Bacon Funeral Home Willimantic, CT

12/14/2025

Thomas W. “Huff” Heinonen passed away suddenly on December 9th 2025 at the age of 78. Born June 23, 1947, he was a lifelong resident of Windham, and graduated from Windham High School in 1965, playing Guard for the Whippets’ Varsity football team. His Finnish heritage, and the spirit of Sisu were instrumental in forming his character. Tom enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles and ran his own shop, The Whole Cycle in the 1970’s. In 1980, he fulfilled his dream of opening The World War II Victory Museum in Willimantic with his brother Glenn, sharing their extensive knowledge and collection of memorabilia with the public. He passed on a lifelong love of learning, drawing, reading and storytelling to his four children. Throughout the years, he shared his writing talent and strongly informed opinions with many publications from Easy Rider Magazine to newspapers throughout Connecticut, winning the Hartford Courant Letter Writers Award in 2008. He also masterminded many wildly creative screenplays. He took great pride in not devoting too much time to any one employer, boasting over 40 job stints throughout the years. A “foodie” before the term was popularized, he held the title Founder of the International Meatloaf Society CT Chapter. Huff enjoyed dancing and music, especially the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Always sharing his quick wit through jokes, prank calls, and ball-busting, much to the enjoyment; and occasional dismay of his targets. In recent years, he enjoyed the monthly First Friday Luncheon Reunions with fellow Whippet alumni and took pride in the group’s support of numerous community charities. Spending time with his grandchildren, especially around the pool and in the sauna, had brought him many smiles and happiness in recent years.

Tom was predeceased by his father Ennu T. Heinonen and mother Eileen M. (Walter) Heinonen, and brother Neil. He is survived by his sister Susan and brothers Glenn, Mark and Keith, children Ethan, Nils, Saya and Lance, and grandchildren Luka, Scarlett and Nico. A vocal nonbeliever in organized religion (all denominations), he would have wanted readers to consider his favorite quote, often attributed to the philosopher Émile Zola “Civilization will not attain to its perfection until the last stone from the last church falls on the last priest”.

12/14/2025

June Konopka, 88 of Lebanon, CT passed away Friday, December 12, 2025. She went to be with her late husband, Frank. June was born July 31, 1937 in Willimantic, CT.

June was the daughter of the late Alfred and Eileen Mongeau. June and Frank had been married in 1956 for 61 years at the time of Franks passing. One of her many loves was helping her sons with their stock car racing, making sure everyone was fed and working on updates to the webpage. After June and Frank were married they lived in Lebanon, CT. She was blessed with three wonderful sons that adored their mother.

June leaves her sons and daughter in law Gerald and James Konopka of Lebanon, CT and Dan Konopka and his wife Tina of Windham, CT. Booba her cat of many years will also miss her. June is predeceased by her husband Frank, one sister Lorraine Mongeau and one brother Richard Mongeau.

When June was young, she worked alongside her parents on their chicken farm (Triple Springs). June also worked for MetLife insurance and in 1999 she retired from Connecticut Education Association where she worked for several years as a secretary.

The family would also like to say thank you to Laurie Berger who was a god send to June the last 2 years. Also, the Hospice nurses and aides that helped care for our mother these last few weeks.

Graveside services will be held at New St. Andrews Cemetery, Gillette’s Lane, Colchester, CT on Wednesday Dec 17, at 10AM. There will be no calling hours and in lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Fund, PO Box 51, Lebanon, CT 06249. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

12/04/2025

Thomas Kevin Quinn of Hampton, Connecticut passed away on November 27th 2025 at Backus Hospital.

Known as ‘Kevin’ to family, ‘Tom’ to his friends and co-workers he was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He grew up in Willimantic where he was born on March 7th 1944 but spent most of his adult life in Hampton.

Perhaps the most eventful and formative part of Kevin’s life was his years in the Coast Guard, 1964 – 1969. He enjoyed nothing more than regaling his family and friends with tales of his adventures and misadventures on the high seas, off Kodiak Island in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere. Those years left him with a lifelong love of the sea and boats.

When he returned to Connecticut he married, raised a family and joined Northeast Utilities (which became Eversource), where he was an electrician for many years before moving into the dispatch center where he directed workers in the field across the eastern half of the state then, in the later years of his career, he became an instructor, imparting his extensive knowledge to younger workers in his field.

After retiring Kevin enjoyed sailing and fishing on Long Island Sound, traveling to Europe, the Caribbean and the west coast with his wife Cathleen, hiking with his dogs in Goodwin Forest and working on his Model A ‘doodle-bug’.

Anyone who knew him would no doubt agree that he was a man of integrity. Dependable, easy-going, generous. He could always be counted on to know the right thing to do and how to do it. He will be missed.

He leaves behind his wife Cathleen, sons Mathew and Brian, daughter-in-law Lara, grandchildren Lily and Evan and his faithful dog Sadie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hampton Fire Department c/o Treasurer Dale DeMontigny 229 Station Road, Hampton, CT 06247. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

12/03/2025

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

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

Jean C. Gilbert, 88, of Windham passed away Tuesday December 2, 2025 at St. Joseph Living Center. She was the daughter of the late Eric and Gladys (Anderson) Gilbert.

Born on June 23, 1937 in Putnam, CT. She lived in Lebanon where she raised her children. She then worked for the Town of Lebanon until her retirement. She then resided at Saint Joesph Living Center in Windham, Ct. She loved her family and always accepted everyone’s hugs❤️

She is survived by her children Lee, Karl and Dellonna; grandchildren Joe, Jimmy, Tony, Clay, and Calvin; great grandchildren Sara, Kyle, Jason, Monnrow and Austin. She was preceded in death by her sons Eric, Aaron and Clay; and George a long time boyfriend.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

11/21/2025

George S. Baribeault, 66, of Coventry passed away Friday November 14, 2025 from ALS, at Windham Hospital. He was the son of the late Stuart A. and Barbara L. (Anderson) Baribeault.

