JOHN J. FERRY & SONS FUNERAL HOME

Richard S. Kruglik, 63, loving husband of Patricia Kruglik passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Born in New Haven on March 10, 1960, son of the late Stephen and Theresa Kruglik, Richard resided in Cheshire for most of his life and graduated from Cheshire High School. He was a dedicated employee of Alert Scientific for many years. Richard was a member of the Meriden Rod & Gun Club and was an avid fly fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed cooking for others and was known for his legendary game dinners he prepared for charities, family, and friends alike. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren Michael and Emma. Besides...

James "Jim" F. Belote, 84, loving husband of Fleurette Belote, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford, CT on May 24, 1939, he was the son of the late Adelaide (Roberts) Belote. James was a member of the First Assembly of God in Meriden and retired from Yankee Gas in 2005. Jim was a proud Veteran who served four years in the United States Air Force. He served two terms as a councilman for the City of Meriden. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who loved to spend time with his family telling stories about his life "back in the day" and had a love for eagles. In...

Irene (Vounatso) Turek, 99, wife of the late Charles "Charlie" Turek, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Midstate Medical Center. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut on June 6, 1924, to the late Stratis and Evanthia "Mary" Tyropolis Vounatso. Irene, or "Babe," which was Charlie's nickname for her, attended Hartford Public Schools and St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hartford, CT. She lived in Hartford until her marriage in 1953, when she moved to Meriden and remained there for the majority of her life. She worked several secretarial jobs in Hartford and in the Meriden/Wallingford area over the years. Ending her secretarial career at Insilco, she met many wonderful people...

Tonia Wright Buczek, 85, wife of the late John (Yogi) Buczek passed away on January 12, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina after a brief illness while visiting for the holidays. Born in Meriden on May 8, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Betty Cameron. She had resided in Meriden and graduated from Meriden High School. Tonia was employed by the City of Meriden, retiring after over 30 years in the tax and assessors' offices. She was a parishioner at St. Joseph's Church in Meriden. She was a member of the Meriden Daffodil committee, North Italian Home Club Ladies Auxiliary, the A.A.R.P Meriden Chapter 4644 Vice President and numerous other boards and committees. She is...

Timothy Washington, 64, beloved husband of Ellen Washington, passed away unexpectedly at Capital Regional Medical Center in Largo, Maryland on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Born on June 14, 1959, in Meriden, he was the son of the late Flora Lee Hicks. He attended Maloney High School and left school to join the United States Marine Corps. Upon his discharge he set out to get his GED. Never one to give up on anything, Tim then spent ten years achieving his goal of earning a college degree. In June of 2003, he graduated from Tunxis Community College with an Associate's Degree in Drug and Alcohol Rehab Counseling, earning a spot on the Dean's list. His degree and his own personal history would shape...

Benjamin Thomas Graham, 36, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Meriden. Born in New Haven, CT on July 11, 1987, he was the son of Linda Ransom (her partner, Joseph LeCara) of Englewood, FL, and Wayne Graham (his wife, Kathleen) of Meriden. Benjamin graduated from Maloney High School in 2005 and was on the swim team. He also attended Southern CT State University. Benjamin was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft as a Lead Electrician on the Black Hawk Helicopters for 18 years. Benjamin loved his children more than anything, they were his world. He loved working on his house, which was his grandparents' house on Wayne Lane. He was an avid collector of Legos, Hot Wheels,...

Selma E. McDonnell, 98, longtime resident of the Bradley Home in Meriden, Connecticut, peacefully passed away at MidState Medical Center on Sunday, January 7, 2024, with family at her bedside. Born in South Amboy, New Jersey, on October 5, 1925, she was the daughter of the late John A. McDonnell and Selma Nilsen McDonnell. In her long life, Ms. McDonnell had a successful career at Traveler's Insurance Co. in Hartford and spent several years in Nalcrest, Florida, caring for her parents before returning to Meriden. An avid reader, Selma was a talented artist and an award-winning weaver. Blessed with an incredible memory, she could effortlessly recall myriad facts and details about American...

Joan Mastriano Siebert, 88, felt the warm sunshine upon her beautiful face as she entered her heavenly home on Monday, January 1, 2024. Surrounded by her family, she departed this world as gracefully as she had lived. Joan's life was filled with love, strong faith, and endurance. She was the proud owner of Meriden Insurance and Travel. Joan made a difference in so many lives, in so many ways. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Edward L. Siebert, her children Maria, Edward (Eliza), James, and John (Lynn); her grandchildren, Justin (Aubree), Evan, Drew and Zackary, and her great grandchildren, Cove and Callen. The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Gerard Fumo and all the staff at...

Grace R. Picard, 88, beloved wife of the late Robert J. Picard, of Wallingford, CT, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Cherry Brook Healthcare Center. Born in Meriden on June 25, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Edward Ryan and Grace (Naples) Ryan. She graduated from Meriden High School in 1953 and she was a longtime resident of Wallingford. Family was most important to her and she loved to dance. Grace is survived by two daughters, Cheryl and her husband Jeffrey Cleaves of Canton and Karen and her husband Scott Condo of Madison; five grandchildren, Justin, Ryan and Collin Cleaves, Allison and Scott Condo; a sister, Lucille Lagana of Meriden; and several nieces and...

Anthony James "Bill" Giancola, 96, of Meriden, Connecticut, and Spring Hill, Florida, passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Saturday, December 23, 2023. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, on April 16, 1927, he was the son of the late James and Julia (Morell) Giancola and the loving husband of Barbara P. Giancola. Bill, as almost everyone knew him, attended Meriden schools, graduating from Meriden High School in 1945 and then serving in the U.S. Army. He returned to Meriden and worked as a butcher and carpenter before joining his brother Albert, the two running Alnic's Variety Store together for many decades. Later, Bill worked as a custodian for the Meriden Board of Education,...

