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This blog is designed to enable viewers to post their comments on various subjects related to The Torrington Company's demise as a separate corporate entity. We will try to answer the question "Why?" and hopefully provide guidance to other Companies who might find themselves in a similar situation. We will also try to be a vehicle for alumni to express their thoughts
Blog Archive
About Me
- Norm M
- North Reading, Massachusetts, United States
- Now retired, I was employed by The Torrington Company / Ingersoll Rand from 1963 through 1987. Recently widowed, relocated from TX to MA
11 comments:
Torrington - Louis G Pagano, 81, passed away Monday, October 5th, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was the husband of 51 years of Regina Schutt Pagano. Louis was born in Torrington, CT on February 5, 1939, a son of the late Mary (Bossone) and Frank Pagano. He served in the U.S. Army in the 6th Battalion 65th Artillary Division
He Electrician at Fitgerald Mfg Co and the Torrington Company and later was a self employed painter and plasterer. An avid History buff, he also collected coins and enjoyed music and played the guitar.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his sister, Tillie Rossi and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Frank and Tony and sister Maryann.
Graveside Services will be held Friday Oct 16th at 11:00 AM at Hillside Cemetery. online memorials www.phalenfuneral.com
Torrington- Robert A. “Corky” Root, 68, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Litchfield Woods Health Care Center, Torrington. Corky was born in Torrington on September 28, 1952, son of the late Robert and Ann Root, and had been a lifelong city resident.
He was a retired machinist with the Torrington Company, retiring with 30 years of service. Corky was a member of the UAW Local #1645, where he had served as a past Treasurer. He enjoyed gardening, puzzles, reading, computer games, and listening to Rock n Roll, especially The Stones. Survivors include his significant other, Noreen Boisvert of Torrington; and a brother, James Root of Las Vegas, NV. A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Litchfield Woods Health Care Center, for the wonderful care shown to Corky over the 21 years he was a resident. Graveside services will be held Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 2:00p.m. at New St. Francis Cemetery, 863 S. Main St., Torrington. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, is in care of arrangements.
Torrington - Vincenzo C. D’Addario, 91, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Dolores (Rossi) D’Addario for 64 years.He was born July 16, 1929, in Campobasso, Italy, son of the late Vincenzo and Addolorata (Covatta) D’Addario. He served with the Italian Army before moving to the United States in 1955.
He was employed by in the Bearing Division of The Torrington Company until his retirement. He was a member of the Sons of Italy and a communicant of St. Peter Church. He loved to bowl and work in his vegetable garden. He enjoyed watching NY Yankee Baseball, and especially spending time with his family. A devoted husband and father, he always put his family first. In addition to his wife Dolores, he is survived by one son, John D’Addario of Torrington as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Freddy D’Addario. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish) 99 East Main St., Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home. Relatives and friends attending funeral services are reminded to follow CDC recommendations for COVID prevention by social distancing and wearing face masks.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate3.cancer.org) Condolences may be sent to the D’Addario family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
THOMASTON – Nancy K. Wilson, age 88, died peacefully Oct. 22, 2020, surrounded by her family, at Waterbury Hospital after a battle with lung disease. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, John L. Wilson. Nancy was born March 25, 1932, in Sublette, Lee County, Ill., daughter of the late Martin and Elsie Kaefer. She moved to Thomaston when her father, Martin, took a job at Seth Thomas Clocks and graduated from Thomaston High School in 1949. Upon completion of high school, she attended Boston University, earning an associate degree. Nancy married John in 1951 and devoted her time to raising five children. Once the children reached school age, she opened up a nursery school that she operated successfully for about a decade.
