Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • B12

B12 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015 THE HARTFORD COURANT OBITUARIES SPATH, Edwin M.D. BRUKO, Sotir UNDERWOOD, Frances E. 'Fran' (Larrabee) PAUL, Sally R. Jfc J. Sotir Bruko, 85, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Theodhora (Pani) Bruko, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 12, 2015 at home surrounded by his family.

Sotir was born in Dardhe, Albania, January 5, 1930, son ofthelateVasil and Elefteria (Ho) Bruko. He and his wife immigrated to the United States 12 years ago, and have resided in the Hartford area, most recently Wethersfield. Sotir will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Theodhora; his son and daughter-in-law, Vaske and llda Bruko of Wethersfield; his daughter and son-in-law, Mirela and Edmond Ballo of Wethersfield; as well as four cherished grandchildren, Pandeli Bruko, Raisa Ballo, Sara Bruko, and Tommy Ballo, all of Wethersfield. Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the family, Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 5-7pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Wethersfield. A Celebration of Sotir's life will be held Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 11am at Farley-Sullivan with Rev.

Dr. George Zugravu officiating. Interment will follow the service in Cedar Hill Cemetery (Section 35), 453 Fairfield Hartford HURST, John 'Jack' Sally R. Paul, age 86, of Chester, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Sally was the beloved wife for 66 years of Arthur G.

Paul, Jr. Sally was born in New London on January 2, 1929 the daughter of George and Henrietta (Rowley) Greene. She was a longtime resident of Deep River residing on Union Street and in 1999 made her home in Chester. Sally was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles and had a great love of country music.

Sally will always be remembered as having a gentle soul. Besides her beloved husband Arthur, she leaves her sons, Arthur G. Paul, III and his wife Maureen of Westbrook, Edward Paul and his wife Debbie of Deep River, her daughter, Henrietta Tennyson, of Chester, her grandchildren, Paul Deming and his wife Angela, Jason Deming and his husband, John, Joey Paul, Michael Paul and his fiancee, Heather Forbes, and Kathleen Stevenson and her husband Brad. Also surviving are her four great-grandchildren, Eillie and Alex Deming and Luke and Penny Stevenson. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2015 from to at the Robinson, Wright Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Sally's name may be made to the Chester Ambulance Association, Inc. P.O. Box 209, Chester, CT 06412. To share a memory of Sally or send a condolence to her family please visit Frances "Fran" E. (Larrabee) Underwood, 79, of East Hartford, loving wife of 35 years of the late Kenneth "Bud" Underwood, peacefully entered into eternal life with her caring family by her side on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at St.

Francis Hospital, Hartford. Born in Hartford on August 7, 1935, a daughter of the late Francis L. and Grace (Murphy) Larrabee, she had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. Fran was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1953 and was employed by Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford for 24 years prior to her retirement in 2002. A devout Catholic, Fran was a faithful communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, East Hartford here she was a Eucharistic Minister and past President of their Ladies Guild.

In 2007, Fran was awarded the "Archdiocesan Medal of Appreciation" by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, D.D. for all her dedication and volunteer work at Blessed Sacrament Church. She was also an avid fan of the UCONN Women's basketball team but most of all she was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and so many extended family members that called her "Mom" or Fran is survived by her four children, Denise "Dee" A. Trent and her husband, Bruce, of Vernon, Robert "Bob" L.

Underwood and Lisa Chotkowski of Glastonbury, Elaine M. Dube and her husband, Roger, of East Hartford, Thomas "Tom" L. Underwood and his wife, Marjorie, of East Hartford; a brother-in-law, Phillip L. Underwood of East Hartford; a special niece and goddaughter, Maureen A. Sylvester and her husband, Steven, of Cheshire.

