Bethel Funeral Home Obituaries

Introduction to Bethel Funeral Home

Bethel Funeral Home, located at 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT, 06801, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community for many years. With a deep understanding of the importance of honoring loved ones, the team at Bethel Funeral Home is dedicated to providing personalized and meaningful funeral services that cater to the unique needs of each family they serve.

A Legacy of Compassionate Care

Bethel Funeral Home has built a reputation for delivering exceptional care and support to families during their most difficult times. Their experienced staff takes the time to listen to the needs and wishes of each family, working closely with them to create a customized funeral service that reflects the personality and spirit of their loved one. From traditional funeral services to cremation options and memorial ceremonies, Bethel Funeral Home provides a range of choices to suit every family's preferences.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Alice M. Gegeny - June 11, 1938 - March 15, 2022

Departed: 03/15/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Alice Mary (Long) Gegeny, age 83, of New Fairfield, CT, died Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Danbury Hospital. She was the widow of Dr. Thomas Paul Gegeny.

She was born in Queens, NY, daughter of the late Lawrence E. and Alice (Fuess) Long. Her 30+ year career as a nurse at Danbury Hospital was a source of great pride for her. In fact, at the time of her retirement, she was Research Coordinator for cardiology and oversaw major clinical trials at the Danbury Hospital site, such as the TIMI 9A study: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/epdf/10.1161/01.CIR.90.4.1624.

Alice is survived by her brother, Lawrence Long of New Brunswick, ME, as well as her 4 children and 2 grandchildren: son Thomas and husband Daniel Lopes of Bridgeport, CT; daughter Theresa, her husband Michael Blasi, and grandson Michael of Hartsdale, NY; son Mark, wife Marie (Gonzalez), and granddaughter Taylor of New Fairfield; and son Joseph of Ansonia, CT.  She is preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Beth Miller. She also has a son, Keith L. Miller, of Newtown, CT, and grandson, Keith L. Miller jr. of Dover Plains, NY.

A graveside service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Bethel, CT on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 12:30 PM.

The family will receive friends and visitors at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, on Monday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.

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Michael Tamburino - August 10, 1971 - March 07, 2022

Departed: 03/07/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Michael Tamburino, 50, of Bethel, CT, peacefully passed away on March 7, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult, but courageous battle with ALS.

Mike was born on August 10, 1971 in Carmel, NY. He is survived by his parents Louise (Gorey) of Glens Falls, NY and Fred Tamburino of Jericho, NY. He is survived by his two brothers Peet (Michelle), James and his sister Janine. Mike graduated from Carmel High School in 1989, and pursued a career at Servco Oil as an HVAC Tech from 1992 through 2020.

In 1987, he met his high school sweetheart Lois at Carmel High School, at a school dance. Mike and Lois were married in 1992 and went on to have four beautiful children, Matthew, Joshua, David, and Hannah.

Mike was extremely involved in each of his children’s lives, whether it was coaching, refereeing, or attending dance recitals. The most important things in life were his family whom he loved beyond words. Mike had a natural calling to work with the youth in his community. He was celebrated last summer by the Bethel Baseball Association and was inducted into the State of CT Babe Ruth League, Inc Hall of Fame. Bethel Baseball also named an award for him, The  Mike Tamburino Lifetime Achievement Award. He was so overwhelmed and appreciative of both of these honors. He was a member of both the Bethel Baseball and Bethel Youth Lacrosse boards. Mike was an avid sports fan always cheering for the Yankees, Patriots and his favorite NY Rangers. He had an unmatched passion for music and concerts of all genres. Mike became an active member of the ALS community after his 2016 diagnosis. He helped others who were afflicted with this debilitating disease.

Calling hours will be held at Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel on Friday March 11, 2022 from 5-8 PM, and the funeral will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2 PM.

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Stephen M. Murphy - August 25, 1948 - February 19, 2022

Departed: 02/19/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Stephen M Murphy, 73, of Bethel CT, passed away February 19th, 2022.

Stephen is survived by his Son Steve Murphy (Heather)  and his daughter Tara Murphy Hartigan  (John) . He was a loving grandfather to his four grandchildren James, Charlotte, Katie and Colin .  Loving Brother of Loretta (David) Stotter and Dennis (Kathy) Murphy. He is also survived by his nephew Brian, niece Chelsea and many cousins. Stephen was predeceased in passing by his parents Mary & Dennis Murphy.

Stephen was a Proud Veteran of the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals. He worked for over 30 years for Canada Dry /Pepsi Bottling Company as a Production Manager. He made many life long friends while at Pepsi in College Point Queens NY.  Stephen had a black belt in Shotokan and trained in martial arts weapons.

Stephen will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, CT Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Bethel on Monday, February 28. 2022 at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will be at Middletown State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown, CT at 1:00 PM.

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Douglas D. Cole - August 21, 1951 - February 18, 2022

Departed: 02/18/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Douglas D. Cole age 70 of Bethel died February 18, 2022 peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Bethel on August 21, 1951 to Ada L. (Ferry) and Fred F. Cole. He lived in Bethel until November of 1961 when his family moved to West Redding. He graduated from Joel Barlow High School in 1969. He worked with his father at the family business for his formative years, Bay Window Package Store and West Redding Store, continuing to work there until the business was sold. He would go on to work in retail the majority of his working career.

As a child he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America in West Redding as well as donating his time to the organization as a scout master in his young adult years. He was also a member of the West Redding Fire Company for a period of time.

He worked hard all his life to help support his family which he raised in Bethel. He was an avid supporter of the American Circus while being a 30 year member of The Circus Fans Association of America. When he wasn’t working he would be taking his family to a circus.

He was an avid fan of baseball rooting for the New York Mets from the beginning of the franchise. He loved to watch baseball either in person or on TV and would take his kids to minor league games often.

He was a dedicated fan of the Danbury Racearena and Fair and often attended the races until their closing as well as the many SNYRA reunions that followed.

He will always be remembered as a wonderful father, friend, clown and the world's Greatest Opa to his grand kids and all their friends. He is predeceased by his parents Ada and Fred. He is survived by his three children; Tracy and her husband Eric Gallagher of Carmel, NY and their children Bethany, Morgan, Jared, Nathaniel, Warren and Adyson; Emmett Cole  of Bethel, CT and his children Dane and Baylee; and Courtney and her husband Jason Goodrow of Albany, GA and their children Robert, Caleb, Wesley, Nick and Paul. He is also survived by two sisters Deborah and Donna and multiple nieces and nephews.

