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.
John Morgan, 86, formerly of Beach Street Litchfield
died Saturday Sept 28 At Sarah Pierce in Litchfield. He was the husband of the late Helen (Kelley) Morgan who died in 1977. Born in Keene, NH March 29, 1916, he was employed as a sub contractor for Aerospace in Bantam, making airline seating.
He is survived by two sons, John Morgan and Gregory Morgan, both of Goshen, 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son Brian Morgan.
Private Services will be at the convenience of the family. Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Donald W. Beecher, 86, formerly of Lexington Ave Torrington and Roncalli HC in Farmington
died Sunday Sept 1, at The John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. He was the husband of Isabella (O'Heron ) Beecher. Born in Torrington July 28, 1916 son of the late Clarence and Olive (Beach ) Beecher
Don began his career as a machinist for Pratt and Whitney Tool Company in West Hartford CT where he was president of United Auto Workers AFL-CIO Local 405 serving 3000 members. He was then appointed by The Greater Hartford Labor Council as a Labor Specialist for The Community Renewal Team of Hartford. He next held the positions of Staff Representative for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and Equal Opportunity Officer of the Agency to Uphold Civil Rights Act of 1964. Don was also an Instructor at The University of Connecticut's Labor Education Center for over ten years.
As a service to the community, he was Vice President and Education Director of the Greater Hartford Labor Council. He also served on The Greater Hartford Community Services Executive Board and Greater Hartford Council on Economic Education that recognized him with The Outstanding Service to the Community Award. He was selected by The United Auto Workers to attend labor training at Cornell University and participate in extensive Union Leader's Study Tour of Europe with Walter Ruther, Pres. of the UAW. During his retirement, he spent ten years serving as a Union Arbitrator, a position appointed by the Governor of the State of Connecticut.
He was a member of The Winchester Grange and a former Torrington Little League Coach.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Stephen Beecher and his wife Patricia of West Goshen, and D. Wayne Beecher and his wife Noreen of Syracuse,NY and three daughters, Donna Zuffelato and her husband Robert of Toronto Can., Margaret Beecher-Hlavacek and her husband James of Torrington, and Debra Pasquale and her husband Peter of Farmington, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
He also leaves two brothers, Bud Beecher of Winchester and Henry Beecher of Torrington, and three sisters, Barbara English and JoAn Dellavalle of Winsted and Arlene Cote of Colebrook. He was predeceased by a brother Kingsley Beecher.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday Sept 5 at 11:00 AM at The Winchester Congregational Church with Rev. Peter Dakers officiating. Burial will follow at Winchester Center Cemetery. Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Torrington Food Bank Maiden La. Torrington Ct 06790 or to Camp Courant 285 Broad St Hartford CT 06105.
James Raleigh Gilson, 87, formerly of 553 Prospect St Torrington
died Tuesday Aug 27 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was the husband of the late Doris Barrett Gilson.
Born in Torrington Feb. 2, 1915 son of the late James L and Julia (Carr ) Gilson, he was a graduate of St. Francis School, St. Thomas Seminary, The College of The Holy Cross, and Trinity College.
He had been employed at The Fitzgerald Manufacturing Co., Hamilton Standard, and was an Industrial Arts Teacher in Bloomfield CT.
He was a former member of The Knights of Columbus, The Goshen Players, The Silver Belles and Beaus, and was a former member of The Torrington Board of Education and The Democratic Town Committee. He was Honorary Mayor of Torrington on St. Patrick's Day in 1998. He was a Communicant of Saint Francis Church an he served as a lector for many years.
He is survived by four sons, Robert Gilson of Surprise AZ, Thomas Gilson of Litchfield, James Gilson of New Hartford, and William Gilson of Torrington. He also leaves two daughters, Mary Ellen Zande of Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, and Elizabeth O'Connell of Andover MA, 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday Aug. 30 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 St. Thomas Cemetery in Thomaston. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday Evening from 6:00 to 8:00.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The University of Wisconsin Hospital General Cancer Research Center--Melanoma Research CO Andrea Williams 600 Highland Ave Madison Wis. 53792.
