Republican-American

Alger "Butch" Ambrose, 79, of Waterbury, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Alger was born on February 9, 1945 in Hudson, NY, one of five children, to the late Alger L. and Natalie (Fino) Ambrose. He was an expert tool and die maker by trade and worked at Stop and Shop in Waterbury for many years. Butch's love for the outdoors started at a young age during the time he spent at his family's farm in upstate New York. Butch loved fishing and hunting and found peace in nature. He also liked watching old Western movies and enjoyed a good meal. Butch is survived by his son, Michael Ambrose and wife Gayle of Southington, grandson, Ryan Bavaro of Stuart, FL, two sisters, Rosemary...

It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend, Romie L. Cantley, Jr. Having gratitude for a life filled with many blessings, Romie was born on April 6, 1948 and died on April 4, 2024. Romie attended New Haven and West Haven Public Schools, after which he entered Southern Connecticut State University where he graduated with Bachelors and Masters Degrees. He then went on to a rewarding teaching career at Northwestern Regional School District Seven. Romie was a scholar of World Religions, a lover of all books and a well respected teacher of History. Throughout the years he maintained contact with many of those who continued to...

Justin Nathan Segal, 35, died on March 20th, 2024, after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was a remarkable family man with great intellect, strength, and love. Born July 15, 1988, in Florida, Justin was the eldest son of David and Jaynie Segal (Leiderman). Justin graduated from Charlotte Latin (North Carolina) where he excelled academically and was a naturally gifted athlete, participating in track and football. As a drummer he was also a member of the band and percussion ensemble. Due to his talent, he was selected as an extra in the 2008 film "Leatherheads" starring George Clooney. He later attended College of Charleston before transferring to North Carolina State University...

Vincent J Rosa (Vinny), passed away Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024 at The Grove in Rock Hill, South Carolina, just three days after his 100 th birthday. Vinny is preceded in death by his wife Muriel (July 4, 2006); his mother and father, Louise and Angelo; his beloved sister and brother, Marie Gibbons of San Diego CA, and Dr. Carl Rosa of Waterbury Ct. He is survived by his son Paul V. Rosa of Hillsborough, NH; his daughter Roberta Rosa Sansevero of Charlotte, NC; his granddaughter Tina (Josh) Harrold, and great-grand daughter Lillian, all of Black Mountain, NC; his beloved sister and brother-in-law Mary Ellen and Guy Dessureault of Wolcott, CT; his niece Nancy (Kerry) Thomason of Lubbock...

Irwin Kenneth "Ken" Mahler, 91 of Boca Raton, FL and Lenox, MA passed away peacefully on Monday February 19, 2024 at Hospice by the Sea in Boca Raton. Ken was born in Waterbury, CT on December 6, 1932, son of Philip and Rose (Holzer) Mahler. He graduated from Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT and the Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania. Ken was the owner and operator of Mahler Financial Services, Inc. and BSM Properties for several decades until his retirement. Ken was a member and former President of Temple Anshe Amunim in Pittsfield, MA and former President of the Falls Country Club in Lake Worth, FL. Ken was also a member of the Pittsfield Country Club and...

Donald McClellan Schuster was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on September 16, 1936 to Henry A. Schuster and Irene McClellan Schuster. Sadly, Don passed away on February 5, 2024. The Schusters had come from Germany to New Jersey and then settled in Connecticut where they met the McClellans who had come from Scotland. Growing up in Waterbury was a treat, so Don felt, with the rolling hills and forest throughout the area and the ocean beaches only a short drive south, near Yale...and, also, with New York City not far beyond. Early on, it was evident that Don was a gifted artist, with his many drawings, watercolors and oil paintings which became prolific as the years passed, for the walls...

