Beecher and Bennett Flatow Funeral Home- Meriden

Smith "Earl" "Leo" Leary, 56, passed away on July 16, 2021 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Ahoskie, NC, on August 21, 1964. Earl graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1983, where he loved athletics. He excelled in track, football and basketball. Earl made a career working with his hands, especially in carpentry and mechanics. He was a man of god and was a member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Meriden. Earl is survived by his mother Mary Bunch Wright and her husband John H. Wright, Jr.; father figure Rev. Kenneth Jeffre Graham, Sr.; and siblings Lonnie Leary and his wife Melba, Mary Ann Bunch, David Leon Bunch, Kenneth Jeffre Graham, Jr., and Michael Graham. He was...

Elvira "Halli" Nehring, a long-time resident of Meriden, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at the age of 86. The youngest of six children, she was born in 1935 in Bock, Germany. She immigrated in 1956 with her husband Ewald and young son to build a life together in the U.S.A. Elvira worked at Eyelet Specialty in Wallingford, and once retired from Eyelet she found joy in providing day care services for their pets as well. An avid gardener, she took great pride in keeping her property well-manicured and delighted in decorating for the holidays. Elvira is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Ewald, her sisters; Herta, Gisela, and Helga, and brothers; Richard and Werner. She...

Silvina Ramos, 87, of Meriden, wife of the late Antonio Ramos, passed away on July 9, 2021 at Apple Rehab-Coccomo in Meriden. Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico on January 1, 1934, a daughter of the late Cruz Oquendo and Felicita Valentin. She is survived by her daughters; Yolanda Ramos-Garcia (Ramon) of Puerto Rico, Norilsa Ramos (Robert Rodriguez) of Meriden, Marycruz Ramos of Meriden, sons- Antonio Ramos (Lucy) of Hamden, Luis Ramos (Nancy) of Wisconsin, Eduardo Ramos of Meriden, Elvis Ramos (Fanny) of Florida, and many brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Friends are invited to visit with Silvina's family on...

Patricia 'Pat' (MacKown) Bossi passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021, the loving wife for 72 years of Craig Arthur Bossi, who predeceased her one month earlier. Pat was born in Kenwood, NY, in 1924, the daughter of Leon and Gertrude (Forgue) MacKown, and lived most of her early life in Kenwood and Chicago, IL. She and her parents moved to Meriden in the 1930's. Pat attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1947. She met her future husband at the university, and they subsequently married in 1949. She felt great connection with her sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and later was a member of the American Association of University Women. ...

Gary L. Olson, husband of the late Linda Crum-Olson, passed away into the arms of his Savior on Monday, July 5, 2021. He was 68. He was born in Meriden on March 5, 1953 to the late Wilbur and June (Moore) Olson. Gary graduated from Platt High School and attended Faith Baptist Church in Southington. He was employed at Yarde Metals for many years as a truck driver, from where he retired. Gary enjoyed being with his family and friends. He had a love for fast cars, bowling, and basketball. He is survived by his brother Don Olson and his wife Beverly; nephew Todd Olson; and niece Melissa (Felix) Miranda and their children Alyssa and Tyler Miranda. He is also survived by several cousins. Friends...

Craig A. Bossi passed away peacefully on June 5, 2021, the loving husband for 72 years of Patricia MacKown Bossi. Craig was born in New Britain in 1923, the son of Ambrose and Frances (O'Connor) Bossi, and lived most of his early life in Bristol, CT. He was predeceased by his dear sister, Barbara B. Gilbert. Craig attended the University of Connecticut, putting aside his studies to serve four years in the United States Navy as an ensign in the Pacific theater during World War II. He returned to the university where he met his future wife and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1947. Craig and Patricia subsequently married in 1949. Most of his business career was...

Palma H. Zakszewski, 95, lifelong Meriden resident and wife of the late Raymond Zakszewski, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at Midstate Medical Center due to complications from pneumonia. She was born in Meriden on March 23, 1926, a daughter of the late George and Maria Theresa Argiro Scarano. She was a devoted and loving mother of her two children; James Zakszewski of Glastonbury and Raelene Ciarlelli whom she was predeceased by. She remained active throughout her life as a terrific cook (Mangia!), dancing, water aerobics, walking, and enjoying the outdoors. She was extremely giving to others, especially to her daughter-in-law Sally. Her opportunity as a Kelly Temp associate exposed...

