Past Members:

Forever in Our Hearts

Billie M. Powe

December 31, 1948 - June 9, 2013

Billie M. Powe, age 64, of Shelton entered into rest on Sunday June 9, 2013 in St. Vincent Hospital. She was born in Milford on Dec. 31, 1948 daughter of the late Michael and Mary Simko.

Billie was a member of the 35th Regiment Foote based out of Lake George, NY a group that did historical reenactments of the 1700's . She was especially known for being an excellent seamstress, and designer of many of the lady's costumes. She spent a great deal of time researching period costumes and replicating them for the members of her group.

A loving Mother, Grandmother, and Sister, Billie is survived by her beloved three children Jonathan Powe, Sadie Powe, and Charlotte Marxo and four beloved grandchildren, Gavin Powe, Zachary Powe, and Dashiell Marxo and loving three sisters Barbara Davis, Linda Simko and Carol

Myers. She also leaves her dear friend Ted St. Amand.

Ted St. Amand

June 23, 1940 - March 24, 2020

Ted St. Amand, 79, passed away on March 24, 2020 in Slaton, Texas. He was born in Newark, New Jersey on June 23, 1940.

Ted began reenacting over 46 years ago (As far as I can tell) as an outcrop of his long time hobby of competitive shooting sports. His most prominent early personas included a French Marine during the French & Indian War (America)/Seven Year War, and as French Engineer attached to the 6th Connecticut Regiment of Foot. While a member of the 6CR he also portrayed a soldier when bodies were needed along the line, and more frequently a safety officer at events for the American cause during the American War for Independence at reenactments. Also, as a long-standing member of the 6th Connecticut and later as that unit's Regimental Surgeon. His persona as a Regimental Surgeon was perhaps his most defining role and one he embraced fully. He spent years researching, and gathering reproduction and authentic surgical tools and medicinal. While a member of the 6th Connecticut he and several other New England unit regimental surgeons coordinated a very successful 18th C. symposium held in Lebanon, Connecticut which drew reenactors from all over New England to share their research and expertise. Ted’s medical collection and the library are now in the possession of Alan Whitney of Ware, Massachusetts who is also a member of the 4th Connecticut who pledged to keep Ted’s legacy and learning alive for future generations.

Ted and his lovely companion Billie Powe who he introduced into reenacting in 2001 were stalwart fixtures of the 6CR. Ted and Billie met by chance where she was working at Ted’s optometrist’s office in Shelton, CT. Ted noted on one visit that he needed specific eyeglass frames that looked historical because of his involvement in living history reenacting. Billie enthusiastically asked if Ted knew “Sal Tarrantino”? Of course Ted knew Sal another long time CT Revolutionary War reenactor, and Billie explained that she was a seamstress and had been making the reenacting uniforms for Sal’s Sheldon’s Horse Guard for years. She yearned to see them in use and on the field and to see what this world of reenacting was all about. So Ted invited her to attend the Revolutionary Windsor reenactment in 2001. It was there where Ted introduced Billie to Luise Craige-Sherman and the rest of the members of the 6th Connecticut. Billie and Luise became quick and best friends and so Billie too became a fixture in the world of reenacting and went on to sew many of the soldier’s uniforms for the 6th and other units over the years. Ted and Billie were often the first to arrive at an encampment to help set up the unit’s dining fly and cooking area. Sadly, Billie predeceased Ted in 2013 from cancer. Ted kept on reenacting despite a broken heart but everyone who knew him could see it was never quite the same without his “sweet lady” love by his side.

Ted also fulfilled the role of Regimental Surgeon with the 5th for a couple of years before Billie passed and then he and others formed the 4th Connecticut Regiment. Although at first blush, Ted appeared to be somewhat reserved, private and shy- his ability to entrance and captivate the public and fellow reenactors during his 18th C. medical presentations at reenactments was second to none. One would always know when Ted "was on" because his station had the largest crowd. Around the campfire in the evening he would recount how many spectators nearly fainted when he explained and demonstrated the amputation procedures or withdrew a wiggly (fake) leech from his leech jar.

