Zaya A. Oshana, 87, loving husband of Angelica M. Oshana, died Tuesday, April 4, 2017.  In addition to his wife, Angelica, “Poppy” as he was affectionately called, also leaves his daughter, Deborah Caloutas; son Zaya Oshana Jr. and his wife Karen; grandchildren Mallory Goclowski and her husband Eric; Michael Fager, Zaya Eugene Oshana and Katherine Oshana.  Finally he leaves behind his two great grand-daughters Bryce “Deborah” and Blake “Angelica” Goclowski.  Sadly, he was predeceased by his son-in-law Dean Caloutas; brother, Robert; sister, Catherine; niece and goddaughter Tracey; and parents Esther and Zaya.

Zaya was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.   After graduating college he accepted a position at Lincoln Elementary School in New Britain CT where his career spanned 33 years.  Mr. Oshana continued his education at The University of Hartford where he earned both the 6th year degree and a second Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.  After the 33 years, Zaya could not rest.  When he was offered the opportunity to supervise student teachers at the University of New Haven, he was thrilled and enjoyed all 10 years at the school.

Throughout the years, Mr. Oshana enjoyed numerous organizations including the Gridiron Club, The Kiwanis Club, The Elks Club, the New Britain Education  Association, the DePaolo PTA and many others too numerous to mention.  However the most important community service job “Poppy” held was his elected position on the Southington Board of Education.  There were no politics involved for Oshana, there were only children and what is best for them.

When he finally did retire from The Board, Mr. Oshana had served his town for 34 years, the third longest serving Board of Education member in town history.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 11 am at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 145 Main St. Southington.

Calling hours will be on Monday, April 10, 2017 from 4-8 pm at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. Donations may be made in his memory to The Zaya A. Oshana Scholarship Fund, C/O TD Bank, 121 Main Street, Southington, CT 06489.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Edna (Jadwiga) Salvatore, 92, formerly of Plantsville, CT and Hollywood Beach, FL, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Jerome Home in New Britain. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Salvatore.

She was born in New Bedford, MA on Sept. 20, 1924, the daughter of the late Stanley and Helen (Marcheski) Bobrowiecki. Prior to her retirement she had been employed by Pratt & Whitney for over 35 years. She was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Immaculata Women’s Club.  She enjoyed knitting, antiques and cooking for her family and friends. She was known for her apple fritters and batches of cookies.

She is survived by her children Felicia Nocera and husband Richard of New Britain and Joseph R. Salvatore and wife Diane of Westbook. She also leaves her grandchildren Bethany Solury, Joel D’Angelo, Alison Lee and Melissa Moore, great grandchildren Ethan, Grace, Jack, Madelynn, Stella and Caroline. She also leaves two sisters Stella Florian and Felicia Michanczyk. She was predeceased by brothers Raymond and John Bobrowiecki.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the Orchards of Southington and the Jerome Home in New Britain for their excellent care and concern.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St. Burial will be at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Calling hours will be at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. on Monday, April 17, 2017 from 5-7 pm.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Franciscan Home Care and Hospice, 267 Finch Ave. Meriden, CT 06451

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Zaya Oshana

By JEN CARDINES

STAFF WRITER

Longtime Board of Education member Zaya A. Oshana, 87, died on Tuesday, April 4. For more than four decades, Oshana—the 16th Zaya in the family lineage—was a leader in town for Southington’s public schools.

Oshana served the educational community throughout his entire life. After graduating Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, he accepted a position at Lincoln Elementary School in New Britain. He continued his education at The University of Hartford where he earned both the sixth year degree and a second master’s degree in administration and supervision.

Oshana retired from Lincoln School after serving 33 years as a teacher and assistant principal. After his many years in the public school system, Oshana was then offered the opportunity to supervise student teachers at the University of New Haven where he spent 10 years.

His long list of credentials made him an experienced member of the BOE.

His 34 years of service on the board of education—first as a Republican and then as a Democrat—still stands as the third longest tenure in town history, eclipsed only by Urbin T. Kelley (43 years) and Walter A. Derynoski (39 years), both of whom have schools named after them.

