Bill Gargano
US Air Force
"William B. "Bill" Gargano 96, of Hamden beloved husband of 73 years to the late Janet Kraussmann Gargano passed from this life on October 30, 2020 at his home to forever join his beloved wife Janet. Bill was born in New Haven on January 26, 1924 son of the late Louis and Jenny Palmieri Gargano. He lived in Hamden all his life. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1942 and immediately joined the Army Air Corps. A World War II veteran, Bill served 3 years as a top turret gunner in a B17 bomber. Bill was awarded 4 Battle Stars, an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. Bill was a graduate of Quinnipiac College, with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He was the co-owner of the Sleigh House Restaurant for 25 years, a secretary for the American Legion for several years, and a business manager for the Woodbridge and North Branford school systems. Bill was also a member of the Second Company Governors Foot guard since 1954 and became Commandant in 1976. Bill was a passionate man who loved life, his country and his family. He was the loving father of Gale (Ed) Fracasso and Lynda Cusano all of Hamden and Bill (Betty Rothman) Gargano Jr of Orange CA. He was a huge presence in his grandchildrens lives. They are Dawn (Gabe) Scala, Eddy (Toni) Fracasso Jr, Sheri (Jerry) Polzella, Lori (Frank) Appicelli, Michael (Sandra) Carbone, Kim Treloar, Robert Gargano, and Lieschen (Aaron) Quilling. He also had amazing relationships with his 13 great-grandchildren. Brother of the late Edward Gargano. Bill was an extraordinary man who saw the best in everyone. He started each day believing that it was going to be his best day. He taught us to always work hard and enjoy each day because life is a gift. It is difficult to let go of such a humble, beautiful man. He will always be our hero! "
Col. Ken Gertz
US Army
"Col. Kenneth D. Gertz, Sr., 89, loving husband of 66 years to Joan Laine Gertz, passed away March 27, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born in Torrington March 1, 1933, a son of the late Arthur and Ruby Stacker Gertz, and had resided in Cheshire since 1960. He is survived by a daughter and her husband, Donna and Gary Thompson of New Milford; his grandchildren and their spouses, Scott (Jillian) Thompson of New Milford, Corey (Kimberly) Thompson of Middlebury, Courtney (Daniel) Mingrino of Cheshire, Heather Gertz of Tennessee, and Kyle Gertz of Meriden; 10 great-grandchildren, and his brother Gustav Gertz of Killingworth. He is predeceased by his son Kenneth Gertz, Jr., his grandson Kenneth Gertz, III, sisters Ruby Brayell, Linda Lauderi, and Lillian Centrella, and brothers Arthur Jr., Robert, Jacob “Bill,” and James Gertz. After graduating from Hamden High School in 1951 he joined the Navy, where he served as a Corpsman and 1st Surgical Assistant aboard the USS Helena during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he attended the University of Connecticut and graduated with a BS degree in physical therapy. In 1964, he joined the Army Reserves and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 340th General Hospital in New Haven as a physical therapist. Through his years of service, he received numerous awards, commendations and promotions. He was promoted to his final rank of Colonel on January 3, 1983. He remained in the Reserves until he reached the age for mandatory retirement on March 1, 1993. In his retirement he remained a home health physical therapist, working until the age of 85. He also served as the Executive Director of the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center of Meriden for 30 years. In 2020 he was nominated for and received the prestigious award of the Order of Saint Maurice, an award presented to a member of the infantry community who displays the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and dedication to duty. Ken was always very involved in his community. He was President of the Jaycees, a member of the Meriden Kiwanis Club, the New Haven Elks Club #25, and the Day Spring Lodge #30 A.F. & A. M., where he was Treasurer and ran Bingo. He was also a member and Honorary Captain of the 2nd Co. Governor’s Foot Guard, Past Commander of American Legion Post #88, the New Haven Greys, where he served as President of the Retired Division, and an active member of the First Congregational Church of Cheshire for many years. He was the recipient of numerous community awards and citations for his dedication."
Don Hunihan
US Marine Corps
"Donald T. Hunihan, 78, of Hamden, CT, died after a brief illness at the Grimes Center in New Haven, CT, on April 9, 2024. Donald was born in New Haven, CT, on March 27, 1946, and was the son of the late Thomas & Anel (Pozika) Hunihan. He is also predeceased by his sister, Eileen Hunihan. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Connecticut, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) after his service with the United States Marine Corps. Upon retiring from SNET, he began employment with the USPS at their distribution hub in Wallingford, Connecticut. Donald is survived by his two children, his son Sean (Amy) Hunihan of Waterbury, CT and his daughter Kelly (Craig) Cesare and his two grandchildren, Craig Jr. and Gabriella Cesare, of Hamden, CT. He also has three nephews, Mark, Charles, and Justin Laudano. Donald was an active member of the Hamden Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus in West Haven, CT and the American Legion Post 88 in Hamden, CT. When not working, Donald enjoyed fishing and playing golf. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's many different sporting events. He followed many sports teams, but his favorites were the Pittsburgh Steelers, UCONN Basketball, New York Yankees, and NASCAR."
