Alderson Funeral Homes, Inc.

Philip Edward Banning, age 67, of Cheshire entered into rest on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born on June 22, 1956 in Hamden and was a Cheshire resident for most of his life. Phil was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Barbara (Klanica) Banning for over 45 years. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, the pride and joy of Phil's life. Phil was a kind and humble soul and always generous with his time. He loved life to the fullest and was proudest to be "Papa" to his 5 grandchildren. He always made them laugh, took every opportunity to teach them, protect, them, and give them rides on his giant tractors. Known to many as...

Frederick Anthony Coughlan passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, November 20, 2023, two days before his 94th birthday. He was the devoted husband of the late Margaret (Duggan) Coughlan for 48 years until her passing in 2003. Fred was born in Waterbury, CT on November 22, 1929, the only child of Frederick and Irene (Sullivan) Coughlan. He graduated from Crosby High School, Class of 1947, and went on to graduate from Teachers College of Connecticut (now CCSU), Class of 1951. After college he and Peg married and moved to Maryland where he served in the Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge he returned to Connecticut where he taught math and coached basketball at Cheshire High...

Marianna (Solomita) Stango, 75, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully, after a fourteen-year battle with Parkinson's Disease at Skyview Rehabilitation Center in Wallingford, Connecticut on Monday, November 20, 2023. She was the loving wife to her husband of forty-four years, Albert Stango. Marianna was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on October 29, 1948, daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline (Valvo) Solomita. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, class of 1966. She also earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Math from Sacred Heart University, and additionally earned her Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University. She was a middle school and...

James Merville Hart, 98, lovingly known as Jim, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2023, at his residence in Cheshire. He was the loving husband of the late Mary (Douglass) Hart. Jim was born on July 25, 1925, in Naugatuck to the late DeForrest and Ivy (King) Hart and was a longtime Cheshire resident. A true family man, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his beloved children: Robert Hart and his wife Cynthia, Susan (Hart) Johnson and her husband Timothy Cole and Douglas Hart and his wife Claire. Jim was a cherished brother to Judith Passeck, and a doting grandfather to Michelle Galarneau and her husband Andrew, Kristen Moreno and her fianc? Justin...

Naugatuck - Adozinda Barbosa, 98, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Glendale Center. She was the wife of the late Joao A. Barbosa, Sr. Mrs. Barbosa was born October 22, 1925, in Monte, Murtosa, Portugal, the daughter of the late Sebastiao and Alzira (Da Cruz) Rendeiro. She was a longtime Naugatuck resident moving from Portugal in 1951. In 1955 she, along with her husband and young child relocated to Belem, Brazil; returning to Naugatuck in 1964. She was a retired employee of the Naugatuck Glass Company. Mrs. Barbosa is survived by her children, John A. Barbosa, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Brookfield, Connecticut, Alzira Zollo Dean and her husband, Michael of Orondo, Washington,...

CHESHIRE - Susan Alice Savelle 68, died Wednesday November 8, 2023 after a long and arduous battle with multiple autoimmune diseases, in Waterbury, CT. Born on March 22, 1955, to Robert and Alice Reckmack of Cheshire, Susan was the youngest daughter, next to her siblings Sheila and Sharon. Susan graduated from Cheshire High School in 1973 and a couple of years later was introduced by her childhood friend to her husband Jeff, whom she built a home and family, sharing 48 beautiful and loving years of marriage with. A thoughtful, loving, and attentive mother, Susan loved her girls, Alyson and Lindsay more than anything. Her greatest joy was being a mom; always shuttling her girls from one...

Margarete "Margret" (Kind) von Schmeling passed away peacefully on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Elim Park, Cheshire, CT. Margret is survived by her children, Fred (Helen), Gisela (Steven Pupillo) Vera (Robert Roche) grandchildren, Thomas and Sarah von Schmeling, Courtney (Christopher Wesche), William and Jeffrey Strakosch, Robert (Carolyn) and Julie Roche and great-grandchildren, Grady and Bennett Wesche and Robert Adam Roche and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Bogislav "Bo" von Schmeling, her parents and sister, Hildegard Diefenhardt and beloved grandson, Nicholas Bo Roche. Funeral arrangements are being made by Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of...

