United States High School Yearbooks by County
Clifford Wells
Clifford C. Wells of Holmes, N.Y., died Thursday at Westchester County Medical Center, Valhalla, N.Y. He was 77.
Mr. Wells was the husband Gladys (Hills) Wells, whom he married in New Milford, July 14, 1945.
He was born in Shirley, Mass., July 13, 1920, a son of Clayton and Margaret (Matthews) Wells. He graduated from Carmel High School. He was a gunner mechanic in the Army Air Force during World War II. A cabinet maker, he worked for Lloyd Lumber in Brewster, N.Y., for 20 years before retiring in 1986. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Carmel, N.Y.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, David of Keene, N.H.; a daughter, Barbara Metrando of Milton, N.Y.; three brothers, Donald of Texas, Richard of Albuquerque, N.M., and Raymond of Bethel; three sisters, Margaret Booth of Carmel, Eleanor Hills of New Milford and Marjorie Woodin of Danbury; and four grandchildren.
Contributions in memory of Clifford Wells may be made to the American Heart Association, 95 Gleneida Ave., Carmel, N.Y. 10512.
CALLING HOURS: Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m., Dwyer Funeral Home, South Street, Patterson, N.Y.
SERVICES: Sunday, 2 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial in Morningside Cemetery, New Milford.
June Sutton
June Sutton of Candlewood Park, Danbury, died Monday at Danbury Hospital. She was 79.
Ms. Sutton was born in Danbury, April 4, 1918, a daughter of the late Bert and Martha (Brown) Sutton. She was reared in Bethel by her aunt and uncle, Grace and Fred Euvard, and she graduated from Bethel High School. First a hairdresser, she then worked at Barden's in Danbury, until retiring. She lived all her life in Danbury and Bethel.
Survivors include five brothers, Darius and Robert, both of Bethel, George and Jack, both of Florida, and Russell of Kentucky.
Contributions in memory of June Sutton may be made to the Danbury Animal Welfare Society, P.O. Box 971, Danbury 06813.
There are no calling hours. Private burial will be in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. Hull Funeral Service of Danbury is in charge of the arrangements.'
Josephine Tobin
Josephine Rockwell Tobin of 174 Silver Spring Road, Ridgefield, died Thursday at Glen Hill Convalescent Center in Danbury. She was 84.
Mrs. Tobin was the widow of Daniel J. Tobin.
She was born in Ridgefield, Nov. 6, 1913, a daughter of the late George L. and Anna Ryan Rockwell. She received a degree in French from the College of Mt. St. Vincent. She worked for the State Department in Washington, D.C., from 1934 to 1943.
Mrs. Tobin was the librarian at Ridgefield High School, and then at Danbury High School from 1967 to 1983, when she retired. She was a lifelong resident of Ridgefield, where she was a member of St. Mary's Church. She was a devoted conservationist and wildlife supporter.
Survivors include four sons, John E., James M., Stephen R. and Lawrence R., all of Ridgefield; two daughters, Mary Tobin-Fiorentino of Kodiak, Alaska, and Anne T. Gross of Carbondale, Colo.; a sister, Alice Rockwell Lynch of Woodbury; and nine grandchildren.
Contributions in memory of Mrs. Tobin may be made to the Nature Conservancy, 815 N. Lynn St., Arlington, Va. 22209.
CALLING HOURS: Tonight, 5 to 8, Kane Funeral Home, 41 Catoonah St., Ridgefield.
SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial, tomorrow, 10 a.m., St. Mary's Church, Ridgefield, the Rev. Robert P. Morrissey officiating. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bethel.
Robert Brown
Robert Rodney Brown, formerly of Ridgefield, died Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He was 57.
Mr. Brown was the husband of Colleen Brown.
He was born in Bedford, Ohio, on July 23, 1940, a son of the late Frank and Edna Brown. He graduated in 1958 from Ridgefield High School and he was a longtime Ridgefield resident.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Robert Jr. of Redding, Brian of Carbondale, Colo., and Timothy of Fort Lauderdale; two brothers, Frank of Hollywood, Fla., and James of Baldwinsville, N.Y.; and two grandchildren.
SERVICES: Saturday, 7 p.m., Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 6301 Taft St., Hollywood, Fla.'
Alden Hurlbut
Alden Bronson Hurlbut, a Roxbury farmer, town clerk and selectman, died Wednesday at Bethel Health Care Center. He was 86.
