OLD LYME — Earl Peters, known by some family members as “Butch”, passed away March 18, 2023, in his home surrounded by loving family.
He leaves his wife Melodie Peters (Retired State Senator); son Troy Peters and fiancée Dana Demkar; daughter LaLisa Vesterholm and son-in-law Anders Vesterholm; grandchildren …
Earl was an activist for just cause all his life and played a key role in the civil rights movement.
Earl [was a] Justice of the Peace in Old Lyme …
Earl was a member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme and will be having a “Celebration of Life” with a date to be announced.
OLD LYME — Christine “Chris” Crosby James, of Old Lyme, passed unexpectedly March 11, 2023, in Scranton, Pa.
Chris was born in Manchester, March 14, 1962 …
She was a resident of Old Lyme for nearly 30 years and brought her unique sense of humor and loyalty to a new set of friends, hosting many gatherings in the Rogers Lake neighborhood that she loved …
She leaves behind her beloved son, Ian R. James of Boston, Mass.; her dear friend and former husband Dan James of Old Lyme; … and her precious four-legged companions, Maeve and CatDog …
Her many friends and family will be celebrating her life Saturday, March 25, and a Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 17 Pickerel Cove Trail, Old Lyme. Please bring your humor, a story of Chris to tell, and maybe wear something green or a Shamrock or two. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries.
OLD LYME — Stephen Hoag of Old Lyme passed away March 18, in Sarasota, Fla., where he and his wife, Mary Ellen, spent their winters in retirement …
Besides his wife of 56 years, he is survived by his sister, Deborah Ames of Old Lyme …
Stephen was a graduate of Old Lyme High School… He was the owner/operator of the Pro-Am Paint Store in Old Lyme from its inception in 1969 to 1990 when he retired …
Burial will be in Duck River cemetery at the convenience of the family. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling local arrangements.
HADLYME — And so ends peacefully an adventurous life. Ronald “Ron” Rose, 82, of Hadlyme, died Friday, March 17, 2023, at his home (as he wished). It is a sad day, we have lost the patriarch of the family. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Rose; his five children: Donna (Steve) Coulombe, William (Katherine) Rose, Jane (Jerry) Rose, Rebecca (Frank) Bocian, and Elisabeth (Christopher Gorski) Rose; as well as 12 grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren; his two brothers, John (Mary) Rose and Edward Rose; and many nieces, nephews and special cousins. An extra thanks goes to his cousin Billy Angier. He also leaves behind numerous friends, whom he considered family. He is predeceased by his best canine buddy, Wes, who crossed the rainbow bridge a few weeks ago.
Ron was born in East Cambridge, Mass., the son of Edward and Mary (Campbell) Rose. He grew up jumping from roof to roof, stealing warm pies out of the bakery and “borrowing” his Uncle Harold’s car with a group of mischievous friends – often facing the wrath of his very strong single mom. His childhood stories will continue to entertain family and friends.
The exploits continued when he, as a young man, joined the military; had three children; and met the love of his life followed by two more children. The U.S. Army took this young family to Italy, and Germany, until returning to the United States in 1967. During his time in the Army, he participated in Operation Dominic and was exposed to atomic radiation which contributed to his poor health later in life.
In the next chapter, Ron earned his private pilot license even though he only had vision in one eye – an example of his determination. He had a variety of occupations including bar owner, construction expert, mechanic, boat captain and real estate broker. In 1977, the family moved to Hadlyme, his wife’s hometown. The city boy loved it here! He found many mentors who led him to a career as a building official and sanitarian for local municipalities including acting as a long-serving town official in Chester and Lyme. Many know him from his service as the chief of the Lyme Fire Department and EMT for the Lyme Ambulance. Ron loved and cared for all people. He excelled at taking the lead in challenging situations where others would shy away. His innumerable acts of service for others touched many lives throughout decades. His selflessness is an inspiration.
He will be remembered for his patronage of many local eating establishments, shout out to Teddy’s Old Lyme Pizza Palace and Illiano’s Grill, as well as his generosity in sharing his love of food with others, and his special sayings. Most recently he would say, “We’re so lucky, Sal; we’re so lucky!” “Thanks, Dad. We feel the same way.”
We ask everyone to take a page out of Ron’s playbook and find beauty in nature, especially the songbirds; take time to volunteer; and bring pastries wherever you go! Our family would like to take the time to thank all of those who have been so generous with their time and thoughtful gifts, especially during Ron’s last months.
Calling hours will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme. A Celebration of his Life will be held later, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Filomena’s Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford. Burial will be private. Please visit www.fulton-therouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes and directions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Lyme Volunteer Fire Company and Lyme Ambulance.
Joseph J. Quaratella, Sr., beloved husband of Grace M. (Bonomo) Quaratella, of Edwards Street, Pawcatuck, passed away at the Westerly Hospital on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Joe was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, friend, educator, and loved people with all his heart.
Born in Westerly, he was the son of the late Pasquale J. and Helen Quaratella.
Joe was a communicant of St. Michael Church and a longtime member of the Maria Assunta Society, and the Knights of Columbus Council 21 where he served as a Grand Knight for five years. Joe also served in the Army National Guard.
Joe graduated from Westerly High School in 1953, where he was an accomplished athlete and outstanding four-year varsity athlete in the sports of football, baseball, and basketball. Joe was a part of the Westerly Basketball Swish Kid era under Coach Federico. He then earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Roanoke College before returning home and graduating from UCONN.
He treasured his 28 years at Chariho Regional High School as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Joe loved his school and “his” students; and they loved him.
In addition to his wife, he will be sadly missed by his three children, Scott J. Quaratella of Westerly, Joseph J. Quaratella, Jr. and his wife Martha of Old Lyme, CT, and Kristen M. Quaratella of Groton, CT. Joe also leaves behind his sister Joan M. Abruzzese of Noank, CT; five grandchildren, Marcus, Nina, Catherine, Lauren and Jacob; his niece Pamela and nephew Michael Abruzzese.
Visiting hours were held on Sunday at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly.
Relatives and friends are also invited to attend the Funeral Liturgy at 10am on Monday at St. Michael Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. There is no procession to the church from the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Pawcatuck.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Michael’s Capital Campaign, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
