Update: An 87-year-old man found dead in his Overlook Drive home Friday morning was killed by a bullet to the head, and police said Saturday that they are treating it as a homicide.
John Chakalos, of 52 Overlook Drive, was discovered by a family member at 8:23 a.m. on Friday, police said in a news release. The state medical examiner’s office said he died of the gunshot wound.
Detectives from the Windsor Police Department along and the state police Central District Major Crime Squad are investigating.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor police at 860-688-5273 ext 571.
It’s heartache times two this holiday season. Rita Chakalos, 84, died of breast cancer the week before Thanksgiving, and now police say they’re investigating the death of her husband John, 87, at the couple’s Windsor home.
Police say a family member found John Chakalos just after 8 Friday morning.
More than 12 hours later investigators remained on the scene — calling his death suspicious.
The couple were well-known as well-to-do philanthropists in New Hampshire, where they also kept a home. An article in the Brattleboro (Vt.) Reformer just last week highlighted the couple’s grand Chesterfield estate, which for more than 50 years has been lit up as a landmark and fundraiser. This year more than 6 million bulbs shining, the lighted 82 acre tour raised money and food for a local food pantry.
The property’s caretaker confirmed Mr. Chakalos’ death to the Reformer, saying a private investigator gave her the news that the couple’s daughter found him Friday morning.
The first line in the newspaper’s article about the family’s light display reads: “This year’s for Rita.” After Friday’s news, an update might read: “And for John, too,”