She also leaves fourteen special grandchildren, Derrick Ficara, Deana Breault and her husband Jason, Duane Ficara, Nicole Arno and her husband Scott, Amy Dionne and her husband Eddie, Jennifer Trent, Stephanie Bennett and her husband Luke, Ian Underwood, Logan Underwood, Ally Underwood, Stacey Vera and her husband Harold, Stephanie Tena and her husband Manny, Alaina Underwood, Stephen Underwood; fifteen cherished great-grandchildren and a great-granddaughter and great-grandson on their way; several nieces, nephews, dear friends, and many extended family members. Besides her beloved husband and parents, Fran was predeceased by a daughter, Linda E. Underwood of East Hartford. Funeral service will be Friday (January 16th) at 9:30 am from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Thursday (January 15th) from 3-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fran's name may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 36 Cambridge Drive, East Hartford, CT 06118. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www. desopo.com. Edwin A.

Spath, Jr. M.D. of West Hartford passed peacefully from this life on Friday, January 9, 2015 at home surrounded by loved ones after a long courageous struggle with cancer. He is survived by his three children, Liana, William and Abigail and by his Life Partner of 25 years, Cynthia McLane. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Howard Berkun, his niece Jennifer Berkun Pigott and his nephew Jeffrey Berkun.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Edwin Sr. and Irene Spath and his sister, Elaine Berkun. Dr. Spath graduated from the University of Rochester in 1969 with a B.S. in Chemistry.

He graduated cum laude from Albany Medical College in 1973 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. After completing a residency in cardiology at The University of Florida Health Shands Hospital he moved to Hartford and opened his private practice in St. Francis Hospital where he practiced medicine for 33 years. Admired by his colleagues and adored by his patients, many of whom were under his care for over 30 years; Dr. Spath became known for his intellect, his delightful dry sense of humor and warm, caring manner.

Spending time swimming with Liana, skiing and hiking with his children and friends in the White Mountains of New Hampshire were favorite weekend activities for years. Later on, whether exploring National Parks, hiking mountains to see waterfalls, especially with Abigail, or traveling on River Cruises in Europe with friends from church, Ed found true enjoyment and serenity. Wherever he was, both at home and on vacation, his running shoes were always close at hand. Playing tennis was a lifelong passion with his colleagues, but most of all with his son, Will. Ed loved his many German Shepherds, particularly Prince, who passed most recently.

An ardent gardener, he found this a form of meditation or as he would say truly being in the "Now." Attending Asylum Hill Congregational Church listening to uplifting sermons and wonderful organ music was a Sunday favorite. A deeply spiritual man, Ed had a strong faith in Jesus evident in his devotion as a student and facilitator for A Course in Miracles (ACIM). Students of ACIM attended weekly meetings at his home for many years. Since 1977 he was involved with his patient's accounts of Near Death Experiences (NDE's) and recently wrote a manuscript entitled "Lifting the Veil to Eternity," drawing parallels between the perspectives of ACIM and NDE's. Ed's gifts of love and devotion for his family, colleagues, patients and friends will surely be missed.

Dr. Spath's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all his doctors and nurses at St. Francis Hospital for the love and devotion extended to him throughout these years and Masonicare Home Hospice for their loving compassionate and assistance. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Taylor Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT. A Celebration of Life Service will be held February 8, at 2:00 pm in Asylum Hill Congregational Church at 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT.

followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Fidelco Guide Dogs and The Wounded Warriors Project. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com. PIASCIK, Richard J. RITCHIE, Elizabeth J.

PARTESANO, Helen (Calabro) (McCurry) RAMOS, lliada G. Iliada G. Ramos passed away Monday, Dec 29, 2014 at Ellis Manor Nursing Home in Hartford following a short illness. She was born in Cuba, Nov 21, 1930 and grew up in Gainesville, FL. She was a long time resident of Hartford and previously resided in Farmington.

She was a graduate of the University of Florida, and had various careers, spanning from being a civilian employee of the Navy to college professor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Maria Ramos, sisters, Odisea Ramos Robinson and Eneida Ramos White, and brothers, Leo Ramos (killed in WWII), Frank Ramos, and Victor Ramos. She is survived by nieces and nephews. Graveside Funeral Services will be held Thursday (Jan. 15) at in Riverside Cemetery, Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a cat rescue site of your choosing. Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, www.ahernfuneralhome. com. STEBBINS, Dorothy Jane John 'Jack' Hurst passed away suddenly on January 11, 2015. He was the devoted husband and best friend of Katherine 'Kitty' Hurst for 34 years.

