Alice (Engelke) Grusse, 89, of Meriden, wife of C. Robert Grusse, died on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at St. Mary Home in West Hartford after a lengthy illness. Born in New Haven on February 5, 1925, the daughter of the late Charles H. Engelke and Ethleel B. (Powers) Engelke, she had resided in Meriden for most of her life. She attended local schools and was a graduate of Laurelton Hall in Milford. Mrs. Grusse was employed by Pratt & Whitney, Dominell Press, Insilco and Times Fiber for a number of years. Her real career was being a dedicated and influential mother to her six children and the extended family of so many who were also touched by her. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church and was the Project Manager for the renovation of the Community Building. Besides her husband of sixty-eight years, she is survived by four daughters, Ellen Grusse and Korky Vann of Bloomfield, Gwenn Vena and Richard Vena of Wilmington, NC, Barbara Grusse and Lou Ippolito of Holiday, FL and Mary Holmes of Davis, CA; two sons, Chuck Grusse and Rose Grusse of Essex and Greg Grusse and Maura Grusse of Glastonbury; eight much loved grandchildren, Dana, Corey, Jeffrey, Kevin, Rachel, Samantha, Emily and Margaret; two great-grandchildren, Steven and Max, and her special nephew, Carl Engelke of Philadelphia, PA. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Engelke of Exton, PA and Robert Engelke of New York, NY. The funeral will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 10:30 am from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden and at 11 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center Street, Meriden for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117. The Family would like to thank all of the wonderful nurses and staff at St. Mary Home, especially Nola Brown.
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Alice Grusse
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Edward Wallace
Dr. Edward Paez Wallace, a long time pediatrician and resident of Meriden, CT died on Friday July 4th, 2014 at his home Tracy House. He was 94, and while in declining health was still enjoying life listening to books, reading his Wall Street Journal and enjoying the company of his family, friends and caregivers. Born on February 29th (Leap Day) 1920 Edward was really only 23 Leap years old. Edward grew up in Newton Massachusetts with his parents Martin and Bess and his sister Jennet. He graduated from Newton High School in 1937 and went on to Harvard College, graduating in 1941 and Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1944. Dr. Wallace received his postgraduate training at the Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, both in Boston Massachusetts. After his graduate work, Dr. Wallace served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and again during the Korean War. Before moving to Meriden, CT, Dr. Wallace practiced Pediatrics in Greenfield, MA for 5 years. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Elizabeth Ayer Hartwell, a schoolteacher in the Greenfield public schools. Dr. Wallace and Miss Elizabeth Ayer Hartwell were married in 1953 and moved to Meriden, CT in 1954. Dr. Wallace joined a private Pediatrics practice in Wallingford and then set up his own Pediatrics practice in Meriden where he served the community for over 50 years. Dr. Wallace was a member of the CT Medical Society, the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Academy of Pediatrics. He also served as Chief of Pediatrics at the Meriden Hospital. As a Pediatrician, Dr. Wallace had a great interest in education. He and his wife Elizabeth were integral in the founding of The Independent Day School in Middlefield CT. Dr. Wallace also served on the Board of Trustees at IDS for many years. Dr. Wallace also served as the chairman of the Meriden Zoning Board of Appeals for over 20 years. Edward was also involved with the Meriden Y’s men where he enjoyed many activities and much camaraderie. While living in Greenfield, MA, Dr. Wallace and his wife Elizabeth fell in love with early American architecture. After moving to Meriden and looking for a home, they found and saved Ebenezer Tracy’s wonderful 18th century house in Lisbon, CT. They dismantled the house and transferred it piece by piece to Meriden. With the help of Lloyd Devaul, Edward and Elizabeth spent the next 50 years restoring Tracy House to its original state but included modern amenities like indoor plumbing and electricity. Dr. Wallace and his wife Elizabeth also enjoyed collecting period furniture to put in their home. Dr. Wallace was life long sailor and even took up Windsurfing in his 60’s when the sport was in its infancy. He and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed family ski vacations in the winter. After retiring, Dr. Wallace got great pleasure out of his flower and vegetable gardens as well as maintaining his home and yard. At 89 he still plowed his own driveway in the winter, and mowed his own lawn until he was 84. Dr. Edward P. Wallace is survived by his wife of 60 years, his three children, Robert Martin Wallace of Belchertown, MA, Ann Wallace Sharpe of Concord, MA and Julia Wallace Paratore of Waltham, MA, his four grandchildren Timothy Edward Wallace, Douglas Beach Wallace, Austen Elizabeth Sharpe and Lucian Wallace Sharpe. The family will treasure any notes and reminiscences you care to send. A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Wallace’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 20 Catlin Street, Meriden, CT.
