JOHN J. FERRY & SONS FUNERAL HOME

Dorothy Mary Cleveland Ercolani affectionately known as "Dotty" passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Stowe, Vermont on July 4, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Perley and Mabel Cleveland. Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband Joe, of 65 years. They met at the Bradley Diner, married on July 2nd, 1951, were soulmates and are now together forever. Dorothy leaves a daughter, Linda Ercolani and her partner Walt Kozial of Essex, a son, Joe Ercolani and his wife Nancy of Wethersfield. Grandchildren, Joseph Ercolani, Katie Ercolani Lewis and her husband Dan, Julie Ercolani and Krissy Ercolani. Dorothy also leaves two great...

Herbert "Herb" Bichunsky, 95, of Meriden, died peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Rita Bichunsky. Born on March 4, 1928 in Meriden, Herb was the son of the late Betty and Harry Bichunsky and the brother of the late Maynard Bishon. Herb attended Meriden High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Bryant College in 1949. Herb served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army for two years during the Koren War. After returning from the Army, he owned and operated the family business, Meriden Auction Rooms, serving as president until its closing in 1998. In his golden years, Herb became an accomplished painter,...

Alfred W. Banas, 70, beloved husband of Sheila H. Banas for 47 years died on Thursday, November 16th, 2023 at Midstate Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Hartford, CT on December 31st, 1952, he was the son of Frank Banas and Zofia Oliwka Banas of East Hartford, CT. Al was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and was employed by Amtrak as a signal construction supervisor retiring in 2015. Al resided in Meriden for more than 40 years and loved to spend summers on Cape Cod. He was an avid music lover, dog owner and Patriots fan. Besides his wife, Al is survived by his greatest legacy, three sons; Christopher H. Banas (wife Kelly), Matthew J. Banas (wife Deborah),...

Nerea Mary (Grisonich) Ciacchi, of Meriden, wife of the late Giordano Ciacchi, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, in the presence of her daughters. She was 88. Born in Pirano, Italy, she worked for many decades as a seamstress at locations in and around Meriden. She also created beautiful handmade bridal gowns and other clothing for private clients. She and her husband celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to his death in 2016. Born and raised under difficult circumstances in war-torn Italy, she and her new husband immigrated to the United States in 1956 in search of better opportunities. The couple worked hard to raise their daughters in Meriden, emphasizing the...

Michael "Mickey" Cassidy, 84, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, after a long illness. Born on September 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Felix and Ellen (McHugh) Cassidy. He grew up in his beloved Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim, Ireland, alongside his twin brother, Tommie. He immigrated in 1960 and joined the Sheet Metal trade, where he was a proud member of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 40. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he was elected and fought to make things happen as an Alderman for the City of Meriden in the 1970s. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff for New Haven County, and later State Marshal, and served for over 40 years. He was a member, and past president...

Victoria Church, 69, wife of the late Fred Church, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 5, 2023. All services are private. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

Joseph A. Migliore Sr., 68, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. Born in Meriden, CT on June 5, 1955, he was the son of Anna (Calabrese) Migliore and the late Joseph Migliore. He had resided in Meriden all his life and graduated from Platt High School class of 1973. Joseph was employed by Thurston Foods for over 30 years and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Joe loved baseball, movies and dining out but most of all, spending time with his beloved family and his grand dogs. He is survived by his only son, Joseph Migliore, and his wife Shannon, but he was a father figure to many; his two sisters, Maryanne Garrity...

Anne Rosalie Scott, 89, wife of the late Bert F. Scott, died on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at her home. Born in Meriden, Connecticut on November 28, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Crispino and Rosalia Lucia. She had resided in Meriden and attended Meriden Schools. She was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church of Meriden. She is survived by her son, William J. Scott (Judith Balletti). She was predeceased by her siblings, Calogero Faragone, Catherine Scarfi, Domenic Lucia, Jane Machado, Steve Lucia and Joseph Lucia. All services are private. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. For online...

Nancy E. Flagg, 78, passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, at MidState Medical Center after suffering from chronic NAFLD liver and kidney failure. Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 28, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Augusta Flagg. She spent many years close to relatives in Brooklyn. Nancy moved to Meriden, CT to provide a better life for herself and her children. She was employed by Napier Co. for 25 years, retiring upon the company's shutdown. She became an active member and volunteer at the Meriden Senior Center where she enjoyed taking art and writing classes, being a Senior Buddy Reader, assisting in the kitchen, playing Bingo, and taking trips. Friends and family...

Emily Spinelli, 90, wife of the late Frank Spinelli, died on Monday, October 30, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on September 13, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Eleanor Egan. She had resided in Waterbury, CT and had graduated from Wilby High School. Mrs. Spinelli was employed by Suzio Insurance and retired in 1996. She was an avid reader and loved gardening. She is survived by her son, William and her two grandchildren, Alex and Kirk. She was predeceased by her sons, Robert, Joseph and Francis and her brothers, Richard, John and Robert. Should friends desire, Emily would like for everyone to do a small act of kindness in her memory. All services will...

