Out of Pfizer Lunch Group

05/12/2026

David Dresback Obituary
BORN 4/3/1943
DIED 3/30/2026

University of Michigan
Scientists & Researchers
FUNERAL HOME
Mystic Funeral Home
51 Williams Ave.
Mystic, Connecticut

Stonington - David S. Dresback, 82, formerly of Stonington Borough, passed away peacefully March 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born April 3, 1943, in Binghamton, N.Y., David was the beloved son of Grace and David Dresback.

David was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sherry Dresback, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and unwavering partnership.

He is survived by his loving children, Jennifer Williams, Michael Dresback and his wife, Christy; and his beloved granddaughters, Alexa Williams and Ava Grace Dresback. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Melanie Lambert and her husband, Eric, and Mitch Buroker; as well as his step-grandchildren, Jake and Hayley Lambert, and Miles and Katherine Buroker.

David was a brilliant scientist and lifelong learner. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Michigan in 1967 and later completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1974. His remarkable career at Pfizer in Groton spanned 28 years, where he served as Senior Director before retiring in 2002. Even in retirement, his passion for innovation continued as he consulted for numerous startup pharmaceutical companies. Throughout his distinguished career, David was the author of numerous pharmaceutical patents and was highly respected for his intellect, creativity, and dedication to advancing medicine.

While his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew David will remember him most for his vibrant personality and zest for life. He was a gifted guitar and harmonica player, known for his playful spirit, love of funny hats and glasses, and legendary sense of humor. A true prankster at heart, David brought laughter and light wherever he went. He loved to travel, embraced new experiences, and had a deep appreciation for exceptional food and culinary adventures. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends and lived each day fully and enthusiastically.

David's legacy is one of intelligence, humor, curiosity, kindness, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private funeral was held in his honor.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the David and Sherry Dresback Scholarship, which supports high school students in Stonington, Groton, and Ledyard as they pursue their future educational goals.
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View David S. Dresback's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Joseph Rashan Obituary

Waterford - Joseph M. Rashan Jr., of Waterford, passed away unexpectedly in the hospital Feb. 17, 2026. He was born Jan. 23, 1948, in Bridgeport, the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Discepolo) Rashan Sr. He was married almost 50 years and is survived by artist Carmela Venti Rashan. He leaves behind his son, Alexi; daughter Trinity; sisters, Mary O'Toole (Dan), Diane Rashan, Donna V. White; brothers, David Rashan (Tara), Steven Rashan (Eileen), James Venti; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He had a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Science in environmental science from the University of New Haven. Early in his career, he worked at a Yale lab doing blood studies. He enlisted shortly after in the Air Force during the Vietnam War where he worked as a medic at the base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Joseph retired from Pfizer, where he worked as an analytical chemist, both in the lab and field in specialty chemicals including oil field products, water desalination, and food science allowing him to travel globally. Recently he was employed by his son's special needs self-direction program.

He was a quiet, smiling and caring family man who recognized the importance of a good work life balance. He was an avid sports fan of Yankee baseball, UConn basketball and Giants football. He played softball regularly every summer with a Wallingford senior league. When his knees would allow it, he enjoyed skiing, hiking, and biking.

He was often seen walking at Harkness Park or shopping in the community with his son Alexi. He will be greatly missed.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, in St. Paul Church, 170 Rope Ferry Rd, Waterford. Interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Harkness foundation or New England Disabled Sports.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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11/19/2025

Pfizer Building demolition of 185S. Photo courtesy of GROTON, Connecticut community forum, Michael Boucher.

11/14/2025

CT’s Pfizer Acquires Obesity Drug Start-Up. A ‘strategic milestone,’ pharmaceutical giant CEO said

Metsera is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer, according to the company. (AP photo)
Author By Staff report

PUBLISHED: November 13, 2025 at 12:24 PM EST | UPDATED: November 13, 2025 at 12:31 PM EST

Connecticut-based Pfizer Inc. said Thursday that it has completed the successful acquisition of Metsera, Inc., which is “a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company accelerating the next generation of medicines for obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.”

“This strategic milestone represents more than a transaction—it’s a deliberate investment in the future of medicine. By acquiring Metsera, we are directing our resources toward one of the most impactful and high-growth therapeutic areas and positioning ourselves to define it,” Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, in a statement.

“We look forward to combining Metsera’s innovative portfolio with our global development, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure. Working with our talented new colleagues from Metsera, we will advance our shared goal of accelerating and bringing these important candidate therapies to patients around the world.”

Bloomberg reported that Bourla “had long searched for an obesity drug to make up for dwindling sales of the pharma company’s aging blockbusters… [and} after a dramatic bidding war, he learned he’d finally claimed his prize.”

