CT College Student Studying Abroad In Spain Dies In Canary Islands: He 'Made A Lasting Impact' CT College Student Studying Abroad In Spain Dies In Canary Islands: He 'Made A Lasting Impact'
CT College Student Studying Abroad In Spain Dies In Canary Islands: He 'Made A Lasting Impact' A Connecticut college student who was studying abroad in Spain has died. Aidan O'Grady, of Shelton, who was studying finance and data science at North Carolina State University, died in the Lanzarote area of the Canary Islands, a GoFundMe set up for his family said. An email to Lanzarote police was not immediately returned. NC State said it is providing resources for the school community, but did not provide information on his death. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our student Aidan Patrick O’Grady, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends," the statement said. "Support a…
CT Dad Who Could 'Fix Anything' Dies Unexpectedly, Leaving Behind Wife and 3 Kids CT Dad Who Could 'Fix Anything' Dies Unexpectedly, Leaving Behind Wife and 3 Kids
CT Dad Who Could 'Fix Anything' Dies Unexpectedly, Leaving Behind Wife and 3 Kids A Connecticut father of three who died suddenly is being remembered for his commitment to family and his ability to fix anything. Now, his community is rallying around his loved ones as they grieve an overwhelming loss.  Vinnie Ojeda, 45, died unexpectedly at his Bristol home on Monday, Jan. 26, leaving behind his beloved wife, Sheena, and their three children, Brianna, Lily, and Julian, "his pride and joy," his obituary said. His family did not release a cause of death. The Camden, New Jersey, native could often be "found working on a project around the house, tinkering in his shed, w…
Funeral Set For Former CT Fire Chief Who Died At 69: There Is 'Not a Finer Man' Funeral Set For Former CT Fire Chief Who Died At 69: There Is 'Not a Finer Man'
Funeral Set For Former CT Fire Chief Who Died At 69: There Is 'Not a Finer Man' A former fire chief and firefighter is being remembered as a hardworking and compassionate leader after he died earlier this month. He was 69. His family has announced that a funeral will be held next month. Rob Brown served as chief of the Colchester Fire Department and was a member of the Salem Volunteer Department. He died Jan. 24 of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, his family said in his obituary. A public memorial for the Middletown native will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Colchester Fire Department. Burial will be private at the Exeter Cemetery in Lebanon. Firefighters across t…
In Wake Of Fiance's Sudden Death, $13K Raised For CT Mom, 2 Young Children In Wake Of Fiance's Sudden Death, $13K Raised For CT Mom, 2 Young Children
In Wake Of Fiance's Sudden Death, $13K Raised For CT Mom, 2 Young Children A Connecticut family is reeling after the sudden loss of a devoted father and fiancé, leaving a young mother to raise two small children on her own. Jon “Jonny” Sansabrino, 35, of Rocky Hill, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, according to family and friends. He leaves behind his fiancée, Schantal Thielke, and their young children, 6-year-old Chloe and 3-year-old Leo. A GoFundMe launched by coworkers describes the impact in plain terms. “Schantal is a young mother who has just suffered an unimaginable loss,” organizer Jeannine Audia wrote. “... With his unexpected passing…
Beloved CT Firefighter Remembered For His Big Heart, Quiet Heroism: 'He Was Always There' Beloved CT Firefighter Remembered For His Big Heart, Quiet Heroism: 'He Was Always There'
Beloved CT Firefighter Remembered For His Big Heart, Quiet Heroism: 'He Was Always There' Standing 6-foot-5, Hunter Pivec Quinn towered over most people, but he had no problem kneeling to meet someone eye to eye to lend a helping hand, loved ones said.  The 31-year-old Bethel volunteer firefighter died on Jan. 17, and since then, tributes and memorials have poured in, highlighting Quinn's compassion, talents, and brave spirit. His loved ones did not release a cause of death. "Hunter was an amazing son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, friend, and boyfriend," his family wrote in his obituary. "He had a huge heart and loved his family dearly. Hunter poured his heart and soul…
CT Urologist Gerard Pregenzer Dies Suddenly At Hospital CT Urologist Gerard Pregenzer Dies Suddenly At Hospital
CT Urologist Gerard Pregenzer Dies Suddenly At Hospital A 47-year-old Connecticut urologist with New Jersey roots who died suddenly earlier this month is being remembered for his enthusiasm, compassion, and boundless capabilities. Dr. Gerard Pregenzer died at Hartford Hospital on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after suffering cardiac arrest. The New Jersey native leaves behind his wife, Tania Papayannopoulou-Pregenzer, and their two young sons, Dino and Mario, ages 9 and 10. Pregenzer's obituary on the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home website says he was born to Gerard J. Pregenzer, Sr., M.D., and Linda (Colucio) Pregenzer in Ridgewood, NJ, a…
Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50 Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50
Grammy-Nominated Producer, Musician Found Dead At Martha’s Vineyard Home At 50 John Forté, a Grammy-nominated musician best known for his work with The Fugees, has died. He was 50. Police confirmed Forté was found dead inside his home in Chilmark on Martha’s Vineyard, according to USA Today. The discovery was made on Monday, January 12. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin said there were no signs of foul play and no clear cause of death. As he told USA Today, there was no “readily apparent cause of death.” A medical examiner is now investigating. Forté played a major role in shaping one of hip-hop’s most influential albums. He co-wrote and produced songs on The Score,…
CT Man Killed By Stray Bullet Through Wall Had Child On The Way: 'Left Us Way Too Soon' CT Man Killed By Stray Bullet Through Wall Had Child On The Way: 'Left Us Way Too Soon'
CT Man Killed By Stray Bullet Through Wall Had Child On The Way: 'Left Us Way Too Soon' A Danbury man killed after a bullet tore through the wall of his home is being remembered for his work as a barber and the future he was building as a husband and father, a future cut short. Victor Luis Quispe, 37, was inside his Lake Avenue townhome when the gunfire struck Wednesday night, Jan. 7, according to police. "We came from humble beginnings, and Victor never forgot where he came from," his family wrote in his obituary. "His generosity was boundless—he always remembered family back home, often providing meals or support to those in need. His giving spirit extended to all of us; he …
CT Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' CT Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed'
CT Firefighter Dies Suddenly Off-Duty: 'Words Can't Describe How Much He'll Be Missed' The Bristol Fire Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own. Fire equipment technician Jason “Jay” Kelly, who served the department for more than 20 years, died unexpectedly while off duty, the department announced. "Words cannot describe how much he is going to be missed, as a huge part of BFD for over 2 decades," Bristol firefighters posted on Facebook. "Jay was known and loved by many, and respected for his expertise throughout the fire service and beyond. We are proud to have called him our brother and our friend." Kelly also served the Rocky Hill Fire Department, wher…
Former WestConn President John B. Clark Dies After Short Illness Former WestConn President John B. Clark Dies After Short Illness
Former WestConn President John B. Clark Dies After Short Illness Western Connecticut State University is saying goodbye to one of its former and formative leaders.  John B. Clark led WestConn during a pivotal period that reshaped the campus and affected thousands of local students and families, the school said in a memorial post. His death was announced following his passing on Jan. 2, following a short illness.  Clark served as the university’s ninth president from 2015 to 2022. His tenure came during a time of rising costs, enrollment pressure, and rapid change in public higher education. One of his most lasting local impacts was expand…
CT Boy, 16, Who Died On New Year’s Day Brought 'Comfort And Warmth To Any Room’ CT Boy, 16, Who Died On New Year’s Day Brought 'Comfort And Warmth To Any Room’
CT Boy, 16, Who Died On New Year’s Day Brought 'Comfort And Warmth To Any Room’ A 16-year-old Connecticut boy who died on New Year’s Day is being remembered for his big dreams and even bigger heart, his loved ones said. Carlos Miguel Gonzalez-Barreiro's death has shaken the New Britain community, which remembers him as a joyful kid who brightened "any room he graced." "Though his time on earth was far too brief, Carlos’ life was rich with meaning and love," his obituary said. "He will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, and the gentle joy he brought to those around him. While our hearts grieve his loss, we take comfort in our faith, trusting that Carlos i…
'Heaven Gained A Radiant Angel': CT Woman Killed In Hit-Run Was Devoted Mom, Grandmother 'Heaven Gained A Radiant Angel': CT Woman Killed In Hit-Run Was Devoted Mom, Grandmother
'Heaven Gained A Radiant Angel': CT Woman Killed In Hit-Run Was Devoted Mom, Grandmother A 43-year-old Connecticut woman killed in a hit-and-run crash is being remembered as a loving mother and grandmother known for her big personality. Sabrina Starkey was killed after being struck by a vehicle around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, near 410 Reidville Drive in Waterbury, police said. Starkey was walking at the time of the crash. The driver fled the scene before officers arrived. Tributes and online memorials have poured in since Starkey’s death. "Heaven has gained a radiant angel," her sister, Tasha Starkey, posted on social media. "You and I have just shared so many precious momen…