Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

02/26/2026

Anthony O. Castro, 43, of East Hartford, CT beloved husband of Diana M. Castro-Coronado passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026 surrounded by his family at Hartford Hospital. Anthony was born in Hartford, CT and was the son of the late Casimiro, and Marisol (Huertas) Castro. Anthony was a truly wonderful man who found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. He took great pride in his work at Amtrak, dedicating himself each day with strength and commitment. He loved cheering on his 49ers, getting lost in a good game on his Playstation, and unwinding with a favorite movie. But nothing meant more to him than his family. Any free moment he had was spent with Mason, playing side by side, helping with homework, or heading out for a special trip to the movies. Those everyday moments were treasures to him. And through it all, he kept laughter alive at home, sharing daily jokes and lighthearted banter with his wife, filling their life together with warmth, humor and love.

Anthony is survived by his beloved children, Anthony, Jr., Teediana, Rodolfo, Alias and Mason. As well as his closest family and best friends, Uncle Mike, Aunt Abigail, his brother, Will, Jay, Miguel, Ivan, Alex, Carlos, his nephew Luis Rosario, Jr., his wife Amanda and his great nephew Noah. His in-laws, Axel Coronado, his wife Christie, Lissette, Luis Rosario and Porfirio Coronado. Anthony was predeceased by his father, Casimiro Castro, and his daughters, Anastasia and Alize Castro.

Funeral services for Anthony will be private and at the convenience of the family. The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT has charge arrangements. To share a memory of Anthony, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/26/2026

John A. Ciaschini, 62, of Cromwell, Connecticut, beloved husband of Christine (Zazzaro) Ciaschini, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. Born in Cromwell, he was the son of the late Dominic and Frances (Barillari) Ciaschini. John was a loving husband, an incredible father, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. He could often be found fishing whenever he had the chance and was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following all sports, especially UConn basketball. These simple passions brought him genuine happiness throughout his life.

In addition to his loving wife, Christine, John is survived by his daughter, Sarah Ciaschini and her partner Ayzio Relaford, and his brother, Dominic Ciaschini and his wife, Gladys.

Funeral service for John will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. John Church, 5 Court St., Cromwell, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Monday from 5pm to 7pm. To share a memory of John, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/26/2026

Rev. Miguel Pena, 81, of Newington, CT beloved husband of Rev. Carmen I. (Hernandez) Pena passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Hospital of Central CT @ New Britain General. Miguel was born in Juncos, PR and was the son of the late Maximino and Maria (Massas) Pena.

Besides his wife Carmen, Miguel is survived by his five sons Joel Pena, Elias Pena, Miguel Pena, Jr., Nehemias Pena, and Abner Pena, his daughter Mariam Quinonez and his five brothers Manolo Pena and his wife Lydia, Miguel A. Pena, Jose A. Pena and his wife Evelyn, Julio Pena and his wife Sonia and Hector Pena and his wife Carmen, his four sisters Lydia Rosado, Maria (Marie) E. Ortiz, Luz Vazquez and her husband Benjamin and Gloria Vazquez and her husband Eliseo, his twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Miguel was predeceased by his daughter Hilcias Merari Pena and his brother Modesto Negron and his sister Isabel Arroyo.

Funeral service for Miguel will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:30am at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Hazardville Cemetery, Enfield. Relatives and friends may call at La Primera Iglesia de Dios, 45 Oliver St., Hartford, CT Friday from 5pm to 8pm. To share a memory of Miguel, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/17/2026

Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot, 72, of Hartford, CT. died on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital. Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot was born in Alness Guyana, she lived in Hartford since 1987. The daughter of the late Bertie and Indranie (Bhikhdhari) Veerasammy.

Chanderwattie “Shirley” Mahapot leaves behind her children, (Devika) Lisa & William York, Parbattie & Ernest Rittner, Rampersaud & Wanda Mahapot, Kapelmooney & Vanessa Mahapot. Shirley Leaves behind her Grand & Great Grand kids. Sara, Mena, Gaitri, Alex, Xavier, Ernest, Ethan, Kayden, Mayah & Dunarii. Shirley also leaves behind her 1 Brother, 2 Sisters, 1 Son in law, 2 Sisters in law, 25 nieces & nephews as well as countless more families and friends that were touched by her big heart.

Funeral service for Chanderwattie “Shirley” will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 8am at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm. To share a memory of Chanderwattie, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/17/2026

Luis M. Ramos, Jr., 49 of Hartford, CT, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at ST. Francis Hospital. Luis was born in Manhattan, NY. He was predeceased by his mother, Georgina (Rivera) Ramos, and is survived by his father, Luis M. Ramos, Sr. Luis moved to Hartford as a child and grew into a man known for his unmistakable personality. He was a hard-working man who took pride in everything he did and loved to dress staying true to himself. Luis loved deeply and lived boldly. He had a big, kind heart and a presence that filled every room- a grumpy teddy bear with a warmth that drew people in. Luis loved his family, he loved music, and he carried a spirit that left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He gave his last to anyone in need, and carried a warmth that made him unforgettable. Though he has taken a small piece on every heart that loved him, Luis also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and strength.

