Fred Augustus Cazel Jr

Dr. Fred Augustus Cazel, Jr., died on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, after a three-month bout with lymphoma. He was at home near his beautiful garden. He was born February 25, 1921, to Fred A. Cazel Sr., and Agnes Petrie Cazel. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, two nephews, and his wife of many years, Dr. Annarie Peters Cazel. Fred, always a stellar student, entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from which he graduated with highest honors in history. He was then accepted at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to study under his distinguished mentor, the medievalist Sidney Painter. He concentrated in medieval history, especially English constitutional law. His college years were interrupted by service in the U.S. Army during World War II. While at Johns Hopkins, Fred met Annarie Peters from Cincinnati, also a doctoral candidate, but in classical and archaeological studies. After the completion of their degrees and marriage in 1948, Fred accepted a position in the history department at the University of Connecticut, a position he held until 1988. While at the University, Dr. Cazel advanced rapidly to the rank of professor. He also served in many other capacities such as chairman of the Faculty Senate executive committee, moderator of the Faculty Senate, and grand-marshall of the annual commencement exercises, a position he held with great pride and honor. After his retirement from the University, Fred led biennial tours to the British Isles and elsewhere as fund-raisers for the Museum of Natural History at the University. Fred was an ardent traveler, having visited most corners of the world as well as practically all of the United States. This busy schedule did not preclude his creation of a beautiful garden at his home in Gurleyville. Fred also found time for many community activities. In 1957 the Mansfield Historical Society was organized in his and Annarie's living room in their recently purchased Royce-Dunham house in Gurleyville, built in 1735. He not only served as the Society's first president, but also acted in that capacity for two other separate terms, as well as the Society's program chairman for a period of time. In 1983 he was appointed to serve on the Mansfield Town Council to fill the term held by his wife, Annarie, before her untimely death. In 1991 he was elected mayor of Mansfield, a position he held until 1997. Dr. Cazel is survived by his nieces Sue Peters, Susan Pendleton and Beth Pile (Jim), by his nephew Pete Cazel, and by a cousin Judy Stewart (Jack). He was a wonderful uncle and friend to 9 grandnieces and nephews and 13 great-great nieces and nephews. His Home- Instead caregivers Kay, Bethany, and Susan became his family as well, and he grew close to caregivers Karen, Reuben, Kone, and Tony. The family is extremely grateful to all who showered him with loving care in recent months. VNA Hospice provided much-needed medical support. His friends were many and he valued each one. Even at age 90, the circle was wide. Special thanks to those who visited regularly and made his days special: Fred, Rudy, Jim, Terry, Tillie, Isabelle, Dana and Terry, Lib and Sam, among others. He will be sadly missed. No one wanted the candle to burn out, but many wonderful memories will live on. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Mansfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 145, Storrs, CT 06268 or to the Garden Gate Club c/o Kay Holt P.O. Box 163 Mansfield Center, CT 06250. Potter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .