January 2024

Jeanne Chartier Dilworth, age 95, passed away January 14, 2024, in Portland, CT. She was a force of life with her curious nature, sincere interest in people and nature, command of the English language, and her love of learning. Her personal values translated into her public interests, principally a love for family, friends, neighbors, and her communit

Jeanne was proud to be a Connecticut native as she felt it offered everything - from forests, oceans, and mountains to the four changing seasons. The educational systems were also of value to her. She was born in Manchester to Carroll and Olive (McIntosh) Chartier, she was a graduate of Manchester High School Class of 1944. Her family owned both land and businesses in Manchester but lost everything during the Depression. Her fondest memories of childhood were those of her grandparents’ farm and the summer her family lived in a tent at Bolton Lake. She explored the lake and surrounding land, picked fresh blueberries, and enjoyed the freedom of living outdoors with her parents and older sister, the late Patricia Jedzrewsky Young. It was not until she became older that she realized her family was penniless and homeless at the time. She always considered it one of the best summers of her life and this is where her passion for being a steward of the environment ignited. 

Jeanne and her husband, the late Paul Joseph Dilworth, married in 1948 and then moved to Portland CT and designed built their flat- roofed home on Thompson Hill Rd themselves. Always the devoted and proud mother Jeanne is survived by her children, son Joseph and wife Martha (Dominguez-Villalobos) Dilworth of Herdon VA, Martha Sulivan and Frank Rinaldi of Oxford CT, Thomas, and Jeannie (Maley) Dilworth of Manchester CT and Grandson to Paul and his wife Megan (McConnell) Dilworth of Charlotte, NC. Her immediate and extended family were of utmost importance to her. Her home was the hub, and she was the force who connected everyone together. The family home holds many fond memories from the annual Summertime party, Holiday gatherings, camp outs in the backyard for the Girl Scouts to gathering grapes to make jelly or tapping the trees for maple syrup. And then of course, there was the barn with the horses, Sweetheart, Ace and Solo, who memorably broke out the night after Jeanne was bitten by a poisonous snake which was in the hay and Paul and the kids had to be chase them around the State Forest and neighborhood while she was in the hospital. Jeanne trusted her children to pack lunch for a walk or ride in the neighborhood or surrounding forest, to enjoy the outdoors, but also to be responsible.

Jeanne resumed her studies to become an English teacher after her children had reach a certain age, receiving her bachelor’s degree and later her master’s degree (at age 50) from The University of Connecticut. She started teaching English at East Hampton High School in the mid-seventies and then taught at Weaver High School in Hartford until she retired in 1990. She was a tireless educator and the type of teacher that students might not like at first because of her high expectations but as they got to know her would realize that she was truly interested in them and their education and would be their advocate. Since her retirement she continued to be connected to some of her students as she did not just teach English, but she helped to prepare them for life outside of school. 

Always curious, Jeanne conducted research on Immigration in Middletown and Portland at Wesleyan University which led to her fascination with the Portland Quarries as this is where a lot of the immigrants were employed. Wesleyan University as well as most of the brownstone structures in New York City and Boston were built with the stone from the quarry. Her detailed knowledge of the quarries and the social history of Portland and Middletown and the geological history of the land, including Lake Hitchcock, provided the foundation for the development of the Brownstone Quorum Inc. Receiving Historical Preservation status was her passion for which she worked tirelessly. Jeanne received The Rockfall Foundation certificate of appreciation for her leadership and dedication she provided in developing Portland’s National Historic Landmark Brownstone Quarries and Riverfront in 2004. The Quorum established a beautiful park for residents and tourists with trails and educational materials for this special place. Jeanne was so very passionate about preserving the treasures of her town. 

Jeanne was a member of St Mary’s Parish in Portland for the many years. In her early years she would drive the Sisters to appointments and taught CCD. She was also part of the Ladie’s Guild, participated in choir, helped with the Bereavement Committee, was a lector at the weekday liturgy. She maintained a good relationship with the priests and Sisters while she was in St Mary’s Parish. She especially enjoyed having Father Ash and his worldly friend for dinner. 

