Wayne Morse Donald Zapatka Claire Tremblay
New London — Friday evening, April 24, 2020, Wayne Alfred Morse, alias “WAMO,” drove off into the hereafter. He was just shy of his 93rd birthday. He leaves behind a son, Bill of Bellows Falls, Vt.; and a daughter, Mickey, of Chelmsford, England. WAMO was married to Miss Marilynne MacDonald, alias “Fuzzy,” who predeceased him. A Memorial Service will be held next year for WAMO in his adopted hometown of New London.
WAMO grew up in Compton, Calif., and later attended high school in San Francisco, Calif., after his parents divorced. He enjoyed being in the Sea Scouts not far from Fishermen’s Wharf and played the trumpet at early sock hops. WAMO’s first Model A was a hot rod known to police in the Golden Gate Park District. In 1945, he joined the United States Navy and worked as an oiler in the engine room.
Shifting gears, WAMO grabbed a chance to attend the Coast Guard Academy and it was at this time that he met Miss Marilynne MacDonald of Farmington Avenue in New London. They spent the first five years of marriage in Bellflower, outside of Los Angeles, Calif. where he surveyed land for future track home developments.
With some money saved, WAMO and Fuzzy came back to New London. After two years of commuting to Storrs, he picked up his degree in civil engineering, and worked on water projects for the City of New London. He later crossed the river to work as a civilian for the U.S. Navy in quality control at General Dynamics Electric Boat. WAMO liked his job, and retired in 1989.
When he was not out surveying on Saturdays, WAMO enjoyed sailing and tinkering with older cars. While sailing and bailing, he managed to win a few races with his Quincy Adams sloop. WAMO loved the Thames Yacht Club and Ocean Beach Park on classic car nights.
An avid reader of sea stories, WAMO asks that you consider a donation to the Public Library of New London. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, is assisting the family. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory.
Old Lyme — Dr. Donald W. Zapatka, 85, the son of Walter and Anna Zapatka (Ziezulewicz) of New Britain, passed away May 7, 2020, at Bride Brook Health and Rehabilitation Center. Donald graduated from St. Louis Dental School, Mo. Following this, he served overseas with the United States Army, where he met and married Erna Kempe of Germany. They settled in Old Lyme. He worked for the University of Connecticut, and established a private dental practice in Old Lyme. Donald and Erna would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this May.
He is predeceased by his parents and his one brother, James. He leaves his beloved wife Erna Zapatka (Kempe); son Dr. Carl D. Zapatka, wife Erica; two grandchildren, C.J. and Charlie of Old Lyme; and his daughter, Monica C. Zapatka of Cromwell.
Burial will be private at Duck River Cemetery in Old Lyme, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Chapel of Southeastern Connecticut, 130 Sharp Hill Road, Uncasville, CT 06382. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes and more information.
Groton — Claire M. Tremblay, 89, of Groton, passed away Thursday morning, May 7, 2020, at Fairview in Groton. Claire was born in West Springfield, Mass., June 21, 1930, the daughter of Ernest and Olivine Plante Fortin. Claire was wed to Henry R. Tremblay March 9, 1951, in Springfield, Mass.
Claire and Henry located to Groton following their marriage and raised their family over the ensuing years. Henry passed away March 15, 2010. Claire was subsequently reintroduced to Robert (Bob) Heist, a past colleague, who became the second love of her life, and whom she married at Groton June 21, 2014. He survives her.
Claire was retired from the Electric Boat Company, Groton, following several decades of service as a computer operator. She has also been an active member of her church communities throughout her life.
In addition to her husband Bob, Claire is survived by her son, George Tremblay (Noreen Kelly) of Beverly Farms, Mass.; her daughters, Theresa (Willard) Moon of Groton, Gail (Bruce) Freeman of Lyme and Jean (Charles) Estabrooks of Pawcatuck; and her grandchildren, Ben, Andrew, Joshua, Katie, Nicole, Jordan and Madison; and great-grandchildren, Noah and Zoe.
All services are private. Please visit www.byles.com to share a condolence or a memory with the family.