http://www.potterfuneralhome.com/

Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT (2026)

04/06/2026

Felix Antonio Lopez Velez

Obituary to follow upon completion.

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04/06/2026

Roland Fradette

Roland Fradette, 83, of Hampton, CT, husband of the late Louisette (Laflamme) Fradette, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Quebec, Canada, the son of the late Fernand and Annette (Roy) Fradette. Roland worked for many years a sheet rocker.

He is survived by three sons, Gary Fradette of Hampton, CT Steve Fradette of Augusta, ME and Alan Fradette of Jewett City, CT. Also, all his family and friends in Canada.

Roland’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Mary Church, 46 Valley St., Willimantic.

View Roland Fradette's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Philip A. Lowrey

Philip Lowrey, 71, of Mansfield Center, CT, passed away on March 31, 2026.

Born on November 6, 1954, in Lowell, MA, he was the son of the late Albert and Theresa (Rousseau) Lowrey. Phil was a dedicated employee of the Prysmian Group in Willimantic for over 50 years. He began his career there as part of a work-study program while attending E.O. Smith High School, back when the company was known as Brand-Rex.

Phil enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, but his greatest passion was riding his motorcycle and taking his annual trips to Florida for Bike Week.

Phil is survived by his sisters, Jerilyn Lowrey of East Hartford and Tracy Burke and brother-in-law Thomas Burke of Coventry, and his nephews, Douglas and Daniel Burke. He was predeceased by his brother, William Lowrey.

At the family's request, services will be private.

View Philip A. Lowrey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/31/2026

Jeffrey L. Diaz

Beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on March 31, 2026, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT with his mother & sister, Lisa by his side. Jeff fought a courageous battle with cancer and pneumonia.

He spent his younger years in Danielson, CT before moving to the Mansfield area where he attended Mansfield Middle School and E.O. Smith High School. Following his graduation, he went on to a 31-year career at UCONN first in dining services followed by many years in landscaping. Jeff was an ardent Red Sox fan and also loved bingo, slots & UCONN Basketball. Jeffrey leaves behind his mother, Janet Bessette, his sister, Lisa & husband Jeff, nephew Nathan & his wife Samantha, nephew, Matthew and great nephew Dean. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Cathy and Julie LaCombe, Shirley Hart, Mary and Bill Bessette, Emily and her husband Frank, and his uncle Hal.

He is predeceased by his brother, James, father Louis, stepfather Don, aunt Ann and grandparents Clara and Simeon Frechette and Grandmother Vera.

Special thank-you to the CCU Team at Backus Hospital and his care providers at Colebrook Village.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. This is a casual affair, please feel free to wear your favorite Red Sox attire.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund.

View Jeffrey L. Diaz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Frederick Chowanec

Fredrick Chowanec passed away at the age of 91 on March 29, 2026, at his home in Columbia, CT. He was the loving husband of Rosemary (St. Hilaire) Chowanec.

Fred was born on March 19, 1935, in Hartford, CT to the late Harry Chowanec and Alice (Evans) Chowanec. He was also predeceased by a sister Marjorie (Chowanec) Smith and brother-in-law Jim Smith.

Fred worked for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford CT before moving on to work for the University of Connecticut’s fire department as a fire fighter. He was a proud Veteran serving in the US Army stationed in Oklahoma and then Germany. Fred often spent his leisure time either deep sea fishing or deer hunting.

He leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Rosemary (St. Hilaire) Chowanec, his two children Rick Chowanec of Columbia, CT, Kathy (Chowanec) and husband Walt Smolenski of Colchester CT, 4 grandchildren; Megan (Tim) Messenger of Webster, MA, Rachel (Hogan) Kaney of Orangeburg, SC, William (Lilly) Chowanec of Pelzer, SC, and Evan (Julia) Chowanec of Lakenheath US Air Force Base in England, eight great-grandchildren and 1 on the way. A niece and several nephews along with many cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4:00pm- 6:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT. The family will hold a burial at a later date.

Donations in honor of Fred can be made to The Columbia Fire Department, 167 Route 66, Box 26, Columbia, CT 06237.

View Frederick Chowanec's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/25/2026

Raymond Ralph Bigelow

Raymond Ralph Bigelow, 94, of Willimantic, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at his winter home in St. Augustine, Florida. Ray was born on October 28, 1931, in Willimantic, CT, the son of the late Albert and Edna (LaFlamme) Bigelow.