Mr. Hurlbut was the son of the late Norman S. and Clara (Bronson) Hurlbut. A seventh-generation Roxbury native and farmer, he was born May 28, 1911, in the farmhouse at his family's Maple Bank Farm. He attended the Center School in Roxbury, which is now the Christ Church Parish House, and graduated in a class of seven from Booth Free High School.
He married Elinor (Peterson) Hurlbut in the mid-1940s.
``There's a great deal that can be said about (my father)'' said his son and Town Clerk Peter Hurlbut. ``To me and to the people of my generation that grew up in Roxbury, my father was one of those people who represented what this town was about. He was instrumental in the things that got done. He was always in there doing things, not necessarily just talking about them.''
His ancestor, John Hurlbut, left England around 1700 and started Maple Bank in 1730. Mr. Hurlbut and his late father and brother, Lewis, ran the farm for many years until he and his brother divided the property in 1977. Apples were Mr. Hurlbut's specialty and the farm had more than 40 varieties, many of which he developed through budding. His apples were seen at exhibits in the Big Top at the Great Danbury State Fair for more than 30 years.
Succeeding his grandfather and father, he served as Town Clerk from 1957 to 1977. He also served on the town's board of selectman and was a constable.
In 1948, he became a charter member of the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department, which he was instrumental in forming and organizing. Also a charter member of the Roxbury Antique Machinery Historical Society, Mr. Hurlbut was active in Old Roxbury Days, where he was well-known for operating restored, antique, wood-powered, steam engines.
His face was also familiar on Shrove Tuesday at Christ Church Episcopal, where he served as ``expert pancake flipper.'' He was a senior warden and vestry member of the church, which he joined after his former church, the Methodist Church in Roxbury, closed in 1941.
Besides his wife of 53 years and son in Roxbury, he is survived by his son, Jonathan Hurlbut of Roxbury; two daughters, Betsy Antonucci of Bantam and Gail Hoolsema of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a sister, Dorothy Miller of Roxbury; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Contributions in memory of Alden Hurlbut may be made to either the Roxbury Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 94, Roxbury 06783; or the Roxbury Historical Society, P.O. Box 212, Roxbury 06783.
SERVICES: Saturday, 11 a.m., Christ Church Episcopal, Roxbury. Burial will be in Roxbury Center Cemetery. There are no calling hours. The Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere is in charge of arrangements.'
Violet Ferriss
Violet Ferris of New Milford died Wednesday at Candlewood Valley Care Center, New Milford. She was 97.
Mrs. Ferriss was the widow of Charles H. Ferriss.
She was born in Passaic, N.J., Dec. 10, 1900, a daughter of the late James and Ellen (Higgs) Handley. She was a longtime resident of New Milford, where she was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and Palm Rebekah Lodge No. 43. She also worked at Barton's Department Store in town, after retiring as an operator from SNET.
Survivors include a niece, Janet Verone, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Contributions in memory of of Violet Ferriss may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1905.
There are no calling hours, and services will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Center Cemetery, New Milford. The Colonial Funeral Home of Hull Funeral Service in New Milford is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary Ann Schmidt
Mary Ann Schmidt of Ridgefield, a founding member of the Foundation for Community Encouragement, died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. She was 54.
Mrs. Schmidt was born in Hannibal, Mo., on April 8, 1943, the third child of Gwendolyn (Doyle) Koeller of Springfield, Ill., and the late Herman Koeller. She grew up in Springfield and received a communications degree from the University of Illinois in 1965. That same year she married John Schmidt and the couple lived briefly in California and Michigan before moving to Ridgefield in 1976.
Before creating FCE with 10 others in 1984, she was special assistant to author M. Scott Peck _ who wrote ``A Different Drum'' _ the book that lay the foundation for FCE. The worldwide, nonprofit organization builds community well-being by teaching people how to bridge differences and deal with difficult issues with integrity.
``Mary Ann had a passion for FCE,'' said current president William Thatcher. ``She had a love for those of us who found our way to its door.''
She was the first chairman of the foundation, a post she kept for 10 years, and she was president and chief executive officer for six years.
A sports enthusiast, she shared in a good-natured rivalry with her two sons, Michael of New York City and David of Ridgefield _ she favored the Giants, they the Cowboys. She loved animals, especially her German shepherd, Madison, and old war movies.
