John Fazzino 1946 – 2015 Ledyard – John Fazzino, 68, formerly of Silas Dean Rr., died Saturday February 21, 2015, at Crossings West in New London. He was born on September 15, 1946. Mr. Fazzino worked in the maintenance field for the State of Connecticut and was the last survivor of his family. Private funeral services have been entrusted to the Cumming-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich

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David M. Pierson 1950 – 2015 Norwich- David M. Pierson, 65, of Gilmore St., died Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at home. Born in Pasadena, CA, he was the son of the late David and Virginia Anne (Huddleston) Pierson. Mr. Pierson was last employed as a Personal Care Assistant for Project Genesis. David was a member of A.A.R.P.; and enjoyed woodworking especially cabinetry building, playing cards, playing the piano, cooking, and telling corny jokes. He is survived by two sons Kylie M. Pierson and Blake Watts-Pierson both of Norwich; a daughter Hannah V.R. Watts-Pierson of Waterbury; a brother Herbert “Herb” Pierson of La Jolla, CA; four sisters Judy Pierson and Ginger Pierson both of La Jolla, CA, Linda Pierson of El Centro, CA and Cindy Pierson of Southern, CA; and two grandchildren Colton Allbright and Noah Pulaski. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with David’s family on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich, CT, from 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Assoc., CT Chapter, 4 Oxford Road, Unit D1, Milford, CT 06460 or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefuneral home.com.

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Mary Theresa Welton Nov. 15, 1939 – Jan. 21, 2015 BROOKLYN – Mary (Mimi) Welton of Brooklyn, passed away peacefully at the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the age of 75. Mimi is the daughter of the late William (Bill) Welton, Sr. and Verna (Johnstone) Welton of Norwich. She is predeceased by a brother, William Welton, Jr. Mimi was a loving and caring person who always had a smile and a kind word for those that knew her. She was a devote Catholic and graduated from the Academy of the Holy Family in Baltic. Mimi worked for several years at the Dempsey Center in Putnam and she participated in many outings and activities provided by the Brooklyn Senior Center. She is survived by two nieces, Jennifer Feeney of Taftville, Jillian Lichner of Benbrook, TX, and a nephew, Jason Welton of Groton as well as numerous cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church in Greenville, CT. Burial will be at the St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Arc Quinebaug Valley, Inc., 687 Cook Hill Road, Danielson, CT. 06239. The Cummings – Gagne Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/norwichbulletin/obituary.aspx?n=mary-theresa-welton&pid=174032555&fhid=7009#sthash.750hId1m.dpuf

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Florencia G. Rosal 1915 – 2015 South Windsor – Florencia (Galimba) Rosal, 99, of Castlewood Dr., formally of Norwich, died Monday, March 2, 2015 in Manchester Memorial Hospital. She is the loving wife of the late Eulogio G. Rosal. Born in Candon, Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Pablo and Adriana (Cadacio) Galimba. Mrs. Rosal was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking. She collected rosaries, prayed often, and attended church every day. She especially loved taking care of her children. Florencia is survived by her son Conrado Rosal of S. Windsor; her daughters, Corazon Bevillard of Lowell, MA, and Belina Ramos of Philippines; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, the late Bernardo Rosal; and her daughter, the late Veronica Rosal. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Florencia’s family from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2015 in the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich, CT 06360. A gathering will begin in the funeral home on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Patrick Cathedral, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefuneral home.com.

