Monthly Archives: November 2024

Death Announced of Robert C. Florin Jr., 63, of Old Lyme, Husband of ‘The Day’ Journalist Karen Florin

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Robert C. Florin Jr.

OLD LYME—Robert C. Florin Jr., 63, of Old Lyme, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, following a brief illness.

Bob was a one-of-a-kind man, passionate about the people and pastimes he loved, mechanically gifted, generous with his time and a lifelong learner and teacher. As a young man, he enjoyed fishing, skiing, camping and attending concerts. During their 33-year marriage, he enjoyed walking through the woods with his wife Karen (Webber) Florin and their dogs Jericho and Jett, traveling and spending time with family. He was an avid news consumer, expert target shooter and a master crossword puzzle and Sudoku solver.

He was born in Yonkers, N.Y., Jan. 11, 1961, to Robert C. Florin Sr. and Kathleen H. “Dolly” Florin, who predeceased him. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Yonkers. The Florins moved to Chester in 1971 and later settled in Old Lyme.

Robert graduated from Xavier High School in Middletown in 1979. After attending Middlesex Community College, he returned to New York, where he became a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 501, retiring in 2021 as a master electrician.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sisters, having been a loving big brother to Kathleen Emerson, Mary Elizabeth Florin, Patricia Florin and her partner Kenneth Emerson of Old Lyme. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Dean Emerson.

The four Florin siblings grew up in a tightknit group of eight with their cousins, Anne Marie (Horrigan) Menton of Yonkers, Eileen (Horrigan) Drescher of Duanesburg, N.Y. and the late John Horrigan and Barbara (Horrigan) Thiemann, both of Yonkers.

Robert was a loving son-in-law to Mary Webber of Merritt Island, Fla., and was close with his brother-in-law John Webber and his wife, Marcie Webber of Glastonbury, and his sister-in-law Melanie Webber of Merritt Island.

Many people called him “Uncle Bob,” but he was dearest to those who held the official title of niece or nephew, including Cristine Emerson and Joshua D’Lizarraga of Old Lyme, Katherine Machol of East Lyme, Candice Webber and Jenna Webber, both of Middletown, Cara Webber of Waterford, John Webber Jr. of Garner, N.C. and Oliver Gates of Merritt Island.

He will be sadly missed by his relatives in the Roche, Horrigan, Brown, Florin and Crimmins families and the hundreds of friends he had gathered from near and far.

Bob was a proud, longtime member of the Niantic Sportsmen’s Club, the Raven’s social club and the American Legion.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at the Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane in Old Lyme. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Christ the King Church, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme, followed by interment in the Duck River Cemetery.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes and directions.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Editor’s Note: This obituary was originally published by ‘The Day’ on Nov. 6, 2024.

Death Announced of Lillian I Spais of Old Lyme, Mother of Rebecca Pote of OL

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OLD LYME—Lillian I. Spais died on September 20, 2024, at the age of ninety-two. A daughter of Canada’s western plains, Lillian grew up learning the hard lessons of the Depression. Among those lessons were the values of family, self-reliance, adaptability, and community. Throughout all the many challenges in her life, these were the basics that sustained her. 

Having trained and worked as a registered nurse throughout Saskatchewan and in Toronto, including service as a Second Lieutenant Nursing Sister in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, Lillian became the staff nurse at the British American Oil Company in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She left that post to emigrate to the States with her beloved husband, Thanase. They ultimately settled in Pennington, New Jersey, where Lillian stayed at home to raise their family. There, she served as president of the local library board and the Pennington Woman’s Club. She also volunteered with the Fresh Air Fund and HomeFront. 

After Thanase’s death in 1980, Lillian returned to the workforce to support her family. She earned an Associate Degree with honors from Mercer County Community College, and later served on an advisory committee for the college. She worked as Tax Collector and Assistant Municipal Clerk for Pennington Borough, and finally retired as an administrative assistant with Princeton University’s Department of Economics. 

Following her retirement, she relocated to Old Lyme, Connecticut, to be near family. There she volunteered at the Nearly New Shop, served on the board of the Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association, kept busy with her circle of friends and activities at the Lymes’ Senior Center, spent many hours at the library, and savored dinners on the beach. 

A skilled seamstress, self-taught painter, enthusiastic gardener, avid camper, and powerful swimmer, Lillian could do almost anything. Almost. She couldn’t resist chocolate, tolerate injustice, pass up a Scrabble game, prevaricate, or type sixty words a minute. Despite these shortcomings, she was an exceptional mom, GMa, mentor and friend. 

Lillian always maintained that her life’s greatest gift was her family, and she loved them all fiercely. Her children, Rebecca (also of Old Lyme), David, George, and Chrysanthe are so grateful for her journey with them even as they mourn her loss. Her grandchildren, Emily, Chelsea, and Lex, her great grandson, Leo, and her extended family, Briella and Avianna, brought her such joy as they grew. She wholeheartedly embraced the spouses and partners of her brood: John, Dee, Cheryl, Dave, Marcelo, and Jesus. Even the collective fur babies were dear to her. She was never happier than when the whole rambunctious crew was gathered together. 

