Waterford’s Stories of the Year

The New Year is almost here, and it gives Patch time to reflect on the year that was. Without further ado, here are the most well read stories of the year:

The Most Inspirational Stories Of The Year

The Life of Bobby Hunter

This remains my favorite story of the year. Hunter was the ultimate everyman, a regular guy with a regular job who died earlier this year. However, he touched so many people, just by being a good person who did the right thing. Another lessons that all of us can make a difference if we live life the right way and treat people the way they ought to be treated.

Waterford Loses Its Most Dedicated Servant

Another news obituary, but this one about John Fratus, one of the great men in Waterford. Fratus, who was named Waterford’s Citizen of the Year this August, died this November at the age of 67. The longtime paramedic and volunteer firefighter went on more medical calls than perhaps anybody in the history of Waterford and helped people at times when they needed help the most. As the headline states, he was truly Waterford’s most dedicated servant.

The Saddest Stories of the Year

This was a tremendously sad year for Waterford in many ways, with more unexpected deaths to young people than we could even list. Here are just some.

College Student From Waterford Found Dead Near Campus

Stirling Danksin, 20, a graduate from Waterford High School in 2010, was found dead near the campus of University of New Haven, where he was a student, in April. The death shocked the town of Waterford and led to a vigil a few days later.

Police Investigating the Death of 16-Year-Old

Just a few days before Danksin died, 16-year-old William “Billy” Adams was found dead.

Waterford’s Man Death Ruled a Homicide

On December 22nd, 34-year-old Kyle Seidel of Waterford was found dead in the parking lot of Waterford’s Family Bowl. Seidel’s death was later ruled a homicide. Seidel was married with three young children.

Waterford High School Loses a Teacher

In January, Waterford High School lost special education teacher Christopher Johnson. Johnson, who was in his 40s, died unexpectedly in his home. He was from Groton.

Waterford High School Graduate Died Early Saturday Morning

This December, Ryan Lincoln, who graduated from Waterford High School in 2010, died in Colorado. Lincoln was only 20 years old.

Crimes/Wrongdoings of the Year

VIDEO: Kindergarten Graduation Ends in Brawl

In what was by far the most well read story of the year, the graduation at The Friendship School ended in a massive brawl. The reason for the fight? A student’s two parents, who were separated, argued over who would keep the diploma from the kindergarten graduation.

This July came with news of a shocking arrest of Fr. Dennis Carey, who was the head pastor of Waterford’s St. Pain in Chains Rectory, for first-degree child pornography. Police found more than 300 files of child pornography on Carey’s computer and Carey admitted to them he needed help. His case is still in court.

Boston Post Road Fire Devastates Waterford Family

In September, a fire at  520 Boston Post Road destroyed the home Jen Adams and her family was renting and killed two of their pets. Worst of all, Adams had no renter’s insurance, so she received nothing for the damage done. However, in one of the most inspirational stories of the year, the Waterford community came together to help Adams and her family by donating them money, clothes and furniture.

At the end of February, a fire destroyed the home of the Menghi family at 5 Manitock Hill Road. The home was uninsured. Along with losing their home, the family lost all four of its pets: two dogs, a cat and a bird.