Oscar A. Rivard, 78, of Bristol, beloved husband of Bernice (Des Jardins) Violette-Rivard, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 27th. Born December 10th, 1932, in Bellington, MA, son of the late Oscar and Cecile (Desmarais) Rivard. Prior to retiring, Oscar was employed as a Meat Cutter at IGA in Wolcott. He was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two step-daughters, Magella Valvo and her husband Sebastian of Bristol and Lynn Owsianko and her husband Frank of Bristol, his grandchildren, Rebekah Violette, Kelly and Daniel Owsianko and Zachary Valvo, two sons, Daniel Rivard and Charles Rivard, two sisters, Jeannine Leroux and her husband Roland of Enfield and Alice Hirth of Manchester, and a brother Andy Rivard and his wife Gerry of Glastonbury. He was predeceased by his sister Lucy Pelletier, and two brothers-in-law, Ernest Pelletier and Russell Hirth. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Friday (Apr. 29) from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Saturday (Apr. 30) at 10:15am followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Gregory, 235 Maltby St., Bristol at 11:00am. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of St. Gregory, 235 Maltby St., Bristol, CT 06010.
Anne V. Wieczorek, 92, of Unionville, beloved widow of Stanley W. Wieczorek, to whom she was married to for 51 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2011. Born in Unionville on December 13, 1918, daughter of late Joseph and Anna (Safcak) Marek, and she resided in town her entire life. Anne was a lifelong communicant at the Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea and was an active member of the Tunxis Senior Citizens. Anne enjoyed watching the UConn Womens’ Basketball games, senior chair exercising, attending her grandchildren’s concerts, trips to Boston and NY, and was an active walker and avid reader. She most enjoyed spending time with her family, and reminiscing about old family traditions. Anne will be remembered as “Gramma” to all who knew her and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen A. Mabb and her husband Wayne F. of Avon, her son, Thomas J. Wieczorek, Sr. and his wife Lorraine T. of Waterford, and her sister, Margaret Stevens and her husband Donald of Unionville. She also leaves four loving grandchildren: Jennifer A. DiGiacomo and her husband John of Medway, MA, and Jonathan A. Mabb and his girlfriend Jami Leibering of NY, Ashley T. Wieczorek and Thomas J. Wieczorek, Jr. of Waterford. She was predeceased by three brothers, Stephen, Joseph “Buff”, and Edward, and one sister, Mary Forman. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home 111 Main Street, Rt.4, Unionville, CT on Tuesday, April 26 from 5-8pm. A funeral procession will be Wednesday, April 27 at 9:15am from The Ahern Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial at 10am in The Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Unionville. Burial will follow at the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Avon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University of Connecticut Oncology/Hematology Department, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030.
The Reverend William J. Thuer, 89, of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 21st. Father Thuer was born June 23rd, 1921, in Hartford, the son of the late William O. and Bridget Elizabeth (Sullivan) Thuer. He graduated from Saint Michael’s Grammar School in Hartford, and Saint Thomas Preparatory School in Bloomfield. Father Thuer began his studies for the priesthood, attending Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, and Saint Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY. Father was ordained June 29, 1946, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, by the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien, then Bishop of Hartford. Father Thuer began his ministry at Saint Thomas Seminary as a Professor from 1946 until 1953. He then went on to serve as an Assistant from 1953 to 1958 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Hamden, from 1958 to 1971 at Immaculate Conception Church, Waterbury, and from 1971 to 1974 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Waterbury. He then served as a Priest in Residence at Saint Elizabeth Church in Branford. In 1976, Father Thuer was appointed to his first pastorate at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. In 1988, Father Thuer was assigned Pastor at Saint Patrick Church, Collinsville, where he served until his retirement in 1996. Friends may call at Saint Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, on Tuesday (Apr. 26) from 9:30-10:30 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (Apr. 26) at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Saint Thomas Seminary by the Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of Hartford. Burial will be in the family plot at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vocations Office at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002 for those studying for the priesthood. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
