Cheshire Herald

Christine Mary Wellins, 74, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden surrounded by her loving husband, son and daughter. She was the wife of Neal B. Wellins. Chris was born April 24, 1948, in New Britain, CT, daughter of the late John ("Jack") E. and Eileen (Flynn) O'Keefe. Chris graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy in 1966 and Duquesne University in 1970 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in teaching, and from Southern Connecticut State University in 1977 with a Master's Degree in education. Chris was a teacher for 30 years in New Haven, primarily at East Rock Magnet School, where she met her husband, Neal. Chris lived in Cheshire for 39 years with her...

Armando Urbano, 89, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022, at his home. He was the beloved husband of Maria (Riccio) Urbano. Mr. Urbano was born June 15, 1933, in Ruviano, Italy, the son of the late Giacomo and Angelina (Califano) Urbano. From farming in Italy before coming to the United States in 1966, Armando took pride in working hard to support his family. He retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1999 after a twenty-year career in the shipping department. Besides his wife of 62 years, Mr. Urbano is survived by his sons, James Urbano and his wife Deb, and Virgilio Urbano; his siblings Alberto (Lina) and Bernardo (Rosa) Urbano; great friends, Mario and Nancy Mastrioanni; his grandchildren...

Hamilton Russell Bristol Jr., age 88, of Cheshire passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at VITAS at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. He was the devoted and loving husband of Charlotte (Hanning) Bristol for over 62 years. Russ was born on March 22, 1934, son of the late Hamilton R. Bristol Sr. and Emily (Hiley) Bristol. Russell and his family lived in Bethany for many years before coming to Cheshire 23 years ago. He was a graduate of The Taft School and furthered his education at Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, and then began his career at Bristol Babcock, retiring in the early 1990's. Following his retirement, he became a full-time...

Waterbury, Connecticut: Louis Anthony Amici, 61 of Waterbury, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Louis was born March 10, 1961 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late Dick and Mary (Duffy) Amici. He was a graduate of Holy Cross High School, earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattanville College and his Master's Degree in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Louis was Research Chemist, having worked at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine as well as Yale New Haven. He loved music and sang for several seasons with the Waterbury Chorale. Louis also had a DJ business where he was known as DJ Brother Lou. He loved spending time in...

Frances C. Doherty, 96, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022. She was the wife of the late James Doherty Sr., the love of her life, who passed away in 2013. Mrs. Doherty was born December 3, 1925, in Bernardsville, NJ, the daughter of the late Henry and Cecelia (Hjertzpe) Steffens. She was a longtime Cheshire resident where she was a Substitute Teacher for the Cheshire school system. In support of her husband as a Firefighter and Fire Marshal for the town, Mrs. Doherty was a charter member of the Cheshire Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by her children Paul Doherty (Kathy), James Doherty Jr. (Carol), Jeff Doherty (Cindy), Brian Doherty (Mitzie); her grandchildren...

Donald G. Carter, 62, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Hartford Hospital. Don was born March 18, 1960, in Waterbury; the son of George Carter and the late Margaret (Bronson) Carter. He was employed by the Cheshire Board of Education and served in the maintenance division for 25 years. Besides his father, he is survived by his children Caitlyn Carter and her fianc? Robert Aresti of Southington, Robert Carter and his girlfriend Karen Novak of Southington; Bryan Carter of Glendale, CO; his siblings Beverly Hickey and her husband Terrence, Linda DiNino and her husband Bob, David Carter; and his ex-wife Kimberly Carter. Don was a devoted member of the Highland Elementary School...

Frank J. Nastri, 94, passed away Friday, July 29, 2022 at Cheshire Regional Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Nastri was born January 11, 1928, in Waterbury, CT., the son of the late Frank and Frances (Graziosa) Nastri. He was a longtime resident of Cheshire where he was a communicant of St. Bridget Church. Mr. Nastri was well known for his endeavors in the restaurant and real-estate business throughout Connecticut. Frank was involved in much of the residential and commercial real estate development that took place in Cheshire during the 60's, 70's, and 80's, but he loved to talk about the good times that were had when he owned the Waverly Inn. Some of the these included the stories about the...

