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Anne Rukakoski Roser posted a condolence
Mr. Fillmore brought the joy of music as he led the chorus at KHS, of which I was a member, and he included all of us in the musicals he directed. He was energetic, and passionate. He selected me for the drill team (we carried the flags) and it was an important part of my own growth. My sincere sympathy to you all.
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Mark Robinson posted a condolence
I was saddened to learn of Jerre Fillmore’s death this week, but also comforted that his suffering is over, and that he has gone on to larger life with God. It is difficult to find the words to adequately describe the powerful effect Jerre Fillmore had on me, my family, and the town of Killingly. He was a visionary with that rare talent to galvanize other leaders around his vision of what a marching band could be, of what a school musical might be, of what a Springtime Festival could be, and what a new state-of-the-art Killingly Intermediate School could become.
I was 10 years old when the Filmore’s came to town. Bette and Jerre soon became the closest of friends with my parents and other community leaders in those days. These leaders gathered with Jerre and Bette and, with a shared vision, a lot of hard work, and that wonderful small town Yankee spirit, they made miracles happen.
I cannot begin to think of the countless students that Jerre influenced over the years of directing the Big Red Marching Band. I had the honor of serving as his drum major for 4 years, my first real leadership experience, of which I have so many memories. At a time when kids just a few years older than us were dealing with serious drug addictions and our nation was grappling with the horrors of Vietnam, along came a man, Jerre Fillmore, and his beloved wife, Betty, who showed us that teenagers can create wonderful pageantry and music through the powerful medium of the performing arts. He was the eternal optimist at a not so optimistic time in our nation’s history.
I will never forget our halftime performance at the New England Patriots Schaffer stadium. In the finale of the show we played a moving rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The 200 plus members of the band formed a perfect outline of the map of the United States, and the color guard each held one of the fifty state flags. The bright green astro-turf of the stadium formed the perfect background to our brand new uniforms with those big furry, beefeater hats. The horns wailed, the woodwinds sailed, and a group of kids from small town CT nailed that song and that show. It was a moment that those who were there will never forget. It was a moment that showcased all that is good about high school kids, their leaders and parents, and the community that nurtured them.
That was one of hundreds of performances by thousands of kids who each, because of Jerre Fillmore, had their moment in the limelight. He gave so many of us our first experiences of being part of something larger than ourselves, and in those fleeting moments of a high school musical, a concert, a choral performance, a small group recording, a new school, or a half time show we could see all that is good in us and our community. I remember the first Springtime festival parade with those big Macy’s day floats, on a dreadful windy and rainy day. I remember the first musical, Oklahoma, and being absolutely stunned at the talent of my upper-class men and women singing and acting on stage and the amazing orchestra in the pit in the front of the old KHS auditorium.
I reflect in amazement at all the shows that Jerre made happen; countless half-time shows (a new one each week in our years), all the musicals, the trips to Florida, the small singing groups, one singing group even made a record. I think of how proud I was to be traveling on one of about 9 or 10 buses that would show up at another town in the Eastern Connecticut Conference and take about 15 minutes just to walk across the football field and into the visitor stands that on more than one occasion had as many or more people than the home team. Stepping back now through the lens of adulthood, I am grateful for the hundreds of thousands of hours that teenagers under Jerre’s direction were performing, or marching in a parade, or at rehearsals, or travelling on buses to shows rather than hanging out in idleness, and being tempted by all the destructive things kids do when left to their own devices.
There will be and have always been visionaries like Jerre Filmore. Everything new happens with the actions of single individuals. What marks periods of time as truly progressive is when those around them share and work toward that vision. I am grateful for all Jerre and Bette Filmore did for me, my family, and our community. I know that there are great reunions happening in heaven, and that one day we will all be together again and put on a great show with wonderful music. In the meantime, those of us who loved and learned from Jerre Filmore honor him every time we “pay it forward” in our own communities, just as a young couple from Presque Isle, Maine did 45 years ago when they came to Danielson, CT. Godspeed, Jerre Fillmore, and well done, good and faithful servant.
With much gratitude,
Mark D. Robinson, M.D.
Program Director
Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency
Concord, NC
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Stacy Stoner Nardelli posted a condolence
My deepest sympathy's go out to the entire Fillmore family.
Jerre was indeed one of those people who shined very bright. He was a great inspiration to many students and a leader to be looked up to. In his retirement he took up gardening and loved finding a new plant to add to it. I hope he is at peace walking among his garden with the angels. My condolences to Bette, Jerre Jr., Mark, Robin and all the kids.
