Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

10/28/2025

Joseph C. Tessitore, 98, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2025, at his home.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marguerite and children, Aristide, Carmel (Mark), and Joseph. Additionally, he is survived by his former daughter-in-law, Maria (Prior); grandchildren, Fiona (Alex) and Aristide and great-grandchild August. He also leaves many nieces and nephews that were an important part of his extended family.

At the family’s request, there will be no memorial service. A celebration of Joseph's life will be held at a future date to honor his legacy of kindness and love of family.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

By Robert Frost

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Joseph-Tessitore?obId=46017391

10/28/2025

Maria Spina passed away on October 20, 2025. Services were held privately.

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10/28/2025

David G. Jepson of Glastonbury passed away on October 10th 2025. He was born June 5th 1941 in Meriden, CT, the son of the late George and Mildred (Andrews) Jepson. The family was known locally as owners of Jepson’s Bookstore on Colony Street, where in his early teen years Dave would help out at the store. During summers, along with his brother Richard and other family, Dave would spend weekends and vacations at their cottages on Leete’s Island in Guilford, CT, a magical place where he met several lifelong friends.

Dave graduated from Cheshire Academy and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), graduating cm laude in the School of Architecture. He was a brother at Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity, served on many academic committees, and was selected for summer masterplanning work at the New York State Capital in Albany. Dave went on to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, Civil Engineering School in Port Hueneme, CA, and was commissioned an officer (Lieutenant) in the Navy’s Civil Engineering Corp. He served as Assistant Public Works Officer at the US Naval Air Facility in Naha, Okinawa, JP and was responsible for many projects in support of Naval Air and Fleet Activities across Okinawa, the Ryuku Islands and Taiwan.

Upon completion of active service, he joined Jeter & Cook Architects and became partner and owner in the early 1970s, where he designed over 200 municipal, state and private buildings including a number of award-winning signature projects. Through his leadership, the firm grew from a small local practice to a staff of over 200 employees, with offices in several states. Jeter, Cook & Jepson is now known as JCJ Architecture. In 2000 he was named to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. During the years, he served with many professional and community organizations. These included leadership positions as trustee, and board chairmanships focusing on institutional leadership, finance, facilities, audit & governance. To name a few, his commitments included the School of Architecture at RPI, Cheshire Academy, the Construction Institute at the University of Hartford, The New Britain Museum of American Art, The Wadsworth Atheneum and The Elizabeth Park Conservancy. In many instances he continued on to serve as an honorary board member and trustee emeritus.

Dave enjoyed many years sailing the coast of New England. In 1985 he met and married his wife Sharon, and together they took many trips abroad and throughout the states, including an especially memorable return to Okinawa, to visit the home that he owned off base while in the Navy, and a 3 week family adventure across mainland China. Dave always needed projects to keep busy. He designed and built 3 homes, including his main residence on Main Street in Glastonbury, CT and a second home in West Wardsboro, VT. Dave and Sharon spent many happy years at their Glastonbury home, as well as their getaway in Vermont overlooking Stratton Mountain, where Dave enjoyed hiking, skiing, overseeing maple syrup production and logging. Dave spent many years with family and was proud of his son Arthur’s successful career in banking technology, with fond memories of many trips visiting Art in the Big Apple.

Dave is survived by his wife Sharon, his son Arthur Jepson & son-in-law Michael Roberts of Guilford CT, brother Richard Jepson of Guilford CT, nephew Richie and nieces Dianne & Lynn.

Between his family, friends, business associates, clients & the joy he found in the work he loved, he lived a wonderful life.

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10/28/2025

Theresa Rose (Brousseau) Paquette, 99, of East Hartford, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with her daughter Elaine by her side. Theresa was born in Norton, Vermont on September 4, 1926, to the late Adolphe and Roseanna Brousseau. She enjoyed playing Bingo, crafting, playing Yahtzee and playing cards. She was a devout fan of the Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys. But what she loved most was her family. Theresa will be remembered as a loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend.

