Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

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Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

A family owned funeral home that cares about the people we serve. The Baxter family is here to support families in their time of a loss of a loved one.

The Dillon Funeral Home in Hartford was originally established in 1880 by Charles J. Dillon, a well known businessman and community leader. As one of the largest Funeral homes in the area, Gerald S. Baxter, Sr. began working for the firm in 1963. Seeing the need for a more modern facility, Mr. Baxter built the current funeral home in 1978-1979, allowing handicap access (all one level) and a large

parking area. He also recognized the importance of having a centrally-located facility. After moving to Wethersfield, Gerald Baxter carried on the tradition of care compassion and quality . He has since instilled those ethics and values into his son Gerald S. Baxter, Jr. who grew up in the business and started as a licensed funeral director in 1986.

05/05/2026

Leonor Contreras, 84, of Hartford, CT passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 at Hartford Hospital. Leonor was born in Peru and was the daughter of the late Artemio Contreras and Laura Rosa De la Cruz. She was a wonderful mother who worked very hard for her daughter and family. She loved everyone and was always there to help when needed. She enjoyed cooking for her family and devoted herself to raising her grandchildren with all her heart.

Leonor is survived by her only daughter Rosario Contreras and her husband Victor M. Vasquez She was the oldest of her siblings Gerardo Contreras, Raul Contreras, Crescensio Contreras, and Antonio Contreras, her three grandchildren Victor Eli Vasquez, her two great grandchildren Dionella, Rosabella, Manuel Vasquez and his wife Albalee Vasquez, two great grandkids Leaandra and Alexis, and Izaiah Vasquez. Leonor was predeceased by her grandchild Diego Alexis Vasquez and her sister-in- law Maria De La Roca.

Funeral service for Leonor will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 79 New Park Ave., Hartford. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. To share a memory of Leonor, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

05/01/2026

Alfredo Cuellar, Jr., 43, of Hartford, CT, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Alfredo was born in Hartford and was the beloved son of Alfredo Cuellar, Sr. and Isabel Nunez. Alfredo was energetic, athletic, loyal, and deeply affectionate. He had a radiant smile that could light up an entire room. Wherever he went, he built strong connections and left lasting impressions on the minds and hearts of those he met. He was a devoted protector of his family and of anyone fortunate enough to be counted among his close circle. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his corny jokes and playful pranks. Growing up, Alfredo enjoyed playing baseball and basketball at Elizabeth Park, spending time with video games, playing the trombone, and listening to all genres of music. He cherished staying connected with family and lifelong friends through visits and phone calls. He was also a great dancer who loved expressing himself through salsa, merengue, and bachata, bringing joy and energy to every gathering. Throughout his life, Alfredo lived in a few states (CT, PA, KY) and he always embraced new beginnings. He was a people person. He made friends everywhere he went and this is reflected in the friendships he built from all walks of life. He made you feel seen. Alfredo also gave the tightest hugs and embrace when greeting family and friends. He captivated hearts. Alfredo loved cooking, pouring his heart and soul into every meal, just as his father taught him. He also developed strong landscaping skills and was always willing to lend a hand with home projects, whether painting or gardening. A creative spirit, he expressed himself through thoughtful handwritten letters and art. Above all, he was someone with whom you built cherished, lasting memories. Alfredo will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He now rests peacefully in the loving arms of the Father.

Alfredo is survived by his son, Alfredo Cuellar II; his sisters, Barbara D. Claudio (Cuellar) and her husband Gustavo Claudio of Windsor, CT, Yicelis Cuellar of Germany, Esmeralda Figueroa of Wethersfield, CT, and Julie Figueroa of Windsor; and his brother, Hector Figueroa of Hartford. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews: Hector and Corrina Figueroa, Emilio Figueroa Jr., Dennis and Maya Machial, Jayden and Yeliah Figueroa, and Antonio and Arianna Claudio. Alfredo is now reunited with his brother Emilio Figueroa, Sandra Gage, and his uncle Emilio Cuellar.

A Celebration of Alfredo’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To share a memory of Alfredo, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/29/2026

