Doolittle Funeral Home

Isabel Jean (Kelsey) Wimler, 91, of Durham, died Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Wadsworth Glen in Middletown after a long illness. She was born on January 6, 1931 to the late Erwin Hubbard Kelsey and Grace (White) Kelsey of Middletown, CT. Isabel was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Raymond Richard Wimler, Sr. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1948. In 1955, Ray and Isabel purchased the entire 65 head of Holstein cattle from Kelsey Farm, Inc. and then the William Wimler Farm herd, which was the start of their dairy farming. In 1987, with a dairy herd of over 600 animals they decided to purchase the Fulton, NY Farm with three of their sons. Isabel was a member of the...

Brent Edward Manzara, 39, of Durham, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in New London, he was the beloved son of Bruce and Nancy (Thompson) Manzara. Brent was a member of United Churches of Durham. He attended Coginchaug Regional High School and earned a certificate in HVAC from Porter Chester Institute. Along with his parents, Brent is survived by his daughter, Kayden Grace Manzara of Rockfall; his maternal aunt Pamela Thompson-Kelly and her husband Jim Kenyon of Middletown; his paternal aunt Vanessa (Manzara) Schmaltz and her husband Charlie of Middlefield and his maternal grandmother Dorothy Klinzmann of East Hampton; several cousins and many...

Eloy Roca, 83, of Middletown, beloved husband of Ana (Roman) Roca for almost fifty-two years, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in Talara, Peru, he was the son of the late Eloy and Rosa (Lopez) Roca. Eloy had lived in Meriden for few years and in Cromwell for over twenty-two years where he was a member of Saint John Church. He was employed at Coca Cola Company in Middletown for twenty-two years retiring in 2003. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sports, music and dancing. Eloy will be remembered as a very warm, lovable person who loved laughter. Along with his wife, Ana, he is survived by two sons, Omar E. Roca and his wife Mariann of Meriden and...

David Pasquale (December 30, 1950 - March 25, 2022), Durham, CT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. David was a lifelong resident of Durham. He was a graduate of Xavier High School (1968). He retired from Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (Middletown) after 30 years of employment where he worked as a jet engine mechanic. David was friendly and loving with sparkling blue eyes and a great sense of humor. He was a talented woodworker. He enjoyed drawing, writing poetry, fishing and working around his home and yard with his wife Paula. He loved the wildlife that frequented their backyard and often commented on how lucky he was to live in such a beautiful place, that was so full of...

Barbara Sloat Rowe, of Middlefield, CT, passed away January 12, 2022, at Wadsworth Glen Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, in Middletown. Born October 22, 1934 in East Hodgdon, Maine, Barbara moved to Connecticut after graduating from Ricker Classical Institute High School in 1952. Barbara had lived in Middlefield since 1958, raising three children with her husband, David, while taking an active role in many aspects of the town's cultural and political life. She was a longtime member of the Middlefield Federated Church, as well as a member and board member of the Levi E. Coe Library. Beginning in 1982, Barbara also served more than 25 years as Registrar of Voters for the Town of...

Carolyn V. (Noyes) Adams, of Middletown, passed away December 29, 2021 after a fierce battle with COVID-19. Carolyn was born in Colebrook, New Hampshire, to the late Richard and Nellie Noyes, on December 23, 1924. She married her first husband, the late Donald F. Pearson in 1941. The couple moved their young family for Donald to work at Lyman Farm, which provided Carolyn the opportunity for employment at Merriam Manufacturing Co. in Durham, serving as the company's first female purchasing agent. She later met the love of her life, the late Allan Adams and added more children to her family. In 1974, she opened The Lighting Barn of Durham, which later became Carolyn Adams Country Barn. She was...

