January 2022

Theresa McGreevy Ferguson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on 1/20/2022.  She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (Nugent) McGreevy: she was predeceased by her sisters Mary McGreevy, Ellen McGreevy Clapp, her brother Barney McGreevy, her grandson Manny Ferguson, her daughters Mary Ferguson and Susie Ferguson Starkowski and their father William John Ferguson.  She is survived by her brother Thomas McGreevy (Audrey) and his family of Vermont, Nancy McGreevy Remkus, her niece Julieann (Jason) Brazeal and family of Tennessee, her sister Peggy McGreevy Shipkoski and her niece Angela Shipkoski of Long Island NY, her brother John (Katie) McGreevy of Pennsylvania, her niece and nephew Kelly Clapp (John) Stock and Dennis (Michelle) Clapp of Florida, her daughters Dr. Catherine Ferguson (Kenneth) Onouha of Florida, Loretta Ferguson (Michael) Foley of CT, Janet Ferguson of CT, 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way! She is also survived by her close friend Liz Wood and her family of Florida. 

               Terry was a loving and engaging person who enjoyed traveling to see her many friends and family all over the states. She was an avid traveler both near and far, traveling the USA and Europe many times as well as to China for the 1995 World Women’s Conference.

She was a career teacher and loved helping people learn new things. She earned a Master’s in Education and was a primary education teacher in the Portland and Middletown school systems. She particularly enjoyed teaching Reading and Social Studies, and wrote grants to support special projects and experiences for her students.  

She continued her studies to earn a PhD in Women’s Studies. Terry was a local pioneer in the women’s movement in the 1970s and 1980s (at least to her 5 daughters and their friends). She was president of the Middletown Chapter of NOW and organized buses and rallies to support the ERA and pay equity. She continued to work for positive changes in the political system to empower women to pursue their interests and achieve their potential, and not be bound by the caste of society that she was born into as a woman. She participated in our local Indivisible Chapter that works to serve the food-insecure during the pandemic, and distributed books to local youth to enhance reading readiness and interest in self-thought. An admirer of MLK, she worked toward justice for all, and through the years both taught and lived the ideals of the “Dream”. She supported the Arbor Day Foundation and planted many trees over the years. She supported Planned Parenthood and the services provided by the organization for women’s health and family planning. She supported Rosie’s Place which is an organization for Women’s Shelters. She was also a supporter of St Jude’s, St Mary’s, and the Veterans. 

Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1936 into a loving home her quintessential Irish nature flourished. Family was her core, and everyone is family. She accomplished so much and lived so fully her legacy goes far beyond her family that cherishes her spirit and teachings. The ripple effects of her life and her work will “run along the rivers of [our] memory and keep her ever gentle on [our] mind”. Love you to the sky and back.

Due to Covid the services are private.  The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Cindy Janet Meyer Kopitar entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut after a courageous battle against a number of medical issues. Her husband, Joseph, was at her side when she passed away.

Cindy was born in 1953 to the late Eileen and Arthur Meyer. She graduated from West Milford High School in 1971 and then earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Environmental Sciences from Ramapo College in 1975.

While working at Bamberger’s department store, she met her husband, Joseph and they were married in 1975. Cindy was employed in various sales positions, a circulation manager for a local newspaper, a pre-K teacher and a full-time mother to their daughter Cori who was born in 1983.

Cindy possessed a passion for life. She loved flowers, raised butterflies in season and studied science.

She was an active member in her housing complex, taking care of others and organizing holiday events.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Joseph Kopitar, loving daughter Cori and her husband Andy Magnotta , loving grandson Luigi, brother-in-law, Thomas  and his wife Coleen, brother-in-law John and his wife Judy brother-in-law Gerard and sister-in-law Sister Mary Kopitar. Cindy is also survived by a 17 year old spoiled Shih Tzu, Munchie, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews as well as several longtime friends.

All services will be private and conducted by the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland.  A luncheon to celebrate Cindy’s life will be held in the Spring.

Charles “Chuck” Franklin Chase III, age 64, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Portland, CT, on December 28th, 2021.

He is survived by his mother Gloria, sisters: Darcy, Bette, and Mell, his daughter Amy, and her mother Regina. He leaves behind a devoted companion Mary Anne, and her son Eric; many other close friends, colleagues, and predeceased by his father, Charles Franklin Chase Jr.  

Born September 30th, 1957, in Southbridge, MA, Chuck graduated from Southbridge high school, joined the Navy in 1975, and spent eight years on different submarines and tenders. In 1987 Chuck joined the Electric Boat team, where he was responsible for the oversight of many high-risk and first-of-its-kind projects as part of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. More recently, he oversaw radiological control operations and RADCON training programs at the subbase in Groton. A job where no other shipyard has one person in charge of both. He was integral to the EB organization, and many have felt his loss.

Chuck was a devoted father and avid golfer. He enjoyed visiting his long-time best friend, Tom, in Saratoga Springs, NY, and betting on "the ponies." He was planning on retiring soon, spending time with Mary, and watching her two grandkids grow up. Amy will never forget one of their last conversations on Christmas and how he was excited to watch the new Star Wars Boba Fett TV show.

Chuck left this world too soon, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The Submarines Veteran's Club in Groton Ct will host a "Celebration of Life" on February 4th, 2022, 1600hrs. In lieu of flowers, donations to “A Rottweiler Empire Rescue” 47 Union Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, are encouraged.  Funeral  services  and  burial will be  private.  The Portland  Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert J. Agogliati 75, of Portland, husband of Linda (Keane) Agogliati, passed away on January 13, 2022 at home. Bob was born in Middletown on August 28, 1946, the son of the late Dorando “Dola” and Hannah Jo (McBrien) Agogliati. He was a lifelong Portland resident who also spent winters in Barefoot Bay, Florida. Prior to his retirement, Bob worked for Aetna Life & Casualty for 30 years and then for the Town of Portland. He was a member of the Portland Fire Department Engine Co #1 for 53 years, and a longtime member of the Portland Park & Recreation Commission. Besides his wife Linda, he is survived by his sons Michael (Paula) and James (Amanda) Agogliati both of Portland and his grandchildren Steven, Karen, Donna, Lisa, Liliana and Shae Agogliati. He was predeceased by his brother David B. Agogliati.

Funeral services and burial will be private at a later date in Swedish Cemetery, Portland. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Those who wish to, may make a memorial contribution in his name to Middlesex Health Hospice program or a charity of the donor’s choice.

John McMeken, better known as Jack, passed away peacefully this past Saturday afternoon, after a short stay at Middlesex Hospital.

Jack was born in 1942, in Middletown, CT to Clifford (Tab) McMeken and Elizabeth (Behm) McMeken. He graduated Woodrow Wilson High School where he was an active member of the Rod Aces Hot Rod Club. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Kathleen (Cashman) McMeken. He went on to attend Central CT State University and he and Kathy were married in April 1964. Soon after Jack was drafted into the Army and served with honor in Worms, Germany. Jack and Kathy used their time in Germany to take in the sights and start one of many collections of beer paraphernalia. Upon return to the States, they settled down in their forever home in Portland. Jack worked until retirement at Pratt & Whitney. After an early retirement, he took on a job driving for NAPA, where his love of cars became apparent to the many mechanics he befriended. 

Jack is survived by his wife Kathleen, his son Cliff McMeken, daughter-in-law Colleen (Kearns) McMeken and the apples of his eye - his granddaughters - Jaclyn and Brynn, as well as many cousins and friends that loved him dearly.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, January 19th in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland, with full military honors. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.