He is survived by his loving children, Joanne Bigelow and Jackie Francoeur; his cherished grandchildren, Robert “Bobby” Lucey, Erin Sanson, Meaghan Willhite, Cherie Pasquine, and Brittany Mitchell; and nine great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Bigelow; his daughter, Michelle “Mickey” Bigelow; his sisters, Nellie Muzykoski, Rose Zoldak, and Madelyn Boucar; and his brothers, Bert, Gene, Henry, Bobby, and Donald Bigelow.

After graduating from Windham High School, Ray began his military service with the 43rd Division of the Connecticut National Guard from 1947 to 1950, serving with Company B, 169th Infantry. In 1950, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorably in the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division as a light machine gunner and squad leader. He was discharged with the rank of Corporal and received numerous military medals in recognition of his service and bravery. Following his military service, Ray returned to Willimantic, where he worked as an experimental machinist at Pratt & Whitney for 39 years. He was a proud and dedicated member of many veterans’ organizations, including serving as State Commander of the American Legion in 1988. He was also a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League, AMVETS Post 2, VFW Post 1724, and the Willimantic Elks. Ray was deeply committed to honoring his fellow servicemen and took great pride in participating in the annual Memorial Day pilgrimage to six cemeteries and three memorials throughout Willimantic. He was a lifelong fan of UConn basketball and enjoyed watching football. Ray cherished time spent with his family, especially during many summers camping at Hammonasset Beach in Madison, Connecticut.

In his later years, Ray truly lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling on cruises, spending winters in St. Augustine, Florida, and even skydived at the age of 92 with Parachutes for Patriots, an experience that perfectly reflected his adventurous spirit. Ray will be remembered for his strength, patriotism, devotion to family, and his remarkable zest for life. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and love that will live on in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Ray’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, March 30, 2026 from 9:00am to 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street, Willimantic, with his Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00am. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. A reception to celebrate Ray’s life will follow at the American Legion on Bricktop Road in Windham.

View Raymond Ralph Bigelow's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Rickey T. Serwanski

Rickey T Serwanski passed away on March 19, 2026 at Evergreen Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. He was the loving husband of Caryl Chowanec Serwanski for 29 years.

Rick was born August 2, 1952, in Willimantic, Connecticut to his father, Theodore Serwanski, and his mother, Jean Goudreau. He attended UConn and was also a supervisor of security on campus. Rick dedicated 15 years to the North Windham Fire Department.

Rick is survived by his daughters from an earlier marriage, Tammy Browning and Kara Greene. Rick is also survived by his stepson Isaac Chowanec, daughter-in-law Stacy Chowanec, and his adult granddaughters Nicolette Tozzoli and Keriann Chowanec, who he absolutely loved, and spent many days adventuring in the woods and at the beach.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.

View Rickey T. Serwanski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

Mildred Louise Farr

Mildred Louise Farr, “Midge” or “Midgie” as she was also known, 76, of Ashford, CT passed away suddenly on the evening of Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Midge was born May 16,1949 in Hartford, CT, daughter of the late James W. Farr Sr. and Sophie L. (Bloniasz) Farr.

Her early years were spent primarily in the Hartford/East Hartford area. During her formative years, she attended Barnard Brown School and St. Patrick & St. Anthony School where her family were also parishioners. She was a graduate of East Hartford High School. She advanced her education at Tunxis Community College and Eastern CT State University. Midge had a passion for sales and business, which led to her career in real estate. Midge was a realtor for many years throughout northeastern CT, owned two businesses, including a boutique in Willington, CT. She also managed property in Willington, CT and drove a local school bus for M&J Bus Inc., which she enjoyed very much. Most of all, she treasured co-hosting Rick’s Boppin’ Oldies radio show with her beloved.

She enjoyed her retirement with her late husband, Richard A. Millard, Sr. and their Shih Tzu dogs in their quiet cottage on Ashford Lake. She was a very active member and parishioner at St. Philip-Apostle Catholic Church in Ashford, CT over the course of 30+ years. During this time, she served the church and community as a lector, a eucharistic minister, a member of the Ladies’ Guild, and a very active volunteer for craft shows, fundraisers, and bake sales. She also loved to bake and was known for sharing her baked goods with everyone. She liked being able to make others feel special and valued. Playing bingo was one of her favorite pastimes. She had a love for animals, which she shared with all those who loved her. Throughout the years, she had numerous birds, aquariums, rescue cats, goats, but above all, she loved Shih Tzus and raised many Shih Tzu puppies over the years. In her younger years, she loved to dance and would often go out dancing with her friend, Rose (Hellandbrand) Smith with whom she shared a lifelong friendship.

