Sunday, February 5, 2023
2023 Blog
Torrington - Carmine Conti, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 11, 2023 surrounded by family and friends at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Teresa (Cazzola) Conti. Carmine was a dedicated husband, father and friend. Carmine was born on November 28, 1938 in Torrington, CT, the son of the late Peter and Helen (Pellegrini) Conti, and was preceded in death by one brother, Joseph Conti.
He was employed by the Torrington Company as a Draftsman for many years. Carmine enjoyed hunting, the outdoors, country and bluegrass music, classic TV Westerns, and competitive games of Trivial Pursuit. He also served as an usher at St. Peter's Church. Carmine is survived by two daughters, Louise Beaumont and her husband Bill of Bristol, CT and Lucille Conti of San Jose, CA, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Robert Donnelly of San Jose, CA. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. to St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish) 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org) or the National Geographic Society (www.nationalgeographic.org). Condolences may be sent to the Conti family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com.
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Torrington - Fay E. (Sica) Bosco, 92, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Brandywine. She was the wife of the late Sebastian Bosco. Fay was born in Torrington, CT, the daughter of the late Alfred and Teresa (Basso) Sica.
She was employed by The Torrington Company as a secretary until her retirement. Fay loved the adventure of travel and enjoyed many trips throughout her life. She also was a very compassionate person who was always willing to help family members and friends and was a lifelong communicant of St. Peter Church. Fay is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Joseph Sica and one sister, Marion Beecher. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT 06790 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul the Great Parish, c/o The Pastoral Center, 160 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790 Condolences may be sent to Fay’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
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Torrington - Gwendolyn Patterson-Bernier, 73, passed away on June 17, 2023 at Torrington Nursing and Rehab on Fern Drive in Torrington. She was born on October 1, 1949 in Torrington to the late Burton and Barbara Patterson.
She attended St. Francis elementary school and Torrington High School.
She worked for the Torrington Co. for over 10 years. After the Torrington Co. closed, she went to work in Price Chopper where she worked for several years as a deli clerk then in the Starbucks. She loved that job the most, she would come home and talk about the people she met and they joy she had when they would come back to see her. She loved to crochet, she often made hats and scarfs for the kids. She loved to bake and make Christmas cookies and going out to eat and loved trying new things. But her favorite pastime was to spend time with her grandkids, she enjoyed watching them grow up into the man kyle became and the young ladies Olivia and Kate are today. She loved them with all of her heart. She is survived by her sister, Debbie Patterson, her younger brother, Doug Patterson, her daughter, Kim Bernier, her sons; Paul and Craig Bernier, her grandchildren; Kyle, Olivia and Kate. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Gregory Patterson. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
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New Hartford, CT - Aleida Y. (Freijoso) Garcia, 89,, peacefully passed away June 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Gerardo Garcia. Yolanda, as she was known to many, was born July 14, 1933, in Puerto Padre, Oriente, Cuba, the daughter of the late Serafin and Amparo (Camacho ) Freijoso. In 1962, she came to America with her husband, to start a new life.
She worked at the Waring Company in New Hartford before joining the Torrington Company where she was employed for many years until her retirement. She is survived by two children, Rodolfo (Lori Catlin) Garcia of Granby; Iliana (Mitch) Bussell of New Hartford, and her stepson Gerardo (JoAnn) Garcia of Torrington, CT; six grandchildren, Lily Catlin Garcia, Jonah (Anna) Garcia; Jacob and Zachary Bussell; Gerry (Gina) and David Garcia, as well as several nieces and nephews still living in Cuba. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by one sister, Serafina Freijoso Camacho; and half siblings Higinio, Gerardo, Ramona and Maria Freijoso. Yoli, as her friends called her, found joy in gardening, cooking Cuban specialties and sewing. She was an accomplished seamstress. Her greatest joy was helping her children raise their children. Funeral services have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home, Torrington, CT. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private burial. Calling hours will be held before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) Condolences may be sent to the Garcia family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
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TORRINGTON – Marion (Morzella) Banziruk, 97, of Torrington, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at Valerie Manor. She was the wife of the late John N. Banziruk. Marion was born Oct. 11, 1925 in Torrington, the daughter of the late James and Fortunata (Russo) Morzella. She raised five children and loved being a homemaker and wife. Gardening, cooking, and making a gracious, loving home were important to her. Her homemade pies are legendary. Most memorable, she endeavored to let each child know how important each was. She also dearly loved and cherished her brothers and sisters. One of Marion’s favorite pastimes was to watch and discuss both New England Patriots football, under Tom Brady, and UConn men’s and women’s basketball games.
