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

02/03/2026

William Patrick Buyak, 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026 with his family at his side, after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth “Betty” (Pomeroy) Buyak. Born March 15, 1936 in Torrington, the son of the late William and Mary (McLaughlin) Buyak.

Mr. Buyak is a graduate of Torrington High School, class of 1954. After graduation, he attended Ward School of Electronics and The University of Hartford.

Mr. Buyak served in the U. S. Army from 1960 – 1965 as a Communication Specialist. In his earlier years, he provided engineering and development support at WTOR and WTIC. Additionally, he held a first class FCC Engineering license. He was a noted inventor in the field of Electromagnetics and developed 12 U.S. and several foreign patents.

He proudly built a Stits Skycoupe experimental aircraft in his basement during the years of 1968 – 1972. One of his greatest joys was to fly with his children. Several of the most memorable trips included Denver, CO, the Florida Keys and Oshkosh, WI. Upon his retirement from flying, Mr. Buyak donated the airplane to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Scotia, New York.

Mr. Buyak was involved in several professional organizations. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) from 1968 and served as President of Chapter 324 in Simsbury CT 1972 and 1973. He was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. In addition, he was President of his Homeowners’ Association in Florida.

He loved to dance and enjoyed the Moose Lodge dances every Thursday night in Florida. He also played the violin and loved listening to his children and grandchildren play their instruments and sing old family favorites.

He is survived by his children, David Buyak and wife Jacquelynn of New Hartford, Nancy Hoyt of Torrington and Susan Newman and husband Fred of New Hartford; brother, Frank Buyak of Norfolk; 8 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and Patti Myers of NY whom he lovingly "adopted" as a daughter, and Pat Heath, his dear friend from FL. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Buyak, and also by his great granddaughter, Ava Newman.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 12 – 2 PM with a service at 2 PM. Burial will be in the spring at Town Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, per his request, donations should be made to The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., 135 Parkinson Ave., Staten Island, NY 10305. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

02/02/2026

Edward “Mike” Case, Jr., passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the age of 75. Mike was the loving son of the late Edward Case, Sr., and Virginia (Jasmin) Case.

Mike was born and raised in Colebrook. From a very young age, Mike worked in the woods logging with his father and at times with his brothers. He helped to grow the family business. Carpentry was Mike’s second profession in life. He was a carpenter for 11 years. Mike returned to logging for a couple more years before he retired at the age of 70.

Early in life, Mike became interested in the process of making Maple syrup. Mike and the Odell boys created an operation which evolved from boiling sap using a metal barrel outside to a full-fledged evaporator which was housed in a sap house that Unc and neighborhood friends helped to build. For 40 years the High Hopes Sugar Shack has been producing the most delicious maple syrup.

Colebrook Yellow Labs was started by Mike and Tammy in 2009; however, Mike has been breeding dogs for a total of 28 years spanning across 7 generations of Labrador retrievers. The puppies that have come from Mike’s home are hand raised and known throughout the area. He took great pride in raising each litter and he also took great pride in passing along all of his knowledge of breeding to his daughter Tammy who will continue to carry on his legacy.

Mike lived life to its fullest. He made friends with people wherever he went and left a lasting effect of love and friendship in his wake.

Mike leaves a daughter, Tammy (Charles) Huften of Colebrook; a son, Michael Case of Utah; 2 step sons, Justin (Ashley) Truskauskas of Colebrook and Aaron (Stella) Truskauskas of Oakdale; 2 brothers, Peter (Marguerite) Case of Thomaston and Robert (Loretta) Case of Tolland; 4 sisters, Janet (John) Calchera of Stafford Springs, BettiJane (Joey) Kaschulux of Vermont, Carol Peugh of Texas and Sally Lou Parris of Winsted; and the mother of his children, Barbara Case of Massachusetts. Mike also leaves 2 grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mike was predeceased by 3 brothers, James Felix Case, Jack LaMere and Marc Case and an uncle, Paul Jasmin.

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

01/30/2026

COLEBROOK –

Molly N. Silver, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2026 after a brief illness. She was the loving wife of Thomas W. Silver for 37 years. Born September 14, 1937 in Indonesia; the daughter of the late Alexander and Netie (GiRoe) Mambo.

Molly proudly achieved her Bachelor's degree in Holland and her Master's degree at Central CT State University. She went on to teach English as Second Language in the New Britain School system for 30 years.