Donations in her memory may be made to Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library of Old Lyme, Connecticut, or to HomeFront in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Interment will be private.

Incumbent State Rep. Carney Thanks Voters For Giving Him a Sixth Term, Commends Opponent Wisialowski on “Strong Race”

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State Rep. Devin Carney (R) has retained his seat in the 23rd District.

LYME/OLD LYME—After winning a sixth term in the Connecticut House 23rd District, which includes both Lyme and Old Lyme, incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney sent us a message regarding his victory. We have printed it in full below:

“I want to thank the voters of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook for entrusting me with their support for another term. I have worked incredibly hard over the last 10 years and my positive message of economic opportunity, reducing energy costs, and keeping local control carried the day. This was not an easy year as my campaign treasurer and boss, John Bysko [of Old Lyme], passed away unexpectedly in October and I was unable to campaign as much as in the past. I know he would be proud of me – and the race I ran – and that means more than anything.

My opponent ran a strong race, and I give her credit. As the only Republican to win in the district, it could have very easily gone the other direction. But voters were able to recognize my experience, dedication, and integrity and I received many crossover votes. I’ve truly given my all these past 10 years and it has been the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to getting back to work for the amazing people of the 23rd District.”

Incumbent State Sen. Needleman Wins Fourth Term in 33rd District, Thanks All Voters—Regardless of Whether They Voted for Him

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State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) has won a fourth term to serve the 33rd Senate District.

LYME, CT—State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today thanked voters in Connecticut, whether they voted for or against him, as he happily celebrated winning his fourth term serving the 33rd Senate District in the State Senate.

With this victory part of a continued pattern of success for Sen. Needleman after he was first elected to the Senate in 2018, he reflected on the power that every vote holds.

“To have the opportunity to return to Hartford and continue working for the people of Connecticut is one I cherish,” said Sen. Needleman.

He added, “For six years, I have been able to give our towns a voice in the Capitol and make sure we have representation for issues impacting our daily lives. I’m grateful and thankful to everyone who voted, whether they cast a ballot for me or my opponent.”

Continuing, “This year’s election drew large numbers of voters to the polls, which is the best possible outcome for any election, no matter the final results – the more people who make their voices heard, the better,” Sen. Needleman concluded, “That’s something I will not take lightly.”

Sen. Needleman’s first three terms saw him serve as Senate Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, leading passage of several impactful bills seeking to improve transparency and quality of service for Connecticut energy ratepayers.

Sen. Needleman serves in addition as Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Transportation and Commerce Committees.

Sen. Needleman will continue to represent the town of Lyme as well as the towns of Colchester, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

Sen. Needleman founded and runs a manufacturing company, Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook, and is currently serving his sixth term as the First Selectman of Essex.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Nov. 6 by Senator Needleman’s office.

Old Lyme Results Reflect Statewide Wins for Democrats Murphy, Courtney; District 23 Win for Incumbent Carney (R)

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OLD LYME — 11/6 UPDATES—Unofficial results indicate incumbent Martha Marx (D) has won a second term in the 20th State Senate District, which includes Old Lyme.

The ballot question regarding the use of absentee ballots looks as though it will likely pass according to unofficial results. This amendment would support a law allowing any voter to vote by absentee ballot, without needing an excuse. At 3:34 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, the New York Times reported 56.8 percent supporting the measure and 43.2 percent voting against it, with 59 percent of the vote counted.

The unofficial results of Tuesday’s election in the Town of Old Lyme are below. The first number is from in-person voting at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School on Tuesday and the second number from both Early Voting and Absentee votes. All numbers are provisional.

Connecticut US Senator Christopher Murphy (D) and Connecticut US House Representative Joe Courtney, both Incumbents, have respectively been declared winners.

Incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney (R) has claimed victory in the 23rd District and his challenger Jane Wisilowski has conceded to him. Carney was running to secure a sixth term. The 23rd District includes both Lyme and Old Lyme.

Incumbent State Senator Norm Needleman (D) has been declared the winner in the 33rd District, which includes Lyme.

No winner has yet been declared in the 20th State Senate District, which includes Old Lyme. Incumbent Martha Marx (D) is seeking a second term—she is being challenged by Republican Shawn Mastroianna.

SHALL THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE BE AMENDED TO PERMIT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW EACH VOTER TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT?
Yes: 2,532
No: 1,736

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
Harris and Walz (D): 3,107
Trump and Vance (R): 2,127
Stein and Ware (G): 42
Oliver and Ter Maat (L): 26
Kennedy, Jr. and Shanahan (PC): 29

UNITED STATES SENATOR
Christopher S. Murphy (D) & (WF): 3029 + 97
Matthew M. Corey (R): 2,026
Justin C. Paglino (G): 25
Robert Finley Hyde (CGGP): 32

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
Joe Courtney (D): 3,269
Mike France (R): 1,999

STATE SENATOR
Martha Marx (D) & (I): 2,786
Shawn Mastroianni (R): 2,266

STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Jane Wisialowski (D) & (WF): 2,540
Devin R. Carney (R) & (I): 2,706

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
Jennifer Datum (D): 2,882
Catherine Carter (R): 2,256