After closing the nursery school, she went to work at Thomaston Special Products for 17 years before retiring. Extensively involved in local affairs, she was honored as Thomaston’s Rotary Club Citizen of the Year in 2015. Nancy served for 12 years on the Board of Education, including six as vice chairman, was a charter member of the Educational Enrichment Committee and a member of the High School Building Committee. She was also the first woman ever to serve on the Board of Finance, serving for six years, and served on the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPC) for four years and Zoning Board of Appeals. Nancy was a longtime chairman of the Republican Town Committee, a member of the Republican State Central Committee and a candidate for first selectman. For many years Nancy served as town moderator. One of her first duties as moderator was holding the town meeting to approve the purchase of Nystrom’s Pond from the state. She was also chairman of the town’s Centennial Ball in 1975, and organized town picnics at Nystrom’s on Labor Day for several years. She was also a member of the Vi-Arms/Black Rock Tavern Sunday School Committee. Nancy was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Thomaston. She sang for many years in the choir, served as a deacon and on numerous committees. She enjoyed many happy hours on the Women’s Fellowship Committee. In recent years Nancy took great joy in her ‘Senior Tour’ lunch excursions with her sons and sister-in-law Betty, and dining with her family. She especially enjoyed visiting Disney World and Block Island with her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved Thomaston and was a great friend and role model to many. She was also an avid reader. Nancy is survived by her sons, Gary Wilson and wife Lynn, Richard and wife Caroline, both of Thomaston; daughters Laura Wilson of Thomaston, Nancy Lynne (Wynnie) Wilson and spouse Lee Brigham of Glastonbury, Lee Anne Sluder and husband Mark of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Phin, Kristen, Greg, Kelsey, Anna, Preston and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Jack, Owen, Mina, Ava, Sam and Hannah. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis Lucke of Scotia, N.Y., and brother Dennis and wife Penny, of Lake City, Fla.; sister-in-law “Aunt Betty” Wilson Nedorostek; as well as several nieces and nephews. Prayers of committal will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Thomaston. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Thomaston. To send notes of sympathy and comfort to Nancy’s family, please visit her tribute page at lyonsfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s name to the Thomaston Women’s Fellowship of the First Congregational Church, or Friends of the Thomaston Public Library.
Torrington – Keith L. Bezio, age 68, died peacefully Oct. 23 after a battle with heart disease. Keith was predeceased by his wife Joyce Bezio (40), wife Mary Bezio (43), Brother Wilfred (Bill) of Terryville, and sister Claudette of Thomaston, CT. Keith was born, October 19, 1952 in Bristol, CT, son of the late Richard and Vada Bezio. Keith lived in Litchfield, Bristol, Morris, Terryville and upstate New York.
He attended Litchfield public schools, worked at the Torrington Company & the City of Waterbury, MarJam. Keith married Mary Balch of Morris CT in 1972, and Joyce Brzankalski of Terryville, CT in 1988. Keith had 3 children with Mary. Mary passed of heart disease, Joyce passed of Cancer. Keith is survived by his son Charles (Chuck), wife Jennifer (Jen) Bezio of Thomaston CT, grandchildren Amanda and Makenzie.
Keith is survived by his daughter Brenda, husband Michael (Zeke) Nelson of Torrington CT, grandchildren Michael Jr. (Mike) fiancé Shana Frazier and Mary. Keith is survived by his son Christopher (Chris), wife Krystal Bezio of Torrington CT, grandchildren Christopher (Chris), fiancé Elizabeth Manning (Liz), Bryce and Daniel. Keith is survived by his brothers. Richard (Dick), wife Joan Bezio of New York and Claude, wife Barbara Bezio of Thomaston CT; his sisters, Alberta (Birdy), husband Ronald (Ron) Desautel of New York, Valerie (Val), husband Lenard (Lenny) Warriner of Winsted, CT and Darlene, husband David (Dave) Moreau of New York. A Memorial Service will be held at Living Faith Family Church 1304 Winsted Rd., Torrington at 11:00 A.M. Prayers of committal will follow at the Hillside Cemetery in Thomaston. Keith was deeply loved by so many people and was a caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son, he cherished his family and friends. Keith loved to walk his dog Jasper, fishing, camping, and hiking. Keith worked as carpenter, painter, fire proofing, asbestos removal, demolition and roofer. As this unfortunate passing effects many lives we are asking for donations for his family to help pay for funeral funds. Any donation will be helpful and greatly appreciated, thank you http://www.gf.me/u/y6dddd
Torrington - Claus Heinrich Propfe, 82, of Torrington, husband of 58 years to Noreen (Flanigan) Propfe, went into the hands of his loving father on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Heino and Gertrude (Frahm) Propfe. He was born on December 2, 1938, on his parents’ farm in Altenwillershagen, Germany. In 1952, he and his family fled East Germany, leaving behind all of their possessions, immigrating to the United States in 1954. He graduated from Litchfield High School before enlisting in the US Army.
