Abbey Cremation Service

Gilbert Nelson Bell II, a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud United States Marine, gifted craftsman, and lifelong adventurer, passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 75. He lived a full and meaningful life marked by integrity, curiosity, humor, and a deep appreciation for the people, animals, and places that mattered most to him. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Gil spent his early years in Norwalk and Southport, Connecticut, before later raising his family

Julie Maxwell Shull, 59, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in Sandy Hook. Though the official record marks her passing on Christmas morning, Julie took her final breath late on Christmas Eve, surrounded by love — her husband Lee cradling her, with their children Olivia and Ian and her sister Joni at her bedside. Born on September 1, 1966, in Jackson, Michigan, Julie was the daughter of Shirley Ann Welch and Alton Ray Maxwell. From a young age, she exhibited a vibra

December 25, 1949 - January 6, 2026 A beloved mother grandmother and great grandma. Madeline loved her family very dearly . She will be sorely missed by so many. Madeline worked for BARC as a residential MA for many years before her health declining. She wholeheartedly enjoyed taking care of the residents and has missed sharing stories and recipes with her fellow coworkers. She enjoyed her scrap booking hobbies and making items for her family. Madeline was born to Edward and

10/05/1948- 12/29/2025 Our beloved Dad, Grandfather (Pepa) , brother and friend passed from this earthly world on December 29, 2025. Born Arthur Charles Runkle on October 5, 1948 to Arthur and Joan (Reese) Runkle in Pottsville , Pennsylvania. Art (as many friends called him ) spent his early years in Pennsylvania and Maryland before moving to Connecticut with his parents as a teenager. It was here that he met the love of his life, Linda Murray Runkle, his wife of 57 years who

Donald Cobb, age 65, of Chester, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2025, in Chester. Donald was born on July 29, 1960, in Cortland, New York, to Robert Cobb and Jean (Gammond) Cobb. He was a graduate of Old Saybrook High School and went on to build a long and dedicated career at Pratt & Whitney. Don cherished time spent with family and took great joy in the wildlife surrounding his home. He touched many lives with his kindness, compassion, and intellect. K

August King, Jr. passed peacefully Jan. 1, 2026, surrounded by his family, at his daughter's home, where he also resided, at 5 Union Street, Terryville, CT.  He was born Feb. 25, 1947 in Waterbury to August King Sr and Antionette (Cyr) King. He attended Watertown and Waterbury grammar schools. He was a graduate of Kaynor High School where he was trained as a machinist. He served his apprenticeship at Farrel Foundry in Cheshire. He also earned his skilled machinist papers. He

Emma Jean Swartz Balizet, 96, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in East Lyme, Connecticut. Born August 14, 1929, on the family homestead in Jericho, Sinnamahoning, Pennsylvania, Emma was raised by her parents, Laura and Arthur Swartz, alongside her sister Sandy and brother Roy.  Emma developed a lifelong love of music, beginning piano lessons at age 12 and later becoming a self-taught organist. She married Tom Balizet on

Laura Kron, born on March 20, 1947, passed away on December 10th 2025 after over two long years of courageously battling cancer. She's now in eternal peace, free from pain, and her legacy lives on. We love and cherish her memory dearly. She leaves behind her husband Thomas Kron her twin daughters Sharon Davey, Charlene Deschaine and her husband Steve. Her twins son Larry Beaulieu and daughter Lorry Beaulieu, 6 beautiful grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her sister Pa

Marian Arlene Adamo (Bova), of West Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 5th. She was 80 years old. Marian was born on August 17, 1945, in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Basil and Marion Bova. She was a longtime resident of East Haven before later residing in West Haven. Marian was a talented professional cake decorator, working for many years in her family-owned bakery. She took great pride in her craft, bringing joy to countless celebrations throu

Kenneth Stephen Demchak, passed away peacefully in his home on December 26, 2025, and will join his wife Mary Heser who died on October 15, 2025. Ken was born on October 21, 1941 to the late Walter and Vadis Demchak (Branford). He is predeceased by his brother Thomas Demchak (Branford). Ken is survived by his son, Michael Demchak of New Haven, CT, his daughter, Laurie Giza and her husband Joe Giza of Quincy, MA and by his grandchildren, Eddie and Zoe Giza, also of Quincy, MA.

