Montano-Shea Funeral Home and Cremations, 922 Main Street, Winsted, CT (2026)

04/27/2026

William "Bill" M. Wood, 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026 at his home after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Lorri (Forster) Wood. They were together for 40 wonderful years. Born August 21, 1949 in Waterbury, growing up in Wolcott; the son of the late Michael and Helen (Higgins) Wood.

Bill owned and operated the Deluxe Liquor Store in Winsted for 13 years. He also was well known at Garbus Auto Parts where everyone asked for him personally. He saw it as his responsibility to make sure everyone felt comfortable and cared for at both Deluxe and Garbus, while also having a quick comment for everyone he considered a friend. He enjoyed driving his ‘68 Corvette and ‘72 Harley Dresser. He could also tell you the year, make, and model of just about any classic car that passed.

Bill attended Boston University. In his youth, Bill worked for Hanley Sound who installed the sound system and mixed sound at Woodstock. He can be seen on stage in the Woodstock documentary. He also mixed sound for notable acts like the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin and several other large music festivals.

Bill spent his later years enjoying the tranquility of his property in East Hartland with his wife Lorri.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Christopher Wood and wife Maile of Michigan and Timothy Wood and wife Kim of Colorado; two cherished granddaughters, Isla and Nina, both of Colorado; Father and Mother-in-law, Gene and Carol Forster of Winsted; two brothers-in-law, Ronald Forster
of Arizona and Dave Forster and wife Rosemary of Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Julie Wood and Virginia “Ginny” Foley.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future at a time to be announced. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/26/2026

WEST HARTLAND –

Lawrence Russell Williams, 68, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 after a brief illness. He was born on January 20, 1958, the loving son of the late Lawrence and Momoyo (Ogata) Williams.

Larry worked for many years at ABC Pizza in Winsted and later in Tampa, FL. More recently, he was employed by BHS-Torin in Farmington, CT. He proudly served for the West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department. He collected fire fighting paraphernalia as well as building and repairing things.

Larry is survived by his sister, Patty Osborne of West Hartland; close friend, Tom Clark of Winsted; as well as many cousins, anuts and uncles. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Charles Williams.

Graveside services will be held at a time to be announced. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/18/2026

WINSTED – Beverly R. Riiska, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026 after a long illness. She was the loving wife of the late Oscar J. Riiska for 42 wonderful years. Born October 17, 1938 in Winsted; the daughter of the late David and Jennie (Baranowski) Royer. Beverly was one of seven children.

Beverly began her career as a legal secretary at Howd, Lavieri & Finch, and then worked alongside her husband and daughter as an accountant for many years.

She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, past member of The United Way, Catholic Women's Club and Winsted Emblem Club. She was also involved with the Winsted Business and Professional Women's Club, President of the Parents Guild at St. Anthony School and Former Girl Scout Troop Leader. She found great joy in hosting family and friends, would never said no to a spirited game of 9-5, and was an avid UConn Huskies fan.

She is survived by her cherished children, Robert Riiska and fiancé Ellen Murphy of California, Lori Riiska and husband Scott Palmer of Bethlehem and Treacy Riiska of Stamford; 8 grandchildren, Thomas and wife Christy, Kimberly and husband Raif, Allison and husband Tim, Ryan and fiancé Jodi, Erik and wife Anita, Kaitlyn, Alexander, and Madison; great grandchildren, Molly, Ariana, Raif, Kiley, William, and Henry; siblings, Wayne Royer of Torrington, Roberta Pollack of Winsted, and Mariann Stone of Winsted; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three siblings, David Royer, Leo Royer, and Kathleen Stoffer.

Friends may call on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 9 – 10 AM with a Mass of Christian burial at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Winsted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Beverly's name to St. Joseph Church. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/18/2026

Robert John Shopey Sr., 86, of New Port Richey, Florida, formerly of Winsted, Connecticut, peacefully passed away at home on April 6, 2026.

Born on June 8, 1939, in Forestville, Connecticut, Robert was the son of Dennis and Jennie Shopey. As a child, he moved with his family to Winsted, where he was raised and became a lifelong part of the community. He graduated from The Gilbert School and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force as a disabled veteran. During his years of service, he worked on the F-101 Voodoo aircraft as a radar technician, known as a “VooDoo Medicine Man,” while stationed in Colorado and Massachusetts, including Otis Air Force Base.

After his military service, Robert worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford before joining the family business, Egan Machine Corporation, where he served as Quality Control Manager until his retirement. He later moved to New Port Richey, Florida, with his beloved wife, Jessica Shopey, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage.

Robert believed deeply in giving back. He dedicated countless hours to the Town of Winchester and the Winsted community through his work with the Laurel City Commission, Economic Development Commission, Republican Town Committee, and as Chairman of the Winchester Housing Authority. His service to the town was so deeply valued that a monument stands in recognition of his dedication to the community. He also served as a board member for the Winsted Area Child Care Center, where the children knew him as “Bob the Builder” as he helped secure grant funding for the facility on Prospect Street. He was also a life member of Winsted Elks Lodge #844, a life member of Saint Andrew’s Lodge No. 64, A.F. & A.M., an honorary member of the Winsted Fire Department Niagara Engine Co. #3, a member of the Winsted Safety Council, a member of the Boy Scouts of America, a soccer coach for the Winsted Recreation Department, and a faithful member of both the First Church of Winsted and the Colebrook Congregational Church.