Jill Ann Christian, 76, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut New Britain Campus. She was the wife of Richard F. Christian. Mrs. Christian was born October 27, 1947, in Southington, the daughter of the late George and Marjorie (Root) Parker. She was a longtime Cheshire resident retiring as a Dental Assistant from Meriden Dental Group in Meriden. Besides her husband of 59 years, Mrs. Christian is survived by her children Paul Christian (Jennifer) of Plantsville and Linda Labbe (Peter) of Stanley, VA; her sisters Janet Bellante (Roy) of Cheshire, Judy Skoczylas (Michael) of Berlin and brother David Parker (Pat) of New Market, VA; grandchildren Justin...

NORTH HAVEN - Sally Drury, age 91, of North Haven and formerly Cheshire, Connecticut, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, after a short illness. Born on June 28, 1932 to the late George W. and Louise (Fowler) Murphy, Sally grew up in Waltham, MA. She was the devoted wife of the late John F. Drury for over 32 years, until his passing in 1986. The undisputed and devoted matriarch of a lively household of three daughters and three sons, Sally had ample occasion to deploy her wicked sense of humor. Her strength of character was the hallmark of her life and she demonstrated a resilience in the face of adversity as she fought to overcome the many challenges of her son Paul's Cystic Fibrosis....

June Mottram Johnson, 90, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023 at her home in Cheshire. She was the wife of the late Richard N. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was born June 11,1933, in Meriden, daughter of the late Wilfred and Viola (Hall) Mottram. She assisted her husband of 61 years in his store, Town & Country TV & Appliance, and his building management company. June lived a full life with her loving husband, enjoying the times she spent with him in Clinton, Vermont, and Florida. Mrs. Johnson leaves behind her daughters, Patricia Grove and her husband Dr. Michael Fanizzi of Fairlee, VT, and Jill Johnson of Jupiter FL and Cheshire, and her sons, Robert and his wife Kathlyn Johnson of...

Lillian Derganc, a devoted mother, esteemed school teacher, and compassionate member of the community, passed away after a short illness on September 6, 2023, at the age of 90. Born on June 4, 1933, in Waterbury, CT, she was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian (Ciarcia) Coscia. Having lived in Cheshire and Meriden, Lillian was a woman of great intellect and dedication, earning her B.A. degree in English from the University of Connecticut and her M.S. degree in Clinical Counseling from Central Connecticut State College. She utilized her vast knowledge and love for teaching to nurture young minds for 26 years at the Doolittle and Darcey Schools in Cheshire. Lillian's passion...

Marion E. Luersen, age 95, of Prospect passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at VITAS at St. Mary's Hospital. She was the devoted wife of Harry J. Luersen for over 31 years until his passing in 1978. Marion is the beloved mother of John Luersen and his wife, Lisa of Prospect; and Gordon Luersen and his wife, Linda of Cheshire. She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Dawn (Gene) Heroux; Eric (Theresa) Luersen; Dennis Luersen, Will Luersen and Erin Luersen; her cherished great-grandchildren, Timothy and Robert Heroux and Riley Luersen; nieces, Brenda and Andrea; and her nephew, Wayne. Marion was predeceased by her siblings. Friends may greet Marion's family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral...

Marion E. Luersen, age 95, of Prospect passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at VITAS at St. Mary's Hospital. She was the devoted wife of Harry J. Luersen for over 31 years until his passing in 1978. Marion was born on May 22, 1928 in Wallkill, New York, daughter of the late William and Mabel (Parker) Menshen. Growing up in the countryside of Wallkill, with a mostly male population, Marion matured into an independent, spitfire young woman. She worked for many years for General Electric before her retirement. She enjoyed many trips to the bookstore for release dates of her favorite authors' novels, and was quite particular about crossword puzzles. Marion is the beloved mother of John...