Josephine Ingram, 86, of Farmington, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 21st. Born in Hartford, March 15th, 1925, daughter of the late John L. and Eleanor (Mason) Ingram, she resided in Farmington for many years. She was a graduate of Farmington High School, Class of 1943, received her Bachelor’s degree from Bates College in Lewiston, ME, Class of 1947, Phi Beta Kappa, and received her Master’s degree in Education from American International College in Springfield, MA. During her 32 year career in Education, Josephine taught in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, and retired from the Aurora, North Carolina school system. Josephine was also associated with the Department of Defense School System which brought her on many interesting teaching assignments to France, Germany, Turkey, Libya and Morocco. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Paul and Joan Ingram of Farmington, three nieces, Melissa Ingram Wilson of Columbus, OH, Barbara Jean Ingram Hubbard of Plano, TX, and Janet Ingram Joyce of Houston, TX, two nephews, Paul Ingram Jr., of Dallas, TX and Geoffrey Ingram of Los Angeles, CA, Henry Hall Mason and family of Farmington, and her dear friends, Martha Porteus of Windsor and Harriet Lodge Taft of Farmington. Funeral services will be held in St. James Episcopal Church, 3 Mountain Rd., Farmington on Friday, May 13th at 11:00am followed by burial in the Memorial Garden at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Americares Foundation, 88 Hamilton Ave., #1, Stamford, CT 06902. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
Ann McGunnigle, 61, of Burlington, died suddenly on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. Born in Rockville Centre, New York on January 9, 1950, daughter of the late Howard W. Berls and Flavia Thompson. Loving wife and mother. Ann is survived by her husband of 37 years Al McGunnigle of Burlington, her children Janice McGunnigle of Charlotte, N.C. and her fiancé Kevin Holmes, Bryan and David McGunnigle of Burlington, two sisters Mary Doyle of Alexandria, VA, and Jeanne Garabrant and her husband Gary of Woodstock, CT, two brothers, William Berls and his wife Barbara of Vero Beach, FL, James Berls and his wife Patricia of Sussex, NJ, two grandchildren, Emma & Iagan McGunnigle, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many close family and friends. Ann received her Bachelors Degree from The State University of New York at Albany and her Masters Degree from the University of Hartford. She was a Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at US Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Ann shared her love with everyone around her. She also gave her heart to her family, friends, co-workers, and clients. Her wit gave many a smile and her bold tell it like it is personality, startled some and inspired others. She was a dedicated hard worker and gave back to the community through numerous volunteer organizations such as House of Loaves and Fishes, Connecticut Community Care, and Habitat for Humanity. She enjoyed spending her free time with her friends and family (the more the merrier). Her enthusiasm for life and kindness towards all people touched many. Her spirit will always be with us in our hearts. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Saturday (Apr. 23) from 4:00-7:00pm and Sunday (Apr. 24) from 6:00-9:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (Apr. 25) at 11:00am in St. Patrick Church, Burlington followed by burial in Center Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dr. Susan Love Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 2811 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 or to CT Community Care Inc., 43 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010.
Louise Mancino Asaro, of Unionville, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 18, 2011 at the Cherry Brook Health Care Center in Canton. Louise was born on October 17, 1928 in Torrington, the eldest daughter of Jack and Molly Mancino. She graduated from Torrington High School in 1946 and that very same year married Anthony F. “Tiny” Asaro Jr., her sweetheart and husband of nearly 65 years. She has been a resident of Unionville since 1963. She held many jobs over the years; everything from bank teller to package store permittee. Most summers after her retirement were spent at Holly Tree Campground in Ashaway, RI. She truly loved the beach and sun. Bad weather days were filled with craft projects and tag sales. In addition to her husband, Tiny, Louise is survived by her two children Susan Kapros (Asaro) of Bristol, Tony Asaro and his wife Deb of Canton, sisters Lillian Fitzgerald of Burlington and Janet Cracco of Torrington. She was Noni to her grandchildren Amanda Roberto and her husband Steve, Jason Asaro, Nerissa Ayers and her husband Jonathan, and Sam Kapros; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Mariah Roberto, and Zachary and Hannah Ayers. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff of Cherry Brook Health Care Center and McLean Hospice for their loving care and compassion towards Louise. Funeral Services will be held Thursday (Apr. 21) at 11:00am in The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Resident’s Council at Cherry Brook, 102 Dyer Ave., Canton, CT 06019.