Joseph Breton, known as Joe to his friends and co-workers and Gaetan to his family, was a long-time Durham resident who died peacefully on December 21, 2021 at his son Leo's house in Lewes, Delaware, in the company of family members. Joe was born in 1930 in Lewiston, Maine, and he worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 38 years. He is predeceased by his loving wife Pauline, and his sons Marc and Daniel, and his grandson Nathan Field. He is survived by Michael of Wellfleet, MA, Jeannine Adams of Sudbury, MA, Paul of Killingworth, CT, Marie Field of Haddam, CT, Leo of Lewes, Delaware, and Cecile Haase of Killingworth, CT. He was blessed with 21 grandchildren. Joe was a founding member...

William R. Hamma "Bill" passed away on December 17, 2021 at his home in Durham. A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in Mica Hill Cemetery, Mica Hill Road, Durham, where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Middlesex Health Hospice Program, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

William R. Hamma (Bill) passed away peacefully at his home in Durham on December 17, 2021. He was 90. Born on April 17, 1931 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, he was the son of the late William M. Hamma and Katherine G. (Harrison) Hamma. A Korean War Veteran, Bill loved his country and actively served in both the Air Force and Army from 1950 to 1957. Following his time in the military, Bill continued his service to the United States Government by working at the Veteran's Hospital in West Haven as a carpenter/locksmith for more than 30 years. In 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Mabel (Mickie) Gastler, before settling in Durham in 1960. An avid reader and aficionado of U.S....

Edward Powell Bailey, 66, of Rockfall, First Selectman of the Town of Middlefield, died suddenly on December 8, 2021 after a long health issue. He had been a resident of Rockfall/Middlefield since 1985. Born in 1955 in Manhattan, New York, Ed was the son of the late Edward and Beatrice (Higgins) Bailey. He graduated Xavier High School in Manhattan and went on to receive a degree in Marine Engineering from SUNY Maritime College, Bronx, NY, with a commission in the Naval Reserves. He worked many years worldwide as a chief marine engineer on several ships, including the Marine Reliance. Ed served on various boards and commissions. He was a selectman for the Town of Middlefield since 2009...

John Courtenay Long, 98, of Middletown, husband of Betty (Chase) Wakeman Long for thirty-three years, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Wadsworth Glen. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Edgar and Ethel (Frisbie) Long. A graduate of Cheshire Academy and Duke University, his last position was that of Regional Sales Manager at the Ohio Life Insurance Company in Cleveland, Ohio. A three year veteran of World War II, he served in the United States Army Amphibious Forces in Casablanca, Anzio and Southern France. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. John was a genuinely kind person...

Henry A. Robinson, 87, of Durham, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 1, 2021, following a long illness. Hank, as he was fondly called, was born to Arthur and Gertrude (Crowell) Robinson, on February 19, 1934, in Fall River, Massachusetts, where he grew up. A graduate of Boston University, Hank spent his professional career as an aeronautical engineer, traveling the world for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for more than 30 years. Hank was widely loved and respected by all who knew him, always ready to help a neighbor or stranger, no matter where or when he was needed. A man of many skills and interests, Hank was a long-time resident and active citizen of Durham, where he...

Matthew Christopher Martin, of Portland, beloved husband of Lisa (Nordquist) Martin, for 15 years, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 45, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Hartford, he was the son of Henry and Maudine (Wright) Martin, Jr. Matthew lived in Portland his entire life and graduated from Portland High School. He worked for Jarvis Products in Middletown and was a member of the Polish Falcons Club Nest 519 in Middletown. Matthew was a diehard Giants and Mets fan. He loved fishing and the Raceway Park in New Jersey and enjoyed the Alabama Roll Tide and playing poker. Along with his wife and parents, Matthew is survived by his brother, Derek and...

John Edward West, 67, of Durham, passed away on June 21, 2021 in the company of his loving wife, Chris. John was visited, entertained, phone called and surrounded by many dear friends and family members at the Comfort Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital and for months preceding his admission there. Each one of his friends and family meant the world to him. Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late John Henry and Barbara Jean West. He graduated in the second graduating class of Coginchaug Regional High School in 1972. John was a true artist. The media he most often used to show his talents were his carpentry skills, his music and his photography. He worked as a cabinet maker and finish...

