Bacon Funeral Home Willimantic, CT

01/20/2026

Dorothy D. Griffin, 79, of Willimantic, passed away Friday January 16, 2026 after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late John W. Griffin, the daughter of the late Russell and Gladys (Lemire) Durkee, and the beloved sister of the late Nancy Shea.

Dorothy was born on August 15, 1946 in Willimantic, CT where she remained her entire life. She was employed by the University of Connecticut as a secretary at the School of Business before retiring to be a full time grandmother in 2001. Her favorite things to do were: talking every day with her sister Nancy; going to the casino and Friday night bingo at St. Joseph's; attending Saturday mass followed by dinner with friends; watching UConn Huskies basketball; and most of all, being a devoted Grammie to her four grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons Jeffrey Griffin and Tyler Griffin; Jeff's wife Kat and two daughters Rachel and Madison; Tyler's two daughters Zoe and Fiona, their mother Kerin, and his partner Katelyn and her daughter Natalie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Francis Shea and several nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the community she and her late husband were a part of for their entire lives.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday Jan 29, from 5 to 7PM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. A Mass will be celebrated on Friday Jan 30, at 10 AM at St. Joseph Church 99 Jackson St, Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breast Cancer Foundation/Susan G. Komen (komen.org) To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/20/2026

Geraldine Ann Helmer died peacefully on January 15th, 2026. Gerre was born in Buffalo, New York on September 25th, 1928 to Geraldine Sweeney and Edward Tighe. She attended Saint Bridget’s Elementary School where she met the love of her life, Raymond Helmer, who she went on to marry in 1949. They later settled in Chaplin, Connecticut where they raised their four children, Michael, Margery, Patricia and Kathleen. Gerre and Ray became part of the Chaplin
community, with Gerre working as the secretary at Chaplin Elementary School, then later becoming the town Librarian at William Ross Public Library, and
eventually the director of the Chaplin Public Library. She also proudly served as a
town Registrar of Voters for the Democratic Party.

Gerre loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and was blessed with loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who adored her. A joyful presence at every gathering and celebration, she found happiness in simple pleasures like a delicious meal, engaging conversation and a strong old- fashioned. She loved a good mystery be it on page or screen, and enjoyed She savored hot fudge sundaes, long days on the beach during yearly Cape Cod escapes, and sitting peacefully with her black and white Kit-Kat purring softly by her side. Gerre was so much fun to be around and will be deeply missed by all
who knew her.

Geraldine was predeceased by her husband Raymond and her son Michael Helmer. She is survived by her daughters Margery Jahnke (John Fratiello Jr.),
Patricia Helmer and Kathleen Hardisty; her grandchildren, Jessica Jahnke, Matthew Hardisty, Jackson Hardisty (Ali Hardisty), Kathleen Jahnke (Christopher
Domenick), Meagan Samaha (Michael Samaha); her great-grandchildren Finn Jahnke, Jameson Hardisty, Eva Hardisty-Donnelly, Jackson Samaha, Conrad and Nico Hardisty and Leo Domenick.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donatiobs may be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen (covenantsoupkitchen.org) To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/19/2026

James Joseph Murphy Jr., 70, of Rocky Hill formerly of Willimantic passed away Monday January 19, 2026 at his sister’s home. He was the son of the late James Sr. and Viola (Nye) Murphy

Born on April 11, 1955 in Willimantic, CT he was a U.S. Marine veteran.

He is survived by his son Chase; sisters Kathy Murphy of Willimantic, Christine Murphy of South Carolina and Patricia Murphy of Willimantic; 2 special nieces Nicole and Jessica Murphy, 2 nephews Corey Murphy and Josh Terry; 4 greatnephews, 1 greatniece, 2 greatgreat nephews, 1 great great niece and his dearest friend Helen of the Rocky Hill Veterans Hospital.

Services are private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/18/2026

When you call us, you’ll be connected to director and owner John A.Adamcewicz who will take care of you and your loved ones like our own. Willimantic's only family owned funeral home since 1916.

01/18/2026

Why choose Bacon Funeral Home ? We take great pride in caring for each family that enters our home and will work to provide you with a beautiful tribute to your loved one. We want to help you through your difficult time. Family owned and operated since 1916.

Bacon Funeral Home in Willimantic, CT provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services to our community and the surrounding area... Learn More

01/16/2026

William “Bill” C. Busse, 60, of Windham passed away Thursday January 15, 2026 at Douglas Manor.

Born on May 20, 1965 in Putnam, CT he was the son of the late Otto and Mary (Macha) Busse. Bill worked as a bartender at Hot Shots in Willimantic and made many friends. He had a great sense of humor, he loved to laugh, loved joking and loved riding his Harley.

He is survived by his sister Cindy Gamache and her husband Kevin of Canterbury; a brother Jeffrey Busse and his wife Tammy of North Windham and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Douglas Manor for their care and support given to Bill.

