Potter Funeral Home

Potter Funeral Home Potter Funeral Home has been serving the people of Windham and the surrounding towns for generations. Please call the office with any questions you may have.

Joan Helen BeckJoan Helen Beck, 89, of South Windsor, CT, passed away on May 3, 2026, at Hartford Hospital after a brief...
05/06/2026

Joan Helen Beck

Joan Helen Beck, 89, of South Windsor, CT, passed away on May 3, 2026, at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness.

Married for 55 years to her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, John “Jerry”, Joan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother for whom family was the cornerstone of her life. Born on 04/27/1937 to Agnes and John Clegg, Joan was raised in Gibbstown, NJ. She later lived in Washington, D.C., Westboro, MA, Tolland, CT, and Venice, FL. Joan spent many years working in the Financial Aid Department at Manchester Community College, where she left a lasting impact by guiding students through one of the most challenging times of their lives. She was well-liked and respected by both colleagues and students for her knowledge, professionalism, and support.

Over the years, the family moved several times, affording her the opportunity to instill in her children a sense of independence, adaptability, and resilience, preparing them well for life and successful professions.

After retiring, Joan and Jerry embraced their love of travel, splitting their time between homes in Connecticut and Florida, which Joan continued after she lost her one true love. An avid sports fan, she and Jerry were season pass holders for UCONN men's and women's basketball for many years. Joan had a zest for life that extended beyond her love of sports, enjoying nature, family gatherings, and the pleasures that came with each new adventure.

She is lovingly survived by her family including her children: Terri Beck of Naples, FL, John Beck, Jr. (wife Ellen) of Pascoag, RI, Susan Bray (husband Richard ) of Eastford, CT, five grandchildren: Matthew Beck of Rhode Island, Daniel Beck (wife Paulina) of Texas, Kelly Beck (fiancé Tyler) of Rhode Island, Kevin Bray (fiancé Brittany) of Massachusetts and Nicholas Bray of Massachusetts, three great grandchildren: Alex and Bella Beck of Texas, Cooper Bray of Massachusetts, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband John “Jerry” Beck of Tolland, CT, parents, John and Agnes Clegg, and her sister, Sandra Clegg, all of New Jersey. Joan’s indomitable spirit, tireless energy, and infectious love of life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strong family values.

A private memorial service to celebrate her life will take place with family members at a later time. For online condolences, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made to a charity of your choice.

View Joan Helen Beck's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Camille B. TurcotteObituary to follow upon completion.
05/04/2026

Camille B. Turcotte

Obituary to follow upon completion.

View Camille B. Turcotte's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Douglas M. FranklinDouglas Mark Franklin, of Columbia, CT passed away peacefully at his home on May 3rd, 2026. He was bo...
05/04/2026

Douglas M. Franklin

Douglas Mark Franklin, of Columbia, CT passed away peacefully at his home on May 3rd, 2026. He was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island on March 9th, 1965, the son of the late William J. Franklin and Ellen Swartz Franklin. Doug was a 1995 graduate of the UConn School of Engineering and went on to have a successful career as a civil engineer. Never one for small projects, he had a passion for bridge and heavy highway construction. One of his early projects included work on the Willimantic “Frog Bridge,” where on completion he proudly pushed his children across in a stroller, forever claiming he had “one of the first babies to cross the Frog Bridge.” Doug was a loving and caring brother, uncle, father and husband. He was a calm, steady presence in times of stress and he loved any opportunity to put his problem solving skills to the test, especially if it involved a fishing boat, building a garden for his wife, or helping with his children’s math homework. He did everything with a smile. Doug loved to spend quality time with his close friends and family. Amongst his greatest joys in life was spending time volunteering, coaching his children’s sports teams, and spending time with his loving wife of 29 years. He was always there on the sidelines, giving his time and heart to his children as they grew and their passions changed. He was excited for every soccer game, track meet, baseball game, or swimming practice and he was even more excited to practice these sports at home. He followed his daughter’s rowing career through college and beyond, proudly supporting her as she transitioned from athlete to coach. He enjoyed regattas, rain or shine, and loved stealing his wife’s camera so he may take photos. During the winter, he became “Coach Doug”, spending time on the ice coaching his son in hockey. Starting with “Learn to Skate”, Doug’s passion for the sport grew alongside his son’s. Off the ice, he built hockey nets from scratch and backyard ice rinks. On the ice, he fell in love with coaching and created a hockey family he loved like his own. From those early days through his son’s senior year of high school, Doug remained a constant, devoted presence: sharing not only his love of the game, but his time, patience, and heart. And during all the running around, Doug made every moment a fun adventure for him and his wife, still making time to take the dogs for a walk or a quick nap by the pool. Doug is survived by his wife Christine Franklin; his son Jason Franklin; his daughter Erica Franklin; his sister Kara Franklin Heintz; his niece and nephews and beloved pets. Calling hours will be held on Saturday May 9, 2026 from 9:30am to 11:30am at Potter Funeral Home Willimantic. A private burial will follow for family and close friends at Utley Hill Cemetery in Columbia

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Beckish Senior Center in Doug’s name. Donations can be sent to the Beckish Senior Center at 188 Middletown Turnpike, Columbia, CT made out to Columbia Seniors Organization.

