Miscellaneous obituaries from Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington, CT 06790.
NOTE: Many of these obituaries don't have the year of death. Most can be found by performing a FREE search in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). The results will display the year of death only.
Jerome W. Deeds, 80, a long time Kent resident
died Tuesday April 8 at his home in Torrington. He was the husband of the late Lilly (Darling) Deeds who died in 1985.
Born in Reading PA May 20, 1922, son of the late Albert and Susan (Rader) Deeds, he was retired as a self employed carpenter and also had served a Post Master in South Kent for many years.
An Army Veteran of WWII, he served in The Pacific and European Theaters. He was one of the few survivors of the torpedo attack on The SS Dorchester, sunk off the coast of Greenland in the North Atlantic.
He was a member of The VFW Post 9856 in Cornwall and The American Legion Post 153, Kent.
He was a member of The Wemanessa Grange in Gaylordsville, a Cub Scout Leader and a Town Constable in Kent for many years.
He is survived by his son, Ethan Deeds and his wife Nancy of Torrington, a step daughter Virginia Goodsell of South Kent and a sister Louise Seidel of Wyomissing PA, his companion Arlene Faken of Torrington and 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by 1 brother and 10 sisters.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 26 at 1:30 PM at The First Congregational Church in Kent. Burial with Military Honors will be in the St. Andrew Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Center for Cancer Care 200 Kennedy Dr Torrington Ct 06790 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Phalen Funeral Home Torrington has charge of arrangements.
Agnes M. (Proulx ) Hilario, 56, of Goshen
died Sunday April 6 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. She was the wife of Eduardo Hilario. Born in Waterbury Nov 3, 1946 daughter of the late Albert and Alice (Pion) Proulx.
In addition to her husband, she leaves five children, Mario Hilario of Cranston RI. Marcus Hilario of Norwich, Edward Hilario of York, PA, Michelle Hilario of Middletown, RI, and Shawn Hilario of Hartford. She also is survived by a sister Therese Guay of Southington, and 2 brothers, Attorney Albert Proulx of Plainville and Rev. Raymond Proulx, Pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Church in Goshen. She also leaves a sister in law, Theresa Proulx of Watertown. She was predeceased by a brother Ralph Proulx.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday April 10 at 11 AM at Saint Thomas Church in Goshen. Burial will be at Saint Thomas Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at the Church on Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Thomas Church 71 North St Goshen CT 06756.
Phalen Funeral Home of Torrington is in charge of arrangements.
Dennis W. Previs, 52, of 79 Roberts St. Torrington
died Tuesday April 1 at his home surrounded by his family following a long illness. He was the husband of the late Virginia (Yamin) Previs who died in 1985.
Born in Bridgeport April 9, 1950 he was a former employee of Waters Construction of New Milford.
He is survived by his father George Previs Sr and his wife Sharon of New Milford, and his mother, Mary Louise Simmons of New Milford, and his children, Jerome Previs and Hilde Kuchta of Torrington and Myra King of Bantam, and grandchildren Dustin, Desiree, and Joshua King. He also leaves a brother, George Previs Jr of Stratford, and sisters Linda D'Agostino of South Newfane, Vt and Karen McManus of Brookfield, several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday April 5 at 10 AM from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington to Saint Francis Church for a Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow at Saint Peter's Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Center for Cancer Care 200 Kennedy Dr Torrington CT 06790.
Julius O. Gemelli, 89, of 37 Wolcott Ave Torrington
died Wednesday Nov 5 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital as a result of ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) He was the husband of 66 years of Florence (Turina) Gemelli. Born in Ashley Falls MA Nov. 4, 1914 son of the late Julio and Ester (Salice) Gemelli. His family moved to Torrington in 1915 and where he lived all of his life. A prominent member of the athletic community, he played baseball, basketball, and football at Torrington High School and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He continued playing ball for a variety of local semi-professional teams. He was active in The Torrington Little League, coaching for 25 years. Following his retirement from Allied Grocers after 37 years, Julius took up golf and became an active member of The Retiree's Golf League at Eastwood Country Club. He served as league commissioner for a number of years. He was also an accomplished pool player and duckpin bowler.