Molly owned and operated her own business "Bear Market" where she knit one of a kind children's sweaters and was noted as the Best in the state. Her talented knitting and sewing, also had her making American Girl doll clothes that were spectacular. She also was a skilled horticulturist and gardener. She had beautiful flowers everywhere.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her son, Bruce Johnson of Colebrook; grandchildren, Robert Ambros Macey of West Haven, Ashley Violet McCusker and husband Matthew of FL and Melissa Johnson of New Hartford; great grandchildren, Violet and Victoria McCusker and Nova Anjali Rugh; brother, Sonny Mambo of Holland; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Bryan Johnson.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 10 AM – Noon with a funeral home service at 12:30 PM. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

01/30/2026

Caryl (Colombie) Pucino, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Caryl was married to Anthony “Tony” Pucino (who passed away April 2019) for 56 years. She was born in Torrington to Mollie (Passini) and Alfonse Colombie on January 20, 1938. She is predeceased by her two brothers, Richard (2022) and Gerald (2021) (Georgina, 2024) Colombie.

Caryl is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Lee Pucino (Clara Lopez) of Greenfield, MA and Aimee Greenwood (Mike Greenwood) of Bakerville as well as her grandchildren, Tony Pucino (Kelsi) and Peter Greenwood also of Bakerville as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She also is survived by her sister-in-law, Janet Colombie.

Caryl moved to her beloved Bakerville as a young girl, where she then taught elementary school for 37 years (2 years in Torrington), and lived until her passing.

Caryl loved her parish, Our Lady of Hope Parish formerly Immaculate Conception Church in New Hartford where she served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and Prayer Chain Coordinator. She was very honored to have received the Archdiocesan St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation for her devotion.

Caryl will be greatly missed by the entire community. She worked tirelessly serving her friends and neighbors delivering meals and offering support whenever needed. The day before she passed Caryl said to her daughters, “I lived for my family.”

She loved her Impala convertible, feeding the birds, dogs, grand dogs, gardening, cooking and baking. Her legendary Christmas cookie platters will especially be missed!!!!

Friends may call on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, formerly Immaculate Conception Church in New Hartford from 9:30 - 10:30 AM with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 AM. Burial will be private in the spring. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Our Lady of Hope Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, PO Box 285, 60 Town Hill Road, New Hartford, CT 06057 and/or Bakerville Library, 6 Maple Hollow Road, New Hartford, CT 06057. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

01/27/2026

WINSTED-

James D. Dietlin, 54, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at his home after a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Candice (Douyard) Dietlin for 22 wonderful years. Born March 18, 1971 in Torrington; the son of Donald and Margaret (Evanoski) Dietlin.

Jimmy worked for Garbus Automotive where he met his wife, Levine’s in Winsted and Stewarts in Barkhamsted for many years. He was currently working at Freight Liner of Hartford in Torrington.

He loved collecting his Red Line Hot Wheels which he displayed pristinely, driving his cherished 1999 Corvette and really anything at all to do with automobiles. His great passion was cars, cars and cars.

Jimmy had a great sense of humor and is already is missed.

In addition to his wife, Candy and his parents, he is survived by his step son he loved like his own, Andrew Jenner, Jr.; sister, Diane King and husband Francis; nieces and nephews, Michael Waters, Zachary Weir, Heather Brunault and husband Kyle, Levi Weir and Victoria Vaill and husband Dan; his cats who he spoiled, Piper, Mickey and Syclone he called “Luigi.”

He was predeceased by a sister, Debra Weir.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 12 - 3 with a brief funeral service at 3 PM. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

01/27/2026

PITTSFIELD, MA

Funeral services for Allan K. Margraf, who passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 9, 2026 will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at The Little Brown Church, 4 Sandisfield Road, Sandisfield, MA at 11 AM with a reception to follow at the New Boston Inn, 101 North Main Street, Sandisfield, MA. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

01/24/2026

On January 9, 2026, James Anthony Marshall of Conway, SC, with family surrounding him, passed peacefully and went into the arms of Jesus.

Jim was born on July 13, 1946, in Torrington, CT where he grew up, the son of the late Daniel Marshall and Helen Smigel Marshall. He graduated from Torrington High School. Jim lived in New Hartford, CT for many years before he and his wife, Melina, relocated to Conway, SC.

Jim, (nickname Mushy), served in the USAF for three years, which included serving in the Vietnam War. He worked for the CT Dept. of Transportation for ten years and for the US Postal Service for twenty-four years in CT and SC.

Jim's hobbies included golfing, fishing, gardening, yard work, photography and adult coloring. With the family, he traveled while camping and downhill skiing. With Melina, he enjoyed hiking, card playing, country dancing, and geocaching in 30+ states.

