COUGHLIN-LASTRINA FUNERAL HOME

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of a truly wonderful man, Gerard Duclos, 65, on Jan 16, 2024. Born and raised in Hartford to Aldea and Alexander Duclos. Jerry attended Catholic Schools in Hartford and Hartt School of Music. He moved to Portland in 1978 and was very involved with St Mary's Church. He was currently serving as Grand Knight Council #7. Jerry was also owner and CFO of All Ears, Inc in Meriden and Portland for over 40 yrs. Jerry leaves his loving wife of 41 yrs, Virginia "Ginger" Duclos, two wonderful sons Spencer Gerard and his girlfriend Cheryl, and Dylan James and his girlfriend Olivia. Jerry was so happy to see the wonderful relationships they have. He...

Michael Belzo, age 58, passed unexpectedly passed away on April 21st at Hospital of Central Connecticut. He is survived by his Wife Robin Belzo, his Father Michael Belzo, his sister Cindy, his sons Stone, Hunter, Josh, and Nick. His daughters Stephanie and Shauna. And his grandkids Olivia, Tristan, Devon, Cainen, and Nicholas jr. He was born on October 22, 1963 in Washington DC to the parents of Michael and Shirley Belzo. He lived in Meriden throughout his childhood, Middletown for 27 years and then finally residing in New Britain. He was the route manager at Best Cleaners, he was also coaching football at New Britain High School and was heavily involved in youth sports and mentoring kids....

Cindy Janet Meyer Kopitar entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut after a courageous battle against a number of medical issues. Her husband, Joseph, was at her side when she passed away. Cindy was born in 1953 to the late Eileen and Arthur Meyer. She graduated from West Milford High School in 1971 and then earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Environmental Sciences from Ramapo College in 1975. While working at Bamberger's department store, she met her husband, Joseph and they were married in 1975. Cindy was employed in various sales positions, a circulation manager for a local newspaper, a pre-K teacher and a full-time mother to...

Michael Donald Parks of Clinton, CT, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021, at Middlesex Hospital, joining his beloved wife, the late Joanne Parks, who predeceased him in 2001. Born on August 4, 1961 in Meriden, CT, to the late Donald R. Parks and the late Lois L. Parks, Mike graduated from H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in 1979. He was a proud member of the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 777 for more than thirty-five years, retiring in 2017. He was also a member of the Wooster No. 79 A.F. & A.M Masonic Lodge since 1998. An avid angler, Mike was active in the Connecticut and Rhode Island saltwater fishing community for many years. Mike leaves behind his loving son and...

Robert J. (RJ) Cabelus, 93, of Middlefield passed away Friday, February 5, 2021 after a brief illness. Born in Hartford, RJ was the son of the late Peter and Anna (Teske) Cabelus. Robert was a resident of New Britain before moving to Middlefield in 1959. He attended New Britain High School, Connecticut Teachers' College, and served in the US Army during World War II and the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He worked for the telephone company as a lineman before joining the Connecticut State Police. He was Middlefield's Resident Trooper for several years and later organized State Police activities during the Powder Ridge Festival in 1970. He was a training instructor at the CT...

Edward J. "EJ" Reynolds, of Middlefield, passed away recently at Middlesex Hospital from recent health complications after a brief illness. Born in Middletown on Sept. 28, 1955 he lived most of his life in his beloved Middlefield. EJ was a graduate of CRHS class of 1974 (first 4 year class) where he developed many lifelong friends and relationships. EJ was a longtime employee of TET Mfg in Middlefield where he put in 40+ years, retiring just this past September. He enjoyed being with his friends and family and enjoyed a quiet, simple life with his cat Sophie. He is survived by his son Daniel of Middlefield and one granddaughter Kiyah of Middletown and one grandson Kamryn of Rockfall. Also...

Gary Linwood Barker, age 76, passed away in his Hudson, Florida home on Saturday, February 1, 2020. He was born in Middletown, CT, on March 30, 1943 to Wallace Stewart, Sr., and Lonitta (Carr) Barker. He was a graduate of Lyman Hall High School and longtime resident of Wallingford, CT, before moving to NC, SC, and finally FL. Gary enjoyed the great outdoors and loved animals, particularly his cherished dogs. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an accomplished equestrian. His other talents included roller dance and barbershop singing. Gary had several careers throughout his life. He worked at Wallace Silversmith as a polisher, as a meat cutter, as a computer processor, and later as a...

Valentine Frederick Pajer passed away on Friday morning, September 20th after a long illness. Skip, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Brooklyn, New York on February 17th, 1931. A graduate of Ridgewood High School, Skip was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Skip enjoyed a lengthy career as an accountant and Business Manager in the State of Connecticut. An avid fan of model trains and military history, he also played the piano, loved reading, and watching classic movies. Skip was in his element when immersing himself in these hobbies. Skip, and his wife of 69 years, Theresa (Terry) Pajer, loved to dance. Other...