In addition to being a wife, mother, sister and friend, she was employed by The Torrington Co. and PTC Aerospace in the factory until her retirement. There she was honored for being a top producer. Marion passed surrounded with loving family at her side. She is survived by one son, John R. Banziruk (Sylvia) of Colebrook; four daughters, Joan Zbell (Tom) of Mechanicsville, Va., Brenda Hogan (Gerard) and Lynn Olson (Jonathan), both of Torrington, and Susan Boyce (Brian) of Eastford; three brothers, James “Sonny” Morzella of Wellington, Fla., Louis Morzella of Hughson, Calif., and Dennis Morzella (Diane) of Summerfield, Fla.; two sisters, Carmella “Kelly” Lecko of Alpharetta, Ga., and Julia Osterhout (Ray) of Ocala, Fla.; 18 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Cape Elizabeth Me. - Stephen Ray Edmondson, 80, of Cape Elizabeth died unexpectedly Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Maine Medical Center with his wife, Margaret (Kiki) Randall, by his side. Steve was born on November 10, 1942 in Lafayette, Indiana the son of Charles and Grace Rodenbeck Edmondson. His family moved to Connecticut when he was a teenager. He graduated from Stamford High School and the United States Coast Guard Academy (USGCA), Class of 1964. He received an MBA in Marketing and Financial Management from Rensselaer at Work.
After graduating from the USCGA he was stationed in Hawaii where his daughter, Wendy, was born followed by an assignment in Port Arthur, Texas where his daughter, Stephanie, was born.
He resigned his commission in Port Arthur and began working for the Torrington Company in Connecticut in 1969 where his son, Peter, was born. He lived in several states during the thirty years he worked for the Torrington Company and worked in product management, marketing and sales. His last position with the company was as general manager for a joint venture between the Torrington Company and a Chinese company in Wuxi, China where he and Kiki lived for over two years before returning to their home in Norfolk, Ct. While in China, they took advantage of the opportunity to travel to many areas of China including Tibet and Xinjiang province as well as most other Asian countries and Australia and New Zealand. Following his retirement, Steve and Kiki moved to Cape Elizabeth, Maine and he fulfilled one of his dreams when he bought a 40’ Swan sailboat, Teragram, which he restored and then fulfilled his other dream of solo sailing from Falmouth, Maine to Ireland. He crossed the Atlantic three times with Teragram: twice by himself and once with a former USCGA classmate. Upon reaching Europe, Kiki would join him and they would spend parts of many years sailing around Ireland, Scotland, England, Portugal, Spain and Italy in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. In later years, without a boat, they would enjoy many trips to various countries in Europe picking out smaller areas where they would spend more time. During his retirement in Maine, Steve became active in SCORE and served as a volunteer, chapter chair for Portland, district director and assistant district director for Maine. He has been a member of various Congregational churches in the towns he has lived in and served in a variety of volunteer positions.
Steve loved his family very much and is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kiki, daughters Wendy Treat (Bob) of Marlborough, Ct. and Stephanie Fernandes (Lou) of Wilton, Ct., son Peter (Julie) of Old Lyme, Ct., grandchildren Ryan Treat, Jake, Kayla and Sara Fernandes, Alexandra Bowman and Olivia Zrenda as well as two great grandsons Jack and Camden. He is also survived by his brothers Charles and Thomas, and his sister Linda McAllister, sisters-in-law Patricia Edmondson and Nancy Heugh and brother-in-law Richard McAllister. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, April 22, at The Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC) in Norfolk, Ct. followed by a reception in Battell Chapel
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Torrington - Faustina “Tina” Maggiorotto, 94, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed away at Litchfield Woods on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Tina was born February 15, 1929, in Torrington, CT, the daughter of the late Bartolomo and Giuseppina (Odigio) Maggiorotto.