Countless people have called Midgie “friend”. Her bold, confident and friendly disposition left little room to be strangers, and she never forgot a face! She was always willing to strike up a conversation or pay someone a compliment. Her laugh was contagious and her smile was kind, reassuring and full of joy.

Her greatest joy was being a mother to Michelle (Farr) Gosselin and the late Michael A. Farr; grandmother, to Riva (Gosselin) Francis, Lianne (Gosselin) Xenophontos, and Mara Gosselin; and great-grandmother to Aria Francis, Avaia Francis and Oliver Xenophontos, whom she loved immensely.

She leaves behind many relatives, in-laws, friends and neighbors including her sister, Elizabeth (Farr) Jones, brother-in-law Arthur Jones III; extended family, Richard Jr. and Linda Millard, Egan Family (Traci, Elizabeth, Ryan, Craig); nieces and nephews, Kim, Lisa, Alysa, Nanette, Jason, Matthew, A.J., Steven, Anne-Marie and Lauren; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Joshua, Pamela, Sydney, Nathan, Jason Jr., Destiny, Matthew Jr., Brittanie, Madeline and Addison; friends, St. Philip's Church family, Father Michael Giannitelli, Kevin Menard, Sandy (Hulevitch) Phillips, Aileen (Beaulieu) Anderson, Bernice and Charlie King, Barbara (Sukatski) Nolan, Harry Marshall and so many others who loved her like family.

She was predeceased by her siblings, James W. Farr Jr., Bertha D. Chappelle, Virginia L. DeRocher, and William B. Farr; grand-nephew, Eric M. Perry and lifelong friend, Lauren (Egan) Leite.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Philip-Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Road, Ashford, CT. Burial will follow at St. Philip-Apostle Cemetery. All are welcome to join us at the St. Philip-Apostle Church Hall immediately following.

View Midred L. Farr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/19/2026

Joan C. Nieforth

Joan Carolyn Nieforth of Mansfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at the age of 89.

She was born on September 8th, 1936, in Windham, Connecticut.

She was predeceased by her husband Karl Nieforth, her parents James Whitney and Adeline Gaudette, and her brothers Douglas and Robert Whitney.

Joan is survived by her two loving daughters Maryellen Eldredge of Storrs, and Barbara Adams of Andover CT, her grandchildren Haley Burns and her husband Jeremy Burns, Kara Adams, and Audra Eldredge, her great grandson Jack Burns, whom she adored, her step children Kraig Nieforth (wife Georgia), Scott Nieforth (wife Melissa), Karla Adams (husband Randy), Keith Nieforth (wife Alyssa), her niece Debbie Rose Gingerella of Norwich, whom she loved dearly, as well as her sister, Margaret Regan of Windham.

Joan was a loving and kindhearted woman. She found abundant joy in spending time with her family and friends. She cherished her travels with her late husband Karl, exploring the world on many cruises, and attending University of Connecticut functions for several years.

Joan enjoyed spending time with her daughters on holidays. She enjoyed Sunday dinners at Barbara's house, and catching up on each other’s news. Joan was always sure to be present for our big life moments, which are embedded in our hearts and memories forever.

Joan loved vacationing with her family at Sebago Lake in Maine, soaking up the sunshine on a beautiful summer day.

Our family invites you to an hour of visitation to be held on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT.

A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Sean Griffith will begin in Joan’s honor at 12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Joan will be deeply missed by everyone that had the honor to be a part of her life. Her loving kindness will always live on. May she rest in eternal peace.

