The Middletown Press Memorials and Obituaries

All Memorials and Obituaries (116)

Middletown, Connecticut Albert McPherson 1953 — 2024 Albert Jay McPherson, 70, of Middletown, wife of Rosemarie (Branciforte) McPherson, passed away on August 8, 2024, at his home. Born in Houlton, Maine, he was the son of the late Thomas and Christine (Becker) McPherson. Albert lived in Cromwell and graduated from Cromwell High School Class of 1972. He was employed at Raymond Engineering which became Kaman Precision Products. He was an avid fisherman, loved camping and was a big hunting enthusiast. Albert always lived life to the fullest. Along with his wife, he was survived by two sons Jason M. McPherson and his girlfriend Debby Young of Middletown and Daniel A. McPherson and his spouse Sarah of East Hampton; and two brothers Thomas...

North Port, Florida Elizabeth Kanizaj 1938 — 2024 Elizabeth R. Kanizaj, 86, passed away on August 4, 2023, in Venice, FL. She was born on April 15, 1938, in Yugoslavia to John and Elizabeth (Van Hardt) Riegel. She married her late husband Joseph Kanizaj on December 6, 1958, in St. John's Catholic Church in Old Saybrook, CT. She worked at EE Dickinson and VNA of Madison, CT. Elizabeth enjoyed going to Manasota Beach and Warm Mineral Springs, to spend time riding on her bike around the neighborhood talking to everyone. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and friend to all she met. Elizabeth is predeceased by her husband Joseph Kanizaj. She is survived by two sons, Stephen (Lynn) Kanizaj and Robert (Barbara), and...

Middletown, Connecticut John McMillan, Jr. 1948 — 2024 John Henry McMillan Jr. passed away 07/27/2024 surrounded by family. He was born 04/12/1948 in Ahoskie, NC to Eula Pearl (Taylor) & John H. McMillan Sr. He was predeceased by his parents and 11 siblings. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam & the Army Reserve. John is survived by beloved wife Judith McMillan & children; Angelo Watson (Linda), Krystle McMillan, Marjorie McMillan and Monique Hennessey (Stephen). Siblings; Mabel Long-Buie, Annie Doris Murchison Grafton McMillan. In-law Leslie White, 9 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral service to be held at The Church of the Holy Trinity in Middletown CT on 08/05/2024. Calling hours 10:30am to 11:30am, funeral...

Middletown, Connecticut Ruthner Hilton 1935 — 2024 Ruthner (Ruthena) Wright Hilton, 88, of Middletown, wife of the late John Edward Hilton, entered into her eternal rest on July 26, 2024. Ruthena was born on December 22, 1935, in Williamsburg County, South Carolina to the late John and Celia Gray Wright. She relocated to Middletown in 1962. Ruthena retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Manufacturing in 1997. She was a longtime member of the Cross Street AME Zion Church where she served on several boards. Ruthena is survived by two sons, Lee Edward Hilton and John Franklin Hilton; three daughters, Altheria Hilton, Sheila Jones (Fred) and Alicia Hilton Stewart (Pierre-deceased) all of Middletown, CT; one sister-in-law, Ruth...

Cromwell, Connecticut Joseph J. Edward Gauthier 1939 — 2024 Joseph J. Edward Gauthier, 84, of Cromwell, CT, died in Hingham MA of stroke-related illness on July 21, 2024. Known to his work and airplane friends as "Joe" and to his family as "Ed," he was born on October 15, 1939 in Thompson, CT to Simone and Leo Gauthier, deceased. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Elaine, his daughters Betty Lynn Senes and Linda McLaughlin, and their husbands Ray and Artie, respectively, and grandchildren Emily Senes (husband Brian McInerney), Zachery Macintyre (wife Jill Macintyre), and Kylie Macintyre. He was preceded in death by his brothers Paul, Dan and Leo, and sister Suzanne, and is survived by sister Mary Claire Renaud (husband Leon Renaud). Joe...

Madison, Connecticut Leonard Russman 1929 — 2024 Leonard Benton (Lenny) Russman, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Born in Middletown on August 24, 1929, he was the son of the late Dr. Charles and Ethel Russman. He grew up on the grounds of Connecticut Valley Hospital where his father practiced psychiatry. He attended Northfield Mount Hermon School, Wesleyan University, and Brandeis University where he was a member of its first graduating class. Lenny spent more than 30 years in the State of Connecticut's Department of Adult Probation, from which he retired as the Deputy Director. Lenny was a standout baseball and tennis player, and umpired Division 1 college and Cape Cod League baseball. He will long be...