After he was honorably discharged, he settled in Torrington, raising his family and worked for the Torrington Company as a machine tool designer for 37 years. He was a faithful member of St Francis of Assisi Parish where he served as a Minister of the Eucharist and taught new converts as an instructor in the Right of Christian Initiation. He was a longtime member of the Amateur Radio Relay League, his passion for ham radio enabled him to make friends all over the world. He could build anything, fix anything, and was always right their ready to pick up the pieces. He was a tender-hearted soul, who could never say no to his children and most especially his grandchildren. He was always ready to take a picture, tell a story, or just be there to cheer on his loved ones. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends, driving his Corvette and experiencing the beauty of the world, always expressing gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of creation.
Claus is survived by his son and daughter in law, Kevin and Alexanderia Propfe of Winchester Center, and his son and daughter in law Timothy and Stacy Propfe of Wolcott; seven grandchildren, Madeline and Catherine Propfe, Joshua, Jonah, Caryssa Propfe and Joseph and Madeline Provenzano, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister Christine (Propfe) Clark of New Canaan, and his sister and brother and law Wiebke (Propfe) and William Whitney of Los Angeles, CA, and his cousins Gerdt Propfe of Uncasville, Peter Propfe of New Hartford, and Carol (Koch) Hermanovski of Dallas TX.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 160 Main St., Torrington, Friday, December 17, at 11:00am. Burial will be at St. Peters Cemetery, Torrington. Calling hours are private due to COVID-19 precautions, but friends and family are invited to attend the service at St Francis Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish). Memorial contributions may be made to the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield, online at shrinect.org or PO Box 667 Litchfield, CT 06759 and to St. John Paul the Great Academy, 360 Prospect St., Torrington CT 06790
oTorrington - Giovanni “John” Lombardi, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at his home. He was the devoted husband of the late Angiolina “Angie” Lombardi for 71 years. John was born on July 1, 1926, in Villa San Michele, Province of Isernia, Italy, the son of the late Luciano and Maria Lombardi.
He worked for many years as a machine operator at The Torrington Company from where he retired in 1989. He later worked as a custodian at Commercial Sewing for many years. John was a proud, humble, and hardworking man. He was an avid gardener and loved making homemade wine, which was enjoyed by all. He celebrated often with family and friends, playing the accordion, singing, and dancing. His life was dedicated to making sure his family had every opportunity possible. John is survived by three children: Luciana “Lucy” Guildford of Harwinton, CT; Salvatore "Sal" Lombardi and his wife Sharon of Daytona Beach, FL; John Lombardi of Torrington, CT; four grandchildren: Michelle DePalma and her husband Tom, Steven Lombardi and his wife Lindsay, Jennifer Lombardi, and Jonathan Lombardi; seven great-grandchildren: Rick Bell, Jack DePalma, Jayden Lombardi, Thomas DePalma, Jacob DePalma, Angiolina Lombardi, and Lillianna DePalma; two nieces, Mary Melaragno and Anna DeMayo; and additional special nieces and nephews. He also is survived by one brother-in-law, Adelmo Lombardi of Toronto, Canada. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angiolina, and his sister, Eva (Lombardi) DiPlacito. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and home care professionals who treated him with dignity and loving care. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. John Paul the Great Parish (St. Peter Church) for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., and will also be streamed live on the St. John Paul the Great Parish Facebook page. Entombment will follow at the mausoleum at New St. Francis Cemetery, S. Main St., Torrington. Relatives and friends may call from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home on Monday morning. All relatives and friends attending must follow CDC recommendations for COVID prevention -- social distancing and wear protective face masks. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul the Great Parish, 160 Main St., Torrington, CT.Condolences may be sent to the Lombardi family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Torrington - James W. Decker, 74, passed away Sunday Dec. 20, 2020 at home. Born in Torrington October 10, 1946 son of the late Doris (Richard) and Edward Decker, he was a graduate of Oliver Wolcott Tech.