James P. "Jim" Swiatek, husband of Jane (Roddy) Swiatek, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 . For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

James P. "Jim" Swiatek, husband of Jane (Roddy) Swiatek, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 after a courageous battle, with not one, but two separate cancers. His family was by his side every minute over the past several months right up until his passing. Jim was born in South Meriden to the late Rudolph and Shirley (Goodwin) Swiatek. Jim loved being outdoors, golfing and fishing. He was the happiest at the cottage on Lake Bunggee where he loved to entertain friends and family. Jim was an amazing husband, father, brother, friend. He will be deeply missed by everyone that had the honor of knowing him. Besides his loving wife and best friend, Jane (Roddy), he is survived by his son,...

Joanne (Kelley) Leahy, wife of the late Edward (Ted) Leahy Jr. passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a long, vibrant life. Born in Brighton, MA on April 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Ralph Edward Kelley and Gladys (Clark) Kelley. She resided in Watertown, MA during her childhood, moving to Meriden in 1956 and resided there until 2019 when she moved to Southington. She attended St. Patrick's School in Watertown, MA; received her BA from Framingham State Teachers College and her MA from Central Connecticut College. Joanne was employed by the City of Meriden, teaching 4th and 5th grade and special education at Hanover and Israel Putnam...

Virginia L. Sattler, 90, wife of the late Albert Sattler, Jr., passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Complete Care at Meriden Center. Born in Meriden on November 6, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Stephanie (Smietana) Lapuc. She had resided in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School in 1950. She was employed at Platt High School in the guidance department. She was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church. Virginia was a member of Castle Craig Group, and she was an avid quilter. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Held, her three sons Alan, Richard, and Theodore and his wife Michele Sattler, 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also...

John J. Vumback, Jr., 75, beloved husband of Jane J. Vumback passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 16, 2023. Born in Meriden, CT on September 28, 1949, he was the son of the late John J. Vumback, Sr., and Stella Vumback. He had resided in Meriden most of his life and graduated from Maloney High School. John was employed by SNET and New Britain Transportation. He was a veteran of Vietnam, having served with the U.S. Navy. John was a member of the Elks & American Legion. He was an avid outdoorsman and lifelong fan of the New York Giants and the Yankees. He was a great husband, father, and family man who especially loved watching his grandsons play football and baseball. Besides...

Nancy Wodatch, beloved wife of David Wodatch, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at the Bradley Home in Meriden, CT. Born November 6, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Helen Sturmer. A lifelong resident of Meriden, she met David, truly her soulmate, at night school shortly after graduation from Meriden High School. They were married in 1950 and shared an abiding love that has lasted over seventy years. Together they enjoyed camping, family beach vacations, square and round dancing, volunteer work at school, civic organizations and at Holy Angels Church, and traveling throughout the country with friends. Their home rang out with the music and laughter of family...

Vernon "Ki" Connell, 74, loving husband of Gloria Connell, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Born in New Haven, CT on April 1, 1949, he was the son of the late Vernon and Virginia Connell. He spent most of his life around Connecticut, Louisville, KY and Falmouth, MA. Mr. Connell graduated from Francis T. Maloney High School (Meriden, CT) and the University of Maine in Orono. He also received his MBA from Wayne State in Detroit, MI. Vernon was employed by Brown-Forman Cooperage (formerly known as Bluegrass Cooperage) after working at Heublein Inc. He retired in 1995. Ki was a Varsity Letterman...

Lynette Haber, 73, died on Friday, October 6, 2023 at MidState Medical Center. Born in Meriden, on February 21, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Robert A. and Lynette Mable (Brown) Brayshaw. Lynette was special to everyone that knew her. She was a wonderful mother, a dedicated sister, a loving grandmother and a dependable friend. She was always up for an adventure, whether it was for a quick trip to the shoreline for lunch or "across the pond" to visit the UK that she loved so dearly. She was always excited to see new things and experience something different. Lynette was spirited, passionate and always there for anyone who needed her, willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered...

CATHERINE S. ZYGMONT passed from this world on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and entered into the everlasting life with God, his angels and saints. Her family was there to comfort her as her final journey began. Catherine is survived by her husband of 71 years, Francis ("Ziggy"), her daughter Christine, son Jeffrey and grandson Quinn. Survived also by many nephews and nieces, among them Joseph and Thomas Fetta, Edward Struchowski Jr., Donald Girard, and her beloved great, great-grand niece and nephew Piper and Wylie, children of Dr. & Mrs. Brian Girard. She was preceded in death by two sons, Richard K., and Steven J. Zygmont. Others who preceded her were her parents Bertha and Michael...

Joan O'Neil, 90, wife of the late Romeo Rochette, died on Friday, September 29, 2023 at her home after a brief illness. Born in Saratoga Springs, New York on June 7, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Marie (Guyette) McDonough. She had resided in Meriden for most of her life. Mrs. O'Neil worked various jobs throughout her life and was a parishioner of Holy Angels Church. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Thursday, October 5th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Holy Angels Church, 585 Main St., South Meriden, CT 06451. There are no calling hours and everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in...

Anne Kreshik, aged 98, a former long-term resident of Cheshire, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in Albany, NY on September 27, 2023. Anne worked for many years as a paralegal for the former law office of Jackson and Reed in Cheshire. She had been an active member of the Saints Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden. Anne was a vivacious and caring person, positive in her outlook on life, always ready to dance. She was a loving wife to her late husband Paul and a loving mother to her son and daughter. She adored her two grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Andrew Kreshik (Monica) and her daughter, Kyra Hazou (Peter), and her grandchildren, Teagan and Ronan Kreshik. Her...