“He was an educator, so he knew and understood process,” BOE Chair Brian Goralski said, “He supported teachers and was committed to helping kids learn.”

His son, Zaya G. Oshana Oshana, is a current Southington BOE member. Goralski said the Oshanas are a family that serve their community. “That legacy, [the younger] Zaya learned from his father.”

Aside from the education sector, Oshana was involved in multiple organizations, including but not limited to the Gridiron Club, The Kiwanis Club, The Elks Club, and the New Britain Education Association.

He served as a board member for the Margaret C. Griffin Child Development Center and was a past president of the DePaolo Junior High School PTA. However, the most prominent community service job he held was his elected position on the Southington BOE.

“The community owes him a debt of gratitude for his years of service,” said Goralski.

Democratic Town Committee chair Robert Berkmoes presents Zaya Oshana with the Distinguished Democrat of the Year” award in 2016.

According to his peers and family, there were no politics involved for Oshana, there were only children and what was best for them. As a result of his lifetime of commitment, the Democratic Town Committee presented Oshana with the “Distinguished Democrat of the Year” award on Sept. 7, 2016. The ceremony was Oshana’s last public appearance.

The award was presented for his long commitment to Southington because whether it was work, civil service, or his free time, Oshana was always an outspoken champion for local students.

“He was very proud of receiving that recognition,” said Democratic Town Committee chair Bob Berkmoes. “He’s going to be missed.”

At the time, Oshana told the Observer, “I really didn’t do it for publicity. I used to tell people that they could call me ‘Harry.’ I really didn’t care…as long as they listened to my ideas.”

In an interview at the award ceremony, Oshana told The Observer that he was driven by what he could do to help the kids of Southington. How could he get them ready for college? If they don’t go to college, how could he help them in life?

To his students, he posed just two questions: “Where will you be in five years?” and “How will you get there?”

Oshana spent his entire work and service careers helping students achieve those goals.

“He was the type of guy that was extremely concerned with the students,” Berkmoes said after hearing the news of Oshana’s passing. “He wanted to make sure they got the best education.”

Philomena “Phyllis” (Giannamore) Micalizzi, 89, of Southington, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2017 at Abbott Terrace after a short stay. Phyllis was the wife for 66 years of Angelo “Charlie” Micalizzi.
She was born on March 24, 1928 in Waterbury the daughter of the late Joseph and Antoinette (Miresse) Giannamore. She graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School and worked at Hemingway Corporation. Phyllis truly enjoyed her Italian heritage and eagerly shared the cultural details to all who wanted to listen. Phyllis had been a communicant of St. Lucy’s Church for most of her life and was active in the Women’s Group. Since moving to Southington she had been a member of St. Dominic Church.
In addition to her husband, Phyllis is survived by her son Joseph and his wife Sandra of Southington, three grandchildren, Stephen, Justine and Jonathan Micalizzi. She leaves her brother Ronald Giannamore and wife Jean “Angela” of Niantic. Jean was like a sister to Phyllis. She is also survived by her nieces Mary Beth Chinsky and Debra Madden and their families, nephews Michael and Joseph Giannamore and their families and many grand nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a special niece Karen Giannamore and her aunt Concetta Miresse.
The family is most grateful for the wonderful care of Dr. K. Jega and the home care of coordination of Deb Terrill of the CT Community Care.
Her funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Road, Southington for a Mass at 11am. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours will be on Monday morning from 9 to 10:30 a. m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Cardiac Care C/O St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, 56 Franklin St. Waterbury, CT 06706

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

John J. Asklar Jr., age 71, of Southington, passed away on March 30, 2017.

Born in New Britain, CT on December 30, 1945, he was a son of the late John J. Asklar, Sr. & Stacia (Kudron) Asklar. John was also predeceased by his wife Jane (Middlemas) Asklar & his father-in-law John Middlemas.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Tufano & her husband Cuono of Southington, Todd Asklar & his wife Stacy of Bristol, and Seana Asklar of Fall River, MA; his brother Edward Asklar & his wife Candace of Southington; his grandchildren Ignazio & Rosalinda Tufano; nephews Jamie, Jessie, & Jordon Asklar; mother in-law Ruth Middlemas of Glastonbury; sister in-law Deborah Passero & her husband Robert; nieces Kristen, Laura, & Stephanie Passero, and several cousins.