Five years ago, Ted joined some of his friends to get back into the French & Indian War era and became the Regimental surgeon of the British unit the 35th Regiment of Foot. He continued to do reenactments, museum and school shows up until his move to Texas in 2018 when he sold his house in Shelton CT and retired to live full time on his RV.

Other hobbies of Ted's included restoring and racing Jaguar automobiles and tracing is ancestral roots to the town of Avon, Quebec Province, Canada and over the pond to France. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and was a certified firearms safety instructor and had taught safety classes and introduced many people into the world of firearms and competition shooting. He loved cooking and during his reenacting hobby was known for his early rising to get the firepit going, a very strong pot of coffee brewing (with grounds) and making breakfast for the unit without breaking a sweat.

Ted carried over his love of cooking and helping others with his long service to the Masonic Order. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge # in Bridgeport Connecticut where he was often found behind the counter of the kitchen preparing large group meals, dinners for fundraising events, etc. He held many chairs in his Lodge.

Richard “Doc” Kennedy

April 18, 1943 - October 29, 2013

Richard H. Kennedy, age 70, of Branford, CT and formerly of Riverside, RI, died gently at home on October 29, 2013. He was born in Manchester, CT, son of the late Stewart R. Kennedy and Evelyn Tedford Kennedy.

He was a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and served as a hospital administrator for San Francisco General Hospital and Vice President of Operations at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, where he helped plan and execute the relocation of the hospital to its current location.

He graduated from Middlebury College and earned advanced degrees from Stanford and Bryant Universities. A 33-year veteran, he was a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve and commanded the 455th General Hospital in Providence, RI and the 803rd Medical Group in Boston, which served in the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm (1990-91). He commanded a 2, 000 bed medical complex, which treated 29, 000 casualties. His unit was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation and he was awarded the Bronze Star. He completed his military service as Assistant Chief, Medical Service Corps in the Office of the Army Surgeon General and was awarded the Legion of Military Merit.

He was a lifelong teacher, beginning as an English teacher at Sharon High School (MA). After retiring he was a volunteer gardener at the Alcatraz historical site, taught writing at Quinnipiac University, and in the last months of his life taught his health care team and family about the dignity of life and death.

His passion and avocation for 18th century medicine led to his appointment as surgeon re-enactor for the Pawtuxet Rangers of Rhode Island. He lectured extensively on 18th century medicine, including at the Old Operating Theater in London and the Royal College of Surgeons. He also served with the 6th Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line and the Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps. His book, Leeches & Liberty, is a historical fiction of the life of a surgeon during the War of American Independence.

He is deeply missed by his wife, Holly Powell Kennedy, two sons, Shaun and wife Elizabeth Kennedy of Franklin, MA and Brian Kennedy of New York City, two grandchildren, Michael Richard and Bridget Mary Kennedy, sister, Barbara Dudek and husband Roger of Ellington, CT, beloved cat Abby, and a wide community of friends and colleagues.

David T. Holloway

February 7, 1951 - October 25, 2015

David T. Holloway, 64, of Wallingford, beloved husband of Deborah (Spaulding) Holloway, departed this life on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born in New Haven, son of the late John and Jean (Carroll) Holloway. He was a 1969 graduate of Wilcox Technical School in Meriden. He enlisted in U. S. Navy as a Seabee and retired as a Chief Petty Officer Builder which allowed him to travel the world. Dave achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America and continued to serve Troop 5 in Wallingford as a Scout Master, Assistant Scout Master and Eagle Advisor. He was instrumental in the W3R (Washington - Rochambeau Revolutionary Route) becoming a national historical trail. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 73 along with the Memorial Day Committee. In his spare time Dave enjoyed traveling with his wife, family, and friends. Dave spent his life honoring those who have served, and now he serves with those he has honored.

His memory lives on in his wife, Deborah, of Wallingford and their three daughters, Deanna Drumheller and her husband, Steve, of Meriden, Danielle Miller and her husband, Matt, of Southington, and Doreen Holloway, of Wallingford. He also leaves a brother, John Holloway Jr., and his wife, Amy Sue, of Maryland. Dave also leaves his five beloved grandchildren, Emma, Taheton, Sydney, Sophie, and Allison; along with two aunts, Ruth Connell of Colorado, and Jean Carroll of Madison; and an uncle, Robert Dean Holloway, of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Wallingford. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church with full military honors following. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be directed to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, PO Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD, 21741 (www.mskcc.org). The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Raajit Rampal and Dr. Roni Tamari for the wonderful care given to David throughout his battle with cancer.

