Marian Dabkowski, 88, peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 24, 2016, in Vitas Hospice at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor Korytkowski Dabkowski.

Mr. Dabkowski was born in Jankowo, Poland on May 30, 1927, son of the late Stanley and Kazimiera Baczewska Dabkowski.

A resident of Ansonia since 1966, he was employed as a carpenter at Farrell Corporation in Ansonia for twenty-seven years until his retirement in 1991. Marian enjoyed vegetable gardening and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, James Dabkowski (Grazyna) of Ansonia, daughters, Irene Fazio (Richard Sr.) of Southington and Barbara Hartigan (Jay) of Jupiter, FL, a sister, Mariana Korytkowski of Seymour, cherished grandchildren, Richard Fazio Jr. (Roxanne), Victoria Fazio, Mitchell Hartigan, Scott Hartigan and Caroline Dabkowski, great-granddaughter, Angelina Fazio, loving nieces, nephews, cousins and his extended family in Poland.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday March 2, 2016, from 5-8 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Thursday, his funeral will take place at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 32 Jewett Street in Ansonia. Interment will immediately follow in St. Michael Cemetery in Derby.

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

Anthony T. Maziuk, 83, of Naugatuck, peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 26, 2016, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Estelle “Babe” Pawlak Maziuk.

Mr. Maziuk was born in Shelton on April 12, 1932, son of the late Ksawery and Anastasia Obuchowski Maziuk. He was a resident of Ansonia for 59 years prior to moving to Naugatuck four months ago.

He was employed at Sikorsky Aircraft and later as an electrician for the State of CT D.O.T. until his retirement in 1989. He then obtained his L.P.N. license and worked at the V.A. Hospital in West Haven until 1997. A proud veteran, he honorably served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict.

Anthony was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Ansonia and a member of its former men’s club. Family was most important to him, especially spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. He was also a longtime member of the Polish Falcons and active with Boy Scout Troop 35 in Ansonia. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing cards and trips to the casino.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Laurie Ciccone and her husband Enzo of Naugatuck, sons, Thomas Maziuk (Susan Walcek) of Ansonia, Billy Maziuk of Waterbury and Bob Maziuk (Chrissy Palmer) of Seymour, grandchildren, Joncarlo Ciccone and his wife Nichole, Stefano Ciccone, Ashlee, Tucker, Ryan, Sean and Kyle Maziuk and great granddaughters, Giuliana and Isabella Ciccone as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Alphonse Maziuk and sisters, Winifred Brzezinski and Mary Strubbe.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday February 29, 2016, from 4-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver St. in Ansonia. On Tuesday, his funeral will take place at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church in Ansonia. Interment with U.S. Navy military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery in Derby. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church, 32 Jewett St., Ansonia or through the funeral home.

The family sends a heart-felt thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Smilow Cancer Center at Griffin Hospital and Hospice Homecare in Shelton for their wonderful care given to Anthony.

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

Wanda (Hilinski) Suchower, age 87 passed away at home on March 1, 2016, after several months of declining health. She and her beloved husband Anthony were married for 63 years and resided in Seymour, CT from 1958 to late 2015, when they moved to Brookdale assisted living in Woodbridge, CT.

Wanda was a coal miner’s daughter, born in Nanticoke, PA in 1928 — the youngest of five children of Polish immigrants. When she was in third grade, the family moved to Waterbury, CT

Wanda attended public school in Waterbury and graduated from Wilby High School in 1946. She then continued her education, earning a 3-year RN degree from Waterbury Hospital in 1949. Before and after her years as a stay-at-home mom, Wanda worked as a nurse for the State of Ct at Laurel Heights.

Wanda was predeceased by her parents Clementina(Pilacinski) and Anthony Hilinski; her siblings Ray Hilinski, Jean Mendyka, Henrietta Jordan, and Helen Krawchuk.

She leaves her husband Anthony Suchower of Woodbridge, CT, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Val and Tom Medve of Essex, VT; their daughter and son-in-law Jody Raymond and Garth Welch of Oxford, CT; their daughter and son-in-law Wendy and Bill Owens of Colebrook, CT; and their grandson Patrick Raymond (son of Jody Raymond and Fred Raymond) of Seymour, CT. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews — and their children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday March 5th at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 75 Derby Ave., Derby, CT, followed by burial in St. Michael Cemetery, Silver Hill Road, Ansonia, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour, CT, onFriday March 4th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wanda’s memory to a charity of your choice or to Alzheimer’s Association — CT Chapter, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT  06067.