Maureen (Furlong) Spagnola, 90, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2022 at Livewell in Southington. She was the wife of Theodore "Ted" Spagnola. Mrs. Spagnola was born November 29, 1931, in Waterbury, daughter of the late William and Margaret (O'Keefe) Furlong. Mrs. Spagnola was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High and Post Junior College. She retired from Colonial Bank/Bank of Boston in Waterbury, CT after many years of dedicated service. Mrs. Spagnola's strong work ethic, spirit, and devotion to her faith and family guided her in life. Mrs. Spagnola's grandchildren fondly remember the summer months, referred to as "Grammy Academy". She provided them with a foundation of learning and...

Eigil "Ike"Wium, 100, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family . He was the husband of the late Greta (Sorensen) Wium who passed away in 2005. Mr. Wium was born February 13, 1922, in Holstebro, Denmark, the son of the late Wilhelm and Nina Wium. He came to the U.S. in 1946 with his wife and was a graduate of the University of New Haven, with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked as a product engineer for Stanley Works and General Signal until his retirement in 1987. Mr. Wium is survived by his son Norman Wium of Cheshire; his daughter Vanessa Wium Dacunto of Cheshire; his 7 grandchildren Matthew Wium, Karen Belmont, Kristian Wium, Jim Dacunto Jr,...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Christine Mary Fohl, 87, of Cheshire. She passed away on July 25, 2022 surrounded by her family. Christine was born on February 12, 1935, in Waterbury, CT, daughter of the late Salvatore J. and Elena (Fonti) Rizzo. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, lovingly known as "Mema." Christine always wanted to turn every occasion into a party, and left a legacy of being a hard worker, even working into her 87th year. She held various jobs throughout her lifetime such as, waitress, bartender, school bus driver, and factory worker. But her favorite job of all was working alongside her son and daughter, George and Ellen, at...

Geraldine Bodie Paolillo, 82, of Cheshire passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21st, 2022 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife of 60 years to Michael S. Paolillo. Geraldine was born in Bridgeport on November 2, 1939 and was the daughter of the late Louis W. and Helen E. Chik Bodie. Geraldine grew up in Fairfield, CT and attended local public schools, graduating from Fairfield High School with the class of 1959. She worked various jobs throughout her life before retiring in the mid-eighties. Gerry had many wonderful talents, gifts, and hobbies, but her primary interest was dogs. In 1973 she purchased her first Bichon Frise. Her love for Bichons...

Timothy G. Slater, 72, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at his home. He was the husband of Diane (Hoshor) Slater. Tim was born November 8, 1949, in Winsted, the son of the late George and Stephanie (Alusitz) Slater. A longtime Bethany resident, Tim was the former owner of the Slater Funeral Home in Cheshire, a business he started in 1974. After retiring from the funeral profession in 1987, Tim opened Excavation Technologies Inc. also known as "ETI", an environmental remediation company. Besides his wife of 51 years, Tim is survived by his daughters Kimberly Slater and Tracy Wilson and her husband Chad; his grandchildren Riley, Ava, and, Leah Wilson. Arrangements - Funeral...

Eileen F. Spies, 76, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 surrounded by her family at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was the wife of the late Robert W.Spies. Eileen was born July 16, 1945, in New Haven, CT., daughter of the late Thomas J. and Grace A. (Snyder) Enright. She was a product of Catholic school, graduated from Albertus Magnus College, and taught at Cook Hill School in Wallingford for over 20 years, after taking a break to stay home and raise her children. Eileen will be remembered for her caring soul, as she was always thinking about what she could do for others. Always happily lending a hand, Eileen was active in the St. Bridget of Sweden Parish, as well as in her grandsons'...

Judith May (Burke) Modine, 84, of Wallingford, formerly of Cheshire, passed away on Tuesday June 21, 2022 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden surrounded by her loving family. She was the longtime loving and devoted companion of Donald McPartland. Judy was born September 5, 1937 in Lynn, MA, a daughter of the late Gordon Cleveland and Sophia (Chemelski) Burke and was a longtime Cheshire resident. She was a graduate of Salem High School and received her Bachelors of Education Degree from Salem State College and earned her Master's Degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Judy was a first-grade teacher in the town of Cheshire at Chapman School and later Highland...