Employed by the Torrington Company for 45 years until her retirement, she was a secretary who extended her education through night school and worked her way to be an administrative assistant to a vice president. She was an active member in the Torrington Women’s Club as well as a gifted seamstress which was a hobby and source of creativity and enjoyment that she won recognition for in competitions. She was preceded in death by one brother, Charles “Carl” Maggiorotto. Funeral services will be held on THURSDAY, March 16, 2023, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church (St. John Paul the Great Parish), 99 East Main St., Torrington, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery. A calling hour will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home on THURSDAY morning. Condolences may be sent to www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Torrington- Rita N. Celadon, 79, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. She was the beloved wife of 57 years of Gino L. Celadon. Mrs. Celadon was born in Dover, NJ, on November 26, 1943, daughter of the late Rosendo and Elizabeth (Hegedty) Nosti, and had been a Torrington area resident most of her life. She was a graduate of Wamogo High School, Class of 1961.
Rita was a retired purchasing agent with RBC Bearings, having also worked with the Torin and Torrington Companies for many years. She was a communicant of St. Peter Church of St. John Paul the Great Parish, Torrington, and was a member of the Holy Rosary Society. Rita enjoyed cooking, baking, Sunday family dinners, and attending her grandson’s soccer games, never missing a game. Her greatest joy was her family and time spent with them was always cherished. Survivors, in addition to her husband, Gino, include a daughter, Cheryl Christiano and her husband, Brian, of Harwinton; a sister, Nancy Nosti of Torrington; two grandsons, Anthony and Peter Christiano; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 12:00p.m. from Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington, to St. Peter Church, 107 E. Main St., Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00p.m. Burial will be private. Friends may call Monday, March 20, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate)
Torrington - Wanda Drenzyk, 103, of Torrington, passed away Sunday, March 19th, at home. She was the wife of the late Edward J. Drenzyk. Wanda was born in Willimantic, CT on February 2, 1920, a daughter of the late Sophie (Zak) and John Tokarz.
She had been employed by the Needle Division of the Torrington Company and was a member of the Sullivan Senior Center. She is survived by a daughter Elaine Truskoski and son in law Mark of Harwinton, daughter in law Carolyn Drenzyk of Grannan IN, grandsons Ryan T. Truskoski and Jason T. Truskoski, and granddaughters Deborah Drenzyk and Heather Drenzyk, and a great granddaughter Olivia Truskoski. She was predeceased a son Edward "Jack" Drenzyk and by brothers Peter, Frank, Stephen and Daniel Tokarz and sisters Anna Tokarz and Mary Krajewski.Funeral Services will be held 11 AM on Wednesday, March 22nd at Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington, with burial following at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 22nd at the Funeral Home.www.phalenfuneral.com
Torrington - Carole Neag (Vestali / Hogan), 80, peacefully passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, surrounded by family at her home in Goshen, Connecticut. Carole was born in Torrington and was the daughter of the late John and Olympia (Cantadore) Vestali. She was predeceased by her first husband, David P. Hogan and her second husband Raymond Neag. Carole leaves behind her son David Hogan, with his wife Heidi and her granddaughters Katherine and Emily; her daughter Elizabeth Lamoin and her husband Jim; her brother Jack Vestali and his wife MaryAnn; and an extended family of loved ones. Carole grew up in Torrington, graduating from Torrington High School in 1960 and the St. Francis School of Nursing in Hartford in 1963.