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Robert “Bobby” Esposito
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Karl Berg
Karl Joseph Berg, 84, of Meriden, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Midstate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born July 29, 1929 in Hartford, he was the son of the late Karl J. Berg, Sr. and Anna Larson, and later was stepson to the late Harry Ahl. He was the beloved husband of Therese Berg, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage. Karl graduated from Trinity College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in physics and a Master’s degree in mathematics in 1958. He was co-founder and treasurer of the college’s Brownell Club and a member of Sigma Pi Sigma. He worked for Hamilton Standard, then Pratt & Whitney of East Hartford as a computer systems support specialist, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed bowling and golf and was an avid reader as well as a Red Sox and Huskies basketball fan. He relished many a camping trip with his family throughout New England and parts of Canada, and traveled through Europe and Egypt with his wife. A devoted family man, one of his greatest joys was planning and taking them on a whirlwind tour of the U.S. west coast. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Leeann Creed and her husband, Paul, of Meriden, Carolyn Cook, of Meriden, Karl J. Berg, III, of Meriden, Nancy Russo and her husband, Eugene, of Middletown, and Joy Craig and her husband, Scott, of West Hartford. He was the very proud and loving grandfather of Julie and Cheryl Creed; Daniel Cook; Christina, Joseph and Brittany Berg; Jennifer (Russo) Miller and her husband, Christopher and Michael and Christopher Russo. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
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Rosana Scenti
Rosana Scenti, 74, wife of the late Leonard Scenti Sr. passed away on July 11, 2014 at Midstate Medical Center, the good Lord brought our mother home. She was born in Bangor, Maine on November 13, 1939 and resided in Meriden, CT for most of her life. Rosana was an employee at Miller Memorial for many years prior to retirement. She leaves behind a daughter, Debbi Chenard and her husband Richard; a son Leonard Scenti Jr. and his wife Robin for whom we are eternally grateful. Her loving care towards our mother in her final years is beyond words. Grandchildren, Eric, Stephen, Amanda, and Kenzie Scenti, Jenna and Pamela White. She is survived by her sisters, Madeline and Diane; a brother, Bill; all of Maine. Rosana was predeceased by a son, John Scenti in 2010 and a brother, Sonny. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Friday, July 18th, at 6 p.m. at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden 06450 Burial will be private. Calling hours will be on Friday prior to the service from 4 to 6 p.m.
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Agnes Schwink
Agnes Irene Tsaconas Schwink died on July 11, 2014. She passed away in the comfort of her family home where she resided for 56 years. Her twin sister Christine, with whom she shared a deep lifelong bond, was at her side. She was the wife of the late Clarence Schwink. Agnes was born on January 7, 1920 the daughter of John and Julia Banks Tsaconas. She grew up in the arms of a large loving extended family in Waterbury, CT. Her early experiences shaped her into the loving wife, mother and caregiver that she was. Upon graduation from St. Mary’s High School in Waterbury CT, Class of 1938, she launched a career in banking which she enjoyed immensely, starting out at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and then moving to The First Federal Savings Bank, both of which were in Meriden. On July 2, 1952 she and Clarence were married at St. Josephs church attended by her siblings John and Christine Tsaconas. She and Clarence went on to raise three children in whom they instilled their shared values of life and love and in whom they took much pride. They were married for 52 years until Clarence’s death in 2004. Agnes possessed an adventurous spirit and was forever eager to explore new experiences. Her interests were varied and progressive. Her time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her greatest joy. An avid observer of nature; she enjoyed flower gardening and bird watching taking special joy in the Robin, Cardinal and Hummingbirds first spring appearance to the backdrop of fresh blooms. In addition to her identical twin sister, Christine, she leaves behind her children, Mary Bowen and her husband Bill of Meriden, Stephen Schwink and his wife Sherry of Wallingford, Dr. Ann Schwink and her husband Dr. Steve Zanella of Strong, Maine; grandchildren, Dr. Julia Chant, Mary Reiter, Bill Bowen, Stephen Matthew Schwink, Kathryn Schwink, Benjamin Schwink-Zanella and Noah Schwink-Zanella; great-grandchildren, Layne and Clara Chant, Greta, Simon and Silas Reiter. Besides her husband Clarence, she was predeceased by their infant daughter Irene and her brother John Tsaconas. The family wishes to thank caregivers, Cheryl, Tricia and Karen for their compassionate care given to Agnes and Christine during the past few years. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 9:15 a.m. from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, and at 10 a.m. in St. Rose of Lima Church for a Mass of Christian burial. Burial will be private. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center 282 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106
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Marion Ruth Salka
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Arthur C. Vignola
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Edward V. Smith
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George Stringer