Luis is survived by his son Matthew Ramos-Soto, his sister Janet Ramos, his nephew Xavier Biggs and his two nieces Tiana Massari and Ciara Hernandez.

Funeral service for Luis will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Saturday from 11am to 2pm. To share a memory of Luis, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/05/2026

Evelyn Diaz, 60, of Hartford, CT passed away Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital. Evelyn was born in Bayamon, PR and was the daughter of the late Marcelino and Iris (Santana) Diaz.

Evelyn is survived by her four children Denise Ortega, Ashley Thomas, Orlando Ortega, and Domingo Ortega, her sisters and brothers Marcelino Diaz, Maria Diaz, Cecilia Diaz, Antonio Diaz, Nelson Diaz, Manuel Diaz, Ines Diaz, Nelida Diaz, Rafael Diaz and her fourteen grandchildren.

Funeral service for Evelyn will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Evelyn, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

02/04/2026

Beverly (Farris) Keane, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away at home peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by love. Born on May 24, 1939, in Hartford, CT, was the daughter of Ernest Albert Farris and Ann Virginia Sousa. After her mother’s passing, her father married Rose Wallace, who became her mother in every way. She was the devoted wife of the late Thomas E. Keane Jr., who passed away on November 11, 2002. Beverly spent most of her life in Rocky Hill — a place she loved and proudly called home. She planned many Sunday dinners, annual summer picnics, and unforgettable Christmas Eve celebrations with family and friends filled with food, dancing, and even special appearances from Santa for the children – traditions that brought everyone together and created lasting memories for generations. Beverly dedicated 26 years of her professional life as a Production Manager at Prototype and Plastic Mold Company in Middletown, CT, where her strong work ethic and commitment were deeply admired. Even after returning home from work each day, she could often be heard continuing her work at the typewriter — the familiar “rat-a-tat-tat” echoing through the house as she finished one day and prepared for the next. She treated her colleagues like family, organizing annual summer picnics and Christmas parties, a few hosted in her Rocky Hill home, and she maintained lifelong connections through visits, phone calls, and Christmas cards. Beverly was the planner of many family vacations, first guided by AAA travel books and later by her own growing confidence as a seasoned traveler. She created lasting memories with trips to Lake George, Maine, Virginia, Florida, Hawaii, and Newport, RI – with Newport holding a special place in her heart as her and Dad’s favorite getaway, visiting several times each year. Later Beverly generously treated the family trips to Florida, Aruba, Dominican Republic, and St. Maarten, experiences that strengthened family bonds and will be treasured forever. She taught her daughters the strength and importance of caring for family while lovingly supporting her husband through his illness. After his passing, Beverly embraced retirement, becoming a member of the Red Hatters (even serving proudly as Queen Bee), joining the West Hartford Belles (including a term as President), participating in knitting club, and enjoying countless luncheons with dear friends. She delighted in limousine rides to spas and concerts with “the girls,” and even dressed as a bumblebee for her friend’s Halloween party one year. After selling her Rocky Hill home, Beverly made her home in Kensington, CT, with her daughter Carol and family for the past ten years — a time filled with shared meals, old television shows, laughter, and the blessing of coming home each day to Mom. Sue and her family often came up on weekends for extended visits, sharing many special moments together. Nothing made Mom happier than having the whole family together. A longtime parishioner of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. James Church in Rocky Hill, CT, Beverly quietly supported many charitable causes throughout her life, always giving from the heart. Throughout her life, Beverly was the heart and matriarch of her family — a steady, loving presence who brought everyone together. Beverly’s grace, generosity, and spirit of giving will continue to guide her loved ones — just as she always did.

She will be fondly remembered by her daughters, Carol Sullo (Michael) of Kensington, CT, and Susan Haxo (William) of Warren, CT; Beverly was the dear sister of Joan Walsh (Warren Sr.) of South Windsor, CT, Joseph Farris (Donna) of Rocky Hill, CT, and Alice Parent of Jacksonville, FL., her grandchildren and their partners, Michael Sullo Jr. (Elyse), Danielle Sullo (Allen), Preston Haxo (Ayiti), and Addison Haxo (Amanda); and her adored great-grandchildren, Cara and Hannah. She also held a special place in her heart for Hudson. She proudly cherished being known as “Gigi” to all three.

Private burial services will be held at Rose Hill Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life Mass and gathering will take place in May, when family and friends can come together to honor Beverly’s life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jules from BrightStar Care, whose devoted care helped provide comfort, dignity, and peace, and to Trinity Hospice nurses Marnee and Amy for their kindness, compassion, and support.

