We Remember

We Remember Our Brothers

World War II HFD Honor Roll

We Remember Our Brothers (2020 Update) - The next update will be posted sometime after the beginning of 2021.

Hamden's World War II Honor Roll. It stood until 1951, when a new police headquarters and the original Miller Memorial Library were built at the site.

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Hamden Fire Department

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We Remember

(*) Asterisk denotes those who died while still in active service
(**) Two asterisks denote LODD

John Laffin
12/24/1924 – 5/30/2020

Harold R. Prescher
7/1/1952 – 2/12/2020

Joseph T. Rahl
9/6/1924 – 12/23/2019

Joseph E. McDermott
9/9/1926 – 11/9/2019

Robert D. Chadwick
5/15/1944 – 4/24/2019

Ernest S. Braun
7/18/1936 – 10/31/2018

Milner L. Benham
3/19/1928 – 10/18/2018

Douglas A. Yocher
9/28/1939 – 9/30/2018

Edward C. Doiron
11/9/1938 – 10/4/2017

William Davin
10/9/1942 – 1/14/2017

Walter R. Vining
8/29/1939 – 12/24/2016

Robert E. Kelo
1/16/1939 – 8/19/2016

Samuel A. Jones
11/4/1925 – 10/29/2015

John Tramontano
7/8/1937 – 9/2/2015

Jerold Bradbury
12/24/1934 – 5/16/2015

Joseph J. Yoga , Jr.
12/18/1942 – 5/25/2014

Hugh McLean, Jr.
7/10/1924 – 2/10/2014

Howard Hurlburt, Jr.
8/24/1948 – 11/20/2013

Harry Cubbellotti
9/6/1928 – 10/23/2013

Gerald Wolf
6/25/1927 – 8/30/2013

Richard Kenyon
10/17/1944 – 5/16/2013

Charles Cargan
5/30/1941 – 3/17/2013

Burton Hillocks
4/21/1921 – 9/4/2012

Paul Reutenauer
1/29/1935 – 3/25/2012

Sid Trower
4/8/1915 – 4/12/2011

Frank Critchett
8/15/1950 – 10/10/2010

Warren Blake
12/31/1923 – 9/15/2009

Salvatore Ferraro
8/7/1915 – 8/11/2009

Edward Bevins
9/28/1926 - 5/22/2009

Arthur Heriot
10/20/1933 - 4/17/2009

Christopher Moreland*
11/30/1977 - 3/31//2009

Joseph Shields
2/4/1929 - 12/13/2008

Robert O'Donnell
5/9/1925 - 6/15/2008

Vincent Roth
1/29/1916 - 12/19/2007

Charles Esposito
3/12/1941 - 5/11/2007

John McKee
7/13/1920 - 10/4/2006

Gaetano Amarante
1/28/1933 - 6/11/2006

Russell Norman
4/30/1917 - 3/29/2006

Russell Smith
8/1/1940 - 11/28/2005

George Reutenauer
12/6/1919 - 6/20/2005

James Strain
8/10/1909 - 9/8/2004

Paul Rosadina
2/21/1920 - 10/6/2003

George Patten
2/22/1938 - 3/30/2003

Richard Greening
1/16/1952 - 12/6/2002

Francis Leddy
9/10/1921 - 2/22/2002

Raymond Vreeland
2/21/1925 - 1/19/2002

Mario Serafino
7/26/1909 - 2/14/2001

Francis Eitler
7/5/1917 - 9/27/2000

Wilbur Baker
9/2/1914 - 11/2/1998

Frederick Knudsen
5/9/1923 - 7/2/1998

David Herrmann
1/2/1916 - 5/11/1998

Eugene Maturo
12/2/1923 - 7/15/1997

Fiore Cubbellotti
5/6/1919 - 5/22/1997

Bernard Early
1/29/1929 - 3/21/1997

John Hoffman
9/12/1907 - 11/29/1995

Julius Norman
4/9/1893 - 4/24/1995

Walter T. Macdowall*
2/6/1943 - 3/17/1995
*Chief, La Grange [Illinois] Fire Department