George Richards Stringer (Gig), 53, of Baileyville Road Middlefield died suddenly in his home on Monday July 14. George lived in Meriden most of his life with residences on Butternut Drive, View Street, and Swain Avenue. He was the father of Michael and Kaitlin Stringer of Meriden. He was the son of Norman John Stringer Jr. and Roxanne Richards Stringer, born to them January 8th, 1961. He graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1979 and attended Middlesex and Quinnipiac Community Colleges. He worked as a Sales professional his entire career. He is survived by his children, his mother, his former wife Laura T. Stringer of all of Meriden, and brothers, N. John Stringer III of Syracuse, Indiana and Marc W. Stringer of New City, NY. Calling hours will begin at 2:00 and continuing with a Celebration of his Life at 4:30 on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at the John J. Ferry Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street Meriden, CT 06450. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Meriden Humane Society at http://www.meridenhumanesocietyct.com/#!donate/ctzx or mailed to 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences, please visit www.jferryfh.com
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James Roddy
James F. (Rookie) Roddy, 62, of Meriden, husband of Doreen Clancy Roddy, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Masonic Health Care after a courageous battle with cancer. Born July 31, 1951 in Greenwich, he was the son of the late John and Rita Crothers Roddy. He resided in Meriden most of his life and was a graduate of Maloney High School and attended Northeastern University. Jim was a liquor and wine salesman and had an extensive knowledge of fine wines that won him several trips. He was Meriden’s best known and beloved bartender. In years past, Jim worked at Jacoby’s, Vaccaro’s, Sun Valley, Milners Café, the North Italian Home Club and most recently at Garryowens. He was an active member of the Meriden AOH, PLAV, and North Italian Home Club where he was in charge of weekly bingo. He was blessed with a quick wit and Irish humor. He was an avid golfer, voracious reader and loved playing video games with his grandson Ian. He loved making fond memories with his grandchildren at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. In 2004, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of going to Ireland and visiting his family home in Ballaghaderreen County Roscommon. Besides his loving wife Doreen, he is survived by two daughters, Lynn Thibodeau (Mike) and Robin Scozzari; two sons, David Scozzari and Christopher Scozzari; grandchildren, Nicholas Scozzari, Larry Petrocelli III, Brandon Scozzari, Angelena and Jaden Bazinet and Kylee and Ian Maloney and his pride and joy, Alyssa Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Tiffany; two sisters, Jane Swiatek (James) and Anne Prezioso (Robert) both of Meriden, and one brother, Christopher Roddy (Susan) of Kensington. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Kate (Roddy) Cilia (Michael), Ellen Roddy, Michael, Laura and Patrick Swiatek. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT on Sunday, July 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Meriden AOH 71 Melville Avenue, South Meriden, CT 06451 or the North Italian Home Club Scholarship fund, 43 Thorpe Avenue, Meriden, CT 06450.
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Arthur Petit
Arthur G. Petit, 70, passed away peacefully at Water’s Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Middletown on Thursday July 17, 2014 due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s. The son of the late Roland and Emma Aubin Petit, Art was born in Meriden on July 11, 1944. He attended St. Laurent School and was a 1962 graduate of F. T. Maloney High School. In 1964 Art was drafted, seeing active duty in Viet Nam from 1965-66. On his return from his service, Art’s artistic and creative talents directed him to pursue a career in hairdressing. He began his career at the House of Elegance Salon in Styltex prior to becoming the twenty-year owner of Arthur’s Hair Fashions on West Main Street. Following the closing of his salon in 1984, Art was employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the main office on Colony St., retiring from his position in 2006. Art was an active and life-long parishioner of St. Laurent Church and, most recently, Mount Carmel Church. He was a member of the church choirs, a leader of song at weekend masses and a soloist at various liturgical events. For many years, Art shared his creativity at both churches by decorating for Holy Day observances and special celebrations. Art is survived by three brothers, Roland “Pete” Petit and wife Carol of Meriden, Richard Petit and wife Sharon of Cape Coral, Florida, and Paul Petit of Meriden; nieces Lynn Campbell and Michelle Leon; nephews, Michael Petit, Richard Petit, Jr., and Bryan Petit; five great nieces and nephews and long-time friend, John Arndt. In addition, Art is survived by an aunt Jean Petit, several cousins including two special cousins Doris Rubasky and Andrea Hitt. Art was predeceased by several aunts and uncles, his nephew James Petit and his dear cousin Marguerite Cox. The family would like to thank the staff at Water’s Edge, particularly the Dementia Unit, for the continuous care, support and compassion provided to Art and his family during his illness. The funeral will be held on Tuesday July 22 at 9:15 a.m. from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St, Meriden and at 10 a.m. at St. Laurent Church, 121 Camp St. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Laurent Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, July 21, from 3-7 p.m. If so desired, contributions in Art’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter at 2075 Silas Dean Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
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Alan R. Davis
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Marie Lepak
Marie A. Lepak (ne’ Salonia) passed away July 18th. She loved to read, garden, watch movies, listen to opera, hang out at “The Beach,” and spend time with her family, especially her granddaughter. She was born in Middletown the year of the first motion picture talkie. She married Rudolph T. Lepak in 1950 and moved to Meriden. She is survived by her son Jeff, daughter Nina, granddaughter Cherie, daughter-in-law Dawn, and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 23rd at 10:00am at St. Stanislaus Church in Meriden. Everyone is asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, on Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:00 to 8:00pm. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice, 267 Finch Ave, Meriden CT, 06451.