Marie C. Kopjanski, 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 3, 2016, at Gardner Heights Health Care in Shelton.

Mrs. Kopjanski was born in Derby on November 21, 1925, daughter of the late William and Vascal Morganelle Comboni.

A lifelong resident of the Derby community, she graduated from Derby High School in 1942. Marie worked as a well-known travel agent beginning her career at the former Crocamo Travel Agency in Derby and later at former Rifkin Travel in Derby and retired from AAA Travel in Hamden.

She traveled extensively throughout the world and was a communicant of St. Mary Church in Derby. Marie was the founder and past president of the former Grassy Hill Women’s Club in Derby and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Derby Public Library.

She is survived by sons, Mark Kopjanski and David L. Kopjanski and his wife Barbara of Derby, cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Kopjanski of Derby, sister in law, Lillian Comboni of Derby, two nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by a brother, William Comboni.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Monday March 7, 2016, at 1:30 pm at St. Mary Church in Derby for a Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Christopher Tiano officiating. Visiting will take place on MONDAY from 12:00 noon until the procession leaves for church in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Interment will immediately follow Mass in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.

To send an act of sympathy, please visitwww.spinelliricciutifh.com.

George Stanley Ostaszeski, age 91 of Seymour, entered peaceful rest on March 2, 2016 at the Griffin Hospital, Derby; he was the beloved husband of Violet “Vivian” (Howe) Ostaszeski.

Mr. Ostaszeski was born January 26, 1925 in Terryville, son of the late Michael and Stella (Kolakoski) Ostaszeski.

He was a communicant St. Michael the Archangel Church, Derby. Stanley was a retired co-owner of the ELMAC Machine Shop formerly in Seymour which he did for many years with his brother Richard. He was a WWII US Navy Veteran serving in the South Pacific and Guam. Mr. Ostaszeski was a member and Past President of the Seymour Lions Club; he also belonged to the Aurora Council Knights of Columbus, the Emil Senger Post 10 American Legion, and V.F.W. Post 12084, all in Seymour.

In addition to his wife, Stanley leaves his brother, M. Richard Ostaszeski of Seymour and several nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour.  Funeral services will be Tuesday at 9:00a.m. from the funeral home to ST. Michael the Archangel Church, 75 Derby Ave., Derby where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment with full Military Honors will be in Mountain Meadows Cemetery.

Memorial Gifts may be made to the Seymour Lions Club in care of the funeral home.

For directions and to share a memory online, please go to www.hullfh.com

Ivadean White D’Amato, 91, of Stratford, homemaker, wife of the late Dominick D’Amato, died March 1, at home.

Born in Daisy, Arkansas, to the late Clarence White and Olive (Harris) Pate.

Survived by children, Janice D’Amato of Stratford and Dominick D’Amato of Seymour, her granddaughter, Stephanie Wilson and her husband, Dan of Ansonia, and a great-granddaughter, Scarlett Wilson, her sister, Imadean Seliga of Stratford, several nieces and nephews, and her friends and caregivers, Karen and Jackie.

Also predeceased by her son, Ronald.

Services: Tuesday, March 8, 11 a.m., Our Lady of Grace Church 298 Second Hill Lane, Stratford. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Stratford. Visiting hours: Monday, 4-7 p.m., Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford.

Joseph F. Kalentek, 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 5, 2016, at Griffin Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary A. Sokolnicki Kalentek.

Mr. Kalentek was born in New Haven on March 22, 1925, son of the late Alexander and Blanche Brodowski Kalentek. A resident of Ansonia for fifty-five years, he was employed as a supervisor at Winchester Repeating Arms in New Haven for forty-one years until his retirement. A proud veteran, he honorably served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven.

He is survived by a loving son, Joseph A. Kalentek and his wife Diane of Beacon Falls, a loving daughter, Kathleen A. Parrett and her husband Richard of Guilford, cherished grandchildren, Danielle Paradis of Cape Cod, MA and Alex and Olivia Kalentek of Beacon Falls as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Vincent Kalentek and a sister, Louise Bialobzrewski.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Wednesday March 9, 2016, at 10:00 am (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY) at St. Joseph Church, 32 Jewett Street in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with U.S. Navy military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery in Derby. There will be no visiting hours. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.