David W. Flood, 96, died peacefully while sleeping on June 20, 2022, at his beloved home in Flood's Cove, Maine. David was the loving husband of Joyce for 65 wondrous years of family, friends and life. He was born the son of Everett and Beatrice Flood in Portland, ME on May 27, 1926. After the passing of Beatrice, David and his three siblings were raised by Everett and Alice Flood.. David was raised in Augusta, where he met his high school sweetheart, Joyce Philbrick, and became married after his tour of army service during World War Il. He spent many summers at his grandfather's property known as Captain Am's Cove while growing up, where he developed a great fondness for sailing on the...

Adelaide H. Marx, age 94, passed away on the stormy morning of June 9, 2022 at Benchmark Senior Living in Hamden. She was the devoted wife of the late Christopher W. Marx for over 47 years until his passing in 2004. Adelaide was born on September 18, 1927 in London, England, daughter of the late Stephen T. and Adelaide (Beddall) Hodgman, Jr. After relocating to the States from England at the age of 2, Addie was raised in Rye, NY. She attended Rye Country Day School, and furthered her education, earning her Bachelor's degree from Skidmore College, Class of 1949. She found enjoyment gardening, playing tennis, badminton, walking, bridge games, travelling and was an avid reader. Addie was...

Stefan Andrew Skibicki, 51, from Cheshire, passed away on June 8, 2022, surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Stefan was born on March 24, 1971, in Connecticut, to Ronald Skibicki and the late Lorraine (Gambicini) Skibicki. After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force and served for four years in a multitude of locations, during which time he served during the Gulf War as a munitions system specialist. After honorably serving, he returned to Connecticut and worked at his family-owned business, Closets by Design. From there, his passion for carpentry and custom woodworking grew exponentially. His love for the craft led him to pursue his own path in the...

Mary E. Johnson, 65, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022 at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven. Mrs. Johnson was born March 7, 1957, in Meriden, CT., daughter of the late Dow and Mary (Dwyer) Kling. She was a graduate of Quinnipiac University and was a retired Registered Nurse. Mrs. Johnson leaves behind her sons, Joseph Johnson and Andre Johnson; her daughters, Elizabeth Johnson and her fianc?, James Greene, and Sarah Mary Graovac, and her husband, Milan; her sisters, Catherine, Julie, Barbara, and Patricia, and her brothers, John, Mark, Joseph, and Michael. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Kayden, Sofia, and Brooklynn, her cousin, Veronica, and several nieces and...

Philip Michael Karakoosh, 78, of Cheshire, beloved husband of Sandra Karakoosh, passed away on June 2, 2022. Philip was born on June 26, 1943 in Worcester, MA to the late Robert and Varcenig Karakoosh. In addition to his wife Sandra, Philip is survived by his daughter, Whitney Massey (John); his grandson, Walker Massey; his sister, Roberta Havlick of Cheshire; brother, Jeffrey (Patricia) of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. Phil was thirteen when his family moved to Cheshire, graduating from Cheshire High School in 1961. His adventurous spirit carried him to travel with two Cheshire friends in his Volkswagen Beetle encountering Civil Rights protests in the deep South and while...

Stephen Liebeskind of Tower One in New Haven, CT, was born October 7, 1937 to Herbert and Molly Liebeskind. He passed away peacefully June 1, 2022 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Stephen is survived by his daughter Sarah of Watertown and son Joshua of New Haven. Stephen was the husband of the late Joy Crespi Liebeskind. He is also survived by brother Donald Liebeskind of Waterbury. Stephen attended Cheshire Academy in his youth where he ran track and later attended the University of Pennsylvania. He spent most of his career in the retail world. He had many interests and hobbies including a rare stamp business, sketching and drawing, leather working, photography, and biking and backpacking in...

Louise A. (Carpentino) Akowitz, 77, of Cheshire passed away peacefully, after a courageous battle, on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022 at MidState Medical Center, Meriden with her family by her side. Louise was blessed with a large family and as the second oldest of eight children, she learned early on how important family values were. Her selfless ways reflect in the fond memories that her family have today and forever. Although a stoic soul, she was gentle and kind and she always found a way to help elevate the pain her loved ones carried. Even in her darkest moments she would find the light at the end of the tunnel and lift the spirits around her by trusting in her faith. Louise enjoyed...