Jim co-led several small church groups with his beloved church family in Christ Community Church (later Seacoast Church) in Conway, SC, including meals for the homeless, seniors’ group, and others. He loved participating in the Men’s Retreats and Men’s Bible Studies.

Jim and Melina traveled extensively, including trips to Europe, Canada, Mexico, cruises in the Caribbean, and all over the USA. They stayed and hosted several times with members of Wayside Travel Club.

Jim had the gift of gab and made many friends. He loved the Lord, loved being a dad to our five children. He cherished being Pa and Pepé to our grandchildren, and he was romantic and a gem toward his Melina to the end.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Janet Tedesco Marshall, his brother Dan, and other family members in his and Melina's families.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of thirty-six years, Melina (Dery) Marshall of Conway, SC, the family he treasured, especially his five children Bryan Marshall and Kim Lukcso of Piedmont, SC, Brad Marshall and Jasmary Monclova of Greenville, SC, Jason Poucher and wife Shannon of Simpsonville, SC, Tracy Poucher Warner and husband Steve of Lakewood, NY, and Erin Poucher Mitchell and husband Shane of Holladay, UT and his eleven grandchildren: Adrianna and Andrew Marshall, Zoraida, Amaya and Chris Garcia, Jaeden and Kamryn Poucher, Ryan and Alyssa Warner, Jackson and Montana Mitchell. He is also survived by his sister, Blanche Marshall Martin and husband James of Goshen, CT and their family, his sister-in-law Marian Dery Cronin and husband Sean of Rock Hill, SC, his aunt Nancy Derwitsch of Torrington, CT, as well as, many nieces and nephews, and cousins in his and Melina’s families.

We thank the many staff members of McLeod Hospice, and his part-time caregiver, Cheryl, and the staff with Comfort Keepers for the loving care they provided. We're thankful to the VA for Jim's benefits and the Caregiver Support Program for Melina's certification to care for Jim and support for Melina.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Seacoast Church, located at 1500 Hwy 501 Business, Conway, SC 29526 on February 7, at 2 pm followed by a social reception with desserts and beverages at the church. Casual dress is appropriate.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial offering can be given to Seacoast Church – Conway (address above).

Burial will be held after the passing of Melina, and arrangements will be handled by the Montano-Shea Funeral Home in New Hartford, CT for the burial by the Immaculate Conception parish in New Hartford.

01/24/2026

Denis Combes, affectionately known as Denny, 77, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was married to his devoted wife, Kathryn (Centrella) Combes, for 54 wonderful years, and together they made their home in Winsted. Born September 10, 1948, in Winsted, CT, he was the son of the late Walter and Sarah (Beech) Combes.

Denis was a proud United States Army veteran, dedicated 39 years of service to the Department of Transportation and was a proud Winsted volunteer firefighter for many years. A true family-first man, he deeply loved his family and was happiest making others laugh, always appreciating a good joke. He was a longtime youth baseball coach and local umpire when his children were young. He was a lifelong avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants.

In addition to his devoted wife Kathy, he is survived by his two sons, Jason Combes of Winsted and Jeremy Combes and wife Dyan of New Hartford; his cherished grandchildren, Easton, Grayson, and Benjamin; his brother, Walter Combes and wife Lynn of Torrington; and his sister, Margaret Dethlefson and husband Wayne of Barkhamsted.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a brief Mass at 4:00 p.m. at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted. A private burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery on Monday, February 2, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Denis Combes’ memory may be made to Lunabrook Village, 225 Wyoming Avenue Torrington, Connecticut 06790.

01/21/2026

WINSTED -

Patricia Ann Marek, 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and friends. Patti was born on July 16, 1952 in Hartford; the daughter of the late Mynest "Bob" and Katherine (Morgan) Cyr. She lived most of her young adult life in Granby, CT.

Patti moved to Winsted to raise her family and has remained there ever since. She was a curious, adventurous and fun, loving spirit who enjoyed the freedom of the road and many of her jobs involved driving. She also enjoyed hiking, camping and travelling. She loved visiting the beach and ocean.

Her Native American heritage bolstered her deep love of nature and wildlife. She was a great animal lover and had many beloved dogs throughout her life. She was very artistic and created many beautiful and intricate dream catchers and angels.

Her greatest love and joy were her two sons, Jason Cyr and Jesse Marek of Winsted; her former daughter-in-law, Sommer Connell and her grandchildren, Jacob and Tiffanie. She also leaves her best friend, Debra "Debbie" Williams of Simsbury.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date 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.

