Biega Funeral Home

Gladys (Bogdan) Salinsky, 79, of Meriden, beloved wife 40 years to Stanley Salinsky, died Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Wadsworth Glen Heath Care with her family at her side. She was born in Middletown, daughter of the late, Walter Frank Bogdan and Rozalia (Kogut) Bogdan. Gladys loved spending time with her family and traveling. She was most proud of her daughters' pursuing careers in the medical field. Gladys had the gift of conversation with everyone she crossed paths with. Besides her husband, Stanley, Gladys is survived by two daughters, Pamela Canna of CT and her fianc? Emilio Lucertini, Sandra Papotto and her husband Steven of Meriden, sons, Gregory Salinsky and his wife Marybeth of...

Michael DeFrancesco, Sr., 78, of Higganum, beloved husband and companion of 43 years to Pauline (Fontaine) DeFrancesco, passed away Monday September 5, 2022. Ironically, the hardest working man we know took Labor Day off. He was born in New Haven, the son of the late Joseph and Matilda (Riccitelli) DeFrancesco and was predeceased by his brother, Joseph DeFrancesco of Waterbury. Prior to his retirement, and most recently he was the Equipment Repair Specialist with O2Safe Solutions (TGP). As a graduate of the University of New Haven, he first became a teacher in the Middletown school system. Over the years, he was a farmer, businessman, and above all, a role model for his children and...

Alexander J. Raczka, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday August 2, 2022 at Village at South Farms Middletown, CT. Al was born July 22, 1926 in Middletown, CT the son of Alexander J. Raczka Sr. and Victoria (Adamczyk) Raczka. He attended Vinal Regional Technical School and left for his first job as an apprentice technician for Blau Electric which he then left to start his own business, Raczka Electric in 1949. Upon retirement in 1987 he worked for many years on the custodial staff for Regional School District 13. He married his beloved Jennie Mrozowski in 1949 and they built their home in Middlefield, CT on land originally owned and farmed by Jennie's parents. Al lived in...

Sullivan, Karen A., age 75, of Vernon, CT, formerly of Wallingford and New Haven, respectively, died July 16, 2022. Beloved wife of Daniel P. Sullivan, Jr. for 52 years, she is survived by her children: son Daniel and his wife Elaine; daughter Kathryn and her husband, Jeffrey; and daughter Kristen and her husband, Frank; as well as eight grandchildren. Karen was a dedicated nurse for over 30 years, including working at St. Raphael's hospital; Brook Hollow Health Care Center, and then Acord, Inc. She enjoyed vacationing with family, including trips to Florida and California. She loved playing board games, watching TV talk shows, and reading. Karen was the youngest child of William and...

On the evening of June 10, 2022, Catherine Conroy Leining (68) of Durham, CT departed this earth, surrounded by loved ones, at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT. She succumbed to a devastating failure of the heart; her most endearing asset. With the Lord at her side, she began her journey to a bigger, brighter place. Catherine, who was born to Raymond and Doris on February 19, 1954, in Middletown, CT., was a member of the National Honor Society at Middletown High School. She graduated in 1972 and accepted a position at Middlesex Mutual Assurance, where she spent a successful 37 years of continuous employment. In October of 1982, she married Irvin L. Leining Jr. and together, raised their...

Bernadette (Czellecz) Kielb, 66, of New Britain, passed away on Tuesday June 7, 2022. She is survived by her children Sheri-Kielb-Mascaro (Adam), Susan Kielb, Robert Kielb, Jr and her grandchildren, Alivia, Nathan and John. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be forwarded to her family to assist with funeral costs to Sheri Kielb-Mascaro, 190 Tollgate Rd., Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.

Walter Wyskiel, Sr., 83, of Rockfall, husband of Elizabeth "Betty" (Pattavina) Wyskiel, died Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital, Hartford, surrounded by his family. He was born in Middletown, the son of the late Alexander and Katherine (Mucha). Walt served with the US Navy and later retired as a machinist for the State of Connecticut. He was a member of the Kosciuszko Society and the American Legion. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Walter Wyskiel, Jr., of Middlefield; daughter, Robin Longworth (Richard) of Durham; brother Stanley Wyskiel of Middletown; grandchildren, Amanda Gannon (Sean), Andrea Richards (Patrick), Samuel Longworth, Mikayla Wyskiel, Walter...