Bloomberg also reported that the fight for “Metsera reverberated all the way to the White House, where last week, standing alongside President Donald Trump, Novo CEO Mike Doustdar challenged Pfizer to top its bid. ‘Our message to Pfizer is that if they would like to buy the company, then put your hand in the pocket and bid higher,’ Doustdar said on Thursday.”

Pfizer did so, submitting a sweetened bid Friday that was first reported by Bloomberg News, and matched a revised offer from Novo, Bloomberg reported. “Further Pfizer was prepared for the bidding to go through the weekend, according to people familiar with Pfizer’s thinking, but at 9:32 p.m. Metsera issued a news release saying that the US drug giant had prevailed.”

Pfizer said it has added a “portfolio of promising therapeutic candidates that are complementary to Pfizer’s Internal Medicine pipeline, including MET-097i, a weekly and monthly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) about to begin Phase 3 development; MET-233i, a monthly amylin analog candidate being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with MET-097i in Phase 1 development; an oral GLP-1 RA candidate in Phase 1 development; and additional preclinical nutrient-stimulated hormone therapeutics.”

Pfizer also has noted it has completed its “acquisition of all outstanding shares of common stock of Metsera for $65.60 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $7.0 billion, plus a contingent value right (CVR) of up to $20.65 per share in potential additional payments tied to the achievement of three specified clinical and regulatory milestones.”

Metsera is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer, according to the company.

In connection with the acquisition, Metsera’s shares of common stock will cease trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market following the close of market today.

Pfizer said, “as previously disclosed, the transaction is expected to be dilutive through 2030, primarily to enable further investment in several promising late-stage pipeline candidates. Updated impact to Pfizer’s financial outlook will be provided in conjunction with its 2026 guidance expected later this year.”

Citi was Pfizer’s financial advisor for the transaction and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz was legal advisor, according to the Pfizer statement.

Pfizer noted it has completed its acquisition of all outstanding shares of the company’s common stock for $65.60 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $7 billio…

11/13/2025

Today’s luncheon was held at Filomena’s Café restaurant in Waterford Connecticut. We had 21 attendees for this lively event. We also had three newcomers join the group. We welcome Angela Hausberger, Jennifer Chu and John Larmann. The Restaurant has a good selection of salads and sandwiches for their lunchtime menu and also a fantastic pasta menu. There were many hugs and handshakes and smiles as we exchanged stories of vacations, career changes and community volunteerism.

10/30/2025

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE NEXT FALL LUNCHEON

AT A FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT

Out of Pfizer Lunch Group

Wednesday November 12, 2025 12:00 Noon

* RSVP ... please respond for a headcount ... thanks!

Join us for friendship, conversation and fun

Filomena's Restaurant

"Family-friendly outpost offering burgers, sandwiches, pasta and meat dishes in a relaxed atmosphere."

Wednesday November 12, 2025

Note the Time is 12:00 Noon

Located at 262 Boston Post Rd #1, Waterford, CT 06385

* RSVP ... please respond for a headcount ... thanks

*16 Best of Readers Choice Awards - Voted a top banquet facility in the area "Raising a Glass at Filomena's" - The Day 2015
*4.5 Star Rating on Yelp
*Award Winning Clam Chowder
*"Restaurant Favorites Done Well at Filomena's" - The Day 2014
*Named one of the Top Restaurants by Connecticut Magazine
*Family Owned and operated

As reported by The Day staff writer Rick Koster and Published on August 28. 2019

Serves lunch, dinner and drinks
Plenty of Parking
Good For Groups Take Out
Walk-Ins Welcome Outdoor Seating
For lunch, dinner, seven days a week, starting at $10.95.
Open daily from 11:30AM to 8:00 PM

Out of Pfizer Lunch Group is scheduled for the middle Wednesday of the month. If you do not want to get this email I will delete you from the cc list. Let me know. Thanks! Let’s get together to have a fun and special lunch. Each month we will rotate the restaurants. Next Month…. TBA

Are you retired, enjoying a hobby, working part time, looking for a job, like to share some Pfizer stories, entertain retiree talk, local politics, some shop talk, or where to go on vacation? If you have a favorite place like Captain Scotts, Abbotts Seafood, Long Horn Steak House, Thai New London,Groton Town House, Jealous Monk, Ford Lobster in Noank, Par 4, Gridlock Grill, Ortega’s Restaurant, Surf and Turf at the Marina, Five Guys Burgers, Sea Swirl, Ten Clams, Peking Mystic Chinese, Mr. G’s, Fusion Grill, Mangos, just pick it and we will put it on the schedule.

