Monthly Archives: July 2020

Death of Fred Sumner Burnham Announced, Father of Steven Burnham of Lyme

Posted on by
Reply

MYSTIC – Fred Sumner Burnham, 86, of Mystic died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at the Cottage at StoneRidge.

He is predeceased by his parents, Beatrice and Fred Burnham; and his son David Allen Burnham. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Judy Hill Burnham. In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by their daughter Jane Ellen Burns and her husband Jeffrey, of Charlestown, R.I.; their son Steven Fred Burnham and his wife Elizabeth, of Lyme; and his two grandchildren, Sarah and Mark, whom he adored, always bringing a smile to his face.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published July 26 on TheDay.com.

Death of Jerome R. “Jerry” Srogi, Jr. of Old Lyme Announced, Father of LOL Schools’ Teacher Nancy Sparaco

Posted on by
Reply

Jerome ‘Jerry’ R. Srogi

OLD LYME — Jerome R. Srogi, Jr., 86, of Old Lyme passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Judith (Dolan) Srogi for fifty eight years. Jerry was born in New Britain on December 16, 1933. He was the son of Jerome Sr. and Mary (Zembko) Srogi.

Jerry was self-employed as a Home Remodeling Contractor. He resided in Berlin before retiring in Old Lyme at his home on Roger’s Lake where he enjoyed many family gatherings, boating, and the beauty of nature.

Jerry had a deep passion for music. It sustained him throughout his lifetime. A talented, self-taught musician, he played several instruments. A day never went by without our music man, Jerry, listening to a beloved jazz tune or playing his keyboard. In his younger days, he played the drums in local bands. Jerry and his late brother Richard, a saxophone player, loved jamming together for all of their lives. Jerry had music in his heart and soul.

Jerry was a kind, gentle, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. “Pop” was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, attending numerous band concerts, dance recitals, and sporting events. He was a loyal and dependable husband and family-man, taking care of his mother, in-laws, aunts, and uncles in their elderly years. Family and friends could always count on Jerry for support.

He enjoyed tinkering with projects, refurbishing antiques, and restoring his vintage 1957 Dodge pick-up truck with his son Jerry. On many occasions, he was treated to his favorite meals prepared by his daughter Nancy. His love of family and music were his greatest gifts.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Judy, his daughter Nancy and son-in-law Steven Sparaco, and his son Jerry Srogi III. He was a loving “Pop” to his four grandchildren, Sean, Brett, and Amy Sparaco as well as Jay Srogi IV. Jerry is also survived by his god daughter, Cindi Ciarcia and niece Colleen Courtis.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jerry’s dog Cara, to Poodle Rescue Connecticut Inc. , P.O. Box 188, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

To share a memory of Jerry or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.

Lyme Land Trust Names Bob Cope 2020 Volunteer of the Year

Posted on by
Reply

Bob Cope proudly displays the plaque awarded to him by the Lyme Land Trust after he was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Photo by Sue Cope.

LYME — Bob Cope has been named the 2020 Lyme Land Trust Volunteer of the Year, an award presented this year during a virtual Annual Meeting. The Land Trust celebrates, appreciates and depends upon all of the many wonderful volunteers and members who contribute to the success of the organization.

This year, Bob Cope stood out for his eagerness to help, dependability, and resourcefulness. He has been an invaluable volunteer for all the Trust’s activities: from building bridges, benches, kiosks, and gates, to mowing and clearing trees in the preserves; in addition to helping with the Tour de Lyme and other events.

Mal Karwoski, Stewardship Chair of the Trust, who presented the honor, stated,  “It’s Bob’s nature to be helpful, and he shares this not just with the Lyme Land Trust. Bob is invested in our community in many other ways and is passionate about giving back.” 

In addition to Bob’s volunteer work with the Trust, he serves on the Town of Lyme Open Space Commission and the Lyme Recreation Commission, assists the Friends of Whalebone Cove, Hadlyme Public Hall, Lyme Youth Services Bureau and the Center For The Blind in New London. 

Old Lyme’s Visiting Nurse Veselka Retires After 47-Year-Career

Posted on by
2

Karen Veselka enjoys the moment while her OLVNA colleagues wish her well on her last day of nursing after a 47-year-career in the profession.

OLD LYME — Horns were honking at the Lymes’ Senior Center as Town Nurse Karen Veselka arrived there July 22 for her last day at work. After 47 years of nursing, Veselka is retiring and moving away. Her small drive-through parade was followed by a socially-distanced outdoor farewell.

Karen Veselka arrives at Lymes’ Senior Center for her final day of service as Old Lyme’s Visiting Nurse.

The Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association knows how lucky they were to have had Veselka. She’s been a pillar of support for the most vulnerable in this community as she juggled wellness, skilled care coordination, outreach for special needs, and COVID-19 response.

Veselka’s colleagues at the OLVNA and board members of the organization all turned out to wish Veselka (left) happiness in her retirement and present her with some gifts.

In 2017 she won the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing, and in 2020 she won the inaugural Old Lyme Kindness award.

Standing at an appropriate social distance, Veselka’s colleagues and OLVNA Board Members lauded her service as the Town Nurse. Veselka is seated at left in photo.

Holly Lyman spoke on behalf of all the members of the OLVNA when she commented, “Sad as we are to see Karen leaving, many of us also know what fun retirement can be, so we wish her all the best in her new life!”

Death Announced of Jonathan Jewett of Lyme; High Hopes Board Member, Lyme RTC Treasurer for 11 Years

Posted on by
Reply

VERO BEACH, FLA. – Jonathan Jewett of Vero Beach, Fla., beloved husband of Susan Cooney Jewett, father of Brooke Jewett Nadell, Lindsay Jewett Sturman, and Ian Sheafe Jewett, died in Vero Beach Thursday, July 9, after a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Jon was born in New Haven May 19, 1943. He grew up in Lyme attending Lyme Consolidated School …

Jon married Susan Cooney Evans in December 1998, and after Jon’s retirement, they split their time between Lyme and Vero Beach, Fla. …

He also served on the board of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, and as Treasurer and Member of the Lyme Republican Town Committee from 2006-2017. …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published July 23, on TheDay.com