September 2026

Stanley M. Duszak, 79, of Southview Street, Cromwell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30th. Born in Portland, Connecticut on  November 1st, 1946, he was the son of the late Stanley and Dorothy (Gatz) Duszak. Stanley served honorably in the U.S. Air force with the 907th  Radar   Squadron from 1968 to 1972, during which time he was stationed at  Bucks   Harbor Air Force Station in Bucks Harbor, Maine. Following his military service, he worked dedicatedly as an electrician for Kelsey Manufacturing of East Berlin, Connecticut, until his well-earned retirement. Stanley was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria (Kelley) Duszak, who passed away on August 12, 2022, as well as by his son, Marty Duszak, and his brother, Robert. An avid gardener with a wonderful green thumb, Stanley took great pride in tending to his  yard.  He was a talented do-it-yourself who  always had a home improvement project in motion, especially during his retirement  years. He could frequently be found at the Lowe's Home Improvement store in Cromwell, always on the lookout for a  great deal.  In earlier years, he enjoyed bowling and cherished the memorable trips he took to Mohegan Sun casino with his late wife, Gloria. Stanley is survived by his two daughters, Cariann Caron of Bristol, Connecticut, and Heather Estelle of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren:  Nicholas Duszak of Connecticut; Samantha and Emilee Caron of Bristol, Connecticut; and Breanna and Katelynn Estelle of Virgina Beach, Virginia. He was the proud   great-grandfather of Lyla Raney of Virginia Beach, Virginia, daughter of Breanna. 

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 8th in Swedish Cemetery Portland. The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St. Portland is in charge  of  arrangements. 

November 23, 1928 – September 29, 2026 

Gertrude "Gert" (Leonard) Scully, 97, of Portland, beloved wife of the late Robert "Bob" Scully, her husband of 62 years, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, in the house she called home for 71 years, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 23, 1928, the daughter of the late Frederick and Barbara (Becker) Leonard, and grew up in Middle Haddam. She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1946 with high academic honors. A two-sport athlete, she also served as the editor-in-chief of the class yearbook. She went on to earn her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Central Connecticut State University.

A devoted educator, Gert taught elementary school children in the Portland School System for more than 35 years. Generations of Portland families remember her as a teacher who cared deeply about every child in her classroom.  As a former president of the Education Association of Portland, she worked as tirelessly for her fellow teachers as she had in the classroom.  She was also an active and valued member of the Brownstone Quorum.

The home she and Bob built with help from their forever friends, Bob and Rosemary Black, was the family's heart. For more than 20 years, they opened it every weekend for pool parties and cookouts, filling the yard with children, grandchildren, and friends. Those summer days will live in our memories forever.  She was a gifted seamstress, avid reader, and cake decorator extraordinaire.  Growing up in the Great Depression shaped Gertrude’s outlook on life, instilling in her a deep appreciation for hard work, frugality, and making every dollar count.

Gert leaves her children, Karen (Dan) Boscarino, Bill Scully, Bob (Pam) Scully, and Kathleen (Jack) Sundberg; her 12 grandchildren, Heather (Nedal), Tim (Megan), Alyssa (Nic), Ellen (Allan), Leah (Lee), Casey (AJ), Ashley (Phil), Rob (Sarah), Lindsay, Kelley, Margaret (Lucas), and Jack (Carly); her 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary (Bill) Hennessy.

In addition to her husband, Bob, she was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Fred, Barbara, Jimmy, Catherine, and Billy. Special thanks to hospice nurse Marnee and her caregivers, especially Marcie. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gert's memory may be made to the Friends of Portland Library, 20 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT 06480. 

Words of Remembrance will begin at 11:15 in the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Saturday, October 10th. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday, October 10thfrom 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the family plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Portland. 

John Lawrence Amato, of Portland, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 24th, beginning his next great adventure.

Born on May 25th, 1953, to Joseph and Lucy Amato, John was a proud lifelong resident of Portland. He graduated from Portland High School with the Class of 1971 and went on to build a strong reputation through years of hard work and dedication. Throughout his career, he held a variety of positions, including truck driving, but was perhaps best known as the owner and operator of Portland Power Equipment.

John possessed a remarkable talent for mechanics and craftsmanship. He found great joy in tinkering with engines and spent countless hours building everything from hot rods to experimental aircraft. Among his proudest accomplishments were the construction of his own 1940 Ford Deluxe and a Kitfox aircraft, projects that reflected both his creativity and determination.

Beyond his mechanical pursuits, John was an accomplished stained-glass artist whose creations brought beauty to those around him. He enjoyed attending car shows and sharing his passion for classic automobiles with friends, family, and fellow members of his beloved car club, The Gasket Goons.

Affectionately known as “Grandpa Cookie,” John cherished every opportunity to spend time with his sons and grandchildren. Family was the center of his life, and he leaves behind a legacy of strong Sicilian heritage, an unwavering work ethic, a passion for classic cars, and a deep love for those fortunate enough to know him.

John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Lucy Amato, and by his brothers, Joe and Ted Amato.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Amato; his sons, Anthony Amato and his fiancée, Elissia Dougherty, and Michael Amato and his wife, Danielle Amato; his loving sister, Joanne Hansen and her husband, Roy Hansen; his treasured grandchildren, Michael, Maxen, Isabella, and Charlie Anne; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

John's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and in the many projects, passions, and traditions he shared throughout his life.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 9th at 10 a.m. 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 Thursday, October 8th from 4-6 p.m.