John P. (Jack) O’Brien passed away peacefully at home Feb. 13, 2018, of natural causes. John was born Oct. 14, 1944, in Torrington, Conn., to Dorothy (Miller) and Philip J. O’Brien. He attended the Loomis Chaffee High School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of the Holy Cross. He was first in his class at University of Connecticut School of Business with a Master of Business Administration Degree in finance, winning the Wall Street Journal Award.

On June 29, 1968, he married Martha (Marty) McDonough of Bloomfield, Conn., with whom he had two sons, Tim and Brendan. John began his career at the Ensign-Bickford Company in Simsbury, Conn., where he rose to vice president of research and engineering at a very young age. He always loved a challenge and took great pride in the many product lines he developed. During his time there, John built a PETN plant in Graham, Ky.; was the primary technical person for licensing of shock tube technology from Sweden; and assisted the company to a position of industry leader for initiation systems.

With unwavering support from Marty, John left Ensign-Bickford in 1988 to branch out on his own. John created multiple companies, each targeting a different sector of initiation systems. He formed Shock Tube Systems with Steve Bartholomew, which was very successful making shock tube based products for the military. He also formed Detotec North America, and managed to penetrate the extremely demanding oil and gas industry.

John had a strong belief that he could achieve anything he set his mind to, and he has left a lasting legacy that bears this out. As the years passed, John became very focused on local politics, serving for many years on the Board of Finance for Stonington, and as the treasurer for the Stonington Democratic Town Committee. He was appointed by the governor of Connecticut as Harbormaster for the Pawcatuck River, where he and Marty lived. He was an avid rugby player helping to form the Hartford Wanderers, a tennis player and a skier.

Once he became a grandfather, he was a big fan of his five grandchildren’s teams. He loved sailing and boating his entire life, and was very proud of his powerboat the OBie. John loved spending time on Block Island, R.I., and would always enjoy his favorite mudslide at the Oar. John had friends all over the world, and he never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Marty; his son Tim (Abby) and children Teagan, Cade, and Keira from Pawcatuck, Conn.; his son Brendan (Jennifer) and children Owen and Sean from Ledyard, Conn.; and his brother Joe (Eileen) and his children Robert and Melissa from West Hartford.

A wake will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the Mystic Funeral Home located on Route 1 in Mystic. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at St. Mary’s Church 95 Main St. in Stonington Borough, followed by burial in Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic on Route 27.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s honor to the St. Michael Capital Campaign, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379.

Joe Colicchie was the son of Sara Fino (Sam) and Eleanor Colicchie. Adored husband of 35 years to Mona (Ritson) Colicchie; proud and loving father to Aubrey Bennett and husband, Mark, and Jared Colicchie and wife, Meredith; cherished "Pappy" of his only grandson, Mack Bennett, who was always a source of joy and sunshine; deceased is his sister, Anita Colicchie. He is also survived by his sisters, Bernadette Colicchie and Patricia MacPherson. 

Joe's priority in life was always his family, and he shared his affection freely and unconditionally. He was selfless and lived his life with both passion and purpose. His kind heart and amazing smile will forever be honored and celebrated by those who love him. 

An avid fisherman and archery hunter, Joe loved the outdoors, but left this earth much too soon on July 2, 2017, after a full day of fishing with his lifelong friend. 

Joe was a board of directors member of the Potomac Chapter of the ISEE. He has worked for Swanson Industries; Caterpillar, Inc.; Bucyrus International; and Terex Corporation.

There will be a visitation on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 314 W. Lincoln Ave., McDonald, PA 15057, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, if your heart leads you to it, the family would ask that you donate to your local animal shelter or to Dogs for Vets. 

Norman B. Harty, son of the late Walter and Nellie Harty, was born in Puxico, Mo., and died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, at the age of 81.

A well known local businessman, Mr. Harty owned N.B. Harty Contractors and a total of 10 branches of First Commercial Bank across southeast Missouri. Through his contracting industry, he conducted business on an international scale.

Norman graduated from Puxico High School in 1954 and later attended Southeast Missouri State University and Williams Baptist College, eventually earning a degree from Arkansas University.

On Jan. 22, 1966, he married Billie Lemons. After 47 years of marriage and a business partnership, she preceded him in death June 21, 2013. Mr. Harty continued the Dexter, Mo., based business operations until his death.

Mr. Harty proudly served in the U.S. Army. He attended First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter.

Norman and Billie never forgot their hometown roots, generously contributing to numerous local charities and organizations and other entities over the years.

He will be dearly remembered for his deep Christian faith and his generous community spirit.

Along with his parents and his wife, Billie, he was preceded in death by one brother, John Harty.

He is survived by one stepdaughter, Sue Hisaw; one grandson, Christopher Wilkerson; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Harty; and two nephews, John Harty and Jim Harty.

Visitation will take place from 9 until 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7 at Dexter’s First Baptist Church at 11 W. Castor St.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 7 at the church. Officiating will be the Rev. Howard Fuller. Burial will take place in Dexter Cemetery.

The family suggests any memorials may be made to Williams Baptist College, 60 W. Fulbright Ave., Walnut Ridge, AR 72476, or to the SoutheastHEALTH Building Fund, 1200 N. One Mile Road, Dexter, MO 63841.