He is survived by his three children Daniel of Brewster, Holly of Brewster, John of Boston and his beloved granddaughter Kayleigh of Brewster. Jack loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his friends and family. He also leaves behind his sister in law Georgette and nephews Bob and Neil Hurst of Brewster. Visiting hours Thursday, January 15th 5-8 pm at Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans MA. His funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Cape in Brewster on Friday at 11am.

For online condolences, please visit www. nickersonfunerals.com WHITEHOUSE, Cameron H. Cameron H. Whitehouse, 61, of East Sandwich, MA (formerly of Coventry, CT) passed away quietly at home on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. He was born December 1, 1953 in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Herbert and Mary Elizabeth (Dean) Whitehouse.

Cameron would say his most outstanding achievement was marrying Marilyn and raising a great son, David. Nothing was more important to Cam than his family. He was Director of Operations and Plant Manager III for Coca Cola in Needham, MA. Cameron is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Caron) Whitehouse of East Sandwich MA and his son David Whitehouse of Brookline MA. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Whitehouse of Windsor Locks and his brother Herbert Whitehouse of Orlando FL.

Cameron fought a courageous battle against Pancreatic Cancer. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 4 to 7 PM on Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Tpke. (Rte. 44) Coventry, CT. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marc Bellavance for 'Wheels for Elena' (89A Pratt Street, Glastonbury, CT) or a charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit: www. pietrasfuneralhome.com Richard J. Piascik, 63, of New Britain, passed away peacefully Saturday (11015) at Salmon Brook Center in Glastonbury. Son of the late Vincent Piascik and Anne (Kapustynski) Byers, Richard was born in New Britain and graduated from Berlin High School in 1969, continuing friendships with many of his classmates.

Richard worked as a precision sheet metal mechanic, skilled carpenter, and upholsterer. He enjoyed working with stained glass, playing guitar, and was a passionate gardener and fisherman. Surviving are his sons, Jonah Piascik and wife Jennifer of Portland and Jesse Piascik and wife Shawntel of Highland, Wl; a daughter, Marissa Taylor and husband Jeffrey of East Hampton; siblings, Mary Ann Mosher and husband Dennis of Bellingham, WA, Vincent Piascik and wife Tammy of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Patricia Cripps of PA; and eight grandchildren, Samuel, Benjamin, Jacob, Anna, Evan, Teagan, Jaelyn and Austin. Calling hours will be held Saturday (11715) at 9:00 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain and will be immediately followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connecticut Council of Trout Unlimited, co Kevin Fuller, 45 Birchwood Drive, Middletown, CT 06457, or the charity of your choice. Please share a memory or note of sympathy with Richard's family at www. carlsonfuneralhome.com. (Lingo Elizabeth J.

"Betty" (McCurry) Ritchie, 77 of Manchester beloved wife of E. Roger Ritchie passed away peacefully Monday, January 12, 2015 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Betty was born in Manchester, May 18, 1937 daughter of the late Samuel and Mary Jane (Medcalf) McCurry and was a lifelong resident. Before retiring, she was a school cafeteria cashier for several years for the Manchester Board of Education. She was a former member of St.

Mary's Episcopal Church. Betty enjoyed sewing, gardening, yard work and watching golf on TV. In addition to her husband, Betty is survived by a son, Donald W. Ritchie and his wife, Heidi Ritchie of Webster, MA, a daughter, Janet Lynn Ritchie and her husband, Clark Fisher of Glasgow, KY, three brothers, Samuel McCurry and his wife, Nancy of Manchester, William McCurry of California, John McCurry and his wife, Shirley of California, numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Besides her parents she was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Bartley and a brother, James McCurry.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at 10:30 am at Holmes Funeral Home 400 Main St. Manchester. Burial will follow in East Cemetery. Family and friends may call Thursday, Jan.