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Joseph E. Moore, Jr. - December 23, 1942 - February 08, 2022

Departed: 02/08/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Joseph E. Moore

December 23, 1942 – February 8, 2022 age 79 years.

Joseph Eugene Moore, Jr. longtime resident of Bethel, CT, passed away on February 8, 2022. He was 79 years old and a beloved husband, brother, father, uncle and friend.

Joe was born December 23, 1942, to the late Joseph E. and Mildred (Smith) Moore. He grew up in Ridgefield, CT, graduating from Ridgefield High School in 1963 and marrying his lifelong sweetheart, Judy (Ettinger) in 1966.

Joe retired from the Ridgefield Post Office after many years of service. He then worked part-time at Caldor and Kohl’s of Ridgefield. He always had a friendly hello and great smile for anyone he met.

Joe is also survived by his son, his pride and joy, Steven, Steven’s wife Stacy, his brothers Glen and his wife Fran, Thomas and his wife Peggy, along with sisters-in-law, Karen Phelan and Betty Ettinger, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the area.

He joins his brothers-in-law, Wayne Phelan and Charles (Bub) Ettinger in heaven.

Joe loved fishing and would head out to the Saugatuck Reservoir as often as he could with his son Steven to enjoy the day.

Joe will be sorely missed at all the future family gatherings. A private burial of his ashes will take place in the spring. Donations in his memory can be sent to the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, 38 South Street, Bethel, CT 06801

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Lucille C. Walsh - March 01, 1927 - January 31, 2022

Departed: 01/31/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Lucille Walsh, widow of Roger V. "Bud" Walsh. was born in Derby CT on March 1, 1927 to Harold and Beatrice Card. Lucille grew up in Norwalk CT and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1944. On June 18th 1949 she married Bud at St Mary's Norwalk where they began their family. After a few years in Norwalk, they moved the family to neighboring Wilton. Later in 1967, Bud and Lou moved the family once again this time to the grand old house on Wooster Street in Bethel.

In Bethel, Lucille became an active volunteer at St Mary's school and in the community. In 1972 she went to work for the Town of Bethel and later enrolled in evening classes at Western Connecticut State University. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration degree and retired from the Town of Bethel Finance Department in 1992.

Lucille was involved with serving as a member of the Commission on Aging as well as Coordinator for St Mary's Meals on Wheels program. She was co-chair of the Bethel Chapter of Regional Hospice, as well as a certified Election Moderator. Her many fond hobbies included years of singing in the St Mary's Choir and reading with the Book Club at the Bethel Senior Center. She especially treasured her home of 40 years on Wooster Street.

Lucille is survived by eight children: Roger and wife Dianne, Daniel and wife Missy, Maureen Walsh and Janet Walsh, all of Bethel, CT; Gerard and wife Karolein of Pulaski; VA, Kathleen Walsh and husband Mario Marin of Southbury; Kevin and wife Nancy of Charleston, SC; and Sean and Holly of Wickford, RI. Also, 21 grandchildren: Kyle Walsh and wife Michele, Tim Walsh and wife Casey, Amy Arruda, Valerie Cicero and husband Mark, Heather Corrow and husband Ryan, Andrew Garlick, Donovan Walsh, Eric Kavall, Jackson Lambright, Connor Walsh and wife Amanda, Bryan Walsh and wife Kristen, Jackie Booth and husband Rob, Zach Fetuao, Dylan Walsh, Liam Walsh, Candace Williams, Aidan Walsh, Kari Kavall, Madeleine Hendrix and husband Daniel, Rachel and Abel Fetuao. She is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and two sisters: Gloria Seymour and husband Alan of Norwalk and Joan Wragg of New Milford and many nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband of 52 years she was pre-deceased by granddaughter Sarah Lucille Kavall.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Bethel, Monday morning at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

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John "Jack" Troy - October 12, 1933 - January 26, 2022

Departed: 01/26/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: John Francis "Jack" Troy, Jr., son of John Francis Troy, Sr. and Genevieve (Breton) Troy, died Wednesday at Danbury Hospital after a brief illness. John was born in Danbury on October 12, 1933 and lived in Bethel, CT. for 60 years. In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by his sister, Mary Genevieve Troy. He is survived by his brother, Michael R. Troy and Michael's wife, Beth, his niece Amy Troy, her husband Christopher Palmer and their daughter Vivian (Philadelphia, PA), his nephew Brendon Troy and his wife Anna and their daughter, Eleanor (Chappaqua, NY), and his cousin, Terri Breton Kapur (Newburyport, MA). John graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a degree in engineering and served in the army at Fort Dix, NJ and at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY. John was an avid reader and lifetime learner and volunteer. He belonged to the American Legion (Post 100), the Catholic War Veterans (Post 1043), and the Ancient Order of Hibernians (John A. Gildea Division 3).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Church, Danbury, Saturday at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Bethel, CT. The Bethel Funeral Home, Bethel, CT is handling arrangements.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in John's memory to the American Leukemia Association. John was loved very much by his family and friends and will be missed by all.

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Brian Patrick Hayes - May 11, 1965 - January 22, 2022

Departed: 01/22/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Brian Patrick John Hayes of Easton, Connecticut, died on January 22, 2022, while serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard in Augusta, Georgia. He was a Staff Sergeant at the time of his death, but posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class.

Brian was born on May 11, 1965, the eldest child of John Hayes and Florence (Hanlon) Hayes of Redding, Connecticut.

Brian graduated from Joel Barlow High School in Redding in 1983, after which he traveled across the United States and took up residence in Colorado, where he spent several years perfecting his telemark and downhill skiing and working for the National Ski Patrol.

Brian had a lifelong love of the wilderness and reveled in all aspects of outdoor adventure, exploration and survival. In 1985, Brian embarked on a solo mountain bike trip that began in central Colorado and took him north through the Rocky Mountain range, into the Yukon Territory and ended in Alaska.

Upon his return to Redding, Brian founded Connecticut Woodshingle Roofs, an enterprise that reflected his interest in traditional carpentry and historic preservation.  Among his numerous carpentry projects, Brian contributed many hours of effort to reconstructing the roof of the original St Patrick Church in Redding, now known as Mercy Hall.