09/10/2025

Paul Hill Obituary

Groton - With deep sorrow, the Hill/Cote family announce the recent passing of our brother Paul after a long struggle with the disease of alcoholism. Let there be no blame or judgement. He was a kind and sensitive soul with a terrible illness.

Paul was the youngest of four Hill children, born in Westerly, R.I., Jan. 18, 1954, to the late Fred and Ida Hill. He grew up in North Stonington and was a student at Wheeler Schools and Norwich Free Academy. In high school he shone quietly as a cross country star and in his senior year was one of the team captains. At UConn he majored in Chemistry and went on to have a long career as a chemist at Pfizer in Groton.

Paul was a scientist who also loved biology and botany. He especially liked growing dahlias and primroses. He was a fisherman from an early age, learning from our dad, Fred Hill. Like Fred, he was passionate about trout fishing, tramping into the woods alone, enjoying the silence and peace he found there. He loved animals, especially cats and owned several during his life, including Princess, Ketha, Titan, and Mia, a stray he rescued from a snowstorm.

Paul was a man of few words, but he was the funniest one in our family with a quick dry wit he maintained until the end. He was tall and handsome, athletic and fun. This is how we'll remember him.

He leaves behind his sisters, Kathie Cote and Barbara Hill; his brothers, Brian Hill, Hilaire Cote, and Jimmy Kloczko. He was close to his nephews Adam Cote and wife Susan, Steve Cote, and the late Samuel Cote. He had life-long friends who will miss him along with his family.

There will be no calling hours. All are welcome to join us at a service of remembrance at 11 a.m. Saturday Nov. 4, at the First Baptist Church of North Stonington, 793 Pendleton Hill Road. Burial will be handled by the Cremation Society of Connecticut.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

09/10/2025

Yes, the retirees lunch group usually meets the last Tuesday of the month. However, we had a special guest fly up from Argentina, Pfizer colleague, Antonio Grizutti. A total of 96 invitations were sent out and 20 RSVP responses replied. It was a fun gathering with some of the original old time retirees that canme in attendance. We traded stories about Pfizer, travelogues and Adventures, new retirement, hobbies, and entrepreneurial adventures. An extensive lunch menu included traditional favorites, like the Murph, Big bird and the Par Four Rueben.. We moted that many respondents couldn’t make the luncheon today and gave their regrets and messages to the entire group.

09/02/2025

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE NEXT LUNCHEON
Out of Pfizer Lunch Group
Join us for friendship and fun
Joining Us is a Special Guest from Argentina,
Pfizer colleague Antonio Grizutti

Note Time is 12 Noon
Wednesday September 10, 2025 at 12:00 Noon

Dining at Par Four Restaurant Groton, CT
Please RSVP !!!

Email me back if you plan to attend so I can give them an idea how many chairs to set up!

Sandwich Specialties, wraps, salads, nachos, soups, great choice of appetizers!

Luncheon menu prices from $9.95 to $18.95

Par Four Restaurant Groton, CT
93 Plant Street
Groton, CT 06320
860-446-9146
Out of Pfizer Lunch Group is scheduled for Wednesday September 10, 2025 at 12:00 Noon

08/14/2025

Barrie Hesp Obituary

Noank - Barrie Hesp, 85, devoted family man, accomplished scientist and passionate angler, passed away July 30, 2025, in New London, Connecticut after a battle with lung illness. Born September 18, 1939, in Buxworth, Derbyshire, England, Barrie's life was marked with intellectual curiosity, profound kindness and spirited adventure.

Barrie's academic journey began in England's Derbyshire peaks at New Mills Grammar School and then to the halls of Brasenose College at Oxford University (the glorious B.N.C.), where he earned first-class honors in chemistry and later completed both his M.A. and D.Phil. He continued his studies as a Junior Research Fellow at The Queen's College at Oxford University and with postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley (his beloved Cal), where he worked with Nobel Laureate Professor, Melvin Calvin, expanding his expertise in organic chemistry.

His professional career spanned several decades and continents. Barrie held senior scientific and leadership roles at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals Group (formerly ICI Pharmaceuticals Group and Imperial Chemical Industries Plc), directing teams that contributed to significant pharmaceutical drug discoveries. Later, at Pfizer Inc., he rose to Vice President, Strategic Alliances, where he helped drive industry-leading research and licensing partnerships and the launch of significant transformative medicines. Barrie's impact extended far beyond the laboratory - he was involved in multiple influential regional, national and international industry conferences and publications and the mentoring of countless scientists.

