After decades of cracking jokes, wearing clown makeup and helping others, comedian and the “Resident Clown,” Joey Russell died Saturday, September 26 at the age of 90.

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Russell Han, East Lyme  who brought home-style cooking and affordable dining to the region through the Shack Restaurants in East Lyme, Waterford and Groton, died suddenly Monday, October 4, while on vacation in Aruba.

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M. Carol “Chappie” Chapman, beloved wife of Courtland Dennison Chapman, celebrated 71 joyful years of life before passing peacefully on October 13, after a courageous battle with cancer.

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Donald “Donzo” Wilkinson. 1956-2010. Mudhead Commodore 1979-1980, 1999-2001

Donald Phillips Wilkinson, 54, known affectionately as “Donzo,” died on Saturday, September 4, in a sailing accident while racing in Fishers Island Sound.

In addition to great friends, he leaves his wife of 17 years, Anne (Hohenstein) Wilkinson and his children, Benjamin and Sarah, both students at Fishers Island School. He is dearly missed by his parents, Robert and Jeanne (Phillips) Wilkinson of Noank; his brother, Alan Wilkinson of Canterbury, and his sister, Sheryl and husband, Tom Clukey, of New Gloucester, Maine. He also leaves his in-laws, Toby and George Hohenstein of Groton and George Town, Exuma, Bahamas;  his sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia and Andrew Davis and his two nieces, Ashley and Allison Davis of Sutton, Mass. The family cat, Harley, will also miss him greatly.

He was a member of Ram Island Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, Baldwin Yacht Club, Off Soundings Club, a founder and two time commodore of the Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association. Sailing, family, and friends were his life.

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by Christopher Annino

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On July 7th, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department (PBFD) firefighter and acting Captain Todd Williamson lost his fight with cancer.

It is said by many of his close friends that he always wanted to help people. At the age of 15 he became a Firefighter/EMT for North Stonington Volunteer Ambulance Association. After graduating Wheeler High School in 1998 he became a full-time employee with the Groton Ambulance Association. Todd kept advancing with his training and added to his experience at numerous other departments such as North Stonington Volunteer Fire Department, Mohegan Tribal Fire Department, and Town of Preston Fire and Emergency Services. He also graduated from Three Rivers Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science and Technology.

Todd was a key factor in improving the local public education fire safety programs. These programs provided insight and education in fire safety for all schools, day cares, and senior centers in the Groton District. In addition, he also taught CPR to the town of Preston, making them a more heart safe community.

“He was well-loved by the kids. They always called him Fireman Todd. He took great pride in being a firefighter and helping his community” said fellow PBFD Firefighter Bryan Quilter.

Early this year, Todd received the Meritorious Citation Award for his role in providing quality public education to the members of the community. The Meritorious Citation Award is given to individuals within a department to commend their personal sacrifice to make the community a safer place from fire and the tragedies of human suffering.

“He had a positive outlook on life no matter what the circumstances. He was determined to beat the illness and was more worried for the people around him being worried about him. He was a kind and considerate young man and a tremendous firefighter” said Fire Chief Todd Paige of PBFD.
Deputy Chief Curt Floyd of PBFD added “He was taken too soon. He was destined to do more. He was always respectful amongst his brother firefighters. Despite all of his awards and qualifications he never had an ego and was always open to learning and improving on skills.”

Todd is gone but he survives through the memories and the positive impact that he had on the community. He is survived by his wife Cait-Len Merritt Williamson, daughter Lilly Renee and ten month old son Tyler Mathew. Many local fundraisers helped with Todd’s medical bills and his family.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 15 at St. Joseph Church, New London.  For information regarding donations to his family, visit the official union website of Firefighter Todd Williamson www.pbfd2704.com

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