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Frank Iacoi, 88, of Norwich, Connecticut, passed away March 4, 2015, at Orchard Grove Specialty Care Center in Uncasville, Connecticut. Frank was born November 19, 1926, in Norwich, Connecticut, the son of the late Maria Felicetti Iacoi and Louis Iacoi. He attended Norwich Free Academy and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as Seaman First Class aboard a transport ship in the Pacific for two years. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After serving Frank returned to NFA as an assistant coach for the football team under Coach Jimmy Williams. A few years later he started a career in sales first working for Brown and Williamson Tobacco, then Curtis Candies. He then settled into automotive sales working primarily for Leo Antonino and The Antonino Auto Group. Later in his career Frank partnered with the late Dave Dodge to open a Rent-a-Wreck franchise and used car lot. These jobs supported his life-long love for horses. In 1952 Frank became a member of the National Horseman’s Benevolence and Protective Association. He went on to own, breed, and train thoroughbred race horses. He raced horses mostly throughout New England, New York and Maryland having his share of success and failure. He never gave up the dream and owned horses until he couldn’t. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Joan Iacoi of Norwich; and 11 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, and 4 great, great nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers Louis Iacoi Jr. and Joseph Iacoi; and one sister; Rose Ulikowski. The family deeply appreciates the work of the staff at Orchard Grove and extends a sincerest thank you to them for the care and kind-heartedness shown to Frank during his stay. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s Church, 70 Central Avenue, Norwich, CT on Monday, March 9th at 11:00. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. As per Frank’s request there will be no calling hours. Donations may be made in his name to St. Mary’s Church, 70 Central Ave., Norwich, CT 06360. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich, CT. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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George W. Wolff, 99, beloved husband of the late Ruth (Gayton) Wolff died Wednesday evening March 11, 2015 at Norwichtown Rehabilitation and care center. Born in Pittsburg, PA, he was the son of the late George and Elizabeth (Mahar) Wolff. Mr. wolf was a proud veteran of World War II serving with the 634th Tank Destroyer Battalion of the United States Army. Prior to his retirement he was employed as a maintenance worker for the town of Bethel Park, PA. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, cutting firewood for his fireplace, and building homes. As a child George worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Surviving is a son Donald Wolff and his wife Sandra of Bethel Park, PA and two daughters Donna Matich and her husband James of Norwich and Karen Molesky and her husband Tom of Bentleyville, PA; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother Raymond Wolff. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with George’s family at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St., Norwich on Monday March 16, 2015 from 9-11AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Sts. Peter and Paul Church at 11:30AM. Burial will take place in Good Sheppard Memorial Gardens Ocala, Florida at a later date. For memorial guestbook please visit Cummings-Gagnefh.com.

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Nancy Booker 1933-2015 Norwich – Nancy Jean Booker, 81, of Hansen Rd., died unexpectedly Sunday morning, March 15, 2015, at home. She was the beloved wife of Raymond P. Booker, Jr. Born in North Stonington, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Madge (Swain) Albro. Nancy graduated from the University of Connecticut in May of 1955 with a major in Physical Education. On April 7, 1956 in the Mystic Congregational Church she was united in marriage to Raymond Booker, Jr. Prior to her retirement she was employed by Norwich Free Academy as a librarian as well as a Physical Education teacher for West Side Junior High School. Nancy loved music and loved to sing, dance, and play the piano. The family has wonderful memories of standing around the piano while she played old time songs for them to sing along to. She loved the outdoors, and she shared her love for walking through the woods, swimming at the lake, and exploring in the rowboat with all of them. She found joy and beauty in everyday things like the return of the redwing blackbirds and the peepers in the Spring. Surviving is her husband of 58 years Raymond Booker, Jr., a son Raymond “Randy” Booker of Norwich two daughters Jane Booker and her husband Dean Berke of E. Hartford and Melissa Booker and her husband David Huey of Coronado, CA; and a granddaughter Acacia Orion Huey of Coronado, CA. She was predeceased by a son Scott Booker and a sister Patricia Panus. Private Funeral Services have been entrusted to the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich. A get together will be held for family and friends in the summer when the sun is warm to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that you call someone you love, go for a walk, or sit in the sun and remember Nancy. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Eileen S. Gross 1920 – 2015 Norwich- Eileen S. (Sheehan) Gross, 95, of Hamilton Ave., formerly of Brooksville, FL, and Bozrah, died Sunday morning in Backus Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Julian L. Gross. Born in Norwich, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Agnes (Hansen) Sheehan. Prior to her retirement she was employed for many years in the catalogue dept at Sears in Norwich. Mrs. Gross enjoyed volunteering her time as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and was a member of the St. John’s Altar Society in Bozrah. She was a longtime seasonal camper at Odetah Campground in Bozrah, and she enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and the Caribbean with her family. After moving to Florida she volunteered at Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Neighborhood Watch in Brooksville. But, above all she cherished the time she spent caring for her grandchildren. She will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Eileen was loved by all who knew her, always maintaining her accepting and positive outlook and her easy laughter and smile. Surviving are her three daughters Nancy Ennis and her husband Frank of Preston, Margaret Clarke and her husband Reed of Vero Beach, FL, and Kerry Gross and her husband Brian Sauvageau of Ledyard; two brothers Richard Sheehan of Mystic and Nelson Sheehan of Groton; three sisters Mary O’Connell of Norwich, Margaret Stallings of Raleigh, NC, and Elizabeth Pringer of Montville; four grandchildren Courtney, Matthew, Ryan, and Reagan; two great grandchildren Connor and Nico; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson Casey, a brother Thomas Sheehan, and a sister Dorothy Derosier. The family especially wants to thanks the women from Companions and Homemakers, especially Danielle, who made her life so comfortable and allowed her to live independently as she wished. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Eileen’s family on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00pm in the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich, where the funeral will assemble on Friday at 9:00am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Cathedral of St. Patrick at 10:00am. Burial to follow in Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Eileen memory to the charity of ones choice. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Anthony D. Martin, Sr. 1936 – 2015 Norwich – Anthony D. Martin, Sr., 78, beloved husband of Juanita (Penha) Martin, of Sturtevant St., died Wednesday morning at the Norwichtown Rehabilitation and Care Center. Born in Wareham, MA, he was the son of the late Antone and Minnie (Williams) Martin. Mr. Marin worked for many years as a construction worker for various companies. Surviving is his wife of 54 years Juanita Martin; a son Anthony D. Martin, Jr. of Norwich, a daughter Tina Annette Martin of Norwich, two brothers Ernest Martin of CA and Joseph Martin of MA, six sisters Dolores Sequaria of MA, Beverly Bingham of MA, Lorraine Andrade of MO, Barbara Martin of MA, Joyce Evora of MA, and Sheila Fontes of MA. He was predeceased by a sister Pauline Fontes. Private funeral services have been entrusted to the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 83 Cliff St., Norwich. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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George “Bumnum” J. Scott, Jr. November 14, 1945 – July 25, 2015 Norwich – George “Bumnum” J. Scott, Jr., 69, of Sylvian St., formerly of FL, died Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Backus Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. God took home a good man, father, and friend. Born in Norwich on November 14, 1945 he was the son of the late Gerard J. and Mary Ann (Colona) Scott, Sr. Mr. Scott was the former owner of Scott & Sons Auto in Plainfield and enjoyed racing his car at Waterford Speedbowl. After moving to Lakeland, FL, where he enjoyed the sun, he opened his own home remodeling company. Surviving is a son Michael Scott of Norwich, four daughters Kathleen Scott and Geri Scott both of Norwich, Tabitha Scott of Griswold, and Anita Scott of NH; a sister Joan Scott of Groton; stepson Edward Scott of Preston; cherished friend Patricia Scott of Norwich; fourteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends in Lakeland. He was reunited in heaven with his parents and son Joseph Gerard Scott. You will never be forgotten our father and friend. We will always love you and miss you. Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Francisca A. (DaLuz) Rodrigues January 6, 1925 – August 1, 2015 Norwich – Francisca A. (DaLuz) Rodrigues, 90, of Spruce St., beloved wife of the late Belmiro M. Rodrigues, Jr., was called home, Saturday morning August 1, 2015 at the Orchard Grove Rehabilitation and Care center in Uncasville after a lengthy illness. Born in New Bedford, MA, on January 6, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Joaquim and Antonia (Rocha) DaLuz. On December 29, 1948, in Oakland, CA, she was united in marriage to Belmiro M. Rodrigues, Jr., who died on December 19, 2006. Mrs. Rodrigues spent the majority of her married life living in Norwich. Francisca worked for many years at the Wm. W. Backus Hospital as a dietician and later as a presser at Westgate Cleaners until her retirement. She always enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family, and helping others. Francisca was a very outgoing loving person that will be missed by many. She took pride in her Cape Verdian heritage and participated in their cultural festivities as well as being a longtime member of the Santiago Society. Francisca is survived by two sons Belmiro J. “Junie” Rodrigues of Norwich and Henrique Rodrigues of New Mexico; four daughters Antoinetta, Christina, Priscilla, and Loretta Rodrigues all of Norwich; four grandchildren Tasha Rowe, Rashad Talley, and Henry Rodrigues all of Norwich and Stephen Lampkin of Beijing China whom she raised as a young child after the death of his mother Paulina; and several nieces, nephews, friends, and family members. She was predeceased by a daughter Paulina Rodrigues; a brother John DaLuz, and two sisters Anna Youngblood and Minnie Glover. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a graveside service to be held on Thursday August 6, 2015 at 3:00PM in St. Joseph Cemetery, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Francisca’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Phyllis T. (Cook) Courey April 17, 1928 – August 9, 2015 Norwich- Phyllis T. (Cook) Courey, 87 beloved wife of the late Peter Courey of Johnson Place, died Sunday morning, August 9, 2015, at Norwichtown Rehabilitation and Care Center. She was born in Barre, Vermont on April 17, 1928, daughter of the late Louis and Maude (Gregoire) Cook. Mrs. Courey was a homemaker. On May 4, 1957 at Church of the Blessed Sacrament in East Hartford, she was united in marriage to Peter Courey, who died on September 10, 1998. Surviving are two sons Thomas Courey and Louis Courey and his wife Amanda of Norwich; a daughter Diane Jachimowicz and her husband Lucian of Wethersfield; two sister in laws Rita Cook of Enfield and Betty Dubois of Preston and a brother in law Joe Courey of South Windsor; three grandchildren Brianna Courey, Kevin Jachimowicz, and Heather Courey and several dear nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers Vernon and Floyd Cook. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Phyllis’ family on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, from 6:00 – 8:00PM at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St., Norwich where the funeral will assemble on Thursday at 10:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth St., Norwich, at 11:00AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Phyllis’ family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Home Life Companion and Homemakers as well as the staff of the Norwichtown Rehabilitation and Care Center for the outstanding care they showed to her during her illness. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth St., Norwich, CT 06360. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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John Sawaryn 1918-2015 Salem – John Sawaryn, 97 of West Road died Peacefully on Monday August 10, 2015. He was the loving husband of the late Doris (Ouellet) Sawaryn who died in 1998. Born in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late Michael & Rose (Lipieka) Sawaryn. John worked as a tool maker and design engineer for the underwater sound lab in New London. He was a WWII Army Air Corp Veteran serving in Japan. He was a member of the American Legion. He was an avid skier and enjoyed making crafts and wood working. John loved to travel and go on cruises. John is survived by his sons, Mark Sawaryn of Salem, CT and David Sawaryn of New York, NY , his grandson Christopher Sawaryn, his great Grandson Teagan Bergeson and his cousins Michael Sawaryn, Joyce Len and Gale Majewski. He was predeceased by his brother Charles Sawaryn in 1988. Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors for John on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Cemetery, Norwich.