A lifelong resident of Southington, John was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. A truck driver for many years, he worked in his family’s business, Asklar Trucking, then worked many years at International Silver in Meriden, and ended his career driving for C.W.P.M. Co. in Plainville. John was a Ford Motor Co. enthusiast, a New York Mets fan, especially that of Mike Piazza, and an avid NASCAR fan. He enjoyed all racing from bikes to dragsters. John was a former pit crew member for Eddy Flemke Sr. Racing and a past president of the Silver City BMX Club.

Friends may visit with his family at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main St., Southington on Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and may attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St. His interment with Military Honors will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery.

Eva (Mazza) Cordani, 89, passed away on April 12, 2017 in New Britain. She was the wife of the late Joseph Cordani.

Born in New York City on July 28, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Mary (Calfano) Mazza. She was a former employee of  Lenko Buffing and Plating Co. She was devoted to her family, a great cook, enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the Calendar House.

Eva is survived by her children Steven and his wife Cheryl Cordani, Dennis and his wife Jill Cordani all of Southington, Lisa and her husband Andrew DeAngelo of Bristol,  a sister Rose Loesel of Plainview, NY, grandchildren Terri Cushman, Joseph, Jessica, Michael and Matthew Cordani, Scott and Kevin  DeAngelo,  great grandchildren Jason, Morgan, Andriea, Nate, Michael and Lucianna.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10 AM in DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery.  Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 8 PM.

Visit www.dellavecchiafh.com for online condolences and directions.

John “Mike” Michael Piatek, 69, of Southington, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Born in Meriden, CT on June 29, 1947 to the late John and Stacia (Kuzina) Piatek, he had been a longtime Southington resident.

Mike attended Meriden schools and then went on to Wilcox Tech where he studied to be an electrician. He also lived in Pittsfield, MA and then San Jose, CA, until he experienced his first earthquake and returned to CT where he worked as an electrician. Mike was an expert handi-man who could fix anything. With his love for woodworking, he restored his late 1700’s home in Southington. Due to health issues, he had to give up being an electrician but being talented with his hands, he became a “craftsman.” Mike spent hours in his woodshop creating decorative boxes, small furniture, stools and wooden children’s toys which he sold at craft shows around the state. He was willing to make or repair anything for anyone.

Mike is survived by his two sons; Matthew Piatek of San Diego, CA and Adam Piatek and his wife Desiree of Southington; 2 granddaughters, Addison and Madelyn Piatek; his sister Beverly Henkel of Southington, his very dear friend, Pat Lenz of Plantsville and 2 nieces, Helen Henkel of Southington and Sue Hentz of Meriden.

Funeral services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

Richard Baldwin Hutton, 98, of Southington, CT passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2016, surrounded by his family.  He had been the loving husband of the late Virginia Bartlett Cutter Hutton for 72 years.

He is survived by his six children; Sally, Douglas, Christina, John, Martha and Nancy.  He also leaves behind his 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son David.

A service to honor Richard’s life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, 581 Meriden Avenue in Southington. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com

George L. Weaver Sr., 82, of Venice, FL and formerly of Southington, decided to close his toolbox one last time on March, 31, 2017 in FL.

Born in Southington on January 3, 1935 to the late George and Caroline (Ficken) Weaver, he had been a lifelong Southington resident before moving to Florida in 2008 to enjoy his retirement.

George proudly served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War where he worked in bomb disposal. He was a tool and die maker by trade but retired from Associated Spring after many years of head of the maintenance department. George loved to tinker with anything that had an engine and anything to do with cars.

George is survived by his sister-in-law Barbara Kuchta of Venice, FL; his son George L. “Chuck” Weaver Jr. of Southington, 2 daughters, 2 granddaughters and his brother, Robert Weaver of Wolcott.

A celebration of George’s life, followed by military honors, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be held before the service from 3p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial of ashes will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 8, 2017 at Quinnipiac Cemetery, Southington. For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.