During this time, he also joined the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard, located in Newtown, where he served for several years.

Moved by the events of September 11, 2001, Brian enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he initially trained as a combat infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia, later changing his specialty to Military Police. In this role, he deployed with his unit and served for a year in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  His awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terror Service Medal.

In December 2021, Brian moved to the 169 Aviation Unit, based in Windsor Locks. Brian was dearly loved by his fellow soldiers, family and friends and will be profoundly missed.

Brian is survived by his son, Patrick Hayes, his parents, and his sisters, Mary Kate Hayes and Sheila (Hayes) Goffe. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, Redding on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 12:00 PM. Burial with military honors will follow at St Mary Cemetery, Bethel. The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM before processing to church. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit hullfuneralservice.com

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Marla Beth Duffy - February 16, 1965 - January 16, 2022

Departed: 01/16/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Marla Beth Duffy, age 56, of Bethel CT passed away unexpectedly on Sunday January 16th, 2022.  Born in New York to Michael and Elaine Ballesteros, Marla built an abundantly happy life with her husband Mike (her Prince Charming), raising two beautiful and brilliant children, her son, Mickey, and her daughter, Brianna.  She was adored by her sister Anita, and Anita’s children Alyssa and Eric.  She was a loving and caring member of her family, embraced as one of the Duffy clan by her mother-in-law Sheila; sister-in-law Debbie and her husband Mark and their son Kellen; and brother-in-law Bill and his wife Lynn and their children Jenna and Ryen.

Marla was a force of nature, passionate and filled with life and laughter, embracing everyone she met with her joy of living, wry and quick sense of humor, and her infinite kindness.  She left no one untouched by her smile.  Marla and Mike had the best of marriages, brimming with love and faith and loyalty and friendship, always together and as much in love nearly 30 years later as the day they married.  Marla was a fierce devoted mother, loving and raising her children in only the way she could, with humor and love and generosity, supporting them in all their interests throughout their childhood.  She and her sister shared a unique bond, born of a nomadic childhood, that carried through their lives together.

Friends will remember an exuberant, funny, and always laughing Marla, who was involved in countless civic, charitable, and school-related activities with an abundance of energy.  Marla was actively involved at Mickey’s and Brianna’s schools, from room mom in pre-school and elementary school, to crossing guard and “lunch lady” at Rockwell School, to being a board member for the NJROTC boosters club.  As a “lunch lady” she always enjoyed those little smiling faces and got a big kick when they would sing “Happy Birthday” to her.  She was a member of the “Pink Ladies” Relay for Life team where she made and continued countless friendships.  She formed an incredible bond with this wonderful group of ladies.  For a number of years she served as the secretary of the team, always interjecting her compassion, joy, and sense of humor at events, meetings, and especially her version of meeting recaps.  Marla and Mike and their children have been members of St. Mary’s Church of Bethel, CT, since their move to town.

It can’t be left unsaid that Marla loved anything Disney, as anyone who knew her knows well.  She enjoyed planning her family trips to Disney as much as going on them.  With her passion and knowledge of Disney, she often helped friends and acquaintances plan their trips.  Marla eventually put all that expertise to use as a travel agent for Kingdom Konsultant travel where she designed countless vacations for clients who became her newest friends.  Many of those new friends came back year after year to have Marla plan a trip for them.

From her start in NY, Marla grew up in England, France, Portugal, and New York, moving to Stamford, CT, while in college and after graduation before settling in Bethel, CT.  Marla graduated from SUNY Geneseo with her bachelor’s degree in communications in 1987.  She enjoyed time with her beloved husband, son, and daughter, outings with friends, celebrating her children’s many achievements with pride, finishing her sister’s sentences, and innumerable always-memorable happy trips to Disney.  Her love for life and her spirit has been so very tragically cut short.  She leaves her family utterly bereft and friends throughout Bethel and across the world deeply saddened.

Marla is survived by her husband Michael A. Duffy, Jr, her children, Michael A. (“Mickey”) Duffy, III, and Brianna H. Duffy, all of Bethel, CT, by her sister, Anita Ballesteros of Somerville, MA, and her children Alyssa Vanderbeek of New York, NY, and Eric Vanderbeek of Ashland, MA, by her nephew Guy Stevens of Gretna, NE, and by her mother-in-law, Sheila Duffy of Darien, CT,  by her sister-in-law Deborah Papparella and her husband Mark and their son Kellen of Colchester, CT, and by her brother-in-law William Duffy and his wife Lynn and their children Ryen and Jenna of Trumbull, CT.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, Wednesday evening January 26th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  A memorial service will be planned for the spring or early summer.

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Richard J. Moody, Sr. - October 03, 1943 - January 13, 2022

Departed: 01/13/2022 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Richard “Dick” James Moody Sr. of Bethel, CT passed away on January 13, 2022. He was 78 years old and a beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.

Dick was born on October 3, 1943, to Don and Grace (Benziger) Moody. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Bill. Dick joined the United States Air Force out of Bethel High School, where he met and married his lifelong sweetheart Betty in 1962.

Dick was the quintessential patriarch of his family and loved spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was the type of person that would see a stranger walking in the pouring rain and drive them home after giving them the dry shirt off his back. Dick could literally fix anything, working as a master mechanic on jets, and even worked on President John F. Kennedy’s plane. Later he was the owner of EDS Motors. He fought a long battle against heart trouble which started as a young man; his resilience paying off when he finally received a heart transplant in 2006.

A lifelong resident of Bethel, CT, Dick is survived by his wife of 60 years Betty, and his four children: Rich (Kelly) of Newtown, Jackie DeJohn (Rick) of Danbury, Bill (Meagahn) of Newtown and Sandy Gutierrez (Jose) of Bethel. He is also survived by his five siblings: Bob (Martha) of Bethel, Jack of Bethel, Kathy of Danbury, Don (Linda) of Plattsburgh, NY, and Jeanne (David) Jennings, of Fruitland, ID.

Dick was known affectionately as “BopBop” by 9 grandchildren: RJ (Katie), Stephanie, Janet, Kenny, Jose, Jonathan, Olivia, Mason, and Erika. In addition, he was blessed with three great grandchildren: Gracie, Liam, and Elliot.

Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT on Thursday, 1/20/22. A 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 1/21/22 at Sacred Heart Church, 12 Cottage Street, Danbury, CT. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bethel, CT.