Harry O'Neill
US Navy
"Harry W. O'Neill Jr, 90, beloved husband of Judith Atwater O'Neill for 64 years, passed away on Feb. 15,2025 at his home. Born Nov. 13,1934 in New Haven a son of the late Harry W. O'Neill Sr and Lillian Olsson O'Neill, he was a lifelong resident of Hamden, graduating from Hamden High School and S.C.S.C. from where he earned his 6-year Teaching Degree. In his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts earning the Eagle Scout and the Order of the Arrow. Harry proudly served in the US Navy for 9 years aboard the USS Coates with 5 years active duty and 4 years reserve active. He was a member of American Legion Post # 88, was involved for many years with Hamden Youth Hockey and also was very active in Hamden Fathers Baseball and was inducted into the Southern CT Diamond Club Hall of Fame. He taught for over 34 years at Rock Hill School in Wallingford and then substituted for 9 years. Besides his wife he is survived by his children, Robert S. (Jennifer) O'Neill of Branford, Andrew M. O'Neill of Statesville, NC, Sally (Chris) Nemchek of Fairfield and Thomas J. O'Neill of New Haven. Also survived by 9 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son William O'Neill and a sister Jean Clarke."
Joe Bartiet
US Army
"Joseph S. Bartiet ("Joe Bart"), 66 of Hamden, Connecticut passed away peacefully at his home, with sister Pamela Bartiet and Aunt Katie D'Auria by his side on October 25th after losing his battle to cancer. Born April 15, 1958, in New Haven, he was the loving son of the late Gerhardt "Gerry" & Virginia Gorman Bartiet. Joe is survived by his sisters Susan Pecoraro (Louis), of Canterbury, CT., Pamela Bartiet (Bobby) of Hamden, CT., and younger brother William Bartiet (Lisa) of Cheshire, CT. He was the loving nephew of Katie and Alphonse D'Auria, of Cheshire and uncle to Kayla and Julia Bartiet, Alexander, and Olivia Leigh Pecoraro, and Jennifer Delmedico. He leaves behind many cousins and friends especially John ("Toast") Zaleski who visited Joe regularly to watch the Red Sox ball games. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by aunts and uncles to whom he was remarkably close. Joe retired from the Hamden Parks & Recreation Department where he worked as a landscaper and groundskeeper for 15 years. He was a diehard New York Giants, and Boston Red Sox fan for many years. He proudly served in the United States Army, as an E-4 Specialist, Infantry Battalion and received numerous commendations and medals for his accomplishments. He enjoyed reading historical and biographical books, fishing, and camping at historical sites. "
Kevin Patchel
Sons Of The Legion
"Kevin Martin Patchell, of Wallingford, Connecticut, passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2025, in Victor, Montana, at the age of 67. Born in Hamden, Connecticut, Kevin spent most of his life in Wallingford. He graduated from Hamden High School in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Southern Connecticut State University in 1982. Kevin dedicated 30 years of service to AT&T/Amdocs before retiring in April 2018. A proud and active member of the American Legion Post 88, Kevin served for over two decades, including as bar manager, where he was known for his dedication, reliability, and generous spirit. Kevin is survived by his loving partner and soulmate, Fran Geoghegan, with whom he shared 13 beautiful years. Their relationship was filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Fran was not only his companion but his closest confidante, and their bond was a source of strength and joy for both of them. Kevin's love for Fran was evident in everything he did, and he cherished the life they built together. He is also survived by his stepson Rob Marone, and his nieces and nephews: Jason Burch, Melissa Burch, Brian Patchell, Jaimie Andrews, Heather Garcia, Steve Patchell, and Michelle Kirkpatrick. Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Rosalie Patchell; his sister, Karen Burch; his brother, Kenneth Patchell; and his niece, Jessica Vitale. Family meant everything to Kevin. He was deeply devoted to those he loved and always made sure they were taken care of. Whether through quiet acts of kindness or simply being present when needed most, Kevin's selflessness and loyalty were constants in the lives of those around him. He had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in hiking, kayaking, clamming, and fishing. He also took pride in his side job of wood splitting, which reflected his strong work ethic and hands-on nature. Kevin was known for his quiet strength, generous heart, and willingness to help others-always putting the needs of those around him first."
Steve Fletcher
US Army
"Stephen J. Fletcher, age 72, lifelong resident of Hamden, passed away on September 13, 2021 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in New Haven on June 7, 1949, he was a son of the late Frederick W. Fletcher and Florence (McDermott) Fletcher and brother of the late Fred and Dennis Fletcher. Stephen was a US Army Veteran of Desert Storm. He was a security guard for many years and was lastly employed at Total Communications as a marketing manager. Stephen is survived by his sister-in-law Carol Fletcher of Georgia; his niece Jennifer Wilson of North Carolina; nephew Michael Fletcher of Georgia; grandniece Lily Wilson; grandnephews Stephen Wilson and Gavin Dowey; and cousins Rich Olewnik and Shirley Dwyer. Stephen enjoyed fishing, hunting, Nascar, football and always watching UCONN Women’s teams. Stephen was a member of the American Legion Post 88 for many years."