Gary M. Michaud, a lifelong resident of New Britain, passed away on December 17, 2016 due to complications from a fall.

Gary attended E.C. Goodwin Technical School.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Gary was the son of the late Wallace and Annette (Cormier) Michaud.

He leaves a sister Barbara Michaud-Triano and a brother Ken Michaud a niece Kristen Michaud, two nephews Michael Michaud and Nicholas Triano .  He also leaves a brother-in-law Gerald Triano, who he had a special bond with.  He also is survived by nine aunts and uncles and 24 cousins.

A special thank you to Aunt Rachel and cousin Cheryl, also lifetime friends Linda and Tim Dawling.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley St; New Britain on Saturday April 29, 2017 at 10 am.

Audrey Genevieve Zack, 80, of Southington, passed away on Easter Sunday morning April 16, 2017 after a short illness.  She was transported by heavenly angels into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Resurrection Sunday.

She was born in Cambridge, MA on February 10, 1937 to Genevieve and Peter Rakowski.  She moved to New Britain, CT where she attended St. Mary’s school and graduated from New Britain High in 1955.  She met and married her beloved husband Ray and were married for 61 years.  After her children were born, she attended Central CT State College and graduated with a degree in History and English.  She continued her education at Central and San Francisco State University with a degree in Oriental Studies and later a degree in Administration.  She was employed by the Town of Southington for 30 years teaching at Kennedy, DePaolo, and Southington High School where she was department Chairwoman of Social Studies.

Audrey was an avid reader and bridge player.  She and her husband owned a miniatures and craft business for 30 years while making most of their products by hand.  Her community involvement included President of the Bradley Hospital Auxiliary and serving on the Board of Directors.  She also served on the Board of Aging.  She worked elections as a moderator and was past President of the Junior Woman’s Club, a member and past President of the Plainville Woman’s Club, Alpha Delta Kappa where she held local and state offices, past president of Alpha Gamma, and Queen Mother of Red Hat Angel Belles.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Mary Beth.

Other than her husband she leaves her son Brian and his wife Carrie of Plainville.  Her granddaughters and husbands and joys of her life Lauren and Andrew Wehrli, Stephanie and Phillipe Melo, and Rachel and Michael Puleo, her sister Sharon  and husband Clif Cooley, several nieces and grand nephews, and many dear friends.  A special thanks to Anita and Hank Lucas as well as Mary and John Connelly for their support.

Audrey and Ray travelled extensively together around the world and Audrey travelled to 58 countries as well as spending time studying in Japan. She was a communicant of St. Domenic’s church in Southington and served as a greeter where she was affectionately known as the Hat Lady.  Audrey was a very loving, caring, gifted and generous lady who had a big heart and enriched the lives of those around her and truly enjoyed her life.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 20th at 10 am at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd. Southington.  Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 5-8 pm at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St.

Donations may be made in Audrey’s  memory to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center Fund, Attention Fund Development, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT  06102.

For online condolence and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Francoise “Fran” Odette (Graves) Alshuk, 73, passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. From her birth on March 27, 1944, to her death she nourished people around her with her kind heart.

She was born in Grenoble, France, to Denise Katz. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph and her father Everett Katz, and is survived by her mother Denise Katz, her children Dave and Cheairs Graves and Dustin and Kimberly Graves, her brother Rick Katz, and her grandchildren Dawson, Margaret-Ann, Elijah, Colton, Daniel, and namesake Jacob Francois. She is also survived by stepchildren Deborah, Michael, Robert, Ann Marie, Donna, Paul, 9 step-grandchildren, and 2 step-great-grandchildren.

Fran embraced life. She was a lifelong learner, earning a Bachelor and Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and an additional Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut University. Fran used her education to serve her community and the state of Connecticut in various roles, including as a social worker for the prison system and as a board member of the local public library. Blessed with a fairytale romance, not much brought Fran more happiness in life than her adoring husband Joe. She loved her family deeply and during her last six months of life she was surrounded by four of her adoring grandchildren who affectionately called her “Grammy.”