Besides her mother, former husband and sons, she is survived by two brothers, Richard and Alfred, both of California.
Contributions in memory of Mary Ann Schmidt may be made payable to FCE and sent the Schmidt Memorial Fund at the Foundation for Community Encouragement, P.O. Box 17210, Seattle, WA 98107.
CALLING HOURS: Reception and prayer service, Saturday, 3 to 4:15 p.m., Jesse Lee Memorial Church, 207 Main St., Ridgefield.
SERVICES: Formal memorial service, Feb. 14, noon, Christ Church, 520 Park Ave. at 60th Street., New York City.
Kane Funeral Home of Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.'
Jane Gore
Jane Carol Gore of Blue Bonnet Knoll, New Milford, died Tuesday at Danbury Hospital. She was 52.
Mrs. Gore was the wife of Ronald H. Gore.
She was born in Ridgefield on March 6, 1945, a daughter of the late Everett and Edna Smith Bassett. She was a graduate of Ridgefield High School, and she moved from Ridgefield to New Milford 15 years ago. A quality control inspector, she worked for Sealed Air Corp. in Danbury for 15 years.
She was a member of Ridgebury Congregational Church, the Connecticut Rebel Ancient Fife & Drum Corp. and the Danbury Rod and Custom Car Club. She collected teddy bears and she enjoyed making counted cross stitch patterns.
Besides her husband, she is survived by an uncle, Delmar Smith of New Milford, and several nieces and nephews.
Contributions in memory of Jane C. Gore may be made to the Ridgebury Congregational Church Organ Fund, 602 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield 06877.
CALLING HOURS: Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m., Hull Home, 60 Division St., Danbury.
SERVICES: Saturday, 11 a.m., Ridgebury Congregational Church, Ridgefield. The Rev. Wilma White, officiating. Burial in Ridgebury Cemetery, Ridgefield.
Mary Haley
Mary (Tomanio) Haley of Miami, Fla., formerly of Danbury, died Jan. 4 in Miami. She was 89.
Mrs. Haley was the widow of Oscar Haley.
She was born in Danbury on July 1, 1908, a daughter of Bernardo and Rosa Tomanio. She was reared and educated in Danbury. She served with the women's marine division during World War II.
Survivors include two sisters, Theresa Kilcourse of Danbury and Helen Butler of Miami and many local nieces and nephews.
Services and burial were in Florida.
Anna Roscoe
Anna R. Roscoe of 12 5th Ave., Danbury, died Tuesday at Waterbury Hospital. She was 93.
Miss Roscoe was born in Nesquehoning, Pa., on Feb. 28, 1904, a daughter of John and Anastasia (Broda) Roscoe. She attended schools in Nesquehoning, and moved from there to Danbury in 1942. A proofreader, she retired from Reader's Digest in Pleasantville, N.Y.
She was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church of Danbury and its Altar Society.
Survivors include nieces and nephews.
Contributions in memory of Anna Roscoe may be made to the St. Nicholas Development Fund or its Offering of Liturgies.
CALLING HOURS: Thursday, after 6:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, 13 Pembroke Road, Danbury.
SERVICES: Divine Liturgy with the Rev. Michael G. Popson, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., at the church. Burial in St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Nesquehoning. Arrangements by Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury.'
Florence Doherty
Florence C. Doherty of New Fairfield and Leesburg, Fla., died Tuesday at Danbury Hospital. She was 72.
Mrs. Doherty was the widow of James A. Doherty.
She was born in Arlington, Va., March 7, 1925, a daughter of the late Herbert and Ellen (Brown) Schumann. Besides New Fairfield and Leesburg, she lived for many years in Putney, Vt.
Survivors include three sons, J. Michael of New Fairfield, Dennis P. of Fairfield and Timothy J. of Mt. Solon, Va.; a sister, Marion Hower of Brentwood, Md.; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions in memory of Mrs. Doherty may be made to the 8 E. Oncology Unit, Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Ave., Danbury 06810.
SERVICES: Memorial Mass, Saturday, 10 a.m., St. Edward's Church, New Fairfield. There are no calling hours.
Green Funeral Home of Danbury is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert Vastano
Robert ``Dee'' Vastano of New Milford died Tuesday at New Milford Hospital. He was 76.