Judith “Judy” Legeza, age 71 of Seymour entered peaceful rest on March 5, 2016 at the Griffin Hospital, Derby.

She was born July 25, 1944 in Derby, daughter of the late William and Leona (Felenchak) DeWolfe.

Judy was a retired Educator having taught at both the Bungay and Seymour Middle Schools. She was a Seymour High School Graduate, Class of 1962, also she graduated from Quinnipiac and Southern CT State Universities.

Judy was a longtime communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church where she formerly served as Treasurer; she sang in the choir, taught Religious Education, was a Eucharistic Minister, and served on the Altar Guild there. In the schools where she taught, Judy also coordinated many school dances, taught the drama classes, and was a member of the DARE Program. Judy was later a coordinator for her high school class reunions.

She enjoyed travel, especially cruises to the Caribbean and many road trips including to Nova Scotia. Judy will be fondly remembered for her love of cats, and the fun way she wore her earrings.

She leaves her loving uncle, John Felenchak of Seymour, a niece and a nephew, and her good friend, Kathleen Faircloth of Shelton.

Calling Hours will be Tuesday (TODAY) from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour. Funeral Services will beWednesday at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home, to Trinity Episcopal Church, 91 Church St., Seymour where a Service of Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Trinity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be sent to a charity of one’s choice.

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

Rene Leonard Forcier Sr., 77 of Oxford, the beloved husband of the late Doris Jeannette Brochu Forcier, entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 7, 2016.

Rene was born in Burlington, VT., March 25, 1938 he was the son of the late Doris Peter and Rachel Hebert Forcier.

Rene was a retired employee of Warner’s Printing and worked for All Star Transportation Company. He loved his family, worked very hard, and made many friends throughout his life.

He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church of Oxford. Rene moved from Bridgeport to Oxford in 1983. He was an avid horseshoe player. Rene will be missed by all and will remain forever in our hearts.

His loving family includes, two sons Kevin Forcier and his wife Sharon of St.Johnsville, NY., and Daniel Forcier of Derby,CT., six grandchildren Daniel and Emily Forcier of Oxford,CT., Rene and Richard Forcier of Dunbarton, NH., Rachel Hayden of Oxford,CT., and Joseph Forcier of Florida, three brothers James (Patricia) Forcier of Stratford,CT., Nelson (Lois) Forcier of Ansonia,CT., and Larry Forcier of New York, two sisters-in-laws Jeanette Licari Peclet of Norwalk, CT., and Lorraine(Lou) Boulanger of Bristol,CT., and many nieces and nephews.

Rene was predeceased by his loving children Rene L. Forcier Jr., Alfred J. Forcier and Cheryl Hayden.

A Prayer Service in celebration of Rene’s life will be offered on Friday, March 11 , 2016 at 6:30 P.M. in the Chapel of the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank St. (Rt. 67, opposite Klarides Village) in Seymour, CT, with Father Dominic J. Valla, Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, officiating. Interment in the family plot at Brookside Cemetery, Oxford will be held privately and at the convenience of the family .Friends and family are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made in Rene’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association for Research, through the funeral home.

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

Amelia Labowsky Martonak, 89 of West Palm Beach, FL. and formerly of Prospect, the beloved wife of the late Peter Martonak entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Gardner Heights Healthcare Center, Shelton.

Amelia was born in Seymour on May 22, 1926  daughter of the late John and Annie Pelachak Labowsky.

Before her retirement Amelia worked for Uniroyal Corporation of Naugatuck. She was a former member of Three Saints Orthodox in Ansonia.

Amelia was an avid homemaker and loved to work outside. Amelia will be sadly missed by all and will forever remain in our hearts.

Amelia is survived by her devoted daughter Judith Renkewith of Seymour , a caring brother Peter Labowsky of Ansonia and four loving grandchildren, Lisa Piccolo, Jo-Ann Cappiello (Ralph), Michael Renkewith, Brian Renkewith, and five cherished great-grandchildren, five great great- grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving daughter Rosemary Piccolo, four caring brothers John, Andrew, Stephen and Al Labowsky, a caring sister Eunice Heigh and her grandson Salvatore Piccolo, III.

Services and Interment will be held privately by the family. The Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank St. (opposite Klarides Village, Rt. 67) Seymour, is compassionately handling the arrangements.

To light a virtual candle and leave online condolences please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com

Charles L. Dawid, 79, entered into eternal rest on March 6, 2016, at Bridgeport Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances Reylea Dawid.

