Raymond Grana

P/C Raymond Grana, SN was a member of Chicago Power Squadron for 45 years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all USPS efforts including Education, Treasurer, Contests, Port Captain, Membership and CoOp Charting. He will be missed by many.

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Eugene Sullivan

Eugene James Sullivan passed away with his family by his side on February 16, 2021 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, CT after an eight year and one month ordeal with lung and thyroid cancer (and various other maladies).

Gene was born on November 19, 1934 in Yonkers, New York, the fourth child of six and the third Marine of five born to the late Michael L. Sullivan and Frances (Kingberger) Sullivan. Gene graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1952. That decision led him to Parris Island Boot Camp, the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and Camp LeJeune, North Carolina where he was part of the Second Battalion, Second Marines. While with the Marine Corps, he was able to travel Europe, Asia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. After leaving the Corps with an honorable discharge, he attended Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland under the G.I. Bill. He graduated from The Mount in 1960 and went on to get his master’s degree in English at the University of Detroit. Post-graduate life involved working for Grolier Encyclopedia where he researched and put together entries on the Pan Am Building and recreational sailing that made it into the 1963 and 1964 editions of the encyclopedia.

Working for Grolier gradually led him west to a variety of cities including Chicago, Kansas City, Denver and, ultimately, Los Angeles, where he met and married his wife Shirley in November of 1965. They began their next 55 years together by driving across the country and eventually settling in Connecticut where they had two children and two grandchildren. Gene’s life in Connecticut involved working in modern technologies such as computers, telecommunications and office systems. From the 1980s through the 2000s, Gene ran his own business in the telecom industry while also finding time for community service work with the United States Power Squadron, the Exchange Club, the Connecticut Chapter of the Mount St. Mary’s alumni group, the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the Marine Corps League.

When not working or volunteering, he could inevitably be found on the beach at Black Point Beach Club in East Lyme, CT or boating with his wife and friends on the Connecticut River via the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club in Lyme, CT. Gene loved being on the water almost as much as he loved the Marine Corps and he loved the Marine Corps almost as much as he loved being around friends and family.

Gene is predeceased by his sister Mary Lu and his brothers Michael, John and Emmett. He is survived by his wife Shirley (Sanchez) of Portland, CT, his son Tim of Portland, CT, his daughter Amy, her husband Jeff (Stomsky), grandsons Matthew and Adam of Newington, CT, his brother Joseph of New Mexico and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like take this moment to thank oncologist Dr. Mohan Menon, formerly of Hartford Hospital, the staff of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center at Hartford Hospital, oncology nurse Jayne Shea and the staff at the Starling Physicians Infusion Center in Wethersfield, CT, Dr. Thomas J. Lynch, Jr., formerly of Yale-New Haven Hospital, Dr. Sarah Finnegan of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Newington, CT, the caregivers at DynamicTouch Home Care in West Hartford, CT and Liz Petry and Christy Billings of the Veterans Writing Group at Russell Library in Middletown, CT. A private service for Gene will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Portland, CT. He will be laid to rest with military honors following the service at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Portland, CT or the American Cancer Society.

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Dick Patton

It is with deep sadness that I let you know of the passing of Dick Patton, S, on February 23, 2021. Dick passed away this morning after successfully completing heart surgery in recent weeks. Dick had been a member of Cape Fear Sail & Power Squadron for 9 years and was Treasurer for much of 2020. Dick completed the ABC course as well as the Cruise Planning Seminar and the Seamanship Course. He loved to talk about being on the water and his knowledge of boating. In fact he was ready to talk about just about anything and was one of the friendliest people I met as a new member. Dick’s positive approach to life and his wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed by all of us.

Dick and Myra were an important part of the many Pot Luck groups over the years and Dick was always ready to help out with all our events and activities. His contributions and friendship at meetings and events helped make our squadron the community that it is. Our thoughts and prayers are with Myra and the family as they move through this difficult time.

Information about services and a memorial will be shared when available.

Dick will be missed and we send him heart felt blessings for a smooth passage across the bar on his way home. -Otis White

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Michael Anthony Mentuck

Michael Anthony Mentuck, “Umpie,” a lifelong resident of Marblehead, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family at the age of 81 on February 7, 2021, after a brief illness.

Mike graduated Hebron Academy in 1957 and attended Tufts University before taking a job with Underwriters Salvage Corporation as a salvor. He worked with George M. Ruddy and Company for
many years as manager of the Boston and Montreal offices. In 1980 Mike opened his own company, Michael A. Mentuck & Associates, Inc. and ran that company up until his passing. Mike was very well known in the insurance salvage industry and was involved in leadership positions for numerous industry and professional groups. He traveled extensively during his career visiting every state, 10 Canadian provinces, and 38 countries and territories including China, Guam, Europe, the Caribbean and South America providing salvage and other services to various insurance companies.