Born on June 11, 1959 in Willimantic, CT He attended Windham High School where he enjoyed running on the track team. He was also a member of the young Republicans Party traveling to Washington D.C. This is where he said he honed his skills a s a Master Debater, and relished debates on any subject. He was Class of 1977, after graduating early he was employed as a dairy manager at ShopRite and Big Y Supermarkets. He was last employed by Columbia Ford doing parts and inventory. He lived around the Willimantic area all his life. He spent many years playing softball and loved playing golf. Skillfully slicing the ball around trees, often while playing barefoot. He also had a passion for motorcycles. In his younger years it was a 1960 Panhead chopper then his beloved 1981 Moto Guzzi CX-100 which he bought new and still has. George always had many stories of adventures on two wheels. George had quick wit and a remarkable memory, often quoting Monte Python or Young Frankenstein verbatim. George especially cherished being a father to his two sons and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he could.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas Baribeault of Stafford Springs and Christopher Mirza of Ellington; his sisters, Elizabeth Baribeault of Wethersfield and Brenda Davis Poulin of Mansfield; a brother, John Baribeault of Chaplin; and many nieces and nephews. Also he leaves his closest friends, Michael Quarto and his wife Laurie and fellow Moto Guzzi enthusiasts. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen Baribeault and a brother, Stephen Baribeault.

A special thanks to Rick Danforth and his wife Sharon who unselfishly helped George in the latter stages of his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial is private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.c

11/21/2025

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... Learn More

11/18/2025

Families choose Bacon Funeral Home because they know they’ll be treated with respect, compassion and dignity.

Willimantic's only family owned funeral home since 1916. Call us at 860 423-1234 or visit us at

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

11/15/2025

Jacqueline Rosario, 57, of Willimantic, died Thursday November 13, 2025 at Hartford Hospital.

She was born December 11, 1967 in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of the late Aurea Alvarez, CT and the late Jose Armando Rosario, PR. Jackie had lived in Connecticut all of her life and was a caregiver to many people. She loved to give and assist others in any way she could. Jackie believed it was best to give than to receive. Her selflessness was immeasurable. Jackie loved everyone she met dearly, and most importantly would want to be remembered for her love of giving and sharing

Jackie is survived by her beloved son, Joshua Michaud of Willimantic, CT.; four sisters, Elizabeth Dunnack, (Joshua) CT, Ivett Rosario, PR, Sandra Ivelis Rosario, PR and Waleska Rosario, PR; several nieces and nephews she adored; her aunts Doris, Aida Lou, Angelica and uncle's Ceferino and Euglio (Edna), whom were all very special to her.Jackie leaves many cousins whom she all loved dearly. All whom played roles in sharing very special moments with her in many stages of her life. Her very best friend Jorge, whom she cared and spent time with daily. She was pre-deceased by her Godmother and Aunts Dolores Alvarez , Maria Alvarez , and Carmen Quintana.

Funeral services will be held Thursday Nov 20, at 11AM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. Relatives and friends may visit from 10AM until the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen 220 Valley St, Willimantic, CT 06226. (covenantsoupkitchen.org) To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

11/12/2025

John Bello, of Willimantic, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78 years old.

Born on August 7, 1947, in Manhattan, New York, John lived a life defined by devotion, resilience, and love. He was the beloved husband of Maria Torres (Cristy), and together they built a family rooted in strength and care. John was a proud father to John Bello Cotto, Nora Bello Cotto, Ingrid Colón, Sheila Hauschild, Anamary Pacheco, and Rosemary Alvarado, and a cherished grandfather to sixteen grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

John earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico and began his career as a history teacher at Papa Juan XXIII School in Bayamón. Later, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and served as a lawyer for 23 years. Known as a great patriot, in his youth he was an active member of the Puerto Rican Independence Party.

In 1994, John moved to Connecticut, where his passion for teaching continued. He worked at Petalos before joining Windham Public Schools, where he dedicated himself to helping children and families in the community. His compassion and commitment left a lasting impact on countless lives, and he was a trusted mentor and friend to many.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Bello and Edna Hernandez, and his sister Jenny. He is survived by his wife, Maria Torres (Cristy), his six children, sixteen grandchildren, and his sister Gloria, along with extended family and countless friends who will continue to honor his memory.

John will be remembered for his humor, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

Services to celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kingdom Destiny Outreach Internacional, 120 Union Street, Willimantic, CT. The family respectfully invites all who knew John to join in honoring his life. Your presence, prayers, and shared memories are deeply appreciated. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

11/11/2025

Maureen Perkins, 73, of Hampton passed away Sunday November 9, 2025. She was the daughter of the late John & Ann (Edson) Lucey Jr.

Born on July 14, 1952 in Willimantic, CT she grew up in Mansfield Center where she met and married the love of her life, Mark Perkins Sr. May 27, 1972. They had 2 children Tabitha and Mark Jr. She worked as a dental hygienist and then as a 411 operator for Southern New England Phone Company. She loved her many pets that she had over the years. She loved going to the beach and eating lobster rolls and watching her soap operas.

She is survived by her daughter Tabitha Perkins of Hampton and her son Mark Perkins Jr. and wife Kathy of East Hampton; her grandchildren J.W.(Justin), Zacharie, Emi-Lou, Addison, Colin and Charlotte and 1 great-grandchild; also her sister Debra Parton and brother Robert Lucey Sr. and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her beloved mainecoon cat, Molly who is 17 years old.

In lieu of flowers please make online gifts in memory of Maureen to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate

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