January 2022

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.