November 2024

Ryan Michael Weed, 31, of Killingworth, CT, passed away on November 21st, 2024. He was born on August 6th, 1993 in Middletown, CT and was the only son of Tracey Weed and Joseph Pyatt. Ryan attended Haddam-Killingworth High school and graduated in 2011.  After high school, Ryan spent many years learning various trades from masonry, landscaping, and asphalt working for the last five years with JB Asphalt. Whatever trade Ryan took on he gave it his all and would show up with a big smile on his face and an even bigger cup of coffee. He was a hard worker that wasn’t afraid to get dirty, always wearing his dirty clothes as a badge of honor, especially his hats. When the work was done, Ryan could be found surrounded by his many friends who became family to him.

Ryan had many friends. He loved spending time with them doing things such as working on trucks, having bonfires, listening to music, drinking beer, and going to get food. Sometimes the best of times Ryan had with friends was just hanging out relaxing on the couch watching a movie or binging a new TV series. Ryan was down to do whatever whenever; he just wanted to have a good time and enjoy every minute. Ryan loved to spend time outside doing the things he loved. Ryan’s friends and family are going to miss him and these moments with him. 

Ryan was most proud of being a Godfather to Skylar Guliani and loved his friends’ children as nieces and nephews and loved being referred to as Uncle Ryan. From birthday parties to family gatherings, and even the Friday night bonfires, Ryan was always the first to show up ready to have a good time. He will be missed at all these events. 

Ryan now rests peacefully with those who have passed before him. Ryan was predeceased by his loving mother, father, and grandparents. He is survived by his various aunts, uncles, and cousins and friends who became family.  

His services will be held on Monday, December 9th at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church located at 45 Freestone Ave., Portland. The service will be officiated by Father John Antonelle. 

He will be escorted to his mass by his close friends Kurt Vogt Jr, Andreas Guliani, Jordan Kelsey, Cody Johansen, Kevin Gorman, Matt Cogswell.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary’s Bereavement Committee. We want to extend a special Thank You to Sebastian Lastrina and Stacey Czepiel at PMFH for all they have done to ensure Ryan has the funeral services he deserves. 

Edward R. Zawilinski Jr., 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 19th at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown.  The son of Edward and Frances (Bielot) Zawilinski, he is survived by his wife Lorraine (Bartolotta) Zawilinski, daughter Diane Birden, son-in-law Ken Birden.  His beloved grandchildren Jasmine Bailey and Richard Bailey of Torrington, CT.  Also, his brother Bob Zawilinski and sister-in-law Sandra Zawilinski of Prospect, CT and two nephews David Zawilinski of Omaha, NE and Steven Zawilinski of Burlington, CT.

Eddie loved the Yankees and UConn Basketball.  He loved going to games and seeing his favorite team play.  Eddie and Lorraine loved to travel in their RV and went all over the country and visited many places.  They were married for 50 years and had a wonderful life together.

A Mass of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland.  Burial will be 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.

Those who wish to remember Eddie in a special way may make donations in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of CT, attn:  Donor Services, 225 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601.

Paul Charles Glinski, 77, of Portland, peacefully passed away on November 12th, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 23rd ,1947 and dedicated his life to his family and career.

Paul was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, known for his kindness and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Mary (Todd), Kevin (Aleia), Scott (Sarah); grandchildren, Megan, Ryan, Brady, Addison, Clara, Dezi, Max, Eva; siblings, Michael (Tina), and Janet (Alan). He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Ann Dickerson, and his granddaughter, Nora.  Paul dedicated his career to serving as the Chief Fiscal Officer for the State of Connecticut Children and Family Services for 34 years, showcasing his commitment and skill in public service. He also worked as a tax preparer at H&R Block for 35 years where his meticulous nature and integrity were greatly valued.  A graduate of Fairfield University, Paul was involved in his community and was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church in Portland. His hobbies included fishing, golf, gardening, playing cards, and cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events. Paul cherished his visits to Mohegan Sun, where he enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and the thrill of the games.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at www.jdrf.org. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy of warmth, generosity, and leadership.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Portland.  Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, on Saturday, December 7th from 9-10:30 a.m.  Burial will immediately follow in the family plot in Swedish Cemetery, Portland.  