Always the civic minded individual and a perpetual volunteer, Jeanne was always busy with community activities. She established Portland Environment Watch, received the Joyce Langer Volunteer of the Year from the Portland Visiting Nurse Association and was a fundamental member of the Portland Brownstone Quorum. Jeanne also received the Spirit of Portland Award in 2010. She was a Portland Selectperson, chairperson of the Portland Ethics Commission which she established. and was instrumental in developing the Senior Reading Program for all first graders in Portland. She was immensely proud of this program where she trained Portland Seniors (citizens) on how to specifically develop reading skills in First Grader’s. She honestly believed in the power of reading and loved books! She was always tickled with the final June party where young readers could proudly demonstrate their reading skills to the “Seniors” and their families. 

Jeanne did so many things in her lifetime that we just do not have enough time or space to list. We shall miss her physically but can hold onto many things that she passed on: the spirit of giving and the importance of being generous, a passion for nature, and the importance of being curious in addition to always trying to be fair. What a life well lived! 

Raymond G. Dalton, 83, of Middletown died on Thursday (January 25, 2024) at home surrounded by family. Ray is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon (Brown) Dalton, a devoted life partner and in recent months a tireless advocate and caregiver. Ray was born on January 31, 1940 in Hartford, son of the late Catherine (Saponare) Sparks and George R. Dalton. He grew up in East Hartford with the support of his grandmother and great grandmother, and maintained life-long close relationships with his first cousins, Angelina, Rose Marie, John, and Maurice. He proudly enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy, developing an appreciation for Jacksonville, FL from his time stationed there. Ray worked as an engineer at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 50 years. He was a parishioner at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in Hartford.  Ray was known for his subtle wit and sense of humor. He was also known for his skilled home repairs and improvements, and car maintenance, extending that help to family, friends, and neighbors. Ray was an Elks Club member for 50 years, most recently with Lodge 2022. Ray and Sharon made their family home first in East Hampton and then in Portland for 42 years. Later in life they traveled extensively including ocean cruises (three times through the Panama Canal!), boating on the CT River, and RV’ing from New England to Florida where he was grateful for many stays with Carole and the late Bill Atkins. Ray is also survived by his three children and their spouses, Rachel (Mark Pizzi) of Trumbull, Matthew (Bree) of Honolulu, HI, and Luke (Alissa DeJonge) of Cromwell; eight grandchildren, Kayla, Abigail (Michael Houseknecht), Jane, Redford, Natalie, Loudon, Pierce, and Elan; one great grandchild, Vivienne Ray; two brothers Robert Snuck (Julie) of Mount Juliet, TN, and Leland Sparks (Sheryl) of East Hartford; sister Mona Cooke of Rangeley, ME; many nieces and nephews; and longtime close friends with whom they shared many fond memories. Thanks to the teams at Hartford Hospital Cancer Center and Middlesex Hospice for their care and comfort of Ray. Portland Memorial Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Funeral services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, or Fisher House Foundation.

Madalyn M. “Sue” (Clark) Gouin, of Portland, CT, passed away peacefully in her home on January 24th 2024, just 300 ft from the home in which she was born.

Born September 3rd in 1941 to Charles H. Clark, Sr. and Madalyn I. (Doolittle) Clark; Sue grew up in Portland, attending Portland High School where she graduated in 1959 and where she met her husband, Donald B. Gouin. Sue worked for the Middletown Savings, now known as Liberty Bank, before marrying and raising her family. 

Sue was dedicated to her family and her greatest joy, later in life, was to attend dance recitals, ice skating shows and soccer games, watching her grandchildren enjoy life.  A passionate reader, Sue visited the Portland Library weekly to check out as many mystery books as she could carry.  She was an avid gardener, loved weaving baskets and enjoyed all kinds of arts and crafts. She accepted anyone that was brought into her home or her life and treated them with extreme kindness and compassion. 

Sue leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Donald B. Gouin; her daughter Michele M. (Gouin) and her husband Phillip G. Grzejszczak of Portland; her son Brian D. Gouin and his wife Anne (Scricca) of Portland; her granddaughter Sara M. (Grzejszczak) and her husband David F. Fernandes, and great-granddaughter Linnea M. Fernandes, all of Longmeadow, MA; her granddaughter Lynsey M. Grzejszczak and her fiancé Jacob M. Huppe of Troy, NH; her granddaughter Emily M. Gouin and grandson Jack M. Gouin of Portland; her long-time friend Marion Morrell of Palm Bay, FL (formerly of East Hampton, CT), and several nieces and nephews scattered across the country. 

Sue was predeceased by her parents Charles H. Clark Sr. and Madalyn I. (Doolittle) Clark of Portland and her brother Charles H. Clark, Jr. and his wife Ann (Oakliff) Clark of Williamstown, VT (formerly of Portland).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Portland Library Memorial Fund. 

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, February 2nd at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Thursday, February 1st from 5 to 7 p.m.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a truly wonderful man, Gerard Duclos, age 65, on 1/16/24. Born and raised in Hartford to Aldea and Alexander Duclos. Jerry helped his Mom at the Bond Restaurant where he learned to cook at a young age. He also worked with his Dad on many projects while working for Carabetta Enterprise, doing carpentry. He was a member of the Hartford Snowshoe Club. Jerry attended Catholic Schools, graduating from S. Catholic High in 1975. He was very involved in the music programs and sang with the Madrigals and All State Chorus. Jerry was also Lead singer for Revised and Company and played many clubs in Ct. Jerry was so proud to attend Hartt School of Music where he studied voice. He was in many theater productions in Hole in the Wall and Rocky Hill Theater Guild. He moved to Portland in 1978. Jerry sang in the St Mary Choir and performed numerous Musical Productions with the St Mary Stage Company. He later took on the role of Director of Youth Ministry where he brought 100's of kids to know the Lord. Jerry was also director of YG Music Ministry where he worked with some of the BEST musicians playing and singing Christian Rock during Mass. These kids had a HUGE impact on him. He also facilitated YG Retreats and Steubenville East Conferences. Jerry was a facilitator for Marriage Prep. Jerry was part owner of NE Solar and Construction. He designed one of a kind passive solar homes way before they were popular. Jerry and Virginia started their own business in 1985 and Jerry was CFO of All Ears, Inc. in Meriden and Portland for over 40 yrs. He is also Past President of the Meriden JayCees. Jerry was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #7, serving as the current Grand Knight, and held several Officer positions including Chair for the Annual Car Show. During his tenure, Council #7 was recognized by the State as Star Council. He was Man of the Year for the state Knights in 2013, and Family of the Year for the State in 2015. He volunteered for Food Share. Jerry has probably been involved with raising over $100,000 for Charities over his lifetime. Jerry was a Master Chef & cooked for 100's of people at Pasta Dinners, Pancake Breakfasts, and Church picnics. Jerry and Ginger married in 1982 and sang a duet "Devoted to You" at their wedding. They traveled to many places around the world. Jerry built the home they raised their sons in. He designed his Chef's kitchen & prepared fabulous dinners for family and friends. Many say he made the best Prime Rib they ever had! Jerry had a certificate in Horticulture and raised some beautiful plants and enjoyed making Bonsai arrangements. Jerry's calling was to Feed the Hungry, Shelter the Homeless, and Clothe the Poor. He taught his sons that and says, "it's what we do". He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He leaves his wife, Ginger, married 41 yrs and sons Spencer Gerard and his girlfriend Cheryl, and Dylan James and his girlfriend Olivia. Jerry was so proud of his sons accomplishments and happy to see the beautiful relationships they have. Jerry also leaves his loving sister, Patricia Duclos Miller, with whom he was very close, and his nephews Matthew and Nathan Miller and their families, Brother in Law Roger Gaudio and niece Rhanda Gaudio. He has many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in Ct and Berlin/ Gorham NH. He was predeceased by his parents and his Mother and Father in Law, Roger and Trudy Gaudio, who loved him very dearly.  A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jerry's life will be Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Mary Church, Portland, Ct, at 11:00. Visitation will be at the Church at 10:00. Donations in Jerry's name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #7, P.O Box 7, Portland, Ct, 06480. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Anthony Lesney was born July 27, 1943 to Michael Lesney and Barbara Skaryak of Springdale PA. He was their only child until his sister Barbara Ann was born 9 1/2 years later. 

