Rey Alicea

Peter Villano

Jan 25, 1924 - Feb 03, 2024

New Haven, CT

Former Hamden Mayor and esteemed public servant Peter F. Villano passed away peacefully on February 4, 2024, at the age of 100 in his North Haven home. Born on January 26, 1924, in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the beloved husband of Florence Roome Villano and a loving father to Victoria Villano, Peter Villano Jr., David Villano, and stepfather to Lisa Reisner. Peter's illustrious career in public service spanned over 60 years, leaving an indelible mark on every level of government. Elected as Hamden's mayor for two terms from 1981 to 1985 and serving as the State Representative for Hamden's 91st District for two decades, he retired from public service at the age of 89 in 2012. A WWII Navy veteran, Peter wrote and published "War to Peace," a memoir detailing his wartime experience. In honor of his dedicated service, Hamden named the park at 260 Mill Rock Rd., Villano Park and Splash Pad, in 2013. Mayor Lauren Garrett expressed condolences, praising Peter's long and distinguished career. Peter F. Villano will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to public service and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind.

Tom Purdom

Apr 18, 1936 - Jan 13, 2024

New Haven, CT

Tom Purdom, a prolific science fiction writer, music critic, and esteemed journalist, passed away at the age of 87 on January 14, 2024, at his home in Center City, Philadelphia, after battling cancer. Born on April 19, 1936, in New Haven, Connecticut, Mr. Purdom's lifelong passion for writing began at the young age of 7. A prominent figure in the science fiction genre, Mr. Purdom published his first story, "Grieve for a Man," in Fantastic Universe magazine at the age of 21. His literary journey includes five science-fiction novels and over 60 short stories and novellas published in renowned magazines like Asimov's Science Fiction and Fantasy and Science Fiction. Mr. Purdom's work delved into themes of war, peace, and romance, receiving critical acclaim for his diverse character portrayals. He was an active member of the Philadelphia Science Fiction Society and made significant contributions to the Philadelphia Science Fiction Conference. Beyond his contributions to science fiction, Mr. Purdom wrote book and music reviews for various publications, showcasing his versatility. He was also known for his passion for cycling and his enthusiastic support for the Union soccer team. Survived by his son Christopher, daughter-in-law Barbara, and two grandsons, Mr. Purdom's impact on the science fiction community and journalism will be remembered fondly. A dedicated writer, he once said, "Writers will tell you that you can't learn to write by reading books... you can only learn to write by writing." Tom Purdom's legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and his profound influence on the literary and science fiction communities.