Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT (2025)

09/12/2025

Earl A. Carron Jr.

Earl A. Carron, Jr., 89 of Leesburg, Florida (formerly of Manchester, Bolton, and Vernon, CT), beloved husband and BFF of Linda B. (Jillson) Carron for 45 years, departed this life August 26, 2025, when called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He resides with Him now in paradise.

He is survived by daughters Debbie Carron of Windham CT, Brenda Chichester, of Port Angeles, WA., Christin Carron of Enfield CT., and Son Earl A. Carron III of Sequatchie, TN. 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and their respective husbands and wives.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Arthur E. Carron and Marjorie (Anderton) Carron and daughter Amy Beth Carron, all of Manchester, CT.

He was born in Manchester, on November 6, 1935, he was a product of the Manchester School System, graduate of the Ward School of Electronics, Hartford CT. Earl was employed as an engineer by a number of area broadcast stations, in the original construction of several, engineered live radio shows from the Polish National Home of Hartford for many years, and was one of the original staff members of Connecticut Public Television. Relocating with Linda to Florida in 1984, he was employed by WFTX-TV, Cape Coral, FL., later by Public Broadcast stations WUSF-TV/FM and WGCU-TV/FM, Fort Myers/Naples FL as Chief Engineer, a position from which he retired in 1998.

Earl was an amateur (ham) radio operator (W1WRW / N1VP), held an FCC First Class Commercial broadcast license, was a licensed private pilot and aircraft owner, a handgun, shotgun, and rifle shooter, an antique automobile owner and restorer, was a musician who played trumpet and organ, a computer enthusiast, and was an avid “do-it-yourself-er.” He was a member of the American Radio Replay League, Model-A Restorers Club, Model-A Ford Club of America and the National Rifle Association.

He and Linda traveled throughout the United States and many countries of the world, including, Europe, Bermuda and Australia, making lasting friendships along the way.

In keeping with Earl's wishes, there will be a Graveside Service in East Cemetery, located 220 Center Street, Manchester CT on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made in his name to a charity of your choice or to one of Earl's favorites, Tunnels to Towers, St. Jude's Research Hospital, or the ASPCA would be much appreciated by the family. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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09/11/2025

Donna Ann Kelly

Donna Ann Kelly of Manchester, CT died on September 8, 2025. She was born to Anna and William Kelly on January 24, 1944 and was the youngest of six children.

Donna attended local schools and graduated from Manchester High School in 1962. She attended Manchester Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She worked for various business n the Greater Hartford area, including Pratt & Whitney and The Travelers.

Donna loved gardening, reading, attending local church fairs, and attending productions at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre in Storrs and the Little Theatre of Manchester. She was a member of the Hot Chics, a group of friends, who enjoyed doing many activities together. When she was young, she travelled to California, Hawaii, Bermuda, and to various countries in Western Europe. Donna loved all animals. During her lifetime, she owned a horse, as well as, a few dogs and cats. She enjoyed watching the birds in her yard and made sure they were well fed every day.

Donna was predeceased by her parents; siblings and their spouses: Raymond Brewer, Stephen and Arlene Brighenti, William Kelly, Albert and Alice Gorman, and Richard Kelly. Her survivors include: her sister, Marion Brewer; her sister-in-law, Jeannette Kelly; her 14 nieces and nephews and their families: Sharon Mulvey, Richard Brewer, Stephen Brighenti, Michael Brighenti, Karyne Brighenti, Gary Brighenti, Lisa Brighenti, Theresa Kelly, William Kelly, Chandra Bliss, Albert Jeffrey Gorman, Kathleen Faria, John Gorman and Scott Gorman.

There are no visiting hours. Donna will be laid to rest at East Cemetery in Manchester in a private ceremony. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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09/03/2025

David Lane Fairbanks

David Lane Fairbanks, 91 of Manchester, CT passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 25th. David was born on December 5, 1933 to Ellsworth and Helen (Lane) in South Windsor, CT. After graduating from South Windsor High School in 1951, he served in the Coast Guard as a flight mechanic. The GI Bill made it possible for David to earn a BA in Business Administration in 1964 from the University of Hartford while raising a family and working full time. After receiving his degree David worked at Pratt & Whitney as a Wage and Salary Analyst until his retirement in 1992. During his retirement David enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. David was happiest on the water maintaining his boats and fishing.