Jack A. Friberg, 80, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2021 at Silver Springs Care Center. He was born in New Haven on June 25, 1940, son of the late Axel and Maria (Brodd) Friberg. Jack was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He entered the Navy in 1958 and served throughout the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged after 22 years of service as a Petty Officer First Class. Jack was a member of Corinthian Lodge #63 of the Freemasons for 56 years, and a member of Wallingford Elks #1365 for 24 years. Jack is survived by his loving sister, the Rev. Irene Friberg Dussaq, of Duncannon, PA and stepdaughter Carol Culmo of Wallingford, as well as many friends. He was predeceased by wives...

Celestine "Cele" Casa, died on May 9, 2021. She was born in New Britain, Connecticut on June 26, 1928, a daughter of the late Joseph & Maria (Carozza) Apruzzese. When Frank, her husband of 61 years, died in 2016 she had inscribed on their headstone, "We had a wonderful life." They made the most of their time together on earth. She had come a long way from her humble beginnings, overcoming any obstacle in her way. Born to poor, immigrant parents, she went to school speaking only Neapolitan, yet she became an English teacher who would read and discuss Shakespeare, Dickens, and so many more writers from across the globe. Cele did it, in part, by walking to the library, bringing home piles...

Carol L. (Metrelis) Quinn, 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at home in Southwick, MA, on May 6, 2021. Born in New Haven on September 15, 1929, Carol was the daughter of the late Peter and Louise (Brainard) Metrelis. Carol graduated from Meriden High School in 1947. She worked for 46 years in diagnostic imaging, initially at Holyoke Medical Center in Holyoke, MA, and then at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. She retired in 1992. Carol was an avid reader and for the past seventeen years, she volunteered to manage the library at the community center where she resided. In addition to other interests, Carol also volunteered at Baystate Noble Hospital and was on the...

Arden L. Poirier Graham, 48, of Wallingford, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. She was born in Meriden on January 29, 1973. Arden graduated from St. Joseph School in Meriden and attended Wilcox Tech Vocational School. At a later date she became a Certified Nurse's Assistant and at one time worked at Skyview Center in Wallingford. Arden is survived by her children, Jillian, Aaron & Sebastian Graham and their father Wayne Graham. In addition she is survived by her mother Mary Anne Poirier & her mother's companion Gary Olson; her own dear companion Jamie DesJardins; her sister Audra Poirier and niece Aryana Poirier; uncle Thomas, aunt Linda and cousin Ivan Walczak of CO; aunts...

Elzina Julia Roberts, 72, passed away at Midstate Medical Center on March 20, 2021. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, on July 19, 1948. Elzina resided in Meriden for the last 46 years and retired from the City of Meriden. Left to remember Elzina is her daughter, Cicily (Danny) Ford; son, Conrad Roberts; grandchildren, Shemira Pennyman, Jaidan & Bryson Ford, and Makaila & Julia Roberts; siblings, Adrianne Kane and Stephen Frakes both of Philadelphia; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by her parents Melvin and Julia Odrick, granddaughter, Ciera Roberts and brother, Lafeyette "Butch" Bulock. Friends are invited to visit with her family on Saturday, March 27th, at...

William Kirk, 68, of Meriden passed away March 16, 2021. Born in Waterbury on October 10, 1952, a son of the late Sydney and Irene Morrison Kirk, he is survived by his loving daughters; Kasey and her husband Matthew of East Hampton and Kristine and her husband Ovidio of Meriden, siblings; Deborah Kenealy, Mary, Rose, and Timothy Kirk, Shawn Parker, and Thomas Kirk. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Alana, Isabella, Gabriela, and Viviana. William was predeceased by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen Freeman. William worked in manufacturing at Southwick & Meister in Meriden for over 20 years until his retirement. A Memorial Service celebrating William's life will be announced and...

Faye Keller Clarke, age 86, died at home in the arms of her loving husband Mike Clarke on February 20, 2021. Faye and Mike were married for over 64 years. Faye was the daughter to the late Arthur and Helen Keller. She was predeceased by her sister Helene Humphries and brother Arthur Keller. She is survived by her seven loving children, four from the marriage, three adopted; twelve much loved grandchildren; and one much loved great-grandchild: Her daughter Cathy and her husband David Dutkowski and their children Danial and Cayla; David and his wife Adrienne and their children Nerissa and husband Farhat, who much to the delight of Faye announced they are expecting, and Maxwell and wife Laura...