Suzann "Suzy" Sandifer Little, 85, of Chester, Connecticut, formerly of Kilgore, Texas, died peacefully at Chesterfield Health Care in Chester, Connecticut. Suzy was born in Coahoma, Texas, daughter of the late Clayburn Henry Little and Sarah Ethel (Sandifer) Little. Prior to her retirement Suzy was employed with the Goodspeed Opera House, a job she loved. She loved the theatre, when she was younger, she was involved with Sweet Adeline's Community Theatre and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Suzy earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations, from Baylor University. Her friendly personality and Texas wit was a perfect fit to work as a public liaison for NASA; covering...

Edward F. Matuszkiewicz, "Eddie Matt", 81, of Middlefield, beloved husband of Anne Murphy Matuszkiewicz, peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. He was born in Middletown, son of Joseph and Stefania (Paszek) Matuszkiewicz. Eddie spent his career in restaurant management until he took on the most important role of his life, raising his daughter Stephanie G. Matuszkiewicz from infancy to teenager. Those were the happiest years of his life as he taught her about cars, how to drive, sports and how to play pool. He loved his family, his home and his neighbors. Everyone who was lucky enough to know Eddie felt so much better after spending time with him - he had the...

Thaddeus "Ted" Joseph Nowakowski, born September 3, 1928, beloved husband of 59 years and best friend of Anne (Toczko) Nowakowski passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, surrounded by his wife and their special friend Jeannie Ziomek. Ted was born in Meriden, son of Joseph and Mary (Koziol) Nowakowski, youngest of twelve children. He was a graduate of St. Stanislaus School and Meriden High School class of 1946. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War era, 1950-1952, stationed in Germany. Over the years he was employed at International Silver Company, Wilhelm Davies in Wallingford and for 25 years at H. O. Penn Company in Newington. Ted was predeceased by his parents, 5...

Donald Francis Albert, Jr., 77, of Higganum, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2022. Born on December 4, 1944 in New Britain, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Donald F. and Marie M. (Sitz) Albert. He was a graduate of Goodwin Technical School, New Britain and Hartford Technical College and served in the Connecticut National Guard. Donald's career spanned more than 50 years at Wesleyan University, retiring as manager of scientific facilities and instruments in the University's chemistry department. He cherished every day working with colleagues, graduate and undergrad students, and considered each day an experience to learn something new. He had a practical...

Kathleen (Malone) Crete, 66, of Middlefield, beloved wife of James Crete, died after a long illness on Monday, March 21, 2022 at her home with her husband at her side. Kathleen was born in Middletown, daughter of the late Joseph and Lorraine (Wolenski) Malone. Prior to her retirement, Kathleen worked as a woodworker for Whitmore Antiques. She was an avid woodworker and had her own workshop at her home. Later, Kathleen became a visiting angel, where her compassion and gift for helping others really shined. Besides her husband, Kathleen is survived by three sons, Dan Connelly, Nick Connelly, Jason Connelly, a daughter, Ashley Crete, a sister, Judith Doyle, and a brother James Malone, also...

Ellen (Snigg) Donovan, 99, formerly of Durham, wife of the late John J. Donovan, died Friday, March 4, 2022 at Apple Rehab, Middletown. She was born in New Bedford, MA, the daughter of the late William M. and Theresa (Melia) Snigg. She was a parishioner of Notre Dame Church in Durham and a member of the Notre Dame Church First Parish Council. She taught religious instruction at the church for many years. She enjoyed being a Girl Scout Leader in Durham. She participated in helping with many Red Cross blood drives. Ellen loved being a homemaker, wife and mother. She enjoyed helping others. Ellen is survived by nieces, Lauren Snigg Woods and her husband Geoffrey of Haddam, their daughter...

The Reverend Edward M. Konopka, son of the late Myron T. And Anna M. Konopka died Feb. 16 2022, following a long illness. Fr. Konopka, a Middletown native, attended local schools and graduated from Wesleyan University with distinction in French. His seminary studies followed at Grand Seminaire de Saint -Brieuc, in Brittany, France. His ordination, in 1960, was held in Middletown at St. Francis of Assisi church, his family parish. Fr. Konopka's first assignment was in 1960 as assistant pastor to Fr. Norman St. Martin in, Higganum, CT. Several appointments followed: Occum, CT, St Mary's Church in Putnam, St Mary, Star of the Sea in New London, St Bernard's School in Uncasville, Sacred Heart...