Services will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/13/2026

Alice Jane (Phillips) Wunch, 83, of Columbia, CT passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 11, 2026. She was a cherished wife, mother, nanny, and friend.

Alice was born on April 5, 1942, on Easter Sunday in New London, CT. She met her husband, Tom, at the age of 20 when he rang her bell at the New London News. They had been inseparable ever since. Alice loved to crochet and made numerous afghans for loved ones. She loved music and went to many concerts with her daughter Lynn and cousins. Alice often went on long drives with her brother Bud which always ended in an ice cream treat. Alice worked for the New London News for 12 years, Sears for 4 years and finally the Hartford Courant for 20 years before retirement. Alice spent many wonderful vacations in Myrtle Beach, spending the weeks beside Tom as he fished. Besides her husband and kids, there was nothing Alice loved more than spending time with her grandchildren, often planning day trips to New London to show them where they grew up. She never missed a concert, dance recital, or sports event, and always had brownies, cookies, cake, or chocolate at her house made fresh for a family visit.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Thomas Wunch; her son Tom Wunch and his wife Tracy, her brother Winslow Phillips, her four grandchildren Zachary Wunch, Melody Wunch, Jessica Williams and Allison Williams, as well as her niece Kim Bebyn and many special cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lynn Williams.

Alice's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Bacon Funeral Home on 71 Prospect St, Willimantic, CT. Her Funeral Mass will be on Saturday January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Columbia Church, 328 CT-66, Columbia. Burial to follow at Center Cemetery in Columbia at a later date. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/09/2026

Richard P. “Richie” Carr Jr., 54, of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Vanderman Place. He is the son of Richard Sr. and Lois (Szatkowski) Carr. Richie was known for his love of animals, gardening, the Grateful Dead, antiques, and being a competitive trivia lover. His friends and family knew him as a happy man always ready to chat and reminisce. His bountiful energy and excitement in his conversations will be missed by many.

Born and raised in Norwich, CT, on May 3, 1971, Richie grew up spending summers in Rhode Island on the beach. He first ventured into the antique business through his first job. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. After college, he went on to invest in his love of antiques, becoming a partner in Thames Imports in Niantic, CT. After many years with Thames Imports, Richie began his own antique and furniture business known as “Just Richie”. Already known and beloved in the business, he began to expand into local artisan spaces, continuing to share his unique style and goods that showcased his artistry. Many know and love him for his booth and role at the Marlborough Barn, where he has been selling his wares and sharing his stories for many years. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family while gardening and sharing his crops, as well as taking time well spent on the beach, especially on Cape Cod. His spirit and presence will be missed by friends and family across the business and greater New England area.

He is survived by his daughter Devyn Yolda-Carr; his (ex wife Nicole Yolda; his father Richard Carr Sr., and his sister Vivian Carr(Steve Cole and Brielle Cole).

Services will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/09/2026

Audrey Mae Dutil, 93, of Willimantic passed away Thursday January 8, 2026 at Windham Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Halsey C. and Alice (Kane) Tuthill.

Born on August 17, 1932 in South Jamesport, NY she worked in food service for many years.

She is survived by her loving family.

Services are private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

01/05/2026

Anthony “Tony” Santa Lucia passed away peacefully at home after a short journey with pancreatic cancer on January 1st, 2026.

Tony was born on October 18, 1937, in Willimantic, Connecticut, to Carmelo and Mary (Ferrigno) Santa Lucia, who immigrated from Sicily in the early 1900s. A proud lifelong resident of Willimantic, Tony graduated from Windham High School and went on to serve in the United States Army, where he spent time in Germany.

Upon returning home, Tony answered a newspaper advertisement seeking firefighters at Pratt & Whitney, a decision that led him to a career of dedicated public service. He proudly served the community as a member of the Willimantic Fire Department for decades, retiring in 1992.

In 1960, Tony married the love of his life, Sheila (Mazzola) Santa Lucia, and they shared 55 years as a loving husband and wife. Together, they built a life centered on family, tradition, and shared passions; with three children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Along with Sheila, Tony was a devoted basketball fan and longtime season ticket holder for the UConn Women’s Basketball team. In addition to cheering on his kids and grandkids' sports with enthusiasm, he also coached the Firefighter’s Little League baseball team and St. Mary’s St. Joseph’s School basketball team. Tony also faithfully followed the Boston Red Sox and the Green Bay Packers.

He was a lifelong parishioner of St Joseph’s Church, where he helped take collections every Sunday for many years. More recently, Tony was able to receive communion at home.

Family summers were often spent on Cape Cod, where Tony and Sheila created cherished memories with their children and grandchildren—days filled with beach time, great food, mini golf, and togetherness. The two also shared a love of travel, enjoying many cruises as well as trips to Florida, Hawaii, and Italy.

In his later years, Tony found joy in life’s simple pleasures: relaxing with a cigar on the porch, morning coffee at Bagel One with friends, and playing cards every Friday with buddies at the Elks.