Arthur J Schwarz, 78, of 38 Cedar Lane New Hartford
died Friday Aug 23 at his home. He was the husband of the late Jane (Humphrey) Schwarz. Born in Torrington April 17, 1924 son of the late Arthur W and Gertrude Schwarz, he was a graduate of THS Class of 1942.
He also graduated from Tufts University, and he served in The US Air Force during WWII.
He was employed as a claims adjuster for The Aetna for 26 years, and later for Covenant Insurance. In his earlier years, he raised boxer dogs.
He is survived by a son Geoffrey Schwarz of Gloucester Maine and a step son Ernest Raschke of New Hartford.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday Sept 7 at 10 AM at The Chapel at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington with Rev Joseph Versteeg officiating. There are no calling hours. Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth "Betty" (LaPorte) Giampaolo, 76, formerly of Cedar Lane in New Hartford
died Monday May 31 at Valerie Manor. She was the wife of the late Charles "Sonny" Giampaolo. Born in Soutington Feb. 23, 1928 she was daughter of the late Daniel and Julia LaPorte.
Prior to her contracting Guillian Barre Syndrome in 1977, she worked as a hairdresser at House of Charms in Washington Depot. She was a devoted volunteer at Valerie Manor delivering mail and good cheer to residents and staff.
She is survived by her three sons and daughters in law, Charles J. and Sandra Giampaolo, Jaye J and Debbie Giampaolo, and James T. and Janet Giampaolo of Torrington and six grandchildren, Justin, CJ, Jennifer, Nicholas, Jamie, and Julia. She also leaves a brother Joseph LaPorte of Southington. She was predeceased by a sister Lucille LaPorte.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday June 4 at 10 AM from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington to Saint Peter's Church for a Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital 501 St Jude PL Memphis TN 38148-1905.
Nellie Mazzochi, 85, of 699 South Main St Torrington
died Wednesday May 26 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. Born in Torrington Oct 26, 1918 daughter of the late Ernest and Frances (Bongiorno) Mazzochi, she was a life long Torrington resident and a Communicant of Saint Peter's Church.
She was a waitress at several area restaurants, including the former Wesley Inn in Thomaston.
She leaves several cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Mazzochi.
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday June 1 at 9 AM at Saint Peter's Church. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.died Wednesday May 26 at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington. Born in Torrington Oct 26, 1918 daughter of the late Ernest and Frances (Bongiorno) Mazzochi, she was a life long Torrington resident and a Communicant of Saint Peter's Church.
She was a waitress at several area restaurants, including the former Wesley Inn in Thomaston.
She leaves several cousins. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Mazzochi.
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday June 1 at 9 AM at Saint Peter's Church. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Robert T. Donne, 73, of 109 Sunny Lane Torrington
died Tuesday May 25 at home. Born September 9, 1930 son of the late Louis and Gladys Gath Donne, he was a graduate of Torrington High School Class of 1948 and The American College of Electronics and Engineering. He served in The US Marines during The Korean War.
He was an Engineer with The Newport News Shipyard in Virginia building submarines responsible for Polaris Missile Systems for 31 years until his retirement.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Donne of Richmond VA and Kyle Donne of Williamsburg Va, and a daughter Stephanie Donne of Washington DC. He also leaves a brother Louis G. Donne and his wife Dee of Torrington, a niece Joanne Donne of Torrington and a nephew Louis Donne and his wife Debra of Litchfield, cousins, and great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 10 AM at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 to 7 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to VNS Hospice Home Care 62 Commercial Blvd Torrington CT 06790.
Fred P. Michael, of Roseville Michigan
Fred P. Michael, of Roseville Michigan died suddenly June 6, 2004 on his way to Toronto Ontario.He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Andary ) Michael and the son of the late Abraham Joseph and Nora Francis Michael.