View Joan C. Nieforth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/19/2026

Mary Wehrle

Mary Wehrle, born Mary Louise Nelson, died on March 16, 2026 in Brooklyn, Connecticut, aged 95. She was born August 15, 1930, in Queens, New York, the only child to James F. Nelson and Louise (O’Malley) Nelson. Mary’s father was Eastern Zone manager for the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors. Growing up, she moved from Queens to Buffalo, NY, before her parents settled in South Bend, Indiana, where her father owned a Pontiac dealership. Mary attended St. Mary’s College in Indiana. Later she lived in San Francisco, Paris, and Chicago, beginning her life-long love of travel. At the University of Chicago, she worked in the Physics Department with many of the specialists employed on the Manhattan Project. It was in Chicago that Mary met and married Edmund S. Wehrle. Together they moved to Lansing, Michigan, where their first child Margaret was born, and then to Cleveland, Ohio, where their second child Edmund was born. They settled in Storrs, Connecticut, where their third child Matthew was born. Mary’s husband of 59 years taught in the History Department at the University of Connecticut. Mary received a second bachelor’s degree at Annhurst College and taught in the Language Lab at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs. She continued to travel, spending another year in Paris, as well as time in China and Nova Scotia. Mary was very active in the St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Storrs, working for many years with their Haitian support group and traveling several times to Haiti. She loved to read and enjoyed participating in book clubs. She followed the news closely, as well as the adventures of her five grandchildren.

Mary was loved by her family and is survived by her daughter Margaret Kelly Murphy (Chris), three grandsons: Gearód, Declan and Liam; her son Edmund Francis Wehrle (Jacqueline), and granddaughters Annabel and Josephina; and her son Matthew James Wehrle. Mary was predeceased by her husband Edmund Wehrle. Burial and funeral information forthcoming. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Friends of Ecole Agape at https://www.friendsofecoleagape.org/?page_id=136

View Mary Wehrle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/18/2026

Irene S. Morgan

Irene (Schultz) Morgan Mihok, passes away peacefully at home on March 13, 2026, of dementia, leaving her loving husband, also her caregiver Roland Mihok, two sons Dan Morgan and wife Roslyn of Seattle, WA and Tod Morgan of Preston, CT and grandsons Giles Morgan and Eli Morgan of Preston, CT.

Born in New London, CT on Sept. 7, 1937, Irene was the oldest of seven siblings and grew up in North Stonington, CT. She graduated as Valedictorian from Stonington High School, then attended Backus Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. After retiring from Fairview Convalescent Home in Groton, CT, she became the nurse at Dr. McDermott’s practice in New London, CT.

In 1994, Irene moved to North Franklin and married Roland Mihok, a lifelong resident. She became president of the Franklin Historical Society, and was an active member of the Franklyn Church, the Ashbel Woodward Museum, Library, The Last Green Valley and others in Franklin and Lebanon, including Franklin’s historic Lebanon Road one room schoolhouse.

Irene was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying her plane and taking her friends along for a ride. She was also a member of the woman’s flying club; The 99’s. Irene also had a love of Polka and Square Dancing. She was a pleasure to be around her and will surely be missed by many.

A memorial service will be planned in late Spring with burial at Pautipaug Cemetery in Franklin, CT.

Donations can be made to the Ashbel Woodward Museum or the Lebanon Road schoolhouse.

View Irene S. Morgan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/18/2026

Joan C. Nieforth

Joan Carolyn Nieforth of Mansfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at the age of 89.

She was born on September 8th, 1936, in Windham, Connecticut.

She was predeceased by her husband Karl Nieforth, her parents James Whitney and Adeline Gaudette, and her brothers Douglas and Robert Whitney.

Joan is survived by her two loving daughters Maryellen Eldredge of Storrs, and Barbara Adams of Andover CT, her grandchildren Haley Burns and her husband Jeremy Burns, Kara Adams, and Audra Eldredge, her great grandson Jack Burns, whom she adored, her step children Kraig Nieforth (wife Georgia), Scott Nieforth (wife Melissa), Karla Adams (husband Randy), Keith Nieforth (wife Alicia), her niece Debbie Rose Gingerella of Norwich, whom she loved dearly, as well as her sister, Margaret Regan of Windham.

Joan was a loving and kindhearted woman. She found abundant joy in spending time with her family and friends. She cherished her travels with her late husband Karl, exploring the world on many cruises, and attending University of Connecticut functions for several years.

Joan enjoyed spending time with her daughters on holidays. She enjoyed Sunday dinners at Barbara's house, and catching up on each other’s news. Joan was always sure to be present for our big life moments, which are embedded in our hearts and memories forever.

Joan loved vacationing with her family at Sebago Lake in Maine, soaking up the sunshine on a beautiful summer day.

Our family invites you to an hour of visitation to be held on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT.

A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Sean Griffith will be held in Joan’s honor at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Joan will be deeply missed by everyone that had the honor to be a part of her life. Her loving kindness will always live on. May she rest in eternal peace.

View Joan C. Nieforth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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