Michael leaves to mourn his passing his three children, Timothy (Carrie) Lesney, Lori (Kurt Sr) Vogt and Marcy (Bernie) Lesney. Also leaves his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Barbara (Desi) Neurohr, 2 nieces, 1 nephew and a host of cousins. He is also survived by James Gagliano who was like a second son and lifelong friend who was with him to the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his second wife, Ruthann Lesney of Torrington CT. 

Michael grew up in Springdale PA and moved to Sarver PA with his family when he was a teen. He graduated from Freeport Sr High School and then enlisted in the Air Force, where he soon became an airplane mechanic. After 4 years of service, he married and relocated to Hartford CT for a position at Pratt & Whitney airplane factory. After several years, he moved to Portland CT and started a Drywall Company with his brother-in-law. This led to him becoming a Commercial Construction Project Manager, which had him traveling the country, which he loved.

Mike enjoyed fishing, boating, NASCAR racing, golfing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank the Rocky Hill Veterans Home for their outstanding care and compassion of “Mikey” while he resided there.

He will be dearly missed

A Mass of Christian burial will be performed by Father John Antonelle at St Mary’s Parish, 45 Freestone Ave Portland Ct on January 30, 2024 at 10 a.m. The Mass will also be streamed on their website at www.stmaryportlandct.org

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Mary’s Parish, 45 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT, 06480. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Eleanor "Ellie" Fusari Lastrina, 83, passed away on January 7th, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family in her hometown of Portland, CT. She was born on October 1st, 1940.
Ellie was loving and caring and devoted 15 years of her life to caring for others at Portland Care and Rehabilitation. She was an active member with her husband in the Portland Volunteer Fire Department for many years. She loved all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren relentlessly. She enjoyed going to Outer Banks, North Carolina every year with all of her nieces, nephews, and their children. Eleanor is predeceased by her parents Edna and Gildo Fusari, daughter Tammy Lastrina, husband Sebastian Lastrina. She is survived by her brother Robert Fusari Sr., two sons Michael and Mark Lastrina, "third" son David Opuszynski, daughters-in-law Arlene and Lisa Lastrina. She also leaves behind her grandchildren David (Sam), Keith (Kira), Kaylee (Erick) and Jenna (James) Lastrina, also great-grandchildren Kelsie, Karson, and Kenzlee Lastrina.
The family invites you to pay your respects at Portland Memorial Funeral Home at 231 Main Street in Portland, CT on Friday, January 12th from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Church at 51 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT on Saturday, January 13th at 9a.m. 

Shirley Marie (Plante) Schultz, lovingly known as Meme, sadly left us on January 1st surrounded by family at her home in Portland. She was the wife of the late Robert John Schultz. Born on February 22nd, 1930 to George and Alice Plante, Shirley was a Portland resident most of her life. She was a parishioner and vestry member of Trinity Episcopal Church her entire life. Shirley attended and graduated from the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing and spend her career working for Middlesex Hospital.

Shirley is survived by her children, Robert (Jocelyn) Schultz and Piper (Gary) Tobler, as well as her grandchildren Cory (Kelsey) and Bryant (Connie) Tobler.

Shirley lived with a strong love of family and offered unrelenting warmth and kindness to all that she met. With her grandchildren, she had unlimited energy and patience, playing every game imaginable and surviving hours on end of SpongeBob re-runs. She had a bottomless appetite for all things sweet, was an expert baker, and loved to spend time in her garden.

A funeral service will be held in her honor at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 6th at Trinity Episcopal Church, Portland. Calling hours will be held Saturday morning from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland. Burial will be in the family plot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middletown.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Lillian Black, who took wonderful care of our mother for four years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her memory be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main St, Portland, CT 06480.