Life-long Meriden resident Ralph “Sonny” Carabetta passed away March 7, 2014 after a brief illness. The 9th surviving child, Sonny was born to Victoria and Ralph Carabetta, both Italian immigrants. His father predeceased him in February of 1930. Sonny was raised by his mother Victoria, along with his older brothers and sisters, during the darkest times of the Great Depression. He continued to live on the family homestead until his passing, surrounded by loving family and friends. A 1948 graduate of Meriden High School, Sonny was drafted into the Army at the start of the Korean Conflict. His company was sent to Fort Dix for basic training. Upon completion of basic training, Sonny was one of two men to be sent to Trieste, Italy where he took part in the post World War II occupation of the Free Territory of Trieste. Sonny considered his time serving the country to be one of the greatest honors in his life, and he never hesitated to acknowledge that his deployment to Trieste was his incredible good fortune, as so many others at that time were serving in Korea. He was a life-long supporter of the men and women in service, and remained a member of American Legion post 45. Upon discharge from the service as a corporal, Sonny returned to work at International Silver factory E. Shortly thereafter, he left International Silver and began building houses in Meriden with his brothers. From these modest beginnings Sonny was instrumental in the growth of the company that would become known as Carabetta Enterprises. After several years, the business began to develop multiple-unit apartment complexes. The first of these, a 100-unit apartment development known as Crestwood I, opened in 1963. By that time, Sonny’s skill as a construction foreman was evident. Admired and respected by those around him, Sonny was soon managing much more complex construction projects. These included the 1,200-unit development known as Lincoln Village in Worcester Massachusetts, and multiple other hi-rise developments in the Boston suburbs. His innate ability to solve difficult problems on the job, which by now involved intricate excavations below ground and elaborate structural complexities above, was unmatched. No less important was his ability to cheerfully supervise the many talented men and women that were required to complete these detailed and difficult tasks. Though incredibly proud of his professional accomplishments, he remained humble, and his modesty did not go unnoticed by those who knew him. He remained on the job until the time of his death. Known as dad, “papu”, and brother, Sonny was most often known as “Uncle Sonny,” to friends and family alike. With a constant smile on his face, Uncle Sonny was quick to laugh and make a joke. He was never known to complain, and even in life’s darker moments Uncle Sonny was a constantly comforting presence. Adored by his children and grandchildren, respected by his family and friends, and such a large part of so many people’s lives, the void created by his passing can never be filled. He is predeceased by his sisters Carmel, Rose, Josie and Kate, and his brothers Dick and Mike. He is survived by two sons, Ralph and Gary, four grandsons, Michael, Gary jr., Cory and Sonny, and his brothers Joe, Sam, and Donald. He is also survived by nieces and nephews too numerous to name, but including Joyce and Carol Ann (Tricarico), and many more great nieces and nephews, including Vicky and Ann Marie (Elsmore). He was also very proud to have so many near and dear friends, all of whom meant the world to him. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Tuesday, March 11th at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home on Monday, March 10th from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in “Sonny’s” memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
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Ralph “Sonny” Carabetta
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Claude E. Jandreau
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Evelyn Bongiovanni
Evelyn Bongiovanni, 87, wife of the late Carmello Bongiovanni, died on Thursday, March 13, 2014 following a lengthy illness. Born in Charlotte, NC on September 29, 1926, she was the daughter of the late William and Doris Gulledge. Evelyn had resided in Meriden for twenty – three years and was a member of the Meriden Senior Center. She is survived by one son, Terry Bongiovanni and his wife Eileen of Meriden, five grandchildren, Nicole Grillo and her husband Chris, Ty Bongiovanni and his wife Andrea, Trey Bongiovanni and his wife Kate, Phillip Bongiovanni and his wife Gina and Vincent Bongiovanni, four great-grandchildren, Mia, Alyssa, Jayden and Nicholas Bongiovanni, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son Carlton Bongiovanni. A private funeral and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden on Thursday, March 20. 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Franciscan Home Care, 267 Finch Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451. Because of Evelyn’s love for the North Carolina Beaches, everyone is asked to wear a beach hat.
