New Haven Register

Gay Jean St. John was born Gay Jean Dilworth to Agnes Perring and Harold Dilworth on November 3, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was a straight-shooter and did not tolerate fools. She was a devout Catholic, honest and compassionate. She had two brothers, Harold Dilworth Jr and Robert Dilworth that precede her in death. Raised by her grandmother (Mary Miller) and mother's sister (Mildred Perring Wurtzbacher), after the death of her parents at a young age, she attended Catholic high school in Wheeling and then nurses' training at St. Francis in Columbus Ohio, graduating in 1958. She met an Air Force man, Dominic Anthony St. John (Sangiovanni) of New Haven, Connecticut, stationed near...

Helen Louise MacBrien Hultgren, age 79, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2022. Born in New Haven County, CT on August 6, 1943, she was the daughter of the late James J. MacBrien and Helen Rebner MacBrien. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Katrina "Kat" Louise Easterday Hultgren. Helen is survived by her husband of 58 years, Robert "Bob" Walter Hultgren, Jr.; her daughter, Joy Hultgren of Castalia; her sons, James "Jim" Robert Hultgren of Wilson and Christopher "Chris" Lee Hultgren, Sr. of Rocky Mount; her grandchildren, Christopher Lee Hultgren, Jr. (Tricia) Brittney Lynn Hultgren (Austin), Crystina Pierce (Matt), and Justain Pierce; her great-granddaughter,...

Katherine Ann Swenson, daughter of Frank E. Boyne and Katherine A. Spies, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. She is predeceased by her husband, George Francis Swenson, who died on Oct. 6, 2022. Katherine was born on July 28, 1943, in the town of Boundbrook, NJ, then moved to Fanwood, NJ, and graduated from Culmen High School in 1961. She initially started college at Montclair State College, however, she fell in love and married George F. Swenson on July 27, 1963. After having four children, Katherine went back to Southern Connecticut State College in 1982, graduating in 1985 with a Master's in Library Science. She then worked at SCSU until her retirement. She was always proud of...

Patricia Jane Rosato 85, of Vero Beach Florida died January 2, 2023. She was surrounded by her family and passed peaceably in her sleep. She was the wife of Ralph L. Rosato. They had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, January 1st. She had a great celebration of family and Christmas with her entire immediate family. Her children Ralph and Kati of Vero Beach and Pasquale and Tina of Palm Harbor, Florida. Her grandchildren, Danielle, Elise, Anna, Emily (Chris), Andrea, and Olivia. Her great grandchildren, Aria, and Austin. She was the daughter of Adeline and Pasquale Melillo. She had three sisters, Dolly (Bob) Rose, Phyllis (John) Shanahan, Ginger Huisman, and Pasquale (Linda)...

Peter F. Willig, 91, Madison resident for 34 years passed away on January 1, 2023. Peter was the husband of his beloved wonderful wife, Louise R. Willig who passed away in October 2021. He is survived by his sister in law, Karen Rossomando of Branford, CT and his nieces, Kristi Rivelli (Douglas) of Westport, CT, Kara Larzlere (Gregory) of Stoneham, MA and Donna Ryan (John) of Branford, CT. Peter grew up in New York City, the son of Margaret and Joseph Willing. He received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the City College of New York and a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Peter then went to school at night and...

Alfred Frank Raucci, Jr., (Fred), age 83 of Calhoun, GA, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022. Fred was born on September 12, 1939 in New Haven, CT, and lived most of his life along the CT shoreline until 2012 when he moved south. He was the son of the late Alfred Frank Raucci, Sr. and Dorothy Cordone Raucci. Fred was a devout Catholic and became very involved in the church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He established Perpetual Adoration at St Marks in Westbrook CT, where he was also a Eucharist Minister. He was a faithful member of St Clement's Catholic church in Calhoun, GA. He worked as an agent at the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, CT and later owned and...

Frank Joseph Aveni passed away peacefully at home in Florida surrounded by his family, at the age of 80 years old. Beloved husband of Kathleen L McLoughlin Aveni; father of sons James J Aveni and Frank M (Elaine) Aveni; grandfather to two cherished grandchildren Lorenzo and Geo Aveni; and brother to Nancy Aveni Slater. Frank was born on August 16, 1942 in New Haven, CT to his parents Joseph and Josephine Aveni. Frank was the owner and operator of his own excavation business for forty-five years. A passionate lifelong musician, he was a talented guitarist, singer, and a member of multiple bands that played throughout the state. He loved cars, especially Corvettes, and was a National...

