March 2024

Janet Marie (Derench) Heizman, 73, of Portland entered into eternal rest on March 31st, 2024 with her family by her side, after a long illness. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Heizman. Born in Hartford, daughter of the late Stanley J. Derench and Mary (DeBella) Derench, she graduated from Windsor High School in 1968. Janet had a love of baking, sewing, collecting sea shells and catching rays at the beach. Her love of travel and exploration brought her on many cruises and trips with her husband. One of her favorite places to visit was New York City where she enjoyed many Broadway Plays and could out walk in speed any New Yorker! In addition to her husband, Tom, she is survived by her daughter Stephanie (Heizman) Tennant, and son-in-law, James Tennant. There are not enough words to express the family’s gratitude for the incredible care and compassion Janet received over the last years of her life at LiveWell, for which the family remains eternally grateful. Per Janet’s wishes, services will be private. Should you wish to make a donation in Janet’s memory, they may be made to LiveWell, 1261 South Main St., Plantsville, CT 06479.

The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald Robert Salsbury, 64, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 9, 2024 with his 3 nieces, Aimee, Kelli, and Rochelle by his bedside, who made his transition a time of love, peace, and comfort.

He was born on July 12, 1959, in Portland, CT., son of the late Merrill and Carolyn (Cunningham) Salsbury. He graduated from Portland High and continued his educational journey at Manchester Community in the Culinary program. After graduation he headed to Las Vegas, attended University of Las Vegas, studied Restaurant and Hospitality Management. His education led him to California where he spent his entire professional career working for Pacific Hotels and Vasona Management. He eventually retired to Las Vegas where his west coast journey began.

He was known for his sense of humor, laughter, and compassion. He had many nicknames, Baby Brat, Uncle Jerry, Uncle Buck, Big Guy, Big Boss and Boss Man amongst other choice words that generated laughter and spilled over with love. He spent years on the golf courses, cruise ships, casinos, and local pubs. He was an avid sports buff, Red Sox and San Fran 49er’s fan . He was a believer in life, humanity and helping all others.  He contributed to many charities and volunteered his time. One of his favorite organizations, Lions Club of Los Gatos. His zest for life was a testament to the man he was, the lovable gentle giant with a heart of gold.

He is survived by his sister Marilyn (Salsbury) Phillips, Brian of Middletown, CT. Predeceased by his brother Merrill (Sonny) Salsbury. His very close nieces and nephews, Kelli Gagne (Rob) of Lancaster, North Carolina, John Phillips, (Tammy) of Middletown, CT, Aimee Plourde (Shawn) of Middletown, CT, Luke Phillips (his godson ) of St. Pete’s Florida, Rochelle Purcell (James) of Middletown, CT, Stacey Phillips of South Carolina and several other loved nieces and nephews, great and great- great nieces and nephews. And last but not least a host of beloved friends including Kevin Janton (the mailman), AKA “Cliff and Norm”, Sherri Ramirez, Patti Hooper, Colleen Canning, Tina Lopez and many, many more. 

A funeral service will take place at on Friday April 5, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church, Portland, CT., at 10:00 AM. Immediately following a burial at St. Mays Cemetery Portland, CT.  A Celebration of Life will be held in  Los Gatos, CA at the Los Gatos Lodge on Friday, April 19, 2024  at 4:00 PM.  

He will be deeply missed by all who know him, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, is in charge of arrangements.

Francis J. O’Brien, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born on April 9, 1938, in Queens, NY, Fran was raised by his Uncle Charlie and Aunt Lucy Livingston. In seventh grade, Fran met the love of his life, Charlene Raynor. They dated throughout middle school, high school, and college, and they were married on August 29, 1959, in Freeport, Long Island.

Fran graduated from Clarkson Memorial College of Technology in Potsdam, NY, pursued a short-lived career in engineering, and ultimately transformed his love of people and talking into a successful career as an Allstate Insurance agent for 39 years. Fran and Charlene raised their four children in Portland, Connecticut and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. Fran was a charismatic storyteller with contagious expressions, making him the life of the many house parties he hosted. Fran also loved sports; he was a high school track star, coached Little League baseball, was an avid golfer and a die-hard fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants.

Fran’s four children and 11 grandchildren were the joy and center of his life. Growing up, he proudly attended almost all of their sporting events and extra-curricular activities, and he was always on the sidelines to document the event with his telephoto camera lens and video camera. Fran loved photography and traveling, planning spectacular trips, visiting Hilton Head, SC, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Scotland, and was especially proud to have played at Saint Andrews Golf Course. Perhaps his favorite adventures were the many summers spent in Mabou Harbour, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where he and Charlene designed and built a house and spent many hours listening to fiddle music, enjoying Irish culture, dancing, and being with friends at the Red Shoe. 

