THESE PEOPLE ARE GONE BUT THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN-THEY HELPED MAKE THIS EARTH A BETTER PLACE

Yes, that is 1955 Torrington right after the flood and Mr. Roberts was playing on the Warner Theater's marquee.

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Looking back in my past, I am always remembering great working people that lived within Litchfield County as I drive by a landmark or some kind of "turn of events" that jogs my memory.

TODAY, I would like to talk about a dozen of these great people that are no longer with us. It can get"quite emotional" for me just to pen these "people we have lost to God" stories. I can cry JUST as easy as you thinking of loved ones no longer on this earth. If I even touch upon one person whom YOU were honored to know, I will be happy to bring a smile to your face.

PLEASE, IF YOU SEE A FRIEND OF YOURS IN TODAY'S STORY, OR NOW KNOWS AS A BLOG, PLEASE CALL YOUR FRIENDS AND LET THEN KNOW THEIR LOVED ONE WAS THOUGHT OF TODAY!

I will start off with a beautiful lady I never really knew that well, I wish I had though! Her name was Valerie Dileo and she was a real estate agent in Torrington. She was a very nice person that died way to young in life. She will always be remembered by her loved ones and I will often think of her as well. Her family still lives in town and are great people.

Torrington we had great man in a guy named John Obegenski. John owned John's Produce in the North End of Torrington. He was very good to me, when I had my Rotisserie back in the early 90's.He was a hard worker and worked a very long 16 hour day. He would always "throw in something extra" to make you feel like a welcomed customer, We miss you John!

Many years ago, I was running the concession stand at the Harwinton Little League or commonly called the H.Y.S.A. sports facility.I would have the opportunity to meet a chap named Bronc Callahan as I was on a bended knee trying to get into selling my wares at the World Famous Harwinton Fair. Mr. Callahan was very kind to me and also was a big part in getting me into the fair. He, to this day, has great children still living in our community and EVERYONE misses Mr. Bronc Callahan, I do as well. Thanks for being so kind Bronc!

Up in Falls Village, we lost a guy last year named Dale Palmer. Dale was struck with cancer. Dale was a hustler; a true blue collar businessman that I argued with though also looked up to! Dale ran a place called "The Lantern" in Ashley Falls Mass.At the Church services, MANY people got to say things about Dale and his life.I was touched by the love for this man by his family and friends. Dale is missed by many to this day as well as by me.

I still cry when I think of my close friend Glen Carlson who grew up in Torrington and moved to Norfolk in the 1970's.Here was a guy who had it all. A loving wife, kids, friends and was a self made carpenter. His life was cut short. When I think back about Glen's life was he was a true person. Anyone who was at the Child's home for the "goodbye service" for Glen felt it amongst the "circle of friends" that was formed on a sunny fall day! Yep, he is now rocking in a shaker chair up above! Long live Glen Carlson!

Many years ago, we lost a nice girl that I never really knew. She died to young in life Her name was Cathy Belli. The Belli family is a respected family in Torrington and I wish I had the opportunity to have known this girl better that was a few years older than I. Hope you are doing fine up in heaven and we want you to know YOU are not forgotten.

Again in the wonderful town of Falls Village we lost a very loved woman last year. Mrs. Mary Palmer of Dublin Road died after a brief illness. She was a hairdresser in town as well as a very Religious person. EVERYONE knew Mary. She was truly loved by all her children, family and friends. We miss you Mary though your life will live on in your kids!

Lorraine Waltos died many years though was a very loved person in this town of Torrington. Her wonderful hubby, Roger, still lives in town. Lorraine was always kind to us kids growing up, as she was a pal with my Mom and Dad. Lorraine loved to travel and always baked us kids stuff on a regular basis! I nor many family and friends will not forget her.

A few years ago we lost quite a character in a guy named Sam LaMonica who lived up in the East End of town. I used to see him as I managed the Torrington Country Club and he ALWAYS had this beaming smile on his face. He was a kind guy as I recall and worked hard all his life. Hope you have made a few pars lately on the big golf club in the sky!

Who can not recall the honesty and sincerity in a guy named Doc DeDominics as well as his great GREEN trucks he had all his life. Doc probably put in or worked on half of the wells in people’s homes over his career in the well business. He was a very fortunate man whom had a great wife and wonderful children. I will NEVER forget our family times at Cape Cod together at Bass River Beach! Miss you Doc.

Not to long ago, my Mom lost a very nice friend and a lady who was very Religious and loved by the community of Torrington. Her name was Doris Kalinowsky and she was a great lady. She was "oh so kind" to our family when MY Dad died, things like that you do NOT forget. Doris is a Saint and is up in heaven looking down on us and praying for all of us. That is a fact!

There was a living Saint in Torrington we lost about 12 years ago. Her name was Florence Grady. She was quite a lady and had the love of everyone that knew her. I remember her bringing me cookies to me at my hot dog cart, which was located under the Warner Marquee for about 5 years. Flo, you were a feisty woman and we all miss you down here.St.Florence Grady does live on!

This group of people are just a small part of great people that lived on this wonderful place we call earth. They helped make someone’s life better and or cared about other people. I for one would hope you never forget these names. They WERE great people that are now are gone but not forgotten!

This week I dedicate my column to a great lady that we lost a few years ago. Her name was Shirley Troxell. I knew her in life as a great lady with a love for family, friends and cooking as well. We miss you Shirley and no newspaper has been the same since you have moved up to heaven.Today is Friday so we will talk next week, God willing!

Peace, michael