Robert "Anthony" Lecce, III

October 6, 1994 - March 10, 2018

Robert “Anthony” Lecce, III, of Salem and formerly of Old Mystic, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (March 10, 2018) at home at the age of 23.

Born Oct. 6, 1994 in Daytona Beach, FL, he was the son of Robert A. Lecce, Jr. of Old Mystic and the late Jennifer Lynn Lee. Anthony grew up in Old Mystic and was a graduate of Stonington High School, where he played on the football team and with the marching band. His passion for music, as an accomplished drummer, followed him and he was with the Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, even assisting instruction. Anthony was also a member of the Mystic Leo’s Club and enjoyed computer gaming in his spare time.

In addition to his father (and his father’s partner, Michael Cardillo, Jr.), he leaves two siblings, Kaelyn Lecce of Old Mystic and Taylor Dial of Gainesville, FL; his grandparents, Robert and Carol Lecce of Salem and Tom and Margie Lee of Port Orange, FL; and numerous extended family and friends.

The family will receive guests from 5 – 7 PM Friday (March 16th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday (March 17th) directly at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 752 Norwich-Salem Turnpike (Rte. 82), Oakdale. Burial will follow in the Salem Green Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Nutmeg Vol. Jr. Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, P.O. Box 588, Groton 06340.

Robert Jean Tetreault (aka PZBob)

October 5, 1959 – August 3, 2011

Robert Jean Tetreault passed away on August 3, 2011 at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain, CT, at age 52. He was born in Hartford on October 3, 1959, and lived in New Britain for many years. He was formally employed at H&R Block.

His passion was being part of American Revolutionary War reenactments that spanned over 30 years. He belonged to many units but called the 25th Massachusetts Regiment home. He participated in a number of milestone events, such as Turning Point (Saratoga’s 220th anniversary) and most of the 225th anniversary events of the Revolutionary War. Robert cherished his participation in Rochambeau ‘88, the RevWar event held in France, and his connection with the then Count de Rochambeau. He is survived by his mother, Jacqueline (Boulangar) Tetreault of Portland, Ct; two brothers, Raymond Boulangar and his wife Jacqueline of East Hampton, Ronald Tetreault and his partner Jessie Laberge of New Britain; two nephews and four neices.

A gravesite service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 11am at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. There will be no calling hours.

John D. Poole

September 25, 1960 - October 26, 2019

John D. Poole, age 59 of Milford, passed away at home with hospice care on October 26, 2019. John was born in Bronxville, NY, September 25, 1960, son of the late John R. and Josephine Chmiel Poole.

John was a lifelong Stratford resident and graduated from Stratford High School class of 1978, SCSU class of 1983, and NYU Tandon School of Engineering class of 1988. He recently retired from a long career as a Computer Software Engineer, most recently with Oracle Fusion Adaptive Intelligence. Among his many activities and interests were rowing as a member of the New Haven Rowing Club, and historic preservation as a member of Milford Preservation Trust, the Stratford Historical Society, and as President of the Derby Historical Society. He also had a passion for Colonial-era Timber frame homes and Sustainable Green Energy Home Restoration. Recently married, he is survived by his wife Regina Cahill Poole, three step-children, and five step-granddaughters. He is also survived by cousins Frances Hope and Nancy McClellan.

An Interment Memorial Service will be announced and open to the public. In his memory, contributions can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. To leave condolences, please visit www.georgejsmithandson.com

Katherine L. Overton
November 11, 1948 - September 10, 2022

Katherine Louise (Williams) Overton was born on November 19, 1948, in New Haven, CT to the late Rae Elinor Williams of New Britain, CT and the late Theodie "Fred" Williams of Helena, Arkansas. On September 10th, 2022, after a brief illness God called her home.
Katherine received her formal education in Elizabeth City, NC where she attended P.W. Moore High School. Shortly after segregation was declared unlawful, she transferred to Elizabeth City High School. She agreed, with her mother, to become a part of integration, as the 1st Black student to attend the formerly all-white high school. It would be one of the many challenges Katherine would gracefully overcome in her life.