Anthony James Giancola, 96, husband of Barbara Giancola, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2023, in Florida. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, January 5th, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Mt. Carmel Church. Burial with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A full obituary will be on Saturday, December 30th, 2023, newspaper. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

John Francis Phostole passed away on December 22, 2023 after a courageous battle with a long illness. He was surrounded by his loved ones. John was 77 years old and the husband of Nancy Phostole. They resided in Meriden, CT and Estero, FL. John was born in Manhattan, New York on June 29, 1946. He was the son of Mini and Christy Phostole. John received his teaching degree at the University of Bridgeport. He taught business for 30 years at Orville Platt High School in Meriden, CT. As DECA advisor, John led his students to numerous championships and inspired students to pursue marketing and business careers. While at Platt he also coached football and softball. John built Platt Softball from...

Lorri Ann Glen, 65, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at MidState Medical Center. Born in Meriden, CT, to Chester and Lorraine Glen on October 12, 1958, where she continued to reside after a short stint in South Portland, ME. Lorri was a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church and an alumnus of Maloney High School. Employed by the United States Post Office for 30 years, Lorri retired earlier this year with plans to move to Florida to be closer to her son and grandchildren. She loved camping yearly at Hammonasset State Park, partaking in outdoor water activities such as boating, jet skiing, and fishing, and had a love of lighthouses. Lorri also loved spending time with her friends of...

Pamela M. (Vecchitto) Barnes, 79, wife of the late Edward L. Barnes, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023 at her home, with family by her side. Pamela was born in Meriden on July 15, 1944, daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Ann (Bossick). Pamela raised five children and worked full time at Westfield Manor Nursing Home and Rehab until she retired and moved to Arizona. She was a loving mother who would do anything for her family. Always with a big heart and a beautiful smile. She enjoyed traveling, golf, knitting, riding on the motorcycle, movies, cooking and cards. She also loved her lobster. She was very involved in the Veterans Community. Never afraid to donate her time to help...

Harry Augusto Vega, 82, husband of the late Geraldine Vega, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Born in Aguada, Puerto Rico on October 30, 1941, he was the son of the late Ramon and Pura Vega. He was a longtime Meriden resident. Harry was employed by the Meriden Police Department until his retirement. He was a member of St. Joseph Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the National Police Officers Association of America, The United States Police Canine Association, The Meriden Police Benevolent Association, The 344th Military Police Co, Family Roadness Group (FRG), and the Retired Police Association. He was an avid dog lover, enjoyed watching wrestling, working and being with...

Hannah Forster, wife of the late Dr. Charles Forster, died on Thursday, December 21, 2023. All services are private. The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Edwin J. Wolkowicz, 100 (and a half), passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Coccomo Memorial Health Care Facility. Born in Meriden on April 20, 1923, he was the son of the late Joseph and Bernice (Tomasik) Wolkowicz. He had resided in Meriden all his life and attended Meriden schools. He joined the United States Marine Corps in WWII and served in the Pacific Theater in the Phillipines. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Corporal in 1945. He was a lifetime member of the Silver City Detachment of the Marine Corps. Edwin was the owner/operator of Johnny & Eddie's Cities Service/Citgo Station along with his partner, John Ribera. They also operated Johnny & Eddie's Paving....

Dominic A. Standish, 56, long-time partner of Kati Verde, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2023. Born in Meriden on July 21, 1967, he was the son of Theodore and the late Adel Standish. He resided in Meriden his whole life and attended Meriden schools. Dominic had a passion for truck driving and motorcycles. His pitbulls, Rollo and Freya, will miss him dearly. He is survived by his daughter, Autumn Standish and her husband, Justin Genovese; his granddaughter, Savannah Adel Genovese; his brother, Theodore Standish III; his uncles, Peter Standish (Karen), James Standish (Phyllis), Scott Standish (Diane) and Robert Standish (Linda); his nephew, Camren Standish; and his godson,...

Margaret Helen (Zadjura) Zamoic, 97, affectionaly known as Bach, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the CT Baptist Home in Meriden. Born on June 21, 1926, in Jessup, PA, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Kathryn Zadjura. She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia Thurston and her husband, Martin of Westbrook, Susan Belcourt of Meriden and Elizabeth Phillips and her husband, Mark of New Britain. She was loved beyond measure by her grandchildren, Kelly Cyr (Brian), Laura Wiech (Douglas), Matthew Thurston (Erika), Amy Kusek (Pete), and Stacey Belcourt. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Edward Paul Zamoic, her son-in-law, Richard Belcourt...

Leverett S. Stocking, Jr., 86, of Meriden, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 11, 2023. The beloved husband of Linda (Raby) Stocking for more than 60 years, he was born in Meriden, Connecticut on May 28, 1937, the son of the late Leverett Stocking, Sr., and Mary (Young) Stocking. A resident of Meriden for nearly his entire life, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves, was member of the St. Mary's Catholic Club in Meriden, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus of greater New Haven. He enjoyed traveling the world with his constant companion Linda, always by his side, sharing many adventures while living a full and joyful life. Lev, or Tuck as...

Gregory Michael Koba, 80, loving husband of the late Karin Koba passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. Born in Meriden on March 4, 1943, the son of the late George and Mary Koba. Greg resided in Meriden and graduated from Francis T. Maloney High School - Class of 1961. Greg was employed by New Departure Hyatt, Division of GM retiring in June of 1995 after 30 years of service. Greg was a veteran of Vietnam having served with the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Greg was a Past member of the First United Methodist Church Administrative Board and a Past member and officer of the Meriden Civitan Club. Greg enjoyed...