Mr. Vastano was the husband of Rita DeMarco Vastano.
He was born in Woodhaven, Queens, N.Y., on Feb. 11, 1921, a son of the late William and Julia Carbo Vastano. He moved to New Milford 22 years ago. An automobile salesman, he managed Action Pontiac in Danbury and Capital Motors in Hartford before retiring 10 years ago.
A skilled woodworker, carpenter and mechanic, he also is said to have enjoyed stormy weather, good food, family celebrations and animals.
Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Gerald of W. Hartford, Robert of Saybrook and Jeffrey of W. Babylon, N.Y.; a daughter, Donna Gaims of Cromwell; a sister, Rose Eberleine of Southbury; a grandson, Robert R. Vastano; a special friend, Randy Storm; and several nieces and nephews.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Linus Pauling Institute of Medical Research, 440 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 95306.
CALLING HOURS: Tonight, 6 to 8, Colonial Funeral Home/Hull Funeral Service, 87 Park Lane Road, New Milford.
SERVICES: From the funeral home, Thursday, 9:30 a.m., to a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, St. Francis Church, New Milford.
BUCK
Lillian B. Buck, age 94, of Eastern Promenade, died Friday at a Portland, Maine, hospital. She was born in Belmont, New Hampshire December 31, 1903, a daughter of Arthur P. and Clara Edith (Davis) Draper. She attended grammar schools in Maine and Massachusetts and graduated from Deering High School in 1920. She had worked as a beauty shop proprietor and as a secretary at Works Projects Administration. Mrs. Buck also worked as a journalist for Sunup Magazine and Portland Evening News and was one of the first female journalists in the country. Until the age of 73, she served as a legal secretary for Portland lawyer Julius Greenstein. As a journalist, she interviewed many famous authors, including Kenneth Roberts, Booth Tarkington and others. She was also the soloist at the last service of St. Lawrence Church of Munjoy Hill. She was a member of the Portland League of Women Voters, the National Wildlife Association, the Portland Grange and the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Association. An avid golfer, she was a member of the Purpooduck Country Club. She loved dancing, classical music and reading. Mrs. Buck was also an accomplished crossword puzzle addict and Scrabble player. She married Ervin A. Buck in July of 1927. He died in 1974. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Peter and wife Carmen of Danbury, and David and wife Barbara of Las Vegas, one brother, Dorwin P. Draper of Georgetown, Maine, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was predeceased by a brother Lincoln, who died in 1927, and a sister Estella Draper, who died in 1982. Visiting hours will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Conroy-Tully Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland, Maine. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM Wednesday at the Woodford Congregational Church, Woodford, Street, Portland. A graveside committal service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Dow's Corner Cemetery, Standish.
WOLFF
Wildred Coyte Wolff, 82, of 129 Gaylord Road, New Milford, wife of the late Ulrich H. Wolff died Sunday at The Kent, Specialty Care Facility, in Kent. Mrs. Wolff was born in New York City, Dec. 29, 1915, a daughter of the late Harry and Florence McShane Coyte. She spent her early life in New York City moving to Gaylordsville in 1960. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, Kent, and a member of the Ladies of Sacred Heart. She is survived by two daughters, Florence Wolff-Nicholas of Hartford and Bernadette McGoldrick of Sherman, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Predeceased by a daughter, Wildred Krens. Funeral on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Kent, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY. Friends may call at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge St., New Milford on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Colleen Hunt
Colleen (Phelan) Hunt, 40, of 3 Round Table Road, New Milford, wife of Karl D. Hunt, died Thursday at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Mrs. Hunt was born in Bayshore, Long Island, NY, March 24, 1958, a daughter of John T. Phelan of Katonah, NY, and Rosemary (Heuiar) Phelan of Melbourne, FLA. She graduated from New Milford High School in 1976 and attended Northwestern Community College in Winstead. Besides her parents, she is survived by two sons, David C. Hunt and Craig T. Hunt; a daughter, Tara L. Phalen; two brothers, Michael T. Phalen and Kevin J. Phalen; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, John K. Phalen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, New Milford. Calling hours are at Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge St., New Milford, Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Contributions in her memory may be made to New Milford Hospital-Columbia Presbyterian Comprehensive Cancer Center, 49 East St., New Milford, CT 06776 or to OYN Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208063 New Haven, CT 06510.
