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 …
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…
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…
'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': CT Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2 Who Died Suddenly 'Simply A Great Guy': CT Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2 Who Died Suddenly
'Simply A Great Guy': CT Mourns Death Of 'MasterChef' Contestant, Dad Of 2 Who Died Suddenly 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,…