As a young nurse Carole worked in maternity at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and later in her career as an occupational nurse for The Torrington Company. Carole enjoyed traveling, reading historical novels, acing crossword puzzles, and checking in on family. She also enjoyed socializing with dear friends in Connecticut, as well as Wyomissing PA and Wallingford England where she lived part time. Carole was a philanthropist known for giving back to her communities. She and her late husband Ray Neag were leading supporters for many worthy organizations including the University of Connecticut, The Caron Treatment Center in Pennsylvania, The Reading Museum and Planetarium, and The Performing Arts Center at the Warner Theatre in Torrington. Friends are invited to join the family on Friday April 21st from 8:30am to 10:00am at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington. Mass will be held at 11:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield, with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carole’s memory to the UConn Health - Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center Fund at https://www.foundation.uconn.edu/give-now/uconn-health/ Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Mary Ellen (Tuozzo) Jablonski, 99, of Torrington, passed away peacefully May 4, 2023. She was the wife of the late Chester E. Jablonski, whom she was wed for 71 years. Mary was born in Harwinton, daughter of the late Charles and Rose (LaRocco) Tuozzo. She attended local schools and was a lifelong Torrington resident. Growing up with five brothers, she had an active athletic childhood and liked to play basketball. Her working life consisted of employment at The Torrington Company, Mertz Department Store for many years, and Alan's Cut Rate Pharmacy in Torrington. Mary and Chester loved dancing, frequently traveling around the state in search of the next polka dance. Taking up skiing later in life, they enjoyed ski vacations in Vermont and were members of the over 70 ski club. As a homemaker, she loved to cook for her family and to bake apple and blueberry pies, cakes and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. She was a sweet lady with a sweet tooth. She volunteered at St. Peter's Church for many years scheduling Altar Servers for Masses, Memorials, and Weddings. She was devoted to her entire family, and family always came first, and she spared no energy to show her love and support. Alzheimer's took things from her but it didn't take her kindness, compassion, politeness, and smile.
Mary is survived by two sons, George Jablonski and wife Carol of Manchester CT, and Gary Jablonski and wife Rosemary of Watertown, CT., and a daughter in law Darr Jablonski of Thornton CO. She also leaves two grandchildren, Benjamin Jablonski and Katherine Jablonski of Manchester and step grandchildren Leigh Ann Sarmiento and husband David and Trevor Sarmiento of Thornton CO, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband Chester, she was predeceased by a son Bruce E. Jablonski. The last of her generation she was also preceded by sisters Rose (Leo) Gelormino and Violet (Gino) Paganini as well as five brothers, Joseph Tuozzo, Pasquale (Dora) Tuozzo, Charles (Ann) Tuozzo, Paul (Angeline) Tuozzo and twin Richard (Veronica) Tuozzo. Special gratitude to her niece, Janice Boulli, who spent many hours visiting over the last several years and bringing her treats. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Karis Cole who over the last few years lovingly cared for Mary. Private services are at the convenience of the family. www.phalenfuneral.com
Torrington- Elsie A. DelMedico, 100, passed away Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, 2023, at her home. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. DelMedico. Elsie was born in Torrington on February 4, 1923, daughter of the late John and Albina (Moscarillo) Silano, and had been a lifelong city resident.
She was a retired needle shop employee with the Torrington Company, retiring with over 30 years of service. After her retirement from the Torrington Company, she worked as an assistant in Dr. Hebert’s office for 20 years until he retired. Elsie loved to learn and was loving and compassionate toward all of the doctor's patients. She stayed young at heart and was one of a kind. Elsie was a communicant of St. Peter Church of St. John Paul the Great Parish. She enjoyed cooking, keeping track of her family, and attending to her loving birds OT and Manny. Survivors include a son, Joseph DelMedico of Wallingford; two daughters, Sandy Lamoin and her husband, Bill, and Diane Soliani and her husband, George, all of Torrington; 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:00a.m. at St. Peter Church, 107 E. Main St., Torrington. Entombment will follow in New St. Francis Cemetery Mausoleum, Torrington. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, Torrington, is in care of arrangements.
Torrington - Jean (Masciarelli) Lynn Ducatelli, 93, passed away peacefully Friday, June 2, 2023, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was the wife of the late Roy S. Lynn who passed away in 1982 and later Michael Ducatelli who passed away in 2015. Jean was born October 21, 1929, in Orient, PA. She was the daughter of the late Torello and Angeline (Zaccagnino) Masciarelli and moved to Torrington in 1943. She attended Torrington schools and was a graduate of The Connecticut Institute of Hairdressing in Hartford, CT. She was part owner of Terry & Joe’s Restaurant in Torrington for over 20 years.
