1963 Enfield High School Class Reunion

Darlene Bassett RIP

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Darlene Bassett Planck announce her passing on September 13th, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House.

Darlene was born on July 8th, 1945, in Connecticut to Frank and Kay Bassett. Her brother, Jeff, was born several years later. While working at Terry Steam Turbine in Windsor, Connecticut she met her husband, George. In 1982 they adopted their daughter Kimberly Ann and as soon as they were able, they moved to Grand Isle, Vermont. Darlene has a deep love for the Champlain Islands, and it was very important to her that she raise her daughter there.

In the early 2000’s Darlene and George spent many years as snowbirds, living in Florida and returning to the Islands most summers. Over those summers, Darlene spent her time making jewelry to sell at the Champlain Island Farmers Markets. Darlene looked forward to not only creating the jewelry but interacting with customers and vendors at the market.

After George’s passing, Darlene found her way back to the Islands full time in 2020. Over the course of the next 4 years Darlene lived in several places and finally landed in a lovely spot in Grand Isle. She was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2021 and she fought to remain as independent as she could while going through treatment. She fought the disease with strength, positivity and continued to have a zest for life. She loved going to the casino, playing Mah Jongg with her friends, staying busy crafting, going shopping and spending time with her daughter.

She is predeceased by her husband George and many of her loving animals including, most recently, her dog Toby.

She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Foote and husband Tom, her brother Jeff Bassett and wife Lori and her cousin and dear friend Bet Haugen Law.

Please join us on Saturday, September 21st at 11AM at the South Hero Cemetery for a service celebrating Darlene’s life. We will have a gathering at the Congregational Church Hall on South Street at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to C.I.D.E.R in South Hero or the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester.

RIP Nancy Frangiamore Tesla (Feb. 2024)
Nancy Tesla (Frangiamore), 78, of the late Joseph and Irene Frangiamore, passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. An Enfield native, Nancy was a graduate of Enfield High School class of 1963. She furthered her education at Bay Path College graduating Magna Cum Laude. Following graduation Nancy obtained a job as executive secretary at the Veterans Adminstration then onto Secretary to the Director of the IRS where she retired. Nancy leaves behind her devoted daughter Karen Fortin and her husband Shawn. Her grandson Zachary Smith and his wife Nikki and their son Jayden. Her granddaughter Alexandra Smith. Additionally she is survived by her sister Diane Malley, her sister Karen Kwiecienski and husband Paul, her brother Joseph Frangiamore and his wife Joyce and several nieces and nephews. She is predececeasd by her husband Ray Tesla.

Frank T. Gaetani, age 78, of Enfield, passed away on December 14, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. Born on July 30, 1945, to Alphonse Gaetani and Lillian (Buscemi) Gaetani, Frank lived a life filled with love, family, and dedication.
Frank was the beloved husband of Lynn Gorman Gaetani for 52 years, a marriage that stood the test of time and became a source of inspiration to many. He was a proud graduate of Enfield High School, Class of 1963, and spent the majority of his life in technology and the telecommunications industry. Frank served as Vice President at the former CBT for 25 years, later contributing his skills to TSSI and Red Thread.
A man of faith, Frank was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society. His service to his country included time in the Army National Guard, reflecting his commitment to duty and honor.
Frank's zest for life extended to his love for travel and vacations with his family. An avid Red Sox fan, he shared his passion for the sport with those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lynn, and their three sons: Jeffrey Gaetani and his wife Elizabeth, of Enfield; Joseph Gaetani and his wife Rachel of Ellington; and Thomas Gaetani and his wife Andrea of Portland, CT. Frank leaves a legacy through his seven grandchildren: Anthony, Brittany, and Ryan Gaetani; Lily and Tommy Gaetani; and Samuel and Alexandra Gaetani. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Gaetani, and his wife, Pamela, of Enfield, and nephew Frank Gaetani, as well as nieces Lindsay and Lauren Gaetani. His cousin, Jay White, and his wife, Cathy, his nieces, nephews, other cousins, and dear friends also mourn his passing.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. Family and friends will gather at 9 AM on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Leete Stevens for a procession to St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl St, Enfield, for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Committal will follow at St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery in Enfield.
The family requests that donations be made in Frank's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be shared at www.leetestevens.com.

Pamela Lane Fletcher passed away on December 11, 2023 at the age of 78. Pam was born in Hartford, CT on June 28, 1945 to Joseph A. Lane and Marjorie White Lane. She lived in Hartford until 1960 when her family moved to Enfield where she resided for the remainder of her life. After graduating from Enfield High School in 1963, Pam began her career in the Hartford insurance industry starting with Aetna Life & Casualty, moved to The Travelers when Travelers bought Aetna’s casualty division and retired from ING in 2010. In 1967 she married John L. Fletcher and together they had two sons, Jeffrey L. Fletcher and Brian P. Fletcher. Pam spent her retirement years as a dedicated member of St. Bernard’s Church choir and fostering many cats.
Pam was predeceased by her husband, John (2020) and her sister, Linda Tobey (2011).
She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey and Brian, her daughter-in-law, Josie, all of Enfield, CT, granddaughter, Kelli Fletcher and her husband, Nick Oski, of Los Angeles, CA, a sister, Ginny Bromage of Suffield, CT and her beloved cat, (Jacoby).
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Bernard’s church, 426 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. (Please go directly to church). There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, 171 Union St. Springfield, MA 01101.

What do a teacher, nurse, nuclear scientist, CEO, and a doctor all have in common? Harry Tatoian was their high school principal.
The class of '62 asked if we would like to join them in celebrating their 60th reunion. We'll celebrate our 59th with them. Can you believe that?!! So save the date because the festivities will be on Friday, Sept. 16, Grassmere from 3 to 9. Three to nine, huh? Guess they think some of us are old or something. As soon as we get more information, Gus, William Carlander ,will send out the invites and really let you know what's going on. And oh, if you know of any classmates addresses, that sure will help Gus and the committee. Keep watching this page and the
local newspapers for more info.

For Gus Carlander

R.I.P
Leslie L. Ward, 75, of Enfield, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 20, 1945, she was the daughter of the late John and Eileen (Young) Lougee and grew up in Enfield, graduating from Enfield High School with the Class of 1963.

She married Norman "Pat" Ward in 1971, they raised their family in Manchester, and they enjoyed 34 years of marriage before Pat's passing in 2005. Leslie moved back to Enfield in 2005. She worked for the state of Connecticut Department of Correction as an administrator for many years before retiring in 2015.

Leslie leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Christopher R. Ward and his wife, Jennifer, of Manchester; two grandchildren, Kayla and Dylan; and two sisters, Candice Bell and her husband, Jerold, of East Windsor and Karyl Lougee of California.

Services will be held privately. Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels has care of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit

www.leetestevens.com.

R I P

Frank Pagani

R. I. P. Al LeTendre

R.I.P. Carol Scutnik Olko

RIP Jimmy