April 2024

Robert H. Deckelman Sr., 86, of Portland passed away peacefully at his home with his devoted son Robert Deckelman Jr. by his side on Tuesday, April 30th. Robert was born on February 17th, 1938 in Middletown, CT. He was the son of the late Christopher Deckelman and Agnes (Klare) Deckelman. Robert graduated in 1956 from Woodrow Wilson High School. Robert served in the army and worked for Bud’s Plumbing and Heating for 40 years. Robert was the widower of Janice (Weglowski) Deckelman. He leaves behind two sons: Robert Jr. and William, daughter in law Cynthia, and two granddaughters Kayla and Ava.

Robert was a proud father, husband, and grandfather and was always there when someone needed a hand. He enjoyed playing music in his band in his younger years and conveyed to his sons the joy that music can bring. Robert also enjoyed his Sunday morning get togethers with his sons and best friend and drinking buddy, Jimmy Clark. There was never a loss for words or a dull moment at the kitchen table on Sunday mornings. 

Robert was a very meticulous man and took great pride in always doing something to the best of your ability. He will be missed dearly by all that knew him. 

Rest in peace Mr. D, we love you.

Private services will be held at a later date. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Roberta “Bert” Anderson Edwards passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 25th , just a few months shy of her 100th birthday. A lifelong resident of Portland, she was born on July 16th, 1924 and was the daughter of Edgar and Beulah (House) Anderson and the wife of 62 years to Robert Edwards . She is survived by her daughter, Diane Edwards (Westbrook), her son, Robert Edwards (Portland), son-in-law, Michael Robinson (East Haddam), granddaughter, Halley Robinson (Deep River), grandson, Ryland Robinson (Jay, VT), and her twin great-granddaughters, her namesake, Maeve “Birdie” and Willa Sue Robinson-Gowac (Deep River). She is predeceased by her parents, beloved husband, Bob, daughter, Susan Edwards, sister, Eda Riordan, and brother, Norman Anderson. Bert graduated as salutatorian from Portland High School, Class of 1942. A member of the Fife and Drum Corps, she often joked about being “older than the Arrigoni Bridge,” citing her participation in a parade honoring its dedication in 1936. Following WWII, Bert married her high school sweetheart, and the couple relocated to Brooklyn, NY while he attended art school at Pratt Institute, before returning to Portland to start a family. Bert worked for the district nurse in Portland and later as a legal secretary for the Public Defenders Office in the Middletown Circuit Court.  An active community member, Bert volunteered for the United Way, served as a poll worker at town elections for many years, volunteered at the Portland Food Bank well into her 90s, and was a dedicated member of the Women’s Guild at Zion Lutheran Church. Bert was a deeply spiritual person and felt such belonging within her church community, developing intergenerational friendships that meant a great deal to her. Bert and Bob had a close group of friends throughout the years that joined together for Saturday night card games of Continental Rummy and weekend trips throughout New England, leading to many funny memories. She was a key member of the close-knit group of neighbors at the bottom of Coe Avenue. Her favorite times were spent with family at regular parties and get-togethers, many becoming rowdy and full of laughter downstairs in her rec room at the Pony Barn Bar. A 50th anniversary trip to St. Thomas spawned yearly trips to the Cape with the entire family for years after. Bert’s morning routine always involved solving “the Jumble” in the Courant over breakfast. She was a dedicated fan of the UConn Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams. Bert was known to be extremely tolerant and non-judgmental, had a great sense of humor, and touched the lives of many with her quick wit, warmth, and kindness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank the team at Middlesex Hospice for their care over the last few months, as well as a special thanks to Kim Stevens for her wonderful and compassionate care to help keep Bert at home. Thank you to Schmozie for stepping in as an extended member of the family to keep her company. Lastly, thank you to Pastor Sara for her comforting visits and keeping Bert in the church’s prayers. 

Services will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, 183 William St., Portland at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 6th. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Swedish Cemetery. Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to the Zion Lutheran Church or Portland Food Bank.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, Rosemary A. Sanstrom on April 10th. Rosemary was in her new home in Norwich surrounded by her loved ones. Born on October 27th, 1942, to the late John and Grace (Plati) Auterino, raised in Hartford, she attended Buckley High School.  After high school she worked at St Francis Hospital for over 30 years then retired. Rosemary is pre deceased by her brother, Vincent John Auterino. Rosemary married her soulmate, the late Robert P. Sanstrom on October 2nd, 1981. Rosemary and Bob were famous for their Christmas and summer parties on the farm in Portland.  So many great memories! Rosemary was always ready for fun and adventure. When they became snowbirds the adventures continued. She will be missed by all her friends and family especially her “one and only” sister Donna van Ryswyk and her B.I.L. Adrianus van Ryswyk, her nephews and their wives; John Scott Auterino, Travis and Amanda Conrad, Adam and Liza Auterino, Justin and Cassie Conrad, Erik and Kerri Conrad, Daniel R. Sanstrom and her great nephews; Andrew, Justin Jr., Aiden, Nikko and her great nieces; Annabelle Grace and Penelope Rose.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 19that 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Friday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland. 

The Portland Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Angelo Vasi, 82, of Portland entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 7th, with his loving family and friends by his side. Angelo bravely fought his advanced cancer diagnosis for two years until the Lord called him home. 

Angelo was born in Augusta, Sicily on January 1st1942 and was raised in Florence, Italy where he began his apprenticeship as a goldsmith on the Ponte Vecchio bridge. At the age of 24 he immigrated to the United States and met the love of his life Maria (Genovese) Vasi who he married on September 3rd, 1966 and loved for 57 years. He operated Angelo’s Jewelry Repair on Washington St. for 10 years before opening Artisan Jewelers in 1983 on Court St. in Middletown. He retired in 2012 which concluded his 58 years of creating art that would last generations. Angelo loved connecting and sharing his time with the patrons who came to his store. He also loved playing tennis several times per week with close friends.

Angelo is predeceased by his parents Tomasso and Margherita Gennaro Vasi, and his brother Antonio Vasi. He is survived by his wife Maria and his son Marco, whom he dearly loved. He is also survived by his sisters Rosina Sofici, Patrizia Martini and aunt Rosalia Verrecchia of Florence Italy; his nephews Dante and Anthony Vasi of Berlin CT; uncles Louis and Antonio Aresco of Middletown CT; and many cousins both in Italy and the United States. 

Words cannot express how much our father and friend will be truly missed. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 12that 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in the St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the care Angelo received at Middlesex Hospital and Portland Health and Rehab in his last weeks of life.