Doolittle Funeral Home

Peter Emerson Shuler, beloved husband of 61 years to Judy Ann (Brown) Shuler, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Middlesex Hospital with his family by his side. He was 86. Born in New Haven, Connecticut, on December 6, 1939, he was the son of Robert Stowe Shuler and Alice Elizabeth (McCaghey) Shuler. He attended Durham schools and Kents Hill Preparatory School in Maine. Peter attended Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts, where he was voted New England's Most Valuable Player for soccer. After Dean, he earned a B.S. degree in 1964 from Rio Grande College in Ohio, where he continued his athletic career on the baseball field and met Judy, with whom he would share 61 years of...

Jack P. McShane of Durham passed away, surrounded by family, at the age of 73 at Middlesex Hospital on December 17, 2025. Born in Flushing, Queens and raised in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Jack was the son of the late John P. McShane and Catherine (Klein) McShane. Jack loved his city, riding the subway regularly and falling in love with baseball as he went to games at Yankee Stadium. He went on to graduate from Holy Cross High School in Queens, attended Queensborough Community College, and moved to Tennessee for three years before returning to the northeast, settling in Connecticut. It was 1979 when he met his wife Carol, to whom he was married for 46 years. Jack and Carol met on Easter that...

William Wray, of Durham, passed away on December 10, 2025. He was the loving husband of Carol (James) Wray for fifty-seven years. Bill was born to Oscar and Catherine (Mahan) Wray in Vintondale, PA on July 15, 1942. He was a 1960 graduate of Nanty Glo-Vintondale High School, California, PA State College and earned his Master's Degree at Central Connecticut State College in Connecticut. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel before moving to Connecticut in 1968 to teach at Pratt & Whitney Training School. He then taught for twenty-five years at Connecticut School for Boys and Long Lane School, retiring in 1991. Bill served in the United States Army in Vietnam. He worked many hours...

Gerard Edward Turner, 94, of Durham, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025. Born on May 28, 1931, to Cecil and Anne Turner in New London, he built a long and meaningful life rooted in dedication to family, community, and joyful humor. He was predeceased by his brother, John "Jack" and sisters Elizabeth "Betty" and Marilyn. He was also predeceased by close family friend Stephen J. Burka. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann "Nancy" Turner, and their four children: Gerard, Christopher (Lori), Jeffrey (Kathy), and Timothy Turner along with his 10 Grand Children: Regina, Patrick, Isabelle, Jack, Selma, Gigi, Brandon, Courtney, Seamus and Malcolm. Gerry and love of his...

Janice Groeper Carlson passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, with her sons by her side, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was the beloved wife of the late Harold Richard Carlson and the daughter of the late Gerald W. and Ellen (Baroni) Groeper. Born in Middletown and raised in Cromwell, Janice lived in Wallingford for 50 years. After graduating from Cromwell High School, she attended secretarial school and began her career working for the Atomic Energy Commission and later for NASA during the 1960s. She went on to serve in various roles for the Wallingford Board of Education. A devoted wife and mother, Janice, was deeply involved in her sons' lives, serving as...

Johanna Elizabeth Staneika, 40, reunited with her parents John and Kristina Staneika on October 25, 2025. Born May 4, 1985, Johanna graduated from Coginchaug Regional High School in 2003, and earned her Bachelors in Communications at Central Connecticut State University. She returned to CCSU to earn her Master's degree shortly after graduating. Her daughter Grace Kristina Wambolt, was the light of her life. She dedicated the last six years of her life to raising Grace, who entered 1st grade this year. Johanna will be remembered as an incredibly kind, caring, and devoted sister, mother, partner, and friend. She cherished family and friends beyond everything and leaves behind a hole in...

Charles B. Stone, Jr., a Wesleyan University scholar-athlete who racked up a lifetime of awards for civic leadership, died in his birthplace of Middletown, CT, on October 15, 2025. He was 97. Wesleyan University, The Independent Day School, Middlesex Health, Middlesex YMCA, and The United Way of Middlesex County are among the beneficiaries of Stone's celebrated leadership skills. "Chip" Stone's community-building and fund-raising projects often exceeded their goals. In a 1990 campaign he chaired for Middlesex Health, Stone flexed his trademark wit and grit to deliver a $4.5 million infusion for expansion and later helped bring in $10 million to build a new cancer center. MH...

