Farrell Funeral Home

Charlotte E. (Bylek) Potanka, 75, of Berlin, died Thursday September 12, 2024 with loved ones by her side. Born in New Britain, the daughter of the late John and Edna (LaFlamme) Bylek, she lived most of her life in Berlin. She was the beloved wife of Alan Potanka, and they spent 50 years together before his death in April, 2020. Charlotte is survived by two daughters, Catherine Kulowski (Donald Jr.) of Kensington and Alice Potanka of Hardwick, VT; her brothers Raymond (Maria) Bylek, Richard (Debbie) Bylek, and Timothy (Kathy) Chapman; sister Shelly (Jack) Bylek and grandchildren Kyle (Natalie), Ashley, Stefany, Donald III, and William III; great grandchildren Raelynn, Casey and Jordan....

Friar Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv., a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, died unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Kensington, Conn. Born on Feb. 29, 1960, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Walter and Theresa (nee Niemczyk). He was predeceased by his brother, Walter, Jr.. He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Ludwig, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Upon graduation in 1978 from Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, he entered the Franciscan Friars novitiate in Ellicott City, Md. He attended St. Hyacinth College Seminary in Granby, Mass., where he earned a B.A. in philosophy in 1983. He taught for a year at St....

Friar Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv., a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, died unexpectedly on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Kensington, Conn. Born on Feb. 29, 1960, in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Walter and Theresa (nee Niemczyk). He was predeceased by his brother, Walter, Jr.. He is survived by his sister, Lorraine Ludwig, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Upon graduation in 1978 from Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore, he entered the Franciscan Friars novitiate in Ellicott City, Md. He attended St. Hyacinth College Seminary in Granby, Mass., where he earned a B.A. in philosophy in 1983. He taught for a year at St....

Peter L. Dalena, 91, of Kensington, died Friday (Sept. 6, 2024) at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. Born in Plainville, the son of the late Peter and Genevieve (Blinn) Dalena, he lived in Plainville and Kensington for many years. He was the husband of the late Marialyce (Rose) Dalena, who died May 17, 2010. A 1952 graduate of Plainville High School, he then joined the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, proudly serving his country, in both Korea and Japan, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Metal. Along with his father, uncle, and brother, he was a founder and owner/operator of Dalena Auto Parts in New Britain. For over 30 years, Peter...

Rose Bennardo, 96, passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a short illness on August 25, 2024, at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. She was a lifelong resident of New Britain. Rose's life was a testament to the strength of family, the importance of faith and power of love. Her dedication to her family was evident in every aspect of her life, from the home cooked meals she lovingly prepared to the endless support and guidance she offered. She loved to cook, especially with her mother Mary and their specialty was homemade meatballs and sauce. Rose worked for a short time at The Stanley Works in New Britain before devoting herself to being a stay-at-home mom dedicating her...

Eleanora (Bethke) Nagy passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, in Newington, CT, at the age of 93. Born in New Haven, CT, Eleanora lived a full and vibrant life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis Nagy, Sr in 2014. Eleanora's memory will be cherished and kept alive through her five sons: Lou, Michael, Steve, Dave, and John, who survive her. She also loved and cherished her 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Eleanora's life was marked by her deep spirituality, her love for her family, and her enduring kindness that touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. A private, family...

Peter Leon Fusari, 82, of New Britain, died peacefully on August 5, 2024. Peter was an honest, loyal, kind, easy-going man with striking pale blue eyes. A lifelong resident of New Britain, Peter graduated from New Britain High School and was a US Army Veteran of six years. He was stationed at Virginia Beach during the Vietnam War era. He was previously employed as an inspector at Fafnir Bearing Inc., for 27 years. Peter was an early skydiver with the Connecticut Parachutists Inc., holding 635 jumps, and was the first skydiver in Ellington, CT, airport. In his earlier years he enjoyed hiking, camping and whitewater canoeing. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed football and NASCAR....

