Thompson Couple Leaves a Legacy of Care with $216,000 Gift to Day Kimball Hospital

More than a decade ago, Leonard and Barbara Wielock of Thompson set up a trust that would determine how their estate would be disbursed upon their passing. Today, their forethought and commitment to the community where they spent nearly their entire lives is benefiting a number of nonprofit organizations, including a $216,000 gift to the Day Kimball Hospital Emergency Department.

The Wielocks were married for 60 years before Barbara passed away in 2011 at the age of 85. Leonard died just two years later at the age of 92. Having no children, they decided to establish the Leonard E. and Barbara A. Wielock Trust and divide the proceeds of their estate among the organizations that had been important to them during their lives.

“The Wielock’s generous gift will go a long way toward offsetting costs for improvements and upgrades to our Emergency Department,” said Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) President and CEO Robert Smanik. “Unfortunately we don’t know a lot about the Wielocks as there are no known family members who might be able to give us deeper insight into their motivations behind making the gift. But regardless, we are so grateful,” Smanik said.

The Wielocks lived in the Quinebaug section of Thompson for most of their long lives and were active and engaged members of the community. Leonard was a 33-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police as well as a senior inspector for the States Attorney Office in Tolland County. He was also a member of the Quinebaug V.F.W. and the American Legion in Grosvenordale, having served in the U.S. Army in Africa, Sicily and Italy. Barbara worked for many years as an office clerk at an insurance agency.

“We can only assume that Day Kimball Hospital served Leonard and Barbara Wielock well, and that’s why they wanted to support that care for others,” said Joseph Adiletta, DKH’s Chairman of the Board. “Because of the value they placed on the services provided by Day Kimball for the community, and their forethought in establishing this trust, those who come to our hospital seeking emergency care will benefit for years to come.”

More information about the various ways to support Day Kimball Healthcare and additional donor stories can be found at daykimball.org/give.