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Graziella de Solodow
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Barbara Brown
Barbara Zempsky Brown, 80, of Meriden died Thursday, March 13, 2014. She was the beloved wife of Attorney David Brown for 58 years. Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 11, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Zempsky and Beatrice Zempsky. She was a graduate of Wellesley College, taught in the Meriden School system and was a life-long Meriden resident. Mrs. Brown was a member of Congregation B’nai Abraham. In addition to her husband she is survived by her daughters Belinda LaVoie of Southington and Sharon Farmer of Burlington and by her grandchildren, Melanie LaVoie and Wyatt LaVoie. A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Sunday, March 16, 2014 in B’nai Abraham Cemetery, 114 Corrigan Avenue, Meriden with Rabbi Michael Kohn officiating. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be sent to the charity of one’s choice.
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Eleanor Howe
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Helen T. Coger
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Ann Margaret Behler
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Miles G. Blakeslee, Jr.
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Helen Maslar
Helen M. Maslar, 103, died March 15, 2014. She was a lifelong resident of Meriden and the daughter of the late John and Mary (Lazor) Maslar. She attended local schools and the Laurel Business School. She had been employed in the Hartford Internal Revenue Service office for over 30 years. She was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Angels Church. She is survived by a sister, Margaret Cox, several nieces and a nephew. She was pre-deceased by five sisters and three brothers. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 11:00 am at Holy Angels Church, 585 Main St, So. Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. There are no calling hours. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden is entrusted with arrangements
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Blanche Joan Davis
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Ethel Patterson
Ethel F. “Skip” Patterson, 88, died on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Masonicare after a brief illness. Born in Derby, CT on September 22, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Austin and Augusta Phillips and had resided in Meriden since 1958. Ms. Patterson graduated from Naugatuck High School and attended Post Junior College in Waterbury. Skip was employed by the City of Meriden Health Department, retiring on August 31, 1998. She was an active member of several hiking groups. For the past several years Skip was a volunteer at “God’s Dinner,” a Christmas dinner held in Wallingford. She is survived by a daughter, Lynne Ragazzi of Stuart, FL. Ms. Patterson is also survived by long time close friends, the Thomas families, the Segrue families and the O’Day families. She was predeceased by a longtime companion, John Thomas. A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society New England Division, 38 Richards Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854-2328. Burial will be private.
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John Leardi
John Joseph Leardi, Sr., 78, beloved husband of fifty-one years of Rosemarie (Passarelli) Leardi, died on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Hartford Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in New Britain on August 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Ottavio and Anna (Tabellione) Leardi. Mr. Leardi graduated from New Britain High School and was a longtime South Meriden resident. He was employed by Boehles Express. After retirement he was employed by Hunters Ambulance for 8 years. John served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a parishioner of Holy Angels Church. John was an avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals and the Baltimore Orioles. He liked nothing better than spending time with his family. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children; Mary Vumback and her husband Robert, John Leardi, Jr., and Gina Chase and her husband Michael, all of Meriden; four grandchildren, Heather Bear and her husband Jason, Marissa and Brittany Vumback, and Michael Chase and three great-grandchildren, Parker and Addyson Bear, and Riley Chase. He is also survived by two sisters, Rita O’Meara and her husband Bill, and Linda Strattman and her husband Kenneth; one brother-in-law William Tedeschi and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy Tedeschi. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 10:00 am at Holy Angels Church, 585 Main St., So. Meriden. Everyone is asked to gather directly at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden on Thursday, March 20th from 5 to 8 p.m. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice
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Frank Miller
Frank E. Miller, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Joan “Joanne” (Blackall) Miller. Born July 8, 1931, to Peter and Albina (Chagnon) Miller, Frank was a lifelong resident of Meriden. He was a member of Meriden High School Class of ’49 and was employed at the International Silver Company on Broad Street and later at Bell Food Service in Glastonbury. After retirement he and his wife made their winter home in Port St. Lucie, FL. Frank enjoyed playing golf, bowling, horseshoes, billiards and shuffleboard. He was a fan of all sports and loved rooting for the UCONN Huskies, the NY Yankees, and the Dallas Cowboys. One of Frank’s greatest pleasures in life was cheering on his great-grandson Patrick in hockey, lacrosse and baseball. At home or away, he rarely missed a game. Frank’s other favorite pastimes were playing the penny slots and playing cards with his wife, their family and friends. Frank was also a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Besides his wife Joanne of 62 years, Frank is survived by four loving sons, Peter Miller and his wife Cyndi of Meriden, John Miller of Amsterdam Holland, Joseph Miller and his wife Lola of Meriden, and Thomas Miller of Hooksett, NH and his girlfriend Maria Caldeira; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Lori (Miller) Cassidy, her husband Joe and their son, Patrick, Eric Miller and his wife Jaclyn, Alyssa (Miller) Abraham and her husband Jose, Jason Miller and his fiancé Kaitlin LeMay and their daughter Madison, and Ethan Miller and his girlfriend Samantha Hills. Frank also leaves a brother, George Miller and his wife Patricia of Charlotte, NC and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Irene Smith, Helen Bucchieri and Barbara Kinell. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 10:00am at Holy Angel’s Church, 585 Main St, So. Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral home, 88 E. Main St, Meriden on Wednesday, March 19th from 4:00 to 8:00pm. The family would like to send a special thank you to the Franciscan Hospice Care and Palliative Nurses Association for their wonderful care and attention to Frank and his family during his final weeks. Should friends desire, donations in Frank’s name can be made to Holy Angels Church, 585 Main Street, South Meriden, CT 06451.
