December 2025 Newsletter

 

Executive Board Meeting Minutes: 12/05/2025

 

A Cherished Leader of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Thomas Emrich

A Cherished Leader of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Thomas Emrich

(from his obituary)

The Abbewood Community honors the life of Thomas Emrich, a deeply cherished member, devoted leader, and steady guiding presence whose influence shaped the neighborhood for more than two decades. Tom passed away at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025, with his beloved wife Ann by his side. Born on Christmas Day in 1941 in Enid, Oklahoma, Tom entered the world like a gift—and throughout his life, he continued to live as one, offering humor, kindness, wisdom, and service to all who knew him.

The son of Veva Cochran and Lt. Colonel Jacob Emrich of the U.S. Army, Tom grew up acquainted with both discipline and heart, qualities that followed him from Eastern Military Academy in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, into a distinguished professional life. As Director of Strategic Planning for LEGO Americas, he helped shape a global brand with creativity, vision, and an almost magical ability to build empires out of tiny bricks—remarkably without ever stepping on one barefoot.

In retirement, Tom devoted more than 20 years to the Abbewood Homeowners Association, serving as both President and Treasurer. Those roles—equal parts diplomacy, logistics, and sheer perseverance—were ones he undertook with steady dedication and a sharp mind for detail. He carried the community through challenges large and small, transforming potential problems into practical solutions with grace and good humor. His leadership helped ensure that Abbewood remained a beautiful, thriving, and welcoming community, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

As fulfilling as his career and service were, Tom’s greatest joy was his life with Ann, whom he married in 1985. Partners in every sense, they shared 40 years of adventure—traveling, golfing, winter escapes to Florida, and, most of all, a deep and enduring companionship. Having met at LEGO, they built not only careers but a life together that was stronger, warmer, and more joyful than any plastic masterpiece they ever assembled. And in a rare twist, Ann may have been the only person who could occasionally win an argument with him.

Tom’s quiet humor and deep resilience made him beloved by friends, colleagues, and family alike. He had a way of grounding any gathering—whether golfing with his LEGO buddies, planning the annual BOTS tournament, or celebrating holidays with family. His two-turkey Thanksgiving dinners became legend, and his mealtime blessings offered a sense of comfort, reflection, and grace.

Tom and Ann shared profound gratitude for Elvis Myers, whose gentle, compassionate care created a space of peace and dignity in Tom’s final days. Their family will remain forever thankful for his presence.

Predeceased by his beautiful daughter Tammy and his beach-loving son Timothy, Tom leaves behind his devoted wife Ann; his sons Thom and Christopher, along with Christopher’s wife Kim; his grandchildren Samantha, Shannon, and Zachery Emrich; and the entire loving Cecchini family, who held a special place in his heart.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather on Friday, December 12, from 9:30am–11:30am at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Springfield Rescue Mission, 10 Mill Street, Springfield, MA 01108, in honor of Tom’s generous heart.

For online condolences, please visit leetestevens.com.

Tom Emrich will be remembered as a steady leader, a devoted husband, a man of humor and depth, and a treasured part of the fabric of Abbewood. His legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and service—an example that will continue to inspire the community he helped steward for so many years.

A Cherished Member of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Philip A. Daigle

A Cherished Member of the Abbewood Community: Remembering Philip A. Daigle

(from his obituary)

The Abbewood Community mourns the loss of one of its dearest members, Philip A. Daigle, who passed away peacefully on November 29 in East Longmeadow, MA, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Ann C. Daigle of Enfield, CT, Phil’s warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched countless lives and left an imprint that will long be remembered.

Born on June 10, 1942, in Springfield, MA, Phil was the son of the late Mae (Bousquet) and William F. Daigle. Guided by a strong work ethic and natural curiosity, he built a lifelong career as a Sales Engineer in the combustion field, dedicating 46 years to his profession before retiring from North American Mfg. Company in 2007. Yet, those who knew him understood that Phil’s true impact extended far beyond his career.

Phil was a man who embraced life with a learner’s heart. Inspired after hearing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, he developed a deep love for classical music and even learned to play the violin—an instrument he approached with both discipline and delight. He wrote short stories and poems, always searching for the perfect words, and he possessed a special talent for corny puns that never failed to bring a smile.

