Obituary of Ernest E. Weeks

Ernest E. Weeks Ph.D February 16, 1921 - September 29, 2006 Dr. Ernest. E. Weeks of New Milford, passed away on September 29, 2006 at The Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center, in New Milford. Dr. Weeks was formerly of Danbury and Branford. He was born on February 21, 1921 in Storrs, son of the late Ellsworth and Helen (Young) Weeks. He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Rose and husband Gene of New Milford, Patricia Walrath and husband Peter of Brookfield, Janet (Baldelli) Weeks of Winter Springs, FL, Cynthia Halas and life partner Joseph Lawson of Harwinton; his son Ernest E. Weeks and wife Diane of Largo FL. His step daughter Anne Ryan of Groton; step son John Ryan and his wife Kathy of Eastford; Sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Roscoe of Storrs, two nieces, and several nephews. Dr. Weeks' educational preparation for his successful career in public education led him to a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and earned Master's and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees from the University of Connecticut. His active public school teaching career began in September, 1947 as an elementary and secondary school teacher in Windsor Locks. In September, 1950 Dr. Weeks was appointed Elementary School Principal in Vernon. For the next fifteen years he served as an Elementary School Principal in Vernon, Windham and Danbury. In 1964 he was named an Assistant Superintendent of the Danbury Schools. He became the Branford Superintendent of Schools in 1969. In 1980 he retired from his successful thirty-three years career in public education. Dr. Weeks' professional affiliations in included numerous professional education organizations, associations, and executive boards throughout Connecticut. He was extremely well known as a Connecticut educator. He enlisted in the Army in September 1942. In 1946 he joined the Air Reserve and remained in the reserve until he retired as a major in 1974. He was a 70 year member of The Echo Grange # 180 P of H. He was also a 60 year member of the Uriel Masonic Lodge, #24 A.F. A. M., Merrow, CT. Dr. Weeks gave completely of himself to his work. Often this dedication was at the expense of his personal life. He possessed that rare ability to see the best in everything and everyone. He was a strong advocate of teachers and was dedicated to complete and equal education of all children. The Weeks family has produced 5 generations of teachers beginning with his grandmother and mother. Its no wonder that his descendants have followed his example and commitment. One daughter, four grandchildren and one grandniece pursued education as a career. He will be sadly missed by his family. He was loved and respected by his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his great grandchildren play at his feet as they learned to talk and walk. A visit to Pop-pops', Grandpa's, house was a special occasion for everyone. When he attended family functions one might catch him watching his large family. The wonder on his face told you how proud he was of everyone. He was a gentleman...truly a gentle-man In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his three wives, Kathryn (Wixted) Weeks, who was the mother of his natural children, Eloise (Ryan) Weeks, and Elizabeth (Toomy) Weeks; his sister Nell and brothers- in-law Allyn Perkins,and Rusty Roscoe; his son-in-law, Danbury Fire Fighter, Joseph Halas, his son-in-law Nino Baldelli, and his step grandson James Ryan. Funeral Information A Memorial Service will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Friday, October 13th at 5:00pm. The family will receive friends between the hours of 4:00 and 5:00pm. On October 16th a services will be conducted at the First Congregational Church in Coventry, at 12:00pm. Burial will follow in The New Willimantic Cemetery. Donations Information In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to be made to Hospice, C/O New Milford VNA, 68 Park Lane, New Milford, CT 06776 or to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 768, Wallingford, CT 06492