Obituary of Rev. Robert Jesse Phagan

Rev. Robert Jesse Phagan, 60 of WOODSTOCK Pastor Jesse Phagan, resident of Woodstock for the past 30 years, died February 11, 2011 at home as a result of cancer. He leaves his wife, Joyce Lorraine Phagan; daughter, Bettina; son, Barrett; granddaughter, Machaila Curio; his mother, Theresa Tognini, his sister, Kathy Kalendra and her husband, Paul; niece Diane Kalendra-Frystak, nephews Eric Kalendra and Mark Kalendra. He graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1968, received an Associate of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Thames Valley State Technical College in 1971, Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Education from Rhode Island College in 1987, Bachelor of Science Degree in Technology Education from Rhode Island College in 1990, Certificate of Theology from Bethel Seminary of the East in 2003. Jesse was a bi-vocational pastor of North Woodstock Congregational Church since June of 2001, while employed full time as a teacher. He taught at Woodstock Academy for 18 years, and Woonsocket Area Vocational-Technical School for 8 years. He worked for the federal government in Alaska for five years as an Electronic Technician with the National Weather Service and the Federal Aviation Administration. He was also the published author of five textbooks of the topics of Applied Mathematics and Electronics. Jesse was a loving husband, and loving father, with a passion for serving the Lord. Prior to becoming a pastor, he was a member of the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church for 20 years where he taught Sunday school for approx. 15 years, plus advisor for the Bible Club at the Woodstock Academy. The Funeral Service will be Monday, February 14, 2011 at 3:30 PM at The Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock, CT. Calling hours Monday from 2:00 PM until time of service. A reception will be at the Church following the service. Burial in Quassett Cemetery, Woodstock in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in Jesses memory to the North Woodstock Congregational Church, PO Box 385, Woodstock CT 06281. To share a memory, "Light a Candle" at www. smithandwalkerfh.com. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT is directing arrangements.