Eric Fries

Old Lyme - Eric vanBuskirk Fries, 58, of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, from complications of an Interstitial Lung Disease.

He was born on April 16, 1953 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the only child of the late Navy Captain (Ret.) William Don Fries and Elizabeth Ann (Beddow) Fries. During his youth, Eric lived in Naples, Italy, Newport, R.I., Whidbey Island, Wash., Jacksonville and Sanford, Fla., and in Northern Virginia where he formed life-long friendships and many happy memories. Eric met his future wife, Jennifer Crittenden Knight, while they were employed at Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO), Richmond, Va. On Sept. 29, 1979, Eric and Jennifer were married at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, Va. Fifteen years later, Eric became the proud father to his beloved son, Matthew Thornton Fries. Eric earned a bachelor's degree in structural design and construction technology from Penn State University, a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Virginia (Tau Beta Pi), and an executive master's degree in management from The Hartford Graduate Center (RPI). In addition to VEPCO, Eric worked for Northeast Utilities, Dominion Resources, was self-employed as principal, Equinox Consulting, LLC, and was currently a safety culture program manager at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Rockville, Md. Designated a professional engineer, Eric's career in commercial nuclear, electric transmission, and petroleum industries included engineering, operations, plant startup, outage management, project engineering and management, process improvement, organization culture assessment, safety conscious work environment, and employee concerns program. As a member of the American Nuclear Society, Eric was a key speaker on organizational safety culture at several quarterly seminars. Eric was civic-minded and served on the Town of Old Lyme Zoning Commission for 15 years, including tenure as its chairman.

Since 1998, Eric, Jennifer, and Matt spent many wonderful summer days sailing in Long Island Sound on their boat, Winds'er Castle, and developed strong friendships with dock mates. Eric's love for traveling with his family included Alaska and Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe; the splendor and history of England and Wales were his passion. Nothing made Eric happier than being a father to Matt, instilling values and social responsibilities, mentoring him in the sciences, building electric guitars together, and encouraging and supporting Matt's journey through Cub and Boy Scouts. Eric was a member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

In addition to his wife and son, Eric is survived by his mother-in-law, Frances Knight of Virginia Beach, Va.; his in-laws, Susan and Lewis Cabot of Boston, Mass., Linda and Richard Knight Jr., of Nashville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. Eric is also survived by many relatives in Idaho and Utah.

Mr. Fries was predeceased by his father-in-law, Navy Captain Richard Knight (Ret.).

Mr. Fries' family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the medical staff of MICU-9, Yale-New Haven Hospital, for their outstanding care and compassion during Eric's brief illness.

A memorial service is planned at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, followed by a reception in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests considering a memorial donation to the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme ~ Minister's Discretionary Fund, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371, or to a charity of your choice .

Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com to leave an online condolence or tribute.

Published in The Day on January 6, 2012

Matthew E. Gentry

| Visit Guest Book

Old Lyme - Matthew E. Gentry, 30, of Woodland St., Windsor, died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011, at his residence.

Mr. Gentry was born on May 24, 1980, in New London, the son of Michael and Cathy (Antell) Gentry. He graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High School and earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from McGill University. He was employed as an engineer at Connecticut Light and Power Co.

Matthew was a member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, an Eagle Scout, and a founding member of the Techno Ticks, Old Lyme High School's robotics team. He volunteered as a mentor in the East Hartford elementary schools tutoring young people in math and science. Matthew was a gifted woodworker.

With his booming voice and contagious laughter, he drew people to him. He had a gift of storytelling that allowed his listeners to drop all their cares and be caught up in his latest tale. Matt was happiest when he spent time with friends or family doing something outdoors. Often he was drawn to Devil's Hopyard State Park to immerse himself in nature. Other favorite memories were of gatherings at the family "camp" on a New Hampshire lake.

The memory of his generous heart, his compassionate spirit, and his gift of humor that touched all our hearts will bless our lives forever.

Mr. Gentry is survived by his parents, his brother, Adam M. Gentry, as well as his maternal grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, in First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Lane, Old Lyme CT 06371.

Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, and service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, New London Community Meal Center, 12 Montauk Ave., New London CT 06320, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Published in The Day on February 20, 2011

Robert F. Link

Essex - Robert F. Link, 89, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2010, at Essex Meadows Health Center.

Mr. Link was born in Hamden, on Aug. 5, 1920, to the late Carolyn Crosby Wilson Link and Henry C. Link and was predeceased by his brother, James Wilson Link.

After graduating Yale University in 1942, Mr. Link served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed by Equitable Life Assurance Co., for his entire career, retiring as executive vice president and head actuary. While raising his family in Pelham, N.Y., he was active in Huguenot Memorial Church, especially in the choir.

In 1980 he and his wife, Gladys Adams Link moved to Old Lyme, where he was involved in many activities including the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme choir and fundraising activities. He continued his love for music by singing and playing piano, singing at nursing homes, participating in plays and Easter egg hunts at the country club, and Christmas carol sings, a tradition which ran for 50 years! Mr. Link was a member of the University Glee Club, an honorary member of the Whiffenpoofs of Yale, and was also a member of the SLOTS and the Who-'dats.

Four years ago he moved to Essex Meadows where he continued his busy life involved with many activities including playing the piano in the health center and forming another small singing group, the Bobolinks. He always had a love for music, playing tennis, traveling, and baking. He was an environmentalist and the world's first recycler.

Bob Link enjoyed spending time with his family and bringing joy, happiness, and sensibility to all he met along the way. He enjoyed traveling to Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with many fond memories of Anguilla.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Adams Link; his three children, Carolyn C. Link (C.C.) of East Haven, Charles C. Link of Burlington, Vt., Gratia Link Cerreta and her husband, Tony Cerreta, and their three children, Christopher, Devon, and Michael of Port Chester, N.Y. He is also survived by his sister, Anne Link Donaldson of Orleans, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in celebration of his life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Old Lyme Music Fund, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme CT 06371 or Essex Meadows Scholarship Fund, 30 Bokum Road, Essex CT 06426.

Published in The Day on June 14, 2010

Harry J. Kerop

Chester - Harry J. Kerop, 73, of Hickory Hill Dr., died Saturday, June 12, 2010, at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Mr. Kerop was born Sept. 10, 1936, in New York City, the son of the late Harry and Sophie Hische Kerop. His family relocated to a farm in Ivoryton, Conn. when he was a young boy. He enjoyed telling stories of his life on the farm. He served active duty in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and continued to serve the Navy as a civilian until his retirement as a Facilities Manager on the lower base at the Groton-New London Submarine Base. He served his country for forty years.

He married Wendy Haman on Oct. 3, 1969, in Framingham, Mass. They raised their family in Deep River, Conn. and later moved to Old Lyme.

Mr. Kerop was a member of The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme and served on committees in the church for many years. He especially enjoyed being a part of the annual White Elephant Sale. He was a member of the Old Lyme Fire Department, a responsibility he took great pride in. He also served on the Harbor Commission in Old Lyme. He loved boating, fishing, and classic cars. He had an innate ability to repair just about anything, and if he couldn't repair it, he built a new one. Electronics was his specialty. He loved spending time with his family and his two dogs, Gris and Sophie. He was a good man.

Mr. Kerop is survived by his wife, Wendy, his daughter, Julie Kerop, of Chester; his son, Adam and his wife, Dana Kerop, of Guilford; and his two grandchildren, Gabriella and Adam Kerop.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at The First Congregational Church in Old Lyme. Burial will be private with Military Honors. Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements.

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

Donations may be made in Harry's memory to The American Kidney Association or to Donate Life America.

Published in The Day from June 14 to June 17, 2010

Dan Norman Butt

Old Lyme - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Dan Norman Butt, 77. He died unexpectedly on Aug. 24, 2010, peacefully, surrounded by his children. His family, friends, colleagues, and community will miss him deeply.

Dan was born on March 20, 1933, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Hope and Denton Butt. He graduated from Bard College and went on to have a fulfilling and internationally respected career in the performing arts. His work as stage and production manager included the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Opera, Joffrey Ballet, the first U.S. appearances of the Kabuki Theater and Chinese Opera Ballet (who specifically requested him), and many other dance, theater, opera, and music organizations.

