January 2021

Carol Castelli, 58, of Portland passed away on Thursday January 14th, 2021 after a brief hospital stay, surrounded by her loving family. Carol was born on December 27th, 1962, the youngest child of the late Charles “Bud” and Lucille Anderson.

Carol grew up on her family farm along the Connecticut River. Her life was her family. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her kids and grandkids who called her “Me Ma.” She enjoyed spending time at the beach, taking pictures, collecting primitive antiques, music and attending concerts. She was a lover of animals and even fostered dogs and volunteered for Protector of Animals. Carol spent the last 21 years working for the Portland Public Schools.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, and aunt. She is survived by her husband, Steven Castelli of Portland, her daughter, Jessica (and Joshua) Shelberg of East Lyme, her son, Jeremy (and Ammie Bordoy) Castelli of Portland, her grandchildren, Cole Shelberg, John Shelberg, and Carolanne Castelli, sister Nancy Anderson of Rehoboth, MA, brothers John Anderson of Madison, WI, Jeffrey Anderson of Durham, NC, and Daniel Anderson of Portland, her aunt Margret Kirsche, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Charles Anderson, and sister Catherine Anderson Mullen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Protectors of Animals, 144 Main Street Unit O, East Hartford, CT 06118 http://poainc.org.

Graveside services will be held on Friday January 22nd at 11:00 am at the Swedish Cemetery on William Street in Portland.  The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Richard “Rick” M. Fillback of Portland, CT died Saturday January 2, 2021 after several years of declining health. The son of Waino R. Fillback and Loretta M. (Dauphin) Fillback, Rick was born August 24, 1941 in Pittsfield, MA.  He and his family lived in Chester, MA until 1943 when they moved to Portland.   Rick, a lifelong Portland resident, attended Portland Schools and graduated from Vinal Technical High School in Middletown. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and worked as a millwright for many years.  Rick, an avid reader of history, had a love for the CT River and its history that began in childhood and lasted throughout his life. In his later years he loved nothing more than watching the river flowing past his house. He leaves his devoted wife Joanne Manter; three sons, Richard M. Fillback, Jr. and Jeffery J. Fillback of Middletown and Peter C. Fillback of Portland; a daughter, Alaina S. Fillback of Portland; five grandchildren; a brother, Wayne E. Fillback of Andover, MA; a sister Cynthia A. Dauphin of West Falmouth, MA; and two nieces.  If you wish to make a donation in Rick’s name, they may be made to Zagray Farm Museum, a nonprofit educational farm museum where Rick volunteered his time and expertise, 544 Amston Rd., Colchester, CT 06415.  There will be no services. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland is in charge of arrangements.
 

Gary J. Grimm Jr, 64, of Portland, CT passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2021. 

He was born in Hartford CT, and a 1974 graduate of Wheeler High school in North Stonington. Gary was a natural born salesman, holding positions in sales throughout his life. He could sell anything, from home video equipment, real estate, home improvements, or ice to an Eskimo. He had many hobbies, including reading, traveling, acting, Star Trek, and had a profound love of music and movies, and especially loved snacks. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and their cats, Smokey and Sophie. Gary was known for his quick-wit, charming personality, cleverness, and his love of life. A very loving, and light-hearted soul who was the embodiment of integrity, and held in the highest esteem by his family, friends, and peers. To know Gary was to know love and laughter, and he always had a good joke. 

In addition to his loving wife of 23 years, Debra K. (Swanson) Grimm, he is predeceased by his parents, Gary Grimm Sr. and Priscilla (Scribner) Taylor. 

He leaves behind his adoring fiancé Kathleen Stonick of Portland, son Justin Grimm and his wife Kerry of Moosup CT, daughter Aubrey Grimm and her beau Chad of Meriden CT, son Jeremiah Grimm and his beloved Meghan of Sioux City IA. 

Gary is also survived by brother Mark Grimm and his wife Analee of Oklahoma, sister Lorrel “Cookie” Wilczek and her husband David of Norwich CT, brother Scott Grimm and wife Tammy of Texas, and brother Christen Grimm of Maryland. Grandchildren Jayce and Autumn Grimm of Plainfield CT, and Delilah Droskoski of Meriden CT. A great-grandchild, Sophia Grimm and his stepmother, Elizabeth Grimm of Oakdale CT. Daughters of his fiancé, Kaylee Manchester and her husband Brendan of New Haven CT, and Jayna Stonick of France. And several nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service/Celebration of life will be held at a later date, TBD. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

On Saturday, January 9, 2021, Andrew E. Sebula of Portland, CT passed from this world to a better place. Andy was born in Vernon, CT on April 8, 1945 to Andrew Sebula and Margaret (Rowe) Sebula. He attended Rockville High School and graduated from the University of Connecticut with is Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy.  Upon graduation, he became employed by Middlesex Hospital where he worked for over 40 years. He mentored many younger pharmacists who grew their careers at Middlesex. He was a beloved member of the medical staff always sharing stories or words of wisdom. Andy was also known for his unique sense of style whether it was his bow ties or bright red corduroy pants.

Andy was a lover of nature, taking several spiritual vision quests in the Southwest. Because of his spirituality, upon on his retirement, he became an ordained Interfaith minister through One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York City. Other places of significant spiritual meaning were Rowe Camp & Conference Center in Rowe, MA and the Unitarian Universalists Society: East where he was a member of the Small Ministry and Dream Groups.

Andy is survived by his beloved wife Christina (Tina) Veronesi, daughters Kathleen Poulin & Stephanie Poulin, and his cherished grandsons Connor McAllister and Adrien Gorny. He is also survived by his sister Linda Clark, her husband Roger and their children Jared and Elizabeth; his sister Donna Nezmek, her husband Tom and their daughter Sarah. Andy is remembered by his special family member, Matthew Gorny. He will be dearly missed by Roscoe and Mama Cat. The family plans on a private burial on April 8th, his birthday and wedding anniversary. A celebration of life will be held in the summer months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions go to Rowe Camp and Conference Center.

Bubba will always be remembered as a man whose words of wisdom, selflessness and sense of humor brought light to all who knew and loved him.

The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland is in charge of arrangements.