Florine "Mickey" (Plumb) Wheeler passed away on August 25, 2023. A long-time resident of Cheshire, Mickey was born to Frank and Annie Plumb on July 6, 1930, in Waterbury and grew up in Prospect. After graduating from Wilby High School, she attended Post Junior College. In 1950, she married Ernest Wheeler, her husband of 52 years, and moved to Cheshire. Mickey lived a full life and was active in the Ladies Aid Society of the First Congregational Church in Cheshire, the Prospect Grange, the Prospect Cemetery Association, the Prospect Historical Society, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Lady Fenwick Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She especially enjoyed her "pool group" and...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth "Bette" Marinaro, 91, into eternal rest on Thursday, August 24th surrounded by her loved ones during her last few days. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert Marinaro whom she was married to for 59 years. Born in Waterbury, she was the daughter of the late Catherine (Ostrom) and Anthony Font and sister of the late Robert Font. A graduate of the 1950 class of Crosby High School, she married and later moved to Cheshire where she has resided ever since. She was an incredible Mom raising five children and cherishing her grandchildren who adored her. Bette had a special connection to everyone blessed to know her...

Maryellen (King) Hardy, 81, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at her home. She was the wife of the late David T. Hardy. Maryellen was born December 20, 1941, in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of the late John and Ellen (Strachan) King. She was preceded in death by her sister Betsy (King) Lincoln. Maryellen graduated from North Haven High School and Lasell College. She worked as a Medical Technologist for several years, then worked for many years alongside her husband at S.P. Skinner and Portmeirion USA, businesses they co-owned. She volunteered at several community organizations including Cheshire Hospice, Special Olympics, and Cheshire YMCA where she was proud to have taught many...

Cheshire - Joseph "Jay" Hickey Jr., 71, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Civita Care Center at Cheshire. Jay was born September 8, 1951, in New Haven, the son of the late Joseph and Arlyne (Emmett) Hickey. He was a lifelong Cheshire resident working as a handyman. He enjoyed bike riding, fishing at Sleeping Giant and was an avid Red Sox fan. Jay is survived by his siblings Joan Hickey and Mark Hickey as well as many friends. Arrangements - Funeral service and committal will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Bridget Cemetery. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer...

Raymond Vincent O'Connor, 92, beloved husband of the late Sally H. O'Connor, died peacefully on August 5, at The Benchmark Senior Living Center in Hamden, CT. Ray was born on April 5, 1931 in New Haven, CT. to the late Daniel and Marguerite (Padden) O'Connor. In 1950, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany serving in the 1st Battalion 102 Infantry regiment as a Motor Sergeant until 1952. Upon his return Ray met the love of his life, Sally Ann Hynes, and in 1953 they married and moved across the country to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where he was a linesman for Wisconsin Electric Power. They returned to CT in 1956 and resided in Cheshire for the next 50 years where...

Thomas H. Denne III, age 79, beloved husband of Cynthia Graves Denne, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023. Thomas was born on March 24, 1944, in Denver, CO, to the late Thomas H. and Anne Denne Jr. Thomas graduated Hopkins School, Class of 1962. While at Hopkins Thomas played Football, Hockey and Captained the Baseball team. He continued his schooling at the University of Vermont, then University of New Haven earning his bachelors, and then Quinnipiac University where he graduated with his MBA. He was raised in Cheshire and was an avid tennis player and loved playing golf. For over 25 years Thomas was employed as registrar for Naugatuck Valley Community College. For many years Thomas...

Edwin Marshall Tucker of Cheshire, Connecticut, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 95 years old and was the loving husband of Carolyn (Davison) Tucker, who passed away at the age of 89 in January of this year. He was known as Edwin to his many business associates and Marshall to friends and family. Marshall was born in 1927 in Hartford, Connecticut, to Edwin Woodford and Gertrude (Marshall) Tucker. He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, in 1946. He then volunteered for the U.S. Army and served with the occupation forces in Japan. After discharge in 1948, he attended Champlain College in...

Robert J. Dupre, age 83, of Cheshire entered into rest on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of Frances (Martino) Dupre for over 57 years. Robert was born on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, 1940 in Waterbury, son of the late Ernest L. and Jeanette (Cormier) Dupre. Robert and Frances were married on September 11, 1965 and soon after began their family. Over the years together they enjoyed many sightseeing trips throughout the US, visiting many National Parks and Alaska; and through the Canadian Rockies and Newfoundland, where Robert was stationed. They were active with the Prospect Senior Center trips and camping. Robert had a...