Clement Wetmore
12/20/1903 - 3/9/1995

V. Paul Leddy
4/27/1919 - 4/29/1994

Stewart Keeler
11/11/1911 – 9/23/1993

Luke Tobin
2/4/1926 - 2/12/1993

Thayer Jones
11/12/1901 - 11/7/1992

Frederick Fletcher
8/5/1920 - 9/29/1992

Michael Cantarella
1/21/1916 - 7/6/1992

Thomas Cummins
11/27/1926 - 11/2/1991

Ronald Altieri**
10/27/1942 - 4/30/1991

Leslie Coe
1/22/1904 - 2/23/1991

Robert Williams
12/3/1926 - 12/5/1990

Daniel O'Connell
2/24/1924 - 11/13/1990

Richard Stacey
6/18/1921 - 7/2/1989

Lawrence Bellemore
10/9/1921 - 4/22/1989

Stanley Brown
3/19/1928 - 4/7/1989

David Howe
2/18/1926 - 1/12/1989

Raymond Bantz
4/1/1935 – 12/13/98

Kenneth Harrington
3/30/1919 - 10/6/1988

Raymond Reilly*
7/23/1943 - 8/12/1987

Joseph Hromadka
9/6/1907 - 11/2/1986

Edward Kromer
9/25/1897 - 8/23/1986

Gerald Dinneen*
7/10/45 - 12/25/1985

William Mulcahy*
2/15/1943 - 6/19/1985

Arthur F. Norman
3/29/1891 - 3/26/1985

Howard Hurlburt, Sr.
7/24/1924 - 3/5/1985

Raymond Carofano
7/1/1913 - 10/14/1984

Wayne Butterworth
6/6/1935 - 4/13/1984

Arthur Smith
4/5/1912 - 3/25/1983

Daniel Hume
1/6/1909 - 3/23/1983

Edward Charbonneau**
8/25/1939 - 12/4/1982

Robert Callahan
10/30/1925 - 11/28/1982

George Benton
9/2/1900 - 4/21/1981

Gregory Shammett*
11/19/1946 - 8/21/1980

William Hines*
11/25/1918 - 5/9/1979

Raymond C. Spencer
11/19/1895 - 12/14/1978

Albert Purce
8/21/1903 - 12/13/1978

John Reilly
3/5/1937 - 2/8/1978

Emil Strain
4/28/1911 - 3/22/1976

George Thatcher
12/16/1902 - 6/19/1975

Clement Kammerer
10/12/1894 - 6/15/1973

Everett Doherty
8/4/1901 - 8/9/1972

Ralph R. Rosson
12/17/1887 - 3/4/1972

Alfred Ramelli**
7/25/1921 - 1/1/1972

Joseph Dukat
3/11/1893 - 4/2/1971

Anthony Onofrio
4/6/1906 – 10/1970

Frank Nolan
5/22/1902 - 5/7/1968

Everett J. Mason
1/30/1902 - 4/9/1968

Walter Thomas
5/14/1903 - 6/20/1967

August A. Ball
12/27/1895 - 12/28/1964

Roland Ruwet
2/18/1891 - 10/3/1961

Robert Reutenauer
8/27/1889 - 3/17/1961

Charles Loller
11/4/1867 – 1/22/1961

David F. Howe
10/12/1878 - 9/16/1951

James J. Shea
12/13/1899 – 6/12/1951

Joseph A. Marchitto
4/19/1890 - 7/8/1950

Albert M. Molleur
3/7/1888 – 1/15/1948

Timothy S. Fennelly
12/12/1900 – 4/1/1945

John Vroman
1/1871 – 4/24/1940

Charles N. Coe
8/1880 – 2/20/1937

Earl Gussman
1/27/1897 – 11/1936

Rollin C. Horsfall
1865 – 1930

Edward D. Meegan**

8/1891 – 12/11/1927

Killed in the line of duty

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Captain Robert Chadwick
(1944 - 2019)

We have been notified and are saddened to report the passing on April 24th of retired Captain Robert Chadwick, 74, who was a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and the Hamden Guardian Services Retirees Association.