View Douglas M. Franklin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Edith M. Garcia
04/30/2026

Edith M. Garcia

View Edith M. Garcia's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Edith D. VertefeuilleEdith “Edie” (Taylor) Vertefeuille, 92, of Willimantic, beloved wife of the late Leonard Vertefeuil...
04/30/2026

Edith D. Vertefeuille

Edith “Edie” (Taylor) Vertefeuille, 92, of Willimantic, beloved wife of the late Leonard Vertefeuille Sr., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026

She was born in Coventry, CT, the daughter of the late Lester and Doris (Wood) Taylor. She was the loving sister of Audrey Belanger and Beverly Taylor, and was predeceased by her brother, Lester Taylor.

Edie cherished time spent with her family and took great joy in the companionship of her beloved dogs, Otis and Lucas.

She leaves behind her devoted children: son, Leonard Vertefeuille III and his wife Lisa; daughters, Debra Mather and her partner David Landin and Lianne Larrow; as well as seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic. Please assemble directly at the church. Burial will follow at New Willimantic Cemetery, Willimantic.

View Edith D. Vertefeuille's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Maureen Joyce KirouacObituary to follow upon completion.
04/28/2026

Maureen Joyce Kirouac

Obituary to follow upon completion.

View Maureen Joyce Kirouac's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

John William Krukoff Jr.John W. Krukoff Jr., 83, of Ashford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. He was born o...
04/23/2026

John William Krukoff Jr.

John W. Krukoff Jr., 83, of Ashford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026. He was born on November 6, 1942, to the late John Krukoff and Margaret Fugedi Krukoff. John was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Kaba, and his loving wife of over 50 years, Beverly L. Maulucci Krukoff.

John worked as a truck driver for many years and served briefly as a constable in Ashford. In his younger years, he owned and operated a business cutting and selling wood surveyor stakes. He took great pride in living and working on his farm, where he raised beef cattle, made hay, and worked with lumber. A skilled carpenter, John built his own home. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

John is survived by his brother, Carl Krukoff and his wife, Leora; his sister, Margie Coupe, and her late husband, John Coupe; and his three children, John Krukoff III, Glenn Krukoff, and Nicholas Krukoff and his wife, Michelle. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Danielle Kudlach and her late husband, John; Ashley Moss and her husband, Eric; Amanda Krukoff and her husband, Jeff Hanley; Glenn Krukoff Jr. and his wife, Jenna; Hunter Krukoff; Lillian Krukoff; and Max Krukoff. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren, John Paul, Adriana, Ethan, and Eli, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Douglas Manor for their compassionate care of John. A private ceremony will be held in his honor.

View John William Krukoff Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Doris Marin GarciaDios les bendiga a todos.Hoy dedicamos este espacio a una mujer admirable, Doris Marín García. Nació e...
04/21/2026

Doris Marin Garcia

Dios les bendiga a todos.

Hoy dedicamos este espacio a una mujer admirable, Doris Marín García. Nació en Patillas, Puerto Rico el 2 de noviembre de 1953. Sus hijos Janet, Miguel y Cindy y sus 7 nietos y 7 bisnietos fueron sus orgullos y alegrías, al igual que sus hermanos y sobrinos y no olvidándonos de sus dos perritas que fueron sus dos compañeras chihuahuas, por 12 años. Ella le apasionaba las flores, orquídeas, rosas y todas las imposibles para ella era fácil germinarlas.

Tenía pasión por los perros, por ella convertía su casa en un lugar de refugios para perros. Siempre estaba feliz. Nunca se le vio triste ni en sus días difíciles. Hoy descansa en los brazos de nuestro Padre Celestial. Siempre la recordaremos con su hermosa sonrisa.

God bless you all.

Today we dedicate this space to an admirable woman, Doris Marín García. Born in Patillas, Puerto Rico on November 2, 1953. Her children Janet, Miguel and Cindy, and her 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren were her pride and joy, along with her brothers and nephews and not forgetting her two dogs who were her two Chihuahua companions, for 12 years. She was passionate about flowers, orchids, roses and all the impossible ones for her were easy to germinate.