Mr. Dawid was born in Bridgeport on Feb. 8, 1937.

He was employed as a pump technician at Greco & Haines in Derby for thirty years until his retirement.

He enjoyed camping, arts & crafts and playing bingo.

Mr. Dawid is survived by a son, Nicholas Dawid (Basilla) of Ansonia, a daughter, Lori Smith (Ken) of Higganum, grandchildren, Christopher and Eric Padilla and Angela Dawid, great grandchildren, Aiden, Alysia and Jaclyn Padilla and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Tina Dawid.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday March 10, 2016, from 4-7 pm at the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver St. in Ansonia. On Friday, his funeral will take place at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Interment will immediately follow in Mountain Meadows Cemetery in Seymour.

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

Shirley Bostic age 86, a lifelong Ansonia resident and beloved wife of 57 years to the late Rev. Grover Bostic, entered into eternal rest March 8, 2016 at CT Hospice of Branford.

She was born May 19, 1929 in Derby daughter of the late Rev. William & Clara Harvey DuRante.

She worked as a Para Professional for Ansonia School System. She had earlier worked as a self employed seamstress and for women’s dress shop The Model in Derby. She was a lifelong member of The Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Ansonia.

She leaves 4 sons, Grover D. Bostic & his wife Sharon of Ansonia, B. Owen Bostic & wife Pollyanna of Ansonia, William Bostic & wife Valerie of Waterbury, David J. Bostic and wife Sandra of Windsor, daughters Sharon Bostic of Ansonia, Denise Bostic Moore & husband Jake & Claretta Bostic, all of Greensboro, N. Carolina, brother Melburn L. DuRante & wife Kathy of Torrington, 3 sisters-in-law, Anne B. Ward of Hamden, Sandra DuRante of Wolcott, Peggy DuRante of N.Y.C., brother-in-law Edward Bostic of Ansonia and 9 grand 13 great grandchildren and a host of Nieces & nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by 4 brothers William, Rev. Charles, Rev. Willard & Marvin DuRante, sisters Mary Eleanor DuRante Joyce DuRante Powell and her grandson Justin D. Bostic.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at The Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Ansonia. Friends may call Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at church before the services begin. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, (www.jenkinskingfh.com) is entrusted with arrangements.

Walter Pinchuk, age 90, of Ansonia, entered into rest on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in his home with his loving family by his side.  He was the devoted wife of the late Laretta (Lori) Cooper Pinchuk.

Mr. Pinchuk, son of the late Alexander and Mary (Zairuk) Pinchuk, was born in Shelton on September 8,1925, and he lived in Ansonia most of his life.

He joined the Navy in 1942 and was among the first recruits to open New Sampson Training Station. He went to Purdue University Naval Electrical School, assigned to Destroyer Escort USS Bull commissioned during WWII, escorting three convoys to Europe. The USS Bull was later converted to an APD, and embarked Underwater Demolition Team-14 (UDT-14) to the invasion of the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Following WWII, Mr. Pinchuk remained in the Reserves and he was recalled for the Korean Conflict.

He was a longtime employee of the former B.F. Goodrich Company and retired from Owens Illinois in 1987. He was a member of the Sutter-Terlizzi American Legion Post #16 of Shelton, the American-Russian Citizens Club of Shelton, and the Ansonia Senior Center.

He is the beloved father of Terre Lynne Pahlsson and her husband James, W. Todd Pinchuk and his wife Kimberly, and the late Timothy Pinchuk.  He adored his grandchildren Scott, Craig, and Tori, and also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and son Timothy, he is predeceased by two brothers, Harry and James Pinchuk, and three sisters, Irene Ley, Stella Akins, and Ann Morgan.

Friends may greet his family on Sunday from 2 to 4 PM in the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton.  On Monday a funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Shelton.

Online condolences can be offered at www.riverviewfh.com.

Everett H. Bowen, age 87, of Seymour, the beloved husband of Shirley (Morris) Bowen, entered into rest peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Griffin Hospital, Derby surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Seymour on June 17, 1928, son of the late Carroll and Nellie Bowen.

Everett was a lifetime resident of Seymour who proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a partner in Bowen & Faber Construction for many years before moving on to work at Sikorsky where he later retired.

Everett enjoyed gardening and was an avid New York Yankee and UCONN Women’s basketball fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends, especially his grandchildren.

Everett will be sadly missed by all and will remain forever in our hearts.