Besides his wife Margaret of 39 years, he leaves one son, Michael Chadwick and his wife, Beth, two sisters, Florence Sengstacken and Judy Kassack and her husband, Evan, his favorite sister-in-law, Katie Underwood and three grandchildren, Peyton, Hannah and Cate. He also leaves his brothers-in-law, John (Joanne) and Jeff.

Bob was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department in 1969. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1981, and captain in 1986. After his retirement in 1992, Bob spent a great deal of time in his second home in Puerto Rico, where his ashes will be laid to rest. There will be no funeral.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family at this sad time.

Posted 4/25/2019

CLICK HERE to read the complete obituary for Robert Chadwick - Chase Parkway Memorial

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Firefighter Ernie Braun (1969)

Firefighter Ernest "Ernie" Braun
(1936 - 2018)

We have been notified, and are saddened to report, of the passing on Wednesday, October 31st, of retired Firefighter Ernest "Ernie" Braun (82) in Branford, Connecticut.

Ernie joined the Hamden Fire Department in January 1970. With the new 42-hour workweek a few months later, he was assigned to Platoon 3 under Deputy Chief George Reutenauer. For most of his career, Ernie was assigned to truck companies at Station 3, Station 5 and Station 9.

Ernie had the unique distinction of being the only Hamden firefighter to drive the apparatus of a re-assigned engine or truck company from its former station to its new station - twice! In April 1976, he drove Truck 1 from Station 2, where the truck company had been assigned since 1951, to its new home at Station 5. In November 1984, he drove Truck 1 from Station 5 when it was re-assigned to Station 9.

Firefighter Ernie Braun retired on the last day of June 1993.

Ernest Braun Obituary - CLICK HERE - New Haven Register

Posted 11/16/2018

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Firefighter Milner Benham (1968)

Firefighter Milner Benham
(1928 - 2018)

We have been notified, and are saddened to report, of the passing on Thursday, October 18th, of retired Firefighter Milner Benham (90) in Middletown, Connecticut, where he had been residing since earlier this year. For the previous 36 years since his retirement, Milner and his wife Joan had resided in Canaan, New Hampshire.

Milner Benham joined the Hamden Fire Department in December 1956 and was assigned to Platoon 2 under Deputy Chief Everett Doherty. When all personnel were re-assigned for the 42-hour workweek in 1970, Milner went to Platoon 1, where he remained until his retirement on the last day of 1981. Throughout most of his career he was at Station 4 riding the rescue.

Firefighter Benham was among the first eight of the department's certified paramedics when advanced life support services were first offered in 1976.

Please keep Milner's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

October 26: We have been informed that a Memorial Service will be conducted for Milner at Dunbar United Church of Christ, 767 Benham Street, corner of Dunbar Hill Road, at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5th.

Milner Benham Obituary - CLICK HERE - New Haven Register

Revised 10/28/2018

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Lieutenant Douglas A. Yocher
(1939 - 2018)

We are deeply saddened to report the passing on September 30th of retired Hamden Fire Department Lieut. Douglas Yocher, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, following a long illness.

Doug served on the Hamden Fire Department from July 1969 until his retirement in June 2000. An excellent firefighter and fire officer, Doug was also a member of the Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department all his adult life and served as Chief of Department from 1984 until 1987.

Calling hours are Thursday, October 4th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main Street (Rt. 10), Cheshire. Services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 5th, starting at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors immediately following services at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, 166 Wallingford Road, Cheshire.

Please keep Doug's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

CLICK HERE - Obituary for Douglas Yocher - Watch the video, too! | Alderson Ford Funeral Homes

Revised 10/3/2018

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Firefighter Edward Doiron

Firefighter Edward C. Doiron
(1938 - 2017)

We are deeply saddened to report the passing on October 4th of retired Hamden Firefighter Edward C. Doiron, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Ed served on the Hamden Fire Department from November 1964 until his retirement in June 1993. He was a charter member of the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, I.A.F.F. and served as the local's first treasurer from 1979 to 1993. Ed also was a founding member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc. in 2009.

