Ahern Funeral Home Condolences

Frances (Bauer) McDermott, 82, of Farmington, widow of Robert L. McDermott, to whom she was married to for 56 years, passed away peacefully Wed, Oct. 26th. Born in Unionville, June 19, 1929, daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (McMahon) Bauer. Fran worked alongside her husband as they developed Minute Man Oil, until his retirement in 1999. She loved to swim, ever since her early lifeguarding and was swimming in her pool Bob installed for her, right up to this past summer! Everyone who knew her witnessed her humor, wit and the twinkle in her eye. Fran is survived by her son, Maury McDermott of Farmington, her two daughters, Maureen Caplette of Bristol, and Charlene Larsen of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Chas and Casey McDermott, Kyle and Ryan Caplette, and Chris, Craig and Kara Larsen. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Friday (Oct. 28) from 5:00-7:00pm. Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, we would ask you to honor Fran’s memory by reaching out to a neighbor with a random act of kindness. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Rose C. Bancroft, 91, of Avon passed away peacefully Saturday October 22nd. Born in the Bari, province of Latina, Italy on January 21, 1920 daughter of the late Rafaelle and Lucia Centrone. Rose is survived by her son John M. Bancroft and his wife Jane M. of Avon, her sister Dora Weaver of South Beach, OR, grandsons Anthony J. Bancroft and his wife Setsuko of Palos Verdes, CA, and John M. Bancroft Jr. and his wife Shiho of Norwalk, CT and two great-grandchildren Johnny and Claire, and two nieces. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home 111 Main St. Rt. 4 Unionville on Wednesday (Oct. 26) from 4-6 pm. Funeral services and burial will be in NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter 2075 Silas Deane Hwy., Suite 100 Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

Cynthia E. Budwitz, of Farmington, beloved friend, partner and wife for 65 years to Peter A. Budwitz, passed away peacefully Friday, October 21st. Born in New Britain, September 22, 1938, daughter of the late Rudolph and Dorothy (Trehy) Swanson, she resided in Farmington since 1964. She was a communicant at the Church of St. Patrick in Farmington. Besides her loving husband, Cynthia is survived by her two sons, Craig A. Budwitz of Scottsdale, AZ and Steven P. Budwitz and his wife Michelle of Avon, her brother Dr. Donald Swanson and his wife Sondra of Southington and her cherished granddaughter Peyton Budwitz. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Tuesday (Oct. 25) from 5:00-8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday (Oct. 26) at 10:00am in the Church of St. Patrick, Main St., Farmington followed by burial in the Columbarium at Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Wilfred J. “Nick” Reid of Canton, husband of the late Shirley (Leclair) Reid passed away unexpectedly Friday October 21st at home. Born in Mt. Kisco, NY July 29, 1931 son of the late Fred Reid and Mary (McGowan) Reid, he resided in the Farmington Valley for many years. Prior to retiring, he was a heavy truck driver for Tomasso /Tilcon Inc. for over 25 years and was a teamster with Local 559. Nick was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. Under his sometimes gruff exterior, Nick was a generous and loyal father and friend. His many friends and acquaintances from the Whole Donut and Ricefields will miss his familiar face and his sense of humor. The family wishes to thank all who have lent the love and support that was shown in so many ways over the course of this difficult year. Nick was active and independent to the end- even driving himself to the casino for yet another lucky hand of Caribbean poker. He kept his family close around him and many a Sunday the entire Reid clan could be found together at “Nick’s booth” at Ricefields. The family will always love and cherish their personal memories of the very special man that was Nick Reid. He is survived by his daughter Jackie R. Stanicak and her husband Michael of New Hartford, his son Richard “Ricky” Reid and his companion Carol Andrews of Avon, his sister Sally Berger of Los Angeles, CA, grandson Nicholas, and best buddy Rock. He was recently predeceased by his beloved daughter Shari Reid. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home 111 Main St. Rt. 4 Unionville on Monday (Oct. 24) from 5-7 pm. A remembrance service will be held Tuesday at 11 am in The Ahern Funeral Home followed by burial in the family plot at Dyer Cemetery, Canton with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 Attn: Gift Processing. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Elvira C. Suzaya, 91, of Farmington, entered heaven peacefully on Sunday, October 16th, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Mariano and Mariquita (Cabezas) Suzaya of Peru, South America and immigrated to Farmington in the late 1940’s. She held many jobs and endured many hardships, all while raising her nieces and nephews. Through her hard work and dedication, Elvira achieved success and economic security as a single woman. She worked at Stanadyne Automotive Corporation in Windsor until her retirement and was a devoted member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church where she was one of the founders of SR DE LOS MILAGROS (The Brotherhood of Lord of Miracles of Peru). She was also one of the founding members of the former Peruvian Club in Hartford. Elvira will be remembered as a generous and charitable woman who helped many people come to America to achieve the American Dream. She loved people and was loved by many, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Elvira is survived by her nieces, nephews, and cousins, including, Rogelio Susaya and his wife Arlinda, Carlos Susaya and his wife Hilda, Julio Susaya, Teofila “Tina” Susaya, Maximina Walczyk and her husband Thomas, Fortunata Barzola and her husband Felix, and Irma Kopplin. The family would like to thank James Fox and all the nurses at the Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association for all their help and support. Friends may attend calling hours at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Monday (Oct. 24) from 8:30-10:30am. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be at 10:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St., Farmington at 11:00am. Elvira will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. Contributions may be made to the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St., Farmington, CT 06032. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Sanger Neff of Devonwood Drive in Farmington CT passed away on October 14 2011. She was born December 11 1919 in Basin Montana, the daughter of Alan and Margaret Sanger. She was pre-deceased by her sister Marcia Meyerhoff and her husband Robert L Neff. Bob and Barbara met as teenagers in a summer romance in Chamberlain Maine. They married just as Bob was enlisting in the Navy and entering WWII. Those years, when Bob was in the Pacific and Barbara traveled to see him whenever he came to port, were central to their lives. After the war, they spent much of their married life in Springdale CT. Barbara raised her children, volunteered for the Girl Scouts, became an avid bridge player, and enjoyed her friends and family. Bob and Barbara also maintained a second and much loved Neff family home in Chamberlain Maine. Barbara is survived by her children Wesley Neff and her husband Robert DesLauriers of Winterport Maine, Peter Neff and his wife Lynn of Clinton CT and Chamberlain Maine, Marcy Neff and her partner Sheila Amdur of West Hartford CT, and Bob Neff of Augusta Maine; her beloved grandchildren Wesley, Jennifer, Heather, Mike, Robyn, Todd, Nicole and Jim; great grandchildren Jenna, Cami, and Caden; brothers-in-law and their wives John and Helen Neff and Bob and Sarah Meyerhoff; niece Robyn and nephew Bobby. A service will be held at the United Methodist Church in New Harbor Maine at 1pm on Saturday October 29th with burial to follow in the New Harbor Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the McLean Care Hospice program at 75 Great Pond Rd in Simsbury CT or the American Cancer Society at 6 Hudson St in Bangor Maine.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Donald E. Swanson, 87, of Farmington, beloved husband of Eleanor Clark Swanson passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 12th. Born in Rockford, Illinois on January 23rd, 1924, son of the late Walfred and Hedvig Swanson. Don was a graduate of Hall High School, West Hartford, earned a BS degree from Indiana State University and his MBA in Finance from Indiana University. He also attended Harvard University and the Biarritz American University. Don was employed for 37 years at Connecticut Bank and Trust Company as Assistant Vice President and Manager of the Paralegal Unit. He served as Treasurer for the Town of Farmington, served three terms as Councilman for the Town of Farmington, was Treasurer for the Republican Town Committee, Past President of Farmington Land and Trust, Served as Vice Chairman of the Greater Hartford Heart Association Fund Appeal, Chairman of the Farmington Heart Association Fund Appeal, Past Vice President of St. Matthew Lutheran Church where he was Chairman of the Evangelism Committee, was Chairman of the Greater Hartford Lutheran Conference, and a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood Committee. While serving as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army during World War II, he received the Purple Heart after which he became a personal guard for General Patton. Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Linda and her husband Lloyd Malin of North Kingstown, RI, his son Drew and his wife Bahige of Brookfield, four beautiful grandchildren, Lauren, Laura, Paul and Benjamin and his brother, Glen and his wife Annagreta. He was predeceased by his sister Vivian Anderson. Don loved his church. He enjoyed calling on the elderly every Sunday morning. He had a smile and a hand shake for one and all. He often called the church his second home. Funeral services will be held Saturday (Oct. 22) at 1:00pm in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St., Avon with Pastor William Carter officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St., Avon, CT 06001. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

Daniel G. Sheehan, 71, of Burlington beloved husband of Jacqueline (Bumps) Sheehan passed away Monday October 17th. Born in Hartford July 22, 1940 son of the late Daniel J. Sheehan and Katherine (Guiheen) Sheehan. He resided in Burlington for 33 years. Dan was a graduate of Torrington High School class of 1958. Prior to retiring in 1997 he was associated with the Arthur G. Russell Co. for 27 years where he was a machine design specialist. He was a communicant at St. Patrick’s Church in Burlington. Dan enjoyed his many trips to Ireland visiting loving friends and family in the homeland of his grandmother, author Peig Sayers. He was a sports enthusiast and music aficionado. In his earlier years he served as an EMT with the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Corps. Besides his wife he is survived by his beloved daughter Kerry L. Sheehan of Torrington. Dan was predeceased by his cherished daughter Colleen F. Sheehan. Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home 111 Main St. Rt. 4 Unionville on Friday (Oct 21) from 5-8 pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Saturday (Oct 22) at 9:15 am followed by the funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Patrick Burlington at 10 am. Burial will be in Center Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers donations may be made St. Jude Childrens Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Joseph (Gerard) “Joe” Gagnon, 83 of Farmington passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Joe was born in Frenchville, Maine, on June 7, 1928 to the late Levite Gagnon and Cecile Bealieu. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 49 years, Lorraine (Dessereau) Gagnon and his brother John Gagnon. Joe is survived by two sons and their wives, Guy and Kathy (Foligno) Gagnon of Southington, Roy and Jeanie (Grasso) Gagnon of Rocky Hill, one daughter Denise Gagnon of Henderson, South Carolina, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His grandchildren Rachel Colon, Renee Gagnon, Nick Gagnon, Gage Gagnon, Valia Capuano, Gabie Gagnon and Parker Gagnon mourn his loss. Joe also is survived by his three sisters, Geraldine Kisarewich of Ocala Florida, Claudette Sorenson and Shirline Andrews both of Bristol and a brother and sister in law, Joseph (Ronald) Gagnon and Jan Gagnon of North Carolina. Joe was a Sheet Metal Mechanic and a retired member of Sheet Metal Local 40. Joe spent his years as a young man in the Merchant Marines and regaled many a holiday gathering with stories of his days spent at sea and in foreign lands. Joe met the love of his life Lorraine, shortly after completing his service in the Merchant Marines. The two settled in Farmington, and there, raised their family. Joe was known for doing a brisk business in refurbishing bicycles. You would always see a bike or two for sale on Joe’s lawn. He had a real mechanical skill and could create just about anything out of metal and fix whatever was broken. In his later years Joe was an avid member of the Farmington Senior Center. There, his artistic qualities emerged. Joe produced some lovely pieces of art created out of copper and other metals, his favorite medium. Joe enjoyed the Senior Center immensely and made some very dear friends there. Joe loved a good joke, good food and utmost his family. We will always remember the twinkle in his eye and his mischievous grin when he had a good story or joke to tell. Knowing that Joe was never one to be idle, we are sure he is in heaven at the right hand of the Lord waiting for a job to do. Joe will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. Friends and family may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Thursday (Oct. 20) from 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Friday (Oct. 21) at 9:15am followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Patrick, Farmington at 10:00am.