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Norma J. Moretti - August 26, 1927 - December 22, 2021

Departed: 12/22/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Norma Josephine Moretti, of Redding, CT, died Wednesday, December 22, 2021. She was born in Bronx, NY on August 26, 1927. At an early age she met her future husband, Frank Moretti. They married in 1950.

Norma and Frank are long-time residents of Redding and parishioners of St. Patrick Church, where Norma served as parish secretary for over 20 years.

In addition to her husband of 71 years, Norma is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Peter Kushar, grandson Matthew, sisters Alma and Elva and loving family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Redding and burial will follow at Redding Ridge Cemetery on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM.

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Francis M. Farnan - December 21, 1923 - December 16, 2021

Departed: 12/16/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Winchester, N.H. and former Bethel, CT resident Francis Michael "Pete" Farnan, 97, passed away December 16, 2021, in Keene, NH.

Pete was born December 21, 1923 in Bridgeport, CT, an only child to Owen and Margaret (Seeley) Farnan.

When Pete was in eighth grade, the family moved to his grandfather's farm in Bethel, CT where he lived until retiring to Winchester in 1988. He served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator and crew chief in Hawaii from 1943-46. He later became a member and Commander of the same Bethel V.F.W. Post 935 his father Owen was in, making them the first father-son members of Post 935 in Bethel. In 1947 he married his first wife and cherished mother of his four children, Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mayette. With Peggy's support and encouragement, Pete completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern CT State University. Peggy predeceased Pete in 1976. A multi-talented artist, Pete was a career sign painter, painting billboards, ads and logos in CT, and showcard theater signs in New York City. In the late 1960's, Pete found a home for his artistic talents at the Danbury State Fair in Danbury, CT, painting signs and repairing and restoring the fair's many character figures, including the 38-foot Uncle Sam now on display at the Danbury Rail Museum, as well as painting the logos and lettering on actor Paul Newman's race cars. Pete married his second wife, Annette Moreno, in 1985, and they moved from Bethel to Winchester, N.H. in 1988. She predeceased him in 1998. A devout Roman Catholic, Pete began an almost 20 year journey of restoring and repainting religious statues for St. Stanislaus Parish in Winchester, which spanned over time to a number of restorations for churches in NH, MA, and NY state. Pete's third marriage was to Dorothy "Dot" (Bliss) Doolittle in 2006. He thought the world of Dot, and enjoyed her company more than words can say. Francis leaves behind his wife Dorothy; daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Robert VanDuzee, son Peter Farnan, son Patrick and daughter-in-law Deborah Farnan, son Sean Farnan; grandchildren David and wife Stephanie, Jon and wife Yuki Mino, Kristy, James, and Amanda; great-granddaughters Kelsey, Emily and Aily.

The family thanks everyone for your condolences and would like to especially thank the 2nd floor staff of the American House, Keene, NH for their unwavering compassion and excellent care of our father/grandfather during his illness. They kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Private burial services will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bethel, CT.  There are no calling hours.

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Edward T. Dubé - January 28, 1941 - December 01, 2021

Departed: 12/01/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Edward Trefflé Dubé, of Redding, CT, loving husband, and father of two children, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on December 1, 2021.

He was born on January 28, 1941, in Norwalk, CT. He was the son of the late Trefflé and Aurora Dubé. Edward retired as a Lieutenant Fireman for the City of Norwalk where he worked for 32 years.

In his spare time, Edward would go hunting and fishing with his buddies. However, he spent most of his time rooting for his kids and grandkids as they played sports.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Dubé, his son Erik Dubé, of Redding, CT, Daughter Nichole Lévesque, of Fairfield, CT. his sister Celine Raymond and her husband Larry Raymond of Myrtle Beach, SC. His Grandkids, Luke Dubé, Ava Dubé, Ryan Lévesque, Mathew Lévesque.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Patrick’s Church, 169 Black Rock Tpke, Redding, CT on Monday, December 6 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at the church hall next door. There are no calling hours.

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Wayne E. Crosby - August 31, 1943 - November 23, 2021

Departed: 11/23/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Wayne Elwyn Crosby of Bethel passed away peacefully at Danbury Hospital on November 22, 2021.

He was born on August 31, 1943 in Norwalk Hospital to the late Kenneth Ellsworth Crosby and Ethel Kahle Crosby. Wayne grew up in New Canaan, CT and attend J.M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford, CT. He met his wife of 57 years, Louise Vitiello Crosby on Easter Sunday 1961 and they married on May 30, 1964. They moved to Bethel in 1969 where they raised their two children.

Wayne was employed by the Town of Bethel for over 34 years and worked in both the Highway and Building Maintenance departments.  Previously he was employed by the Getman & Judd Lumber Company in Brookfield, CT, the Central Construction Company of Greenwich CT and Glenbrook Laboratories in Glenbrook, CT.

Wayne was very handy and could fix almost anything.  He enjoyed home improvement projects and over the years he put on multiple additions to his homes, including a garage where he restored his 1940 Ford Coupe. He was an avid vegetable gardener, a lover of dogs and a lifetime fan of the NY Yankees.  He also enjoyed playing poker with a group of friends for over 30 years.

He is survived his son Daniel Crosby (Lori) of Sandy Hook, CT and daughter Christine Crosby (Ken Haber) of Bethel CT, his granddaughters Rachel Crosby, Alyssa, Kaylee and Savannah Lima and his great grandchildren Skylyn and Daxton.

He is also survived by his brother Kenneth F (Bud) Crosby of Boynton Beach FL and his sister Jean Crosby DeMattio of Westport, CT as well as several nieces and nephews.

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Anne C. McDonald - July 25, 1935 - November 18, 2021

Departed: 11/18/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Bethel, CT – Anne Carmel (Hayes) McDonald, age 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 18, 2021. Anne was born and raised in Troy, NY and fiercely proud of it. In Troy, she graduated from Catholic High, then Nursing school and met the love of her life, James W McDonald at the Notty Pine Restaurant. Anne and Jim were married for 47 years before Jim’s passing in 2003. Their life together took them to Chicago, IL, Arlington, VA, Beechhurst, NY and Bethel, CT. Anne and Jim raised four children together. In her life, Anne displayed great perseverance. Her second child, Francis, was born with autism and her first born child, Katherine, was in a tragic car accident that left her mentally and physically handicapped. Anne devoted the rest of her life as a caregiver to her eldest children. Never did a week go by, that she wasn’t with them. Despite difficulties, Anne is most remembered for her sense of humor among her closest friends and how much fun she was to be around. Funny, smart and tough, she was definitely the life of the party. Later in life Anne started working at the Y daycare center in Bethel that she loved. Anne was a devout Catholic, member of the Red Hat Society, an avid reader, Jeopardy enthusiast and self-described “best female driver on 13th Avenue”. Anne made friends everywhere she lived and they were friends for life!

