Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

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Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

A family owned funeral home that cares about the people we serve. The Baxter family is here to support families in their time of a loss of a loved one.

The Dillon Funeral Home in Hartford was originally established in 1880 by Charles J. Dillon, a well known businessman and community leader. As one of the largest Funeral homes in the area, Gerald S. Baxter, Sr. began working for the firm in 1963. Seeing the need for a more modern facility, Mr. Baxter built the current funeral home in 1978-1979, allowing handicap access (all one level) and a large

parking area. He also recognized the importance of having a centrally-located facility. After moving to Wethersfield, Gerald Baxter carried on the tradition of care compassion and quality . He has since instilled those ethics and values into his son Gerald S. Baxter, Jr. who grew up in the business and started as a licensed funeral director in 1986.

06/01/2026

Cathy Ann Barber, 72, of Rocky Hill, CT beloved wife of the late Robert A. Strout passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Middlesex Hospital. Cathy was born in Dallas, TX and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Veronica (Padegimas) Barber. Cathy received bachelor degrees in both Computer Science and Culinary Science from Southern Connecticut State University. After college she managed Fitzwilly’s Restaurant before beginning a 27 year career as a property manager at Lasher Court in Wethersfield, CT. She was loved and appreciated by staff and residents alike. Cathy was an avid reader, loved to cook, was a treasured friend, and had a generous spirit. Her favorite memories included delicious meals shared with friends and family.

Cathy is survived by her two brothers Harry Barber and Anthony Barber and his wife Roseann.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield CT on Saturday June 6, 2026. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Saturday, from 10am to 12pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes Ministries, 646 Prospect Ave, Hartford, CT 06105 or American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share a memory of Cathy, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

05/27/2026

Kathryn Urban, 100, of Wethersfield has made the paper. “I read the obituaries every morning to see if I'm in them” she was fond of saying. Kathryn died peacefully, surrounded by family on Memorial Day, May 25th, 2026 in Newington.

She was born in Hartford on October 6th, 1925, to Lithuanian immigrants. “My father never planted a tree that didn't grow fruit” Kay recalled, carrying on many of the traditions of the old country, serving in the Knights of Lithuania, and even visiting the homeland while still under Soviet rule. She claims the KGB rifled her luggage. We're just glad she made it home.

After a childhood in an era when horse carts delivered ice, persevering through the Great Depression, dancing up a storm at the social halls and USO, and working at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft during WWII. She then met Tony–and even pulled the left my glove behind trick on him. It worked. They were married in 1948.

The kids arrived next: Robert, Michelle, David, and later, Joseph. They settled in Wethersfield. Kay surprised Tony one day by driving a car around. “Got my license. And this car. Split it with my sister.” The '34 Chevy was prone to overheat, much to the delight of the neighborhood kids. “We want a car with a fountain, too!”

There was a cross country road trip in the 60's, adventures worldwide, activities at at Holy Trinity Church, family, Jeopardy!, volunteering with the Knights, seeing presidents from FDR to Clinton, visiting grand kids, winning almost any contest, including a car, and an uncanny knack for names and genealogy.

She'd say two things at the end of every call these past few years: “I love you”, and “Enjoy life, you only go by once.” We're so glad you were born!

She is survived by: Robert Urban of Alexandria, VA, Michelle Urban of San Jose, CA, David Urban and his wife Sue of Ashburnham, MA, Joseph Urban and his wife Carye of San Francisco, CA, five grandchildren (Andrea, Eric, Josh, Noah, and Zakk) and 3 great-grandchildren (Stella, Romy, and Miles). Kathryn is predeceased by her parents Bartholomew and Isabella (Pitkin) Sidlauskas, her husband Anthony Urban, her sister Eleanor May, and her brother Thomas Sidlauskas.

Special thanks to Karen Murray and Ron Collins as well as Deb May and Kenny Burnside for their years of help and support to Kathryn. Also, we want to thank Jefferson House for their love and caring for Kathryn over the past year.

Viewing will be 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday May 29 at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home at 1276 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am Saturday, May 30 at Holy Trinity Church, 53 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. To share a memory of Kathryn, please visit www.dillonbaxterfuneralhome.com

05/20/2026

Jose A. Ortiz, Sr., 81, of Hartford, CT passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Hospital of Central CT @ New Britain General. Jose was born in Adjuntas, PR and was the son of the late Daniel and Justina (Vasquez) Ortiz.