His loving family, in addition to his wife Shirley, includes his caring daughter Melissa Scalzi and her husband Joseph, his three cherished grandchildren Rose, James and William and several nieces and nephews.

Everett was predeceased by his sister Blanche and his brothers Reuben, Claude, Glen and Milton.

A Funeral Mass in Celebration of Everett’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Peters Episcopal Church, 421 Oxford Road, Oxford. Interment in the family plot at Mountain Meadows Cemetery, Seymour will follow. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Everett’s memory may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 421 Oxford Road, Oxford.

To light a virtual candle and leave online condolences please visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com

Halina S. Sobczak, age 77, beloved wife of Marvin Sobczak of Ansonia, died peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital on March 10, 2016.

Born in Sopot, Poland on April 29, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Leokadia Parchamowicz.

Mrs. Sobczak was educated in Poland and the United Kingdom, immigrated to the U.S. in 1970 and settled in Queens, NY.  She was a longtime resident of Orange before moving to Ansonia four years ago.  She worked as a Realtor for ERA, William Ravis and Coldwell-Banker Real Estate Agencies for many years, prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Sobczak was an accomplished artist and was an active member of the Milford Fine Arts Council.  She was a dedicated homemaker, enjoyed cooking and baking for her family.

In addition to her husband of 41 years, she is survived by her devoted sons, Richard (Marium) Sobczak of Orange and Robert (Malgorzata) Sobczak of Salem; and cherished grandchildren, Alina and Richard Sobczak, Jr. of Orange.

She was predeceased by a sister Irene Ciepluch.

Funeral services are private.  The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia is in care of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1075 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, CT 06708.

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

Louis J. Poeta, 83, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 13, 2016, at Paradigm Health Care Center in Prospect, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary C. Tomassini Poeta.

Mr. Poeta was born in Ansonia on October 16, 1932, son of the late Luigi and Mary Paradisi Poeta.

A resident of Beacon Falls for 51 years, he was employed as an insurance salesman for Olderman & Hallihan Insurance Agency in Ansonia for many years until his retirement.

A proud veteran, he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Louis was an active communicant of St. Michael Church in Beacon Falls and a member of its Catholic Men’s Club. He was a member of the Beacon Falls Democratic Town Committee and enjoyed playing golf, coin collecting and breakfast every Tuesday with his brothers and friends.

He is survived by loving sons, Louis Poeta and his wife Janet of Beacon Falls and Tony Poeta of Charlotte, NC, a loving daughter, Cindy Poeta of Seymour, a brother, Albert Poeta and his wife Frances of Seymour, a sister, Norma Biondi and her husband Evo of Beacon Falls, cherished grandchildren, Michael, James and Claire Mordowanec, April Packard and her husband Jon-Erik and Morgan, Joseph, Zoe and Celeste Poeta, great-grandchildren, Madison and Mason Packard and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Laura Poeta Mulinski, daughter in law, Amy Poeta and brothers, John, Victor, William and Joseph Poeta.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday March 16, 2016, from 4-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Thursday, his funeral will take place at 9:00 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Michael Church in Beacon Falls. Interment with U.S. Air Force military honors will immediately follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Michael Church through the funeral home.

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

Charles R. Clarke Sr., 85, peacefully entered into eternal rest on March 12, 2016, at Griffin Hospital, with his loving daughter, Lori, by his side. He was the devoted husband for fifty-eight years to the late Anneliese Bertl Clarke. He often stated that she was his soul mate, friend and the love of his life.

Charley or Chaz, as he was known, was born in Shelton on Sept. 21, 1930, son of the late George and Agnes Rice Clarke.

Charley served his country for nearly four years with the U.S. Army 9^th Division, the 6^th Armored Calvary 7^th Army and Army Service Forces during the Cold War in Germany at the time of the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he joined the AVCO Lycoming Corp. for two years. He was then employed for thirty- eight years with the S.O.C. Company and its successor companies; The United Shoe Machinery, U.S.M. Pop Fasteners, Emhart and Black and Decker. He was a supervisor of special tooling and as a production foreman of rivet fastener assembly and assembly of both manual and pneumatic rivet setting tools. Upon retirement, he was retained as a consultant of the industry.