Golf was one of Phil’s great joys, especially the rounds played with his best friend, Bob Ellis. He read widely, always eager to learn something new, and his thoughtful nature, steady guidance, and gentle humor made him a cherished presence in every room.

Phil’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He leaves behind three devoted children: Cheryl and her husband Peter Suits of Shrewsbury, MA; Lori Broderick and her partner Scott Flynn of Flagler Beach, FL; and Philip and his wife Michele Daigle of Rutland, MA. As “Gramps,” he adored his grandchildren—Connor and his wife Melissa Daigle, Madison Daigle, Erin and Kathryn Broderick, and Adam and his wife Laura Suits—and his heart expanded even further with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Noah Daigle and Elliana Suits.

He also lovingly embraced Ann’s children as part of his life: Kristin Johnson and her fiancé Bill Fredrick of Suffield, CT, and Karalyn and her husband Matt Squiers of East Windsor, CT.

Phil is survived by his dear brother Richard and his wife Irena Kipa-Daigle of East Hampton, CT, with whom he and Ann shared a special, lasting bond. He is also remembered fondly by his former wife and friend, Ann Daigle of Shrewsbury, MA; by many nieces, nephews, and extended family; and by numerous friends who treasured his companionship. He was predeceased by his brothers William (1944) and Robert (1986).

Phil’s life was one marked by kindness, curiosity, humor, and love—qualities that enriched his family, friends, and the Abbewood Community. He leaves behind memories filled with laughter, wisdom, music, and stories that will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him.

To borrow the words of poet W. H. Auden, shared lovingly by his wife Annie:

“He was my North, my South, my East and my West, my working week and my Sunday rest, my moon, my midnight, my talk and my song—

My best friend, my dear Phil.”

Phil Daigle will be profoundly missed, but forever remembered with gratitude and love.

Fall Cleanup Monday November 24th

 

New Neighbors!!

 

Beebe Landscape Material Application Notification

Beebe Landscape Material Application Notification

09/04/25

Abbewood Homeowners Association

Abbewood Dr

Enfield, CT, 06082-5228

Supervisor Applicator:  Richard Beebe, Jr. S-4862 (CT); 31424 (MA)

Certified Applicator:  Sam Carabello CT : 50684 MA : 54761 

Work Ticket# 55289

LC - Round 3 Fertilizer

Product Used:

To Opt-In to receive texts and service updates.  Text "Start" to 866.209.7856

Poison Control Center 800.222.1222

DEEP Emergency Response and 24 Hour Spill Response 860.424.3338

DEEP Pesticide Management Division 860.424.3369

Beebe Landscape Services, Inc. 860.654.1572

Account Manager: Chris Tomkunes

Ray Kay Tree Service will be on site this week

 Dear Abbewood Homeowner,

We hope this message finds you well!

Ray Kay Tree Service will be on site this week to complete scheduled work. As part of their standard safety protocol, cones were placed around the designated work areas to protect both residents and their crew members.

For everyone’s well-being, and to maintain a safe environment, Ray Kay Tree Service has informed us that they will now require a signed waiver from homeowners when work is being done near their homes.

We truly value our partnership with Ray Kay Tree Service. Their professional work and ongoing monitoring of Abbewood’s trees help ensure our community remains safe and beautiful. Replacing this service with another provider at a similar cost and quality would be extremely difficult.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation moving forward. Let’s all do our part to support safety and help maintain a positive relationship with our service providers.

Warm regards,

Abbewood Board of Directors

As always, THANK YOU for making Abbewood such a great place to live.

Abbewood Community Update – TLC August 25, 2025

 

Abbewood Update – TLC August 12, 2025

 

Abbewood August Update

 

Notice to Homeowners: Stump Removal Update

As you may have noticed, a few stumps remain following our recent tree work. Additional tree removals are still scheduled, and once those are completed, all remaining stumps will be ground down at the same time. This approach helps us use resources more efficiently.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.

—Abbewood HOA BOD

AW Executive Board Meeting to Finalize Road Construction