Anne is survived by her beloved children, Katherine McDonald of Bethel, CT, Francis McDonald of Norwich CT, Joseph (Rosemary) McDonald of Matawan, NJ and Brendan (Kate) McDonald of Denver, CO. Her sister Mary Kay (Steve) Sgambati of Mechanicville, NY, many nieces and nephews and her dear friends. In addition to her husband James, Anne is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Katherine Hayes, cousin and sister-in-law Patricia McDonald, brother-in-law Francis McDonald, sister-in-law Mary Keefe, brother-in-law Cornelius Keefe and nephew James M. McDonald.

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Carol L. Henderson - December 13, 1926 - October 23, 2021

Departed: 10/23/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Carol Louise Henderson, age 94, passed peacefully, in a New Canaan, CT Care Center.

She is survived by three Hiatt children: Lori, Paul and Jody, six grandsons and five great granddaughters, one great grandson—all of whom inherited attributes of her artistry.  She lived a full, imaginative life: most recently sewing, teaching tailoring (as a resident, Beatitudes, Glendale, AZ), current events/politics (voted for Biden since “Michelle chose not to run”), following trends and fashions—including those worn by along with the poignant words of Amanda Gorman, and the Olympics.   In the past, she had been an accomplished pianist, a high school English and Theatre teacher and even an aerobics instructor.  Her life was full and varied. In 2000, she reconnected and thereafter wed her first and forever love, Evanston HS sweetheart, Donald L. Miehls (d. 2018). They enjoyed AZ living and travelled to his family in FL as well spent summers in CT with youngest daughter and her family.

Per her wishes she will have a small spring scattering of ashes in a CT magnolia garden with options for virtual participation.

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Jeffery E. Lawrence - October 25, 1954 - October 19, 2021

Departed: 10/19/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: No description available

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Patricia Murphy Burgess - April 15, 1939 - October 16, 2021

Departed: 10/16/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Murphy Burgess of Bethel, CT, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 82. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Trish was born to the late John and Christine (Connolly) Murphy on April 15, 1939, in Boston, MA. She was the youngest of three daughters. She married the late Kenneth C. Burgess, Sr., from Saltville, Virginia in 1963 and they settled in Bethel, CT where she raised her family and worked at Duracell Corporation. In her early years, she spent two years in postwar Germany before returning to the U.S. She graduated from Barnstable High School on Cape Cod and went on to study at Chamberlain Junior College in MA. Trish enjoyed reading a good book and talking about her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She loved to sing, had a wonderful sense of humor, and always had a good story to tell. She shared many stories about the adventures of the Murphy sisters, her time at Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, MA, and the fun times she had at the beach in Osterville, MA. Her most memorable days included spending the day at the beach or on her back porch surrounded by nature. Trish was predeceased by her brother John and her eldest sister Sheila Murphy Nowick. She is survived by two sons, Kenneth “Casey” Burgess, Jr., and his wife MariaAnna of Port Chester, NY, and Michael Burgess of Brookfield, CT; her daughter Kathleen Burgess of Bethel, CT; four grandchildren Mary, Jack, Sydney, and Madison; her sister Mary “Peggy” Murphy Paiva, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held on 11/6.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Public Library ,189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT 06801 or D.A.W.S. of Bethel, CT – https://daws.org/gifts-and-memorial-donations/.

The Bethel Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit hullfuneralservice.com.

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Joan M. Ruete - March 16, 1933 - October 12, 2021

Departed: 10/12/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Joan M. Ruete 1933-2021 Family…..Love…..Children…..Smiles…..Christmas…..The Trailer These are the words that instantly come to mind when we think of Mom (Joan)

Joan was born to loving parents Louise and Jacob Wulforst, March 16, 1933.  Four years later, a sister, Marilyn, arrived and here began a life well lived and much loved.  She grew up in Glendale, Queens, NY and graduated from Richmond Hill HS in 1950 having taken secretarial courses which served her well throughout her life.  In 1951, at the age of 18 she met and married Ray Ruete and lived in Ridgewood, Queens, NY.  Soon after the marriage came the first of three children, Patricia (1951-1952).  In 1954 a son, Ray Jr., was added and 1955 brought another daughter, Theresa, and so began the journey of Family and Love. The early years in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, she sewed just about everything, from clothes for her and her children to doll clothes, bedspreads and matching curtains, and included reupholstering furniture to save money.  Christmas was a major joy to her and was always a full Family  event.  Remembering Joan at Christmas is to know that her house was decorated from top to bottom and inside and out beginning at Thanksgiving and lasting well into January.  She always believed in Santa!

A move came in 1966 to her first house in Pine Brook, NJ.  This move was made to give her children a better education and life outside of New York City.  Out in the suburbs she learned to drive and began working first, at home splicing 8-track tape cartridges and later in the office at Montville High School as assistant to the Principal.  As her children were involved in sports during high school she went to cheer them on and joined the Montville Mustang Association, a parent run booster organization.  Everything was about Family, Love  and Children.

Another move came in 1973, moving to Connecticut.  She worked at the family owned business, Art Medals, Inc.  Her children were grown and off to college.  Life took a turn as the business dissolved along with her 25 year marriage.  Joan made her final move to Bethel CT in 1978 and embarked on the rest of her journey through life focusing finally on herself and her family.  She worked for The American Cancer Society in Danbury, CT and then at Preferred Utilities until she retired in 2001.

