United States High School Yearbooks by County
John J. McSherry
Retired Mail Handler
WOLCOTT -_John J. McSherry, 56, passed away Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 after a brief illness. Born May 18, 1960, to the late John (Jack) McSherry and Ms. Noreen (McCarthy) McSherry, he graduated from Wolcott High School in 1978 and attended Assumption College in Worcester, MA. He worked at the United States Post Office on Grand St. in Waterbury for eighteen years.
Known for his hard work, patience, and sharp sense of humor, John was an avid reader, and loved to watch 'his teams’: The NY Yankees, Giants, and Rangers, along with the UConn men's and women's basketball teams. He was most proud of all his children’s endeavors, including their own excellence in athletics.
A widower, of the late Nancy (Luscomb) McSherry, he is survived by their two children, Ryan Patrick McSherry of Wolcott, CT, and Taylor Mills McSherry from Wolcott, CT; his sisters, Mrs. James (Eileen) Trainor of Waterbury, CT, Ms. Mara McSherry of Kihei, HI, and Ms. Nancy Cormier of Ipswich, MA; his niece and nephews, along with his grand-nieces and nephews, John and David Trainor-Namir and their three children Adam, Elliot, and Layton of Little Rock, AR, Mrs. Elizabeth Atkins, her husband John, and their sons, Victor and Paul, of Middlebury, CT, Patrick M. Trainor of Waterbury, CT, Christopher J. Trainor of San Francisco, CA, and Daniel Cormier of Ipswich, MA; his two aunts, Rosemary Luddy and Nancy Donahue; his special cousins the Rourkes, the Marcils, the Luddys, the McCarthys, and the Lawlors and cherished friend Mrs. Mary (Croke) Woods.
The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks for the exceptional personal care of Dr. Anthony Ciardella, the staff at St. Mary's Hospital, and the ICU at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from the Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St. to St. Pius X Church, 525 Woodtick Road in Wolcott for a Mass at 11 a.m. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Monday, October 17, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, per his children’s request, please donate to one of the following:
The American Cancer Society, P.O. BOX 22478, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123
The Summit at Plantsville, 261 Summit St, Plantsville, CT, 06479
The AASLD, a liver research fund, AASLD Foundation, 1001 N. Fairfax St., Suite # 400, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Attorney Thomas Lyndon Brayton
MIDDLEBURY - On October 14, 2016, Attorney Thomas Lyndon Brayton, 84, of Middlebury, died the way he lived, with courage and grace. Following a short illness, he went peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 28, 1932 to the late Thomas L. and Helen (Dereskevich) Brayton, Tom was raised in Waterbury, attended St. Joseph Grammar School, and was a graduate of Crosby High School, Providence College and the University of Connecticut School of Law.
After graduating from college, Tom enlisted as an officer, in the United States Marine Corps. His plans to pursue a military career were abruptly cut short in 1956 by an accidental explosion, which resulted in severe injuries and a change in his career plans. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Second Lieutenant. For the remainder of his life, Tom remained loyal to his beloved Marine Corps and extremely proud of his service to his country.
Following a two-year hospitalization and recuperation from his injuries in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Philadelphia, Tom came to terms with his changed life and decided it was a good time to start over. He enrolled in Boston University Law School where he remained for one year to prove to skeptical administrators at the University of Connecticut that, despite his injuries, he was not handicapped, and was fully capable of the rigors and demands of law school. After successfully making his first case, he completed law school at the University of Connecticut to be near his young and growing family. Upon his graduation from law school, Tom was admitted to the Connecticut Bar, where he practiced for many years with great success and distinction. He was a proud member of the Connecticut Bar Association for 50 years. Tom was a skilled and formidable litigator, who will long be remembered by his colleagues and clients as having been tough, but fair, frequently successful, always guided by a strong sense of justice and never one to back away from a challenge. His physical limitations never entered his mind in the courtroom, on the ski slopes, or in any other pursuit he decided to undertake. Called upon to serve as an inspiration to others facing a similar challenge, Tom answered the calls and helped many by his example. He especially enjoyed practicing law with his son, Tom. During his distinguished career, Tom was recognized for his achievements by his invitation for membership and induction into the prestigious professional organizations, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Tom took great pride in his family and enjoyed the time he spent with them during their summers in Milford and Cape Cod and their winters at Bromley Mountain, a spirited debate on politics and world affairs especially with anyone of an opposing viewpoint, reading, and travelling extensively. He enjoyed running, both competitively and for pleasure, and the game of baseball. Tom was an outstanding high school and collegiate baseball player, and was offered a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. One of Tom’s favorite pastimes was to watch Yankees baseball and the good-natured rivalry he shared with his brother, Bob, a devoted Red Sox fan. Being the charming, quick-witted, and intelligent man that he was, there was never a dull moment with Tom. He had the good fortune of living a full and happy life that he shared unselfishly with us.
Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-nine years, Marcia (Galvin) Brayton. Together and as a team, they raised five children, all of whom are forever grateful for being blessed by their fine example, devotion, support and love. He leaves to remember him his wife, Stuart (Sassy) Watters and family, his children, Marcy (Michael) Julian of Wilbraham, MA, Pattie (Bill) Dunn of Palm City, FL and Southington, J.D. Brayton of Watertown, Tom (Ericka) Brayton of Bethlehem, and Sheila (Pat) Carey of Cheshire, his grandchildren, Kevin (Brighid) Thompson, Karlyn (Rob) Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Andrew, and Benjamin Julian, Elizabeth and Ryan Brayton, Thomas, Galvin, and Addison Brayton, Patrick and Grace Carey, Bill and Chris Dunn, one great granddaughter, Eleanor Thompson, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Bob) and Ann Brayton, his sister-in-law, Marita Sullivan, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 with a celebration of Tom’s life and a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Church, 289 Willow Street, Waterbury. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St. from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Marcia Brayton Scholarship Fund at Sacred Heart High School, 142 S. Elm Street, Waterbury, CT 06706.
Zulma Rodriguez de Delgado
WATERBURY - Zulma Rodriguez de Delgado, 67, of Waterbury died Saturday August 27, 2016 surrounded by her family at her daughter's home. She was the wife of Raymond A. Delgado.
Zulma was born in New York City on April 21, 1949 daughter of the late Primitivo and Julia (Clemente) Rodriguez and had lived in Waterbury since 1974.
Zulma graduated from Jane Addams School of Nursing in Manhattan.
She was cofounder of the Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Foundation in Puerto Rico, sponsored and owned the Tigers & Pirates Men’s Softball teams in Waterbury and also the Bucks Little League team.
Zulma was a member of Sacred Heart- Sagrado Corazon Parish and frequently made donations to both Sagrado Corazon and St. Jude.
Besides her husband Raymond, she is survived by her son, Ramon Delgado and his wife Rosa Candelario of Waterbury and her daughters, Samira Almeida and her husband Antonio of Waterbury and Francisca Delgado and her husband Oscar Lopes of Bridgeport; 1 sister, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
The Delgado family would like to thank VITAS for their care, especially nurses, Donna Lynch, Ali Furnace, Marilyn Cruz and Elizabeth Velez.
Funeral will be held on Wednesday August 31, 2016 at 9 a.m. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St. to Sacred Heart- Sagrado Corazon Church, 13 Wolcott Street for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Richard V. Jackman
Waterbury Physical Therapist
WATERBURY - Richard V. Jackman, 85, of Waterbury, died peacefully Saturday August 6, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Mary (McCormack) Jackman and the late Patricia Jean (Ralph) Jackman.
Mr. Jackman was born in Waterbury and was a graduate of Sprague Grammar School, Crosby High School and the University of Connecticut where he received his degree in Physical Therapy. He was a standout baseball player in high school and college.
As a Physical Therapist he maintained a practice in Waterbury for many years. He had the first private practice Physical Therapist office in the State of Connecticut. He was a member of the American Physical Therapists Association, a past president and member of the Connecticut Physical Therapists Association and a Visiting Professor at the University of Connecticut.
Mr. Jackman was a longtime member of the Country Club of Waterbury and was proud of the hole-in-one he achieved at the course. He was also an active volunteer at many golf charity events including junior golf tournaments. He was a great father and proud of his daughter’s achievements.
Besides his wife he is survived by five daughters, Margaret Duffy and her husband Joseph of Vermont, Susan Jackman of Massachusetts, Kathryn Murphy of Wolcott, Lori Jackman and her husband Michael Saunders of Maryland and Sarah Rosato and her husband Ted of Watertown, 4 step-daughters, Katie Tapley and her husband Gary of Waterbury, Julie Turrell and her husband Rob of Wolcott, Susan Petrone and her husband David of Waterbury and Amy Nole and her husband Joseph of Wolcott, 19 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, John and David Jackman.
Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday August 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 182 Robbins St. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St.
Following the Mass friends are asked to join the family for a luncheon at the Country Club of Waterbury, 1 Oronoke Road.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions made be made to : Smilow Cancer Hospital, 35 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06518 www.ynhh.org/smilow or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter, 659 Tower Ave, Hartford, CT 06112 www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/ctn
Wendell Cross O'Neil
Wendell Cross O'Neil passed away peacefully January 13, 2015 surrounded by family after a brief struggle with cancer at Valerie Manor in Torrington, CT where he lived following a stroke 3 years ago.
Wendell attended the Portsmouth Priory School in Rhode Island and graduated from Woodbury High School in Woodbury, CT. He attended Bentley College and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He also studied photography at Paier College of Art.
During his professional career, he held jobs with the State of Connecticut in special needs, in real estate where he founded Cross Country Properties, and in the construction and horticulture industries.
Wendell was a gentle man who loved his family and always looked forward to our large family gatherings whether it be a wedding or one of our fun “cousins "parties.
He loved the outdoors, fishing, the Connecticut hills, and the ocean.
He is survived by 2 brothers ; Roy Louis O'Neil and Michelle of Woodbury, CT, Kevin Quinn O'Neil and Susan of Reno, NV, and 4 sisters; Deirdre O'Neil of Nahant, MA, Rosemary Crosby of Marblehead, MA, Mary Alice McGonigle and Bill of Byfield, MA, and Ruth Carr of Memphis, TN.
He was predeceased by his parents Ruth and Roy O'Neil, and 2 brothers; Raymond Quinn O'Neil and George Keefe O'Neil.
His family would like to thank the entire staff at Valerie Manor in Torrington, CT for the love and concern they always showed Wendell. He was truly blessed to be in the care of such a compassionate group of people.
A private memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at The Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow Street, Waterbury, CT. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Hospice at Home, 65 Commercial Boulevard, Torrington, CT 06790.
Stephen McCarthy O'Connor
State of Connecticut Parole Officer
MIDDLEBURY – Stephen McCarthy O’Connor, 46, of Middlebury died Sunday July 31, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the husband of Katie (Lerz) O’Connor.
Steve was born in Waterbury October 3, 1969 son of the late Michael J. O’Connor & Brenda (McCarthy) O’Connor Halloran and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and Highpoint College in North Carolina. Steve was a dedicated father and husband and a longtime resident of Middlebury. He had been an outstanding football player in high school and college and was a fan of the New York Giants.
Steve started his career with the Board of Parole in 1999 as a Parole Officer. He was selected to the prestigious Fugitive Investigations Unit in 2000. While in FIU, he received several commendations from Governor John G. Rowland while under the Board of Parole. Steve remained on the team until 2007 when he transferred to the Waterbury Parole Office, where he worked closely with the Waterbury Police Department, fostering excellent and long lasting relationships between the law enforcement agencies. Steve received several Distinguished Service Awards for his involvement in the investigation, location, and apprehension of fugitives in the community, keeping the streets of Connecticut a safer place.
Besides his wife he is survived by his two daughters, Jillian and Raeghan of Middlebury, his sister, Coleen O’Connor and her daughters, Michaela and Elizabeth of Litchfield, a brother, Michael Liam O’Connor and his wife Julie and their daughters, Madeline and Olivia of Woodbury, his mother and father-in-law, Patrick and Carley Lerz of Wolcott, his brother-in-law, Patrick Lerz and his wife Erin of Wolcott, sister-in-law, Sarah Lerz of Portland, OR, and sister-in-law, Mari Lerz and her husband Jose Sandoval and their sons, Joseph and Jacob of Danbury. There are also many family and friends including fellow officers of the Board of Parole and the Waterbury Police Department.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St. Friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in MT Olivet Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 115 Willow St.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Jillian and Raeghan O’Connor Education Fund, c/o Michael L. O’Connor, Webster Bank, 123 Bank Street, Waterbury, CT 06702.