Services conducted by HFD chaplain Rev. Owen Sanderson took place at Beecher and Bennett Funeral Home in Centerville on Friday, October 13th at 10 a.m.

Please keep Ed's family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Edward Doiron Obituary - Hamden, CT | New Haven Register

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Firefighter William P. Davin

Firefighter William P. Davin
(1942 - 2017)

We regret to report the passing of retired Hamden Firefighter William P. Davin on January 14, 2017, following a long illness. He was 74 years old.

Bill was a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and the Hamden Guardian Services Retirees Association.

Bill began his fire service career in April 1959 as a member of the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Company, No. 5, and was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department as a career member in October 1965, where he served for thirty years.

Sisk Brothers of Hamden was in charge of arrangements. Burial was private. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family.

CLICK HERE: William P. Davin Obituary Information

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Firefighter Walter Vining

Firefighter Walter R. Vining

(1939 - 2016)

We deeply regret to announce the passing on December 24, 2016 of former Hamden Firefighter Walter R. Vining of Wallingford, formerly of Hamden. Walt is survived by his wife, Barbara, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Walt joined the Hamden Fire Department in August 1966, and was assigned to Platoon 1. With the 42-hour workweek, he was assigned to Platoon 2 at Station 3. He left the department in 1971 for the private sector.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Walter's family at this sad time.

CLICK HERE to view Walter Vining's obituary in The New Haven Register

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Lieutenant Kelo (1984)

Lieutenant Robert Edward Kelo

(1939 - 2016)

We deeply regret to announce the passing on August 19, 2016 of retired HFD Lieutenant and HFRA & HGSRA member Robert "Bob" E. Kelo in Chesterfield, Virginia. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jacqueline; and his children, Robert Jr. of Fort Myers, Fla., Michael (Susi) and Deborah, both of Chesterfield.

Bob joined the Hamden Fire Department in July 1970. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1984. Among his assignments was co-leader of the department's hazardous materials team. Bob also was a longtime member and past Chief of Citizen's Engine Co. 2 of Seymour before he and his wife Jackie moved to Virginia following his February 1, 1998 retirement.

Those of us who were fortunate to have worked with Bob remember him as a good friend, caring firefighter and a fine officer.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 23, at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, 8901 Winterpock Rd. Interment Sunset Memorial Park, Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bon Secour's Hospice, 8580 Magellan Pkwy., Bldg. IV, Richmond, Va. 23227.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family at this sad time.

CLICK HERE: To read Bob Kelo's obituary - and you may also sign the Guest Book

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Firefighter Sam Jones

Firefighter Sam Jones
(1925 - 2015)

We deeply regret to announce the passing of our brother retiree and HFRA member Sam Jones on Thursday, October 29th, in Knoxville, Tennessse, with his wife, Elaine, and son, Ken, by his side. Sam's 90th birthday would have been two days ago, on November 4th.

Samuel Augustus Jones joined the Hamden Fire Department in May 1961, the department's first African-American career member. Following his appointment, Sam was assigned on old Platoon 3. When the 42-hour work-week was adopted in 1970, Sam was assigned to Platoon 4 until his retirement twenty-five years ago this month. Sam will be remembered as a fine firefighter - and an amazing chess player.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam's wife, Elaine, his son, East Point [Georgia] Firefighter Ken Jones, and the rest of Sam's family.

CLICK HERE to view Sam Jones' Obituary and Funeral Program

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Chief John Tramontano

Chief John Tramontano
(1937 - 2015)

It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of retired Hamden Fire Chief John R. Tramontano last Wednesday, September 2nd, at his home in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Active and retired Hamden fire and police personnel and all other fire service colleagues and friends of Chief Tramontano's met for a Memorial Service, conducted by members of the Hamden Fire Department in cooperation with the Tramontano family, at Hamden's Memorial Town Hall on the morning of Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

CLICK HERE to view Chief Tramontano's obituary

CLICK HERE to view Finale of Chief Tramontano's September 19th Memorial Service

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Ff. Joe Yoga

Firefighter Joseph Yoga
(1942 - 2014)

May 27 - We deeply regret to announce the passing of our brother retiree Joe Yoga last Sunday morning at Connecticut Hospice in Branford.

Funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, May 30th, at St. Thomas Becket Church in Cheshire.

Joe started his fire service career in 1959 as a member of the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. No. 5, and was appointed to the career department in 1965. While attempting the rescue of a young woman from an apartment fire above the Merryfield Veterinary Hospital on Shepard Avenue, Joe suffered a severe back injury that forced his retirement from the department in 1980.

Following his retirement, Joe served as a dispatcher for the Cheshire Police Department for twenty-two years. Joe was an active member of the HFRA and regularly attended meetings during the past five years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's wife, Lillian, and the rest of the Yoga family.

CLICK HERE: View Joseph Yoga's Obituary in The New Haven Register

Revised 5/31/14

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Ff. Hugh McLean

Firefighter Hugh McLean

(1924 - 2014)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on February 10th of retired Hamden Firefighter Hugh McLean, Jr.

A World War II and D-Day Veteran, Hugh proudly served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1945 in North Africa and in the Allied invasions of Sicily and Normandy.

Hugh joined the Department in October 1949 and served with distinction for 38 years until his retirement in 1987. In 1973, Hugh received the Department's Alfred Ramelli Award, and in 1982 he was named Fireman of the Year by Hamden's Civitan Club.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeanne, and sons Hugh Scott McLean (Susan) of Pennsylvania, and Brian McLean (Judi) of Clinton. He is also survived by his three grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hugh's family.

CLICK HERE: View Hugh McLean's obituary in The New Haven Register

Some of the above information was excerpted from The New Haven Register obituary for Hugh McLean.

Revised 2/14/14

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Lt. Howard Hurlburt, Jr. (1948-2013)

Lieutenant Howard Hurlburt, Jr.

(1948 - 2013)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden Fire Department Lieutenant/Paramedic Howard "Howie" Hurlburt, Jr. on Wednesday, November 20th in Arkansas, where he resided for the last several years.

Howie's fire service career began when he joined the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. in 1965. Howie became a member of the career department in 1970 and was one of Hamden's first EMTs the following year. In 1976, Howie was among the first eight Hamden paramedics to be certified. Following a brief stint as the Department's first Mechanic in 1984, Howie was promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to Platoons 3 and 4 until his retirement in 1993

Howie was from a family with deep roots in Hamden public service. His brother, Clark, a 30-year veteran of the Department, is a retired Deputy Chief. Howie's father, the late Howard Hurlburt, Sr., served on the Hamden Fire Department from 1948 until his retirement in 1981, and later served on the Hamden Legislative Council. His mother, Nancy, also served on the Council and was Hamden Town Clerk for several years during the 1980s and 90s.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy, Clark and the rest of the Hurlburt family.

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"And on a personal note . . . " CLICK HERE for one member's thoughts about Howie's passing

CLICK HERE to read Howie's obituary in Arkansas's The Courier Online

Revised 11/26/13

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Ff. Harry Cubbellotti

Firefighter Harry Cubbellotti

(1928 - 2013)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter and HFRA member Harry Cubbellotti on October 23rd. Harry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a proud and dedicated member of the Hamden Fire Department from 1957 until his retirement in 1993.

Harry was the husband of the late AnnMarie Rose Martone Cubbellotti. He was the father of Dawn (Daniel) Farricielli, Joseph J. (Karen) Cubbellotti, and the late Lisa Marie Cubbellotti; and the grandfather of five. Harry's brothers, Fiore (Frank) and Albert Cubbellotti, were also career firefighters with Hamden and West Haven, respectively.

Calling hours are Friday (today), October 25th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue (corner of Clintonville Rd.) in No. Haven. Harry's funeral procession will leave the funeral home Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 10:00. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

Contributions in Harry's memory may be sent to Ali's Angels Fund, c/o Yale-New Haven Hospital Office of Development, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-1849.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry's family.