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of Joseph Antony Lippia on Tuesday May 28, 2024. Joseph was born on March 4, 1933 to the late Helen and Anthony Lippia. Although he was raised in Plainville Joseph spent most of his life in New Britain. Joseph served four years in the United States Air Force. Joseph was a member of the Plainville Knights of Columbus for many years. He sponsored his own baseball team for many years in Plainville. Joseph was a self employed home builder and operated under the name of T. Lippia & Son building many custom homes off of Unionville Avenue in Plainville. Later he worked for the town of Plainville in the Building & Maintenance Department. He...

Joseph A. Lippia, 91, of New Britain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (May 28, 2024) at Apple Rehab (Ridegeview Healthcare) in Cromwell. Born in Plainville, the son of the late Tony and Helen Lippia, he lived most of his life in New Britain. Along with his father, he owned and operated the T. Lippia and Son Construction Co. Later, Joe worked for the Town of Plainville in the Building & Maintenance Department and he was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia (Walicki) Lippia, their son Michael Lippia and Maria of Middletown, his sister-in-law Elaine and her husband Bob Smoliga of New Britain. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian...

Robert W. Sinkiewicz, 92, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, at Avon Health Center with his family at his side. Born in New Britain on March 8, 1932, Bob was the son of Walter and Helen (Mandl) Sinkiewicz. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Frances (Messina) who passed away on August 25, 2021. Bob served in the Air Force as a Military Policeman and was honorably discharged in 1954. He was employed by The Stanley Works for 50 years in international sales. A hard worker all his life starting with delivering newspapers and magazines while in school, Bob also worked for many years in customer service at Sears. Bob met Frances, the love of his life, after her husband passed away...

Attorney Peter M. Sipples, beloved husband of Attorney Patricia C. Farrell, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2024. The son of Maurice and Atholine Sipples, Peter was born on August 9, 1942. In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his children Timothy Sipples, Kyle Sipples, Kate Reeves, and Catherine Guarino and their spouses; his eight grandchildren; his sister Kathy Michalski (Robert); his cousin Carol Parker (Richard); his goddaughter Ellen Adams; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday, May 24 from 4pm-7pm at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25 beginning at 2pm at St. Francis Church, 10...

Salvatore Sequenzia, 86, of Bristol, passed away on May 2, 2024. He was married to Tina (Fisicaro) Sequenzia and was the son of the late Luigi and Natalizia Sequenzia. He is also survived by his children Natalie (and Thomas) Carlone, Angela (and Rich) Kaminske, Lou Sequenzia, Paula (and Tom) Santa Maria, and Lisa (and Scott) Percival and 14 loving grandchildren, 2 sisters, a sister-in-law and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday May 10, 2024 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Church, 195 South Main St. New Britain. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 1141 Stanley St. New Britain....

Jeanette Moretti, 93, a New Britain native, lifelong resident and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. She was known for her devotion to family, dynamic personality, professional accomplishments, and volunteer work. Jeanette is a graduate of New Britain High School and graduated cum laude from Bryant College, now Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, with a degree in business administration. She held several positions with the State of Connecticut, including working at the State Capital during legislative sessions. She served as a secretary to the Commission of Higher Education, the Legal Counsel, and as an administrative aide for the 1965...

In loving memory of Albert Hamel, who passed away peacefully at the age of 90. He leaves behind his four children Donna Hamel, Kurt Hamel, husband of Holly, Todd Hamel, husband of Claire, and Tracy Asklar, wife of Michael, and their mother, Doris Hamel. Also, his five beloved grandchildren and great grand-child. In addition to his children, Albert found joy and companionship in his partner and best friend Camille Rice and her two children, Richard Rice, Sandy Wulff, and Sandy's husband Jim. He was predeceased by his parents Onesiome and Rose Hamel, his brothers Charlie, Joseph, Patrick, and his sisters Melvina, Lexi, and Patricia. His life was further enriched by his good friend James...

Regina (Bossie) St. Jarre, 86, beloved wife of the late Donald St. Jarre, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024. Born in Fort Kent, Maine, January 25, 1938, and a longtime resident of Kensington; she was the daughter of the late Leo and Melonia Bossie. She worked at Fafnir Bearing for many years, and after retirement, she worked at SEMAC Electrical Contractors. She was a dedicated member and volunteer at St. Paul Church in Kensington for many years, as well as a member of the Women's Auxiliary of St. Jean de Baptiste. She enjoyed gardening and hosting family gatherings. She was predeceased by her brothers Paul, Leonard, Romain, Ronaldo, Normand, Orenie, Camille and Edgar Bossie; her...