A blues pianist himself, music was a profoundly important part of Dan's life. He was a life-long auto racing enthusiast with an enduring love of vintage sports cars.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sari Butt.

He is survived by his children, Peter Butt (Julie Butt), Elizabeth Geiger (Dennis Diamond), Jeff Pestalozzi (Paula Pestalozzi), and Michael Pestalozzi (JoAnna Keyes); and his six grandchildren, Erin, Megan, Alexander, Annie, Sara, and Jeffrey.

In lieu of flowers, please offer contributions to The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme in honor of Dan Butt.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at The First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme CT 06371.

Published in The Day on August 29, 2010

James E. Nichols

Old Lyme - James E. Nichols, 82, of Ledgewood Drive, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010, in Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Nichols was born on May 10, 1928, in North Adams, Mass., the son of Edward and G. Alice (Lee) Nichols.

Mr. Nichols began a career in education as a teacher in Athol, Mass., before being called to duty in the Korean War in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of captain in 1967. After returning from the war, Mr. Nichols continued teaching in Stafford Springs, where he met and later married Jeanne Frances Mackenzie in West Swanzey, N.H. Together they moved to Old Lyme in 1961 where he began his 27-year career in the school system as the first guidance director. He was then assistant principal of the high school before becoming principal of the middle school until his retirement in 1988. In retirement, Mr. Nichols was a boating safety educator for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

Along with his successful career, Mr. Nichols enjoyed many outside interests including serving on the board of directors for the Lyme-Old Lyme Senior Center and as a charter member of the Old Lyme Town Band. He also served on many boards at the Old Lyme Congregational Church where he volunteered at the soup kitchen and enjoyed singing in the choir for nearly 40 years.

Mr. Nichols is survived by Jeanne, his loving wife of 53 years; his daughter, Jennifer Nichols of Coventry and her partner, Robin Gardner, and their family, and his daughter, Janice Christian of Sterling, Mass., and her husband, Kevin, and his two much-loved grandchildren, Riley Jenkins and Mackenzie Christian of Sterling. He also leaves his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; and cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Nichols and his sister, Phyllis Casuscelli.

He will be deeply missed by his family for his caring ways and devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, in the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme CT 06371.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme, is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, and more information.

Donations may be made in his memory to The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme (FCCOL), Music Fund or Soup Kitchen, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme CT 06371, or to the Old Lyme Town Band, c/o Ann Lander, 15 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme CT 06371.

Published in The Day on October 27, 2010

Malcolm Allan Speirs

Old Lyme - Malcolm Allan Speirs, 90, of Saunders Hollow Road, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010.

Malcolm was born on May 2, 1920, in New London, the son of Allan and Dorothy (Marvin) Speirs. He graduated from Chapman Tech in New London and went on to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 1942. Malcolm married Donna Reynolds on Oct. 4, 1943, in Old Lyme. After serving as an aeronautical test engineer in the U.S. Air Force Enlisted Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, he returned to Old Lyme in 1947 and joined Speirs Plumbing, the family business started by his father in 1910. He was part owner and president for many years until his retirement in 1985.

Malcolm was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club, the Masons, and the Old Lyme Fire Department. He served 18 years on the Board of Finance in Old Lyme and on the Mile Creek School Building Committee.

An avid boater his whole life, Malcolm enjoyed cruising with his first mate, Donna, from Maine to Florida on their trawler, the Velvet Turtle. He passed on his love of boating, fishing, and the sea to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Malcolm is survived by Donna, his beloved wife of 67 years; his son, David Speirs and wife, Ginny; his daughter, Gail Jewell and husband, Ron; his grandchildren, Michael Speirs and wife, Lori, Andrew Speirs, Matthew Jewell, and Jonathan Jewell; and great-grandson, Malcolm W. Speirs. He is also survived by his sisters, Winifred Elliott and Barbara Traskos.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Malcolm's name to the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Lane, Old Lyme, CT 06371.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, and more information.

Published in The Day on December 19, 2010