Later she was employed as an inspector for the Torrington Company until her retirement in 1987 when she then devoted her time to caring for her parents and grandchildren. Jean’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved each and every member of her large family and loved to cook for them. She was an outstanding cook preparing traditional Italian recipes as well as an amazing baker, known especially for her beautiful pies and delicious Italian Christmas cookies. Jean was a communicant of St. Peter’s Church and also a member of the Sullivan Senior Center where she enjoyed many fun bus trips. She is survived by two daughters, Donna September (Albert) of Torrington and Lisa Cianciolo (Paul) of Harwinton, step-daughter Phyllis Craig (David) of Florida and step-son Michael Ducatelli (Ann) of Minnesota. She is also survived by one brother, Daniel Masciarelli of Torrington as well as 9 grandchildren – Alan September (Amy), Cara Lynn September, Daniel Cianciolo (Laura), Matthew Cianciolo (Erin), Steven Cianciolo (Nicole), Christopher Craig, Jameson Craig (Kaitlyn), Alyssa Shultz (Logan), Steven Ducatelli (Alison) as well as 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased in death by brother David Masciarelli, sisters Mary Milanese and Josephine DiLaurenzio, sister-in-law Gina Masciarelli and brothers-in-law Joseph Milanese and Hugo DiLaurenzio. The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and techs on the 4th floor of CHH for their extreme kindness and care for our mom during this very difficult time. We would also like to thank the patient staff of the ER for their continued support and care during our many visits. Funeral services will be Friday, June 9th. Family and friends may call Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington. The cortege will leave the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. and continue to St. Peter Church, (St. John Paul the Great Parish) 99 East Main Street, Torrington, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at New St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul the Great Parish, 160 Main St., Torrington, CT 06790. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting ww.cookfuneralhomect.com.
Michael Edward Farkas, 91, of Harwinton, CT, passed away peacefully on June 5th surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born November 1, 1931, and was the son of the late Michael and Sophie Farkas. He had served two years in the US Army.
He was employed by the Torrington Company as a Quality Control Manager for 40 years and later retired in 1993. He loved fishing, followed by a fish fry with all his friends and was an avid fan of UCONN men and women basketball teams as well as the NY Yankees. He is survived by his wife Marie of 66 years, daughter Donna and son Richard and wife Lisa, sister Eleanor Orie, granddaughters Amber Scapin, Taylor Farkas, Katrina Brodski; grandsons Cody Farkas and fiancée Sydney and John Brodski; great grandsons Colton and Hunter Brodski; goddaughter Kathy Giglio and several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his forever friends of over 60 years Cyn and Buzz Aeschliman and Cindy and Bob Hart. He is predeceased by his son Michael and brothers Andy and John. Funeral services will be held on June 15, 2023, leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington to St. Peter Church for a Mass at 11:00 a.m., followed by cremains buried at St. Peter Cemetery. Calling hours are June 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Shriners. Condolences may be sent to the Farkas family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
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New Hartford, CT - Aleida Y. (Freijoso) Garcia, 89,, peacefully passed away June 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Gerardo Garcia. Yolanda, as she was known to many, was born July 14, 1933, in Puerto Padre, Oriente, Cuba, the daughter of the late Serafin and Amparo (Camacho ) Freijoso. In 1962, she came to America with her husband, to start a new life.
She worked at the Waring Company in New Hartford before joining the Torrington Company where she was employed for many years until her retirement. She is survived by two children, Rodolfo (Lori Catlin) Garcia of Granby; Iliana (Mitch) Bussell of New Hartford, and her stepson Gerardo (JoAnn) Garcia of Torrington, CT; six grandchildren, Lily Catlin Garcia, Jonah (Anna) Garcia; Jacob and Zachary Bussell; Gerry (Gina) and David Garcia, as well as several nieces and nephews still living in Cuba. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by one sister, Serafina Freijoso Camacho; and half siblings Higinio, Gerardo, Ramona and Maria Freijoso. Yoli, as her friends called her, found joy in gardening, cooking Cuban specialties and sewing. She was an accomplished seamstress. Her greatest joy was helping her children raise their children. Funeral services have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home, Torrington, CT. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private burial. Calling hours will be held before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) Condolences may be sent to the Garcia family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com
Torrington - The family of Connie L. Serbek sadly announce her passing on June 30, 2023 at Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation in Canaan CT. Connie was born in central Maine on April 16, 1939, moving to Torrington CT in 1960.