The Family  continued to grow. Ray was married in 1977 to Diane Pratt and they were blessed with a daughter, Ann Michelle, Joan’s first grandchild, in 1980.  In 1981 Theresa married and along came Joan’s second grandchild, Cynthia in 1982.  Three more grandchildren were added; in 1983, Stephen, in 1985, Denise and in 1988, Alison.  As her grandchildren grew, she got to enjoy seeing each of them experience Love  and Family  as they married and brought great-grandchildren into her life.  Stephen married Anne Gould in 2010 adding Elizabeth (2012) and Jonathan (2015).  Alison and Winston were married in 2010 (& 2011) bringing Ava (2011) and Alex (2014) into the Family.  Next was Ann Michelle who married Nathaniel Butzer in 2012 bringing Tyler, McKenzie and Xavier into the family.  Denise gave Joan her first great-grandchild Christian (2003) and Rose (2008)  and then met and married Kristofer McIntosh (2015) to complete her family.  And last but never least, Joan’s ‘Best Buddy’ Cynthia married Charles Brown and brought the last little one Irene Joan (2018) to complete the circle of her Family.

Ever present in her life was her dear younger sister Marilyn, her children, Joan’s nephew Joseph and niece, Donna, Donna’s husband Richard and their children Timothy, Danielle and Steven were as close to her and her own children and grandchildren.  Marilyn and Joan traveled together with their mother and later with Joan’s daughter Theresa to see the country and the world, but always returning to enjoy the pleasures close to home.

How can we complete the picture of Joan’s life without talking about the Trailer.  From 1955 through to today and hopefully for many years to come, through five generations so far, the Trailer  has stood for Family, Love , laughter and stability.  A three room 1940’s Streamline style trailer is parked near the Big Flatbrook in Branchville, NJ and became the center of summer fun year after year.  No running water, indoor plumbing, TV reception or Internet, Joan and Marilyn raised their children there every summer and their children brought the grandchildren and they in turn brought the great-grandchildren.  The Joy that the Trailer  brought to Joan and her family is immeasurable.  To explain it to friends and co-workers it would sound like a palace, but to the family it is even more than that.  It represents everything that Joan’s family stands for, everything that she taught them, gave to them and received from them.  It centers us in Love and joy and most of all Family.

We would be honored to have all her neighbors, friends and acquaintances join us in remembering her at Bethel Funeral Home, 2015 Greenwood Ave, Bethel CT on Sunday October 17, 2021 between 1:00PM and 4:00PM.

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Nathan J. Kelly - November 23, 1987 - September 26, 2021

Departed: 09/26/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Nathan James Kelly, 33, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Nathan was born on November 23rd, 1987, in Baltimore, Maryland, and is the son of Deborah and Daniel Kelly.  He is survived by his brothers Zachary Kelly (Loretta) and Luke Kelly, his sisters Brittany Cook (Billy) and Kayla Kelly, his nephews- Billy, Jack, and Beau, and niece Caroline, his longtime girlfriend Jordan Courtney and his bulldog, Bam, along with his school family and countless friends.

Some of Nathan's passions included lifting weights and getting tattooed, while strangers may have found his outward appearance intimidating, those of us who were close to him knew his true personality. Nathan was kind and gentle, he was quiet and a bit reserved. His ability to turn a simple “hello” into an immediate friendship was incredible. He could make a connection with anyone. He loved all things Nike and had an extensive sneaker collection. His favorite pastime was laughing with his brothers while playing Xbox or spending quality time with Jordan and Bam. He was an avid bodybuilder, having won several competitions.

Nathan had an undeniable love for children. He was a beloved teacher at the Easton Country Day School where he inspired students and always helped to heal any matters that might have upset them. He was a protector, a rock, a solid foundation for so many- he was a true role model. One reflection from a friend and colleague said, “Nate’s life was dedicated to encouraging, teaching, and guiding others to find the strength inside of them to overcome obstacles and find happiness.  Nate had the indescribable ability to connect with others and make them feel important and special just by being who they are”.

Nathan’s untimely death is nothing short of a tragedy. We are heartbroken over the loss of our son, brother, partner, friend; his absence is felt by all. Although he is gone, he has left a permanent mark on our hearts and will live on in us forever.  Funeral arrangements are being made by Bethel/Hull Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Walnut Hill Church on Friday, October 1st from 5:00pm - 8:00pm (156 Walnut Hill Rd, Bethel, CT 06801). Please join us in celebrating Nathan’s life. A formal service will be held at Black Rock Church (3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825) on Saturday, October 2nd at 11:00am. All are welcome to join us for the burial following at Elmwood Cemetery in Bethel.

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Claire C. Stull - October 16, 1926 - September 25, 2021

Departed: 09/25/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Clelia Claudia Salvadori Stull 10/16/1926 - 9/25/2021

Clelia passed away peacefully on 9/25/2021 at 11:15am. We pray that she was greeted by her husband, Carl Stull and deceased loved ones. She was survived by her three children; Daniel Stull, Carla Pignone, Diane Dunne, her son-in laws; Nicholas Pignone and Dennis Dunne, and daughter-in-law; Linda Stull. Clelia loved and cherished all of her grandchildren; Nicole Archiere, Lisa Ledee, Jason Dunne, Brian Dunne, Alexa Tilden, Dominique Pignone, Jeremy Dunne, Adam Stull, David Stull; and her Great-Grandchildren; Nicholas Archiere, Gina Ledee, Michael Ledee, Craig Tilden, Kamden Dunne, Marcello Ledee and Jesse Tilden.  She loved to sit outdoors under the trees and read. She was a story teller and took pride in talking about her family and time spent in northern Austria. She had a passion for food, and loved cooking authentic Austrian dishes from her family recipes. We can still hear her playing the "Blue Danube Waltz" on her record player. The music would radiate through the house.  She was loved so very much by us all, and will be truly missed.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00, Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 and Friday morning during the half hour preceding the service from 11:00 to 11:30 AM.

A service will be held at the Bethel Funeral Home, Friday at 11:30 AM.

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Jesus M. Esteban - January 05, 1933 - September 16, 2021

Departed: 09/16/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: On January 5, 1933 - Jesus Manolo Esteban was born in Manila, Philippines. He was the youngest of ten siblings. Jesus peacefully passed away at home, in the presence of his loving family members on September 16, 2021, at the age of 88.

He is survived by his wife, Nora, and their children: Jesse (Jesus N.) - who is married to Ruth, Norman - who is married to Yvette, and Jessica - who is married to Steven. His joyful memory lives on through all of his grandchildren: Ysabelle, Justin, Zachary, Joshua, Miguel, and Sabrina. His great-grand pets, “Blackey Doo” and “MiMi Meow” will miss their best friend, who always showered them with companionship and treats.