George B. Gozda, 79, of Meriden, passed away on February 12, 2021 after a hard fought battle due to complications from Covid-19. He is survived by his daughters: Deanne O'Leary and her husband Daniel of Ashford, CT, Anita Gozda of Meriden, and Marlene Christopher and her husband Jason of Wallingford; grandsons: Jeremy Gozda and Travis Christopher; and long-time companion Carol Yaskaski of Wallingford. Having been a carpenter by trade, he was a member of Carpenters Local 24. His passion for carpentry led him to projects for family, friends, and many others. His favorite hobby was fishing, whether with family or friends. Another pastime was playing cards. But most of all, George loved...

Allison Vanessa Morgan, 50, of Meriden, loving wife of John Small, passed away on February 11, 2021 at Midstate Medical Center. Born in Meriden on June 14, 1970, a daughter of the late Charles and Mary Alice Vaughn Jones, she is survived by her children; Travaughn Morgan, and Akevis, Quanessa, and Diantee Duncan, brothers; Matthew Morgan and Donald Jones and his wife Garnett, grandchildren Zhymere Kelly and Londyn Morgan, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her sisters, Heather Morgan and Bonnie Jones. Allison was a graduate of Maloney High School and a lifelong resident of Meriden. Although a private person, she touched the lives of many...

William E. Trella, age 68, son of the late Edward F. Trella and Mildred E. (Hansen) Trella, passed away February 6, 2021, after a hard fought battle during the pandemic. A lifelong resident of Meriden, Bill met the love of his life, Deborah (Bell) Trella as a teenager. He was a graduate of Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden. Bill worked at Joseph T. Ryerson & Son in Wallingford for 28 years before spending the balance of his career as a slitter operator at Atlantic Steele in Waterbury. In addition to his loving wife of 50 years, he is survived by his three sons, Peter E. Trella and wife Susan of Meriden; Brandon J. Trella and wife Wendy of Middletown; Justin W. Trella and his wife...

Simone Chambers Vitkus entered into eternal rest on February 3, 2021 at CT Hospice after a long illness. Born in Smyrna, Maine, November 10, 1937 to Whitney and Opal (Condon) Chambers, Simone raised her family in Wallingford. She is survived by daughter Opal (David) Berardesca, son Craig (Lori) Worcester, and daughter Melissa Horsfall (Dawn Way). She leaves her grandchildren Natalie (Rosie) Berardesca, Christopher Horsfall, Jessica Lary, Joji Fillmore, Alani (Amanda) Schaperow, and Kerry Schaperow, 10 great-grandchildren, her brother Terry Chambers, and many nieces and nephews. Simone was predeceased by her beloved sons, Gordon and Mark, and her sister, Jeanette. She was a parishioner of...

Martha Oquendo-Pabon, 58, passed away on January 29, 2021 at MidState Medical Center. She was the beloved wife of Miguel Pabon. Martha was born in Meriden on March 13, 1962, daughter of Marina (Serrano) Oquendo and the late Valentin Oquendo. Along with her husband Miguel, she is survived by her children Jonathan Pabon, and Carol Pabon; siblings Maria Oquendo and Jose Oquendo; granddaughter Isabella Pabon; and nephew Noah Oquendo. She is also survived by many cousins and extended family members. Martha was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, sister and daughter. She was a lifetime warrior, courageously battling respiratory disease for over 18 years. Relatives and friends...

Lilija Regina Strazinskis, 83, of Meriden, passed away on January 13, 2021 at Midstate Medical Center, Meriden. She was born in Riga, Latvia on November 30, 1937, a daughter of the late Konstantin Strazinskis and Elizabeth Strazinskis Johnson. She is survived by her sister Silvija Colavito of Middletown, and step-brother Sven Johnson and his wife Neysa of Jewett City. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her step-father V. Christian Johnson and brother-in-law Anthony Colavito. After graduating from Meriden High School, Lilija went on to work for Meriden Trust Company for over 40 years until her retirement. She was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Meriden. She was also...

Virginia Vera Hastings joined the Holy Spirit on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at home with her family by her side. Virginia was born on May 5, 1924 in Avella, PA. The daughter of the late Onofrei and Olga Marunuk Samtzevich, she was raised in Gilman, CT, whilst enjoying the rural life. Virginia graduated from the Norwich Free Academy, then moved to Hartford and into a position in Engineering at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. There she met the love of her life, William Hastings, whom she married in 1956. Returning from additional work in aerospace in California, Ginny and Bill settled in Meriden and raised a family. She later found a career with the State of Connecticut...