Raymond (Butch) Sprague Jr., of Coleman Station Rd., Millerton, NY, died November 1, 2026 in Lakeville, CT. He was the son of the late Raymond and Emma Sprague. Calling hours will be Saturday, November 7, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at The Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon, CT. A complete obituary will be posted at a later date.
Latest News
Ernest B. Sinclair
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
NORFOLK — Ernest B. Sinclair, April 20, 1937 - October 26, 2026. Ernie, 89, passed quietly on Oct. 26 ,at Geer Lodge in Canaan, Connecticut surrounded by those he loved.
Ernie was born in Bar Harbor, Maine. The family moved to naval housing in Middletown, Rhode Island while father Leon was stationed on battleships in the South Pacific during the second world war. After the war, they made the move to Norfolk, Connecticut. It was here that Ernie met his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Ryan.They were married in 1959 and wasted no time in starting a family. Over the next six and a half years, four boys and a girl were born. They lived in several places early in their marriage, but in 1967, the lure of a smaller town and a larger house brought them back to Norfolk. Ernie’s earlier experiences with the town had taught him that this was the perfect place to raise his family. He would spend the next 59 years of his life with Norfolk as his anchor.Needing a bit more care to navigate life’s challenges, Ernie moved to Geer Lodge in Canaan just this past May.
Ernie attended Oliver Wolcott Technical School, Grinnell College and the Rhode Island School of Design, eventually obtaining a degree in architecture and becoming a licensed architect, builder and building official. After working for a number of firms early in his career, he began his own design/build business. Working with his three oldest sons, he designed and built structures in Norfolk and much of the surrounding area.
In retirement, Ernie enjoyed many interests including wood carving, drawing, and his real passion, singing.He was amember of many singing groups including the Norfolk Church of Christ choir, Gaudeamus, Octo Cantabile, and the Litchfield County Choral Union. He was also a contributing vocalist on Pete Seeger’s 1996 grammy winning album “Pete”.
Ernie was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Norfolk where he served in various leadership positions, sang in the choir and was involved in the completion of many capital improvements to the church campus including the covered entryway at the rear of the chapel - a project he was particularly proud of. He was given the honor of being named a Life Steward for his commitment and service to the church.
Ernie and his partner of the past 26 years, Susie, used their later years to enjoy many of the things together that life had not afforded them earlier. They travelled, sang together and spent many winter months in a condo that Ernie had purchased in Venice, Florida.
Son of the late Leon and Janet (Coffin) Sinclair, Ernie is also predeceased by his wife Carolyn and brothers Pete and David. He leaves behind his partner Susan Hooker, brother Bob and wife Jill, brother Kirk and wife Cindy, son Stephen and wife Barbara, son Scott and wife Lisa, son Michael and wife Patti, daughter Holly, son Tom and wife Deeda, as well as 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a large extended family.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Geer campus in Canaan, Connecticut for bringing joy and comfort to Ernie in his final months.
A celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Sunday Nov. 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ, Congregational 12 Litchfield Road, Norfolk, Connecticut.
Memorial donations may be made to the Church of Christ, PO Box 582, Norfolk, CT 06058
Keep ReadingShow less
George R. DelPrete
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
LAKEVILLE — George R. DelPrete (Rick) passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2026. He was the husband of Barbara for 62 years, and the father of Skip, Jena, and Steve DelPrete, and the grandfather of eight.
Rick was born and brought up in Framingham, Massachusetts, the youngest child of Arthur and Mary DelPrete. He attended St. Stephen’s School, followed by Framingham High School. In high school he was on the honor roll, lettered in football, and on the Student Council. After graduation he attended Bowdoin College, where he majored in history and classics. He was a member of Psi Upsilon, a letter man in football and lacrosse, and President of the Student Council.
After graduation in 1961, he tried the insurance business but wanted to teach. He and Barb moved to the West Coast, where he entered UCLA. Barb took classes and worked to support them.
After graduation he took a position at Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine where he taught history and served as the Athletic Director, head football and lacrosse coach.
After five years he moved on to The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut where he taught history and became the Athletic Director and head football coach in football and lacrosse. He retired after thirty-four years continuing to live in Lakeville. He was on the school board, chairman of the Education Committee, a member of the Zoning Board and a Justice of the Peace. His favorite hobby was fly fishing and he did it from Alaska to New England.
There will be a funeral on Nov., 21 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Lakeville, CT at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private. Ryan Funeral Home, Lakeville, is in care of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Trout Unlimited of Northwest CT.
Keep ReadingShow less
James Lawrence Sullivan
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
COLEBROOK — James Lawrence Sullivan was born on Feb. 18, 1936, in Winsted, Connecticut, to John Sullivan, who immigrated from England, and Emma Isabelle Sullivan, who immigrated from Canada. James was a first-generation American who carried his family roots with pride. He grew up alongside his brother, John Sullivan, and went on to build a life that reflected the values of hard work, independence, and family.
James attended Oliver Wolcott School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. After completing his military service, he began his career with C. H. Nickerson Construction Company, where he worked as a foreman. A tough, hardworking carpenter by trade, James was a skilled craftsman who took great pride in working with his hands. He was never one to sit still and always seemed to have another project going. He could build just about anything, and perhaps his greatest accomplishment was building his own home from the ground up in Colebrook, Connecticut. That home became more than a structure; it became the heart of his family’s memories and a lasting part of his legacy.
James was happiest outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he had a lifelong love of trapping, fishing, and farming. He especially enjoyed the winter months checking his trap lines. Trapping was a passion he loved sharing with his family, and he took pride in teaching his son and grandson the skills and traditions of trapping, passing along knowledge that will live on for generations.