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Paul Anthony Scholder
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Fernand Roy
Fernand J. Roy (Frog), 87, husband of the late Patricia May Roy died on Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at Miller Memorial Community after a brief illness. Born in New Britain, CT on December 21, 1926, he was the son of the late Delphis and Leda Alberta Roy of Meriden. He had resided in Meriden for most of his life and had attended public school. Mr. Roy was self-employed as a co-owner of the North End Café, along with his dear friend and business partner, the late Richard (Cheech) Whalen for over 50 years. He was a veteran of WWII, having served with the U.S. Merchant Marines, and later served with the Army National Guard. He was a parishioner of Holy Angels Church, as well as a member of the V.F.W. and several local social clubs. He enjoyed fishing, horse racing, and sports. He liked gardening and working around his home. He also loved spending time with his family and many friends. He is survived by his brother, Roger J. Roy of Cherryville, North Carolina. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Roy is predeceased by Sweet Patricia, his loving wife of 44 years, a sister Rachel Dubé, a brother Roland Roy, both of Meriden, and a sister-in-law Loretta Roy of Cherryville, North Carolina. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a graveside service with Military Honors to be held on Monday, July 28th, at 11:00am in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Section 15, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, on Sunday, July 27th, from 3:00-7:00pm. Mr. Roy’s family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care he received from all the nurses and staff at Miller Memorial Community, and his care-giver at home, David Bess.
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Carol Toth
Carol A. Toth of Meriden, CT, died at Connecticut Hospice in Branford on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 after a brief illness. Born on August 5, 1939, the daughter of Anna M. Toth and the late John J. Toth, she graduated from St. Joseph School in 1953, from Meriden High School in 1957 and from Pine Manor Junior College in 1959. Carol earned her B.S. Degree from Cornell University School of Nursing in 1962. She received Masters Degrees in Nursing and in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University in 1973 and 1974, respectively. Carol worked as an operating room nurse at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City for nine years. She worked as a special education teacher for a year and then returned to the field of medicine as a utilization review nurse for various employers including CIGNA, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of CT and the Travelers Insurance Company. In addition to her mother, Carol is survived by her sister Barbara Whitcomb and her husband William of Milford, CT; her niece Karen Bryan and her husband Dave of Franklin, MA; her nephew Brian Whitcomb and his wife Michaela of Cranston, RI; several grand-nieces and grand-nephews; her cousin Joe Spisak and his wife Trish of Fairfield and her aunt, Mariska Szenegeto who resides in Hungary. The funeral will be held on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 11 am from the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT and at 11:30 am at St. Joseph Church, 22 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be private. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday morning prior to the Mass from 10 to 11 am. Gifts in her memory may be sent to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Stephen David Rubelman
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Ann Horsfall
Ann E. Horsfall, 70, wife of the late Richard H. Horsfall, died on Thursday, July 24, 2014 surrounded by her family. Born in Meriden on October 23, 1943, the daughter of the late Frederick and May (Bower) Graham, she had resided in Meriden for all of her life and was a graduate of Platt High School. Ann enjoyed cooking, the holidays, listening to Elvis Presley and going to the casino. Ann loved spending time with her grandchildren and was known as Nana to them. She is survived by one daughter, May Muli of Meriden; two sons, Richard Muli and his wife Rachel of Meriden and John P. Muli of Meriden; four grandchildren, Vincent Muli, RJay Zeidenberg, Richie Muli and Ryan Muli; three sisters, Beverly Frazer of Meriden, May Arther of Florida and Joan Graham of Seattle, WA. and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Snooki Crandall and Jean Graham and two brothers, Fred Graham and Tom Graham. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service to be held on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 7 pm. at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday prior to the service from 3 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Connecticut Chapter, 2080 Silas Deane Highway, 2nd Floor, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, 06067.
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Margaret Flaherty Gillen
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