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…
Community Mourns Death Of Young CT Dad: 'They Had Just Begun Building Beautiful Life' Community Mourns Death Of Young CT Dad: 'They Had Just Begun Building Beautiful Life'
Community Mourns Death Of Young CT Dad: 'They Had Just Begun Building Beautiful Life' A Connecticut family preparing to ring in the new year with their infant daughter had their world shattered by the sudden death of the child’s father. Mohamed Al-Amin Dieng, of Bridgeport, was 25 years old when he died on Dec. 28. His family has not disclosed a cause of death. He leaves behind his girlfriend, Cheyenne Hill, and their infant daughter, Annaleia. Dieng took pride in providing for his family, according to his obituary. He had recently earned his commercial driver’s license and was preparing to start a career in trucking. His sudden death has left his loved ones grappling with g…
'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…
New Britain Mom Of 2 Remembered for Her Personality, Kindness After Christmas Eve Death New Britain Mom Of 2 Remembered for Her Personality, Kindness After Christmas Eve Death
New Britain Mom Of 2 Remembered for Her Personality, Kindness After Christmas Eve Death The unexpected death of a New Britain mother of two on Christmas Eve has left her family reeling. Loved ones say her warmth, generosity, and larger-than-life personality touched everyone she met. Roxanne “Bean” Buonanducci, 46, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, according to her obituary. Her family did not disclose the cause of death. She leaves behind two children, a son and a daughter, who were the center of her life. Buonanducci’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover memorial and related expenses. “Roxanne was a loving sister, daughter, mother, and frie…
CT Teen Killed In Christmas Hit-Run Crash Was 'Shining Light'; Police Search For Driver CT Teen Killed In Christmas Hit-Run Crash Was 'Shining Light'; Police Search For Driver
CT Teen Killed In Christmas Hit-Run Crash Was 'Shining Light'; Police Search For Driver The family of a 14-year-old Connecticut boy who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Christmas night said he will be remembered for being a “shining light wherever he went.” Malachi James, 14, of Hartford, was killed and three others were seriously injured when a Tesla Cybertruck crashed head-on into their Toyota Camry on Cornwall Street, just south of Hebron Street, in Hartford, around 9:15 p.m.  The Cybertruck driver, who was borrowing the vehicle, climbed from the wreckage and ran away from the scene, Hartford police said. Officers are still working to locate the driver, but they ha…
CT Family Mourns 20-Year-Old Man With 'Adventurous Spirit' Killed In Crash With Transit Bus CT Family Mourns 20-Year-Old Man With 'Adventurous Spirit' Killed In Crash With Transit Bus
CT Family Mourns 20-Year-Old Man With 'Adventurous Spirit' Killed In Crash With Transit Bus A 20-year-old Connecticut man killed in a late-night crash involving a CT Transit bus is being remembered for his strength, sensitivity, and devotion to his family. Zack Berlepsch, of Glastonbury, was killed Friday night, Dec. 19, when his Honda Civic and a CT Transit bus collided along East Cedar Street near Lowry Place in Newington shortly after 11:15 p.m., authorities said. The bus driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. An obituary for Berlepsch said he was "observant, thoughtful, and mechanically inclined" and "especially protective of his sisters and mother." "Handsome, good-h…
'Beacon Of Light': CT Man Killed In I-84 Crash Remembered For Life Of Service 'Beacon Of Light': CT Man Killed In I-84 Crash Remembered For Life Of Service
'Beacon Of Light': CT Man Killed In I-84 Crash Remembered For Life Of Service The family of a Connecticut man killed in an I-84 pileup earlier this month said he lived a life defined by generosity, service, and love for others. John Henry Farrell III, 39, of East Hartford, died Dec. 17 after another vehicle crashed into his car near Exit 55, Connecticut State Police said. His loved ones described Farrell as a source of compassion and warmth in his obituary.  John Henry found joy in knitting, enjoying exotic cuisines, spending time in nature, and sharing memorable moments with his cherished nephews. He loved going to Broadway plays and concerts, and was a devote…
CT Teen Remembered As Kind, Motivated Young Man After Fatal Merritt Parkway Crash CT Teen Remembered As Kind, Motivated Young Man After Fatal Merritt Parkway Crash
CT Teen Remembered As Kind, Motivated Young Man After Fatal Merritt Parkway Crash A Connecticut community is mourning the loss of a teenager killed in a weekend car crash. A young man whose loved ones say was kind, motivated, and had a bright future ahead of him. Valentin “Val” Callazo, of Thomaston, died Sunday, Dec. 21, after his car skidded off the Merritt Parkway and slammed into a rock wall near Exit 36 in Stratford, according to Connecticut State Police. His 17-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries in the overnight crash, police said. A GoFundMe created to help cover funeral and related expenses says Callazo had ambitious plans for his future. "He recent…
CT Teacher's Unexpected Loss Spreads Sadness CT Teacher's Unexpected Loss Spreads Sadness
CT Teacher's Unexpected Loss Spreads Sadness A Connecticut community is preparing to say goodbye to a beloved elementary school teacher and mother who died unexpectedly last week.  Kerry Ann Nystrom, 63, of Mystic, died Dec. 17 at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter, father, and brothers.  Her family did not disclose a cause of death. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, at Sacred Heart Church, located at 56 Sacred Heart Drive in Groton. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, according to her obituary. Nystrom was a first-grade teacher a…
'Simply A Great Guy': Cromwell Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2 'Simply A Great Guy': Cromwell Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2
'Simply A Great Guy': Cromwell Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2 A close-knit Connecticut town is rallying around the family after the sudden death of a beloved local father and former national TV contestant. Matt Gagnon, of Cromwell, died unexpectedly. He was 42. He is survived by his wife and two children. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Gagnon worked in construction but found his true calling in the kitchen. That passion took him to national television, where he competed on Gordon Ramsay’s “MasterChef” Season 11. Locals followed his journey with pride through six episodes before he was eliminated, according to his obituary.  Alon…
CT Community Mourns Death Of 'Champion Of The Vulnerable,' Compassionate Advocate For Others CT Community Mourns Death Of 'Champion Of The Vulnerable,' Compassionate Advocate For Others
CT Community Mourns Death Of 'Champion Of The Vulnerable,' Compassionate Advocate For Others Jamie Mullen Rude was larger than life, deeply kind, and endlessly welcoming. That sentiment echoed through the scores of memorial posts honoring the 69-year-old Milford community leader who died suddenly on Dec. 9. He is survived by his husband of 20 years, Walter Mullen Rude. A co-founder of Milford Pride and a longtime leader at the First United Church of Christ of Milford, Jamie Rude was a fierce advocate for change. Friends said he was driven to confront injustice wherever he saw it, fueled by what seemed like an inexhaustible well of energy. "Jamie was larger than life. Accomplished,…