Robert’s legacy of service lived on through his family and the many lives he influenced. His son, a former Fire Chief, and all three of his grandchildren followed in his footsteps through service with the Winsted Fire Department. His grandsons, Robert and William, also continued the family’s military tradition through service in the United States Air Force with the 103rd Airlift Wing. His lifelong example of dedication, compassion, and community service continued to be reflected in the lives of those he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jessica; his son, Robert John Shopey II (Rebecca) of Winsted, Connecticut; his daughter, Linda Russell (Kent) of Moncks Corner, South Carolina; and his daughter, Amy Fields (Aaron) of Ellijay, Georgia, also a surrogate son Steven Alicky (Alicia) of North Port, Florida. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Robert John Shopey III, Ashley Dafgek, and William Thomas Shopey, all of Connecticut. Also 4 great grandchildren Lucas, William, Wyatt and Sophia who lovingly called him Gigi (he wore that name proudly).

Robert was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Sophia, Lucas, and William II, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Catherine Shopey Mangle, Suzanne Shopey Heath, and Denise Shopey Hazard Lawson; and his brother, Daniel Egan Shopey.

Robert enjoyed skiing, volunteering for his community, playing board games with his family, and gathering with his friends from the Saturday Breakfast Club. He also found great joy in serving as a ski instructor for the Special Olympics ski team. He shared a special bond with his dog, Odie, whose companionship meant the world to him.

To know Robert was to know a man of service, strength, humor, loyalty, and heart. His love for his family, his town, his country, and his friends was evident throughout his life. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched.

Friends may call on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 4 -7 PM. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Forest View Cemetery, Winsted at 10 AM with Military Honors. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/14/2026

BARKHAMSTED – Madeline G. Austin, 76, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026. She was the devoted wife of Peter Austin for 30 wonderful years. Born June 5,1949 in Winchester; the daughter of the late Charles and Stella (Dembek) Messer.

Madeline was a dedicated Teacher at Northwestern Regional #7 High School for over 35 years. She loved gardening, spending time in New Hampshire and Florida, and traveling with her husband.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by her stepdaughter, Trecia Austin of Torrington and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/13/2026

Winsted - Dolores Ann Nast, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026. She was the widow of the late Theodore Nast who died in 1952. Born January 25, 1932 in Winsted; the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Anstett) Ringwood.

Dolores was a lifelong resident of Winsted. She worked for 37 years at Waring Products until retirement. She enjoyed doing Word Searches and puzzles. She loved traveling especially on a trip to Disney with her nephew, Matt and his family and her sister as well as on a cruise with Rosemary and Ann.

Dolores also enjoyed long car rides, eating out and having a nice cup of coffee. She was generous and always willing to lend a hand and help someone out if needed.

She was a member of the Riverton Grange and a communicant of St. Joseph Church.

She is survived by a special niece, Ann Carrozo of New Hartford; close friend, Rosemary Marinelli of Winsted; nieces and nephews, Matthew Connole and wife Cathy of Barkhamsted, James Connole and wife Carmie of Winsted, Elizabeth Turbarg of Winsted, Susan Gaignet and husband James of Torrington, Irene Connole of Winsted and Dorothy Watson and husband Randy of CO. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Michael Nast; five brothers, Donald, Robert, Richard, Maurice and Russell Ringwood and three sisters, Dorothy Connole, Shirley Ringwood and Marjorie Palmer.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 11 AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Winsted. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/13/2026

Genevieve Hill, 93 years young, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10th, 2026 surrounded by her family. Her vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Born October 6,1932, Genevieve grew up alongside her siblings Dolores Blanchette, Lorice Resha, Francis, and George Nichols, while helping in the family store, JB Nichols & Sons in Winsted, CT, operated by her parents, Joseph and Edna Nichols. Known by many names-Nicki, Gen, Genny, Emmi, and most affectionately Sitto and Great Sitto—she was deeply proud of her Lebanese heritage and loved creating memories in the kitchen. Family gatherings often centered around Syrian bread, tabouli, grape leaves, and many other traditional Lebanese dishes prepared with family and love.

A natural entertainer, Genevieve had a passion for dance and worked as a dance teacher at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in her early 20s. Music was always close by—often humming a tune—and any opportunity to teach others how to dance was gladly taken. She also built a career as a sales representative at Pitney Bowes, where she worked until retirement.

Genevieve met her husband Ralph during a night out with friends in Hartford. After asking her out, he was met with her playful decision to play hard to get. His famous response—“My persistence will wear down your resistance”—proved true when he ultimately found her number and secured their first date. The two were married on February 16, 1967, beginning a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. Together, they traveled the country in their RV, enjoyed snowmobiling adventures throughout New England and Canada, and embraced the snowbird lifestyle between Florida and Vermont in retirement.

