July 2023

Janet Hale Lynch, 82, of Portland, wife of the late Joseph F. Lynch, passed away on Friday, July 28th in Middletown.  Born on August 8, 1940, in Middletown, daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Ronskawitz) Hale.  She was a graduate of Portland High School.  Janet was retired from the Town of Portland after 35 years.  Her last position with the town of Portland was the Tax Collector.  Janet was an avid gardener and loved her walks and her dogs.  She is survived by her loving family, two sons James Lynch and his life partner Jean Fazzino of Portland, and William Lynch of Portland, a daughter and son-in-law Sally and John Anderson of Portland, and a sister Frances Barrett.  She is also survived by three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by a brother Charles Hale, Jr, three sisters Margaret Baines, Phyllis Basso, and Elizabeth Robida.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd at 10 a.m. in St. Francis Church, Middletown.  Burial will be in the family plot in St. Mary's Cemetery, Portland.  There are no calling hours.  The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.The family would like to thank the staff at South Farms for all of their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 2911 Dixwell Ave, Suite 104, Hamden, CT, 06618 or Athena Hospice Care, 135 South Rd #2, Farmington, CT, 06032.

Bruce Edward McLellan, 67, of Middletown, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 12, 2023. He was born on February 12, 1956, in Hartford, CT.  Bruce was a giving and thoughtful person, father, brother, and friend. He had a passion for NASCAR and was an extraordinary mechanic. Bruce took great pride in being a “townie” of Portland and enjoyed spending long summers at his vacation home in Maine.

Bruce is survived by his son Robert McLellan, and grandson Devin Tosto of Middletown. He is also survived by his twin brother Brian McLellan, and wife Debbie of East Hampton, Brother Alan McLellan and wife Rosemary of Naugatuck, brother David McLellan and wife Ann of Asheville NC, brother Arne McLellan of Middletown and sister Amy Angelini of North Branford. He was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Barbara McLellan of Middletown, and brother Joel McLellan of St. Petersburgh, Fl.

Bruce attended Middletown High School and went on to have a successful career as a mechanic. He worked at the family business, Colonial Auto Sales in Middletown, and later became one of the lead Ford Technicians at Town and Country Auto Sales, also in Middletown.

Bruce McLellan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be cherished.

Services will be held on Friday, July 21st at Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, CT from 5-7 p.m. with a Memorial Service from 6:30-7:00. Burial will be private at the family’s discretion.

A Celebration of Life Picnic will be held at the Portland River Front Park on August 27th from 1-6. Family and friends of Bruce’s are invited to enjoy a day of food, music and sharing memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s name at Middlesexhealth.org