Fran is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; daughter Terri O’Brien (and Dave Domogala), daughter Sandy Miniati (spouse Peter Miniati), daughter Julie Coiro (spouse Charlie Coiro) and, son Charlie O’Brien (spouse Laura O’Brien); and his grandchildren Meghan Occhialini (spouse Anthony Occhialini), Derek Domogala, Michael Miniati (spouse Jenny Miniati), Sarah Coiro, Claire Domogala, Kelly Domogala (spouse Anas Fadli), Maggie Miniati, Jack Miniati, Emma O’Brien, Abby O’Brien, and Paige O’Brien. Fran attended the baby shower for his first great grandchild in February 2024 and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next generation of his family. Fran was also predeceased by his mother, Helen Paganini, his father, John O’Brien, and siblings Jack O’Brien, Art O’Brien, and Helen Paganini.

Fran will be remembered by many dear friends, whom he had a chance to speak with on his last day of life, while surrounded by family. Thank you to the great staff at RI Hospital for their extreme accommodation and caring throughout his last days.

Fran will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation (Kidney.org). Visiting hours will be held 9:00-10:30 am on Friday March 22 at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St, Portland, CT (portlandmemorialfuneralhome.com). An 11:00 am funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 554 Main St, Portland. Burial will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland, followed by a celebration of Fran’s life at the Quarry Ridge Golf Course, 9 Rose Hill Rd., Portland.   

Sherry Ann Holmes, 66, of Portland,  passed away on March 13th.

She was born in Lorton, VA on January 1st, 1958 to Alan F. Noon and Constance C. Noon, and grew up in Plainfield, CT. Sherry attended Plainfield High School Class of '76 before achieving her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration- Accounting at Eastern Connecticut State University Class of '85. She took great pride in her work as a School Business Manager for many years in Connecticut School Districts such as Coventry Public Schools, Seymour Public Schools and ending her career at Hartford Public Schools.

Sherry was preceded in death by her beloved father Alan F. Noon and mother Constance C. Noon of Putnam, CT and is survived by her loving husband of 35 years William S. Holmes; her only daughter Kaitlynn E. Holmes of Hebron, CT who she thought the world of; her beloved brother Michael A. Noon of Newington, CT; and Kaitlynn's fiance Kyle Gingras of Hebron, CT whom she loved like a son. Sherry's smile and beautiful heart made it easy for those to love her. Her love will continue to live on with those she loved dearly. 

Calling hours will be held on March 22nd at Portland Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, from 5 to 6:30 p.m, and the Memorial Service will follow from 6:30-7 p.m. for close family and friends. Donations to the American Heart Association would be greatly appreciated. 

Janice "Jan" Blanche Lacaillade (nee Manchester), a humble servant of her community and a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portland, was called to her eternal rest on March 4, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on December 30, 1942, in Middletown, Jan's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and love for her family.
Jan was a cherished wife, mother, and sister. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Edward J. Lacaillade; her daughter Michelle Condon and son-in-law Sean Condon; her son Brian Lacaillade and his former wife Kelly Lacaillade; her loving sister Linda Manchester and her sister-in-law Linda Saraceno. Jan was a proud and loving grandmother to Anthony Armetta, April Armetta, Noah Lacaillade, and Nicole Lacaillade. She now joins in Heaven her father Arthur Manchester and her mother Blanche Manchester,
In her gracious manner, Jan touched the lives of many through her work as a Para-Educator for over 30 years with the Portland Board of Education, shaping young minds with patience and kindness. Janice was also a CCD teacher for the First Communion class for over 18 years. A Portland High School alumna, she carried the light of knowledge and understanding that she had been blessed with into every classroom.
Janice was a life-long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portland and an active member of the Ladies' Guild having served as Secretary and Chairperson for Bake Sales.
She and her husband were avid campers and Janice was a past President her camping organization, Mattabassett Chapter 86. Besides camping Jan and Ed traveled extensively to destinations throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.
Jan's life was a living example of gratitude and joy. She expressed herself through her love of entertaining, decorating, crafting, gardening, and dancing. She loved Christmas and decorated every room in her house for the holiday and hosted Christmas dinner for her family for many years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday (March 8) at 10 a.m. in St. Mary Church Portland. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery Portland. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland is in charge of arrangements.