Merry Louise (Bruce) Eagen, 63, of Unionville, beloved wife of the late Alfred J. Eagen Jr., passed away peacefully at home Sunday night, April 17th. Born September 28, 1947 in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth (McIntire) Bruce. She was employed at Stop & Shop in Unionville in the Grocery Receiving Department for many years. Merry is survived by her beloved daughter Regina M. Eagen of Unionville, her sister and brother-in-law, Katharine and Bill Rose of Feeding Hills, MA, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Clare and Mike Kupernik of Winsted, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and her family at Stop & Shop. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Friday (Apr. 22) from 5:00-8:00pm and again on Saturday (Apr. 23) from 9:00-10:00am. Funeral Services will be held in The Ahern Funeral Home on Saturday at 10:00am followed by burial in Baptist Village Cemetery, East Longmeadow, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Yale Melanoma Program at Yale Cancer Center, 157 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510 or to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.
Gladys A. (Parker) Smith, 94, of Hartford, beloved widow of Luther E. Smith, Sr. died Sunday, April 17, 2011 at home with her daughter and extended family at her side. Gladys was born in Greenville, South Carolina on April 24, 1916 eldest child of the late Marcus and Ida Parker and had resided in Harford for many years. She was a longtime member of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Hartford and was a daughter of the Trellis Temple #663 IBPOE. During her long personal service career, Gladys had the wonderful, soft spoken ability to become an integral and much loved member of the families she was associated with, among them the Jordan and Ahern families of Hartford. She is survived by her daughter, LaDonne Smith of Bloomfield, a son Kimball Smith and his wife, Robbie of Placentia, CA, daughter-in-law, Cynthia Smith of Raynham, MA, a sister Georgia Parker of Greensboro, NC, a brother James Parker of Chicago, IL, a brother-in-law Alton Smith of Columbus, OH, grandchildren Luther III, Amanda and Wesley Smith; many nieces and nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved sons Luther “Lucky” Smith Jr., and Roderick Smith, a sister- in-law Grace (Smith) Calloway, brother-in-laws Martin, Paul, and Lawrence Smith, her sisters Harriet Parker, Barbara Parker, Helen Parker, Miriam Parker, Annette (Parker) Anderson, Jean Parker, June (Parker) Smith; brothers Dyer and Harold Parker; and niece Ann T. Walton. Relatives and friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford on Monday (Apr. 25) from 3:00-7:00pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (Apr. 26) at 11:00am in Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Sigourney St., Hartford, followed by burial in the family plot at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, 3580 Main St., Hartford, CT 06120.
LeRoy T. O’Neill Jr. passed away peacefully in Farmington, Connecticut on April 14th, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 55 years, Carol; his sisters Joan and Aileen; his children Kathleen, Carol, Beth, Roy, Meg, Michael, and Maureen; and fifteen wonderful grandchildren. During his 82 years he was blessed with a devoted family and many wonderful friends. As a young man he attended Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey where he excelled on the athletic fields. He was a member of Prep’s baseball team that was inducted into the New Jersey State Sports Hall of Fame for winning a record 64 games in a row. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Roy played baseball for the Enid and Muskogee Giants, minor league teams affiliated with the New York Giants. He was a catcher and a long the way befriended the likes of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. Roy was a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. He taught Physical Education and coached football and baseball at Rye Neck High School and then Mamaroneck High School in New York. He ultimately became the Mamaroneck High School Athletic Director. “Coach” O’Neill was a legend in the Mamaroneck school system, and was proud to have had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of young people during his career. He was also heavily involved with the Special Olympics, the New York State Athletic Administrators Association, and numerous other professional organizations. After retiring from the Mamaroneck School System he moved to Worcester, New York. He served on the Worcester School Board, and remained involved with numerous professional organizations. He spent his final years in Farmington, Connecticut with Carol. He will be terribly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Roy on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at 10:00 am at Saint John and Paul Church, 280 Weaver St., Larchmont, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McLean Hospice Program, 75 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT 06070. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc.
Patricia A. Cremins, 73, of Hartford, passed away peacefully April 12, 2011. Born in Boston, MA, April 16th, 1937, daughter of the late Patrick and Mary (Coady) Cremins, and sister of the late Maureen Cremins. Patricia received her A.B from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA, a Masters in Education from Boston University and Oxford University in Oxford, England. As an educator and administrator, she held positions in New York, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. In 1983 she began her affiliation with the University of Hartford. She was one of the founders, and for many years was the director, of the President’s College, a non-credit program for adults at the University. She continued at the University as a teacher in the All-University Curriculum. Patricia is survived by many cousins of the Cremins and Coady families, and by many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 2:00 PM in The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the “President’s College in memory of Patricia Cremins.” Please send donations to University of Hartford, President’s College, c/o Toni Robinson, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.