Tony was predeceased by his beloved wife Sheila, his parents Carmelo and Mary, his brother Pip, and his sisters Lena and Lucy. He is survived by his daughters, Keely Santa Lucia and Lisa Nicoletti, and her husband Mark; his son Anthony Santa Lucia and his wife Emily; his five grandchildren, Chaz and Melissa Griffin, and Sarah, Matthew, and Jacob Nicoletti, and 4 great-grandchildren, Roman, Siena, Verona, and Nora.

Tony will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his community and church, and the quiet moments he treasured most.

Tony’s family is grateful to the wonderful caregivers and hospice team that provided support to Tony at home over the last several months. This gratitude is extended to those in the St. Joseph’s Church community and Willimantic Fire Department who provided rides for Tony to church and to the Elks on Fridays.

Calling hours are January 8, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic. A funeral mass will be held on January 9, at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Church, Willimantic. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Club Road in Windham.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Willimantic Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Contributions can be made by check to the Willimantic Firefighters Local 1033, 13 Bank Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. Please include “Rodman Scholarship” in the memo line. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

12/31/2025

Maria Theresa Nazario, 47, of Willimantic, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. Surrounded by love, Maria left this world the same way she lived in it—with grace, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she held dear.

Maria was a devoted parent, cherished daughter, loving family member, loyal friend, and a valued member of the Windham Public Schools community. Generous in spirit, she joyfully dedicated her life’s work to uplifting others and helping them become the very best versions of themselves. Whether supporting family, friends, coworkers, students, or members of her community, Maria was always seeking ways to connect people with the resources and opportunities they needed to grow and thrive. It was this passion and dedication that ultimately led to the creation of the Family & Community Expo—one of the many ways her legacy of service will continue to live on.

Above all else, Maria loved her family fiercely. She is lovingly survived by her two sons, Brian and Sharod, who were the pride and joy of her life; her mother, Betty; her brother, Ben; her sister in law Jessica; her nephew, Bryson; her niece, Briley; her partner, Sam; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends. Maria’s love, laughter, and guiding presence will be deeply missed, but her impact will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In honor of a life deeply loved and beautifully lived, we gather to remember and celebrate Maria while surrounding her family with love and support as they say farewell to their cherished daughter, sister, mother, and beloved partner.

Services will be held at Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic, on January 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A burial at New Willimantic Cemetery will follow, with a reception to gather, share memories, and continue honoring Maria’s life at Blarney’s Café in Willimantic at 1:00 p.m. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

https://gofund.me/e9b929572

12/29/2025

Donald Frank Aitken, the son of Donald Francis Aitken and Sara Ella Tiedeman of Salisbury, CT died on December 27th, 2025 at his home in Coventry, CT, surrounded by family. He was born in Paterson, NJ on October 3, 1937. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Andrew T. Aitken, and sister-in-law Venette Aitken. He is survived by: his wife, Jo Ann; sons Donald and William (Amanda); brothers Douglas and Scott (Teri); his cousin Audrey Gray (Alden); and Jennifer the mother of his grandsons. He was a devoted grandfather to treasured grandchildren John, Drew, Jack (Cassidy), Molly, and Stella and eagerly awaited the arrival of his great grandson.

Don revered his Aitken and Tiedeman families and was very proud of his Uncle Frank Tiedeman who served with the 101st Airborne in WWIl, was POW two times, and escaped to eventually return to his family. Don grew up in New Jersey and graduated from High School in North Canton, Ohio, followed by enlistment in the US Marine Corps, serving from 1957-1963 with the 1st AA Missile Battalion. During his reserve years in the Marine Corps he attended Ohio State University, where he met his faithful wife of 62 years, Jo Ann Coward Aitken. He then completed the General Electric Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Program in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Mr. Aitken was highly regarded by his professional/intellectual peers and was considered an exceptional problem-solver, engineer, and innovator by all who knew him. His career fueled and helped him realize his full intellectual capability while working at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio and at General Electric in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Connecticut. His jobs included working on Polaris Guidance Systems, Transformer and Circuit breaker design, Robotics, and many Research and Development projects. In the 1970s he founded Applied Sciences, Inc. and was credited with many US Patents in the electromechanical field. He retired from General Electric in 1991 and spent his years of "free time" restoring an antique home, fixing everything for everybody, and sharing all his knowledge with his family, especially his grandsons. Don was respected for his bravery, positive attitude, cheerful disposition, patience, and determination while living with multiple sclerosis for over 50 years.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring of 2026. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are being handled by the Bacon Funeral Home, Willimantic, CT. The family wishes to thank the many Medical and Health Care Providers who have provided exceptional care over the years. A special thanks to the HHC Hospice Team, and friends including Susan Way, who provided gentle care and support for Don and Jo Ann during his final months of life. We will also treasure the memory of joy and comfort provided by Stacey's canine Revel and our feline family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Andrew T. Aitken Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund at UCONN foundation.