Cromwell, Connecticut Allen Swanson 1947 — 2024 Allen Frederick Swanson, 77, of Cromwell, husband of Sherry (Stoebling) Swanson, passed away on July 14, 2024, at his home. Born in Middletown on March 17, 1947, he was the son of the late E. Leonard and Neva (McDougall) Swanson. Allen graduated from Cromwell High School Class of 1965, attended Nathaniel Hawthorn College and the University of New Haven. Enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1967 and retired in 1987 as Sgt 1st Class. Allen worked for The Travelers from 1968 to 2001 and then went on to work at Genworth from 2001 until he retired in 2006. Along with his wife of 55 years, Allen leaves his daughter, Stacey Leigh Swanson of Bahama, NC; a son Steven Swanson and...

Wallingford, Connecticut Paul McGrath 1943 — 2024 Paul Robert McGrath, 81, of Wallingford died peacefully at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden on July 12, 2024. He grew up in Portland, CT and was the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Pero) McGrath. Paul attended St. Mary's Parochial School in Portland and was vice president of his senior class at Vinal Technical High School. He had a career in manufacturing, Tool & Dye, and production management at Colt Firearms, Olin Ski, and Creed Monarch. He enjoyed playing golf, trivia, story-telling, family get-togethers and fun trips to the casino. Paul leaves behind a daughter, Tracy McGrath & partner Bruce of Groton; son Steven McGrath & wife Katina of Torrington; daughter Kelly...

Middletown, Connecticut Barbara Krystock 1952 — 2024 Barbara Jean Krystock, 71, of Middletown, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Meriden, she was the daughter of the late John and Anne (Belovostic) Krystock. Barbara had lived in Middletown since 1985, moving from Meriden. She was a member of Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church in Middletown and a former member of Saint Stanislaus Church in Meriden. Barbara graduated from Maloney High School in Meriden and from Central Connecticut State University with an associate degree. She was an avid skier and tennis player and enjoyed playing cards and board games, especially Rage with Verna Elam and Sonja DeKorte. Barbara loved watching the game show network and...

Durham, Connecticut Caroline Norton 1935 — 2024 It is with deep sadness we share that Caroline Mary (Wimler) Norton passed away from this life on June 24, 2024. Caroline ("Grammy") will always be remembered for her quiet nature, deep devotion to family and love of animals, especially her little dog "K.D.". Caroline was born August 23, 1935, and grew up on the Wimler family farm in Durham, CT. On September 29, 1956, Caroline married the love of her life, Ralph R. Norton. Together they raised two children, Kenneth Dean Norton and Barbara Jean (Norton) Litwin. A special time in their life was when they moved to Fisher's Island for Ralph to supervise the building of the Island's school. They made friends and memories that they cherished...

Middletown, Connecticut Pamela Zawisa 1943 — 2024 Pamela "Pam" Zawisa, 80, of Middletown passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024. Pam was the only child to the late Louis and Mildred (Marthers) Vladik of Middletown. She attended local schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1961. She won the heart of James "Rab" Zawisa, and they married in 1962. They had over 57 wonderful years together until Rab's death in 2019. Pam was a proud homemaker and raised her two children, Jimmy and Richie. She loved seeing them compete on the football and baseball fields and attended games in any weather. The sports passion continued with her grandchildren Joshua, Brendan and Daniel. Pam also had the opportunity to work outside of the home...

Durham, Connecticut Carol Marcello 1950 — 2024 Carol Ann (Bellmore) Marcello, 74, of Durham, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law with her daughter holding her hand as she left this world and gracefully stepped into heaven. She was the daughter of the late Ernest Bellmore and Alice Hait. Carol is now soaring high in heaven with her husband and soulmate Ronald Marcello who predeceased her in 2022. Carol leaves behind her daughters Traci Murray of Uncasville and Angela Skinner of Huntington, IN; a grandson Steven Staehle of Windham and a granddaughter Casey Staehle also of Uncasville and a great granddaughter Skylar Barylski. There will be no services at Carol's request. To share memories...

Middletown, Connecticut Helen Russell 1927 — 2024 Helen Odegaard Russell, born in Bogota, NJ, on December 30, 1927, passed away on June 1, 2024, in Niantic, CT after a brief illness. Helen graduated from Bogota High School in New Jersey as a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, graduating in 1949. After graduation, she took a three-month bicycle, boat and train tour of Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, France and England, including studying at the University of Oslo. Helen raised her children in Middletown. She also lived in Saco ME, Greenfield, Plymouth and Marshfield MA and Portland CT, spending her final years in Niantic. She was always active within her community. Helen had numerous...

Middletown, Connecticut Barbara Smallshaw 1933 — 2024 Barbara (Bielefield) Smallshaw of Middletown, Connecticut passed away peacefully on May 7, 2024, after a brief illness. Barbara was one of three children (Arthur and Carolyn) born in Middletown to the late Herman and Frances Bielefield. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Earl Smallshaw, and her daughter, Sharon Smallshaw Appelman. Growing up in Middletown in her home on Clover Street, Barbara had a zest for life. Among her many interests, she especially enjoyed gardening, history, reading, caring for animals, and singing. One of her proudest moments was singing on stage at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford when she was in high school. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School,...