Memorial donations may be made in Beverly’s memory to Trinity Health At Home (Trinity Hospice):
https://www.trinityhealthathome.org/donate

01/29/2026

Leopoldo Ruiz, Jr., 85, of New Britain, CT, beloved husband of Olga (Santiago) Ruiz, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Autumn Lake Health Care. Known as “Leo” to many, Leopoldo was born in Comerio, Puerto Rico, and was the son of the late Leopoldo Ruiz, Sr. and Ramona (Bermudez) Ruiz. A hardworking and devoted family man, Leo dedicated his life to providing for those he loved. He was never one to sit still—often waking as early as 3 or 4 in the morning to go to work at Foodway’s International. After its closure, he continued working as a landscaper, still rising before dawn and returning home late into the evening so that his family always had everything they needed. He was a proud father of four children, and his love was shown through his tireless dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his family. Though Leo was not fluent in English, he had a gift that needed no translation: humor. He was a natural comedian who filled his home with laughter. Sometimes, without saying a word, just a look on his face could make everyone smile. He also found great joy in listening to traditional Jíbaro music, which kept him connected to his Puerto Rican roots and brought him comfort throughout his life. His joyful spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Leo is survived by his children: Alma Ruiz-Kulpanowski and her husband, Jan Kulpanowski, of Wethersfield, CT; Hector L. Ruiz of Berlin, CT; Sonia I. Perez and her husband, Alberto Perez, of South Windsor, CT; and his youngest daughter, Betsey Ruiz, of Newington, CT. He also leaves behind twelve adored grandchildren: Al Jr., Steven, Gabrielle, Ryan, Melissa, Lorenzo, Alyson, Vincent, Marcelius, Tyler, Johnny, and Nyla; as well as his cherished great-grandchildren: Bianca, Deacon, Azaylea, Aliza, Autumn, and Rylee.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Autumn Lake Health Care for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Leo. Special thanks to Cara, RN, David, RN, Angela, RN, Annette, Blanca, Mari, and Luisa, just to name a few. We are deeply sorry for anyone we may have missed, and we are forever grateful to all who helped comfort and support him during his time there.

The family would also like to give special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Aracelis Paulino, who visited Leo three times a week for the past three and a half years simply to sit with him, listen, and allow him to share his stories and memories. Her dedication, warmth, and genuine care brought comfort and companionship that meant more than words can express.

Funeral services for Leo will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church/Maria Reina De La Paz Parish, 494 New Britain Ave., Hartford, CT. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT, on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To share a memory of Leopoldo, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

01/20/2026

Gerard J. Pregenzer, Jr., M.D., age 47, of West Hartford, Connecticut, beloved husband of Tania Papayannopoulou-Pregenzer, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Hartford Hospital. His unexpected passing has left his family, friends, colleagues, and patients heartbroken and devastated.

Gerard was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and was the son of Gerard J. Pregenzer, Sr., M.D., and Linda (Colucio) Pregenzer. He grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, where he graduated from Westfield High School.

An eternal student with wide-ranging talents, Gerard earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from SUNY Purchase College, and his Master's of Arts in Music & Music Education from Teachers College Columbia University. He later pursued his calling in medicine, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from UMDNJ in Newark, New Jersey. He completed his residency in Urology at the University of Connecticut, where he would go on to build an exceptional career.

Gerard was the head of Pregenzer Urology and served as an attending physician at St. Francis Hospital and the University of Connecticut. He was a dedicated and highly respected teacher, beloved by the urology residents he mentored. A devoted urologist, he practiced medicine with compassion, skill, and integrity. He was known not only for his clinical excellence, but for the genuine care and humanity he showed to every patient and colleague. For Gerard, medicine was not simply a profession—it was a calling.
Outside of medicine, Gerard lived life with passion and energy. He was an avid athlete who embraced challenge and discipline, and a gifted musician who found joy, creativity, and expression through music. Whatever he pursued, he brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and warmth.
He really enjoyed spending quality time with his two sons and his wife, building special moments, growing together, and sharing life together, reading books, bowling, playing basketball, swimming, cooking, going to baseball games, playing board games, watching movies together, walking the dogs, exercising, attending concerts, and traveling.
Above all else, Gerard was a devoted son, husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tania; his two sons, Dino and Mario Pregenzer; his parents; his brother, Joseph Pregenzer, and his wife, Arianni; and his sister, Laura Crouthamel, and her husband, Andrew. He was predeceased by his brother, Justin Pregenzer. His family was the center of his world, and his love, guidance, and presence will live on through them.

Gerard will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, humor, and unwavering dedication to both his family and his patients. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, love, and inspiration.