Alice Christine Marcoux, 80, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Willimantic, Connecticut. Born on August 31, 1945, in the United States, Alice embraced life with a vibrant spirit and infectious joy that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Alice was known for her sharp wit and candid humor—traits that brought laughter and light to every room she entered. Her honesty and warmth endeared her to many, creating deep bonds of friendship and affection throughout her lif

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Steven Castonguay on December 23, 2025. Born on September 23, 1973, in Bristol, Connecticut, Steven consistently offered warmth and kindness to those around him, and his positive presence brought great happiness to his devoted parents as well as his immediate and extended family. The years shared with Steven were sincerely valued, and his relationships are appreciated by all who knew him. Steven will be remembered for his

Fran Laureano , 69, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at Manchester Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Fran was born on June 7, 1956, and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, where she lived for many years and built deep roots in her community. For 38 years, Fran was a dedicated employee of Connecticut Foodshare, where she poured her heart into ensuring that no one in her community went hungry. Her passion for helping others was evident in everything s

In Loving Memory of Harvey “Papa” Dickens Harvey Dickens, 90, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away December 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.  Harvey lived a life rooted in love, loyalty, and family. He was devoted to his wife, Eleanor Dickens, the love of his life. To their family, they were simply  Nana and Papa —a deeply connected pair whose bond shaped the heart of their family. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Har

September 14, 1939 – December 16, 2025 Kathy Collelo, born Kathryn Joan Devozza, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, in Plainfield, Connecticut, at the age of 86. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, Jimmy Collelo, whom she loved deeply and missed greatly. Kathy was born on September 14, 1939, in Putnam, Connecticut, to Angie Chotkowski and Roger Devozza. She spent much of her life in northeastern Connecticut, where she was known for her gentle nature, kind

Nancy (Mihalich) Walsh, 75, of East Haven, passed away on December 8, 2025. She was born on September 13, 1950, in New Haven to John Anthony Mihalich and Marguerite (Kirk) Mihalich. Nancy is survived by her son Michael John Walsh (Louise) of East Haddam, her daughter Kimberly Verna Walsh of Waterbury, and her daughter Kelly Marguerite Walsh of Hamden. She is also survived by her sisters, Susan Bond (Jim) of Hamden and Cynthia Mihalich of Ansonia, along with many nieces and ne

October 7, 1955 - December 17, 2025 Laura Brown, a native of Italy and longtime resident of Hanover, Massachusetts, most recently of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 17, following a decline in health due to dementia. Laura is predeceased by her father, mother and sisters. She leaves behind her husband Thomas Brown, who was with her at the time of her passing, and her daughter, Constance Brown. She is also survived by many cherished brothers- and

LaVerne Eleanor Alexander , née Manion, a devoted wife, loving mother of six, gifted artist, and longtime community volunteer whose warmth, creativity, and faith left an enduring mark on the many places she called home, died peacefully at her residence on November 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 91. Born on March 1, 1934, in Braddock, Pennsylvania to Eleanor Gale (nee Myers) and Edwin Aloysius Manion and lived in Turtle Creek before moving to Plum Township as a tee

March 25, 1975 – December 12, 2025 It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Peter Charette, 50, of New Britain, Connecticut, announces his passing on December 12, 2025. Richard, known to friends and family as "Rick," was a man of extraordinary character—a Marine Corps veteran, skilled tradesman, and most importantly, a devoted father, son, brother, and friend. Born and raised in New Britain, Rick was a proud Marine who held that title with honor. After his time in

George J. Holdefehr Jr. , 83, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. Born on March 30, 1942, in White Plains, New York, George grew up in the Silver Lake section of West Harrison before later making his home in the Town of Harrison. A proud veteran, George served as a Military Police officer before spending his professional career as a plumbing and heating contractor, a trade he practiced with dedication and skill. George was the beloved son of George Holdefehr Sr. and