She could always be found cheering on the UConn women’s basketball team, reading a recent best seller, or knitting with friends at her retirement community. Fran had an exquisite doll collection and her favorite color purple brought her happiness and comfort. She looked forward to Sundays with her son Dusty and his family when they attended their local church; she had recently considered baptism based on her re-commitment to her faith in Christ.

The family hosted services in Texas and Connecticut. In Texas, visitation with the family occurred on Saturday, April 15, followed by a memorial service at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX. In Connecticut, a visitation was held on Friday, April 21, at the Oasis Restaurant at 782 Pine Street, Bristol, CT, from 4pm to 7pm. A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at 10am at FaithBibleChurch, 168 Unionville Avenue, Plainville, CT.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the University of Connecticut Foundation for the School of Social Work Scholarship. Please make checks payable to UConn Foundation, Inc., and forward to UConn Foundation, Inc., 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, CT, 06269, or visit www.uconn.givecorps.com and click on scholarship fund.

Alfred J. Campagnano, 97, of Southington, passed away Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Summit of Plantsville. He was the husband of the late Madeline (Duncan) Campagnano.

He was born Sept. 26, 1919 in Southington the son of the late Fiore and Immaculata (Forgione) Campagnano. He had retired from G.E. of Plainville and later worked at Wesson Heating. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII. He is survived by 2 sons, Alfred J. Campagnano, Jr. and Frank J. Campagnano and a sister Jennie Marenna all of Southington  and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 sisters Sylvia Alger, Vera Fisher and 2 brothers Frank and Pascal Campagnano.

He was a member of the Gang of Scarpa Shoda.

The Funeral will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington. Burial will be with Military Honors at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Kathleen (Cliff) Beauchene, 78, of the Plantsville section of Southington passed away at her home on Sunday, April 16, 2017. She was the wife of Kenneth Beauchene.

Born April 8, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Christine Cliff.

Kathleen was employed by Filenes for several years. She had a great love for her family and her dogs.

In addition to her husband she leaves her children, Richard Wallace and Katherine Marvoich of Southington and William Wallace of Terryville; four grandchildren, Sean, Amanda, Ashley, Aaron and three great grandchildren; four nephews, James, Richie, David and Eddie Cliff and a niece Christina Cliff. She also leaves her step children, Lorraine McDonald and husband Christopher and Cathleen Kralik and husband Stephen and William Beauchene and 6 step grandchildren, Owen, Drew, Frances, Emily, Zaccaria and Ashley. She was predeceased by three brothers, Edward, James and Thomas and a sister Florence, a nephew, Thomas and step-granddaughter, Haley.

A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 27th at 11 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

Merrilly (Hadar) Dinnean, 74, of Southington, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at HCC at New Britain General. She was the wife of Paul Dinnean.

She was born on July 27, 1942 the daughter of the late Daniel and Eleanor (Hudak) Hadar. Prior to her retirement she was an LPN with New Britain General Hospital.

In addition to her husband she is survived by a daughter Kimberly and husband Matt L’Heureux of West Hartford, a sister Dana and husband Libirio Albanese of Shelton a nephew Frank Albanese of Redding and a niece Lisa Jakovac of NYC

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 11:30 am at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Road. Burial will be at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. on Saturday morning from 10-11 am.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Arthur Francis Mariani, 98, of Southington passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was the husband of the late Claire (Iarusso) Mariani.

Born October 14, 1918 in Bessmer, MI he was the son of the late Pasquale and Elena ( Maurizi) Mariani.

Arthur was a POW veteran of WWII serving with the US Army-Air Force.  His hobbies included gardening, reading, meeting with his friends at McDonald’s and telling war stories to his family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Mariani and a granddaughter Jenna Hui Mariani   He was predeceased by a brother, Arnold Mariani and a sister Josephine Mariani.

The family would like to thank Prince, his home health aide and his nurses , Gina, Agnes, Mary Alice, Jan and sister Catherine Mary of Franciscan Home Care & Hospice for their wonderful and supportive care given to him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017at 11 am at Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St. Plantsville. Burial will be with military honors at St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday morning at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington from 9-10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Franciscan Home Care & Hospice, 267 Finch Ave. Meriden, CT 06451.