Funeral service for Gerard will be held Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11am at St. Thomas the Apostle, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Thursday, from 5pm to 8pm. To share a memory of Gerard, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com Memorial donations to assist the Pregenzer family may be made through the following link. The family is deeply grateful for the community’s love and support during this time:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-pregenzer-family-after-gerards-sudden-passing

Hi, my name is Joseph Pregenzer. I’m raising funds for my bro… Joseph Pregenzer needs your support for Support the Pregenzer Family After Gerard’s Sudden Passing

01/15/2026

Joyce G. Finnegan, 86, of Rocky Hill, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at Maple View Health & Rehab in Rocky Hill. She was the cherished wife of Joseph Finnegan for 54 years. Born in Hartford, CT, Joyce was the daughter of the late Bert and Doris (Nelson) Gustafson. Joyce is survived by her husband Joseph and their five children: Debbie Andrews and her husband Steven, Jay Walsh and his wife Ann Marie, Paul Walsh and his wife Leslie, Donna Hogan, and Christian Finnegan with his wife Vanessa. Joyce was also a devoted stepmother to Brian Finnegan and his wife Karen, as well as Darren Finnegan and his wife Sonia. Her legacy includes ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bert Gustafson, Jr. and Raymond Gustafson, and her sister Donna Miller. Joyce took immense pride in being a “Mom of 7 children,” which she considered her greatest achievement.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Maple View Health and Rehabilitation—especially Linda and Pam—for their kindness and support to Joyce and her loved ones.

Funeral service for Joyce will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Monday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Joyce, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

01/14/2026

Robert Fitch, 79, of South Lyme, CT, beloved husband of Mariann (Kamerer) Fitch, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and a recent acute illness. He spent his final days surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Born in Hartford, CT, Rob was the son of the late Elton and Evelyn (Bennett) Fitch. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to lend a hand. His easy-going nature made him a joy to be around; he was always happy to go along with whatever Mariann had planned, maintaining his calm and gentle spirit even as he navigated the challenges of his illness. As an avid sports fan, Rob spent many happy hours cheering for the New York Yankees and UConn basketball. In his younger years, he found peace on the water sailing, a passion that evolved into a love for travel—especially his trips to visit his daughter in New Orleans and his son’s family in Georgia. Closer to home, he cherished playing cards with friends, but his greatest joy was his family. He was happiest during summers at Point O’ Woods, surrounded by his children, his extended family, and especially his five grandchildren, creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Besides his wife Mariann, Rob is survived by his children: Steven Thibodeau and wife Rachel of Moodus, CT, Mark Thibodeau and wife Megan of Richmond Hill, GA, and Kristin Fitch of New Orleans, LA. He was the proud grandfather of Mattingly, Lleyton, Myla, Zachary, and Benjamin Thibodeau. He also leaves his brother, Donald Fitch, and sister-in-law Susan Bookman and husband Alan. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to his niece, Tracy Smith, whose support was a blessing to Rob and Mariann over the last several years. He is further survived by his many other nieces, nephew, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Janet Pulver.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00pm. Burial will be private. A private Celebration of Life will follow on Sunday, January 18, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). These gifts support the search for a cure and provide critical resources for other families affected by the disease. To share a memory of Rob, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

01/14/2026

Lawrence I. Marren, Jr., 84, of Newington, CT beloved husband of Anita (Hawley) Marren, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at home. Lawrence was born in Hartford, CT and was the son of the late Lawrence, Sr. and Mary (McRory) Marren. Larry was a born entrepreneur, always pursuing new ideas and brave ventures, but the greatest passion of his life was his family. To Larry, family wasn’t just important, it was everything. He led by example, teaching those he loved that family comes first, always. He created countless memories, taking his family on adventures ranging from Corvette races to a six-week cross-country journey in a camper, filling their lives with excitement, laughter, and stories they will forever cherish. His love for racing became a shared bond with his sons, spending countless weekends at motocross tracks—much to their mother’s amused resignation—and creating moments of joy, pride, and connection. Larry began his career as a steamfitter with Local 218/777 before taking over the family business from his father, continuing a legacy built on hard work and dedication. He later founded International Fabricators, producing intricate parts for projects used in oil fields in the Middle East & chemical feed tanks for Navy destroyers. Larry bought into the then struggling Corvette Center and built a state of the art building for the business. He also fulfilled his creative spirit by building custom homes.

Besides his wife Anita, Lawrence is survived by his two sons Brian Marren and his wife Nancy and Kevin Marren his, longtime companion Michele Asaro, his four grandchildren that he adored Megan, Jenna, Kaylee, his best buddy Sean and his brother-in-law Bob Hawley, who was like a son.

Funeral service for Lawrence will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 10am at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St., Berlin, CT. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, CT. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT has charge of arrangements. There are no calling hours. To share a memory of Larry, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com