15, from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. To leave a message of condolence please visit SMITH, Ola Mae Ola Mae Smith, 94, passed peacefully on December 25, 2014 at Alexandria Manor Nursing Home in Bloomfield. She was born in Buena Vista, GA to the late Cullen and Rainey (Scott) Duncan. She grew up in Richland, GA and lived in the Hartford area for more than 40 years. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her two sons, Floyd and Jessie Duncan and her brother, Buddy Duncan.

She leaves a host of cousins and friends to mourn her passing. TARPILL, Harold Harold Tarpill, of Chester, passed away at Hartford Hospital on January 8, 2015. He was 91 years old. Harry was born on February 28, 1923 in East Haddam, CT, near the Devil's Hopyard, of which he often spoke fondly. Harry was a proud member of the 7th Air Force during WWII and met his wife Elsie soon thereafter.

He was also a dedicated, life-long gardener who grew delicious sweet corn and peas. He could often be found working in his garden or fixing his tractor so that he could prepare his garden. Elsie was his constant companion for over 68 years and they often traveled the United States, and especially to Florida. Harry enjoyed working with his hands and often recruited Elsie for help on projects. Harry is predeceased by his parents Alexander Tarpilovsky and Antionette Polivka Gregory and also his brother, Andrew Tarpill and sisters, Tatiana Keely, Elizabeth Mazur, and Valentine Mazur.

Harry is survived by his wife, Elsie (Lynde) Tarpill, his sons and daughters-in-law, Hal and Bev (Markham) Tarpill, and Mark and Linda (Bauer) Tarpill. Harry is also survived by his grandchildren Laura, Bryan, and Matthew Tarpill and his brother William A. Gregory, and his sister-in-law Rita Gregory, and his sister Dorothy (Gregory) Szestowicki. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17th from to 11:00 am, followed by an service at the Robinson, Wright Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. Interment will follow at Fountain Hill Cemetery, Deep River, with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chester Hose Company, P.O. Box 214, Chester, 06412. To share a memory of Harold or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Jionor a loved one in the obituary section on courant.com Helen (Calabro) Partesano, 85, beloved wife of Carmelo S. Partesano, passed away peacefully in her home on January 10, 2015.

She was the daughter of the late Concetto and Agata (Failla) Calabro. Helen was born in Hartford and graduated from Weaver High School, Class of 1947. Helen worked at the Travelers Insurance Company until 1952 when she left to raise her family. She later worked for a dentist's office and the Maryland Casualty Insurance retiring in 1993. Helen was a parishioner of St.

Timothy's Church in West Hartford and a member of their Woman's Club. She was also a member of the Italian American Junior League and Boys Town of Italy. Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to her husband of 63 years, Carmelo, Helen is survived by her daughter, Linda and husband John Salek of Fairfield; her grandchildren, Michael and wife Elyse Salek of Pennsylvania, Stephanie Salek and fiance Tom Forgarty of Washington, DC and great-granddaughter Brianna Salek of Pennsylvania. Helen is also survived by two sisters, Lena Ciccio of West Hartford, Dorothy Tedesco and husband Robert of Maryland; her brother, Daniel and wife Patricia Calabro of Manchester and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral is Saturday at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Timothy's Church, 1116 North Main West Hartford. Burial will be in Mt.

St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.

Dorothy Jane "Lingo" Stebbins Born West Hartford, CT on October 18, 1923. Died Dallas, TX on January 10, 2015. 1940 graduate of Hall H.S. Predeceased by her husband, Robert E. Stebbins, Jr.

parents Kelsey and Edna Lingo, brother, Kelsey Lingo, sister, Martha Littlejohn. Survived by sister-in-law, Barbara Stebbins, East Hartford, CT, nieces Joanne, Laurie and Kathleen Brady, White Plains, NY, Carol Brady-Cahill, Eagle Bridge, NY, nephews Bruce and Jim Littlejohn, Dallas, TX. Graveside services 11:00 a.m., January 16, Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Online remembrances www. molloyfuneralhome.com In Loving Memory THERESA 'TREE' (VIGNONE) HANSEN In Loving Memory of SHIRLEY B.

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