Her humor was quick, clever, and often delivered with a twinkle of mischief. With her vivid imagination and playful spirit, Genevieve transformed everyday moments—like license plates and road signs or grocery shopping—into songs and stories that filled any space with magic. Simple joys brought her the most happiness—playing cards, dominoes, and cribbage, often with a mimosa or glass of wine in hand and family nearby. Even brief encounters were enough for her to offer a smile, a laugh, or a moment of kindness. Her larger-than-life personality came in a small package, and she was deeply loved and cherished by so many.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ralph Hill; her children Randy Hill (Mandy), Margo Hunter (Joe), Roxanne Winsor (Mike), and her “favorite,” Tracey Hill; her grandchildren Craig Winsor (Lisa), Jeriah Griswold (Stephanie), Nicole O’Reilly (Terry), Jesse Hunter (Lynn), Evan Hill, Shondra Hock (PJ), Alex Hill (Kayleigh), and Riley Winsor (Lauren); great-grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, Kelso, and Connor; and sister-in-law Pat French; as well as many nieces, nephews and her fur baby Emma. She was predeceased by her brothers George and Francis Nichols and her sister-in-law Mona LeFebvre.

Nicki asked that we not mourn with a formal service, but rather remember her with joy. A celebration of life will be held to honor her memory with family and friends at a later date to be announced by the family. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Nicki, please consider donating to either the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at alzfdn.org/donate or Northwest CT Adult Day Center at nwctadultday.org/donate. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/09/2026

Gale Patricia Morse, aged 86, of Torrington, CT., went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love among all who knew her.

A lover of the outdoors, she could often be found roaming the wild ocean beaches of New England or wandering through forests with her beloved husband—and companion in countless adventures of 68 years—and their dog, Jordan. She had a deep appreciation for wildlife—stopping to help turtles cross the road, delighting in dolphins leaping from the surf, pulling the car over just to watch a group of deer grazing nearby, and enjoying documentaries on wolves and other wild animals.

She loved her family and friends, often longing for “just one more cup of coffee,” with her beloveds close beside her, delighting in conversation about the deeper things of life, or laughing at the silly antics of her children and grandchildren. She truly lived life to the fullest.

Above all, her deepest love was for her Savior, Jesus Christ, who redeemed her and tenderly guided her home. She radiated Christ through her love and joy, treasuring the intimacy of worshipping Him and truly embodying the words of the psalmist: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10)

She was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra Betancourt; her mother, Carmela Reynolds; her father, Frank Cooley; her son, Kevin Morse; and her grandson, Caleb Hawley.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Morse; her brother, Robert (Rebecca) Cooley; her sister, Karen Cooley; her children, Brian (Quynh-Nhu) Morse, Timothy (Sheryl) Morse, Tanja (David) Mattson, Megan (Kyle) Hawley; and her grandchildren, Kaela, Brennan, Bradley, Kyle, Christopher, Connor, Ryan, Jared, Kareena, Janelle, Abigail, Samuel, Elizabeth, Esther, and her great grandchildren, Evie, Gideon, Aiden, Kevin, Mirari, Grace, Noah, Micah and Caleb.

She will be deeply missed and dearly remembered…till we meet again on that distant shore.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Bakerville Church, 1087 Litchfield Turnpike, New Hartford, CT at 11 AM with reception to follow. Burial will be private at Bakerville Center Cemetery. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

04/09/2026

John R. Colavecchio, 81 of The Villages, Florida, passed peacefully on March 30, 2026, with his loving wife of 42 years, Lynda (Fisher) Colavecchio, by his side. Born on April 17,1944, in Winsted, CT, John was a graduate of The Gilbert School, class of 1962 and continued his education at Post University.

Throughout his adulthood, John dedicated over 40 years as Corporate Secretary and partner of The Capitol Products Co. He also worked as a Patrol Driver at Community Watch, The Villages, for 19 years. In his early years, he coached Winsted Midget Football and as a committed father, always made time to be involved with his children’s activities. John’s passion for community service was evident in his years of involvement with The Republican Town Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission and the Winsted Youth Soccer Board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks and Kiwanis Club of Winsted.

John’s legacy lives through his cherished family. In addition to his wife Lynda, he is survived by his children: Alesia (Bob) Warner of Seminole, FL; David (Alexandra) Colavecchio of Thomaston, CT; Brian Colavecchio of Charleston, SC; Michelle (Stefano) Torri of Seymour, CT; Michael (Heather) Vacila of Barkhamsted, CT and Nicole Vacila of East Windsor, CT. John leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grand children , who affectionately called him Grandad, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and his sister Pauline DiBiasi. He is survived by his former spouse, Barbara Forsyth. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Nancy (LaStoria) Colavecchio, his brother Dominic Colavecchio and sisters Margaret Impelluso and Evelyn Bordonaro. He also recently lost his faithful K9 companion, Carolina.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 11 AM. Burial will be private at Village Cemetery in New Hartford. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his honor to a charity of your choice. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

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