Jose is survived by his three sons, Efrain, David and Marco Ortiz and his daughter Rosalinda. Jose was predeceased by his son Jose A. Ortiz, Jr.

Funeral service or Jose will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Friday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Jose, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

05/14/2026

Rev. Carmen I. Pena, 88, of Newington, CT beloved wife of the late Rev. Miguel Pena passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Hospital of Central CT @ New Britain General. Carmen was born in Gurabo, PR and was the daughter of the late Gumercindo and Belen (Betancourth) Hernandez.

Carmen is survived by her three sons Joel Pena, Elias Pena, Miguel Pena, Jr., her daughter Miriam Quinonez, her sister Aracelis Hernandez, her twelve grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Carmen was predeceased by her daughter Hilcias Merari Pena.

Funeral service for Carmen will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:30am at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Hazardville Cemetery, Enfield. Relatives and friends may call at La Primera Iglesia de Dios, 45 Oliver St., Hartford, CT Friday from 5pm to 8pm. To share a memory of Carmen, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

05/05/2026

Leonor Contreras, 84, of Hartford, CT passed away Monday, May 4, 2026 at Hartford Hospital. Leonor was born in Peru and was the daughter of the late Artemio Contreras and Laura Rosa De la Cruz. She was a wonderful mother who worked very hard for her daughter and family. She loved everyone and was always there to help when needed. She enjoyed cooking for her family and devoted herself to raising her grandchildren with all her heart.

Leonor is survived by her only daughter Rosario Contreras and her husband Victor M. Vasquez She was the oldest of her siblings Gerardo Contreras, Raul Contreras, Crescensio Contreras, and Antonio Contreras, her three grandchildren Victor Eli Vasquez, her two great grandchildren Dionella, Rosabella, Manuel Vasquez and his wife Albalee Vasquez, two great grandkids Leaandra and Alexis, and Izaiah Vasquez. Leonor was predeceased by her grandchild Diego Alexis Vasquez and her sister-in- law Maria De La Roca.

Funeral service for Leonor will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 79 New Park Ave., Hartford. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. To share a memory of Leonor, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

05/01/2026

Alfredo Cuellar, Jr., 43, of Hartford, CT, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Alfredo was born in Hartford and was the beloved son of Alfredo Cuellar, Sr. and Isabel Nunez. Alfredo was energetic, athletic, loyal, and deeply affectionate. He had a radiant smile that could light up an entire room. Wherever he went, he built strong connections and left lasting impressions on the minds and hearts of those he met. He was a devoted protector of his family and of anyone fortunate enough to be counted among his close circle. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his corny jokes and playful pranks. Growing up, Alfredo enjoyed playing baseball and basketball at Elizabeth Park, spending time with video games, playing the trombone, and listening to all genres of music. He cherished staying connected with family and lifelong friends through visits and phone calls. He was also a great dancer who loved expressing himself through salsa, merengue, and bachata, bringing joy and energy to every gathering. Throughout his life, Alfredo lived in a few states (CT, PA, KY) and he always embraced new beginnings. He was a people person. He made friends everywhere he went and this is reflected in the friendships he built from all walks of life. He made you feel seen. Alfredo also gave the tightest hugs and embrace when greeting family and friends. He captivated hearts. Alfredo loved cooking, pouring his heart and soul into every meal, just as his father taught him. He also developed strong landscaping skills and was always willing to lend a hand with home projects, whether painting or gardening. A creative spirit, he expressed himself through thoughtful handwritten letters and art. Above all, he was someone with whom you built cherished, lasting memories. Alfredo will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He now rests peacefully in the loving arms of the Father.

Alfredo is survived by his son, Alfredo Cuellar II; his sisters, Barbara D. Claudio (Cuellar) and her husband Gustavo Claudio of Windsor, CT, Yicelis Cuellar of Germany, Esmeralda Figueroa of Wethersfield, CT, and Julie Figueroa of Windsor; and his brother, Hector Figueroa of Hartford. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews: Hector and Corrina Figueroa, Emilio Figueroa Jr., Dennis and Maya Machial, Jayden and Yeliah Figueroa, and Antonio and Arianna Claudio. Alfredo is now reunited with his brother Emilio Figueroa, Sandra Gage, and his uncle Emilio Cuellar.

