All Obituaries

Lisbon - James Walter Straus, 71, of Lisbon Heights Road, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the William W. Backus Hospital, Norwich, CT.   He was born April 10, 1953 in Norwich, CT to the late Joseph and Stacia (Klimaszewski) Straus.  On May 11, 1991 he was married to Deborah (Mutchler) Straus.  She survives him.   Before his retirement in 2018 he worked as a 1St Class Pipe Coverer at Electric Boat. James enjoyed boating and fishing and pool with his club...

Gales Ferry -- Laura “Lee” McKean passed away peacefully, beloved husband by her side on April 25th, 2024. She was born March 20th, 1939 in Meriden, Connecticut to Mary A. Vega and John W. Kassabian. “Lee” as she was known to friends, graduated from Hollywood High School in 1957. In 1960 she married John F. McKean, with stints spent living on both coasts while serving in the coast guard. The couple settled in Gales Ferry in 1972 with their two boys. Laura spent time...

Michelle Lynn McCormack, 52, of Oakdale, CT, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2024.   Michelle was born on February 14, 1972 in Norwich CT, the daughter of Paula Blan and the late Burton Fellows.   Better known as "Mickey" to friends and family, she was the light in everyone's life. Michelle was a dedicated mother first and foremost. Anyone who knew Michelle knew her children were her greatest pride and joy. She treasured her children and embraced every...

Jewett City – Winona Kim Andrews, 66, of David Avenue passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT.   She was born June 28, 1957 in Dover, NJ, to the late Charles H. Fronheiser, Sr. and Barbara (Connelly) Fronheiser. On July 7, 1990 she was married to Kevin Andrews.  He survives her.   Winona worked for many years as a cook and home health aide.  Everyone loved her cooking.    Besides her husband she is survived by her...

Joseph James Zagarenski, Jr., 80, of Preston died suddenly at home on April 12, 2024. Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY, to parents Joseph Sr. and Valerie (Macy). Joe was wonderful. He was a thoughtful, creative, and humorous man, who was devoted to his loving wife Margaret (Peggy) Nardo Zagarenski. Peggy and Joe adored each other’s company and never left each other’s side. They would have been married 60 years this June. Family was everything to Joe: He was the best Dad to his...

Voluntown – Bradley Donald Barber, 66, Wylie School Road passed away Saturday April 6, 2024.   He was born September 9, 1957 in Norwich, CT the son of the late Donald and Jeanne (Viens) Barber.   Brad worked for many years at the State of CT DOT garage in Groton.  He made many lasting friendships there.  He loved to hunt and fish especially with his son, brother Gregg and brother-in -law Michael.  On retiring he bought a boat, for ocean fishing, which he...

Barbara Ann Leclair passed peacefully on March 25, 2024 at 74 years of age.  Barbara lived a full life surrounded by friends and her many collections.  Barbara was born in Putnam, CT and grew up in the town of Wauregan, CT.  Barbara completed the 7th grade before marrying her late husband Lionel Leclair at the age of 17.  Barbara and Lionel were married for 31 years and were blessed with one daughter, Donna (Leclair) Przybyl. She is survived by two brothers, George and...

George Edmund Dyer Sr., born on March 2, 1937, in New London, CT, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by family on March 17, 2024, in Voluntown Connecticut, at the age of 87. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather.   George, is known for his dedication and hard work, served as a Shift Foreman at Pfizer for over 40 years. He was a proud member of the Air Force and had a successful career in the military.   In his free time, George...

Uncasville – Gregory Francis Pavlak, 66, of Old Fitch Hill Road passed away unexpectedly at Hartford Hospital on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. He was born on September 1, 1957 at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT to the late Herbert Pavlak and Mary Theresa (Demute) Pavlak Giella of Griswold. Greg graduated from grade school at St. Mary’s of Norwich and moved on to high school at Norwich Technical School graduating as a machinist. He worked for a short time in that career before he...

North Franklin – Diane Marie Dyer, 61, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at her home, in the company of her loved ones.    She was born December 11, 1962 in New London, CT the daughter of Kenneth and Marion (White) Heikkinen, Sr.  On September 3, 2000 at her parents home in Waterford, CT she was married to Daniel James Dyer.  He survives her.   Diane loved animals, children, gardening, and riding on the Harley with her husband Dan.  She worked for...