a smile and a wave for everyone.

In the past three months, as she rode in her wheelchair down Rope Ferry Road and across Niantic Bay Bridge, she would wave to oncoming cars and want to know if they had returned her wave. After Hospice of Southeastern CT was asked to provide services to her, she went to karaoke and sang. Those who came to know her loved her for her energy and enthusiasm for life. She touched everyone.

Alas, I have not got the link to the full obit in The Day.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Intelligent, perceptive, artistic and kind

"Peter Bates Christian of Poquonnock Road, Groton, passed away Monday, April 14, 2008, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, age 48 years.

An intelligent, perceptive, artistic, and kind man, Peter none the less drank himself to death.

He is survived by his brother Matthew, friends Lydia Dolan, Ellis Tucker, J. Holmes, John Fridge, and assorted drinking buddies who should consider Peter's death a glimpse into their own possible futures."

I alerted a friend to this when it appeared in our local paper. She cut it out and posted it on her fridge, where I saw it at dinner last evening. This is the entire obit, no mention of funeral or burial plans.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

"A typewriter-banging rewrite man"

Newspapering was ideal for Mr. Kaufman. He was an insatiable schmoozer, loved to travel and wrote fast against a deadline. In 40 years with The Times, he was a typewriter-banging rewrite man, a metropolitan reporter, the newspaper’s bureau chief in Africa, India, Canada and Poland, a deputy foreign editor, a correspondent in Albany and a columnist.

Read all about him here.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Ed Gipstein lived a charmed life

Dr. Gipstein's life spanned the entire twentieth century. He lived to see the advent of cars, airplanes, radio, TV, computers, two world wars, space travel, the internet and unimaginable advances in his own field of medicine. Through it all, he managed to keep an open mind and somehow keep pace with the rapidly changing world around him. He was someone cast adrift from an earlier time who always managed to find solid footing wherever he came ashore. And he never lost his appreciation for a pretty girl, a good boxing match, or a plate of clams casino.

Don't miss the rest of the story!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

A simpler, gentler way of life

David was a creature of habit, coffee each morning with his lifelong friend, Tom, then Skipper's Dock and the Steak Loft every week for lunch.

Sorry, folks, this is an oldie but goodie and I haven't a link. Sure, it's from The Day of New London.

A simpler, gentler way of life

David was a creature of habit, coffee each morning with his lifelong friend, Tom, then Skipper's Dock and the Steak Loft every week for lunch.

Sorry, folks, this is an oldie but goodie and I haven't a link. Sure, it's from The Day of New London.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Saturday, January 9, 2010

He was a true prince of a guy.

Prince Giorgio established a palace, wrote a Constitution, and set up a cabinet and a parliament. He chose a coat of arms, minted money (with his picture), issued stamps (with his picture) and license plates, selected a national anthem and mobilized a standing army, consisting of Lt. Antonello Lacala. He adopted a motto: Sub umbra sede (Sit in the shade).

Check it out.

Friday, January 8, 2010

A real Renaissance man; mind-boggling!

A man of many interests, his life and career took him to Aspen, Colo.; San Francisco; Paris, France; Stonington; Cambridge, Mass.; Clifton, Ariz.; and Austin, Tex., as well as his beloved camp in Glover, Vt. He worked as an architect, schoolteacher, art publisher, writer, labor journalist, public television producer and bush-hogger.

Always locally involved, he volunteered and served as an emergency medical technician, counselor for the mentally troubled, campaign manager, film-series promoter and town planning and zoning board member.

He was an outdoorsman, accomplished sailor and carpenter, enthusiastic chess and piano player, voracious reader, relentless rationalist, and devoted father and husband.


Check it out.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Great lede on Casey Johnson obit

"Born into the Johnson & Johnson clan's billions, Casey Johnson was among the first celebutantes to decamp to Hollywood in search of 21C fame. She died alone in a crumbling Mulholland Drive manse, her body undiscovered for days."

Check it out.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

A carrier of hard candy

"He was also well known for carrying hard candy with him, and whenever he encountered someone, be it a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, or even a stranger, John would offer them a piece."

Read more here.

Monday, January 4, 2010

He essayed to perambulate North Yarmouth, Maine

Mr. Smith raised English pointers to serve as birding dogs.

He ran the dogs in field trials -– similar to a horse show –- in Maine and Canada.

"He made a lot of friends in Canada at the field trials," Glavin said.

He became a Registered Maine Guide, taking clients on bird-hunting adventures throughout the state.

And each year Mr. Smith hunted deer and wild turkey.

A few years ago, he sat down and recorded all the dates and places where he bagged a deer.

That was quite a feat, his daughter said, because his hunting career spanned six decades.

Despite his age, he remained in good health, and went deer hunting in October.

"Dad knew everything there was to know about wild animals," Glavin said.

His biggest achievement may have been his effort to perambulate the town.

(H/T to Sarah Mahoney) To read more, click here.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Who doesn't?

"Mrs. Coleman was a bartender at Two Brothers Café in Voluntown. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW in Jewett City. She loved to cook and also loved Tweety Bird."

Click here for more.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

An amicable man, survived by ...

"From small repairs to his life-long commitment to rebuilding his 1966 Ford Mustang, no project was too much for him to handle. Michael was a handyman extraordinaire.

"An amicable man, Michael's coworkers and neighbors quickly became friends and friends were soon family. He was an avid boater who loved being out on the water. Very simply, Michael loved, and he loved his family more than words could ever convey.

"Michael is survived by his dear friend, companion, and life partner, Maria Nappi and her two kids, Ian and Chelsea Althouse; his mother, Regina Bain of Lake George; his brother, Daniel and his wife, Melissa; his two nephews, Jason and Eric; his niece, Lisa of Westfield, Mass.; his aunt, Lorraine of Winslow, Maine; and his 1966 Ford Mustang."

Friday, January 1, 2010

"His total lack of tact." Now that's honesty.

"Woody was well-known locally for his generosity and his genial personality. He could start a conversation with anyone, including non-English speakers (yell louder), and felt at home anywhere, no matter what his attire. His position was that a farmer's "uniform" was appropriate anywhere. His real interest in and honest concern for people made him many friends, despite his total lack of tact. He had a short fuse."


To read more, click here.