April 2023

Beverly J. Merk, 89, of Portland passed away on April 19, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Beverly was born and raised in Portland to Annie and Edward Walden and a graduate of Portland High School. 

Beverly, known as Bev, was a member of the First Congregational Church of Portland for 76 years. She was a natural, working with young children and would volunteer to take care of the nursery during services. Children always loved her friendly, warm energy, her ready smile and welcoming disposition. Wherever she was, for work or family, people enjoyed socializing and having fun with her, whether it was Portland Garden Club, ceramics, line dancing or tai chi. Her husband, Louis, was given many opportunities for overseas assignments with Pratt & Whitney, which made it possible for her to explore her sense of adventure. Their travels took them to Europe, Scandinavia and Japan. Her early career included involvement in 4-H Club, the Future Homemakers of America where she was awarded Degree of State Homemaker in May of 1950 by CT College for Women. After her four children were in grade school, she worked part-time at G Fox & Company and then full-time at Middlesex Assurance Company.

Beverly was predeceased by her son, Larry Merk and her daughter, Bonnie Birman. She leaves behind her husband, Louis, her daughter Lynn and husband Steven Rossi of East Haddam and her son, Jeff Merk and wife Laura of Portland and four grandchildren, David and Michael Rossi and Kevin and Sarah Merk.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 26that 11 a.m. in the First Congregational Church, 554 Main St., Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Center Cemetery, Portland. 

Paul E. Bengston, age 75, of Colchester CT, passed away on April 8th 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. Paul was born in Hartford CT on November 29th 1947 and grew up in Portland, CT. The oldest son of Oscar & Madeline Bengston, Paul was followed by his predeceased brother David, and now survived by brother Peter (Wife Lori), sister Dawn (Husband Russell Woodward) and Sister in Law Bonnie Decarli.
Paul's life and memory will also live on through his wife Susanne & his two sons, Stephen (Spouse Karisa) and Ryan. Paul's memory will also live through his Grandson Cru and Paul's numerous nieces including Laura, daughter of Peter and nephews, including Josh & Justin, sons of David. Paul would want more than anything to be remembered as a man who truly loved his family.
Paul served two tours in the Vietnam War with the United States Marine Corps. After Vietnam Paul took numerous jobs including that with the Portland Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection until finally accepting a position with the town of Portland where he served as the Director of Buildings and Grounds until his retirement after more than 40 years.
Paul was an avid fisherman who held a United States Coast Guard Captains license, he was a skilled carpenter and lover of ice cream. Paul was a great friend to all and loved to make people laugh with his constant stories and humor.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Apr 22 at 10:30am in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland.  Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, on Friday, April 21st from 4-7 p.m.