Everett August Voelker

Waterford - Everett August Voelker, 90, of Waterford, passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Bayview Health Care Center on Aug. 31, 2013.

Born Nov. 8, 1922, in New London, to August and Elizabeth Voelker, he was a lifelong resident of Waterford, graduated from Chapman Technical High School, class of 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1943 and served through December 1945. He was a member of the greatest generation who bravely served with the 32nd Infantry Red Arrow Division in the Pacific Theatre seeing action in New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon, Philippines.

Returning from service, he married Ruth Caldwell on Oct. 8, 1946, and enjoyed 42 years of marriage.

He was a co-founder of the Waterford Vikings, active with the Junior Midshipmen, Boy Scouts of America Troop 29, member of the Connecticut District Council of Boy Scouts, and volunteered at the New London Food Pantry. Everett retired as a senior technician from Northeast Utilities after 40 years of service in 1985. He was a member of American Legion and the New London VFW.

Everett is survived by a daughter, Nancy Frano and husband, Jack, of Yarmouthport, Mass.; a son, Jack and wife, Karin, of Waterford; a daughter-in-law, Susan Voelker of Oakdale; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Caldwell) Voelker in 1988, son, Craig in 2003, and his brother, Edwin.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Bayview Healthcare for the kind and loving care they provided. His grandchildren will fondly remember him as "Mr. Fix It" and for his creative woodworking skills.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Thomas L. Neilan and Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. The funeral procession will assemble at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, from the funeral home and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Church, Rope Ferry Road, Waterford. The burial will follow at Jordan Cemetery in Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, 18 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT 06107 and the Cactus Jack Foundation, PO Box 145, Waterford, CT 06385.

Condolence messages may be left on Mr. Voelker's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com