He was a long time employee of the Torrington Company. A member of Sokol Club, Eagles Club, Foresters, and Italian American Club, he also worked for several of those organizations. He bowled in several leagues at Sky Top lanes, enjoyed pool and card playing, and collected antiques. He was a classic car buff and participated in many car shows. He is survived by several cousins, including Sandra Peck, Linda Devanney, and Kathleen Morgan. Graveside Services will be held at Hillside Cemetery in the Spring. Memorial Contributions can be made to Torrington Veteran Service Office 150 Main St Torrington CT 06790. www.phalenfuneral.com
Torrington - Leno S. Trivella, 97, peacefully passed away on December 28th, 2020, at his home in Torrington, CT. He was the beloved husband of the late Lillian (Zemchak) Trivella for 63 years. Born in Torrington on March 10th, 1923, he was the son of the late Angelo and Brigida (Celadon) Trivella. He served in the Army of the United States in WWII and experienced the battle of Letey Gulf in 1944.
He was employed as a foreman in the Excelsior Needle division at the former Torrington Company. Along with his wife, Lillian, Leno operated Lillian’s Beauty Studio in Torrington for over 60 years. Leno co-led Boy Scout Troop 12 in Torrington and was heavily involved in the Holy Name Society as well as many Parish fundraising activities. In addition to his wife, Leno was predeceased by his brother, Sergio Trivella of Torrington, CT. He is survived by his son, Marc Trivella of Torrington; his daughter, Lenore (Trivella) Yanchak and her husband, John of Harwinton CT, and grandchildren Michelle (Magyar) Allen and her husband Kyle of Oakdale CT, Christopher Magyar of Torrington CT, and Marc Magyar of New Britain CT; and several nieces and nephews. Calling Hours will be held at Cook Funeral Home at 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT on Monday, January 4th, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, followed by burial with military honors at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Relatives and friends attending the funeral services must comply with CDC recommendations for COVID prevention by following social distancing and wearing protective face masks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Torrington Historical Society or the Nutmeg Conservatory. Condolences may be sent to the Trivella family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Torrington - Roland W. Peters, 89, died Friday, 7 August at Valerie Manor Nursing Home. He was born in Danforth, ME on 26 February 1931, son of Roland L. and Cora (Wilson) Peters, and grew up in Jonesport, Maine. He graduated from Jonesport High School class of 1949 where he was a member of the basketball team. He attended the University of Maine at Orono, graduating in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army and completed Air Defense Artillery training at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX; then assigned to the Air Defense Artillery Battalion in Niagara Falls, NY, and discharged as a 1LT in June 1955.
Roland arrived in Torrington in August 1955 to work for the Torrington Company as an Engineer in the Maintenance Department. He met his future wife, Barbara (Zak), at the Torrington Company. He spent his entire career there, working first at the Standard Plant, then as Plant Engineer of the Broad Street Plant & Wire Mill, and later at the Standard Plant and Excelsior Plant. He traveled occasionally to other Torrington Company facilities in the U.S. and Canada, and also spent 3-1/2 years at Torrington Portuguesa S.A.R.L. in Abóboda, Portugal from 1973 to 1976. His family joined him there for 2-1/2 years and it was the experience of a lifetime for his children. Roland retired from The Torrington Company in 1996 after 41 years. Roland was a member of the Torrington Company bowling league and, after retirement, tried his hand at curling. He was a member of the Retirees group that met monthly at various restaurants, and lastly Oliver Wolcott Trade School, a member of the Foreman’s Club, and the American Institute of Plant Engineers.