A Celebration of Alfredo’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. To share a memory of Alfredo, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/29/2026

It is with profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the peaceful passing of Mary (Kelly) Campanello on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92. Mary departed this world surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and celebrated by all who knew her. Born on March 18, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, Mary was the beloved daughter of the late Julia and John Kelly. She was also predeceased by her cherished siblings, Dennis Kelly and Shelia Beeson. Mary carried with her the warmth and strength of her Irish heritage, which she embraced and shared throughout her life. Mary was the devoted wife of John P. Campanello, Sr., with whom she shared an extraordinary 71-year marriage. Together, they crafted a life filled with love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to family. Their union, which began on June 5, 1954, blossomed into a remarkable legacy that includes four adoring children: John (Louann) Campanello, Jr., Dennis (Donna) Campanello, James (Suzanne) Campanello, and Jennifer (Rob) Lewis. Her family was the heart of Mary’s world, and she was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and the doting great-grandmother to 8 great-grandchildren. Her warmth and tenacity, combined with a quick wit and a feisty Irish temperament, endeared her to all generations. Her thoughtfulness and loving heart were the cornerstones of her character, and she possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and cherished. Mary’s journey began with an education at Hartford Public High School, followed by her early work with the Fuller Brush Company. She was a dedicated member of her community, spending many joyful years as a lunch aide at Greenfield Elementary School and Corpus Christi School in Wethersfield. Her role allowed her to keep a watchful eye on her rambunctious children, ensuring they thrived in a nurturing environment. Mary’s life was a tapestry of service, love, and devotion, not only to her family but to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her brother, Francis Kelly, survives her, carrying forward the familial bonds that were so important to her. A celebration of Mary’s remarkable life will be held on May 1, 2026, at Dillon Baxter. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring a woman who touched so many lives with her kindness, humor, and indomitable spirit.

Funeral service for Mary will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 12pm at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Friday from 10am to 11:30am. To share a memory of Mary, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/22/2026

Maria L. Arroyo, 71, of Hartford, CT passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. Maria was born in Santurce, PR and was the daughter of Maximina (Lozada) and the late Agapito Arroyo. Raised in the Bronx NY then she got married and moved to Costa Rica for about 20 years, where she met great friends and owned her own business. She came back to Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked at her father’s store La Placita del Pueblo. She worked at Hartford Hospital as a PCA for 20 years, where she then retired. Maria will be remembered as a loving and caring person. She loved reading her romance books and cooking.

Besides her mother Maximina, Maria is survived by her brother Hector Arroyo and sister-in-law Nancy Arroyo and Magaly Adorno. Daughter Linda Agosto & son Johnny Oconitrillo. Granddaughter Lindsay Vega and Angie Rebecca Ocontrillo. Predeceased by Pedro, Wilfredo, Fernando, and Edwin Arroyo.

Funeral service for Maria will be held Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church/Maria Reina De La Paz Parish, 494 New Britain Ave., Hartford, CT. Burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. To share a memory of Maria, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

04/13/2026

Leticia Rivera, 69, of New Britain, CT, beloved wife of Pedro Marrero, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, surrounded by the love of those who held her dear. Leticia was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, and was the daughter of the late Perfecto and Felicita (Cotto) Rivera. A woman of strength, and grace, Leticia will be remembered for the warmth she brought into every room and the unconditional love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence was a source of comfort and joy, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Besides her devoted husband, Pedro, and her beloved stepson, Puchito, Leticia is survived by her brother, William Rivera; her sisters, Carmen Ite Rivera and Lydia “Llipa” Luna; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched deeply by her love and care.

Funeral services for Leticia will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, CT, with a time of prayer to be announced. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To share a memory of Leticia, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

03/20/2026

Margarita Nunez Aviles, 78, of Hartford, CT, beloved wife of Angel Gonzalez passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026 at home. Margarita was born in Aibonito, PR and was the daughter of the late Juan and Maria (Aviles) Nunez.

Besides her husband Angel, Margarita is survived by her two daughters Sonia Gonzalez and Margie Gonzalez and her four sons Luis (Nandi) Gonzalez, Alberto (Flico) González, Angel David Gonzalez and Orlando Gonzalez.

Funeral service for Margarita will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12pm at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Puerto Rico. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. To share a memory of Margarita, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com

Address

1276 Berlin Turnpike
Wethersfield, CT
06109

Website

http://www.dillonbaxter.com/

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