Joyce Ruth (Pandiani) Werbiski, 76, of Wallingford, wife of the late Walter W. Werbiski, passed away on April 4, 2025. Born in Durham, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Gladys (Wolfe) Pandiani. Joyce lived in Wallingford for fifty-five years. She worked as a telephone operator for SNET retiring in 1997. She loved to cook and bake especially Christmas cookies. She enjoyed adult coloring books, word search puzzles and knitting and crocheting. Joyce will be remembered for being a kind and generous woman. She is survived by her son Christopher Werbiski of Wallingford and nieces and nephews. Along with her husband and parents, Joyce was predeceased by two brothers, William...

Woodbridge "Woody" D'Oench, 93, formerly of Portland, Connecticut, died at his home in Old Saybrook, Monday, March 31, 2025. The son of Russell Grace D'Oench and Dorothy Newton Sharp, he was the great grandson of W. R. Grace, twice mayor of New York City. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Malone D'Oench, daughters Sarah D'Oench, VMD (Thomas Jenei, DVM) and Susannah D'Oench (Leonardo Cardoso Salvador); grandson Benjamin Jenei; brother Lawrence D'Oench (Nancy May); nephew Peter D'Oench (Connie); niece Ellen "Dodie" Ruimerman (Paul); and niece-in-law Tani Takagi. He was predeceased by his brother Russell "Derry" D'Oench, sister-in-law Ellen "Puffin" D'Oench, and nephew Russell...

Woodbridge "Woody" Adams D'Oench, great grandson of W. R. Grace, graduate of The Harvey School, Lawrenceville, Williams College '53, and Harvard Business School. Husband of Nancy D'Oench, father of Sarah and Susannah D'Oench, grandfather of Benjamin Jenei. Exemplary citizen of Middletown, CT, and publisher of The Middletown Press for 32 years. Born 6-4-1931, Woody died at home in Old Saybrook, CT, 3-31-2025. The world has lost one of its truly good people. To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

Robert A. Fellows (Bob) was born on the Fourth of July, a fitting day for someone who had a way of making an impression wherever he went. He never met a stranger and could turn even the simplest story into something worth hearing?often adding just enough detail with each telling to keep his audience entertained. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Campagna, his sons, Jeffrey Fellows and Gregory Fellows, his brother, Richard Fellows, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. People remembered him not just for his stories but for his kindness and willingness to help whenever he could. Bob spent his childhood on a farm in Oakdale, MA, before attending high school in...

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of William John Buggie, beloved husband of Marie Labbadia Buggie and father of sons William and Shaun, on February 6, 2025. Bill was born on January 27, 1943, in Middletown, Connecticut to William K. Buggie and Helen Anderson Buggie. He grew up in Cromwell, attended Cromwell schools, and graduated from the University of Connecticut. Bill was an avid athlete, playing multiple sports throughout his school years and excelling at golf at a young age. He developed a lifelong love of the game and was a member of the UCONN golf team, Edgewood and Wethersfield golf clubs, playing primarily at Portland golf courses in his later years. He enjoyed many...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joyce A. Owen, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Joyce was born on April 14, 1941, in Hartford, CT, to Wallace A. and Christine M. Barile Bragdon. She grew up in Rocky Hill before moving to Ellington, where she graduated from Rockville High School in 1959. Joyce lived in Cromwell, CT, since 1987, and prior to that, she raised her family in Stafford Springs, CT. As a teenager, Joyce loved music, dancing, and Elvis Presley?until she met her true king, Robert D. Owen, at the Crystal Lake Ballroom in Ellington in 1960. They were married the following year on September 23, 1961, and built a life filled with love, laughter,...

Arthur F. Pandiani, 81 of Meriden CT died unexpectedly January 20, 2025. Born in Durham, 1943 he grew up on Mica Hill with his brother Bill and sister Joyce. In the mid 1960's he moved from Mica Hill to Meeting House Hill where he, his father and father-in-law built a home. Then in 1972 built a new home on Parmelee Hill. His forever home where he lived until 2016. Art was a man of few words and a farmer at heart. Long hours, in all temperatures, fixing fences, feeding the animals, tending his crops. The farm gave him a true sense of pride, accomplishment and peace. Well versed in fixing just about anything gas or diesel powered he enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands. Chain...