With profound sadness, we announce the death of John Leonard McCormick, 66, who passed away on February 2, 2024. John, formerly of Waterbury, was a beloved father, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed by his family. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Veterans Administration. 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516-2770 For further details, visit www.wallingfordfh.com

Edward F. Grickis, 81, of Kensington, passed away Monday (January 29, 2024) at his home. Born in Waterbury, son of the late John and Margaret (Dillon) Grickis, he was a graduate of Naugatuck High School, class of 1960. Ed served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War and lived in Kensington since 1963. He was a custodian at First Church of Christ, Congregational in New Britain for twenty years, retiring in 2017. Ed also held various other positions throughout Connecticut. Surviving is a son, Mark Grickis of Prospect; two daughters, Dana Marie Grickis of Waterbury and Karin Townsend and her fiance, Joseph Carusello of Litchfield; two brothers, James Grickis and his wife Linda of...

Walter Howard Scanlon Jr., a man of exceptional character, departed this world on Friday January 26, 2024, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and steadfast love for his family. Family and friends may gather on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Parish, 235 Maltby St, Bristol. Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Plainville. For full obituary and online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

After a courageous battle with a lengthy illness, Robert G. Dwyer of Wallingford, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully departed this world at MidState Medical Center in Meriden on January 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Robert Gerald Dwyer, was born on November 19, 1938, in Waterbury, CT, to the late Eugene and Helen Dwyer. After graduating from Wilby High School in 1956, Bob enjoyed a brief stint in business school, before he made a life-changing decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, an experience he often spoke of as defining his character for the rest of his life. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Marguerite...

Celeste M. Chartier, 72, of Bristol, passed away on January 9, 2024 at Bristol Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on December 25, 1951 in Bristol, daughter of the late Emile A. and Elizabeth (Staskiewicz) Chartier. Celeste was educated in Prospect and Waterbury. She lived in Prospect for many years before moving back to Bristol. She enjoyed game nights with her friends and had a love for animals and the environment. Celeste is survived by many close friends, including her lifelong friend, Sandy Franco. Besides her parents, Celeste is predeceased by her brother Michael and sister Roxanne. A graveside service will be held directly at St. Joseph Cemetery, 522 Terryville Ave., Bristol...

Philip J. DiCara, 97, of Glastonbury died peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was married to his wife of 62 years, Lois P. DiCara, who predeceased him 13 years ago. Philip was born in Winsted, CT to the late Salvatore and Rosalia (Colombi) DiCara. He was a veteran of WWII and a member of the greatest generation. He loved golf, the NY Mets and both UConn men's and women's basketball. He worked in a machine shop before and after the war. He became General Manager of Jarvis Airfoil and retired in 1991. He traveled the world with his job and took Lois with him when he could. He has been to 41 states and 17 countries, and played golf in most of them. After retirement, he enjoyed...

Veteran, Broadcaster, Kiwanian and Shriner Robert W. Somerville, 86, passed away on January 3, 2024. He was the husband of Waltraud "Wally" Somerville, who predeceased him in 2022 after 48 years of marriage. Mr. Somerville was born on October 17, 1937 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late Walter Vincent and Madeline Wallace Somerville. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Post College. He met the love of his life, Wally, on a ski trip to Massachusetts. They were married on October 18, 1974 and lived in Waterbury, CT where they raised their son, Andrew Somerville, then retired to North Port, FL in 2007. Mr. Somerville began his broadcasting career in 1965 with WWCO in Waterbury....

Michele R. Ferry, 58, passed away December 30, 2023 at her home. She was born on July 11, 1965 in Bristol the daughter of Maynard "Red" Ferry and the late Cynthia (Szymanski) Ferry. Besides her father, she is survived by her stepmother. Christine Ferry of Harwinton. Three sisters, Audrey Brunelle, Karen Picciano and Diana Miller. Plus, Aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her brother, Robert Ferry and beloved Nanny Olive Ferry. For those who knew her, she was a kind and witty soul who loved her family, and friends. Michele loved painting, gardening and animals. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Dunn Funeral Home 191 West St. is in charge of...

The Lord came and took the precious, loving soul of Barbara Ann Bocon on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital where she was surrounded by those who loved her. Barbara was born in Hartford on September 18, 1959, daughter of Stanley and Marion (Vogt) Bocon, Sr. A proud graduate of Torrington High School, Barbara spent most of her life living in the area and felt a strong connection to her community. Barbara enjoyed sharing stories of her times living in Torrington, working at Pizza Hut and Winsted Community College. An independent woman with a zest for life, Barbara faced challenges head on, including her courageous battle with kidney disease that served as an inspiration to...