John Edward West, 67, of Durham, passed away on June 21, 2021 in the company of his loving wife, Chris. John was visited, entertained, phone called and surrounded by many dear friends and family members at the Comfort Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital and for months preceding his admission there. Each one of his friends and family meant the world to him. Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late John Henry and Barbara Jean West. He graduated in the second graduating class of Coginchaug Regional High School in 1972. John was a true artist. The media he most often used to show his talents were his carpentry skills, his music and his photography. He worked as a cabinet maker and finish...

Carolyn (Highsmith) Leary, age 67 of Meriden, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Carolyn was born August 5, 1953, in Pinetops, NC, daughter of the late Jessie Lee Highsmith and the late Douglas Highsmith, Sr. Carolyn's legacy of love lives on in her two daughters, Renee N. Howell of Middletown and Martina S. Jackson of Berlin and her three grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Douglas, Jr., (Jennifer) of Middletown, Margaret of NC, Diane of MA, and Yvette of Bristol. She was predeceased by sister, Mazie. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family as she never met a stranger. Calling hours are at Doolittle Funeral...

Robert Francis Hall of Houston, Texas and formerly of Durham, Connecticut, passed away on March 19, 2021 in Texas with family by his side. Born on March 8, 1926 in Middletown, he was the son of the late Harold and Lucy (Loveland) Hall and husband of the late Pat (Barry) Hall for fifty six years. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served two terms as Selectman in Durham. He acted as past chief and honorary member of the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, served on the Fire Company Board of Trustees and was a long-time member of the Middlesex County Fire Chiefs Association. He also served in the Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corp for sixteen years. Robert was past President of...

Robert Francis Hall of Houston, Texas and formerly of Durham, Connecticut, passed away on March 19, 2021, in Texas with family by his side. Born on March 8, 1926 in Middletown, he was the son of the late Harold and Lucy (Loveland) Hall and husband of the late Pat (Barry) Hall for fifty six years. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served two terms as Selectman in Durham. He acted as past chief and honorary member of the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, was a long-time member of the Middlesex County Fire Chiefs Association, and served in the Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corps for sixteen years. Robert was past President of the Durham Fair Association and a member of the...

Vanessa Elaine Binder, 55, of Old Saybrook, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Connecticut Hospice of Branford after a valiant fight against breast cancer. Born in New Haven, she was the daughter of Judith A. Burns of Old Saybrook and the late William P. Binder. Vanessa grew up in Durham and graduated Coginchaug High School Class of 1983 and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Hartford in Psychology. She relocated to Old Saybrook where she lived for many years. Vanessa was employed at Aetna for over twenty years and sang in the choir at Saint John Church in Middletown. She loved summer in the pool, Highland Games in New Hampshire, the Durham Fair, New Year's at...

Hazel Mae (Graham) Fellin born July 2, 1926 entered Heaven on Feb 3, 2021 and was met by her loving husband of 47 years Bob, her daughter Diane (Furst), and surely is enjoying the reunion with her many friends and family members who have passed before her as she was one who never missed a party. Hazel loved to dance and sing being an active member of her church choir, First Baptist Church in Middletown for many years. In more recent years she enjoyed the sing alongs and shows at Chest Elm in Moodus, CT where Hazel lived the past 5 years. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Chest Elm for making Hazel's past few years very happy. Hazel is survived by her daughter Nancy...

Charlotte Ruth Tulp (Reardon), 96, of Middlefield, loving wife of the late John "Jack" Tulp passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Pilgrim Manor in Cromwell. Born on September 1, 1924, Charlotte was the daughter of the late William and Sarah (Wetmore) Reardon. She was a graduate of Hill House High School and Southern Connecticut State University. She completed her Master's Degree in Education at Buffalo State University. The Tulp family moved from Meriden to Buffalo, New York, in 1962 where Charlotte continued to teach elementary school and raise her family. She and husband Jack were avid golfers. Charlotte was Lady's Champion for several years at Delaware Golf Course. She was a...