Harland R. Mudgett

Harland R. Mudgett, 89, of North Andover, Mass., formerly of Wildwood, Fla., and Sandy Hook, died peacefully January 30 at Sutton Hill Center in North Andover. He was the widower of Hannah (Brobson) Mudgett, who died in 1994.

Mr Mudgett was born July 27, 1914, in Stratford, son of the late Harry and Anna (Jorgensen) Mudgett. He was educated in Stratford schools and attended Junior College in Bridgeport and Bridgeport Engineering Institute.

He spent his working career as an engineer, mainly as a machine designer. He was instrumental in the design of the machine that produced the original Playskool toys. He worked for Sikorsky Aircraft, Singer, and Bodine Corporation, all in Bridgeport, retiring in the mid 1970s.

He enjoyed all types of home improvement projects and sailing. Upon his retirement, he constructed and sailed his own kayak. He was a devout Christian.

Mr Mudgett leaves a sister, Mayla Andrews of Gilford Village, N.H. He was predeceased by a brother, Allan B. Mudgett. He also leaves four nieces, Linda Hume of Rowley, Mass., Ann Bradstreet of Waterbury, Laraine Mudgett of Woodbury, and Valerie Cote of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; three nephews, Kenneth Bradstreet of East Haven, Ronald Mudgett and Gary Mudgett, both of Woodbury; many grandnieces and grandnephews, including James Cote of Southbury.

Funeral services are private. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wildwood, Fla.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee        February 6, 2004