Bruce Ganezer, 74, of Broadview Terrace, died on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Bruce was born on February 2, 1949, in Waterbury, CT, the son of Morris and Faye (Levine) Ganezer. Prior to his retirement he was the Sales Manager at CruCon Cruise Outlet. Bruce was known for his love of NASCAR, boating, fishing, traveling, and everything cars. His laugh will be missed by all who knew him. Bruce is survived by the love of his life, Sandra Cleary; sons Eric Ganezer and Tamar Skowronski, of Marblehead, MA and Michael and Jennifer Ganezer, of Blue Bell, PA; grandchildren Sasha, Benjamin, and Meirav; brother and sister-in laws, Jack and Linda White, of...

Arlene Gustafson White passed away in her home in St. Petersburg, Florida on December 14, 2023. Born on March 9, 1934 in New Milford, Connecticut, she was a graduate of New Milford High School and the Danbury Institute of Business. She relocated to St. Petersburg in 1975. Arlene worked as a secretary and bookkeeper and in later years was a home daycare provider, which became her most fulfilling vocation. Shortly before her ninetieth birthday, after a short illness, Arlene passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends at home in the neighborhood that she cherished for close to fifty years. Survivors include: her beloved son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Paula White,...

Richard Renza, 84, of Southbury, departed this world surrounded by love in the presence of his loving family. He was the loving husband of 62 years to Carol (Bianco) Renza, sons: David and Richard, daughter-in-law Nicole, and his cherished girls and constant companions: Mahdia and Isabella. Richard, a retired IBM Manager, earlier had a popular dance band in his hometown of Peekskill and Putnam Valley where he resided for 24 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons: Richard (and Mara) and David (and Nicole); his grandchildren: Hunter and Alexis; and several nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late Josephine and Constant Renza, and was predeceased by three brothers:...

It is with great sadness that the Carpenter family announce the passing of Berkley J. Carpenter on December 1, 2023. Berkley was born in Torrington on December 6, 1956 to the late George and Shirley (Whitehill) Carpenter. He resided in New Britain for the last 35 years. Berkley attended Torrington schools and was previously employed by Hillside Cemetery Association. He also worked in construction, home remodeling, and landscaping. He was recognized for his workmanship and had compassion for those less fortunate. Berkley is survived by his son, Daniel Carpenter of Montreal, Canada, sisters Bonnie Kovach and Dona Mackey, and brothers Bruce Carpenter and Raymond Carpenter, and his grandson...

Lois Marie Kirkham, 76, passed away after a brief illness on November 6, 2023 at River Glen Healthcare in Southbury. Born in Bridgeport, she resided in Naugatuck the last 37 years with her childhood and best friend Karen Smith and the late Roy A. Smith. Lois was predeceased by her parents David Richard Kirkham and Frances Veronica (Pellis) Kirkham. She is survived by her sister Theresa Kirkham of Gardiner, Maine along with many nieces and nephews: Kristina Kirkham, Allison "Allie" Heckethorn, Michelle Tirella, Jennifer Linden, Matthew Smith Sr., along with grandnieces and grandnephews; Matthew Tirella, Melissa Tirella, Lianna Lachance, Sarah Lachance, Matthew Smith Jr, Reagan Smith, Gracie...

Charles "Tom" Accuosti, 84, of Southbury, CT, peacefully departed this life on November 1, 2023. He was the husband of Margaret "Peggy" (Manzolli) Accuosti for 66 years, and father to both Thomas and Sandra. Born to the late Charles and Rose (Bocchicchio) Accuosti, Tom grew up in Waterbury, CT and attended Leavenworth High School, graduating in 1957. He then joined the United States Navy aboard the USS Beatty, faithfully serving from 1957 to 1959. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Tom returned home to CT and founded his own manufacturing business, Precision Methods. He also had a passion for construction as a "hobby" and spent his life building his homes and lending a helping...