David Anthony Steele, 83, of Guilford, formerly of Middlefield, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He is survived by his significant other Marlene Clark, who was at his bedside when he passed, and was predeceased by Roberta (Grant) Steele, his wife of 53 years who passed away in 2011. David was born June 25, 1938, in New Britain, Connecticut. He was the son of the late Raymond and Florence (Schmaltz) Steele, Sr. He had a successful career in the security hardware field, starting as a lock assembler for American Hardware, learning the trade on the factory floor from his father and eventually becoming a designer and consultant for master...

Cheryl Pelland, 61, of Middletown, CT, passed into eternal life on Saturday, January 29, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 29, 1960 to William and June Pelland. Cheryl was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and a very devoted mom to many of her pets over the years. Cheryl is survived by her mother, June, her brother Bill and his wife Julie of Monkton, VT, her brother Craig and his wife Sherry of Middletown, CT, her brother Randy and his wife Elizabeth of Winsted, CT, and her brother and "irish twin" Kevin of Newington, CT. Cheryl was predeceased by her father William. She is also survived by her cousins Carole McCarthy and Linda Pepin who...

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, Dennis Chupron, loving husband, father of two children, and six grandchildren, passed away peacefully at the age of 76. Dennis was born on May 12, 1945 in New Britain, CT to Leo and Regina (Murr) Chupron. Dennis worked for 43 years at The Stanley Works in New Britain as a Materials Manager. On October 16, 1967, he married Eileen Capega. Together they raised two children Tippi and Dennis Jr. Dennis loved being involved in his children and grandchildren's' lives. He loved to watch his two children play baseball and softball through their childhood. He was so invested in their success he built a fullsize battling cage with a pitching machine in the backyard, as...

John A DuBois 77 of Middletown CT, loving husband of Karen Peters DuBois passed away after battling Covid and pneumonia on January 21,2022 at Middlesex hospital. John was born in Hartford CT on October 7, 1944, son of the late Louis and Maria DuBois. John retired from the State of Connecticut. In addition to his wife Karen, he is survived by his daughter Julie Watson and her husband Showan Watson, and his three sons Christopher DuBois, John Dubois and Michael DuBois. John is survived by his sister Yevette DuBois and many grandchildren. John enjoyed the outdoors, he loved to fish, hike, take daily walks, dancing, trips to the beach and apple and strawberry picking, what he enjoyed most was...

Nicholas Michael Giordano, 79, of Durham, beloved husband of Marie E. (Gorrasi) Giodano, died Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Middlesex Health Care. Nick was born in Mount Vernon, NY, son of the late, Michael and Maria (Lasora) Giordano. Pior to his retirement, he was employed at a financial planner with Naugatuck Saving Bank. Besides his wife, Marie, Nick is survived by a daughter, Nicole Jacobson and her husband Brian of Glastonbury, a son Michael Giordano of Hamden and a granddaughter, Melissa Rose Jacobson. He was predeceased by a brother Joseph Giordano and a sister, Teresa Ciccimarra. Funeral services were privately held. Memorial contributions may be sent to Connecticut...

Alina (Mirgos) Tomalska-Mercado, 78, of Meriden, wife of Eduardo Mercado and the late Marian Tomalski, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at MidState Medical Center. She was born in Poland, daughter of the late Adam Mirgos and Leokadia Biel. Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Corbin Russwin in Berlin. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Janusz Tomalski of Meriden, and Dariusz Tomalski of Meriden: sister, Elzbieta Matysiak of Poland; grandchildren, Ewelina Michalowski, Thomas Tomalski, Natalia Tomalska, and great-grandchildren Julia, Emilia and Jamison. Funeral services and burial are private. To share memories or express...

Barry L. Mickle, 70, of Rockfall, died Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Middlesex Hospital. He was born in New Britain, son of the late Oakley W. and Lucille (Hall) Mickle. Barry was part of the custodial department for Regional School District 13 for 42 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, trips to the casino and taking care of all his "kids", the students at Regional School District 13. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Costa of Rockfall; brother, Bruce Mickle and his wife Gail of Putney, VT; also, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased his brother, William Mickle. Funeral services are private and burial will be at the convenience of his family in...