Arthur F. Pandiani, 81 of Meriden CT died unexpectedly January 20, 2025. Born in Durham, 1943 he grew up on Mica Hill with his brother Bill and sister Joyce. In the mid 1960's he moved from Mica Hill to Meeting House Hill where he, his father and father-in-law built a home. Then in 1972 built a new home on Parmelee Hill. His forever home where he lived until 2016. Art was a man of few words and a farmer at heart. Long hours, in all temperatures, fixing fences, feeding the animals, tending his crops. The farm gave him a true sense of pride, accomplishment and peace. Well versed in fixing just about anything gas or diesel powered he enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands. Chain...

The world lost a bright light on January 15, 2025, with the passing of Julie Gilbert Greeman, 84, of Durham, CT. She is survived by her daughter Jenny Rebecca Greeman, son-in-law Tim Rankin, former husband Richard Greeman, nephews and nieces David, Dan, Paulene, Rachel, Ben, June, and Sam Greeman, sister Bari Gilbert, and her wonderful community of friends and colleagues. Julie was born on August 18, 1940, to Mira (Eppelbaum) Gilbert of Odessa and E. Alias Gilbert of Philadelphia. She lived her first 10 years on Manhattan's Lower East Side and then moved with her family to Leonia, New Jersey. Starting in 1946, the Gilberts spent every summer in Ocean Beach, Fire Island where, according to...

Geoffrey A. Wilcock peacefully passed away at home on January 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Greater Manchester, England, in the village of Timperley, Geoff was the oldest of three children born to Gladys Selina (Lees) Wilcock and Gordon Wilcock of Manchester, UK. Geoff grew up in England. As a young man he studied accounting, earning his certification as a chartered accountant. That choice of profession led to years of working in chartered accountant's offices in Gibraltar, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong before returning to England. A work assignment brought Geoff to the United States where he lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida, proudly...

Irene Perry Slight, 97, of Durham, wife of the late Leo H. Slight, passed away on December 3, 2024. Born in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Cabral) Ponte, Jr. Irene was the owner of Irene's Bakery & Delicatessen in Durham for several years. She and Leo also started L & I Distributors, later known as L & I Refrigeration, Inc., a family-run business now for sixty years. Irene was a member of the Good Sam's Club, the Durham Seniors and volunteered at Middlesex Hospital. Irene loved to travel with her husband, winter vacations in Florida, was an avid reader, knitter and a puzzle master! Above all, Irene's family was her pride and joy. Irene is...

Irene Perry Slight, 97, of Durham, wife of the late Leo H. Slight, passed away on December 3, 2024. Born in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Cabral) Ponte, Jr. Irene was the owner of Irene's Bakery & Delicatessen in Durham for several years. She and Leo also started L & I Distributors, later known as L & I Refrigeration, Inc., a family-run business now for sixty years. Irene was a member of the Good Sam's Club, the Durham Seniors and volunteered at Middlesex Hospital. Irene loved to travel with her husband, winter vacations in Florida, was an avid reader, knitter and a puzzle master! Above all, Irene's family was her pride and joy. Irene is...

Carolyn A. (Chwalek) Molinaro, 77, of Bristol, loving wife of the late Michael F. Molinaro, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, from heart failure. She was born on November 25, 1946, in Putnam, CT, to the late John and Bertha (Modliszewski) Chwalek. She was predeceased by two brothers, John and Chester Chwalek, and is survived by her beloved daughters, Beth Palladino of Southington and Kim Molinaro and her husband, Chris Strange, of West Hartford; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Jessica, Sophia and Sam; her devoted partner, Phil Frechette; six nieces and nephews; and several other dear family members and friends. Carolyn spent her early years in Thompson, CT; was a graduate of...

Carolyn A. (Chwalek) Molinaro, 77, of Bristol, loving wife of the late Michael F. Molinaro, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, from heart failure. She was born on November 25, 1946, in Putnam, CT, to the late John and Bertha (Modliszewski) Chwalek. She was predeceased by two brothers, John and Chester Chwalek, and is survived by her beloved daughters, Beth Palladino of Southington and Kim Molinaro and her husband, Chris Strange, of West Hartford; her grandchildren, Benjamin, Jessica, Sophia and Sam; her devoted partner, Phil Frechette; six nieces and nephews; and several other dear family members and friends. Carolyn spent her early years in Thompson, CT; was a graduate of...