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Daniel W. Kelleher, Jr. September 25, 1931 – August 13, 2015 Norwich – Daniel W. Kelleher, Jr., ”Bill”, of 34 Thomas Ave., passed peacefully on Thursday evening, August 13, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of the late Patricia Anne (Higgins) Kelleher for 30 years. Born in Westerly, RI, he was the son of the late Daniel W. Kelleher, Sr., and Mary Agnes (Murphy) Kelleher. Bill graduated from Stonington High School (1949) and Providence College (1953, B.A.). He served in the US Army from 1953-1955 (PFC). In 1961 he began working at Norwich (Eastern) Savings and Loan. By 1971 he was promoted to Bank President, a position he held for 24 years. During his career he held many positions in the financial field and community development. He was Director of the New England League of Savings Institutions, President of the Connecticut League of Savings Institutions, Director of the Norwich Community Development Corp., and Chairman of the Norwich Downtown Development Committee. In 1984 he was named Citizen of the Year by the Norwich Chamber of Commerce for his work and effort in preserving the history and guiding the development in Downtown Norwich. Bill also was a founding member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and held memberships of several other social organizations. Bill enjoyed skiing and spending time with family at his cottage on Mt. View Lake in Sunapee, NH. He also enjoyed attending Providence College Basketball games and going to see the Red Sox. Ireland held a special place in his heart and he enjoyed visiting there many times in addition to acquiring his dual citizenship. His labor of love was maintaining his yard and especially delighted in hosting many get-togethers with family and friends. Bill is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Marie Dudevoir and husband Douglas of Kailua, HI, and Maureen Anne Taylor and husband David of Nederland, CO; his sons, Daniel W. Kelleher III and wife Christine of Manchester, VT, Timothy James Kelleher and wife Mary Kay of Yantic, CT, and Michael Charles Kelleher and wife Jennifer of Sunapee, NH; and 13 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sisters, the late Mary Stillman, Grace Collins, and Helen Cavanaugh. Bill’s family would like to thank Hospice and Lighthouse Homecare. In particular, Hermin, Faustina, and Jackie whose loving care helped keep Bill comfortably in his home. Also a special thanks to his son & daughter in law Tim & Mary Kay Kelleher and their family for all the care, love and sacrifices they made over his last years. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bill’s family from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, August 20, 2015 in the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich, CT 06360. Funeral mass and burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Masonicare Home Health & Hospice 339 Flanders Road Suite 215 East Lyme, CT 06333. For Memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Helen E. “Betty” LaPorte 1920 – 2015 Norwich-Helen E. “Betty” (Santo) LaPorte, 94, beloved wife of Emile A. LaPorte, of White Plains Rd, died Sunday evening at Hartford Hospital. Born in Wethersfield on September 24, 1920, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Helen M. Bushnell. Mrs. LaPorte lived most of her life in the Norwich and Baltic areas after moving here from Wethersfield in 1925. On January 26, 1946 she was united in marriage to Emile LaPorte. Helen worked as a payroll clerk in the office of the Brooklyn Cooperage Company for fifteen years. She also worked for her husband’s business Allied Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical Company for thirty-four years. She enjoyed spending quality time with her husband’s family and friends, traveling, and camping. She is survived by her husband of sixty-nine years Emile LaPorte, a son Jeffrey S. LaPorte and his wife Tammy of Marlborough; a sister Eleanor Willey of Pittsboro, NC; and a step grandson Chase Mathews of Plainfield. She was predeceased by a sister Lois Jacobik. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with Helen’s family on Friday August 21, 2015 from 6:00-8:00PM at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St., Norwich. A Graveside service will be held on Saturday August 22, 2015, at 1:00PM, in St. Mary Cemetery, 163 Willimantic Rd., Baltic. Memorial donations in Helen’s memory may be made to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 70 West Main St., Baltic, CT 06330-1348. For memorial tribute please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Norwich – Peter Frederick Hofmann, 56, died at home on Thursday September 24, 2015. Born in New York, he was the son of the late Frederick Gustav Hofmann and Adele Dellenbaugh Hofmann. Peter loved nature, animals, and music. He had a gentle soul and was eternally optimistic. Peter taught his family about compassion and dignity. He was loved and he is missed. He leaves his sister Annie Gardiner and sister-in law, Lisa Heyer, of California and his step mother, Florence Hofmann of New Jersey. Donations in Peter’s memory can be made to Martin House at www.martinhousect.org or the Connecticut Human Society at www.cthumane.org To express your condolences and memories, visit www.Cummings-GagneFH.com