Irving Tuttle King, 91, of Northford, CT, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, December 24, 2022. He was the son of the late John and Ethel Irene (Tuttle) King, and loving husband to the late Jean (Backes) King. Born on March 15, 1931, Irving cherished growing up on Shagbark Dairy Farm. He graduated Lyman Hall High School in 1949 and then enrolled in engineering classes at UCONN. While at UCONN he completed the Basic Course, Senior Division, Air Force ROTC from September 1949 to June 1951. He then worked as a mechanic at Ohr's Service Station in the mid-1950's, and it was here that he met his wife, Jean. By 1959 they were joyfully married. Afterwards, Irving...

Peter F. Murray, age 78, of Southbury, formerly of West Haven, beloved husband of Judith Murray and father of Dena Addenbrooke, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022. He was born in New Haven on May 24, 1944, son of the late Russell and Jeanne Murray. Pete served in the US Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Boxer LPH-4. Following his time in the service, he was an officer with the Hamden Police Department for 31 years. Pete was a Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan. Upon moving to Heritage Village, he was a member of the American Legion Post 204, the HV Men's' Club, and former president of the HV New Villagers' Club. Pete's memory will be cherished by his wife, Judi, his daughter...

Bernice Maynard Veckerelli of Clinton, CT, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2022, in the presence of her sons. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Joseph Charles Veckerelli (1933-2009), and her brother, James Maynard (1939-1998). She is survived by her five sons, Paul, John, David, Mark, and Joseph Jr. Bernice adored her grandchildren, Laura Anne, Luc, Louisa, Isabella, Julian, Joseph, and Patrick; She had recently become a great-grandmother to Clara, with whom she had already fallen in love. Born on March 13, 1936, to Bernadette (Coblenz) and Alpherie Maynard of Lisbon, Bernice graduated from The College of New Rochelle in 1958. While still raising her sons, she...

Former State Representative and community leader Noreen Mary Kokoruda passed away on Wednesday, December 21st in New Haven after a long and courageous battle with thyroid cancer. She was 75 years old. Considered a consummate public servant, Kokoruda was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was beloved by her family and her community, having served in innumerable roles throughout her life. Noreen was born on August 4th, 1947 in Bridgeport CT to US Navy Veteran Victor Swaller and her mother Eileen Swaller (O'Brien). The second oldest of 7 children, Noreen was known even at an early age for her extroverted personality and her passion for helping others. She remained extremely close to all...

Raymond 'Raybo' Bodwell, 76, of Myrtle Beach SC, formerly of North Haven and West Haven CT passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022, at McLeod Seacoast Hospital. He was the son of the late Richard B. Bodwell and Mary Ann Mugford Bodwell. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Paula Conte Bodwell. He also leaves behind two brothers: Arthur (Roberta) and Thomas, four sisters: Roberta (Richard) Elpi, Lynda (Walter) Reeves, Sandra (Rich) Mayhew, and Denise (Jim) Gamache. Additionally, brother-in-law Richard (Teri) Conte, and sisters-in-law: Carol (Harvey) Shaw, and Georgia (Gary Gage) Conte; numerous nieces, and nephews; and great nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by...

Raymond "Raybo" Bodwell, 76, husband of Paula Conte Bodwell, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at McLeod Seacoast. Raybo was born on March 4, 1946, in New Haven, Ct, son of the late Richard B. Bodwell and Mary Ann Mugford Bodwell. He was an Electronic Technician for 40 years at Norden Systems/Nortrop Grumman. Raybo was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and riding his Harley. He also loved his New York Giants, NY Yankees, and UConn Women's Basketball. Raybo leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Paula Conte Bodwell; two brothers, Arthur Bodwell and Thomas Bodwell; four sisters, Roberta (Richard) Elpi, Lynda (Walter) Reeves, Sandra (Rich) Mayhew, and Denise...

Margaret M. (Palumbo) Esposito, age 58, beloved mother, wife, sister and celebrated financial advisor, went to her eternal rest on December 20th, at her home in Killingworth, CT surrounded by her family. Her life was taken by metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her brain. Born on March 26, 1964, she was the 11th child and 7th daughter of the late Dr. Victor A. and Mary (Daly) Palumbo of Fall River, MA, where Margaret was born and raised. A graduate of BMC Durfee High School, Class of 1982, she went on to UMASS Amherst, where she met her husband, Thomas Esposito. In her career, as well as in her personal life, she was a force of nature. She spent over than 30 years in the financial...