She was employed over the years by the Torrington Company, Howmet Corporation and retired from the State of CT. She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Serbek Sr., her parents from Maine, Leo and June Jacques, brothers, Clarence and Calvin Jacques, of Maine, and one sister, Dorothy Chapman of Washington State. She is survived by sisters Lillian Curtis of Maryland, Veronica McLeod of South Carolina, Berdena Dew and Annelle Gallant of Torrington, daughters Sheree (Brad) Starr, Linda (Joe) iechowski both of Winchester CT and son, Scott (Catherine) Worcester of Sandisfield MA , stepchildren, Susan Serbek of Winsted and Ronald Serbek Jr of Torrington. She also leaves her
grandchildren: Robert (Kimberly) Dell’Agnese III of Nashville TN, Gail (Joe) Woolsey of Harwinton, Jesse Piechowski of Torrington, Joseph (Amelie) Piechowski Jr. of Canada, Adam (Christina) Piechowski of Torrington, Kelly Thompson of Torrington, Kara Halterman of Torrington, Jeffrey Serbek of Torrington and Cassandra Marshall of Winsted, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and several great-grandchildren. A special Thank You to the staff at Geer Nursing for their exceptional, loving care of Mom during the past 10 years.
Burial will be held at the family’s convenience in Maine. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers.org or LittleGuild.org (animal shelter) in Cornwall CT.
Harwinton - It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Robert Arnista, who passed July 3, 2023, at the age of 62., after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 32 years, Barbara, daughters Allison Arnista and Alyssa Arnista, and cat Daniel, sister Karen Murack and husband Fran, brother Rick Arnista and sister Lori Karp and husband Gary. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Margaret Arnista.
Rob was an electrician by trade, employed by the Torrington Company until closing and then Thomaston Savings Bank. Rob loved fixing things around the house and working on his lawnmowers. He enjoyed bowling with his buddies, watching UCONN Women's basketball, Nascar, and spending time with his family. The family wishes to say a special thank-you to the staff at The Cancer Institute at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and to the hospice team for their care and compassion, as well as Dr Devaney for his kindness and dedication to Rob during his illness. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday from 5-7 PM at Phalen Funeral Home. Memorial Donations can be made to The Little Guild of Saint Francis of West Cornwall CT. www.phalenfuneral.com
Rollin W. Goodall Obituary -
The world lost a kind and decent man with the passing of Rollin W. Goodall at his beloved home in Colebrook, Connecticut on Saturday, November 12, 2022. Rollie, and his twin brother, George, were born to Edward and Barbara (Jewett) Goodall, on November 24, 1941 at New Britain Hospital. On December 7, 1941, as the country reacted in horror to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, in the Goodall household on Williams Avenue in Plainville, the big news was the homecoming of Barbara and Ed’s twin boys, who joined their older brother, Guy.
Rollie was an adventurer from the start, and always a hard-working and enterprising boy. He
always found a way to put some money in his pocket, delivering newspapers on his bicycle
through freezing winters (a neighbor once brought him into their house to thaw him out), or by trapping muskrats for their pelts ($1.10 per pelt), or by offering onlookers to bet against him at the pinball machines at the corner store. This would not be the last time that the lesson of “never bet against the tenacity of Rollie Goodall” would be learned by those who knew him. While Rollie enjoyed his youth in Plainville, graduating from Plainville High School, his intellect and curiosity drove him to seek out the world beyond. He enrolled in Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and was accepted into the Co-op program in 1960.
This would become the decision that launched him into a career at the Torrington Company for the next 47 years and a life that he thoroughly loved. He advanced through the “ranks” over the course of his career there, and discovered that his job could also provide him with opportunities to see the world, and meet people from all over. This would become the joy, and the adventure of his life. Rollie was a fantastic storyteller, and he collected stories and tales from his partners in the south and as far as England, Germany, Czech Republic, Australia and China. Rollie loved to travel and was eager to see, learn and experience the world. Another great adventure would surprise and delight Rollie, when he became a father to Carin and Christopher, in 1982 and 1983. Although his job kept him away from home during the week (sometimes for 40 weeks a year!), he would call Carin and Chris from wherever in the world he was, each night at bedtime, when he was able, and always tried to be home by dinner time on Friday to spend the weekends at home with his family. It was a challenging balance, but Rollie never felt far away in the eyes of his children, a dad who was very much a steady presence and a man you could count on. He was very much a warm, loving and “present” Dad in the lives of his children. He appreciated every moment and stage of their lives and loved to see how they grew. When Rollie was 56, he was again surprised and delighted to meet the woman with whom he would spend the next 25 years, his wife and best friend, Suzanne Peacock. While healing from divorces, Suzanne and Rollie’s love for each other, helped them both to smile again, and to share a life of adventure and joy.