Theresa leaves behind her daughters Suzanne Clarke and her husband Wayne, Sr. of Bristol, Annette Paquette of North Carolina, and Elaine Akerlind of East Hartford; her grandchildren June Bailen and her husband Rick, Timothy Paquette-Soderstrom and his husband Christian, Teresa Delgado, Wayne Clarke, Jr., Lisa Polverari, Donald Polverari, Jr., Crystal Nieves, and Ivanna Nieves; her great-grandchildren Arica Green and her husband Basil, Jasmyne Moody, Ricky Bailen and his wife Cameo, Ryan Bailen, Nicholas Bailen and his wife Kayleen, Matthew Bailen, Ryan Delgado, Thomas Delgado, Jordan Delgado, Justin Polverari, Breanna Espinosa, Joshua Espinosa, Caleb Clarke, Jacob Clarke, and Adriana Clarke; and her great-great-grandchildren, Carter Green, Ava Green, Haylie Delgado, and Tabbatha Bailen. She also leaves behind her nephews Walter Bujak, Jr. and his wife Heidi, Francis Bujak and his wife Laura, and Richard Bujak as well as her loyal cat Simba who stayed by her side during her last days and who she loved dearly. In addition to her husband, Leo Paquette, and her parents Adolphe and Roseanna Brousseau, Theresa was predeceased by her sister Irene Bujak and her husband Walter, Sr., her son-in-law Jeff Akerlind, her granddaughter Tina Marie Polverari, her longtime companion Joseph Boniface, and her dear friend Victor (Pop) Dube.

At this time, we wish to thank the Hospice staff and especially the ladies from Companions and Homemakers, who took such wonderful care of our mother. Linda, Fay, Susie and Alice, you were a godsend, and we will be forever grateful for the amazing care, friendship and comfort you gave her.

Friends and family may call on the Paquette family on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Theresa’s life will follow at 12 Noon in St. Mary Church of North American Martyrs Parish, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford. Burial will be private. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com.

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Theresa-Paquette?obId=45867970

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10/28/2025

Venilia Correia de Sousa Rodrigues, 92, of Wethersfield, beloved wife of Laurentino Ferreira Rodrigues, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Venilia was born in Portugal on February 18, 1933, to the late Fernando Fernandes de Sousa and Isaura de Macedo Correia. She was the oldest of four children.

Venilia will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the backbone and quiet strength holding the family together through the most difficult times. Her faith, rosary prayer, and strong devotion to the Virgin Mary gave her strength throughout her life. Venilia had an interesting life journey moving to different countries in pursuit of a better life. In the late 1950’s she received a letter from her third-grade elementary school friend, Laurentino, requesting her hand in marriage. He was living in Mozambique, a Portuguese colony at the time. She traveled via boat to join him, married and gave birth to two daughters Carla Maria and Isabel Maria. Due to civil war, she and her family moved to Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, and then once again due to civil unrest, moved back to her country of origin, Portugal in 1976. As life was difficult in Portugal and with hopes for a better life for her children, she immigrated to the United States at age 48 in 1981.

Venilia had various jobs to help support her family but by far the most important was “Caregiver. “ Upon completing third grade (the highest education available to girls in her town at the time), she was sent to live with her godparents to help care for them and her grandmother. This living arrangement, where her main responsibilities were cooking and cleaning, not only helped her godparents and grandmother but also provided food and other necessities for her own mother and siblings as she brought them dinner every night. She also cared for and helped raise her youngest sister, Julia, who was 10 years younger. Julia considered Venilia to be not only a big sister, but also a mother. When Venilia moved to Mozambique, she first worked at a bakery and then a beauty shop before starting her craft as an artisan for her father’s ceramics business. While working for her dad, she also helped care for her niece and nephew when her younger sister’s husband tragically died and needed help with childcare. She continued her work in ceramics throughout her life in Portugal, until she moved to the States where she worked as a welder in a factory. Upon retiring, she once again returned to her calling as a caregiver when she was asked to be the caretaker for the house of the Portuguese priests at Our Lady of Fatima. At age 62, she left Our Lady of Fatima and provided fulltime daycare for her grandchildren until she physically couldn’t anymore.

Venilia was very talented despite only earning elementary education. She made the most beautiful roses out of clay and was an excellent painter. She loved to garden and could rehab any plant back to life. She was an amazing cook and famous for her thanksgiving stuffing and shrimp rice. Despite not being able to speak English, she would make you feel welcome in her home. She would hug you, feed you, and language was never a barrier. She had a contagious laugh and the gift of laughing at oneself, but her biggest gift of all was one of service and caring for others. Throughout life she sacrificed her own needs to care for those close to her heart with grace and love. She will be remembered for the most important job as “Mother” not only by her children but also grandchildren, nieces and nephews, sister, godparents and grandmother.

Venilia is survived by her children, Carla Hawkins and husband, David, Isabel Reilly and husband, Joe, her grandchildren, Kelsey, Michael, and Isabel Hawkins, and Joey, Carly, Lenna, and Johnny Reilly. She is also survived by her younger sisters, Maria Manuela Correia de Sousa Soares and Maria Júlia Correia de Sousa Silva. She is predeceased by her husband Laurentino Ferreira Rodrigues and brother Francisco De Assis Correia de Sousa.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the Rodrigues family on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 9am to 10:30am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Venilia will follow at 11:30 am in Our lady of Fatima Church, Fatima Square, 50 Kane Street, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Venilia to Hartford Health Care https://www.nfggive.org/donation/06-0646938. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com.