Click here to view Harry Cubellotti's obituary in The New Haven Register

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Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf (1927-2013)

Firefighter Gerald R. Wolf

(1927 - 2013)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter and HFRA member Gerald "Jerry" Wolf on August 30th. Jerry served on the Hamden Fire Department from 1957 until his retirement in 1991.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laura Wetmore Wolf, his son John Wolf of Hamden, and his daughter Linda Campagna and husband Thomas of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, and five grandchildren.

Jerry's Funeral Service took place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, at Beecher and Bennett followed by burial with military honors at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Contributions in Jerry's memory may be sent to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family.

CLICK HERE to read Jerry's obituary in The New Haven Register

Revised 8/31/13

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Ff. Richard Kenyon

Firefighter Richard W. Kenyon

(1944 - 2013)

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of our brother retiree, Richard "Ricky" Kenyon, husband of Luciana Maio Kenyon. Ricky passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 16, 2013 in Florida, where he and his wife were residing. Rick was the father of Kimberly (Mark) Rapela and Nicole (Raymond) Phelan. Stepfather of John (Diana) Kusmit and Jeffrey (Amy) Kusmit. Loving grandfather of Lauren, Victoria, Brendan, Olivia, Tyler, Connor and Alexander. He also leaves behind his one sister Nancy Stanish.

Ricky served in the U.S. Army for four years. He joined the Hamden Fire Department in July 1969 and served until his retirement in April 1993. Ricky was a dedicated firefighter and was for many years a tireless negotiator for our three bargaining units, the Hamden Paid Firemen's Sick Benefit Association, the Hamden Firefighters Association and the Hamden Professional Firefighters Association, Local 2687, IAFF. In recent years, Ricky was a frequent contributor to the website, emailing links to online stories about labor issues concerning retirees.

Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Hamden. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky's wife Lucy and the rest of the Kenyon family.

Revised 5/24/13

CLICK HERE to view Firefighter Kenyon's Obituary in The New Haven Register

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Ff. Charles Cargan

Firefighter Charles "Chaz" Cargan

(1941 - 2013)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing on March 17th of our brother retiree, Charles "Chaz" Cargan. He was 71.

Charlie was a United States Army veteran, serving in the 225th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War era. He joined the Hamden Fire Department on October 8, 1968 and served for 33 years. Charlie was a dedicated and hard-working firefighter. A frequent attendee at HFRA meetings, he was well liked by all.

Funeral service with Military Honors took place at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue (Rt. 5) at the corner of Clintonville Road (Rt. 22), on Friday, March 22nd at 7 p.m.

The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association extend their condolences to Charlie's wife, Bonnie; his children, Chris, Keith and Reid; and the rest of the Cargan family.

CLICK HERE to view Firefighter Cargan's obituary in The New Haven Register

Posted 3/20/13

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Captain Burton Hillocks

Captain Burton C. Hillocks

(1921 - 2012)

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of brother fire retiree Burton C. Hillocks early Tuesday morning, September 4, 2012, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 91. Burt's grandson, Franklin Wetmore, also of Vero Beach, reports that no funeral is planned.

Burt Hillocks was born on April 21, 1921 in Dundee, Scotland and came to the U.S. as a young boy. Burt served with distinction during World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps 8th AF, where he flew on 30 missions in a B-17 in various E.T.O. campaigns, including Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.

Burt joined the Hamden Fire Department on September 11, 1950. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1966, and captain in 1974. Burt retired on February 18, 1981, and had resided in Florida most of the time since his retirement. Survivors include his son Bruce Hillocks of Meriden, CT; grandchildren Melissa Wetmore of Sebastian, FL and Franklin Wetmore of Vero Beach, FL.

The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association extend condolences to the Hillocks and Wetmore families.

Posted 9/4/12

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Ff. Paul Reutenauer

Firefighter Paul Reutenauer

(1935 - 2012)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of brother retired Hamden firefighter, Paul Reutenauer, on Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Florida.