David is survived by his wife Harlene; his children Lori (Thomas) Neumann (Fort Wayne, IN); Pamela (Dominick) DiPietro (Scotia, NY); David E. (Cindy) Fairbanks (Manchester, CT); 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren. David was predeceased by his first wife Doris (nee Vichi) Fairbanks, his younger brother Paul and his parents Ellsworth and Helen. Heartfelt thanks from the family to Visiting Angels, Mary and Lucy, whose loving care made it possible for David to live out his days in the comfort of his home. David will be buried with a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Habitat for Humanity, is requested.

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09/02/2025

Bogumil Romuald Zacharski

Bogumil Romuald Zacharski (Bog), 77, of Ellington, and formerly of Canton, passed away on Thursday August 21,2025.

Born June 9, 1948, in Duderstadt, Germany; he was the son of the late Stanislaus and Katarzyna Zacharski. Bogumil moved with his parents in 1950 from Germany to Norwich, Connecticut.

From an early age he held deep passion for music, he was only nine years old when he started playing the violin and became the youngest member of the Norwich Symphony Orchestra at age 12. He later continued his studies at North Carolina School for the Arts.

Bog went on to enlist in the United States Army, where he continued to play the violin, his talents were noticed and mentioned in a newspaper article as the talented fiddler who also served as the brigade commander's driver.

After serving in the Army, he went on to work as a computer programmer for Aetna/ING company, where he met the love of his life, Wilma Pelletier, they married in 1998 and settled in Canton, Connecticut.

Bog was a kind and loving man. He often found unique ways to show people he cared.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma. His son Michael, grandchildren Mosby, Boone and Katarzyna and Anthony. sister-in-law Sue and her friend Frank; and Brooklyn and Kennedy who he loved like family; and numerous other extended family and friends.

Care of private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home.

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09/02/2025

Eleanor H. Brook

Eleanor (Hadden) Brook, 96, beloved wife of George N. Brook Sr., passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Manchester, Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 18, 1928, to Thomas and Rebecca (Martin) Hadden. A lifelong resident of Manchester and Coventry, Eleanor was employed by Laurel Living Center, retiring in 1993. She was an active member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, participating with her sisters in the Altar Guild and in countless church functions. Eleanor was an avid reader who enjoyed arts and crafts, needlework, and classic movies, especially anything starring Clark Gable. She had a special fondness for all animals, wild and domestic, and always took great joy in caring for them. Eleanor rarely missed a cooking show on television and loved to collect and test out new recipes to share with her loved ones. She will be most remembered not only for her unfailing devotion to her family, but also for her thoughtful and generous nature.

Eleanor is survived by her two children, Rebecca Moe and George Brook Jr.; her grandchildren, Holly Opichka, Alaina Bradley, Shawn Moe, Megan Curtis, and Tara Brook; her great-grandchildren, Fenton Bradley Jr., Kristopher Curtis Jr., and Skylar Curtis; along with several nieces, nephews, and their families. She is predeceased by her husband, George Sr., and her sisters, Rita Davidson and Edna Harris.

Services are private at this time.

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09/01/2025

Allan T. "Poppy" Hooey

Allan Hooey, 93, of Manchester, CT, widower of Shirley Hagenow Hooey, passed away on 08/28/2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born January 10, 1932, he was the son of the late Thomas and Dorothy Cowles Hooey and predeceased by his sister, Lois Hooey Leggett. A lifelong Manchester resident and 1950 graduate of Manchester High School, Allan served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a Senior Aircraft Instrument Specialist with the Strategic Air Command. He later worked 37 years at Pratt & Whitney as a Strain Gage Technician.

Allan’s interests included attending auctions and collecting antiques. Allan also enjoyed fishing and working in his flower and vegetable gardens. Allan’s yard was his pride and joy.

He is survived by his children, Laureen Hooey Cohen (Max) and Dale Hooey; grandchildren Lyndsay Sullivan (Robert), Brittney Maynard (Steven), Garrett Cohen (Jennifer), Taylor Hooey, Corodon Hooey, and Mitchell Hooey; brother Norman Prescott; and four great-grandchildren, Dawson, Rypley, Baylor and Paisley.