While Barrie's professional achievements were remarkable, it was his devotion to family and love for life's simplest pleasures that truly defined him. For 61 years, he shared an extraordinary marriage and partnership with his wife, Judith Ann Hesp - always described by him as "his rock." He was a beloved and inspiring father to his daughter, Clare Cukier (and her spouse, Herman Cukier); and his son, Richard Hesp (and his spouse, Satoko Kishi Hesp). Barrie's legacy further flourishes in his grandchildren: Alexander Cukier, Andrew Hesp, Ashley Cukier Risko (and her spouse, Peter Hall-Risko), and William Hesp - each of whom brought him immense pride; and in his great-grandchild, Quinn Whiton Risko, whose arrival filled him with boundless delight. Barrie is also survived by his brother-in-law and lifetime friend, Michael Birkett, with whom Barrie daily sought to solve New York Times crossword puzzles and to discuss world affairs. Barrie greatly enjoyed his many conversations with Mike regarding historical and current matters.

Retirement brought Barrie and Judith new adventures, including many happy winters spent in Nelson, New Zealand, where they immersed themselves in the region's natural beauty and community.

Those closest to Barrie fondly recall his deep love of fly fishing - a passion that led him to Scotland's River Thurso, the Oreti River in New Zealand, salmon fishing in Murmansk and numerous fishing adventures with close friends in the waters surrounding Noank. On these trips, Barrie relished the hope of the next cast and the companionship of friends, ghillie and guide. In particular, Barrie shared many stories with family and friends about escapades in New Zealand hiking over broken ground to a favorite fishing spot with friend and guide, Paul van de Loo; Scottish highland memories with friend and ghillie, Jimmy MacDonald; and numerous Connecticut adventures with friend and guide, Chris Lefebvre.

Family, friends and colleagues will remember Barrie for his intelligence, quick wit and insightful conversations. He welcomed all with an open mind, sharing stories rich with humor and wisdom, and always ready with a generous word or helping hand. His home was filled with laughter, warmth and storytelling.

Though Barrie's absence leaves a void, his legacy endures. The family will honor his life in a private gathering and will hold a public celebration of his wonderful life commencing at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at the Ram Island Yacht Club in Noank.

In tribute to Barrie, all who knew him are invited to extend a hand of kindness in his memory, to attempt a Sunday New York Times crossword, or perhaps to cast a line from a riverbank or on open water.

Barrie's family asks that in lieu of flowers, one considers charitable donations to healthcare related causes.

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07/09/2025

Richard Ware Obituary

North Stonington - Richard "Tupper" Ware, 81, of North Stonington, passed away peacefully July 4, 2025, a true patriot, at the Westerly Hospital after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 14, 1943, in New London, the son of Harold "Hap" and Hazel (Rogers) Ware, who both predeceased him.

He grew up in Groton and graduated from Fitch High School in 1961. Upon his completion of service in the U.S. Army, he earned his undergraduate degrees from Mitchell College in 1969, and the University of Connecticut in 1971. He earned his master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Connecticut in 1974.

Tupper spent over 30 years as a research scientist beginning his career at Pfizer in 1973, and retiring in 2004. He oversaw the mass spectrometry department. At Pfizer, he was affectionately known as "Tupper."

After retiring, because of his love of numbers, he prepared tax returns for AARP, traveling to local senior centers and occasionally to people's homes who could not travel. He was also a member of the Montville Polish Club.

In 1966, Tupper met his wife, Marilyn (Selvidio). After six years of an on again, off again relationship, Marilyn finally said YES! They were married in 1972, at the Immaculate Conception Church and had shared over 53 years of marriage.

Marilyn and Tupper traveled extensively around the world with favorites being South America and New Zealand, and especially enjoyed their winter cruises in the Caribbean. He had an intense interest in all sports, especially UConn basketball, NCAA tournaments and Boston Red Sox baseball. He also enjoyed the theater.

He was a kind soul accepting anyone he met and always the life of the party. He enjoyed his yearly golf trips to Myrtle Beach and Vermont, and always looked forward to his biweekly "Cartel meetings" with his retired Pfizer friends at C C O'Brien's. He loved working in his yard during the summer months and looked forward to cruising in the winter months. He especially looked forward to spending his Sundays with his beloved grandson and daughter.

Special thanks to Zheny and Brendan and the entire nursing/CNA staff at the Westerly Hospital, along with Beacon Hospice for their loving care and compassion of Tupper. Your kindness to our family is greatly appreciated.

He leaves his wife Marilyn; daughter Melissa (Marc) Chubbuck; grandson Marco Chubbuck; brother Robert (Carolyn) Ware; brothers-in-law, Michael (Lucille) Selvidio and Robert Selvidio; and several nieces and nephews. He is also predeceased by a brother-in-law, Joseph R. Selvidio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tupper's name to The Autism Science Foundation, 3 Continental Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, R.I. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home before the service. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.
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