Extraordinary Lives Exited Newtown Scene In 2009

By Nancy K. Crevier

All of those who go before us, to whatever lies beyond, have led lives cherished by those who knew them best. Their spirits remain strong and true, and the memories warm. There are those who will not be a part of the life of Newtown as the New Year unfolds, people who will be especially missed for the gifts they shared in life.

On January 15, Mary Jane “Bunny” Madden died. Ms Madden was a longtime Newtowner involved in political and community activities. She served twice as the Newtown Democratic Town Committee chairperson, and was twice elected as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, representing the 28th Senatorial District. She was co-founder of the Spay And Neuter Association of Newtown, and co-editor of the History of Newtown published in 1989 by the League of Women Voters. In 1983, Ms Madden was nominated for the Outstanding Citizen of Newtown Award by the Newtown Jaycees and Jaycee Women.

Naturopathic doctor Joshua K. Berry died February 2. Dr Berry moved from the western United States where he was raised and studied medicine to Connecticut to teach at the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine, and to begin his family practice, Hawleyville Naturopathic Medical Center, LLC, in the Hawleyville section of Newtown. Dr Berry devoted his life to helping others, as a physician, a college professor, and in the numerous coaching positions for which he volunteered. He had a passion and gift for working with children. An ardent guitarist/singer/songwriter, Dr Berry had a passion for music, and left a legacy of music-making and appreciation to his two young sons.

Genevieve Maron, the former Newtown Bee circulation manager for many years, died February 6.

A man instrumental in the creation of Nunnawauk Meadows, Lawrence Ermler died February 17. Mr Ermler was also a Mason, and a member of the Rockin’ Roosters Square Dance Club.

William Honan, Jr, former proprietor of the Honan Funeral home, died May 2. Mr Honan also drove Newtown school bus #4 for many years, was a clerk at Hawleyville Post Office, and was involved in many other community organizations.

A retired parks supervisor for the Town of Newtown, Henry F. Kniese passed away on May 4. Mr Kniese was also a dispatcher at one time for the Newtown Police Department.

On May 11 John Joseph Reilly died. Mr Reilly, a graduate of Newtown High School, was a former Newtown police officer and a volunteer with the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He also served with the Botsford Fire and Rescue Company.

Alberta Botsford Twist, a descendant of Henry and Elizabeth Botsford, who settled Newtown in the 1700s, died May 19, at the age of 90. Ms Twist was also a member of the Mary Silliman Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution in Bridgeport, holding offices.

On June 5, John R. Verbanic passed away. Many will remember Mr Verbanic, who served as the head custodian at Newtown High School for 30 years before retiring.

Karl Schwichtenberg, guitarist for 30 years with the Spontaneous Combustion Band, died June 7.

Award-winning journalist Jeffrey White, originally from Newtown, died after a prolonged illness on June 29.

The Honan family and the town of Newtown suffered another loss as John (Jack) Honan, a member of the parks maintenance crew in Newtown until his retirement the winter of 2008, died July 28.

A reading consultant at Newtown Middle School from 1974 until 2004, Anita Kerchief died August 25.

The Newtown Bee lost another longtime former employee with the death of Anita Maestas, September 15. The Arts & Antiques Weekly office manager from 1971 until 2004, Ms Maestas was remembered by many fellow Bee workers and advertisers as a great listener, and a sweet and wonderful person.

For many years, Rita Nimer was co-owner of the Hawleyville Deli and Newtown General Store. Ms Nimer died September 27.

Maria Wicki, a nurse at Danbury Hospital, was also an EMT with the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and substituted in the Newtown school system. Ms Wicki died October 5.

Patricia Aschauer, who taught many of Newtown’s children for nearly 20 years at Head O’ Meadow School, died October 25.

November saw the loss of three music lovers. Virginia Lathrop set down her tap shoes for the final time on November 7. Ms Lathrop and her husband, Mac, founded the Lathrop School of Dance, home of the Stardust Revue, in 1958, in Edmond Town Hall. There, hundreds of children and adults over the years dazzled townspeople with the steps they learned from the energetic Ms Lathrop.

Then on November 8, Alfred Parella died. Mr Parella was the founder of the Newtown Madrigal Singers and the Friends of Music Society, as well as a member of the original Newtown Choral Society.

Richard Serbagi, gifted director and musical mentor, died November 23. Mr Serbagi was a performing cellist, and a music educator who shared his love of music with hundreds of students over the years. For more than 25 seasons, he conducted the Concert Society Chamber Orchestra in New York.

“Do not go gentle into that dark night,” bade poet Dylan Thomas of those approaching death. But Newtowners know that this year there is not darkness, but more light in that place to which these special members of the community have gone.