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Michele E. Ciriello October 16, 1960 – November 2, 2015 Michele E. Ciriello, of Norwich, CT, passed away on November 2, 2015 surrounded by her family, after a hard-fought battle against breast cancer. Michele was born to Anna C. Pepin and the late Roland V. Pepin on October 16, 1960 in Norwich, CT. Michele was united in marriage to Joseph Ciriello on December 29, 1990. Michele graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1978. She attended the University of Connecticut at the School of Pharmacy in Storrs, CT and graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1983. During her career, she was a pharmacist at Bellantone’s in Taftville, Uncas Pharmacy in Norwich and the Norwich State Hospital. Upon closure of the hospital, she worked as a pharmacist at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown, where she became the pharmacy supervisor. She retired from that position in 2013. Michele was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Michele is survived by her husband, Joseph; her three beloved children, Joey, Nicholas and Anna; her sister, Judi; and her mother, Anna. Michele was predeceased by her brother, Jeffrey D. Pepin, on April 11, 2011 and her father, Roland V. Pepin, on October 13, 2011. Michele touched many people’s lives and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Her family would especially like to thank Sister Rita Johnson for her continuing spiritual support and care, Dr. Anca Bulgaru for doing what was humanly possible to help Michele in her cancer battle, the ECHO and Backus A2 nurses and staff who worked so hard to care for Michele, and the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut who gave such comfort in Michele’s last weeks at home. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Michele’s family on Thursday November 5, 2015 from 4:00-8:00pm in the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff Street, Norwich. Her funeral will assemble at the funeral home on Friday November 6, 2015 at 9:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:00am in St. Patrick Cathedral. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michele’s memory to Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut (227 Dunham St, Norwich, CT) or St. Patrick Cathedral School (211 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360). For memorial guestbook, visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com

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Frank Ritacco, 89 of Norwich, passed away peacefully at Norwichtown Rehabilitation and Care Center on Saturday, November 7, 2016. Born in Norwich, Frank was the son of the late Anthony and Christina Ritacco. Frank was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy Class of 1944. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a seaman first class in the European and Pacific Theatres during WW II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his return to Norwich, he was employed as an apprentice typesetter for The Norwich Bulletin. In 1957 he joined The New London Day retiring after 31 years in 1988. Frank was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown, a member of the New London Typographical Union Branch 159, Communications Workers of America Local 14106, VFW Post 594 and the Rose City Senior Center. He was united in marriage on September 3, 1955 at Saint Mary’s Church in Norwich to Jean Burns, who predeceased him on January 15, 2014 after 58 years of marriage. His daughter Laurie Ann Ritacco, his son Thomas Ritacco and wife Cheryl and grandson Nicholas Ritacco survive him. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Katelyn Ritacco, brothers, Ralph, Sam and John; sisters Louise Nickersen, Mary Langlois, Rose Tulka, Helen Szalkowski and Yolanda Derosier. Frank never held back when he spoke. He was honest, open and you knew where you stood. He was generous, bighearted and would most certainly give you the shirt off his back. He was loved, appreciated and will be greatly missed. Frank, may you whistle your way through Heaven as you often did here on Earth. The Ritacco family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the nurses and staff at Backus Hospital, Norwichtown Rehabilitation Care Center and Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut for their care and compassion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00am on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Sacred Heart Church Norwichtown, 52 West Town Street Norwich. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. The Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The Katelyn Ritacco Sunshine Scholarship c/o the NFA Foundation, 321 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. To share a condolence with the family, please visit, www.cummingsgagnefh.com.