He lived a very successful and fulfilling life - both as a citizen in the Philippines, as well as in the United States. He never failed to bring a smile to the face of whoever he talked to, while spreading the wisdom that his mind was overflowing with; truly the type of man you wanted on your trivia team. He was always able to bring out the best qualities in everyone and had a very contagious smile.

Jesus Manolo was an extremely resilient, hard-working, and determined man. Even at a young age, he had a strong work ethic. Growing up in the Philippines, his family was tight on money. At a young age, he discovered that he could go to the junkyard to sift through the rubbish and find scraps of metal, plastics, and other reusable goods that had just been discarded. Then, he would either choose to repurpose the item at home or bring it to the recycling center where he was given money for items that no one else had wanted. Through his effort of collecting and recycling, he was able to earn enough money to help contribute to his family. Despite this time-consuming job, he was able to do it all while still attending school.

He went on to become a proud member of the Philippine Navy. Not only was his determination obvious when it came to his ability to swiftly rise through the ranks and become a Commander, but it could also be seen throughout his many accomplishments in life. He was successfully able to set afloat again a once sunken warship that lied on the bottom of the ocean floor after a battle in World War II. With only a month’s deadline, many others had attempted to do this task before him; however, there was no success until the command of the mission was given to Jesus M. Once in charge, with three days remaining - he worked tirelessly, using every ounce of wit and determination he had. The great warship was once again above the surface because of Jesus’ ability to not give up, even though the odds and time were both stacked against him. It was after this great accomplishment that he was recognized and rewarded for his feat by the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos.

Jesus Manolo lived out his college degree in Naval Architecture to its fullest. After his resume of accomplishments, he was then head-management of the shipping and lighterage division of the San Miguel Corporation in Cebu, Philippines. On his watch, he had soon observed and noted that the shipments were taking too long to be unloaded and loaded from the port. To combat and resolve this obstacle, Jesus M. designed new loading ramps that were then implemented on the entire pacific San Miguel fleet. Due to his high level of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a strong educational foundation in Naval Architecture, ships were able to spend half the time and effort in port and allow for shipments to be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

All of his knowledge and work ethic were then instilled into his children and grandchildren. Jesus Manolo was truly a seed that sprouted into a strong oak that branched out into a loving family. Nora and Jesus had a long and prosperous marriage. They were inseparable - two peas in a pod - when you saw one of them, the other was right by their side. Jesus was the epitome of a chivalrous man. Through his considerate actions, he has taught his children and grandchildren the importance of integrity and respecting others. Jesus Manolo dedicated his life to walking in the footsteps of Christ. He was an active parishioner in St. Mary’s Church in Bethel and held a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary. By the way he lived his life, one could see the authentic love and joy of Christ exuding from his heart; he taught his family and everyone that he encountered, how incredible the gifts of the Lord’s grace, forgiveness, and mercy, are. Jesus Manolo’s trust and obedience in the Lord led to an over-abundance of blessings in his lifetime.

Weekend family beach trips, having his children see him on the Navy Base, visiting the Blessed Mary in Lourdes, trips to the Divine Mercy Shrine, going on vacation to the Philippines, walking the streets of Bethel, and enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with his grandchildren - were all cherished memories that he held dear to his heart. His favorite pastime hobby, which always brought a smile to his face, was assembling various kinds of model ships.

Throughout his entire life, he devoted himself to working hard in order to provide for his children so that they were able to have a better childhood than he did. Through his endless support and loyalty for his children, he was able to form a family bond that lasts forever and can’t be broken.

Despite his vast accomplishments, he remained a humble man - a rare quality that was adored by his family, friends, and everyone that he’s encountered.  He was a loving husband, devoted father, a treasured grandfather, and a beloved brother - he will be extremely missed by all that were lucky enough to meet him. The world will not be the same without the light that he has shined on all of our lives.

The family will receive friends at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, Thursday evening, September 23, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, Bethel, CT Friday morning, September 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bethel.

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Joyce B. DeShay - September 12, 1947 - September 13, 2021

Departed: 09/13/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Joyce Barno DeShay,74, beloved wife of Bruce DeShay of Bethel, passed away on September 13, 2021 at Danbury Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Herbert) Barno and born in Binghamton, NY on September 12, 1947.

Before retiring in 2013 she worked as a secretary/receptionist at Solar Electric in White Plains, NY.

Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family and was a loving mother and grandmother. She had a great sense of humor, always greeted everyone with a smile and helped when she could. Her qualities of kindness, sensitivity and generosity will be missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her husband of 53 years, Bruce, she leaves four children, Michael and his wife Jamie of Niceville, FL; Jeffrey and his wife Angel of Cranberry Township PA, Derek and his wife Tammy of Newbury, NY and Brett and his wife Laura of Newtown CT.  She is also survived by as her sister Marie Koch of Johnson City, NY; sister-in-law Patricia Barno of Binghamton, NY; brother in law David DeShay and wife Christine of Stamping Ground, KY as well as her five grandchildren Emma, Bryce, Riley, Fiona, and Tyler and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother James Barno and grandson Dylan DeShay.

Per family wishes, services and interment will be private. There are no calling hours. The Bethel Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit hullfuneralservice.com.

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Paul John Chuvala - November 18, 1942 - September 12, 2021

Departed: 09/12/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Paul, John, (PJ), Chuvala, age 78 of Wakefield, RI, passed away at Westerly Hospital, RI on September 12, 2021. He was the husband of Linda (Hugyo), Chuvala.

He is survived by his daughter Melissa Salva and two grandchildren Piper and Jesse Salva of Bethel, CT. PJ was born at Danbury Hospital on November 18, 1942. After graduating from Bethel High School in 1960, he served four years in the US Marine Corps. PJ worked for BJ Dolans for 25 years as a Teamster truck drive. He later continued his career with CT DOT for 10 years.

PJ was Past Commander of both the American Legion, Post 100 and the Bethel Patriotic Color Guard. PJ retired from the Bethel Men's Softball League after playing for 49 years. He was a devout follower of Jeopardy and never missed an episode.

PJ will be deeply missed by his extended family and many friends in the Bethel area, Rhode Island and throughout the country.

Services for PJ will take place at the Bethel Funeral Home, 215 Greenwood, Ave., Bethel, CT from 10:00 AM to 11:30 Am on Friday, September 17, 2021, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery, 1 Old Lantern Dr., Bethel.

