July 2024

After three years of fighting so hard not to leave her family, sadly, Joann Victoria Rossitto, 58, of Portland, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by her four daughters on July 11th .

Joann was born on November 7, 1965, in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Born in the city, she spent her days at the beach and roller-skating with her friends and family.

In the early 80s, Joann met her husband, Frederick Rossitto of Portland, CT. There, they began life raising their five children and operating their family business, Brownstone Amusements, for

over two decades.  Joann graduated from The Culinary Arts Institute in 2001 to embrace her passion for cooking

while working and raising her five children.  After gaining quality experience from different restaurants, she settled down at Portland Restaurant, where many people grew to know and love not only her but her delicious variety of

food.  In recent years, you could find her in the kitchen at TJ’s on Cedar in Newington, CT. Joann loved to show off her culinary skills and pass down her favorite recipes and techniques to the

younger generations.  One of Joann’s favorite things to do was to vacation in Key West with her family in the

summers. She loved to walk around exploring the Island, meeting new people, and trying new food!

Joann is predeceased in death by her parents, William and Freddie Mae White, son Frederick Anthony Rossitto, and brother, Richard Carry White.

Joann is survived by her husband, Frederick Rossitto; four daughters: Jessica Rossitto, Katie Rossitto, Sarah and husband Peter Kalinowski, and Samantha Rossitto; grandchildren: Kaylee“K-Girl,” Carmelo “My Love,” Julissa “Bean,” Colby “Colbster,” Charlotte “Best Friend,” Joesph “JoJo,” and Maddox “Max.”  Joann is leaving behind her sister Billie Darlene, husband William Deveau, sister Carol Diane,

husband David Wydola, sister Julie and husband John Savage, and brother

William “Billy” White. She is also leaving behind her many nieces and nephews.

Joann will be incredibly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of crossing her path. Her contagious smile and spunky personality that aligned with her unique style that included her

purple highlights was indeed one of a kind.  Not to mention her proud and extensive croc collection, including her favorite band, Queen!  Joann would say, “If you ain’t crocin’, you ain’t rockin’; Get your croc on!”

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, July 29th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portland. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce R. Woronoff, 82, of Portland, passed away peacefully on July 6th after an extended illness.

Bruce was born on April 15th, 1942, in Springfield, Massachusetts to Alexander and Helen Woronoff, and lived most of his life in Portland. He served in the United States Army during peacetime in Korea. After his service, Bruce met Joan Olivia Anderson, also of Portland. The two were married in 1967 and spent the next 45 years together until her passing in 2012.

Bruce was the owner-operator of STECO, Inc., in Portland, and later worked for United Concrete for many years. Known for his expertise with all things mechanical, Bruce had a passion for classic cars, marine engines, and all types of heavy equipment. He could often be found with his brother, Ken, or one of his many good friends, solving a problem or lending a helping hand. He loved a challenge and was always generous with his time and talents.

Bruce is survived by his three daughters, Brenda Walsh and husband, Kevin; Lorry Taggart and her husband, Ron; and Kimberly Lorenti. He was the cherished grandfather of Cassey, Olivia, Keith, Kayla, Caden, and Nolan. Bruce is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Woronoff, and his wife, Patricia; his sister, Gail Williams, and her partner, Carolyn; and his niece and nephews, Kristen, Scott, Michael, Eric, and Dane. Bruce is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Services to honor Bruce’s life will be held on Friday, July 19th, at 11 a.m. at Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the Center Cemetery in Portland. Following burial, a celebration of Bruce’s life will take place at Terrazza Restaurant, located at Quarry Ridge Golf Course, 9 Rose Hill Road, Portland.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Midstate Medical Center’s hospice team for their support and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dementia Society of America.