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Pat Orcutt posted a condolence
The community of Danielson and Killingly High School students of the past, have been left with such wonderful memories from the legacy left by Jerre Fillmore. May you rest in well deserving peace. I will miss your back yard company old friend. Pat Orcutt
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Paul & Karen MacKnight posted a condolence
We are saddened to learn of
Jerry's passing... Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family over this holilday season.
Paul and Karen MacKnight
35 Ellery Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842
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Roger Hicks posted a condolence
i remember my years at kis when Mr Fillmore was there he was a good person and a good principal
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Tim Emhoff, MD posted a condolence
I knew Jerre for the past four years as a patient, many times very ill. I'll always remember his dogged optimism and resilience despite what was at times great trials and health issues.
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Brad Thompson posted a condolence
I have many wonderful memories of Jerre as a colleague and friend. During the many years that we were both administrators in the Killingly School (we were both hired as assistant principals the same year), we developed a close working relationship and a strong friendship. Jerre was the kind of friend that would do anything for you. Be at peace, my friend!
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Faith Ann Cheek posted a condolence
Bette, Jerre, Robin, Mark, Laura, and family,
I know that this is a difficult time for all of you. Jerre was a very special man and on more than one occasion guided Matthew and I through life's challenges. I consider Jerre the reason I am an educator and I can only hope to give half of what he contributed in Killingly to my school community. I know he will be missed but I am comforted to believe that he and my dad are together and sharing a few good laughs.
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john barnett posted a condolence
Mark and Laura we were deeply saddened to learn of the death of your dad. We did not know him but he certainly had a wonderful life, enjoying music and giving a great deal back to children and his community.We know you will miss him....please accept our condolences. John and Clare Barnett
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David and Marybeth Sweet posted a condolence
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Fillmore family. When my wife and I arrived in the Killingly community, Jerre was one of the bigger-than-life teacher leaders. His influence on the many fine students who were in the band and the musicals were a solid foundation of a great school culture and spirit. His legacy will be enjoyed for many years to come. May all that he did and his love for the community give all of you a sense of pride and peace at this difficult time.
David and Marybeth Sweet
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Dennis Hull posted a condolence
I remember Mr. Fillmore with great fondness. He came to KHS in my sophomore year and invigorated a music program that needed some life (All respect to the memory of Robert Spencer). He got me on stage for our school musicals, and I acted in the first three. I'm still acting years later. I got the "bug" from these early experiences. There's nothing like the experience of acting in front of a live audience. I'm grateful to Mr. Fillmore, and wish to express my deepest sympathies to his family and many friends and colleagues. Rest in peace.
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Betty Forrest posted a condolence
I had the pleasure of working with Jerre for a number of years whie we were both administrators. He had the gift of being able to make people laugh--a wonderful ability. I know that his family and friends were very important to him. My prayers are with you.
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Peter & Kathy Gerardi posted a condolence
To Mrs. Fillmore, Jerre and Mark and the entire Fillmore Family -
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very challenging and emotional time. Mr. Fillmore was a very special extraordinary educator-administrator here in Killingly. Of course he is remembered as an innovator and trend setter in the Killingly High School music department ... He also poured his heart and soul into the Killingly Intermediate School. From the furniture to the pictures on the wall-Jerre's commitment to education will always be a part of KIS.
May GOD bless you and the entire family with his abundant love and give you the strength to endure your loss.
With Love and Sincere Heartfelt Sympathy,
Pete and Kathy Gerardi
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Kelly Davidson posted a condolence
Taking wedding pictures in his flower gardens. He was so proud to have us there. My first year at KIS, he was so supportive!
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Pat Panichas posted a condolence
Keep all the fond memories of him with you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat
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Joyce Robinson Jugovic posted a condolence
My deepest sympathy goes out to the members of the Fillmore and Hoyt families. I have such warm memories of Mr. Fillmore and the Big Red Marching Band! I remember when he approached Mark to be the first drum major and sent him to drum major camp. I remember when he talked my mom into running the first queen's pageant for the Springtime Festival. The band, all our competitions, and running laps during August rehearsals stand out as the best memories of my high school days. I remember the winter our two families rented a cottage in New Hampshire. We had some great toboggan runs down that steep hill. I can still picture the toboggan with Mr. Fillmore on it that went down the hill and across the road to the meadow across the street! I remember plucking chicken feathers in the long coop at the farm in East Killingly. Our families were fortunate to share so many wonderful memories together. I hope that you have equally special memories to ease your sorrow.
With much love,
Joyce
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Sandra Trott Davenport posted a condolence
Thursday, September 21, 2017
I went to school with Jerre. I did not know he lived in CT and was unaware of his passing . So sorry for your loss
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The family of Jerre N. Fillmore uploaded a photo
Friday, December 19, 2014
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