Regina (Bossie) St. Jarre, 86, beloved wife of the late Donald St. Jarre, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2024. Born in Fort Kent, Maine, January 25, 1938, and a longtime resident of Kensington; she was the daughter of the late Leo and Melonia Bossie. She worked at Fafnir Bearing for many years, and after retirement, she worked at SEMAC Electrical Contractors. She was a dedicated member and volunteer at St. Paul Church in Kensington for many years, as well as a member of the Women's Auxiliary of St. Jean de Baptiste. She enjoyed gardening and hosting family gatherings. She was predeceased by her brothers Paul, Leonard, Romain, Ronaldo, Normand, Orenie, Camille and Edgar Bossie; her...

With sadness we share that God has called home Steven Brian Robertson (61) of Coventry, born, and raised in New Britain, CT. He was a son, brother, adored uncle, cousin, and loyal friend with a generous heart. He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Catherine (Lazzaro) Robertson. Steven is survived by his sister Teresa Robertson, and her husband Richard Fakelman; his sister and her husband Lisa and Jonathan Humble; nieces Elizabeth Humble and Carolynn Humble; his Godmother Aunt Vivian Galliher and his Aunt Virgina Robertson. Growing up you could find Steven: swimming and diving off the high board at Chelsy Park Pool, fishing at Papergoods or Silver Lake ponds, pitching fast balls for...

Sheila (Skoglas) Bennett, 69, of Titusville, FL, died Monday, March 11, 2024, in Florida. Born November 29, 1954 in Connecticut she lived in the Hazardville area of Enfield. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Eleanor (Balsewicz) Skoglas. During her lifetime, she resided in Southwick, Westfield and Chicopee, MA, with the last four years in Titusville, FL. After graduation, Sheila was employed as a Medical Administrative Assistant, a Home Health Care Worker and most importantly, she was a Foster Mother. Sheila is survived by four children, Danial Bennett and his wife Liz, Jordan Bennett and his wife, Nicole, AbbyRae Bennett and her fianc? Mark Mojica, and Jamie Caron. She has...

Thomas Orefice, 71, of Beckley Farms in Berlin, CT, passed away peacefully and suddenly at home on March 6. Born in Brooklyn, Tom grew up on Long Island, attended Fordham University and New York Law School, and lived for 53 years in New York City before moving to Berlin last year. He is survived by his partner of 49 years, John Loughery. They were married in 2014. He is also survived by his sister, brother, several nieces and nephews and two hockey-star godsons. Tom worked for four decades as an English teacher at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan. His passions were books, theater, travel, his new home, and his life with John whom he met in college. A private service will...

Thomas Orefice, 71, of Beckley Farms in Berlin, CT, passed away peacefully and suddenly at home on March 6. Born in Brooklyn, Tom grew up on Long Island, attended Fordham University and New York Law School, and lived for 53 years in New York City before moving to Berlin last year. He is survived by his partner of 49 years, John Loughery. They were married in 2014. He is also survived by his sister, brother, several nieces and nephews and two hockey-star godsons. Tom worked for four decades as an English teacher at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan. His passions were books, theater, travel, his new home, and his life with John whom he met in college. A private service will...

Johanna Z. Davis (Joey) 95, of New Britain, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 10th, surrounded by the love of her entire family. She was proud of her Austrian heritage and even more proud to be a New Britainite. She graduated from NBHS in 1946, married her sweetheart Bill in 1949, and worked at New Britain Machine in the payroll department before raising her four children. Johanna is predeceased by her parents Karl and Anna Zinky who emigrated from Austria; her sisters, Anne Dehan, Caroline Jacoby, and Mildred Kuehn; and her loving husband William (Bill) Davis. Among her passions were baking, reading crime novels, and jaunts to the casino with her BFF Irene Gaber and later with...