He loved poetry, and often wrote poems for special events and for his friends.
In addition to his wife, he leaves three sons, Maj. Glenn Gemelli USAF retired, of McCall Idaho, Wayne Gemelli of New Hartford, and Neal Gemelli of Torrington and a daughters Dale Farnhman of Pomfret CT. He also leaves a sister Enes Warmington of Stafford Springs, and 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday Nov 8 at 10:30 from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to First United Methodist Church for a service at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 6-9 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Torrington Little League or to The ALS Foundation.
Richard Peter Dmowski, 55, of 88 Cherry St. Torrington
died Wednesday Nov 5 at his home. He was the husband of Elzbieta (Nizinska) Dmowski. Born in Winsted Aug 23, 1948 son of the late John and Jannina (Linchovicz) Dmowski, he was a graduate of Oliver Wolcott Tech.
He was formerly employed as a machinist at The Torrington Company. he enjoyed cooking and clowning around and was a volunteer for The MS Society for many years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Teresa Dmowski of Torrington and three brothers, Lucian and Arthur Dmowski of Torrington and Henry Dmowski of California.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 8:30 from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to Saint Mary's Church for a Mass at 9 AM. Burial will follow at Forest View Cemetery in Winsted. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 6 to 8 PM.
Therese Jeanne (Labbe) Kiraly Theophilos, 75, formerly of 247 Torringford East St Torrington
died Sunday Nov 2 at Haven Health Center in Torrington after a long illness. She was the wife of the late C. George Theophilos who died July 12, 1992. She was born Aug. 8, 1928 in Torrington daughter of the late Emile J. and Jeanne A. (Deranleau) Labbe.
She was a graduate of Torrington High Class of 1947 and attended St Francis School of Nursing in Hartford. She worked at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Hayden Manufacturing prior to having her family. Prior to retiring in 1979 she was employed by Rose Haven Ltd in Litchfield doing one of her favorite things, cooking. She was an active volunteer for many groups including FISH, Inc., and was a communicant of Saint Francis Church and also Immaculate Heart Church in Harwinton. Before her husband's death and her illness, she loved fishing, gardening, and camping.
She is survived by her son, Christopher E. Kiraly of West Palm Beach FL and her daughter, Marla Kiraly Kulczyk and her husband David of Torrington. She also leaves two grandchildren Jeremy Beecher and Sarah Hancock of Torrington and a great grandson Noah Hancock.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday Nov 8 at 10 AM from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to Saint Francis Church for a Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow at New St. Francis Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial Contributions can be made to Alzheimer's Foundation or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Ferdinand "Fred" Vergaro, 81, of 114 Dorothy Dr. Torrington
died Tuesday Jan 20 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was the husband of Harriet (Moser) Vergaro. Born in Torrington Jan. 20, 1923 son of the late Pietro and Michaelina (DeMarco) Vergaro, he served in The US Navy during WWII aboard The USS Boston, in the Pacific during the bombing of Hiroshima.
He was employed as a lineman and crew chief for Hartford Electric Light Company for 37 years, retiring in 1984.
He was a member of The Pacific Old Salts Organization and The Iwo Jima Survivors Assoc.
An active member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, he was a member of their retiree's club and served as Scout Master of Troop 1 at the Church.
He was Chairman of The Torrington Parking Authority for the past 15 years,and was a former member of The Torrington Republican Town Committee. and was instrumental in putting up Torrington's Christmas decorations for many years. He was also active with Christmas Village. He was a member of Torrington Elks Lodge for more than 40 years and was Elk of The Year in 1988. He belonged to The Masonic Lodge, and was an advisor for The Order of Demolay, and was a member of The Kiwanis Club and was four times Lt. Governor of The New England District of Kiwanis.
In addition to his wife, he leaves a son Peter Vergaro and his wife Joan, and two daughters Cheryl Lynn Martinotti and her husband Thomas and Pamela V. Yeske and her husband Robert, all of Torrington and grandchildren Beth and Gregg Martinotti and gr. grandson Joshua.