Mike was a mainstay on the Marblehead waterfront and enjoyed spending time on his boat ELIZABETH M., which he often volunteered for charitable organizations including Wounded Warriors, Anchor to Windward, Sailing Heals and numerous others. He was a lifetime member of the Boston Yacht Club, where he served as the chair of numerous committees before being appointed Commodore in 1989. He was very involved with the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race and as a result of his efforts is one of only two Americans to ever receive an Honorary Membership to the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, the oldest sailing club in the America’s. This is an honor that he was extremely proud of and he will be missed by many at the RNSYS. He served on the Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board  and served as Chairman of the Marblehead Fireworks Committee.

Mike was active in many social clubs in town and was at one point the youngest Exalted Ruler of an Elks Lodge (Marblehead) in the country. In 2006 Mike was honored with the Marblehead Harbor Award, in recognition of his extensive philanthropic work with the Marblehead waterfront. In 2020 he was named Mariner of the Year by the Mariners Club of Massachusetts. He was a Mason and an active member of the Gerry Five VFA. He was a regular of the morning crew at The Driftwood Restaurant and a member of the Wharf Rats Society (Boston Station).

For Mike, his happiest, most rewarding days were spent on the ELIZABETH M. with his beloved wife, his children, and grandchildren. Mike was born to Elsie and John Mentuck on May 22, 1939, in Swampscott. Though Mike achieved several honors in his lifetime his proudest accomplishment
was his family, whom he adored. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Johnson); four sons and their wives Michael and Pamela of Marblehead, Todd and Amanda of Swampscott, Doug and Debra of Swampscott, and Jeff and Brett of Salem; nine grandchildren Taylor, Michael, Courtney, Alexandra, Allison, Douglas, Paige, Megan and Max; along with five great-grandchildren. He leaves his sister Patricia Hayes, and brother John Mentuck.

ARRANGEMENTS: A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anchor to Windward (anchortowindward.org).

For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com.

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Jay Dahlgren

Jay was born in Mt. Pleasant , NY, son of the late Edward Joseph Dahlgren and Adeline Theresa Miles. He was the General Manager of Edisto Beverage of Orangeburg, and was a retired Master Chief in the U.S. Navy, and a veteran of Vietnam and Korea. Jay proudly served as the Commodore of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary since February 1992, and with the US Power Squadron since 1991 in Columbia, SC. -Elizabeth Agar

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William Baldwin

P/D/C William W. Baldwin, SN, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. Born in Fort Wayne on July 27, 1940, he was the son of Hiram and Ethel (Smith) Baldwin. A resident of Fort Wayne and formerly of Gary, Ind., (Miller Beach), and Snow Lake, Fremont, Ind., he married Sharon M. Sutton on June 25, 1975. Bill was a graduate of Indiana Central College and received his Masters and PhD from Indiana University, Bloomington. He retired after 42 years of combined educational service from Indiana University Northwest Medical School in 2005 as Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the Northwest Center for Medical Education, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, and in his early career a teacher at George Washington High School in Indianapolis Ind. He was the 2005 recipient of the distinguished Sagamore of Wabash Award; a member of Rotary International in which he was the 2004-2005 Governor, District 6540; and the United States Power Squadron. He and Sharon enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and he was an avid fisherman. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly C. Covell – Campbell and Frank Campbell of Osawatomie, Kan.; step grand-daughter, Krystle Campbell (Ryan Gindlesperger) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; brother-in-law, Wayne Lantz of Fort Wayne; and numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joanne B. Lantz and Alvera M. Shaw; brother-in-law, David R. Shaw; and nephew, David J. Shaw. Graveside service is 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery, Pleasant Lake, Ind. Dr. William Smith will officiate the service. Due to the current pandemic masks will be required. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rotary International or Indiana University Northwest School of Medicine. Internment provided by Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Ind. Condolences may be sent online. -Bill Jenkins

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Ruth Ann Bee

Long time member Ruth Ann Bee crossed the bar on April 28, 2020. Memorials may be made in her memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hartwell, GA or the Council for Domestic Violence. Hartwell, GA. We will miss her infectious smile, her fabulous baked goods, and the joy she gave to everyone. -Gail Wilshire

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Socrates Ivan Birsky-Okuntsoff

Jan 24, 1931 – Jan 21, 2021

Lt Socrates Ivan Birsky-Okunstoff, SN, was born in Arcadia, FL, son of Ivan Kuzmich Okuntsoff of Siberia and Nadejda Birsky-Okuntsoff of Poland. He was educated in New York City at the Music Settlement School and graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. Socrated started playing the violin and the piano at the age of 3. He first played for an audience of over 200 at the age of 3. By the time he was 8 he had started dance lessons. He became a student at the Fokine Ballet Studio in Carnegie Hall. Classical Ballet and Russian Ballet became his life and in 1948 he left home to tour in South America and Cuba. In 1951 Socrates was engaged by the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC as the leader in the Corps-de-ballet. He also was under contract with the CBS TV Network for the “USA Canteen Show” and Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town”. After an injury that ended his dance career he opened his own dance school in NYC. He was fluent in 4 languages and eventually retired to Sarasota, FL. -Barbara C Wolfe

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