April 2022

Thomas K. Shortell, 85 years old, of East Northport, NY, passed away peacefully April 6th. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia, of 62 years, and his sons, Tommy, Michael and Robert and their wives, Dina, Christine and Melissa.

He will be missed by his adoring grandchildren: Thomas, Timothy, Christopher, Kevin, Jordan, Andrew, and Drew. He is survived by his playful granddogs: Lucy, Dree and Bailey and his grandcat Zoey.

He is a proud veteran of the United States Army and a retired New York City Police Officer. The stories that he shared about New York City in the 70’s were legendary.

He was very active in his boys’ lives and was their soccer and basketball coach for many years.

He enjoyed the two cross country trips in the motorhome with his family, as well as many summers at his brother’s cabin in upstate NY.

He was a loyal and devoted father, husband, son, and grandfather. His sense of humor and sarcasm will never be matched. As Tom would always say, “toodaloo!”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 11:30 a.m. in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, April 16th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial with full military honors will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland

Paul John Blancato, 87, of Middletown, formerly of Portland, passed away peacefully at Middlesex Nursing Home on Friday April 29th.  Paul was predeceased by his bride Patricia Blancato in 2017, and his brothers Dominick and Sebastian, and his sister Connie Lemanski. He was born September 7, 1934 in Middletown.  He was the son of Cesare and Concettina DiMauro . Paul is survived by his sister Yolanda Moyer and her husband Dennis of South Dakota, his two sons Paul Blancato of Pennsylvania, John Blancato and his wife Jacquelyn of Plantsville, CT and his daughter Sheila Blancato of Newington, CT. Paul also has four grandchildren Laura, Victoria, Joshua and Abigail and his three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Paul was a long-time resident of the town of Portland. Paul owned and operated a local business called “Paul’s Fix-it Shop” for approximately 40 years. His business started by fixing small appliances like table lamps and toasters but moved to major appliances. In the later years of his business, he used his acquired skills from the State of CT to repair electric motors and generators. He was by trade a machinist but held many different titles within his 31 years with the State of Connecticut and retired in 1989 as a Quality Craft Worker. His passion was playing his original Fender Stratocaster Guitar for a few different bands during his teens and twenties. Paul taught himself to play the guitar starting at age 7 by listening to his favorite guitarist. 

Calling hours for friends and family will be held on Friday, May 6th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland. A graveside service at St. Sebastian’s Cemetery, Middlefield, will be held on Saturday, May 7th at 10 a.m.