He also leaves two sisters, Olivia Gogolya and Carmela Bushey of Torrington, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Olga Vergaro and a brother Ricardo Vergaro.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday Jan 22 at 10:15 from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church for 11 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church 837 Charles St Torrington CT 06790 or to The USS Boston PO Box 816 Amherst NH 03031-0816.
Charles Nolan, 60, of South Main St. Torrington
died Saturday Jan 17, 2004 at Valerie Manor. He was born in Rockland Maine Jan. 31, 1943, son of the late George and Dorothy (Larabee) Nolan, and was employed as a cabinet maker and installed swimming pools.
He is survived by two brothers, Kenneth C. Nolan Sr. of Jeffersonville IN, and George A. Nolan Jr of Natick MA, and three sisters, Beth Penny and husband Richard of Rockland ME, Maude Ames and husband Kenny of Matincus Island ME, and Peggy Nolan of Holden Maine.
Private Services are at the convenience of the family. Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington has care of arrangements.
Esther Poniatoski, 73, of 244 Torringford West St Torrington
died Sunday Jan 18 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was the wife of the late Alexander " Mike" Poniatoski. Born in Torrington Feb 20, 1930 daughter of the late Edward and Jennie Jacobs, she was retired from The Torrington Company. She also was employed by Waring Corp. in New Hartford and Dorset Rex in Thomaston. An avid bingo player, she was a member of Center Congregational Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Carol Whiteley and her husband Bruce of Thomaston, and two grandsons, Michael and Thomas Cantu of Torrington. She also leaves a sister Bernice Wood of Norwalk, and four brothers, Russell Jacobs of Florida, Marcel Jacobs of Bristol, Edward Jacobs of California, and Michael Jacobs of Torrington. She was predeceased by a sister Shirley Raydenbow.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday Jan 21 at 10 AM at Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington with Rev. Joseph Versteeg officiating. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to VNS Hospice Program 62 Commercial Blvd Torrington CT 06790 or to the Cancer Society.
Jeremiah F. "Dermot" Carew, 74, of 311 Dennison Dr. Torrington
died Tuesday March 23 at Wolcott Hall. He was the husband of 44 years of Jane (Ryan) Carew. Born in Tipperary Ireland Feb. 3, 1930 son of the late Edmund and Mary Anne (Carroll) Carew, he immigrated to The US in 1953. He served in The US Army for 2 years, serving in Germany.
He was employed by Northeast Utilities for 30 years, retiring in 1990.
He was a member of Saint Francis Church and served as an usher there for many years. He was a former member of The Irish American Home in Glastonbury, and was a member of The Burville Fire Dept. He had a lifelong love of music that he shared every St. Patrick's day entertaining at local senior centers and nursing homes, where he became known as "Mr. Irish".
In addition to his wife, he is survived by five daughters, Mary Anne Carew, Catherine Winzler and her husband Paul, Margaret Clavette and her husband Jim, of Torrington, Bridgid Molyneaux and her husband Mark of Centennial CO, and Maureen Regner and her husband Alan of New Hartford, and six granddaughters. He also leaves a brother Miceal Carew of Ireland, and two sisters, Kathleen Hogan of Ireland and Joan Symonaitis of DesMoines Iowa. He was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March 27 at 10 AM from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington to Saint Francis Church for a Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow at Saint Peter Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5-8 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Warner Theater 68 Main St Torrington CT 06790.
George Binette, Jr, 55, of 60 Wyoming Ave. Torrington
died Friday March 19 at Hartford Hospital. He was the husband of Jane (Magyar) Binette. Born in Torrington June 25, 1948 son of Mary (Lewandowski) Gnazzo of Torrington and the late George Binette Sr. he was Manufacturing Superintendent at Turner and Seymour Mfg Co in Torrington for 38 years.
