Waterford Association Inc. 2011
David Alan Lewis Sr.
Colchester - David Alan Lewis Sr., 67, of Palatka, Fla., passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. He was born in Willimantic, and had been a resident of Palatka for the last five years, coming from Colchester.
David was a father and mentor to every person who was blessed enough to have him
in their life. His infectious smile, fun-loving personality, and humor will be
missed by all. Some of his favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and
collecting coins. He enjoyed spending time with his children most. He was an
entrepreneur who built many successful businesses including construction,
insurance, and restaurants. He was a member of many organizations including the
Moose Lodge # 184 of Palatka as well as prior membership in Connecticut.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lewis; two brothers, Carlton Lewis
and Douglas Lewis; and his former wife, Dorothy (Fedus) Lewis.
Survivors include his father, Lt. Col. Eugene Hall Lewis Sr., U.S. Army (Ret.)
of Willimantic; three sons, David Alan Lewis Jr. of Waterford, Darryl Lewis and
wife, Susanne Allen, of Colchester, and Douglas Lloyd Lewis and wife, Jennifer
Riley, of Colchester; one daughter, Christina Leigh Lewis of Colchester; three
brothers, Eugene Hall Lewis Jr., Gregory Paul Lewis, and Robert Michael Lewis,
all of Willimantic; three grandchildren, Connor Jacob Lewis, Christian David
Charpentier, and Allie Mae Lewis; and his former wife, Sandy (Lockhart) Lewis
of Colchester.
He will forever be missed and remembered by not only his family but by all the
close friends he has made through the years.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday,
Feb. 27, at the Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road,
Colchester. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA, 520 8th Ave., 7th Fl.,
New York, NY 10018, in honor of his dog, Skyler.
Published in The Day on
February 23, 2011
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Windham - Lt. Col. Eugene Hall Lewis Sr., U.S. Army retired, 96, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Living Center on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011.He was the son of Eugene B. Lewis and Florence (Hall) Lewis, born on Feb. 3, 1915 in Willimantic. Raised in Willimantic, he attended Natchaug and Windham High School. He later graduated from The Connecticut Agricultural College (UConn) in 1936 with a major in history and government. While in college he was voted by the student body and faculty as the best athlete in his junior and senior years where he played football, basketball, baseball and was proud of being a 3-letter man.
Following college, Eugene entered the Army Reserves and was assigned to the First Division of Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, N.Y. He then volunteered for active duty reporting to Fort Knox, Ky. During the war he served as Army liaison officer on Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King's staff in Washington, D.C. and later took over command of the 795th amphibious tank battalion. Following active duty he entered the insurance business which he maintained throughout his career, as well as numerous business ventures, finally retiring in 1979.
Eugene was elected First Selectman in the Town of Windham in 1946, and was re-elected in 1948. Throughout his political career he served on many town and state committees. He was the first commander of the Windham AMVETS Post 2 and a member of the American Legion Post 19. He was the first chairman of the Housing Authority for the City of Willimantic, and was Justice of the Peace from 1966 to 1979. Eugene was life appointed chairman of the Windham/Willimantic Democratic Town Committee, past president of the Civitan Club, chairman of the ward redistricting committee, served on the Windham Zoning Commission and the Windham/Willimantic Wetlands Commission, as well as heading up the out of town committee for raising money for the addition to Windham Hospital. He also served on the advisory board of the Salvation Army for over 20 years. As a staunch Democrat, he campaigned for our state senators, representatives, and town officials. He prided himself in getting the most absentee ballots during election time.
Having a great love of hunting and fishing, he was a life member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club of Chaplin. He also was instrumental in heading up the local Teenagers March for Leukemia for St. Jude's Research Center.
On Jan. 15, 1939, Eugene married Mary Ann Obsharsky, and together they had six sons. He and Mary enjoyed many retirement years in Florida and at their summer home in Pleasure Beach, Waterford. He loved telling stories of his college years, military experiences, and hunting adventures. In the past few years he resided at the Card Home and his last few months at St. Joseph's Living Center. He was affectionately called Gene, Jake, the "Colonel", Curley and Grandpa.
Eugene was the oldest member of the First United Methodist Church of Willimantic having been born into that congregation.
He is survived by his three sons, Eugene H. Lewis Jr. and his wife, Linda, Gregory Paul Lewis, and Robert Michael Lewis and his wife, Sherryll Beach, all of Willimantic; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Eugene was predeceased by his wife, Mary; three sons, Douglas, Carlton and David; and his brother, Hollis Lewis.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at the New Willimantic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eugene's memory to the First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield CT 06250, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.
Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Lewis family.
