Robert Lyman Southworth 1921-2010
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Lion Robert Lyman Southworth beloved husband and father, on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Mr. Southworth was born February 11, 1921 in Montclair, N.J., a son of the late Augustus Reynell and Florence (Lyman) Southworth. He grew up in the long time family home in Englewood, N.J. and graduated from The Englewood Boys School in 1939. He graduated with a BA in Mathematics from Wesleyan University in 1944 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He furthered his education at Columbia and Cornell Universities. He served in the American and Asiatic Pacific Theatres as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Reno and LST 1075 and was honorably discharged in 1946. As the grandson and son of pioneer dealers and distributors in the automobile business, he worked in one of the family businesses, Glidden Buick Corporation from 1946-1950, T. Southworth Tractor and Machinery Co. in New York in 1951 before becoming part owner of New Milford Tractor Corp. from 1952 to 1961. With the decline of farming, the business was sold and he worked as an accountant for Perkin Elmer in Wilton, retiring after 25 years of service. For 57 years, Mr. Southworth was a dedicated Lions member, serving as president and life member of the New Milford Lions Club, a charter and life member of the Kent Lions Club, Past District Governor and Secretary Treasurer of District 23B Council, as well as past president of CT Lions Eye Research. A memorial service will be held on August 29th at 1 p.m. at the Roxbury Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the CT Lions Eye Research Foundation, Inc., PO Box 9268, New Haven, CT 06533 or the charity of one's choice. Information and on line condolences at HullFuneralService.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Congratulations and Good Luck to Lion Larry
Lion Larry Tracey recently came in 3rd place in a vision impaired fishing tournament which qualifies him to compete in another salt water tournament on the Outer Banks of North Carolina very soon. Let’s all wish him the best. You really know how to hook ‘em Larry! VIP Fishing Tournament website
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J Russell (Russ) Nicolas, Jr 1946-2010
It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of one of our own. Melvin Jones Fellow Lion Russ Nicolas joined the club in 1974, sponsored by Dean Price. Below is an excerpt from the NewsTimes.
Russ Nicolas was born on Christmas Day, 1946.
Those who knew him say he was a true gift to the New Milford community.
Mr. Nicolas died early this week at New Milford Hospital from complications following a surgery. Aged 63, he was retired from New Milford schools where he taught at the high school from 1968 to 1997.
"I started at New Milford High in fall of 1985 and Russ was here," said friend and fellow teacher Stephen Flanagan. "I enjoyed his company tremendously. We both taught American history and were both ardent Red Sox fans. I'm saddened for his loss."
When Mr. Nicolas retired, he donated his large, private collection of history books to the high school library. He did it quietly, insisting on no fanfare.
From 1974 until his death, he was a member of the New Milford Lions Club. Over the years, he had held every office the local club had, as well as the Board of Directors for Harrybrooke Park.
He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, one of the highest honors a Lion can receive. For the last 10 years, Mr. Nicolas served as the local club historian.
"Russ was always there," said New Milford Lions Assistant Governor Curt Fitch. "If he wasn't, you knew he was sick or on vacation."
"You could always count on Russ. He was a great guy," Mr. Fitch added. "He kept the Lions in line. He was very ambitious and energetic in his early years. He was a Lion's Lion."
Feeling a call to civic duty, Mr. Nicolas served on the Board of Selectmen in the mid-to-late 1980s. He later served for a time on the town's Zoning Commission.
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It is with deep sadness that we regret to announce the sudden passing of Melvin Jones Fellow Lion Gabor Szilagyi who has contributed so much of himself to our Club over the last 28 years. Sponsored by Jim Stephens, Gabe joined our club in May, 1980 and immediately immersed himself in Lionism becoming our Treasurer by the mid to late 1980’s, a position he held for 6 years. Gabe also served as our Club’s President in 1990 and 1991.
Throughout the 1990’s Gabe was involved in and chaired our annual Fireworks/Carnival display. Not to rest upon his laurels, he became our head Pizza maker during New Milford’s annual Fair Days event for the last 7 to 8 years.
In 2003, Gabe received his well deserved Melvin Jones award. His most recent contribution was to show up unannounced and unsolicited last Spring to help kick off our new Beer Tasting event where he served food throughout the event. Will his spirit and altruism be missed in our Club and our community?? YOU BETCHA!.