Our mother stated that it was a very stressful time in her life having to endure being spat on, called racial slurs, and ostracized. However, it would prove to be one of the many adversities she would face head on in her life and still thrive. Katherine went on to graduate from Elizabeth City High School with honors at 17 years old and was then accepted into Howard University. There was a detour from college for several years after marriage to Carlton Overton of Perquimans County, North Carolina. That union produced three beautiful children Candice, Barry, and Katrina.

Although this union would not end as planned; Katherine remained steadfast and immovable, making sure she provided for her children and never lost sight of her goal to finish college. She eventually returned to college and attended Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina where she received a BS in Business Administration with Katherine also obtained
a Presidential Memorial Certificate for Timothy Cesar officially recognizing his service to our country signed by former President Barack Obama.

Katherine was a talented flutist as a teenager. She enjoyed music from the Motown era, Jazz and Classical. She loved art and her favorite pieces were works featuring indigenous people. She loved attending and volunteering at jazz concerts at the Merriweather Pavilion in Maryland. She collected all types of gemstone jewelry. Her most beloved were turquoise and amethyst. She also enjoyed hand dancing. Katherine was an avid reader and researcher, which was poured down to all of us. However, in her later years, her greatest passion became genealogy and her ultimate purpose in life and for our family, which was uncovering our family history for more than a decade of her life. This is how she came to be called our family griot or storyteller. One of her greatest accomplishments was locating documentation on Timothy Cesar, our Revolutionary War great grandfather who fought in the 6th Connecticut Regiment.

As a result of her petition to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Timothy Cesar finally would receive a gravestone erected at the place of his unmarked grave in the historical Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, CT 200 years later! Katherine also obtained a Presidential Memorial Certificate for Timothy Cesar officially recognizing his service to our country signed by former President Barack Obama.
Another "aha" moment occurred when Katherine began researching our local family history in the Salisbury, CT area. She knew of the stories passed on by her mother and other family members. She traveled to the place of her ancestors and spent many hours in the local town hall located in the center of The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. During her research she located our Cesar family homesite, which is part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, known as Cesar Brook campsite in Sharon, CT. One of her proudest moments was collaborating in 2020-2021 with her two grandsons Isaac and Kasai Moore and the Salisbury School students and history staff teacher, Rhonan Mokriski, on the documentary "Coloring Our Past" highlighting the local history of the Cesar family. Remarkably, both boys currently attend Salisbury School as students themselves. Katherine was ecstatic to know two of her grandchildren would have the opportunity to attend boarding school in the land of her ancestors.

One other recent highlight of her life through sharing her stories of our family ties to Joel and Amy Spingarn, ardent supporters, and leaders of the NAACP, was witnessing the collaboration of Salisbury School and other local area high schools establish the annual
Troutbeck Symposium in Amenia, NY in April 2022. Her vision and passion of seeing young adults interested in American history inclusive of the contributions of people of color and indigenous people was part of her mission. Her last behind the scenes research she conducted over the past year or so was going even further back beyond the 200 years of history to uncover our indigenous family history stemming from our progenitor, Rachel Cesar. She expressed her wishes that her family continue the research. Her wish is being fulfilled through Isaac’s Coloring Our Past history class this year. Her story continues!

Katherine was a member of the Museum of American Revolution, the Afro-American Historical Society—Central Maryland Chapter, the 6th Connecticut Regiment reenactment organization, Friends of the Grove St. Cemetery, and an attendee of the Dixwell Avenue
Congressional United Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents Theodie Fred Williams and Rae Elinor Williams; brother, Raymond C Williams, and two grandsons Marcelus Moore and Brennen Jackson Sr. Katherine Louise Williams leaves to cherish her memory and sacrificial love her children: one son, Barry Overton of Pittsburgh, PA, and two daughters Candice Jackson (husband, Morgan Jr.) and Katrina Moore (husband, Mahesh) all of Texas, and one sister Marlene Stanford of Columbus, OH; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a host of
nephews, nieces, family, and friends.