Thomas Goosman, Former Selectman,

By NANCY CREVIER

Published: Jul 15, 2005 12:00 am

Fire & Ambulance Volunteer

Thomas Goosman died July 10 after a short illness, surrounded by his immediate and extended family. He was born in Newtown July 31, 1915, the fourth child of Jacob and Sophie Goosman.

He graduated from Newtown High School in 1933. On October 14, 1940 he married Lilly Hansen.

Mr Goosman was always a prominent figure in the town of Newtown. Politically, his service has been as an active member of the Newtown Republican town committee, having been made a lifetime member. He served many terms on the board of selectmen and served as acting first selectman after the unfortunate passing of the late Timothy Treadwell.

Mr Goosman was also a leader of the Connecticut State Police Auxiliary for 20 years and served on the Newtown Police commission for three years. For over five years he contributed to the safety of boaters as a member of the Lake Candlewood State Police patrol. He served on the Newtown Housing for the Elderly for 20 years and was also made a lifetime member. He was a founding and charter member of the United Fire Company of Botsford, having been active for 50 years, president for five years and vice president for over 35 years. He also served on the Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners for five years as Botsfordâs representative.

The Lionâs Club International, Newtown club, had Mr Goosman participate with perfect attendance for 50 years and made him a lifetime member. He was past president and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow award, an international award. He supported the Newtown Ambulance Corps as an EMT for 40 years and his number, 710, was retired when he retired. Tommy was a member of Hiram Lodge No. 18, AF & AM for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Oddfellows Loyalty Lodge, Pyramid Temple AAONMS of Milford and past chief of the Shriners Fire Brigade. Tommy was also a lifelong member of Congregation Adath Israel, serving as president and president emeritus.

He is survived by his wife, Lilly; his son, Sherman and his wife, Nancy, of Fairfield; his daughter, Lisa of Newtown; his granddaughter, Rachel and her husband, Jerry, of Cheshire; his grandson, John of Fairfield; and his great-granddaughters, Alexis and Jordan. His son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Anita, preceded him in death.

Services were July 12 at the Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road in Fairfield. Burial followed at Loyalty Cemetery.

Memorial donations in his name may be made to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810; United Fire Company of Botsford, PO Box 335, 315 South Main Street, Botsford CT 06404; or Congregation Adath Israel Building Fund, PO Box 623, Newtown CT 06470.

A period of mourning will be observed at the Goosman home in Newtown.

The Newtown BeeÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â July 15, 2005

Patricia Anzellotti

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It seems a lot of the discussion around the flagpole focuses on vilifying drivers who pass on the right, but the real issue is being overlooked. If Chapter 248 Section 14-251 were enforced, we wouldn’t see this problem to begin with. That statute prohibits stopping in the middle of a roadway to yield to cross traffic—as so often happens with cars waiting to turn from Church Hill. When vehicles stop illegally in the travel lane, they effectively create a blockage. Other drivers then either sit through unnecessary delays or carefully pass around them on the right, which is fully permitted when the vehicle ahead is “illegally parked” in the roadway. Instead of punishing drivers reacting to the obstruction, enforcement should focus on the cause: vehicles unlawfully stopping and backing up traffic in the first place. If that behavior were addressed, the need to “go around” would largely disappear.

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John, you raise an important point — these situations are tragic, complicated, and often far less clear-cut than the headlines make them seem. In the Fredericksburg case, the full facts still aren’t publicly known, and like so many of these stories, there’s conflicting information. It was apparently the back door at 3 a.m. — was it justified to use deadly force? We don’t know yet. What we do know is that the homeowner has been charged, and as you rightly noted, that is very serious. But this is also where perspective matters. These cases are quickly sensationalized in the news and on social media, yet when the dust settles, the outcomes are rarely publicized. People forget that in our system, you are innocent until proven guilty. Try to find much coverage of the convication in the case of the Fairfield Realtor vehicle homicide, or updates on the woman who shot her husband a couple of Christmases ago, or even the pedestrian death in Sandy Hook a year or so back. The follow-through simply isn’t there, and public opinion is often shaped only by the first round of headlines. At the end of the day, these situations remind us how split-second decisions in the middle of the night can change lives forever — which is exactly why the right to protect one’s property, home and family is so fiercely debated, and lucky constitutionally protected.

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First the low hanging fruit. Dave; it was a joke, please get over it. You are the only person in Newtown that thought I really wanted to build a stadium on 6 Commence Rd. Now on to Alex. You might not appreciate my writing style or my selection of words, but let's not loose sight of the fact that by responding to my letter in the manner that you did, you have removed any doubt whatsoever that you have no idea of the quantifiable benefits you are dismissing not only for the town, but also for protesters. Either you stopped listening at the word "ordinance" or you never started.. Your constitutional rights to assemble were never in question and would actually be strengthened and there would be literally no impediments. We could even title it "The Alex Villamil Ordinance" if you want. It could be your legacy and actually show Newtown your willingness to work in a bipartisan way for the betterment of the town. Businesses would be protected. Traffic wouldn't be interrupted. The town would save hundreds of thousands of dollars in police overtime. And maybe most importantly, the town could prevent another tragedy while mitigating legal risk in the event something terrible happens at a protest. Nothing bad could never happen in Newtown right? All that could be accomplished by a simple, non-intrusive ordinance unless all the detriments to our town are intentional in order to bring more attention to your cause. Alex, this was not me throwing a temper tantrum. Believe me, you will know it if that happens. I am just putting Newtown first. From that perspective, if you think critically, the regulation is necessary. It makes sense logically, rationally, and is reasonable. There is absolutely no down side. None. I would be willing to sit down with you to see if we could come to some type of compromise if you want. Let me know. You would be amazed how much you can accomplish when there is dialogue amongst neighbors.

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A popular prank circulating on TikTok is “ding-dong-ditch” where a group of young people violently bang or kick someone’s door late at night and then “ditch” or run. On May 3 three high schoolers here in Fredericksburg Va. were participating in such a prank. One homeowner assumed, as in this case, an attempted break in and also took measures to defend his family and property. As the youths were running away he fired, striking an 18 year old graduating senior in the back killing him and seriously injuring a second youth. A wasted life, a family shattered, and the homeowner charged with murder.

You’re absolutely right — no one should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Being startled awake by violent banging at your door late at night is no joke, and it’s a stark reminder that danger can come without warning. That’s why I’m thankful for the right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property. In a moment like that, you don’t get a second chance to call for help before you act — you have to be prepared. Our homes should be a place of peace, not fear, and the ability to defend them is a right worth safeguarding.

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Thomas Goosman, Former Selectman,

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