Charley was president of the U.S.M. and Emhart Quarter Century Club and a former member of the Naugatuck Valley Management Club. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1236 and the John H. Collins Post 24 of the American Legion. As an active member of the Derby United Methodist Church for over fifty-five years, he served as president of the Board of Trustees, Chair of the Board of Finance, Lay Leader, Lay Speaker, superintendent of the former East Derby Satellite Community Sunday School at Bradley Elementary School, member of the church choir and numerous other committees.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Lori Clarke and her longtime companion Michael Budzik of Derby, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Charley was predeceased by his beloved son, Charles Richard Clarke Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family on Friday March 18, 2016, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 7:00 pm, a funeral service in celebration of Charlie’s life will take place with Rev. James Midgely officiating, followed by U.S. Army military honors. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 26 Lester Street, PO Box 522, Ansonia, CT 06401. To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.

James Renee Patenaude, age 53 of New Haven, died March 2, 2016.

Born in Norwalk on May 17, 1962, he was the son of the late Eugene Patenaude and Elizabeth Smith Patenaude Hudson.

Mr. Patenaude worked as a self-employed painting contractor.

He was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors, especially the beach and sea shore.

He is survived by his devoted sons, James (Mary Steel) Patenaude and Edward F. Patenaude, all of Norwalk; sisters, Pamela (Christopher) Ross of Ansonia and Deborah Banks of CO, a brother, Michael Patenaude of Putnam; a cherished grandson, Henry Oliver Patenaude of Norwalk; as well as his former spouse and friend, Georgette Brown Patenaude of Norwalk and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Reginald Hudson.

Funeral Services are private. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia, is in care of arrangements.

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

John M. Keefe, 33, of Oxford, unexpectedly entered into eternal rest on March 11, 2016.

John was born in New Haven on February 21, 1983, beloved son of Michael P. Keefe of Virginia and the late Shirley Mongillo Keefe. He was employed in the construction industry and his expertise was roofing.

In addition to his father, he is survived by a son, Dylan Keefe of Ansonia, a daughter, Makayla Keefe of Waterbury, a sister, Mary Martin of VA, loving girlfriend, Kayla Posta of Oxford and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

His funeral service will be private and at the convenience of the family. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.

Wilbur (Bill) Weed, age 86, of Beacon Falls, died peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2016 at Griffin Hospital in Derby, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Joan (Dziadik) Weed.

Bill was born on September 27, 1929, in Derby, son of the late Margaret and Wilbur Weed. He was a 1947 graduate of Seymour High School. He played baseball, basketball, soccer and was the co-captain of the first football squad.

A lifelong resident of Beacon Falls where he served on the Zoning Board and the Park & Rec Commission. He was one of the founders of the Beacon Falls Baseball League, where he also coached. He was instrumental in the development of Pent Road fields & Matthies Park. He was a lifelong Dairy Farmer. Bill was known as the “Corn Man”, he had a corn stand at Fritz’s for over 45 years.

He was a member of the New Haven & Litchfield County Dairy Committees, and served as Chairman of the New Haven county Soil Conservation Commission for decades, another favorite pass time was attending farm auctions, where many memories with his friends and family were made.

When not farming, Bill loved to hunt in New England and New York. In his early years he was Duckpin Bowling Champion and traveled throughout New England competing in tournaments. He and Joan enjoyed traveling across the U.S. If you ever needed to find Bill you only needed to look as far as Elm Spring Farm or Fritz’s Snack Bar, where he “held court” on a daily basis, while his faithful dog waited patiently in his truck.

He leaves three children, William and his wife Bonnie of New Milford, James and his wife Suzanna of Beacon Falls and Laura and her husband Bruce Mitchell of Southbury. He had four grandchildren, Daniel and Benjamin Weed and Ryan and Megan Mitchell, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Joan and daughter Linda, his sisters Edith Simpson and Alice Petro and his mentor Ed Ryan.

A Funeral Service in Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19th at 10 am at the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank St. (Rt. 67 across from Klarides Village) Seymour. Interment in the family plot in Mountain Meadows Cemetery, Seymour will follow. A reception to celebrate Bill’s life and share memories and stories will follow at the Southbury Center Firehouse, 461 Main Street South, Southbury from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home on Friday, March 18th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Northstar Foundation, the Development Fund, Griffin Hospital-ICU Unit or Woodbury FFA through the funeral home.

Bill loved life, laughter, family, friends and a good joke.

The family would like to thank the caring staffs at St. Vincent’s Hospital of Bridgeport, Griffin Hospital of Derby and River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury for their compassionate care of Bill while he was under their care.