Hugh G. Caldwell

CALDWELL, Hugh G. Hugh G. Caldwell, of West Simsbury, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday (September 23, 2009) after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 4, 1935 in Lancaster, PA to Hugh and Frances Caldwell. He was a graduate of Closter High School in Closter, NJ and Saint Michael's College in Winooski, VT with a commission to the US Air Force where he served five years and was honorably discharged as a Captain. For many years, he was a test pilot at Kaman Aerospace, retiring as President and CEO at Ensign Bickford Aerospace Company in 1994. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association during which time he was engaged in building a kit helicopter. He also enjoyed coaching Little League baseball with his sons for the town of Simsbury for 12 years. Hugh loved flying, his home in the Adirondacks and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Laraine (Zelno) Caldwell; daughter, Laraine and husband Bob Ludlow; son, Hugh and wife Susan Caldwell; and son, Michael Caldwell, all of Simsbury; son, Gregory and wife Carole Caldwell of Canton; daughter, Kathleen Caldwell of Cambridge, MA; son, James and wife Caroline Caldwell of North Granby; brother and sister, Jack and Frances Caldwell, both of Closter, NJ; sister, Cindy and husband Martin Ryan of Framingham, MA; nieces, Mary and Katherine Caldwell; and ten grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Joseph, Christine, Jennifer, Katherine, Nicole, Danielle, Anna, and Kristin. He was predeceased by a grandson, Hugh Jack Caldwell. His family will receive friends Friday, September 25, 5-8 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd., Avon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Rd., West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery with full Military Honors. Special thanks to all the angels at UCONN Cancer Treatment Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Rd., West Simsbury, CT 06092 or Carole and Ray Neag Cancer Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030. For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneral home.com.