Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Our friend...



SOUTHINGTON - Dr. Thomas K. McKnerney Sr. DDS, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. He was the husband of Arline (Johnson) McKnerney.

He was born Sept. 14, 1931 in New Britain, son of the late Reginald and Angeline (Kane) McKnerney. Dr. McKnerney had practiced in Southington for 40 years. He was a lifetime member of the Rotary Club of Southington.

Besides his wife he is survived by three sons, Thomas K. McKnerney Jr. and his wife, Laura, Paul McKnerney and his wife, Dawn, all of Southington, Kevin McKnerney and his wife, Jennifer of Lebanon; two sisters, Rita Stiano and her husband, Joseph of Berlin, and Joanne Johannes of Niantic; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Reilly, and Maggie, all of Lebanon, Shawn, Brandon and Devin, all of Southington; several nieces, nephews and friends. Dr. McKnerney enjoyed his grandchildren and spending quality time with his family.

The funeral will be held Friday 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol St. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made in his memory to the CT Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cardiology, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 907, Wallingford, CT 06492-0907. DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences visit dellavecchiafh.com

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Goin' to the Mardi Gras!...

What a surprise! Johnny Gumbo (John Ryan) returned, if only in a larger-than-life photo, to celebrate Fat Tuesday at the Southington Rotary's annual Mardi Gras Night fundraiser at Anthony Jack's Wood-fired Grill. The former co-chair of the event has picked up his roots and moved out west where he has become involved with the Armed Forces & Aerospace Museum in Spokane.

Guests feasted on Cajun favorites and were entertained by the very hot D. Smith Blues Band with saxman John Smayda sitting in for a few spirited numbers. A portion of the night's proceeds will benefit the Bread For Life soup kitchen in Southington. - See photos!

The Rotary Club of Southington would like to thank Barry DePaolo and Cheryl Moran, owners of Anthony Jack's, for being such gracious hosts (we could not do this without you) and Pat Giamatteo of Rogo Distributors for donating the beer for the event. Hope to see everyone again next year on FAT TUESDAY!