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Venilia-Correia-Rodrigues?obId=45867894

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10/28/2025

Shyqyri Sheno of Wethersfield, passed away on October 17, 2025 at Hartford Hospital. He was born in Albania on April 28, 1940.

Friends may call on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Farley Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. The Funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon at the funeral home. The burial will follow at Village Cemetery.

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10/28/2025

Dorine (Mastria) Testori, 72, wife of Gerald Testori, of New Britain, passed away October 17, 2025 in UConn/ John Dempsey Hospital. She was born in Hartford on September 22, 1953, daughter of the late Anthony Frank and Ann Marie Mary (Geraci) Mastria. Dorine was a graduate of Bulkeley High School, Class of 1970 and later the University of St. Joseph. She owned her Hairdresser Salon before working for the State of Connecticut Board of Health as an AIDS Educator for 27 years. Dorine enjoyed traveling, visiting St. Thomas, Italy and France among other places. She mostly loved to bake and cook, hosting many parties for family and friends.

She will be greatly missed by her husband Jerry, with who she celebrated their 50th Anniversary in May, her daughter Dainelle Gartner, her husband Mark and their dog Luna, who Dorine adored, her sister Charlene Mastria, and her brother James Mastria and his wife Carmela. She also leaves her sister-in-law Doreen Orsini and her husband Carl as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her family would like to send a special thank you to the staff at Autumn Lake Healthcare of New Britain and the Hospice Care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital for their care.

Friends may call on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 10:00 am in St. James Church of St. Josephine Bahkita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will follow in Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, 1 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield.

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10/28/2025

Carol J. Benjamin, 91, of Glastonbury passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Carol was born in Hartford on December 17, 1933, to the late Katherine (Gonyea) and John MacPherson. She grew up riding horses, rollerblading, ice skating, and played as a softball pitcher in her youth. One of Carol’s favorite vacations was the family’s annual vacation on Cape Cod. She loved buying lottery tickets and playing slot machines, especially after her father had bought only one ticket for the Irish Sweepstakes, and won. If anyone was to visit Carol, they knew to bring her favorite, a Dunkin coffee and donut. She was a magnet for her family and will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Carol is predeceased by her husband, Raymond A. Benjamin, and is survived by her children, Robin Benjamin of Glastonbury, Kim Roy and her fiancé, John Mason of Glastonbury, Raeleen Anderson and her husband Burton of Glastonbury, her grandchildren, Rob Roy and his wife Cathie of Hebron, Nicholas Roy and his wife Jennifer of Manchester, Meghan Roy of Manchester, Shannon Sales of Glastonbury, Dillon Anderson and his wife Brigette of Manchester and her great grandchildren, Benjamin, Taylor, Brianna, Landon, Alivia, Liam, Brenton, and Lily.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12 Noon at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Avenue Glastonbury. Burial will follow in Green Cemetery, 99 Hubbard Street Glastonbury.

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10/28/2025

Stephen John Gregorski, 82, of Wethersfield, CT and Harwichport, MA, passed away on Thursday, October 23. He was born to Stella Jez and Joseph Gregorski and raised in Enfield, CT. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rosemary Darragh Gregorski, and four children: James (Jay) Gregorski of Wethersfield, and his 3 children, Meghan, Jillian and Matthew; Christine Gregorski Rolph of Great Falls, VA and husband Harold Rolph and their 3 children, Kayla, Brendan and Katelyn; Edward (Ted) Gregorski of Glastonbury, CT and wife Brenda and their 3 children, Emma, Brenna and Teagan; and Marybeth Gregorski Mont of Franklin, MA and husband Kevin Mont and their three children, Colin, Caroline and Christopher. He is also survived by brother Robert Gregorski and sister Joan Michaels and was predeceased by brothers Richard and Mitchell Gregorski.

Stephen attended Saint Adalbert’s School and graduated from Enfield High School. He was an avid basketball player and sports participant. He graduated from Central Connecticut State University where he received his Bachelor and Masters degrees in Mathematics and History. He went on to received his 6th year Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. He started his teaching career at Thaddeus Kosciuszko Junior High School and later served for decades as an Assistant Principal, first at Thaddeus and later at JFK Junior High School and Enfield High School.

