Thomas Norman Salter

Thomas N. Salter, 80, of Mansfield Center, CT, passed away December 30, 2011. He was born in Ridgefield, CT, on May 14, 1931, to the late Thomas B. and Ina Salter. He attended the University of Connecticut and obtained his PhD from the University of Massachusetts. His early careers included sales of business machines and landscape architecture. He was a professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University from the mid-1960s through the 1990s, with particular interest in Romantic authors, mythology, and science fiction. He also served multiple terms as Faculty Senate President. He served the Town of Mansfield in several capacities, including on the Town Council in the 1970s. He held broad interests, notably as a pastel artist, but also such activities as beekeeping, fly fishing, and boating. His joy for life touched his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife, Norma Salter, his son, Jesse Salter, his sisters Norma Couillard and Shirley Varian Wilson, his stepsons Jeff Kraenzle and Chris Kraenzle, his grandchildren Luke and Lila Salter, and his stepgrandchildren Zach, Jocelyn, Marion, Nora, and Charlie Kraenzle. Visitation will take place at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT, beginning at 1:30pm on Saturday, January 7, 2012, with a ceremony at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Living Dharma Center, P.O. Box 304, Amherst, MA, 01004. For an online memorial guestbook and directions to the funeral home, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .