Tracey Lajeunesse, age 51, a resident of Shelton, entered into eternal rest Dec. 9, 2013.

Daughter of John and Barbara Feulner Bolton, she was born March 7, 1962 in Bridgeport, CT.

She worked for Meineke Muffler in Fairfield.

In addition to her parents, she leaves two daughters, Heather Lajeunesse of Derby & Jennifer Lajeunesse of Lakeland, Florida, her two brothers Scott Bolton & his wife Laurene of Derby and John Douglas Bolton & his wife Angela of Woodbridge, her former husband Marcel Lajeunesse of Derby and her fiancé Jorge Poma of Shelton.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12th at 10:30 a.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia; (www.jenkinskingfh.com). Burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby. Friends may call on Wednesday (TODAY) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mildred “Millie” Shea Seymour, age 105, of Stratford, beloved wife of the late Edward C. Seymour Sr., passed away peacefully on December 10, 2013 at her residence with her loving family by her side.

Millie was born on April 22, 1908 in Bridgeport and was the daughter of the late William Lawrence and Sarah Beatrice Murphy Shea.

Millie was a loving mother and grandmother, avid gardener, seamstress, always up for a game of cribbage, a fun loving practical joker and loved her ice cream. She was a retired employee of the Connecticut National Bank where she worked for 25 years in their adjustment department and was one of the first members of Our Lady of Grace Church in Stratford.

Millie is survived her loving son John Arthur Seymour and wife Linda of Branford, devoted daughter Joan Lucas and husband Fred of Stratford, nine grandchildren Cindy Roberto and husband Fred, Edward Seymour III and wife Beverly, Chester Seymour Jr., Gail Mitchell and husband John, Darlene Discko and husband Brian, Diana Santo and husband Jack, John Seymour Jr., Wendy Macisco and husband Lenny, Mark Seymour and wife Wendy, 19 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter Charlotte Copper, two daughters-in-law Ruth Seymour and Barbara Seymour and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her beloved husband Edward, Millie was also predeceased by her son Edward C. Seymour Jr., granddaughter Ruth Margaret Dean, and two brothers William Paul Shea and John Gordon Shea.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 14, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home 2220 Main Street Stratford and at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Grace Church 497 Second Hill Lane Stratford where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Martin Ryan. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home on Friday from 4 -7 PM.

The family expresses warm and loving gratitude to her caregiver Grace Badu.

To celebrate a life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com.

Dorothy T. Pawloski, 81, of Seymour, entered into eternal rest on December 11, 2013, in her home. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank G. Pawloski.

Mrs. Pawloski was born in New Haven on May 29, 1932.

Dorothy enjoyed gardening and crocheting.

She is survived by two daughters, Catherine Lanzieri of Seymour and Patricia Diemunsch of GA, a son, Christopher Pawloski of Seymour, a sister, Mary Homick of Shelton, 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Robert Lanzieri.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday December 16, 2013, from 5-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Tuesday, her funeral service will be held at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Interment will follow in the family plot in Mountain Meadows Cemetery in Seymour.

To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.

Mario Dominic Posta, age 81, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Josephine Staltaro Posta, passed away at home on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

He was born in Bridgeport on March 5, 1932 to the late Benedetto and Filomena Ciccone Posta.

A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a resident of Bridgeport for 57 years before moving to Fairfield in 1989.

Mr. Posta was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Rosary Church. He retired from the Dictaphone Corp. where he was a union steward and also was a retired lead man at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford.

In addition to his beloved wife of 56 years, Josephine, other survivors include a son, Dominic Posta and his wife Leticia, a daughter, Regina Abelli and her husband George Duenges, five grandchildren, Renee Abelli, Mario, Elizabeth and Nicole Posta and Geena Duengas, a brother, John Posta of Ansonia, two sisters, Angelina Porto of Stratford and Lena Smerglinolo of Bridgeport, sister-in-law, Angie Staltaro, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rena Fatone, two brothers, Carmen and Joseph Posta and a sister, Theresa Nicita.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull and at 9:30 a.m. in St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Relatives and friends may call on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

To light a virtual candle, please visit www.abriola.com.

Ida Rhodes, a 71 year old Ansonia resident, passed away December 13, 2013.

She was born in Ansonia May 26, 1942 in Ansonia, daughter of the late Samuel Lee Rhodes and Beersheba Rhodes of Ansonia.

Ida worked as a psychiatric social worker for S.E. CT Mental health Center as well as the Dept. of Corrections in Bridgeport.

In addition to her mother Beersheba, she leaves to cherish her memory her brother Lynvert Rhodes of Norwich and nephew Santo Rhodes of Meriden, and 2 other nephews & 3 nieces.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her brother Sammy Lee Rhodes Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, (TOMORROW) 11:00 a.m. from The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia. (www.jenkinskingfh.com) Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia. Friends may call on Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the service begins.

Joseph V. Grusz, 80 of Seymour entered peaceful rest December 15, 2013 at the West Haven Veteran’s Hospital.

He was born September 20, 1933 in Greenville, NY, son of the late Peter and Josephine (Kalbarcyk) Grusz.

Mr. Grusz was a U.S. Army, Korean War Veteran, and belonged to the David S. Miles Post 174, American Legion, Oxford. He retired after 44 years from the Kerite Company.

Mr. Grusz leaves his loving family including his daughter Jacquelyn Grusz of Seymour, his brothers, Henry of Middletown, NY, Mitchell, Casimir, and Walter, and his sister Eleanor Wasko all of Seymour, and many nieces and nephews, and a grandkitty, Leo.

Calling Hours are Wednesday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour. The Funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment with full Military Honors will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Ansonia.

For directions or to share a memory please go to www.hullfh.com.

Shirley Ann Blackwood, age 66, of Ansonia entered into peaceful rest December 16, 2013 at Griffin Hospital, Derby with her devoted family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 47 years to Andrew C. Blackwood.

Mrs. Blackwood was born April 17, 1947 in New Haven, daughter of the late Sherwood and Kathleen (Casey) Emerson.

Shirley was a member of the First Congregational Church of Ansonia; she was a graduate of the Class of 1965 from West Haven High School.

She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and the loving task of ironing; Shirley loved to collect all things frog. Putting everyone else first was what she did best.

Besides her husband, Shirley leaves her loving family including her daughters, Kimberly DeStefano (Frank) of Ansonia, Andrea K. Rochniak (Steven) of Milford, and Lorraine Clark (Frank) of Ansonia, her sisters, Katherine Parente (Lorenzo) of Cheshire, and Barbara Stewart (Ethan) of Stratford, and her cherished grandchildren who lovingly called her “Ammie”, Michael, Stephanie and Amy DeStefano, Abigail and Adam Rochniak and Andrew and Reese Clark. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Geri Jensen (Bill) of Beacon Falls and brother-in-law Ernie Blackwood (Carmela) of Ansonia as well as several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour. A Funeral Service in celebration of Shirley’s life will immediately follow at 6 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Gifts may be sent to the Book of Remembrance, First Congregational Church, 44 S. Cliff St., Ansonia, CT 06401.

For directions or to share a memory please go to www.hullfh.com.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and thanks to the Nurses and Staff of Griffin Hospital, and especially to Dr. 2Marya Chaisson for their unceasing efforts to save Shirley’s life.

Wilma (Grady) Stevens, 82, formerly of Southington, passed away on Friday, October 25, 2013, in Hobe Sound, Florida, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Ansonia Ct and was the daughter of the late John and Florence (Doll) Grady, and the widow of the late Hanford Stevens.

Wilma was employed as a lab technician for Penn Keystone Mfg. Co.

Wilma is survived by a son, Thomas Stevens and his wife, Lorraine of Florida; a daughter, Eileen Marcineck of Derby; a sister, Katherine Brown of Derby; a brother, John Grady of Wallingford; four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Mt. Saint Peters Cemetery in Derby at a later date.

The Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Kensington is in charge of the arrangements.

To share memories or express condolence online, please visit www.berlinmemorialfuneralhome.

James J. Marino, 81, of Ansonia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 17, 2013, at Griffin Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Jenny Furlo Marino.

Mr. Marino was born in Derby on Aug. 11, 1932, son of the late Joseph Marino and Rose Gagliardi Marino Colabella.

A proud veteran, he honorably served in the U.S. Army and U.S. National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was employed as an air traffic controller at Sikorsky Aircraft for 35 years until his retirement.

Jim was an avid bowler, fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees and enjoyed visiting the casino.

He is survived by 3 sons, Jeffrey Marino and Terry Marino of FL and Joseph Marino of Ansonia, 3 daughters, Sharon Casteel (Ken) and Linda Marino of FL, and Lisa Nagy (Nelson) of New Burnswick, Canada, 2 brothers, Robert Marino (Janet Todd) of NC and Ronald Marino (Joyce) of Watertown, 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, James Marino.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jim’s graveside funeral service on Saturday December 21, 2013, at 11:00 am (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY) at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Silver Hill Road in Derby. U.S. Army military honors will be accorded. There will be no public calling hours. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.

To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.

Ronald P. Atkas, age 65 a lifelong Seymour resident entered peaceful rest on December 17, 2013 at the Glendale Health Center, Naugatuck.

Mr. Atkas was born March 29, 1948 in Derby, beloved son of “Roney” Veronica (Yanish) Atkas of Seymour, and the late Paul J. Atkas, Jr. Ronald was a retired School Bus Safety Instructor having worked for the Laidlaw Bus Company.

He was a member of the Russian-American Club, and the Concordia Singing Society both of Seymour.

Mr. Atkas also a genuine love of nature and was a member of the Audubon Society.

Besides his mother, Ronald leaves his loving family including his sister, Celeste Fassbender and her husband Thomas of Bethany, brothers, Paul J. Atkas, III and his wife Sharon of Derby, and Gene Atkas and his wife Marilyn of Seymour, and several nieces and nephews.

His brother, John Atkas predeceased him.

There are no Calling Hours. All services are at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Gifts may be made to a charity of one’s choice, or to the Vitas Hospice Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital, 56 Franklin Street Waterbury, CT 06706.

The Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour is entrusted with the arrangements.

To share a memory online, please go to www.hullfh.com.

Mary Praskevich, age 86 of Ansonia, died peacefully in her home on December 18, 2013.

Born in Derby on September 22, 1927, she was the daughter of the late John and Nasta (Esther) Kocio Praskevich.

Ms. Praskevich was a lifelong resident of Ansonia, 1946 Graduate of Ansonia High School and member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. She worked as a technician and assembler for the B.F. Goodrich Co., TIE Communications and lastly Schott Electronics, retiring in 2000.

She enjoyed making crafts and traveling the U.S., but especially enjoyed her time with nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Ms. Praskevich is survived by a brother, Andrew Praskevich of Seymour; niece and care giver, Janet Cerritelli of Ansonia; nieces, Andrea (Dan) Walls of CA, Barbara (Michael) Kearney, Elizabeth (William) Spurlock of GA, Patricia Praskevich and Linda Buckner, all of Seymour; as well as several great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

She was predecaesed by siblings, William Praskevich, Lillian Praskevich, Ann Cerritelli, and Michael Praskevich.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 AM in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Avenue, Ansonia. Springtime interment will take place in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call on Saturday morning, December 21, 2013, 9:00 to 9:45 AM, prior to Mass.

Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com

Mildred Evancovitch, age 99 of Ansonia, wife of the late John Evancovitch, died peacefully on December 19, 2013 at the Birmingham Health Care Center, Derby.

Born in Seymour on January 26, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Alexandria Walowacz Gluse; she was six weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Evancovitch was a homemaker and worked as a seamstress for many years. She was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, where she was an active volunteer in the Mother’s Club.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Clark of FL; sisters, Ann Hanggi of Derby and Dorothy Smith of Naugatuck; seven cherished grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a son John Evancovitch and his wife Carol Ann Rogers Evancovitch; a sister, Julia Kasperczyk; and brothers, Steve, Harry, William and Joseph Gluse.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, December 23, 2013 at 9:00 AM from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 10:00 AM in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Avenue, Ansonia. Springtime interment will take place in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call on Sunday, December 22, 2013, 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Panikhida at 6:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Church Preservation Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.

Our beloved sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Martonak Piccolo, age 72, of Seymour, CT was escorted home by the angels on Friday, December 20, 2013 surrounded by her loving family while in the compassionate care of Vitas Hospice at Apple Rehab Shelton Lakes.

Rosie was born on May 20, 1941 in Derby, CT. She was the daughter of the late Peter Martonak and Jennie Pogozelski Martin.

She was predeceased by her beloved son Salvatore Piccolo III, companion James “Pete”Dimon and former husband Salvatore Piccolo Jr.

She is survived by her loving daughter Lisa Piccolo of Missouri and five sisters: Judy (Sarah) Renkewith of Seymour, CT, Josephine Gaida (Jack) of Shelton,CT, Carol Redente (Robert) of Ansonia, CT, Mary Veneri (AL) of Succussunna, NJ and Joan Lydem (Wayne) of Seymour,CT. She is also survived by her granddaughter Salisa Frost (David) of Missouri and three loving great grandchildren, Wyatt Frost, Waylon Frost and Anna Rose Frost of Missouri. Rosie is also survived by her stepmother, Amelia Martonak of Derby, CT as well as former brother-in-law Tony Piccolo (Rose) of Shelton and sister-in-law Louise Picciotti (Bob) of Rhode Island.

She lived in Shelton, Seymour and Missouri and previously worked for Anton Bauer as well as Companions and Homemakers. She was a communicant of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Seymour, CT. She loved to bake, crochet and play bingo and go to the “Casino”.

She also leaves her Aunt Jessie Martonak, cherished cousin Dolly Uszakiewicz as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and goddaughter JoAnn Cappiello.

Family would like to extend their heartfelt Thanks to VITAS Hospice Care, Shelton Rehab Shelton Lakes Nursing Home, Dr. Frank Spano and Dr. Gerry Malefatto.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass to celebrate her life which will be celebrated at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 135 Mountain Road, Seymour, CT at 10:00 a.m. Saturday December 28, 2013. Interment will be private. There are no calling hours. A repast will be held immediately following the Mass at Molto Bene, 557 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, CT. Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street RT 67, Seymour, CT is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to VITAS Hospice Care, 99 Hawley Lane #1204, Stratford, CT, or the Apple Rehab Shelton Lakes Foundation, 5 Lake Road, Shelton CT.

To leave an online condolence or light a virtual candle please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com.

Peter A. Massa, age 72, husband of Ann Davis Massa and resident of Derby, entered into eternal rest Dec. 19.

He was born Jan. 31, 1941 in Derby, son of the late Anthony & Irene Esposito Massa. He was fortunate to have his uncle Fred as his stepfather after his father’s death.

In addition to his wife Ann, he leaves to cherish his memory his son Frederick T. Massa of Derby, his daughter Kimberly Rodriguez & her husband John of Ansonia, and three grandchildren Joseph Mazza, and Angela & Anthony Khan, all of Ansonia.

He worked as a heavy machine operator for Farrel Corp. for 31 years until retirement. In 1991 he went to Gateway community college and learned to be a cook, cooking for Griffin Hospital, Ansonia High School and later working in The Milford School Cafeterias. Recently, he has been a technician for The Hearing Center in Ansonia.

After his love and loyalty to his family and friends, his lifelong passion was weight lifting. Riding his Harley, skeet shooting and roasting pigs with Fred came next. Peter was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Derby. He was also a member of The Hamden Fish & Game Club, The Derby Veterans Community Center and the Campania Club.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23 with friends asked to go directly to St. Mary’s Church in Derby for 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby. Friends may call on Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia. (www.jenkinskingfh.com).

John Prince, age 61 of Ansonia, beloved husband of Debra Bogdan Prince, passed away suddenly on Friday December 20, 2013 in Griffin Hospital.

John was born in Bridgeport to Phyllis Fucello Prince, of Stratford and the late William Prince and was a lifelong Stratford resident, until moving to Ansonia 25 years ago.

John graduated from Bunnell High School, and has been an employee of the Town of Stratford for over 35 years, recently as a Construction Inspector.

He played softball for Napoli Pontiac and the Frog Pond Restaurant and was an avid Green Bay Packer and Red Sox fan. John loved going to the Casino and other trips together with Debra, at anytime.

Survivors in addition to his beloved wife and mother, include his daughter Erica Prince, stepdaughter Kristen Barreira, 2 brothers William Prince and his wife Debi, and Patrick Prince and his wife Dawn, sister- in- law Paulette Prince, all of Stratford mother-in-law Mary Bogdan, brother in law Michael Bogdan and his wife Diane East Haven, granddaughter Ariana, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father, John was pre-deceased by his brother Keith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday December 23, at 9:00am meeting Directly at St. Mary Church, 212 Elizabeth St. Derby. Interment will follow in Mount St. Peter Cemetery, Rt. 34 Derby. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2-5 pm. In the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford.

For more information or to make an online condolence please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com.

Margaret M. (Peggy) Hugya, age 89, of Beacon Falls, formerly of Stratford, loving Mother and Grandmother, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Griffin Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Peggy was born on June 20, 1924 in Bridgeport to the late Gertrude Reilly Malone and Daniel Malone. She was the wife of the late William Hugya and sister of the late Daniel Malone.

Peggy was a communicant of St. Michael Church of Beacon Falls and was also a former communicant of St. Mark Church of Stratford. She devoted her life to helping and educating others, especially those in need. Peggy obtained certifications in Religious Education, the Diagnosing and Treating of Child Abuse and Drug and Alcohol Abuse. She also served two years as the President for the Connecticut Parent Teacher Association.

Peggy will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

Peggy is survived by her loving children William Hugya of Beacon Falls, Sharron Cuddy of Beacon Falls, David Hugya and his wife Janice of Ansonia and Marion Herb of Beacon Falls, her four cherished grandchildren Kara Hugya of Naugatuck, Justin Hugya of Ansonia, Erin Herb of Beacon Falls and Albert Herb, IV of Beacon Falls, her caring niece Kathleen Greenleaf of Waterbury, VT, her cherished grandniece Olivia Greenleaf of Waterbury, VT, her two cherished grandnephews Jackson and Daniel Greenleaf of Waterbury, VT and several cousins and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated DIRECTLY at St. Michael Church, 25 Maple Street, Beacon Falls on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10:00 am. Internment in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford will be at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Peggy’s memory to Connecticut Hospice, 2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 408, Shelton, CT 06484 or to St. Michael Church Renovation Fund, 25 Maple Street, Beacon Falls, CT 06403. Peggy would also ask to please make an act of kindness to your fellow man.

The Miller-Ward Funeral Home of Seymour is caring for the family.

To light a virtual candle or to leave online condolences, please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com.

Shirley M. Vaccaro, 91, of Ansonia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2013, at Griffin Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Ronald J. “Bunny” Vaccaro.

Mrs. Vaccaro was born in Ansonia on August 19, 1922, daughter of the late Ernest and Livia Gribi Cramer.

A lifelong resident of Ansonia, she and her husband owned and operated the former Lorie’s Restaurant in Derby for many years until retiring in 1973.

She loved to travel and spent many winters in Mexico and more recently Florida. Shirley was an animal lover, avid fan of UConn basketball, and enjoyed cooking, gardening, walking and visiting the casino.

She is survived by a son, Lorie R. Vaccaro (Linda) of Ansonia, a daughter, Roxanne C. Smullen (Hal) of Woodbridge, two cherished grandsons, Ronald Vaccaro of Ansonia and Robert Vaccaro (Anissa) of Fairfield, a great-granddaughter, Greenley Vaccaro and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday December 27, 2013, from 4-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Saturday, her funeral will leave at 9:30, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Interment will take place in the family plot in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.

Contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to Holy Rosary Church Organ Fund through the funeral home.

To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.

Joseph B. Jenks, age 90 of Ansonia, beloved husband of Helen Nesevitch Jenks, fell asleep in the Lord, with his wife by his side on December 22, 2013 at Griffin Hospital.

Born in Orange on August 20, 1923, he was the son of the late John and Sophie Puzio Jankowski.

Mr. Jenks served in the U.S. Army as a PFC in the 43rd Battalion Anti-Aircraft, attached to the 79th Division during WWII. He fought in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, Rhineland and Central Europe and was awarded with the Distinguished Unit Badge among other medals. He was very proud of his military service and enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the U.S. to attend many army reunions. Mr. Jenks worked 40 years as a machine assistant and jitney operator for the Farrel Corporation until his retirement in 1982. Simultaneously, he raised Aberdeen Angus Cattle and sold Agway products from his family farm in Orange.

He will be remembered for his passion for flying. He owned a Cherokee 180 airplane and with his wife and friends, flew hundreds of hours over New England, the East Coast and Florida. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

In addition to his wife of 27 years, he is survived by several nieces and nephews; as well as great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three sisters, Helen Mersey, Lottie Kuziel and Louise Calderwood.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 9:00 A.M., from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Ave., Ansonia at 10:00 A.M. Military Honors will be accorded directly following Mass. Springtime interment will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM; Panikhida at 6:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Preservation Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.

Beverly Christine Alexander, born Sept. 26, 1962 in New Haven and loving wife of Stuart Alexander of Ansonia, entered into eternal rest with her family by her side on Dec. 21, 2013 at The Hewitt Health Center in Shelton.

In addition to her husband she leaves to cherish her memory her son David Alexander and grandson David Jr., both of Ansonia.

Calling hours will be held at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia on Dec. 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Committal services will be held in the spring. (www.jenkinskingfh.com/> )

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society through the funeral home.

Mariano M. Carrubba, 88, of Ansonia, passed peacefully Thursday, Dec. 19 at Yale New Haven Hospital.

He was born in Ansonia on Jan. 12, 1925, son of the late Carmelo and Nancy Rose (Duca) Carrubba. He was a resident of Ansonia for 83 years before moving to Milford.

As a young man, he started working at the Cardella Store on Main Street and then he was co-owner with his brother of the Town Line Drive-In of Seymour for 50 years, retiring in 1992.

Mr. Carrubba was a communicant of the Church of the Assumption, a graduate of the Ansonia High School Class of 1942, a veteran of WWII U.S. Army and was in the Battle of the Bulge where he spent 3 freezing days and nights alone separated from his division which was almost completely wiped out.

He was a member of Gordon Visselli American Legion Post #50 in Ansonia and St. Michaels Catholic Men’s Club. He also was an Usher at the 10:45 mass in Church of the Assumption rising to become the head usher.

Mariano enjoyed fishing and bowling. He traveled to Italy, Florida, Arizona and Mexico. In 2009, he had the oppportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. with the American Warriors to visit the new WWII Memorial. He loved his country, the American Flag and was truly a part of “the Greatest Generation.”

Survivors are 2 sisters, Marie Carrubba of Oxford and Doris Klimeric of Stamford, two sisters-in-law, 4 nephews, 3 nieces, 5 great nephews and 3 great nieces. Predeceased by 5 brothers Joseph, Michael, twin brother Harry who was lost in the Africa-Rome Campaign, Anthony and James Carrubba.

His Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 9:15 am from the Bennett Funeral Home 91 N. Cliff St. Ansonia to the Church of the Assumption for a mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am. Burial with Full Military honors will be in Mt. St. Peters Cemetery. Calling hour Monday from 8-9am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ahrens Program at Milford Senior Center or Gordon Visselli American Legion Post #50 in care of the Funeral Home.