Obituaries/Tributes

Nancy L. (Rowe) Schulze, 79, of Bristol, beloved wife of Francis T. Schulze, died on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at Bristol Hospital. Nancy was born in Waterbury on March 16, 1941 and was a daughter of the late Charles and Annunziata Rowe. Raised in Waterbury, she was a former longtime Wolcott resident before recently moving to Bristol. Her jobs included working for Timex, Phillips Corporation, driving for Ryder Transportation, and working as an aid at local nursing homes. In addition to her...

Kathleen Mary Griffin Smolenski, 91, went home to God peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 4, 2020. She was with family in her home of almost 60 years. A native of Bristol, Kathleen was born August 10, 1928 to John and Mary Griffin and lived most of her life in Bristol. She was predeceased many years ago by her husband, Anthony John Smolenski, her sister and brothers, Virginia Moriarty, Jack Griffin and Lawrence Griffin, as well as her cousin and dearest friend, Therese Snow. Kathy is...

Ronald P. Gendreau, 58, of Bristol, died on Thursday (April 2, 2020). Ronald was born in Hartford on March 5, 1962 and was the son of the late Lucien and Joan (Cote) Gendreau. Ronald was a huge fan of the New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers. His biggest joy was being around family and friends. We will miss our Buddy! Ronald is survived by his sister: Carol Dubay of Winsted; his beloved nieces: Christina Crowley and Jennifer Dubay; his adored godson: Derek Gendreau; his aunts and...

Darlene M. Trelli, 59, of Winsted, died on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington.  Darlene was born in Bristol on February 17, 1961 and was a daughter of Robert N. Trelli, Sr. of Torrington and Carol (Pavelchak) Trelli of Hawaii.  She was raised and went to local schools in Bristol.  She worked for the housekeeping department at Bristol Hospital for several years.  She leaves her father and mother, a daughter, a brother, Robert N. Trelli, Jr.,...

Garlene (Guimond) Gnitzcavich, 77, beloved wife of John Gnitzcavich, of Torrington, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at Valerie Manor Torrington. Born in Bristol on July 26, 1942 to the late Lucian and Bertha (Michaud) Guimond, she spent many years living in Bristol, as well as Maine, Florida and Torrington. Garlene graduated from Saint Anthony’s Catholic School, Bristol and then went on to graduate from The Hartford Academy of Hairdressers school. While in high school, Garlene loved to...

Kathy Sargis Wiegert, 67, of Bristol, beloved wife of Richard C. Wiegert, died on Saturday (March 28, 2020) at Bristol Hospital. Kathy was born in Bristol on May 24, 1952 and was a daughter of the late Sam and Margaret (O’Leary) Sargis. A lifelong Bristol resident, she graduated from Bristol Eastern High School. She worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for 35 years before retiring. She loved dogs and enjoyed sewing. In addition to her husband of 35...

Blanche M. (Paul) Poinatale, 69, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Friday (March 27, 2020) at Bristol Hospital. Blanche was born in Bristol on March 28, 1950 and was a daughter of the late Norman and Germaine (Ouellette) Paul. A lifelong Bristol resident, she attended Bristol Central High School and was a parishioner of St. Ann Church. She worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for several years. She enjoyed going to mass, making people laugh, knitting and playing cards. She loved...

David A. Schunk, 64, of Bristol, CT, formerly of East Longmeadow, died on Tuesday (March 24, 2020). David was born in Springfield on September 26, 1955 and was a son of Howard Schunk of Springfield and the late June (Spindler) Schunk. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from the former Springfield Technical High School and Springfield Technical Community College. He settled in East Longmeadow and worked for the United States Postal Service bulk mail center in Indian Orchard for 35...

Geraldine B. Eddy, 93, of Avon, CT died at River Ridge of Avon on Monday, March 23, 2020.  She was born in Pulaski, New York on February 1, 1927, the youngest of four daughters of the late George Washington Eddy and Florence E. Burr.   Geraldine graduated from Bristol Central High School in 1943.  She attended college majoring in mathematics. She enjoyed a 45-year business career working for Phoenix Mutual Insurance Co. and The Hartford Insurance...

Eric E. Steen, 61, of Farmington, died on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Touchpoints of Farmington. Eric was born in New Haven on October 14, 1958 and was a son of Ernest Steen of Pennsylvania and the late Nancy (Whittum) Steen. He attended Northfield Mount Hermon School in Northfield, MA and McAllister College in St. Paul, MN. Services are private. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol is in care of arrangements. Please visit Eric's memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.