In 2010, Rollie was diagnosed with a meningioma on the left side of his brain. This began a
journey filled with challenges and obstacles that Rollie met with forbearance, perseverance and humor for the next 12 years. He endured 4 brain surgeries during these years, each surgery taking a little more from him. He never complained and never sought pity or sympathy. He just “got on with it”, like he always did. The quiet but fiery inner strength he carried with him was almost beyond comprehension and perhaps came through more during these years than others.
Family and friends are encouraged and welcomed to join us at Montano-Shea Funeral Home at
922 Main Street in Winsted, Connecticut on Saturday, November 19th from 11:00 AM to 1:30
PM. There will be calling hours, followed by a short service of remembrance beginning at
approximately 1:00 PM. This will be followed by a reception at Mario’s Tuscany Grill in Winsted,
CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Colebrook Associates,
P. O. Box 118, Colebrook, CT 06021.
Newspaper Obituary - Abridged Version
The world lost a kind and decent man on Saturday, November 12, 2022 with the passing of
Rollin W. Goodall at his beloved home in Colebrook, Connecticut. Rollie was born Nov. 24,
1941, in New Britain, a son of the late Edward and Barbara (Jewett) Goodall. He was a born
adventurer, a graduate of Plainville High School and also of Northwestern University in Boston.
He spent the majority of his professional career at The Torrington Company where he was
provided the opportunity to travel the country and the world.
Rollie had a very keen and inquisitive mind. He was an avid reader of dense books on world
history and politics. Golf may have been Rollie’s favorite pastime, a passion that began in high
school and that he enjoyed into retirement. He also had one heck of a sense of humor, but you
really had to pay attention because his jokes were quite subtle. They were often told as an
“aside” to whoever was lucky enough to be standing next to him.
Rollie is survived by his wife, Suzanne Peacock; his children Carin (Matt) Rogosky and
Christopher (Liz) Goodall; and his grandchildren, Xavier, Noah, Gabriel, Magnolia, McKenna
and Skade. He is predeceased by his twin brother, George and George’s wife, Jane.
Family and friends may gather at the Montano-Shea Funeral Home in Winsted, CT on Saturday,
Nov 19 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a service starting at approximately 1 p.m, followed by a
reception at Mario’s Tuscany Grill in Winsted, CT. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial
contributions may be made to Colebrook Associates, P. O. Box 118, Colebrook, CT 06021. For
additional information, and a more detailed obituary, please visit Montano-Shea.com
James Lawrence Bement Sr. passed away at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital on July 8, 2023. Born July 23, 1923, the son of the late Joseph L & Mary H. Bement
Jim attended school in Torrington including Torrington High School. He went into the Army in April of 1943 and served in North Africa, Italy and Southern France as a combat infantryman in the 36th Division. He married Grace Williams on July 2, 1949, and up until his death, lived in the same house in Harwinton that he and Grace bought together just prior to their marriage. He was preceded in death by his wife Grace, as well as his five siblings. He was employed by the Torrington Company for 40 yrs and was also employed by The Register Citizen.
Jim was an active member of American Legion Post 137 in Harwinton for many years, serving in most of the leadership roles in the post from time to time and also held office in the American Legion Department of Connecticut. He was a Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund Representative for many years, helping other veterans get financial support in their times of need. He was inducted into the American Legion Hall of Fame in 2010.
He is survived by his son James L. Bement Jr. and wife Karen, daughter Denise B. Horn and her husband Martin, daughter Michelle B. Skibesky and her husband William, as well as seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday July 21, 2023 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St, Torrington with visitation at 10 am and funeral at 11 am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Paul's Church Book of Remembrance or the James L. Bement Sr. Scholarship Fund c/o American Legion Post 137, 122 Hill Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791
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