Stephen’s retirement years were filled with time with his family, and he was a devoted Papa to his twelve grandchildren. He spent many mornings at Cape Cod with his grandchildren walking the beaches and secret paths, always ending up at a local store for a breakfast surprise. Stephen led by example and instilled a commitment to excellence in life, leading to great academic and athletic success for all of his children and grandchildren. He raised four children who played Division 1 athletics at college and helped raise five grandchildren who are playing Division 1 sports. He was the biggest fan of every grandchild, attending countless school activities and sports matches, even often keeping statistics.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Stephen’s life will be held on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Church of the Incarnation of Christ the King Parish, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. A private burial will be in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. There will be no calling hours. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in his name to Jill’s House

9011 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, who serves a community that Stephen embraced.

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Stephen-J-Gregorski?obId=46194002

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10/28/2025

Judith Guala was born in New Britain on May 13, 1939, to Libero and Anna Guala. She grew up in Newington and graduated from Newington High School in 1957. Judy loved to travel, play golf and particularly loved her horses and her dogs. She is survived by her nieces Kerry Niering of Lisbon and Betsy Guala of Portland. Judy is predeceased by her parents and brothers Libby, Richard, and Ronald. To leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com.

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Judith-Guala?obId=46143465

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10/28/2025

KATHLEEN ANN REESE (nee Sullivan), affectionately known as Kay, passed away on October 21, 2025 at the age of 90, in Newington, Connecticut. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and cherished memories. Kay grew up in the Clay Hill section of Hartford in a cold water flat with seven siblings and her parents, Arthur F. Sullivan and Kathryn F. (McAloon) Sullivan, R.N. She attended St. Patrick grammar school and Holy Trinity High School, and she graduated from Hartford Public High School.
Kay's mom, Kathryn, was the primary breadwinner of the family, and Kay was the second mom to her younger siblings who were deeply appreciative of her efforts. Kay had a 25-year career at Savitt Jewelers in Hartford where she was a respected member of the "P.O. M. G." Team. Her six children have fond memories of Kay setting up picnics on their porch or putting a blanket on the living room floor as she cooked hamburgers and hot dogs on a tiny charcoal grill.
Later in life, Kay met William Reese, they married, and he embraced her children as his own. They enjoyed many happy years together until his passing in 2009. After retiring from Savitt Jewelers, Kay pursued a second career as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Fiscal Analysis of the State of Connecticut legislature, from which she retired in 1992. Kay and Bill moved to Dogwood Road in Wethersfield where they made many friends. After Bill's passing, Kay moved to the historic section of Old Wethersfield, where she was surrounded by dear friends and caring neighbors, most notably Jim and Kris Tracy, who were her Guardian Angels. She spent many happy hours on her front porch visiting with her friends and neighbors.
Kay will be fondly remembered by her children: Denise Jones (Sylvio Sciarra) of Wethersfield, Kathy Jones of Newington, Ann Jones (Victor Delgado) of Unionville, and Gordon Jones of Brooksville, FL. Kay is also survived by her devoted brother, Neil of Stuart, FL and his wife Dori Taylor Sullivan as well as a cherished daughter-in-law, Laura Mirmino-Jones of Cromwell, devoted sisters-in-law Elaine Sullivan of Glastonbury, Elaine Sullivan of Loris, SC and Sharon DeFato of SC as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. Anne McAloon, a devoted cousin, was a huge support and friend to Kay in her declining years.
Kay was predeceased by her beloved sons Ronald Jones and Richard Jones, her daughter-in-law Tess Jones of Brooksville, FL, as well as her siblings, Eugene Sullivan, Francis Sullivan, Maureen Sullivan, Bernie Sullivan, all of Connecticut, Sheila Sullivan Fagon of Vermont, and Timothy Sullivan of Loris, SC.
Kay and Bill were avid power boaters, and they spent many happy days on the waters of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. Kay was a huge fan of UCONN Basketball, especially UCONN Women's Basketball. She was an avid reader and showed great s***k and good humor in the face of adversity. Her sharp Irish wit never dulled, and her Irish eyes could light up a room.
Kay's secret to a happy life as told by her is Patience, a Sense of Humor, and a Glass of Wine. Those who loved her made every effort to ensure that she had a "clinically approved, therapeutic glass of wine" as she reached the end of each day. May She Rest in Peace with the Angels after a Life Well Lived.
The family is grateful for the exceptional care that Kay received at Jefferson House in Newington during her final months.
Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation at http://www.parkingson.org.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home at 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A celebration honoring Kay's life will be held in the funeral home at 5:30 pm.

https://www.farleysullivan.com/obituaries/Kathleen-Kay-Ann-Reese?obId=46069776

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10/22/2025

On this day we remember Wethersfield Firefighter Robert Sharkevich who tragically lost his life in the line of duty one year ago today. Rest In Peace Rob.