She had a passion for dogs, if it were only up to her, she would have converted her home into a rescue place for dogs. She was always happy. No one ever saw her sad even in her most difficult days. Today she rests in the arms of our Heavenly Father. She will always be remembered by her beautiful smile.

View Doris Marin Garcia's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

John L. Horvath IIIJohn L. Horvath III was born to Hazel Macomber Horvath and John L. Horvath Jr. on May 2, 1937. He gre...
04/20/2026

John L. Horvath III

John L. Horvath III was born to Hazel Macomber Horvath and John L. Horvath Jr. on May 2, 1937. He grew up in Willimantic CT surrounded by many aunts and uncles, all of whom were first generation immigrants from what is now known as the Czech Republic and Hungary. Their Catholic faith and close family ties made a deep impact on John’s spiritual and emotional development. His love of family was his guiding light throughout his life.

After graduating from Windham High School at 17 years old he joined the Army and served in Germany for four years. When he returned to the United States, he attended Mitchell College and went on to get a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Connecticut.

He married Mary Soriero in 1960. He went on to get his MBA from Western New England University and then worked for the University of Connecticut in Human Resources until his retirement.

He and Mary had three daughters; Kimberly (Doug Rossi, Matthew, Madison), Christine (Kristen), and Karen (Scott Dupuis, Travis, Trevor) whom they raised in Somers Connecticut.

John was very involved in his community and church. He served on the Board of Education for several years. He was part of All Saints Catholic Church. He and Mary became involved with Marriage Encounter and Curcio which brought them both fulfillment and joy.

After retirement he and Mary moved to Columbia, CT for several years but their favorite place was their beach cottage in Westerly Rhode Island. John loved to swim, fish and go clamming and spend time with his children and grandchildren there. He and Mary eventually moved there full time to enjoy their view of the back bay and beach life.

John loved playing card games and reading. Over the last several years he found great joy in watching seagulls fly at “The Point”.

John is remembered for being a kind, gentle man who always put his family first. He deeply loved his daughters and grandchildren. He always made time for heart to heart conversations with anyone who sought his counsel and friendship. His silly sense of humor and great listening skills made him a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic CT. In lieu of flower, donations to your local Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.

View John L. Horvath III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Susan Fontenelle CutlipSusan Cutlip, a beloved renaissance woman whose talents and passions touched the lives of all who...
04/20/2026

Susan Fontenelle Cutlip

Susan Cutlip, a beloved renaissance woman whose talents and passions touched the lives of all who knew her, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family both far and near. She had a joie de vivre and was deeply generous with her time, love, and laughter Susan was a gifted violinist, a skilled weaver, an awesome cook, and a devoted legal advocate. She found joy in hiking forest trails to pick berries, boating on Moosehead Lake with family, reading lakeside while her family swam and played on the dock, and making her delicious raspberry jam. She was also known to make a mean Manhattan, best enjoyed in the company of those she loved. Above all, Susan was deeply devoted to her family. She was a loving mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend. She never hesitated to drop everything and fly or drive across the country when someone she loved needed her. Her love has been both constant, unconditional, and a major source of strength for all. A loyal fan of the UConn women’s basketball team, Susan brought enthusiasm to cheering on her team and a sense of humour to any gathering. Susan was predeceased by her daughter Lauren, her husband Mike, her father Ed, and her mother Grace. She is lovingly remembered by her sister Joyce; her son Logan; her grandchildren Amanda and Jon; her niece Marna and nephew Alan; her three great-grandchildren Avery, Jack and Roman; and her six great-nieces and nephews. Her love and resilience will continue through us all. Susan will be remembered for her warmth, her compassion, her fierce love for her family, and her ability to make life both meaningful and joyful. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

View Susan Fontenelle Cutlip's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Catherine E. HamillCatherine E. Hamill entered into eternal life on April 14, 2026. She was born in Norwich, CT, the dau...
04/17/2026

Catherine E. Hamill

Catherine E. Hamill entered into eternal life on April 14, 2026. She was born in Norwich, CT, the daughter of the late Clifford and Mary E. (Mero) Hamill. Catherine was a lifelong resident of Windham, CT. Catherine loved all types of music, volunteering at the Immaculate Retreat House, reading her bible, and always cheering on her beloved Yankees.

She leaves her sister, Marilyn Bentley and her favorite brother-in-law, Arthur Bentley of Willington, CT and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Betsy Duchesneau.

Catherine’s last home was at St. Joseph’s Living Center in Windham where she had many special friends and always surrounded by a very caring staff.

Family and friends are invited to attend Catherine’s Funeral Mass that will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Organization.

View Catherine E. Hamill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

456 Jackson Street
Willimantic, CT
06226

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Potter Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category