It is with profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary (Kelly) Campanello on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92. Mary departed this world surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and celebrated by all who knew her. Born on March 18, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Julia and John Kelly. She was also predeceased by her cherished siblings, Dennis Kelly and Shelia Beeson. Mary carried with her the warmth and strength of her Irish heritage, which she embraced and shared throughout her life. Mary was the devoted wife of John P. Campanello, Sr., with whom she shared an extraordinary 71-year marriage. Together, they crafted a life filled with love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to family. Their union, which began on June 5, 1954, blossomed into a remarkable legacy that includes four adoring children: John (Louann) Campanello, Jr., Dennis (Donna) Campanello, James (Suzanne) Campanello, and Jennifer (Rob) Lewis. Her family was the heart of Mary’s world, and she was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and the doting great-grandmother to 8 great-grandchildren. Her warmth and tenacity, combined with a quick wit and a feisty Irish temperament, endeared her to all generations. Her thoughtfulness and loving heart were the cornerstones of her character, and she possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and cherished. Mary’s journey began with an education at Hartford Public High School, followed by her early work with the Fuller Brush Company. She was a dedicated member of her community, spending many joyful years as a lunch aide at Greenfield Elementary School and Corpus Christi School in Wethersfield. Her role allowed her to keep a watchful eye on her rambunctious children, ensuring they thrived in a nurturing environment. Mary’s life was a tapestry of service, love, and devotion, not only to her family but to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her brother, Francis Kelly, survives her, carrying forward the familial bonds that were so important to her. A celebration of Mary’s remarkable life will be held on May 1, 2026, at Dillon Baxter. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring a woman who touched so many lives with her kindness, humor, and indomitable spirit.

Funeral service for Mary will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 12pm at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Friday from 10am to 11:30am. To share a memory of Mary, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/22/2026

Maria L. Arroyo, 71, of Hartford, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. Maria was born in Santurce, PR and was the daughter of Maximina (Lozada) and the late Agapito Arroyo. Raised in the Bronx NY then she got married and moved to Costa Rica for about 20 years, where she met great friends and owned her own business. She came back to Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked at her father’s store La Placita del Pueblo. She worked at Hartford Hospital as a PCA for 20 years, where she then retired. Maria will be remembered as a loving and caring person. She loved reading her romance books and cooking.

Besides her mother Maximina, Maria is survived by her brother Hector Arroyo and sister-in-law Nancy Arroyo and Magaly Adorno. Daughter Linda Agosto & son Johnny Oconitrillo. Granddaughter Lindsay Vega and Angie Rebecca Ocontrillo. Predeceased by Pedro, Wilfredo, Fernando, and Edwin Arroyo.

Funeral service for Maria will be held Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church/Maria Reina De La Paz Parish, 494 New Britain Ave., Hartford, CT. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. To share a memory of Maria, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/13/2026

Leticia Rivera, 69, of New Britain, CT, beloved wife of Pedro Marrero, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, surrounded by the love of those who held her dear. Leticia was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, and was the daughter of the late Perfecto and Felicita (Cotto) Rivera. A woman of strength, and grace, Leticia will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every room and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence was a source of comfort and joy, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Besides her devoted husband, Pedro, and her beloved stepson, Puchito, Leticia is survived by her brother, William Rivera; her sisters, Carmen Ite Rivera and Lydia “Llipa” Luna; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched deeply by her love and care.

Funeral services for Leticia will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT, with a time of prayer to be announced. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To share a memory of Leticia, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

03/20/2026

Margarita Nunez Aviles, 78, of Hartford, CT, beloved wife of Angel Gonzalez passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026 at home. Margarita was born in Aibonito, PR and was the daughter of the late Juan and Maria (Aviles) Nunez.

Besides her husband Angel, Margarita is survived by her two daughters Sonia Gonzalez and Margie Gonzalez and her four sons Luis (Nandi) Gonzalez, Alberto (Flico) González, Angel David Gonzalez and Orlando Gonzalez.

Funeral service for Margarita will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Puerto Rico. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Margarita, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

03/13/2026

Jose Plaza Ortiz, 73, of Hartford, CT beloved husband of the late Betty (Rosa) Plaza, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital. Jose was born in Utuado, PR and was the son of the late Jose and Juanita (Ortiz) Plaza.

Jose is survived by his twin sister Maria Lopez, and sisters Luz Plaza, Carmen Plaza, Sonia Plaza, Rosa Plaza, Jackie Reyes and Evelyn Plaza, His three brothers Juan Plaza, Bautista Plaza and Jose Plaza. Jose was predeceased by his sister Ramona Colon and his brother Frankie Plaza.

Funeral service for Jose will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Saturday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Jose, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/26/2026

Anthony O. Castro, 43, of East Hartford, CT beloved husband of Diana M. Castro-Coronado passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026 surrounded by his family at Hartford Hospital. Anthony was born in Hartford, CT and was the son of the late Casimiro, and Marisol (Huertas) Castro. Anthony was a truly wonderful man who found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. He took great pride in his work at Amtrak, dedicating himself each day with strength and commitment. He loved cheering on his 49ers, getting lost in a good game on his Playstation, and unwinding with a favorite movie. But nothing meant more to him than his family. Any free moment he had was spent with Mason, playing side by side, helping with homework, or heading out for a special trip to the movies. Those everyday moments were treasures to him. And through it all, he kept laughter alive at home, sharing daily jokes and lighthearted banter with his wife, filling their life together with warmth, humor and love.