He was an active member and communicant of St. Maron Church in Detroit and St. Sharbel Church in Warren MI, and was Past President of the Grosse Point Woods Lions Club. Fred was a very happy, accomplished and fulfilled human being loved by all.
In addition to his wife, he leaves sons Paul, Edward, and Donald Michael and a daughter Sister Marie Michael, O.P. He also leaves six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He also leaves his brother Reverend Lawrence P. Michael of St. Maron's Church in Torrington. He was predeceased by a siser Lucy Anne Michael.
A Forty-Day Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated this Sunday Aug. 8, 2004 at 10:00 AM at Saint Maron Church in Torrington with his brother Reverend Lawrence P Michael officiating.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Saint Maron Church Building Fund 613 Main St Torrington CT 06790.
Barbara Ann Cisowski, 59, of 55 Beechwood Ave. Torrington
died Sunday July 25 at her home. She was born in Torrington Aug. 31, 1944 daughter of Blanche (Nowalaniec) Cisowski of Torrington and the late Raymond Cisowski.
She was a graduate of Torrington High School and was a former employee of Pheoll of New England and The Torrington Company.
She was a Communicant of Saint Mary's Church.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by a brother Robert Cisowski of Torrington.
Private Funeral Services with burial at Saint Peter Cemetery in Torrington are at the convenience of the family.
Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Elena Monica (Gelormino) Piorkowski, 90, of Torrington
died Friday July 23. She was the wife of the late Chester Piorkowski. Born in Torrington June 23, 1914 daughter of the late Bartolomeo and Gaetanina (Alicata) Gelormino, she was a graduate of New Rochelle High School and of Saint Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Yonkers, NY. She also attended Hunter College in New York City. She worked for many years as an RN in the New York Metropolitan area as well as private duty to then Governor Al Smith of New York. After moving to Torrington she volunteered and worked in the kitchen at Saint Francis of Assist School and worked for Litchfield Area Retarded Citizens retiring at the age of 88.
She was a Communicant of Saint Peter's Church and was Past President of The Pochahontas Club and a past member of The American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her son Bart A. Piorkowski and his wife Mary Jean of Torrington and granddaughter Elena Ann Piorkowski, many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, gr. grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Ermino, Gaetano, and Michael Gelormino.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday July 26 at 10:30 AM at Saint Francis of Assist Church 160 Main St Torrington with her brother in law Monsignor Stanley W. Piorkowski officiating.
Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington on Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dick's Restaurant Scholarship Fund CO Brooklyn Colangelo 26 East Main ST Torrington CT 06790. or to The Elena Gelormino Piorkowski Memorial Tuition Fund CO St. Francis School Attn: Jo-Anne Gauger Principal 360 Prospect St Torrington CT 06790.
Marion O. (Terry) Bishop, 93, of Harwinton
died March 22 2005 at Valerie Manor. She was the wife of the late Arthur C. Bishop. Born in Brookfield MA March 27, 1911 daughter of the late Horace and Grace (Aldrich) Terry, she graduated from Worcester Normal School with a BS in Education and taught in local school systems until her retirement in 1976. She formerly served on the Harwinton Housing Authority and was president of the Harwinton Sundowners and a member of The Harwinton Congregational Church. She was an avid traveler, visiting the 50 states and several countries.
She is survived by two sons, Russell C. Bishop and Wayne T. Bishop of Harwinton, a brother Phillip Terry of East Brookfield MA and a sister Ruth Goddard of Ware MA, a granddaughter, three great granddaughters, a gr. gr. granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.
Private Services with burial at East Cemetery in Harwinton will be held in the Spring.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Connecticut Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 198 West St Rocky Hill CT 06067.
Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Kenneth "Moe" Gelormino Sr., 73, of 62 Beechwood Ave. Torrington
died Monday March 21 2005 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
Born in Torrington April 7, 1931 he was the eldest son of the late Modestino and Mildred (Anstett) Gelormino. Prior to his retirement he ran a used auto sales and repair shop in Torrington with his two sons for many years. Before that he had been employed by the Operating Engineers, Local 478. Throughout his life he loved music and history. He became and accomplished musician having taught himself to play guitar, trumpet, and saxophone. He performed with many local musicians during his life. Most recently before becoming ill last year, he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing at The Sullivan Senior Center where he was recognized twice for his volunteerism. In his younger and healthier days he was an avid outdoorsman and hunter.
He leaves behind his four children: Kama Sanchy and her husband Jerry of Goshen; Ruth Lutz and her husband Victor of Torrington; Kenneth Gelormino Jr. and his fiancee Dawn Gibbons of Torrington; and William Gelormino and his wife Rhonda of Goshen. He also leaves three brothers, Robert Gelormino of Litchfield, William Gelormino of Harwinton, and James Gelormino of Montana, and one sister Joan Roscello of Florida, and seven grandchildren, Jerry, Nathan, and Matthew Sanchy, Natalie and Ferrentino Lutz, and Samantha and Jacob Gelormino.
There are no calling hours or services. Memorial Contributions can be made to American Diabetes Assoc. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Phalen Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Arthur Irving, 84, of 52 Willow St. Torrington
died Monday March 21 at Haven Health Center. He was the husband of 57 years of Marie (Cellini) Irving. Born in Brooklyn NY Nov. 27, 1920 son of the late John and Loretta (Bengston) Irving, he served in The US Marines during WWII and was the recipient of The Purple Heart for wounds suffered in battle.
He was employed by Turner and Seymour Mfg. Co. for 30 years.
He was a Union Steward and also served as Recording Secretary for Local 1699 in Torrington for many years. He was Past Commander of the Marine Corp League and was a founder of The Young Marines of Torrington. and was an honorary member of The Marine Corp League. He was the first Torrington resident to donate 10 gallons of blood with The American Red Cross, and was a member of The Senior Citizens Bowling League.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, James Irving and his wife Dawn of Bantam, and Michael Disbrow of Florida, and three daughters, Janet Alteri of Norfolk, Carole Miller and her husband Jay and Anita Decker of Torrington. He also leaves 7 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 1 step grandson and 3 step granddaughters, and six great grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers Charles, Edward, and John Irving, and sisters Violet Disbrow and Anna Van Houten and a grandson Kevin Irving.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday March 23 at 8:30 from Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington to Saint Peter's Church for a Mass at 9:00. Burial will follow at Old St. Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made to State Police Youth Week Attn: Gerald Dierman 101 South StreetWest Hartford CT 06110.
Nora Quinn, 103, formerly of Brookside Ave Torrington
died Thursday April 7 at Litchfield Woods. Born Feb. 15, 1902 in Roskeen County Tipperary Ireland, she was employed by private families in New York before coming to Torrington.
She is survived by nieces and nephews including Jetta Quinn of Niantic, Christine Griffin of Waterbury, Kathleen Kos, Ann Zubrowski, and Jack Ryan of Torrington and many great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday April 11 at 10:30 at Saint Francis Church. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington on Monday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Francis Church 160 Main St Torrington CT 06790.
Stephen A. Simko Jr. 84, of Stratford CT
a long time Torrington resident, died Thursday April 7 at Geer Memorial in Canaan. He was the husband of Shirley (Orie) Simko. Born in Torrington Feb. 5, 1921 son of the late Stephen A. Simko Sr and Mary (Lenart) Simko. He was a graduate of Torrington High School and attended Oliver Wolcott Tech. He served in the US Army during WWII.
He was an electrician and was employed from 1952 to 1975 by Ducci Electric in Torrington as Vice President. In 1975 he became president and owner of Eastern Electric Construction Co. in Bridgeport until his retirement in 1986.
He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of Torrington Elks Lodge, and was a past president of NECA.(National Electrical Contractors Assoc.) He was a member of The Oronoque Country Club and was an avid bowler, golfer, and tennis player.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Thomas Simko and his wife Helen of Litchfield, Roger Simko and his wife Rosemary of Harwinton, Paul Simko and his wife Randy of Woodbury, and a daughter Barbara Fink and her husband David of Melrose MA.