The family would like to thank the loving care provided by the Veterans Administration, Masonicare, and Always Best Care.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, 09/16/2025, 9:00-11:00 AM at Holmes Funeral 400 Main St., Manchester, CT. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at East Cemetery, located at 220 East Center St., Manchester, CT with Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “Disabled American Veterans” (DAV) in memory of Allan Hooey. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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08/29/2025

Leslie A. Furlong

Leslie A. Furlong of Manchester, CT, passed at home on August 28th, 2025. She was born on September 26th, 1959, in Manchester, CT. She was lovingly reunited with her father, William Libby, and her brother, Jeffrey Libby, who passed before her. She is survived by her mother, Judith Libby, her brother, Christopher Libby, her son James Furlong and his wife Andrea Kelsey of Framingham, MA, her daughter Elizabeth (Furlong) Zerio and her husband Anthony Zerio of Holliston, MA, and her beloved grandchildren Emily and Jonathan Zerio.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, September 4th at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT, from 9am till 11am, with a Funeral Home Service from 11am till 11:30am, followed by burial at East Cemetery, located at 220 East Center Street, Manchester, CT. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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08/25/2025

Elaine Elizabeth Duncan Holcomb

Elaine Elizabeth Duncan Holcomb, age 90 of Manchester, CT, beloved wife of nearly 60 years to the late David Henry Holcomb, went home to her Lord on August 21, 2025. She was thankful to God for seeing her through many health issues throughout her long life.

Elaine was born May 24, 1935 to the late William Duncan and Ruth Fitch Duncan in Manchester, CT. She grew up attending Manchester schools, with summers spent at either Crary Farm in Preston, CT or at her grandmother Duncan’s portable cottage at Hammonasset Beach State Park. In high school, Elaine was active with the arts service squad and was inducted into the National Honor Society her senior year. She graduated with honors from Manchester High School, Class of 1953.

After graduation, Elaine worked in the engineering department of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 6 years as an apprentice detailer. Her artistic talent and meticulous handwriting led her to oversee updating company organizational charts. During this time, she also attended evening classes at a Hartford art school where she refined her skills.

On her birthday, May 24, 1958, she married David and they moved to Elkins, NH where they lived alongside Pleasant Lake for 2 years and brought their first daughter into the world. They lived for a short time in Springfield, MA, where they welcomed their second daughter. In 1961, Elaine and Dave returned to Manchester and Elaine rejoined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft until their son was born. At this time, she transitioned into life as a stay-at-home-mother raising the growing family, becoming active in her children’s PTA and school libraries.

A woman of God, Elaine was a 70-year member of South United Methodist Church (SUMC), serving numerous positions. She taught Sunday school, served on the Staff-Parish Committee, and chaired the Worship Committee, where she helped develop many long-standing programs such as the Chrismon tree and worship acolytes. She was instrumental in starting the custom of gathering laurel to make into traditional wreaths and garlands which graced the doors and balconies of the SUMC sanctuary each Advent season. Elaine’s longest involvement had been with the Lydia Circle of the United Methodist Women at SUMC where she met monthly with her “sisters” to study and serve, including making meals for those in need.

Elaine was not only essential to SUMC, but to the Manchester faith community at large. She was a founding partner of the Manchester Area Council of Churches (MACC) in 1973 where she served as chair of the Division on Christian Unity and Ecumenical Affairs/Interfaith Relations. She was responsible for the Interfaith Community Thanksgiving services which started in 1971, bringing together most faith groups in the area.

She served on the Christian Unity and Interfaith Committee for Southern New England Conference of the United Methodist Church where she was secretary. Also, she was a delegate to the Communications Committee of the Christian Conference of Churches for many years.

A special endeavor of Elaine’s was belonging to Church Women United (CWU) in Manchester during the era when ecumenism was so strong. She became president of CWU for the final 2 terms before the group decided to dissolve. Also, for 17 years, Elaine volunteered to coordinate the “Today’s Thought” column in the Manchester Evening Herald.

Lastly, Elaine was chair of the Manchester Sesquicentennial Worship Committee. It was her privilege to help establish a Jewish-Christian dialogue group which is still meeting to this day after more than 35 years.

Elaine loved to bake and was known for her pies and desserts. Her recipe for orange cake, dubbed “engagement cake”, was published in the Better Homes and Gardens America’s Best Loved Community Recipe book. She enjoyed family gatherings, visiting relatives and friends, leisurely walks, and shopping. Elaine appreciated traveling, most notably her trip to Europe, and spending time at her and Dave’s cottage on Pleasant Lake. She was proud of her Scottish heritage and was known for her beautiful handwriting.