01/19/2026

TORRINGTON -

Donald John Palmer Sr., affectionately known as “Donnie,” passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026 at 67 years old at his home in Torrington. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, he was born January 2, 1959 in Sharon to Martin and Hazel Palmer and spent his early years in Falls Village where he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a deep love for his family.

Growing up, Donnie learned to work with his hands and developed not only a reputation as a skilled carpenter, but that of someone who was not afraid of hard work and lending a helping hand to those in need. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors; almost equal to these activities was recounting his favorite adventures to anyone who would listen.

Along with his love of nature, he was a longtime fan of his favorite baseball team, the New York Yankees and enjoyed both watching their games and collecting memorabilia. Above all else, however, was Donnie's devotion and love towards his family and friends. He could often be found spending entire afternoons, and many late nights, sipping coffee, playing card games, telling (and retelling) stories, and just generally enjoying whatever company he found himself in. Also, whenever able, he would drop everything to help those he loved with any number of projects, whether it be home renovations or fixing an old car.

He leaves behind a loving family who will always keep him in their hearts; his daughter Crystal Wilbur (Gordon); sons Joshua White (Lauren) and Derek Palmer; his brother Michael Palmer (Susan); his sisters Jane Martel (John) and Mary Ostrander; his partner Heather Hanson and their cat Peek-a-Boo. He will also be missed by his beloved grandchildren, Hayleigh Carter, Remi and River White, and many nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Hazel Palmer and his siblings Martin “Marty” Palmer, Carol Tubbs, Diane Briska, Barbara “Barb” Palmer and Cynthia Brown. Also gone before him was his eldest son, Donald Palmer, Jr.

Though we are saddened by their loss, we can take comfort in knowing he will be received by great company once again.

Services to celebrate Donnie’s life will be held at a later date by the family. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

01/19/2026

PITTSFIELD, MA

Allan K. Margraf, 67, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 9, 2026 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Frances “Franky” Ann (Herold) Margraf for 40 wonderful years. Born April 22, 1958 in Great Barrington, MA, he was the son of the late Walter and Mary (Spring) Margraf .

Allan worked for many years as an arborist and in his younger years with a painting crew. His enjoyment in life was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and taking day trips with his wife. They enjoyed mini vacations to the beach and camping. He also loved just relaxing at home and spending time with his family.

In addition to his devoted wife, he is survived by his two beloved daughters, Amber Lynn Margraf of Boston and Amy Margraf of Pittsfield; his close siblings, Barbara Hotchkiss and husband John of Sandisfield, Danny Margraf of Sandisfield, MA, Tina Thompson of Derby, VT, Terry Margraf and husband Tim LaCasse of Colebrook, CT, Jody Margraf and wife Shannon of Otis, MA and Robin Wilcox and husband John of Sandisfield, MA. He also left behind two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Margraf.

There will be no calling hours, funeral 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.

01/13/2026

Howard “Buddy” Sastrom passed away peacefully on January 9th after a brief illness. Howard was born on December 24, 1957 to Howard and Miriam Sastrom of Bridgeport, CT. Growing up Howard attended Bridgeport Schools. He was very involved in Special Olympics and won several medals for swimming. His favorite swim style was the breaststroke.

Upon Howard completing his schooling, he went to work for the Kennedy Center in Bridgeport. Howard worked in the kitchen and proudly helped to run the coffee and tea cart at the center. He was a valued and appreciated member of the team. He was a hard worker and loved by all that knew him. Some of Howard's outside interests included duckpin bowling, traveling with his sister Cari, WWE, and country music.

He was an avid New York Yankees fan and attended several games. Howard’s biggest passion was his art. Howard was creative and loved to paint the American Flag. Several of his paintings were sold at Kennedy Center auctions, and on several occasions his pictures were chosen for the Kennedy Center yearly calendar.

Howard is survived by his sister Carolee Nimro from Chuckey, Tennessee, nephew David Lekang (Ronda), nephew Donald Lekang (Dawne), Great nieces Sarah and Brittany, Great nephews Anton and Adam, Great great nieces Teagan and Cora and Great great nephews Tanner and AJ., and his extended family at Dot’s Place where Howard lived for many years.

Howard had a kind and loving heart paired with a wonderful personality that touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services for Howard will be in the spring. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements. Memorial contributions in Howard's name may be made to: Kennedy Collective MDA Arts Program, 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

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