Anthony is survived by his beloved children, Anthony, Jr., Teediana, Rodolfo, Alias and Mason. As well as his closest family and best friends, Uncle Mike, Aunt Abigail, his brother, Will, Jay, Miguel, Ivan, Alex, Carlos, his nephew Luis Rosario, Jr., his wife Amanda and his great nephew Noah. His in-laws, Axel Coronado, his wife Christie, Lissette, Luis Rosario and Porfirio Coronado. Anthony was predeceased by his father, Casimiro Castro, and his daughters, Anastasia and Alize Castro.

Funeral services for Anthony will be private and at the convenience of the family. The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT has charge arrangements. To share a memory of Anthony, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/26/2026

John A. Ciaschini, 62, of Cromwell, Connecticut, beloved husband of Christine (Zazzaro) Ciaschini, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. Born in Cromwell, he was the son of the late Dominic and Frances (Barillari) Ciaschini. John was a loving husband, an incredible father, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. He could often be found fishing whenever he had the chance and was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following all sports, especially UConn basketball. These simple passions brought him genuine happiness throughout his life.

In addition to his loving wife, Christine, John is survived by his daughter, Sarah Ciaschini and her partner Ayzio Relaford, and his brother, Dominic Ciaschini and his wife, Gladys.

Funeral service for John will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. John Church, 5 Court St., Cromwell, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Monday from 5pm to 7pm. To share a memory of John, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/26/2026

Rev. Miguel Pena, 81, of Newington, CT beloved husband of Rev. Carmen I. (Hernandez) Pena passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Hospital of Central CT @ New Britain General. Miguel was born in Juncos, PR and was the son of the late Maximino and Maria (Massas) Pena.

Besides his wife Carmen, Miguel is survived by his five sons Joel Pena, Elias Pena, Miguel Pena, Jr., Nehemias Pena, and Abner Pena, his daughter Mariam Quinonez and his five brothers Manolo Pena and his wife Lydia, Miguel A. Pena, Jose A. Pena and his wife Evelyn, Julio Pena and his wife Sonia and Hector Pena and his wife Carmen, his four sisters Lydia Rosado, Maria (Marie) E. Ortiz, Luz Vazquez and her husband Benjamin and Gloria Vazquez and her husband Eliseo, his twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Miguel was predeceased by his daughter Hilcias Merari Pena and his brother Modesto Negron and his sister Isabel Arroyo.

Funeral service for Miguel will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30am at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Hazardville Cemetery, Enfield. Relatives and friends may call at La Primera Iglesia de Dios, 45 Oliver St., Hartford, CT Friday from 5pm to 8pm. To share a memory of Miguel, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/17/2026

Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot, 72, of Hartford, CT. died on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital. Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot was born in Alness Guyana, she lived in Hartford since 1987. The daughter of the late Bertie and Indranie (Bhikhdhari) Veerasammy.

Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot leaves behind her children, (Devika) Lisa & William York, Parbattie & Ernest Rittner, Rampersaud & Wanda Mahapot, Kapelmooney & Vanessa Mahapot. Shirley Leaves behind her Grand & Great Grand kids. Sara, Mena, Gaitri, Alex, Xavier, Ernest, Ethan, Kayden, Mayah & Dunarii. Shirley also leaves behind her 1 Brother, 2 Sisters, 1 Son in law, 2 Sisters in law, 25 nieces & nephews as well as countless more families and friends that were touched by her big heart.

Funeral service for Chanderwattie “Shirley” will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8am at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm. To share a memory of Chanderwattie, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/17/2026

Luis M. Ramos, Jr., 49 of Hartford, CT, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at ST. Francis Hospital. Luis was born in Manhattan, NY. He was predeceased by his mother, Georgina (Rivera) Ramos, and is survived by his father, Luis M. Ramos, Sr. Luis moved to Hartford as a child and grew into a man known for his unmistakable personality. He was a hard-working man who took pride in everything he did and loved to dress staying true to himself. Luis loved deeply and lived boldly. He had a big, kind heart and a presence that filled every room- a grumpy teddy bear with a warmth that drew people in. Luis loved his family, he loved music, and he carried a spirit that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He gave his last to anyone in need, and carried a warmth that made him unforgettable. Though he has taken a small piece on every heart that loved him, Luis also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and strength.

Luis is survived by his son Matthew Ramos-Soto, his sister Janet Ramos, his nephew Xavier Biggs and his two nieces Tiana Massari and Ciara Hernandez.

Funeral service for Luis will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Saturday from 11am to 2pm. To share a memory of Luis, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

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1276 Berlin Turnpike
Wethersfield, CT
06109

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http://www.dillonbaxter.com/

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