He also leaves a sister Dorothy Sesko of Torrington.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday April 11 at 10 AM at Saint Anthony Church in Litchfield. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery in Torrington.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Anthony church 49 South St. Litchfield CT 06759.
Phalen Funeral Home Torrington has charge of arrangements.
Patricia Ann Reading, 65, of 189 Wheeler Rd Litchfield
died Thursday April 7 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was the wife of William E. Reading. Born in South Burlington VT April 19, 1939, she was a long time Litchfield resident. She was a former employee of Hilltop Aquarium in Torrington.
She was also a breeder of pedigree dogs.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Debra Quinn and her husband Donald of Northfield and Michelle Reader of Litchfield. She also leaves two sisters, Barbara Fields of Colchester VT and Dorothy Dauphin of South Burlington VT.
Memorial Services will be held later in the Spring. Memorial Contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society 30 Speen St Framingham MA 01701.
Phalen Funeral Home Torrington has charge of arrangements.
Lincoln M Jones Sr., 100, formerly of Chestnut Ave. in Winsted
died Saturday May 21 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was the husband of the late Ina (Hubbard) Jones. Born in Saint Francis Maine July 16, 1904 son of the late Duncan and Elizabeth Jones, he was a retired machinist from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. After his retirement he operated a farm in Waldoboro Maine. He was a member of The Odd Fellows in Maine.
He is survived by his son Lincoln Jones Jr and his wife Susan of Torrington CT and a daughter Patricia Pollite of Yucaipa CA, 16 grandchildren and many great and gr. gr. grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Robert and John Jones and a daughter Cleo Marie Fletcher.
Funeral Services and burial will be held on Tuesday May 24 in Waldoboro Maine.
Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave Torrington on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Valerie Manor Recreation Fund 1360 Torringford St Torrington CT 06790.
Nicholas Frank Rini, 72, of Norfolk Connecticut
Passed away quietly May 14, 2005 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was born October 10, 1932 in Youngstown OH. He served in the US Army and attended Ohio Wesleyan University. He went on to pursue a career in the merchandising business with Strouss-Hirshberg Co. and ventured into the Hotel and Restaurant business.
He lived in Ohio, Michigan, California, and South Carolina, finally making his home in Norfolk CT. He was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles and enjoyed people.
He is survived by two sons, Nick Rini and his wife Christine of Manhattan, and Robert Rini and his fiance Lynsey Bullington of Hilton Head SC. and his daughter in law Cindy Rini of Bluffton SC. He also leaves a sister Connie Rini of Riverside CA and grandchildren Nicholas, Brandon, Justin, John-Pierce, Misty, Sammy, Robbie, and Gianna.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday May 19 at 4:00 PM at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave. Torrington. Friends may call at the funeral home prior to the service from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to The Alzheimers Assoc 433 Franklin Ave Hartford CT 06114-517 or to the Leukemia Society 300 Research Pkwy Meriden CT 06450.
Susan Gagliardi Palazzolo, 92, of 1195 East Main St. Torrington
died Friday May 13 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was the wife of the late Angelo Palazzolo. Born in Italy Nov. 22, 1912, she was a long time Torrington resident.
She was retired from PTC Aerospace in Bantam, and was a member of The Mother Cabrini Society and The Top of East Main St Sewing Club.
She is survived by her son and daughter, Carl Palazzolo and Marilyn Celadon and her husband William, all of Torrington. She also leaves her granddaughter Tania Celadon and her husband Mark Giorda.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday May 17 at 10:00 AM at Saint Maron's Church. Burial will follow at New Saint Francis Cemetery. Friends may call at The Phalen Funeral Home 285 Migeon Ave.
Torrington on Tuesday from 8:30 to 9:30 AM.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Saint Maron's Church 613 Main ST Torrington CT 06790.