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Edward Joseph “Ed” Dowling
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Josephine Elizabeth Penque
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Vern Hunter
Vern A. Hunter, 82, of Fort Myers Beach, FL and Clinton, CT, husband of the late Barbara Hancock Hunter passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford, CT on April 21, 1931, he was the son of the late Earle and Minetta Hunter. Vern maintained memberships to numerous civic organizations, as well as receiving countless awards for his dedication and accomplishments. Vern Hunter was the founder and Chairman of the Board of Hunter’s Ambulance Service, established in 1963 and Hunter Limousines in 1989. Vern’s vision and contribution laid the foundation for Emergency Medical Services. He devoted his life to advance the cause of EMS not only in Connecticut but nationwide. Vern graduated from the first Emergency Medical Technician course in the State of Connecticut in 1971 and went on to further his medical certification to the level of EMT-IV. Through many acquisitions and expansions, Vern saw his small family business become one of the largest ambulance companies in Connecticut. He made an immeasurable impact on countless lives truly surpassing any expectations he may have had 50 years ago today. Vern is survived by his four daughters and sons-in-law: Diane and Jim Kranich; Donna Hunter; Dana and Rick Moyer; Debra Robertson; and three sons and daughters-in-law: Dale Hunter, David and Janice Hunter; Dennis Hunter and fiancé Jennifer Domingo; and daughter-in-law, Jeriann Hunter. Grandchildren: Jason, Matthew, Sister Clare, Kara, Jacob and wife Sara, David and wife Diana, Francis, Nathan, Daniel, Chelsea, Caitlyn, Jennifer, Marisa, Brianna, Isabel. Great grandchildren: Evan, Jordan, Lucas, Isaiah, Eva, Simon, Aaralyn. Sister: Vivien Nielson Brother: Edward Hunter Vern was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara as well as his son, Dan, brother, Robert, and grandson, Aaron. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 159 West Main Street, Meriden, Connecticut. Everyone is asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden, CT Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 4:00 pm. – 8:00 pm. Supporting Vern’s belief in training and further education in the field of Emergency Medical Services, in lieu of flowers, contributions in Vern’s memory may be made to the Hunter’s Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund supports educational programs for individuals pursuing or advancing their skills in Emergency Medical Services, healthcare and related medical services. Mailing address: 450 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451 Vern truly exemplified his company motto “Concern for Others.”
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Robert Grimord
Robert J. Grimord, 95, loving husband of Hazel R. Burgess Grimord, died Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Meriden Center. Born in Meriden on February 25, 1919, he was the son of the late George and Eva (Bourcier) Grimord. Mr. Grimord was employed by NY., NH and Hartford R.R. for over 10 years and retired from the US Postal Service with over 34 years. He was a Navy veteran of WWII and a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church, where he was married in September 1943. Besides his beloved wife of 70 years, he is survived by a daughter Mary Jane Grimord, a son James R. Grimord, three grandchildren, Scott, Michael and James Grimord Jr., and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Lorraine Mesite and a brother Laurent Grimord. He was predeceased by a sister Edna Konyu. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 9 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St. Meriden. Everyone is asked to gather directly at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St. Meriden on Friday, March 28th from 5 to 8 p.m.
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Alyce Marie VanArsdale, Sr.
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Alice Connor Howard
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