Connecticut man killed after Louisiana police chase
COUSHATTA, La. — A Connecticut man died after sheriff’s deputies fired at him following a chase spanning two north Louisiana parishes, state police said Thursday.
In a news release, state police say they were asked to investigate by the sheriff’s offices in Red River and DeSoto parishes after 42-year-old Michael Laduca of Waterford, Conn., died following a confrontation with deputies Wednesday night. State police have not said whether Laduca was armed.
State police say the investigation so far indicates Laduca drove away as deputies patrolling Wednesday night in DeSoto tried to stop him. He led deputies on a chase into Red River Parish, where the Jeep Cherokee he was driving went through a barbed wire fence and got stuck in a ditch, according to the news release.
Deputies from both parishes fired after a confrontation, the news release said. State police declined to release any more information when asked by email if Laduca was armed or if they have recovered a weapon. It was unclear why deputies tried to stop him in DeSoto Parish or why he refused to stop.
August 23, 1929 – December 15, 2020. Dorothy DiNardo Aldor, having spent her 91 years on this earth living a full and joyous life without any regrets, passed peacefully on December 15, 2020 in Sarasota, Florida. Born the third youngest of twelve children during the onset of the Great Depression, Dorothy learned from an early age that she needed an outsized personality to get noticed. Her family is grateful to report this spark within her never diminished.
The daughter of Nancy and Salvatore DiNardo, Dorothy was part of a boisterous, passionate and loving Italian American family with older siblings who adored her. The last surviving of the twelve, Dorothy always remained close to and carried the love and memories of her wonderful brothers and sisters with her throughout life; sisters Cecelia, Madeline, Maryanne, Carrie, Betty and brothers Pat, Sal, Peter, Ralph, Francis and Robert.
Raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the children were instilled with a strong ethos for hard work and entrepreneurship to which Dorothy was no exception. As a young woman, she owned a successful store with her first husband, John Rosza, while also raising her two lovingly faithful daughters, Nanci (Winters of Fairfield, Connecticut) and Patricia (Weisberger of Houston, Texas). Later, Dorothy would embark upon her life’s work of early childhood education when she launched a successful childcare center, Villa Day Nursery School with her sister Madeline.
The allure of sparkling weather and lively culture beckoned so Dorothy relocated to Sarasota with her second husband Alex Aldor. Together they opened a new childcare center, Little Peoples’ Place, which she managed into her 80’s with the wonderful help of her longtime staff. Under her devoted leadership, the school earned a stellar reputation locally and several statewide awards. In recognition of Dorothy’s 50 years of service to children, a commemorative American flag was flown over the White House in her honor.
As Dorothy’s family and friends can attest to, however, she wasn’t only about work. Her other great passion was for entertaining and Dorothy’s parties were the stuff of legend. Whether it was the food, the decor or the music, she was meticulous about every last detail so that, even decades later, party guests could recall the grand time they had. Dorothy’s particular gift was for making each of her guests feel welcome and loved like one of the family.
The burdens of time did not slow Dorothy down as she kept a packed schedule well past the age of 80. An avid traveler, she relished the festive atmosphere of an ocean cruise and cherished the connections she made when travelling abroad. Never averse to trying new things, she once rode the four-hour trip to Florida’s east coast on the back of her boyfriend’s Harley, just to visit her lifelong friend Julie. Dorothy’s competitive edge was always on display during the marathon Pinochle games she hosted, raucous affairs that lasted late into the night. Usually, however, you could find her engaged in her favorite pastime... perusing the latest fashions at Sarasota’s many fine department stores with her daughters.
More than anything, Dorothy lived to dote on her grandchildren and their families, Justin and Amity Winters of Richmond Massachusetts, Jessie and Zachary Schneider of Austin Texas, and Dane and Karrissa Weisberger of Austin Texas. And four great-grandsons, Desmond and Julian Winters, Ryder Weisberger and Cash Schneider. Dorothy’s generosity, determination and love of life will continue to be an inspiration for each of them.
Dorothy’s family is extremely grateful to Hilda Monslave for her 17 years of care and love for Dorothy and her home. Additionally, the family wants to thank A Daughter’s Touch for their extraordinary care these past three years and Tidewell Hospice, whose compassionate care made Dorothy’s last week on earth peaceful and comfortable.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life is planned for this summer and will be a gathering for her loving children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to commemorate their family’s long and storied legacy.