An avid golfer, he enjoyed the company of family and friends.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by two sons, George Binette III of Terryville and Brian Binette of Unionville, a stepson, Paul Domaszewski and stepdaughter Jen Domaszewski of Torrington and six grandchildren. He also leaves a brother Raymond Binette of Torrington and two sisters, Dianne Media of South Carolina and Nona Swanson of Torrington.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday March 23 at 10 AM from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to Saint Francis Church for a Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 PM.
Edward F. Higgins, Jr. 61
of 178 Darling St Torrington died Tuesday March 16 at home with his family after a long battle with cancer. He was the husband of Renate (Sveicers) Higgins.
He was born in Torrington May 14, 1942 son of the late Edward F. and Jean (Rebillard) Higgins. He graduated from Saint Francis School, Torrington High School Class of 1960, and he attended UCONN. He was employed as a senior cable repair technician for SNET for 30 years, retiring in 1991.
He was an active member of Torrington Elks Lodge and was an avid golfer, fisherman, and cook, and he enjoyed the outdoors. He was a former member of Egremont Country Club, and was a NASCAR fan for many years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Michael Higgins and Peter Higgins and his wife Julie, and two daughters, Christine Higgins, and Laurie Szabo and her husband Robert, all of Torrington. He also leaves three grandchildren, Emily and Robert Szabo and Cole Higgins, and a brother Christopher J Higgins and a sister J. Susan Higgins, all of Torrington. He was predeceased by a sister Joanne Higgins.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday March 19 at 10:30 at Saint Francis Church 160 Main St Torrington. Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Center for Cancer Care 200 Kennedy Dr or Visiting Nurse Services 261 Main St Torrington CT 06790.
VICTOR MANUEL COURY, 37, of Vienna, Virginia
Passed away October 26th at his home in Bogota, Columbia. He was the son of John P. Coury.
A professional artist and photographer, his work has been selected for display in private and public collections in the United States, Germany, France, Jamaica, and throughout South America. Following his Bachelor\\\'s Degree in Psychology from The University of Puebla, Mexico, he graduated Cum Laude with a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Arts.
Early in his career, Victor traveled extensively throughout the world, and held a variety of positions to support himself. He has worked both in the US and abroad for the World Bank and Pan American Health Organization, as a document translator and computer consultant. He also attained appointment as Registrar of Voters for the city of Mosquera, Columbia.
In addition to his father of Vienna VA, he is survived by several adoring aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as friends and followers in the art community. Victor will be deeply missed by many, yet his spirit, creativity, and energy will remain as a tribute to us all.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday Nov 8 at Noon at Saint Maron\\\'s Church 613 Main St. in Torrington. Friends are asked to meet at Church.
Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. There are no calling hours.
Phalen Funeral has charge of arrangements.
M. Agnes Begey Wohlrab 90
died Nov. 1 at Liberty Commons in Chatham, MA.
She was the wife of the late Harold A. Wohlrab.
M. Agnes was born in Torrington, CT February 14, 1914. She was a graduate of St Francis School, Torrington. She lived in Jersey City, NJ, then retired to Highland Lake and Torrington, CT prior to moving to Chatham, MA. She was a School Cafeteria Supervisor, member of Torringford Fellowship, member of the Sullivan Senior Center and an avid UCONN Women\\\'s Basketball fan.
She is survived by her daughters, Lois Zeller of Winter Park, FL and Judith Clifford of Chatham, MA; two sons in law, Eugene Zeller and Richard Clifford; six grandchildren, Craig Zeller, Jeffrey Zeller, and Jeanine Rougeot of Florida, Daren Zeller of Pennsylvania, Ami Derick of Simsbury and lstLT Jason Clifford stationed at Offutt AFB, Omaha, NE; and 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Ave, Torrington from 5:00 to 8:00pm Thursday, November 4, 2004 and 9:00 am Friday, November 5, 2004. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am Friday, Nov 5th at St Francis Church Main Street Torrington. Burial is in the Torringford Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod 270 Communication Way Hyannis, MA 02601
Candace Ann Gwilt, 51, of Harwinton
died peacefully at home October 27 after a 15-year struggle with cancer. Born in Bristol she was the daughter of Doris Aronne and the late James J. Morin Sr. She put herself through college at NWCC in Winsted majoring in fine art.
