Veterans of Foreign Wars
Major Raoul Lufbery Post 591
Wallingford, CT
vfw591@ymail.com
TAPS
Gerald J. Chuba
Gerald James Chuba, 72, of Crestview Terrace, Wallingford, died peacefully at his home, Friday, March 4, 2011, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the beloved spouse of 30 years of Mary Carter Tracy.
He was born in N.Y. City, July 9, 1938, a son of the late Peter and Alice Silverstrean Chuba and was a U.S. Army Veteran. He had been employed by the Town of Wallingford Electric Division as a Line Foreman for 34 years until his retirement. Gerald was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church and a member of V.F.W. Post #591, the American Legion Post #73 and the Wallingford Elks Lodge #1365. He was an avid golfer, gardener, N.Y. Yankees fan and N.Y. Giants fan.
In addition to Mary, he is survived by his two daughters, Karen Connell and her husband, Michael, and Lisa Chuba, of Wallingford; his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Nadine Chuba, of Salt Lake City, Utah; his six grandchildren, Corey Chuba and his wife, Melanie, Kevin Chuba, Liam and Brennan Connell, Cammi Shook and her husband, Nate, and Listy Monaghan and her husband, Brandon; his two great-granddaughters, Hannah Chuba and Lily Monaghan; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Carol Chuba, of Wallingford; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Chuba.
Robert F. Fitzgerald
Robert Francis Fitzgerald, 80, of Cooper Ave., Wallingford, died Friday, May 6, 2011, after a brief illness at MidState Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Jean Stephens Fitzgerald; beloved father of Kelle Page, and her husband, of Wallingford; and uncle to several nieces and nephews.
He was born in New Haven, Oct. 9, 1930, a son of the late Robert and Mary Fitzgerald and was a graduate of Hillhouse High School in New Haven before attending Quinnipiac University in Hamden. He was a Korean War veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force, and had been employed in the insurance industry before working at the City of New Haven Redevelopment Agency for 20 years before his retirement. He also bartended at the Belmont Bar, V.F.W. Post 591, and the French Club. Bob liked playing bocce and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, and the UConn Huskies. He dedicated much of his time to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Major Raoul Lufbery Post 591 where many of his best friends were members and he was a dedicated bartender for many years. Bob was an animal lover and helped care for many cats at his home.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06451.
IT IS WITH OUR DEEPEST REGRETS WE MISSED THESE TAPS
William E. Cook
OLD SAYBROOK - William E. Cook, 81, of Old Saybrook, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2007, at his home.
Born on Sept. 13, 1925, in New Haven, William is the son of the late George and Mary (Gorman) Cook. William enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 17, serving in World War II and Iwa Jima and is a member of the Iwa Jima Survivors Association. He took part in numerous campaigns including Saipan. William is a well known business man, helping with Friez Spinning and Stamp, Inc., in Wallingford, and being instrumentally involved in the formation of Aercology, Inc., in Old Saybrook. His entrepreneurial influences not only played a role in his families lives, but they also allowed for numerous people to be successful in their own businesses. With his spinning talents he helped create the Paul Revere bowls out of sterling silver. These bowls were then presented to dignitaries including the president and the pope. William was proud of his Irish ancestry, but was more proud to be an American. He also had a strong love for animals.
William is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Antoinette; his son, William and his wife, Noreen of Lyme; his daughter, Susan and her husband, Mark of Old Saybrook; his grandchildren, Peter, Ellen, Michael and Brooke; his great-grandchildren, Derek and Samantha; his sister, Edna Shaw of Washington, DC; and his brother, George Cook Jr. of Fort Meyers, Fla.
Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday June 10. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday June 12, at 10 a.m. at St. John's RC Church in Old Saybrook. Burial will immediately follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in loving memory of William to Forgotten Felines, PO Box 625, Old Saybrook, CT 06475; or to The Marine Corps Scholarship PO Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 08543.
Angelo P. Losi Sr.WALLINGFORD - On Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, Angelo P. Losi, Sr. passed into eternal rest with the Lord.
Born in Hoboken, N.J. on Dec. 26, 1915, son of Ernesto and Elena Morandi Losi, Angelo had resided in Wallingford since 1920. Before he retired, he was a long-term employee at Allegheny Ludlum. In fact, he was the oldest retiree of the company at the time of his death. During World War II, Angelo proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy, 23rd Seabees and was awarded the "Expert Rifleman" medal for his skill as a sharp shooter. A dedicated parishioner of the Most Holy Trinity Church, Angelo remained faithfully devout until the end of his life. He spent his retirement years playing golf, bowling in a seniors' league and traveling. Angelo spent numerous happy family gatherings with his eight children and 22 grandchildren, and new great-granddaughter. No occasion was complete without "grandpa's precious presence.
Angelo was predeceased by his wife, Betty; and by his brothers and sisters, Marie Aldighieri, Peter Losi, Alice Calamaro, Phillip Losi, Roy Losi, Louis Losi, Margie Pezik, Louise Losi, Lena Hartman and Mary Tancredi. He leaves his loving children, Robin Mangiafico and her husband, Sal, Rod and his wife, Penny, Angelo Jr. and his wife, Janice, Donna DelBasso and her husband, Alphonse, Deborah Losi-Sullivan and her husband, John, Gail Losi, Richard Losi and his wife, Susan, and Michael and his wife, Kristen. His grandchildren who will miss him dearly are: Hong Joon, Michael and Julie Mangiafico, Melissa Losi Armstrong and her husband, Patrick, Justin Losi, Serena, Alan, and Matthew DelBasso, Stephanie, Kristin, Jamie, and Jessica Losi, Shane, Tyler, and Hunter Sullivan, Sal and Brianna Greco, Christopher, Alexandra, and Kyle Losi, and Taylor and Katelyn Carson. He is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Mai-Lin Rose Benejan; and by close family friends, Dave, Beverly, and Kate Morse.
His family would like to thank Guyane Baghdasaryan for the dedicated and loving care of Angelo during his recent illness.
His family will receive relatives and friends in the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Wallingford, Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, at 10 a.m. from the Wallingford Funeral Home, when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden, 67 Round Hill Rd., Middletown, CT 06457, or to the Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451.
William Andrew Revay
MERIDEN - William Andrew Revay, 85, husband of the late Edith Louise McKean Revay, died on Monday, Sept. 29, 2008 at Connecticut Hospice.
Born in South Meriden, on April 4, 1923, he was the son of the late Andrew Revay, Sr. and Catherine Bulovcsak Revay. He had resided in South Meriden all of his life, and had attended Meriden public schools and graduated from Meriden High School, class of 1940. Mr. Revay served with the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate aboard LST 118 and LST 1061. He was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a parishioner of Holy Angels Church and a member of the American Legion Post No. 45. In 1949 he married Edith Louise McKean of New Britain. Mr. Revay was employed by the Wallingford Steel Company for many years, retiring in 1986.
He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Linda Revay Mastroianni and son-in-law, Dr. Patrick Mastroianni, both of Woodbridge; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Mastroianni, a student at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.; a sister, Eleanor Bosse of Spring Hill, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Edith McKean Revay; his brothers, Andrew, Jr., John, Michael and Edward Revay; and his sisters, Delores Revay and Mary Luca.
The funeral will take place Saturday, Oct. 4 at 9:15 a.m. from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden and at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Church with the Rev. Roland M. LaPlante officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday Oct. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Frank J. Gruz WALLINGFORD - Frank J. (Gross) Gruz, 85, of Grantham Road, Wallingford, beloved husband of the late Celia M. Rusczek Gruz, died, Sunday, April 12, 2009, at the MidState Medical Center in Meriden.
Frank was born in Wallingford, May 17, 1923, a son of the late Stephen J. Gross Jr. and Helen Salko Gross, he had been a lifelong Wallingford resident and was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. He had been employed by the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Co. in Wallingford for many years, until his retirement. Frank had served as a Wallingford Auxiliary policeman for 28 years and was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford.
He is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Mordarski and her husband, Werner, of Wallingford; his son, Steven Gruz and his wife, Joline of Lewiston, Maine; five grandchildren, Steven Mordarski and his wife, Jody, Derek Mordarski and his wife, Sarah, Celia Mordarski, Katie Gruz and Nathan Gruz; six great-grandsons, Kiefer, Xander, Gabriel, Jakob, Stephen and Joshua; his brother, Rudy Gross and his wife, Gladys, of New Jersey; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters Matilda Gross and Mary Angirsani.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home 809 North Main St. Ext., Wallingford on Wednesday, April 15, from 4 until 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Thursday from The Wallingford Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers gifts in his memory may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Association 659 Tower Ave., 1st floor, Hartford, 06112 or to the American Heart Association , 1 Union St., suite 301, Robbinsville, N.J.08691
Julius E. FappianoWALLINGFORD - Julius "Flip" Edward Fappiano, 89, of S. Whittlesey Ave., Wallingford died at home Thursday, April 22, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eunice McGuire Fappiano.
He was born in Wallingford, Jan. 24, 1921, a son of the late Joseph and Matilda Pasquariello Fappiano and was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, having served as a Staff Sergeant in the Intelligence Corp. in Africa and Italy. He trained as a silversmith at Wallace Silversmiths and later retired from Pratt & Whitney as a lead foreman after 30 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Libero Pensiero Society, and a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church. He enjoyed many family trips to Cape Cod, Washington D.C., Florida, Boston and Vermont.
In addition to his wife, Eunice, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna Ann and Bruce C. Dumelin; his son and daughter-in-law, Gary Joseph and Joanne T. Mezzanotte Fappiano; his grandchildren, Joseph Hans Dumelin and his wife, Susan, Bryan C. Dumelin, and Aubry Anne Fappiano; a great-grandson, Bruce Daniel Dumelin; a sister, Norma Fappiano Trzciensky; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives in England and Italy.
The family would like to thank most sincerely Dr. Nadkarni, Franciscan Home and Hospice Care, Chuambai Shi "Cimba" and Assisted Living, and the Oncology Department at MidState Medical Center, especially April and Lorretta.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, Monday, April 26 from 4 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. from The Wallingford Funeral Home when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society , or 538 Preston Ave., P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450, or to Franciscan Home Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451.
Arthur J. Perone WALLINGFORD - Arthur J. Perone, 84, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Wallingford, died Thursday, July 29, 2010, at the Regency House in Wallingford. He was the beloved husband of the late Marie Geraldine Parisi Perone.
Arthur was born in Wallingford, Aug. 1, 1925, a son of the late Acapite Peroni and Rose Riccitelli Peroni, and was aU.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He had been employed at American Cyanamid in Wallingford for many years until his retirement, and was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church.
He is survived by two daughters, Donna Perone, and Karen Dorsey and her husband, James Sr., all of Wallingford; his three grandchildren, Heather Dorsey and Linda Brockett, of Meriden, James Dorsey Jr., of Wallingford, and Kara Nadeau and her husband, Daniel, of Wallingford; his great-granddaughter, Jordan Dorsey; his sisters, Antoinette Simeone and her husband, John, of Wallingford, and Christine Turelli and her husband, Joseph, of Meriden; his sister-in-law, Marie (Mrs. Louis) Perone, of Wallingford; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, Anthony Perone, Louis Perone Sr., Ralph Perone, and Frank Perone.
His family would like to extend a special thank you to the Masonic Hospice and Palliative Care and to the Regency House in Wallingford for the exceptional care given to Arthur.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Sunday, Aug. 1, from 3 until 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 2, from The Wallingford Funeral Home at 10 a.m. when the funeral cortege will proceed to Most Holy Trinity Church, where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Masonic Hospice and Palliative Care, 33 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, CT. 06492, or to the Parkinson's Disease Association, 27 Allendale Drive, North Haven, CT. 06473.
Theodore J. KowalskiWALLINGFORD - Theodore J. Kowalski, 87, of Wallingford, died Monday, Aug. 30, 2010, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Beatrice Giacco Kowalski, his lifelong love and companion.
He was born in Wallingford, Aug. 5, 1923, a son of the late Edward and Martha Kowalski. He was apolice officer in the town of Wallingford for 23 years before retiring at the rank of Captain. He proudly served on the department in a variety of positions from the first safety officer and public relations officer for the town to commanding officer of the detective bureau. He was appointed to the Connecticut Safety Commission by former Gov. Thomas Meskill from 1973-1979. He was an active and passionate member of the Police Benevolent Association. He advocated as a past president and member of the Police Union Local 1570. During his tenure on the force, he earned an associate in science in criminal justice from the University of New Haven.
He was a former member of the Wallingford Elks Lodge 1365, the Knights of Columbus Pinta Council 5 and the Rotary Club. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1945. He served his country proudly on the USS Impulse, the USS Minden, and the USS PC 1176, a veteran of the Normandy Invasion. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Meriden – Wallingford, Chapter 6.
In addition to his wife Beatrice, he is survived by his son, Ted, Jr., and his wife; his two daughters, Linda Kowalski and Karen Weeks; his son-in-law, Brad Weeks; three grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward; and sisters, Mae Hartig and Pauline Jurczak.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St., Wallingford, on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Wallingford Police Benevolent Association, attn. Lt. William Wright, President of WPBA, P.O. Box 903, Wallingford, CT 06492.
John J. "Blackie" RiccitelliWALLINGFORD - John J. "Blackie" Riccitelli, 90, of Wallingford, passed away peacefully, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 at Masonicare Health Center. He was the beloved husband of 57 years of the late Ann M. (Rusczyk) Riccitelli.
John was born June 21, 1920, a son of Antonio and Elvira Columbo Riccitelli, and was a lifelong resident of his cherished Wallingford. He served in World War II from 1941 to 1945 in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe earning four Bronze Service Stars and the American Defense Service Medal.