In the late '70s and early '80s he could often be seen on the sidelines at Torrington High School boys’ varsity soccer games to watch his sons play. He always supported his sons' scouting activities, first as an active parent with Boy Scout Troop 10 (St Mary Church - Torrington), then as a registered adult leader and committee member with Troop 273 (American Embassy - Lisbon, Portugal) where both he and Barbara attended meetings and activities with the parents of the other scouts, accompanying them on various outings, and then again with Troop 4 (First United Methodist Church - Torrington) upon the family's return from Portugal.
Roland W. Peters Obituary Part 2
He and Barbara also shared a love of gardening and landscaping, tending an amazing organic raised-bed garden in their backyard for decades. Roland studied the science of gardening and meticulously planned the rotation of various plants in their raised beds to get the best produce each year. His efforts earned Barbara and him many red, white, and blue ribbons at the Goshen Fair over the years. He was also an excellent woodworker and could often be found in his basement workshop working on a project or constructing/renovating rooms in the house. He was a Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed attending local baseball games in Torrington, especially the Torrington Twisters. He left Maine in 1954, but even after 66 years his "Down East" accent remained.
Roland was known to be both extremely intelligent and humble. He was an amazingly gentle man whose love for his family was beyond measure. He literally had not an enemy in the world, as anyone who met him took an immediate liking to him and his easy-going nature.
Roland was a church-going man and faithfully attended Sunday Mass with his wife and children. No matter where the family visited, the first thing he would do was drive around to find a Catholic Church and check the time for Sunday Mass. He took part in everything his wife and children did in their faith, and in October 2013, made the decision to attend RCIA classes. Roland was received into the church Easter Sunday 2014, choosing Thomas as his Confirmation name, which happened to be the name of paternal ancestors in four different generations going back to the 1600s.
Roland is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara; daughter Andrea (Bruce) Strawinski of Torrington (extended family Bruce Jr and Viviani, their children Marina, Mark, Sofia, and Luke; Stephen and Michelle, their daughters Alaina, Alexandra, and Aleesa); son Matthew of Torrington (grandchildren, Mackenzie of Conway, SC; Justin of Winsted, CT); son Mark (Janet) of Fayetteville, NC (grandson Michael, 2nd Class (Junior) Cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point); son Steven (Maria) of Yorktown, VA (granddaughter Cecelia, grandson Zachariah, granddaughter, Jill (Kyle) Edwards and great-grandson Ethan Edwards, all of Columbia, MO); and many nieces and nephews. Roland was predeceased by his mother Cora, who died weeks after his 13th birthday; his father Roland L. Peters; stepmother Esther (Joyce) Peters; and grandson John Michael Peters.
The family thanks the entire staff of Valerie Manor for their diligent and loving care, especially nurses Jennie and Cindy, Athena hospice nurses and aids, and so many others who cared for our dad for over 2 years, with special thanks to Mandy. Their efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, were always on patient care and family support. Thanks to Valerie Manor, Roland survived and recovered from COVID-19 in May and died peacefully of natural causes. Barbara, Andrea and Matthew were able to visit with him one last time on Thursday, and Mark and Steve were able to visit dad "virtually" with the help of Tracy and the staff of the Recreation Department at Valerie Manor. Roland had a beautiful Mass of the Resurrection said by his family friend of 58 years, Fr. Francis Fador at Saint Peter Church 107 East Main St. Torrington at 11 AM August 13, followed by burial at Saint Peter Cemetery.
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