Monthly Archives: October 2023

Death Announced of Kenneth M. McKeever, 80, of Old Lyme: Marine, State Trooper, Longtime Town Attorney for Lyme

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Kenneth M. McKeever

OLD LYME — Kenneth M. McKeever, 80, Marine, State Trooper, Attorney, died Oct. 16, 2023, at his home after a long illness. Ken was born in Brooklyn, New York, Feb. 25, 1943, the son of Henry J. McKeever and Serafina Spinelli. His mother died shortly after his birth while his father was in the Pacific during World War II. He was raised by various family members in New York City until his father remarried Mary Kelly, and the family relocated to Chicopee, Mass.

A 1960 graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass., he followed his father’s lead and enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. There, he served in the Honor Guard for President John F. Kennedy and served as personal orderly for Rear Admiral William B. Sieglaff, Commandant of the First Naval District. After more than five years of active duty, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Ken’s continued need to serve led him to the Connecticut State Police where, among his many assignments, he was the Resident State Trooper for the Town of East Lyme. During his time on the Force, he earned his Associate, Bachelor, and Juris Doctor, and was ultimately admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1974. He practiced law in Niantic for 49 years, the last 20 with his son, Brendan, was the long-time Town Attorney for Lyme, and successfully argued before the Superior, Appellate, and Connecticut Supreme Courts.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen; children, Katherine, Kevin, and Brendan; daughter-in-law Jessica; grandchildren, William and Jameson; brothers and sisters: Richard, Stephen, MaryEllen and Eileen; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his legal assistant of 38 years, Lori DeCosta.

A great joy of Ken’s life was history. Every holiday, he would prepare historical quizzes for his family where a correct answer earned $5.00. He would spend considerable time at the Duck River Cemetery trying to piece together the lives of the fallen war heroes which led to a writing chronicling a Revolutionary War soldier. His other pastime was attendance at his children’s and grandchildren’s activities which included the theatre and many athletic contests. At his essence, he enjoyed time away in Key West, a good sandwich, a game on the television, reading by the pool, talk radio and a cold beer.

The family is forever grateful for all of the kind words, genuine encouragement and overall support. In lieu of flowers, please consider to simply “pay it forward” with an act of kindness towards someone in need.

Ken’s never-say-die attitude, coupled with a remarkable bodily constitution, were legendary. During his life, he survived drowning; open heart surgery; congestive heart failure; bladder, skin, bone and prostate cancer; and multiple unexpected situations with his weapon drawn as a Trooper. Most amazing, he was struck by lightning in 1993, while attending a baseball game. As he would describe it, death stared him in the eyes every which way, and death always blinked. This time, however, his multitude of illnesses proved to be too much.

Old habits die hard, and Once A Marine-Always A Marine! Semper Fi.

To honor Ken’s wishes no services will be held. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com to leave a tribute for his family.

Letter to the Editor: Lodge, ‘a Fierce Opponent of Book Censorship,’ Will Serve Lyme Families Well on Region 18 BOE

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To the Editor:

I write in support of Gavin Lodge as the Lyme representative to the Region 18 Board of Education. Lodge will serve Lyme and its youth well. He is a father of two children in our schools, a past public school PTO co-president. He is active in Lyme’s Sustainable Committee and other town commissions.

He is the executive director of 4A Arts, a national nonprofit that promotes arts and culture in our communities. As a small business entrepreneur, he has demonstrated strong fiscal expertise. 

Most importantly, Lodge is a fierce opponent of book censorship and will advocate for all children in the schools. Nationally, more than 90 percent of the books targeted for censorship and removal are about LGBTQ+ and youth of color, and it is no different here. Lodge believes deeply in the freedom to choose and express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular. 

It is not a coincidence that his position is the same as the American Library Association [ALA]. Like the ALA, Lodge believes that parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children—and only their children—to library resources.

Let’s not be fooled into thinking this school election is typical; it is not. It is one of the most consequential elections in memory for the town of Lyme.

Vote Gavin Lodge.

Sincerely,

Michael James,
Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is Professor Emeritus of Education at Connecticut College. He is also the husband of Anna James (D), the Region 18 Board of Education member for Lyme, who is not up for re-election this year.

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Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Gaudio, Willis to Old Lyme Planning Commission; Both are Experienced, Competent Gatekeepers for Community.

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To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to strongly urge the voters in Old Lyme to re-elect Barbara Gaudio and Donald Willis to the Planning Commission on November 7th.

The importance of the Planning Commission’s work cannot be overstated.  The Planning Commission members are the gatekeepers for prudent and sensible property development in Old Lyme.  These two incumbent Planning Commission members have been endorsed by the Old Lyme Republicans.  Both of these folks are long time residents of Old Lyme with deep roots in the community.  Both have solid experience on the Planning Commission and both are in favor of development in Old Lyme when it is compliant with development regulations and congruous with the character of Old Lyme.

Barbara Gaudio is an unaffiliated voter and has served on the Commission since 2018.  During that time, she has distinguished herself as a fair-minded and prudent Commissioner.  Barbara has lived in Old Lyme for 30 years and raised her two children here.  Both daughters attended District 18 schools.

Ms. Gaudio has an educational and career background in business.  She was an alternate member of the Planning Commission and is currently a full member.  Barbara previously served on the Economic Development Commission in Old Lyme for many years.  She supports fostering development that is sensible and consistent with the fabric of Old Lyme.

Donald Willis is a life long resident of Old Lyme for over 60 years.  Don brings both a salient and unique perspective to the Planning Commission.  Don worked for the Connecticut DOT for 29 years prior to his retirement.  Hence, he is very familiar with roadway and bridge construction regulations.  He was a significant contributor to the Lyme Street Rehabilitation Project.  Furthermore, Don has served on the Planning Commission for over ten years and is intimately familiar with the major applications currently before the Commission.

Don’s local ties to the community run deep as he has served as a volunteer firefighter for the Old Lyme Fire Department for 20 years.  He attended the District 18 schools and was a past member of the Inland Wetlands Commission.

Both Barbara Gaudio and Donald Willis are experienced and competent gatekeepers for our community.  Please vote to re-elect these two exemplary public servants on November 7th to the Planning Commission.

Sincerely,

Christopher W. Kerr,
Old Lyme.

Death Announced of A. Rick Colangeli of Old Lyme; US Navy Veteran, Longtime Member of OLFD; Services Oct. 29 & 30

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OLD LYME — A. Rick Colangeli of Old Lyme, passed away Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital …

Rick is survived by his loving wife Carol of 60 years …

Rick was a U.S. Navy veteran … He was a longtime member of the Old Lyme Fire Department for 53 years and he reached the rank of lieutenant. Rick was honored to be awarded Firefighter of the Year twice and receive the Chief’s Award. He loved participating in the Wednesday evening activities at the firehouse, being in the honor guard for parades, helping out and mentoring new members, and being an active firefighter into his 70s! …

The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A Catholic Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme. Interment will be held at the Duck River Cemetery following the church service. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme for tributes and directions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Lyme Fire Dept., P.O. Box 102, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or to the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern CT, 403 North Frontage Road, Waterford, CT 06385.

Visit this link to view the full obituary published by The Day on Oct. 15, 2023.