She started Gwilt Art Studio where she created her glass and handmade jewelry and paintings. She loved gardening, decorating, and sewing. She was a member of Center Congregational Church in Torrington and was involved in The Central Connecticut chapter of Tres Dias and sat on the Board of Directors of the Christian Counseling Connection of Torrington. She helped organize \\\"Fruits of Our Hands\\\" each year, as well as yearly concerts both which raised funds for the CCC.
She believed passionately in the importance of Family and taught classes on family-focused topics based on Biblical principles. Candace was deeply committed to her own family and loved to be with people. She had extraordinary courage, love, and compassion. Above all, she loved The Lord and loved to worship Him in music, listening to it, playing it on her guitar and piano, composing it. She was a member of a singing group HEARTFIRE that performed in local Churches and recorded several of the songs she wrote.
She is survived by her husband Stephen Gwilt, and her daughter Amber Bostwick, as well as her mother Doris Aronne and step father Frank Aronne, and two brothers James (Jay) Morin Jr and Thomas Morin and a sister Elizabeth Morin, several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday Nov. 6 at 10 AM at Center Congregational Church 160 Main St Torrington.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Candace A. Gwilt Memorial Benevolent Fund at the Christian Counseling Center 237 Migeon Ave Torrington CT 06790.
Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Eleanor A. (D'Amico) Pastorello, formerly of Main St. Torrington
died Saturday Sept. 28 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. She was the wife of 55 years of the late Charles J Pastorello who died 21 months ago. Born in Torrington May 15, 1920 daughter of the late Albert and Concetta (Cimino) D'Amico, she was a life long Torrington resident until recently, moving to East Hampton. During the last two months she was a resident of Haven Health Center in Torrington.
Eleanor retired from The Torrington School System, where she was a secretary at The Riverside School for many years. In the early 1960's, she was secretary to Torrington Mayor J.Eric Chadwick.
She was a member of The Auxiliary of The John Cavalieri Post.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, Charles A Pastorello and his wife Susan of Torrington, Robert A. Pastorello and his wife Andrea of Gainsville, FL, and Thomas J Pastorello and his wife Susan of East Hampton CT, and granddaughter Caryn Pastorello of Torrington. She also leaves two sisters, Lucille LaRocco of Torrington and Florence Campetti of New Haven.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday Oct 2 at 11:00 AM at The Chapel at Hillside Cemetery, Walnut St in Torrington with Rev. Joseph Versteeg officiating. Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington on Tuesday Evening from 5-8.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Francis School 360 Prospect St Torrington CT 06790.
Hillside Cemetery Chapel 76 Walnut ST Torrington CT 06790-directions--
follow Rt 202 West through Torrington, Walnut Street is a left off of Rt 202(New Litchfield St) Just before Mitchell Volvo--at the stone pillars. Follow straight into Cemetery, chapel is on the left just past cemetery gates.
John Lawrence Spina, Sr. 69, of 42 Pythian Ave Torrington
died Saturday Sept. 28 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was the husband of Gloria "Tina" (Queiroga) Spina. He was born in Waterbury Oct 16, 1932 son of Mildred (Rivard) Spina of Torrington and the late Frank Spina. He served in The US Navy during The Korean War.
He was employed as a design engineer at BE Aerospace in Bantam.
He was a Communicant of Saint Francis Church and also belonged to The Sokol Society.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by four sons, Robert Spina of Hawaii, John Spina Jr. of Torrington, Jay Spina of Collinsville, and Nicholas Spina of Torrington. He also leaves two daughters, Laura Lemieux of Torrington and Lisa Paoletta of Enfield, 9 grandchildren and a sister Frances Overbaugh of Morris. He was predeceased by a brother Robert Spina.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday Oct 2 at 10:30 at Saint Francis Church in Torrington. Entombment will follow at Saint Peter Mausoleum.
Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington on Tuesday from 6-9 PM and Wednesday from 9-10 AM.