Joan Audrey (Hulse) Marks, 92, of Naugatuck, beloved widow of the late Alfred T. Marks, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022 at Waterbury Hospital after a short illness. Joan was born in Bridgeport on November 27, 1930 and was the daughter of the late Harold Sr. and Josephine (Bischoff) Hulse. Joan and Alfred were married on February 3, 1951 and raised two children. Joan is survived by her two children; her daughter Patricia Angersola (James) of Naugatuck and also by her son, Peter Marks (Ellen) of Plainville. She was affectionately known as grandma to Nicole Jordan (George), Christopher Scranton (Nicole), Ryan Marks (Amanda) and Stephanie Leavitt (James), and also by 11...

Sandra G. Proto, 76, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Frank Proto. Born on May 4, 1946 in New Haven, she was the daughter of Anthony and Juliet D'Addio Antonucci. Sandy attended Hamden H.S. and Stone College. Sandy retired from Unilever Manufacturing in Clinton, after many years of being a credit analyst. Besides her husband Frank of 56 years, she is survived by her niece Tara Carey and her husband John, nephew Scott Poletti and his wife Stacey. Also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Ron Hooker and a niece Cheryl Anderson and her husband Ray. She was predeceased by her sister and...

Joseph "Mike" Paulson, of Clinton and formerly of North Haven, passed away on November 28, 2022. He was born on August 30, 1943, in New Haven, the son of Joseph Martin Paulson and Mildred Hay Paulson. Mike was a devoted husband to his wife, Cindy, a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle to his family. He was a U.S. Navy veteran in the Vietnam War and a purple heart recipient. An honored officer in the Clinton Police Department and Clinton Fire Department, as well as a Fish and Game Warden, and Marine Captain for several years. He was a dedicated member of the First Church of Christ Congregational church, as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Buildings and Grounds...

Edward H. Wendland, age 83, of West Haven entered into rest on Sunday, November 27, 2022 after a long illness at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Lucy (Gaudio) Wendland for over 61 years. Ed was born on August 18, 1939 in New Haven, son of the late Edward and Doris (Haines) Wendland, and was a lifelong West Haven resident. Ed attended local schools in West Haven and met the love of his life, Lucy, shortly before high school graduation. Less than five years later, they were married and they began their family. Ed worked for Western Electric and AT&T until his retirement in 1993. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing and was a member of the...

Eric Cholewinski, of Phoenix, AZ, and formerly of Killingworth, passed away unexpectedly on November 30, 2022 after a brief illness. Eric was born on November 26, 1992, the beloved son of Kenneth and Lynn (Durand) Cholewinski of Killingworth. He was educated in the Haddam-Killingworth Region 17 school system and attended the University of New Haven and Gateway Community College. While in high school he was a junior member of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department. He played baseball and was on the wrestling team. He was a devoted fan of the Red Sox and WWE. He developed a passion for researching his ancestry, tracing his roots back to the 1700s. As a result, he connected with...

Joan Davis-Clark, 75, of Madison, passed away peacefully in Madison at the Hearth at Tuxis Pond on November 25, 2022. Born on February 8, 1947 in Beaver, Pennsylvania, Joan was the daughter of the late Henry Sulser and Jeanne (Witherow) Sulser. Joan graduated from Beaver Area High School in 1964. She then went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Penn State in Speech and Communications, where she was a proud member of Tri Delta Sorority. Joan worked as a substitute teacher in the Madison School System and then went on to be the Real Estate Manager at Coldwell Banker Realtors in Madison for over 30 years. She married the love of her life, Ronald C. Clark on July 31, 1999. A Madison resident...

Paula Urquhart Wuestefeld, 87, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2022. Born on December 14, 1934, in Everett, Massachusetts she grew up in Wethersfield and Orange, Connecticut. Paula was the daughter of the late Richard Harold Urquhart and Laura Labbe Urquhart. She married the love of her life, her late husband Norman Wuestefeld, in 1953. They enjoyed 48 long, happy years building a family and creating a home together before his passing in May 2001. Paula worked as a preschool teacher for many years while dedicating her life to her beloved husband and five children. Norman was away a lot on business which meant that Paula was often the final arbitrator regarding the raising...