Middletown, Connecticut Attorney Peter Sipples 1942 — 2024 Attorney Peter M. Sipples, beloved husband of Attorney Patricia C. Farrell, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024. The son of Maurice and Atholine Sipples, Peter was born on August 9, 1942. In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his children Timothy Sipples, Kyle Sipples, Kate Reeves, and Catherine Guarino and their spouses; his eight grandchildren; his sister Kathy Michalski (Robert); his cousin Carol Parker (Richard); his goddaughter Ellen Adams; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday, May 24 from 4pm-7pm at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25 beginning at 2pm at St. Francis Church, 10...

Middletown, Connecticut Richard Notarangelo 1952 — 2024 Richard Gene ("Dick") Notarangelo, 71, of Middlefield and Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 28, 2024. Dick was born in Middletown, Connecticut to his parents, Lorenzo and Marie [Levis] Notarangelo, attended Middletown public schools and Central Connecticut State University where he received a Bachelor and Master's degree in education. Dick spent the majority of his career teaching elementary and middle school in Middletown Public Schools, where he was fondly referred to as "Mr. N" by his students. He met his wife and love of his life, Mary Ann [Charboneau] of Hamden, Connecticut and married in 1978. After teaching together in New Mexico,...

Portland, Connecticut David Finkelstein 1940 — 2024 David Finkelstein of Portland passed away at home Monday evening April 22, 2024. David was the loving husband of Myra (Eisenstein) Finkelstein with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Bath, Maine to the late Jack and Sara Finkelstein, he moved at a young age to Portland, Maine. David is a graduate of the University of Maine where he thrived in all aspects of college life. He started his teaching career in Northern Maine and then moved to CT where he met Myra. For 35 years he was a history and driver's ed instructor at East Hartford High School. After retirement David was a van driver for the Portland Senior Center as well as a school crossing guard at Gildersleeve school....

Middle Haddam, Connecticut Barbara Gibbons 1931 — 2024 On April 18, 2024, Barbara Woodbury Gibbons, wife of Richard Tuttle Gibbons (Dick) succumbed after her five-year battle with Alzheimer's disease in the presence of her family at her home in Middle Haddam. Barbara was born in Salem, New Hampshire on August 8, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Captain Levi Woodbury and Marion Henderson Woodbury. Barbara spent her early years in Salem. Upon graduation from high school, Barbara enrolled in Oceanside, CA Junior College and completed a 2-year college course. Many years later, in January 1969, Barbara and Dick met at a dinner party in Essex Connecticut. Following a quick courtship, Barbara and Dick were married in August 1969. Each...

Cromwell, Connecticut Nancy Seagrave 1932 — 2024 Nancy Jeanette (Loveland) Seagrave, of Cromwell, wife of the late Walter "Bud" Seagrave, Jr., passed away on April 15, 2024, at Pilgrim Manor. Born in Bristol, she was the daughter of the late Myron and Laura (Potter) Loveland. Nancy worked many years at James H. Bunce Company and Kabel's Luggage Shop, both in Middletown. She was a member of First Congregational Church in Cromwell. She was a member of the Cromwell Women's League and a life member of the Cromwell Historical Society, serving as an Executive Board member in both organizations. Nancy was also a family historian, photographer, and holiday organizer. Nancy is survived by two sons, James E. Seagrave of Meriden and Gerald A....

Cromwell, Connecticut Harry McIntyre, Jr. 1941 — 2024 Harry McIntyre Jr., 82, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of April 11, 2024, with his family by his bedside. Harry was born on July 31, 1941, in Middletown, CT. He was the only child of Harry P. McIntyre and Mary E. (Driscoll) McIntyre of Cromwell. Harry graduated from Cromwell High School in 1959 and studied engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1963. He would later earn his masters degree from Adelphi College in Long Island N.Y. While in college at WPI, he met Dilys Brumby. They married in 1964 and would spend the next 60 years together. Together, they had three children. Harry began his engineering career at Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corp. with...

Wallingford, Connecticut Jennifer W. Bonamico 1965 — 2024 Jennifer Treat Bonamico, 58, beloved wife of Carmelo "Carl" Bonamico, began her new life on April 10, 2024. She was born in New Haven, CT on September 30, 1965 to Robert and Jeanette (Testori) Treat of Middlefield. Jennifer grew up in Middlefield, attended Regional 13 schools and graduated from Mercy High School, Class of 1983. She attended the University of Rhode Island and received a Bachelor of Science Degree and certification as a Dental Hygienist. She had a 38-year career as a dedicated Hygienist and also a Certified Personal Trainer. Jennifer loved traveling and she and Carmelo made numerous trips (56) in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean during their 34-year marriage. ...

The Middletown Press Memorials and Obituaries | We Remember (2025)

All Memorials and Obituaries (116)