His farm and all its animals held a special place in his heart. He especially loved his very first cow, Elizabeth, who would always hold a special place in his memories. The farm was more than land and animals to James; it was a way of life and a source of happiness. He was also a lifelong member of the NTA, CTA, and NRA, organizations that reflected his longstanding interests and passions.
Above all, James valued his family. He married Barbara Thiery on June 27, 1957, and together they shared 72 years of love, companionship, and memories. Their life together was built on commitment, family, and the many experiences they shared throughout the years.
James leaves behind his beloved wife, Barbara; his three children, Gail Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Michele Sullivan; and his two grandsons, Nicholas Sullivan and Mitchell Sullivan.
James will be remembered as a tough, hardworking, independent man who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He was a carpenter, a farmer, an outdoorsman, and a devoted family man. He built more than a home; he built a life, a family, and a legacy that will carry on through the generations. His hands built the house, worked the land, cared for his animals, and followed the trap lines. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the knowledge, traditions, stories, and love he passed down to his family.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of James’s Life
Family and friends are invited to gather for a remembrance of James on Nov. 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Norbrook Brewery.
All who knew and loved James are welcome to join in sharing stories, memories, and celebrating a life well lived.
The Kenny Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Keep ReadingShow less

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
In Appreciation - Mike Citrin
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
Mike Citrin of Ancramdale, New York, passed away on August 9, 2026. Many in our community knew him as a friend and a man of uncommon virtue. I knew Mike as his physical therapist of many years, and he was one of the most remarkable and heroic persons I will ever meet.
Mike developed Parkinson’s disease more that 30 years ago. A few years back, he lost all his strength and mobility, coming close to death. Deciding he needed to get out of the clinic and back into nature, we turned to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. There, he regained his ability to walk and found another chance at life. Remarkably, at age 80, he recovered such stamina with his walking aid that he eventually could outlast me on the trail.
But this was not enough for Mike–he wanted to ride a bike again. We found a three-wheeled bike that fit his bent-over posture perfectly, and took to the trail once more. He became so adept that soon he was a low-riding and ubiquitous figure, soloing all over the roads of southeast Columbia County.
He graduated from physical therapy, and I became his biking partner. It was an exhausting role;even at the very end, in his mid-80’s, I was never able to keep pace with him. When Parkinson’s nearly killed him a second time, he recovered yet again. Soon he was riding the Rail Trail 12 miles to Millerton for lunch, and 12 miles back home.
Mike regained several robust years of his life from the healing graces of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, and I experienced this remarkable grace alongside (and far behind) him.
I have cast six stones with Mike’s name, and placed them alongside the Rail Trail to honor him. They are hidden, and some may never be found. It is my hope that the stretch of the Rail Trail between Millerton and Copake Falls will forever be imbued with his spirit, and will henceforth be known as the Mike Citrin Path.
Ken Rude
Red Hook, New York
Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - November 3, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
SERVICES OFFERED
Carpenter/Builder/Handy-man David Valyou Renovations, Repairs and Maintenance. Old homes and barns my speciality. Extensive knowledge and experience. 25 years serving NY, CT, MA. Licensed & insured. Based in Canaan, CT. Call or text 917-538-1617 for consultation. David Valyou @yahoo.com
SNOW PLOWING. Prompt Local Service. Lakeville Millerton Area. 518-567-8277.
Hector Pacay Landscaping, LLC. Residental & Commercial. Tree service, Painting, Masonry, Stone Walls, Lawn Mowing, Gardens, Construction. CT and NY. 845-636-3212.
HELP WANTED
GARDENER NEEDED. Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Looking for a person to find events for a nature-based retreat. Contact Gary at 860-248-0056.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
PUBLISHER'S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or:rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination
HOUSE FOR RENT
SHARON, CT - HOUSE FOR RENT $3,200/Month Available November 16. Private 2-3 bedroom home on 3 acres with 2 car garage and new kitchen appliances. Furnished or unfurnished. Close to Mohawk Ski Area, land trust trails, restaurants & prep schools. Electric, mowing & plowing included. Tenant responsible for fuel oil. Pets considered. References, credit check, first month rent plus security deposit required. Call 860-671-1112.
2 Bedroom House. Millerton, NY. Quiet. 4 miles from town. No Dogs. $2400 monthly, plus utilities. 518-567-8277.
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
3 Room Apartment in Sharon, utilities included. $1800 per month. 860-248-0056.
PETS
Goldendoodle puppies thoughtfully raised and socialized. Find your perfect puppy and apply online at BridleWoof.com
Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - November 3, 2026
Lakeville Journal
Nov 03, 2026
TOWN OF SHARON WARNING:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes 7-239 and 7-255, the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Sharon will hold a Public Hearing to hear public comment relating to the following matters: NEW: Proposed rate increases for sewer charges/services and water charges/services. It is proposed that the increases for sewer charges/services and water charges/services be made effective as authorized by Chapters 102 and 103 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Said Public Hearing is to be held at the Sharon Town Hall, 63 Main Street at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 16, 2026. A copy of the proposed increases for sewer charges/services and water charges/services are attached hereto, and on file in the Selectmen's Office, the Town Clerk's Office, town website and available for examination. Dated at Sharon, Connecticut this 2nd day of November, 2026. Casey Flanagan, First Selectman Lynn Kearcher, Selectman John Brett, Selectman
11-05-26
Keep ReadingShow less

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.
loading