John started teaching and coaching in the Wallingford school system in 1954. His successes as a coach are too numerous to list here today. John went on to become the first Athletic Director at Sheehan High School in 1971 until his retirement in 1985. He has been honored in so many ways and by so many organizations they are also too numerous to list. His biggest thrill was upon his retirement and in recognition of his extraordinary service to the educational community was the Mark T. Sheehan football and track complex be duly named the John J. Riccitelli Athletic Complex.
John enjoyed his life to the fullest. His welcoming hugs, kisses, firm handshake, and compliments have been experienced by all who have known him. His true working love in life was to impact all kids on and off the field through hard work, integrity and a passion for life. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, John and Gail Riccitelli, of New Zealand, Marianne Riccitelli and Jay Sasso, of Madison, and Rob and Deb Riccitelli, of Georgia; also sisters, Louise Carroll and Rose Phelan, of Wallingford; sisters-in-law, Tilly Riccitelli, of Wallingford and Marianne Rusczyk, of Kensington; three loving grandchildren, John, Robyn and Ricky; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close and dear friends including his friends in St. Pete's Beach, Fla. He was preceded in death by brothers, Fred and Anthony "Sonny;" and sisters, Esther, Josephine and Angelina.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext, Wallingford, Thursday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 9 a.m. from The Wallingford Funeral Home, when the funeral cortege will proceed to The Church of the Resurrection where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, his memory can be celebrated living your lives and loving others to the fullest as John has lived his entire life.
Leo Penwell
MERIDEN - Leo Penwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb 7, 2011, at the Connecticut Baptist Home surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years Mary Penwell.
Born in Washington Court House, Ohio on Jan. 5, 1925, he was the son of the late John and Dorothy Penwell. Leo worked for the International Silver Company and later for New England Wholesalers, Inc., until his retirement. Leo enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Military Police, 2nd Armored Division in Europe during World War II. Leo was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service on March 28, 1945. Leo met his loving wife while stationed in Holland. They were married on Sept. 22, 1945.
Leo is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Cheryl Penwell, of Meriden, and Wayne and Char Penwell, of Marshfield, Mass.; three grandchildren and their spouses, Kimberly (Penwell) and Kenneth Seymour, of Glastonbury, Kelly (Penwell) and Robert Landino, of Chester, and Kevin and Katie Penwell, of Duxbury, Mass.; five great-grandchildren, Madison and Colby Seymour, Savannah Marshall, Anna Marie Landino and Brady Lee Penwell.
Leo's greatest joy was being with his family. His caring, love and devotion as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather will be forever remembered and missed.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial to be held on Friday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Ave., Meriden. Burial, with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Connecticut Baptist Home, 292 Thorpe Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Connecticut Baptist Home in Meriden for their compassion, care and kindness extended to our father during his stay.
William A. Stone Jr.William A. Stone Jr., 64, of Plantsville died at the Hospital of Saint Raphael on Feb. 24, 2011. He was the loving husband of Patricia A. (Porter) Stone for 43 years.
He was born Dec. 2, 1946, in New Haven, to the late William A. and Josephine (Gagnon) Stone. He owned and operated Bill Stone Lawn Care for many years. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during theVietnam War.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Deborah Stone and her partner, Paula DeMaio, Kelly Santos and her husband, Carlos, Theresa Stone and Tricia Angelo and her husband, Joseph; four grandchildren, Amanda, Ben, Beckett and Cooper; his sister, Paula Jablonowski and her husband, John; and his nephew, Jonathon. He was predeceased by his brother, Gary Stone.
The funeral was held March 1, 2011, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, Plantsville. Burial with full military honors was in South End Cemetery, Southington.
Donald T. FergusonWALLINGFORD - Donald T. "Fergie" Ferguson, 50, of North Elm Street, Wallingford, died Monday, March 21, 2011, at the Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford. He was the beloved husband of Lori C. Beski Ferguson.
Donald was born in Meriden, Aug. 29, 1960, a son of the late Donald T. Ferguson and Margaret "Peg" O'Reilly Ferguson, and had been a lifelong Wallingford resident. He was a graduate of H.C. Wilcox Technical School and was the president of Colony Sales and Service Inc., located on South Colony Street in Wallingford. Donald was active in the Yalesville Little League for many years.
Besides his wife Lori, he is survived by his three children, Kelsey J. Ferguson, Lindsey M. Ferguson and Trevor T. Ferguson; his sister, Colleen F. DelSole and her husband, Stephen; his two brothers, William T. Ferguson and his wife, Bonnie R., and Dennis J. Ferguson, and his wife, Elaine T., all of Wallingford; and several nieces and nephews.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford, Thursday, March 24, from 4 until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 25, at 11 a.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Yalesville Little League, P.O. Box 4065, Yalesville Station, Wallingford, CT 06492.