Linda Fasake Perry (affectionately known to her parents as “Mini”) passed away on May 23, 2024. Born in Niskayuna, New York on March 14, 1980, Linda served in the US Marine Corps where she worked as the only female diesel mechanic in her platoon. After being honorably discharged, she graduated from Lincoln College of New England with a degree in mortuary science. Prior to serving as a substitute teacher at the Southbridge School District in Massachusetts, Linda worked at Old Sturbridge Village. Her greatest role, however, was that of loving mother to her two children, whom she was immensely proud of, Gretchen and Peter, who followed in her footsteps and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Linda enjoyed the outdoors and loved camping and fishing in rural Connecticut with her devoted husband, Jeffrey. She had a generous heart and often gave to others, even when she herself was in need. Despite many challenges, she walked through life with incredible strength and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Our condolences to all. Memorial donations in Linda’s memory may be made to the Saratoga County animal Shelter.

Eric Klaus Polttila, born on August 30, 1958 to Finnish immigrants Klaus Henrik Efraim and Irja Liisa Polttila, passed away on June 21, 2024. A dreamer, a romantic, a man with a vision, Eric marched to the beat of his own drum and you would join him, because he was a, “my way or the highway,” kind of guy. He once sailed a flat-bottomed boat down Lake Champlain, from New York to Virginia, where he was shipwrecked in a storm. Eric worked on an Air Force Base and as a peace officer for the New York State Department of Corrections where he once saved a man’s life. He took college classes and pursued his interests in art. His love of planting giant sunflowers spoke to who he really was deep inside. Preceded by his parents, his sisters, Anita and Leila, and his nephew, Rudy, Eric is survived by his brothers, Timo and Klaus; his sisters, Eeva, Tina and Kaarina; his children, Sadie, Natasha, Laurel, Rebekah, Erik, Gabriel, Eli and Josiah; two stepchildren, 12 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was married three times in his pursuit of love, Anna, Susan, and Mary. He loved them all, in their times, to the best of his ability. Eric will be missed.

Harold Haraghey Jr. passed away on August 19, 2024 at the age of 89. After graduation, Harold proudly served in the United States Army with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany from 1955 to 1957, and later worked as a PBX technician at SNETCO where he played fast pitch softball in the Industrial League in Hartford, holding the record for most wins, 147. Retiring after 30 years, his love for people and community was evident in his commitment to Pioneers, the largest industry volunteer organization, and here in Hampton as a Constable, with the Fire Department, and as the Wetlands Enforcement Officer. He had many friends in Hampton and most everyone had a “Harold story”; he was always looking to help those in need, and because of this, he and Margaret, his wife of 45 years, shared the honor of “Citizens of the Year” in 2017. An avid and skillful hunter all his life, his pursuit of big game took him throughout the continental U.S., Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. His proudest achievement was reaching the pinnacle of wild sheep hunting, the Grand Slam, in 2004, the 1,134th hunter in the world. Predeceased by two sisters and a brother, Harold is survived byMargaret, his sons Harold and wife Kathleen, and Brian and wife Karen, grandchildren Declan and Shannen, a sister and a brother and a sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Our condolences to all. Donations in Harold’s honor may be made to the Hampton Fire Department.
Jane Robbins Marrotte passed away on August 23, 2024 at the age of 92. Born on September 25, 1931, the daughter of William Robbins and Doris Fitts, Jane was born in her home on Robbins Road, named for her family, and grew up in Hampton , remaining in the homestead all of her life. She would say that she was the last person in Hampton to sleep in the same bedroom she was born in. Jane contributed many stories to the Hampton Gazette. Whenever we researched an article on Hampton’s past, Jane would offer a wealth of information. She attended our one-room school houses and lived across from Bigelow Pond, where she shared stories of the way children summered there, how they were taught to skate, the way ice was harvested in the winter. An afternoon spent with Jane was a nostalgic step into Hampton’s past. Predeceased by her husband Louis and her son, John, Jane is survived by her sons, Louis, Jerri, and Jay. Our condolences to all.
Wayne Taylor Stoddard passed away in his home on August 21. Born December 24,1941 in Lowville, NY to Earle W. Stoddard and Gladys (Taylor) Stoddard, he grew up in Lowville, and graduated from the academy there. It was a special place for Wayne, and he enjoyed going to reunions and connecting with old friends. Wayne felt that service to the greater good was a calling. He served our country in the Navy from 1960-1964. He also served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged from that service in 1988.Wayne continued to serve our greater community as a Connecticut State Trooper, graduating from the State Police Academy in 1967. Wayne served many communities during his career, Troops E, C, and K, as a Resident State Trooper for Ledyard, and on State major crime task forces and units in Meriden and Groton. He retired in 1992 as a Major Crime Squad Detective. Wayne gave of his time and talents as a volunteer at the Hampton Fire Company. He also served our Town as Second Selectman, was a deacon at the Hampton Congregational Church and sang in the choir. A larger than life storyteller with a twinkle in his eye, he will be missed. Wayne himself would agree he was stubborn and at times hardheaded, but the bottom line was love! He loved fiercely. Wayne is survived by his children Cynthia Young and Jeffrey (Heather) Stoddard. His grandchildren, Andrew (Maureen) Young, Kelsey Young, Summer Stoddard and Mason Stoddard, and a great granddaughter, Meadow Grace Faulise. Wayne’s family also included his two “surrogate’ daughters Sandra (Mark) Frizzell, and Dorsey (Matthew) Egan and their families.

Former First Selectman Maurice Bisson will be featured in next month’s Gazette.