July 2025

 Lawrence (Larry) Mazzillo, 97, of Portland, CT, formerly Westport, CT, passed away on July 30 after a brief but fierce illness. He was born in Bridgeport on May 17, 1928. He is survived by his son Larry of Fairbanks, Alaska, and daughter Debbie Machnik of Portland, CT.  He is also survived by grandson Josh Machnik (Mica) of Durham CT., great granddaughters Allison and Erin Machnik, Ashley Ebenal and Annmarie Wilson,  his sister-in-law Elaine Kokoska of Redding, his former son-in-law Stan Machnik of Clinton,  and many friends.  He was predeceased by his wife Carmella.  He lived in Westport for most of his life and moved to Portland in 2008, where he lived on his own until he became ill.  Larry was in the Army and spent time in Korea after the war. He was so proud of a seventy-five year service plaque from The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, local 1Connecticut.   He loved to fly fish and spending time at Compo beach. Well past middle age he began to paint.  He took lessons in Westport, and was good at it. His water colors of beach scenes and barns are beautiful. Larry was one of those rare individuals who was content with whatever he had or didn’t have. He was delighted by little things like feeding the birds,  watching squirrels and doing crossword puzzles. He loved his family and his neighbors, and loved telling jokes to both. He had a deep and abiding faith and loved going to Mass at. St Mary’s Church every Saturday where he could socialize with fellow parishioners.  Special thanks to Portland Care & Rehab for their outstanding care and compassion and to Matilda, his home helper for five years and was so loved by my father.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a Veteran’s group of your choice.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 13th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Portland.  Burial will be at a later date in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport.  Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, on Tuesday, August 12th from 4-6 p.m.
 

Marjorie “Bunny” (Drewry) Lapadula, 89, of Portland, peacefully passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 19, 1935 in Middletown to the late George and Annabelle (Russell) Drewry, Marjorie lived a full and joyful life marked by love, laughter, and lasting friendships.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Pasqualo Lapadula, with whom she shared a beautiful 64 years. She was also predeceased by her sister Jean Acerboni and nephew John Acerboni.

She leaves behind her three children: Deborah Cunningham (Lapadula), Jeffrey Lapadula and his wife Kim, Patrick Lapadula and his wife Sally. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Lauren Obermeier, Jessinta Cunningham, Patrick Lapadula Jr., and Matthew Lapadula, and a beloved great-grandmother to Madison and Mackenzie, who were the apple of her eye.

She is also survived by her brother Robert Drewry and his wife Marylou, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Marjorie found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing Bunco with her girlfriends, testing her luck at bingo and the casino, and vacationing with close friends and family. Marjorie’s warmth, humor, and lively spirit brought joy to every room she entered.

In her later years, Marjorie was lovingly cared for by her former daughter-in-law Lisa Mazzotta-Ivaldi, whose devotion and compassion brought great comfort and support to both Marjorie and her family.

Marjorie’s legacy is one of strength, family, friendship, and fun. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 11th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland. Burial will be in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland on Thursday, July 10th from 5-7 p.m.