For online condolences and directions please visit, www.dellavecchiafh.com

Clyde M. “Clydie” (Butler) Bradbury, 88, of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Jerome Home in New Britain. She had been the loving wife of the late Walter Bradbury for 53 years.

Clydie was born on September 17, 1928 in Enfield, Maine to the late Frank and Bertha Butler.

She was a wonderful homemaker and took exceptional care of her family. She was a great cook, a fantastic baker and will be remembered for her beautiful smile.

Clydie is survived by two daughters, Judith Bradbury of Muncie, IN and Patricia Bradbury of CT; two sons, Timothy Bradbury and his wife Lynne of Portland and David Bradbury and his wife April of Meriden; two sisters, Charlene Priest of Millinocket, ME and Betty Ranslow of Martha’s Vineyard; one granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 4 sisters and 3 brothers.

Clydie’s family would like to thank the caregivers and entire staff at Jerome Home for the wonderful care provided during her time there. Thanks also to her team from Hartford Healthcare and Home Hospice for their added support the last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Clydie’s memory may be made to a charity close to the donor’s heart.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial will be private in the Enfield Village Cemetery in Enfield, Maine. There are no calling hours. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.

Stephen Louis Robert DeSapio, 81, of Southington, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday April 27, 2017. He was the husband of the late Mary Ann DeSapio. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 26, 1935, and was the son of the late Joseph and Helen DeSapio. Stephen had served in the US Army.

Stephen is survived by his daughter Mary Ann Wotton and her partner Deborah Norman of Hamden, grandchildren Daniel and Matthew Wotton along with a sister Dorothy Byers of PA. He was predeceased by a sister Antoinette Agate and a brother Joseph DeSapio Jr.

Services will be held on Tuesday May 2 at 11 AM at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. in Southington. Burial with military honors will be in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. Memorial donations may made to New Beginning’s For Life 251 Main St. Colchester, CT. 06415 ( Stephen DeSapio Memorial Tomato Garden)

For online condolences visit www.dellavecchiafh.com

Josephine (Calderone) Dorzens, 90, of Southington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center. She had been the loving wife of the late Russell R. Dorzens for 50 years.

Born on March 14, 1927 in New Britain to the late John and Liboria (Preti) Calderone, she had been a longtime Southington resident.

Josephine was a member of the First Congregational Church in Southington for nearly 65 years where she was active in various church groups throughout the years. Josephine enjoyed crafting, baking, and cooking. She was a loving mother, wife and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

She is survived by two children; son, Robert Dorzens and his wife Lisa of Plantsville and daughter, Gail Poplaski of North Reading, MA; six grandchildren; sister, Lillian Urbanski of Canton and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Joseph Poplaski; 4 brothers, Jimmy, Dominic, Vito and Patrick Calderone and 2 sisters, Mary Piangozzi and Anne Gibilisco.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Josephine’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held before the service from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.

Lorraine Martina (Houpis) Douglas, 89, of Southington, CT passed away on Sunday, April 30th at home.  She was the wife of the late Herbert E. Douglas.

Lorraine was born on June 29, 1927 in Lowell, MA the daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Van Mote) Houpis. She was a graduate of Stevens High School class of 1946 in Claremont, NH and then worked for Central Vermont Public Service, Claremont National Bank and Olympia Washington State Bank and in 1964 moved to Southington, CT and she attained the position of vice president  as well as Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors for Home Bank and Trust Co. in Meriden, CT. She also earned an ABA degree from Williams College School of Banking. In 1990 she retired from Shawmut Bank as VP and development officer.   Lorraine and her late husband enjoyed vacationing in Maine, Cape Cod and Florida.

She is survived by her twin sister Barbara DeCook of Clarmont, NH as well as several nieces, nephews and good friends especially John and Lorraine DeCarlo.  She was predeceased by sisters Doris Catsam and Muriel Laurent and a brother Wilson L. Parker III.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May10th at 11 am at South End Cemetery, South End Rd. Plantsville, CT. There are no calling hours.  DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Stevens High School Alumni Association, Opera House Square, Claremont, NH 03743.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.dellavecchiafh.com