Her departure from this world was preceded by her beloved husband David Henry. She leaves behind her brother William Duncan of Feeding Hills, MA; her children, Heidi Holcomb Lyman of Manchester, CT, Linda Holcomb Mitchell of Andover, NH, and Bruce Holcomb of Coventry, CT; and her granddaughter, Shannon Elizabeth Lyman of New Boston, NH.

Calling hours will be from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main Street, Manchester, CT on Saturday, August 30, 2025 with graveside services immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to:

Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)

P.O. Box 5021 Hagerstown MD 21741-5021

Manchester Area Conference of Churches (MACC)

P.O. Box 3804, Manchester CT 06045-3804

South United Methodist Church

1226 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040

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08/25/2025

Carol Anne Soucy

Carol Anne ( Edwards) Soucy, 77 of Manchester, died peacefully Sunday August 10, 2025, at the Kimberly Hall North Nursing Facility in Windsor CT. She was born on November 7, 1947, in Manchester, CT. Carol was the daughter of the late James H. and Ercel Mae Edwards and had been a resident of Manchester CT, Florida and Saratoga Springs NY. Over the years Carol was employed in the retail field, as well as varies jobs as office assistant and as a pharmacy assistant in Saratoga for several years before moving back to CT to take care of her mother. Early on in her career as well as more recently Carol worked in the early learning field taking care of children, a job she loved. She is survived by, her Son Raymond Lewie SR and his wife Melissa of South Carolina, and her grandchildren Raymond Lewie Jr of Washington State, Chad Lewie currently serving in the United States Airforce and stationed in Japan and Angelissa Burns of Maine as well as great grandchildren Evan and Nathan Lewie. her Brother Bruce James Edwards and his wife Darlene of Newnan, GA and many cousins. She was predeceased by her brother George Robert (Butch) Edwards, Uncles Robert and Richard Crawford, Daniel and Frederick Edwards and Aunts Marjorie (Edwards) Mercer and Georgianna (Edwards) Harding as well as a great grandson Christopher David Lewie. Calling hours will be held on Friday September 26, 2025, at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St, Manchester CT. from 5:00 PM to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter.

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08/25/2025

Dorothy C. Corcoran

Dorothy C. Corcoran, at the age of 102, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born on November 11, 1922. She spent the early part of her life in Ohio, before moving to South Windsor in 1955, where she raised her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and woman of faith who will be dearly missed.

Dorothy had a passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge. She was a teacher at Rockville High School for 20 years. She was an active member in the Community Baptist Church, leading many bible studies and welcoming new members with open arms. Dorothy spent the last 10 years living at The Arbors in Manchester, where she made many friends, joined clubs and even started a monthly newsletter for residents. Her remarkable memory and attention to detail stayed with her until the very end.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Caryl Cook as well as her husband, Edward. She is survived by her loving children, James (Christine) of Manchester, CT, Michael (Lyn) of Sebring, Florida, and Caryl (Rock) Brodeur, of Wethersfield, CT. She was a proud grandmother to Paul (Brittany), George and Peter (Patar) Corcoran, Daniel Corcoran, Julianne (Christian) Librizzi, Melanie (Michael) Tidmarsh and Gregory Brodeur. Nothing made her prouder than her great grandchildren, Raelin, Connor and Charlotte, along with another due in October.

Dorothy will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. The family would like to give special thanks to Heather of Beacon Hospice, who Dorothy trusted and adored.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 13th at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, located at 400 Main Street, Manchester CT from 9am to 11am. A Memorial Service will take place following calling hours at 11am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Dorothy’s honor. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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08/18/2025

Clyde E. Shackford, Jr., 90, of Vernon, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Clyde was born in Lewiston, Maine and was the son of the late Clyde E. Shackford,Sr. and Frances (Merrill-Shackford) Caudle. In 1954 he enlisted in the United States...

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08/07/2025

Donald Wilson, 96, of Addison Place, Glastonbury, CT met his Lord and Savior on July 31st, 2025.
Don was born on December 8th, 1928 in Manchester, CT. His journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Don was a proud United States Army veteran serving from...

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