Barbara Dalhberg Perginy of Middletown passed on November 16th, at the age of 70 . She is predeceased by her parents William E. and Anna M. ( Mays ) Dalhberg. She is survived by her daughters Shilo Mackro and Desiree Schmelter and her husband Mark, all of Middletown; her grandchildren Mariah Valentin and her husband Austin Shimchick, Bryan Waters Jr., Jordynn Schmelter, and by her older sister Christine Dalhberg.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 23rd at 10 am 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 Friday, November 22nd from 5 to 7 pm. 

Ivar Jozus of Portland, died November 18th at home, surrounded by his family. Latvians would say that he has gone to the other side of the sun.

His life began in Riga, Latvia, in 1938. He left Latvia as a 6-year old with his parents in the fall of 1944, in order to escape the invading Soviet army. After 4 years in Germany, their dream of finding safety and freedom in America was realized. They arrived in New York City by ship on Christmas Eve, 1948.

Ivar graduated from Dartmouth College in 1961. Attending Dartmouth led him to meeting the love of his life. He and a friend had snuck into a Wellesley College mixer. He spotted Carol, asked her to dance, and it has been the two of them ever since. His greatest happiness was spending time with the wonderful family this chance meeting created.

Another big part of Ivar’s life was the U.S. Navy. After college he attended OCS and spent three years in the Navy on board the destroyer Charles R. Ware (DD865). He then spent 32 years in the active Reserve, from which he retired with the rank of Captain, JAG Corps. He enjoyed his time in the Navy, due to the outstanding people he served with. This is also where he met his best and lifelong friends.

Ivar attended UConn Law after his active duty and established his law career in private practice in Middletown. The many people with whom he interacted made this a meaningful and interesting career. He was active with numerous civic, professional, and charitable organizations throughout his life. His involvement in Zion Lutheran Church brought him pleasure and satisfaction.

He is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Betsy (Joseph) Andriola, Katy (Jeff) Mooney and Sarah (Mark) Blandford and grandchildren William, Matthew, and Christopher Andriola; Maggie and Grace Mooney; Adeline, Foster, and Theodore Blandford who all admired and enjoyed his clever wit, the breadth and depth of his knowledge, and the gladness with which he approached life.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 25th at 10 a.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church, Portland. Burial will be in the Swedish Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Sunday, November 24th from 4 to 6 p.m.

John Kenneth Stuke (Ken), 89, formerly of Portland, CT, Westerly, RI, and Sebastian, FL passed away peacefully on October 29th while in hospice. His death was preceded by the late Barbara (Dunn) Stuke, the love of his life for 57 years, and his son and companion Paul Stuke. Ken is survived by three children, Debbie Deseno and her husband Nick, Doug Stuke and his wife Kathy and Donna LaBella and her husband Tom. Ken has 7 grandchildren, Nigel, Matt, Miro, Jordan, Nicole, Joshua, Jason and 7 great grandchildren. He has 2 siblings, Sandra and her husband Laurie, Pam and her husband Buddy, and was predeceased by his brother Richard Stuke and his wife Marjorie.

Ken grew up in Dedham, Massachusetts. After high School he joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War. Once his military service ended, he married his wife, Barbara. Initially they started their life together in Vernon, CT and then ultimately moved to Portland, CT, where they lived for more than 40 years and raised their children. Ken worked for Pratt & Whitney for 37 years as an engineer and later, the Director of Engineering for test cells operations. He was fortunate to take early retirement in 1992, which allowed him to spend many years with his wife, family and friends; visiting, traveling and spending treasured quality time at their cottage in Westerly, Rhode Island and house in Sebastian, Florida.

After Babrbara passed in 2014, he made his permanent home Sebastian, Florida. He would spend hours on the phone with family and friends sharing his latest adventures; often involving his Florida crew: Joy Fisher, Garry and Jen Fisette, and the many loving neighbors in the Park Place community. His final years were ones filled with sunshine, good eating and days spent with his loving puppy Stephanie, whom he cherished. Ken was a social butterfly and loved meeting and talking to people. It wasn’t uncommon for him to make friends with strangers at the beach and learn their life story. With his family, he shared his love of joking, learning, and the Boston Red Sox. Ken will be missed by all those who knew him. His default setting was to be happy, and he would light up any room with his laughter and stories. He left an immense impression on those who loved him. 

Family and friends are warmly invited to final services Friday, November 22ndat St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown, CT. His Funeral Mass will start promptly at 11:00AM followed by a military burial and a reception. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ken’s name may do so to Middlesex Health Hospice Program, 21 Pleasant St, Middletown, CT.