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David E. Rainville SEPTMBER 3,1961 – NOVEMBER 1, 2015 Canterbury – David E. Rainville, 54 of Bingham Rd, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015 in Colonial Health and Rehabilitation in Plainfield. Mr. Rainville was born in Norwich, CT, the son of Dorothy (Williamson) Rainville of Canterbury, and the late Paul R. Rainville, Sr. Mr. Rainville was a farm hand for several area farms in Connecticut and North Dakota. He enjoyed reading western novels in his spare time. Most recently he spent his time with his cousins and great cousin Joseph on their farm. He talked endlessly of his trip up North to another cousins large dairy farm, while visiting other large farms that kept him in awe. He was happiest when he could be with friends and family. In addition to his mother, David is survived by his sister, Beth deChamplain of Griswold, CT. Nieces and Nephews Sarah and Adam deChamplain, Robert Rainville and Bonnie Lee Burton, Great Nephews John and Wyatt Burton, Great Niece Lily (deChamplain) Thoma. Aunts, Uncles, Numerous Cousins and several lifelong friends. He is predeceased by his son, the late David E. Rainville, II; his brother, the late Paul R. Rainville, Jr.; and his sister, the late Bonnie Lee Rainville. Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm in The First Congregational Church of Canterbury, 6S Canterbury Rd., Canterbury, CT 06331. For memorial guestbook please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

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Margaret Pauline (Fernandez) Thompson Sun Rise- September 27,1930 ———Sun Set November 20, 2015 Margaret Pauline Thompson, a Resident of Crossings-East; on Viets Street in New London, CT entered eternal life peacefully on November 20, 2015. Chapter One: Margaret was born in Boston, MA; and to those who knew her intimately knew her as TeeTee. The daughter of Isabella (Brewer) and Manuel Nelson Fernandez. Margaret’s family moved to Norwich CT and settled at 160 Talman Street, when she was one year old. The family attended St. Mary’s Parish. After the passing of her parents, she was raised by her Grandmother Alice Louise (Brewer) and Grandfather Frank Almeida. Chapter Two: Margaret attended the Bishop School until eighth grade. She was later employed at the Norwich Thermos and W.W. Backus Hospital. She enjoyed going to the Santiago Society, Inc.; dancing to boogie-woogie and Cape Verdean music. Some would also know her as “Sandy Bottoms”, a name given to her by her friend Gladys’s Epps. Chapter Three: After the death of her sister Shirley Granderson, Margaret married James E. Thompson and raised her sister’s children Joyce, Margaret (Pompi) and Charles (Brothie). With her everlasting friend Henrietta Brewer, and her children Felicia and Carol Brewer. The family eventually moved to Cambridge, MA; where they resided for many years. Chapter Four: Margaret eventually moved back to Norwich and worked at Foxwoods Resort Casino, until her retirement. During her retirement, she was a help and friend to the community at the Resident of Crossings-East, where her husband James Thompson resided. Life is a chapter in God’s book of life and we thank you Margaret, for your chapter in which introduced all those that have had the opportunity to share life with you! Chapter Five-Those welcoming her: Her grandparents; parents; husband James; sisters Shirley and Maria; brother Nelson, niece Margaret and Carol; nephew Charles, great nephew William C. Coleman and Richard Granderson; and her favorite Uncle Edward Paul Brewer predeceased Margaret. Her life-long friend Laura Rodrigues and Henrietta Brewer, whom she lived a great portion of her life. Chapter Six – Those still writing: Margaret leaves many memories and chapters of our own book of life in which God is orchrastrating, niece Joyce Coleman (children Tracy, Jay and Jerome); niece Felicia Robinson (children Al, Lisa and Janine); great nephew William Granderson, great niece’s Mena Brewer, and Rosalyn Kline, and a host of loving children; DelGado and Fernandez families’ and lifelong friends to cherish her memory. Chapter Seven Her spirit of giving and love of family will keep her “Forever in our Hearts”. Until we see you again, may we remember your love, and kindness! Chapter Eight Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Margaret’s family on Saturday November 28, 2015 at 9:30am with a funeral service held at 10:30am in the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home, 82 Cliff St. Norwich, CT 06360. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.Cummings-GagneFH.com

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