Paul's fire service career began when he joined the Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. in 1951. He became a member of the career department in December 1957 and was assigned to old Platoon 2 under Deputy Chief Everett Doherty. From the start of the 42-hour workweek in 1970 until his retirement in March 1993, Paul served at Station 4 on Platoon 3. A great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, Paul will be missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Friday morning, March 30, 2012, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Hamden. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family.

CLICK HERE to view Firefighter Reutenauer's obituary in The New Haven Register

Revised 3/30/12

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CLICK to read Sid's obituary in The New Haven Register

Firefighter Sidney Trower
(1915 - 2011)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden firefighter Sidney Trower on Tuesday, April 12, 2011, four days after his 96th birthday.

Sid was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department on May 1, 1947. He retired after 33 years of service on February 24, 1980. He had been a member of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association and was a charter member of the Hamden Professional Firefighters, Local 2687, I.A.F.F.

Sid is survived by his two daughters, Sylvia Bontatibus of Meriden and Barbara Wysopal of North Haven, six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Sid was married 63 years to the late Eileen Blanchard Trower.

Originally posted April 14, 2011

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Lieut. Frank Critchett

The New Haven Register - 10/12/10

Lieutenant Frank Critchett
(1950 - 2010)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing this past weekend of retired Hamden fire lieutenant Frank Critchett. He was 60 years old.

Frank was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department in April 1981, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1987. He retired in the mid '00s. Frank was also an active member in the Seymour Fire Department, having once served as Chief.

The funeral service was conducted Thursday morning by Hamden Fire Department Chaplain, Rev. Owen Sanderson.

The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees' Association wish to express our sincere condolences to Frank's family.

Updated 10/14/10 - 1100 hrs.
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Firefighter Warren Blake (1923-2009)

Firefighter Warren Blake

(1923 - 2009)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of retired Hamden Firefighter Warren Edward Blake in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. Warren had been a resident of Jefferson, Maine since his retirement in April 1979.

Warren served in the U.S. Navy as an Electrician's Mate for ten years, and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was a firefighter with the Hamden Fire Department from April 16, 1949 until his retirement on April 20, 1979.

Warren was predeceased by his wife, Jane. He is survived by his sons, Robert, Bradford, David, and several grandchildren.

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Firefighter Sal "Cookie" Ferraro
(1915 - 2009)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Salvatore "Cookie" Ferraro at home on Tuesday, August 11, 2009. Cookie's 94th birthday was only a few days earlier.

Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Cookie was appointed to the Hamden Fire Department as a substitute on December 15, 1947, and became a fulltime firefighter the following October. He retired on June 11, 1979.

Cookie is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Judith; two sons, Mark and Richard; and five grandchildren.

Sal Ferraro will always be remembered as a great guy with a cheerful disposition who was a friend to all. He will be missed.

Posted 8/12/09

Published in The New Haven Register, August 12, 2009

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Ff. Art Heriot

Firefighter Arthur Heriot

(1933 - 2009)

April 17, 2009 - ASHFORD - Arthur Joseph Heriot, 75, of Ashford passed away April 17 of cancer. Born in New Haven, CT to the late Arthur and Alice (Lawlor) Heriot, he served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Noreen Baker in 1956; Noreen survives him. He retired from the Hamden, CT Fire Department after 36 year of service.

During his retirement years, Art could be found at the Plainfield Dog Track or Mohegan Sun's Race Book Room where he indulged his love of racing. He also loved gardening, the Boston Red Sox and UCONN Basketball, boy's night out with his sons and attending his grandsons' concerts.

He is survived by his children: Arthur and Joyce Heriot of Hebron, David and Marybeth March of Griswold and Michael and Paula Heriot of Columbia and his much loved grandsons Jonathan and Seth March. He also leaves his sister Judy Dwyer of Hamden and many nieces and nephews. A brother, Paul Heriot, predeceased him. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family on April 20 from 6-8 at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Route 195), Willimantic.

The funeral will be private at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ashford Fire Department. For online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

From the Norwich Bulletin, Sunday, April 19, 2009.

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