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Dolores Dorothy Backert - January 30, 1929 - September 10, 2021

Departed: 09/10/2021 (Bethel)

Obituary Preview: Dolores Dorothy Backert 1929-2021 Our angel, the sweetest woman on earth. We all had so many fun times together. Thank you for teaching us so much about life and about the power of positive thinking. Thank you for always treating others with kindness, looking on the bright side, and just having fun, smiling and enjoying the simple things in life.

Dolores was someone who gave everyone around her such amazing memories. She was one of a kind, with a twinkle in her eye, a warm smile, and an infectious laugh. Although her proudest achievement in life was being a wife and mother to three beautiful girls, she also held various job titles in the business world, including those with Doubleday Publishing, Guidepost Magazine, and other executive secretarial positions.

In her younger years, Dolores loved spending time roller skating with friends and that is how she met her husband Jack who was serving in the US NAVY at the time.

There wasn’t a thing that Dolores couldn’t do that she put her mind to. She instilled this in her children at a young age. She was a seamstress and loved creating pieces for herself and her children. While her husband built a sailboat, she sewed the sail. They were the perfect winning team. Her children were so lucky to have such creative parents. Dolores was also an amazingly talented artist. Anyone who entered her home was amazed to find out that the watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings were created by Dolores herself! The lush greenery in and outside of the home was also a byproduct of Dolores and her two green thumbs! Her plants would multiply and grow like nothing you have ever seen.

Dolores loved animals, especially horses. After moving to the Brewster area the family owned horses and her and her daughters would ride the trails through the fields and farms of the North Salem area. Dolores was always one to accept a challenge. When she “fell off the horse” (literally and figuratively) she got right back on, nothing could stop her.

For Dolores life was an adventure and a journey. Lifelong friends shared their joy of flying and boating with Dolores and her husband John. Their adventurous spirit led them to many vacations across the US.

In her final weeks Dolores was surrounded by loved ones and friends who kept her spirits high. She enjoyed endless amounts of lollipops, played hours of banana-grams, po-ke-no, tic-tac-toe, and loved spending quality time with everyone laughing at each other’s jokes.

Dolores is survived by her sister Dorothy and sister-in-law Nancy, her daughters and their families, Pamela (William), Karen (Kenneth), Laura (Steve, who preceded mom in death) Grandchildren Melanie, KJ, Erika, Kristin (Dan), Carolyn (Joe), Heidi, Kyle, Casey (Tommy). Great grandchildren Kady, Joey, Matthew, Isabelle, Oaklee and Esmae.

Dolores has been reunited with her dear husband John, her mother and father, her brother and sister and many other dear family members. Services will be private for immediate family members only.

A 'Celebration of Life' will be held in the future to honor the memories of Dolores, that we hold so dear. In honor of Dolores and her kind spirit, if you’d like, you can make a donation to a cause that is near and dear to your heart, and remember to pay her kindness forward to strangers in memory of her spirit.

Today, take a few minutes to sit quietly and be thankful for all that you have.

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Personalized Funeral Services

The team at Bethel Funeral Home understands that every life is unique, and that every funeral service should be a reflection of the person who has passed. They take great care in getting to know each family and learning about their loved one's life story, interests, and accomplishments. This allows them to create a personalized funeral service that celebrates the individual's life and provides comfort to those who are grieving.

Cremation Options

Bethel Funeral Home offers a range of cremation options to families who prefer this type of disposition. From direct cremation to cremation with a memorial service, their staff will guide families through the process and ensure that their wishes are respected. They also offer a variety of urns and containers for families to choose from, allowing them to select a fitting tribute to their loved one.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends to gather. The spacious chapel can accommodate large groups, while the visitation rooms offer an intimate setting for smaller gatherings. Additionally, Bethel Funeral Home offers ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a selection of refreshments for families and guests.

Pre-Planning Services

Bethel Funeral Home recognizes the importance of pre-planning funeral arrangements. By making these decisions in advance, families can spare their loved ones from having to make difficult choices during a time of grief. The funeral home's pre-planning services allow individuals to plan their funeral service in detail, including selecting music, flowers, and other elements that reflect their personal style.

Community Involvement

Bethel Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the community they serve. They participate in local events, sponsor charitable organizations, and provide educational resources on topics related to grief support and funeral planning. By doing so, they demonstrate their dedication to supporting families not only during times of loss but also throughout the year.

Grief Support Resources

The team at Bethel Funeral Home understands that grieving is a journey that doesn't end with the funeral service. They offer a range of grief support resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online resources. These resources are designed to provide comfort, guidance, and reassurance to families as they navigate the grieving process.

Contacting Bethel Funeral Home

If you're in need of funeral services or would like to learn more about Bethel Funeral Home's offerings, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact them by phone or email, or visit their website for more information. Their caring staff is always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer support during your time of need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It's usually published in a newspaper, online obituary platform, or funeral home website to inform friends, family, and community members of the person's passing.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also providing essential information to those who need to know about the funeral or memorial service. They can also help loved ones process their grief and provide a sense of closure.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary, often with the assistance of a funeral home or obituary writer. In some cases, the deceased may have written their own obituary in advance.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about the funeral or memorial service, as well as any charitable donations or tributes in lieu of flowers.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or platform. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words. Longer obituaries may be more suitable for online platforms or memorial websites.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a great way to personalize the tribute and make it more meaningful to readers.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to inquire about their submission process and deadlines. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and payment for the publication.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, many people choose to write their own obituaries in advance as a way to take control of how they want to be remembered. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and accomplishments.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life and achievements.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and length of the tribute. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more for a single publication.

Can I publish an obituary online for free?

Yes, there are several online platforms that allow you to publish an obituary for free or at a low cost. These may include funeral home websites, social media groups, or dedicated online obituary platforms.

How long do online obituaries remain available?

The duration for which online obituaries remain available varies depending on the platform or website. Some may keep them archived indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period of time.

Can I edit or update an already published obituary?

In most cases, it's possible to make corrections or updates to an already published obituary. However, this may depend on the publication's policies and deadlines.

What if I want to publish an obituary in multiple newspapers?

You'll need to contact each newspaper separately and follow their individual submission processes and deadlines. Be prepared to pay separate fees for each publication.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes, poems, or other literary elements can add a personal touch to the tribute and make it more meaningful to readers.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?