Bacon Funeral Home Willimantic, CT

08/20/2026

Richard “Rick” Arnold, 81, of Rochester, MA, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026. Born February 1, 1945, and raised in Windham, CT, Rick attended St. Mary’s School in Willimantic, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He played football and swam competitively at Windham High School before going on to the University of Connecticut, where those friendships grew even closer.

He built his career in vinyl sales, a niche industry that has largely faded from the modern landscape, spending years at Ross & Roberts in Stratford, CT, before moving to Vulplex in Fall River, MA, where he spent the remainder of his career. He knew that industry inside and out, having spent decades close to the factory floor.

Rick raised his family in Franklin, CT, coaching basketball and softball along the way, with summer vacations to Bar Harbor and Cape Cod and winter ski trips to Vermont. He retired to Rochester, MA, where golf remained a passion, from Willimantic Country Club in his early years to Bay Pointe Country Club after retirement. Around the house, he always had a project going, taking pride in keeping it well cared for inside and out. He was active in his neighborhood association, at one point serving as board president.

In Rochester, Rick loved scenic drives and bike rides along the Cape Cod Canal, hosting friends for lobster dinners, entertaining his grandchildren, and discovering South Coast restaurants for oysters and local seafood. Rick and Paulette enjoyed travel across the US and to Italy, Mexico, Canada, and many trips to England, France, and Portugal. There was no place he loved more than the white sand beaches of the Bahamas, where he traveled each winter.

He was predeceased by his wife, Paulette Arnold. He is survived by his four children, Beth Arnold, Kristopher Arnold, Gregory Arnold, and Jacquie Mital; nine grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Damien’s Pantry. https://damiensfoodpantry.org/

A visitation will be held at 11:00 am, followed by a service at 12:00 pm, on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic with a lunch to follow. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

08/17/2026

Lesley “Gini” Virginia (Banks) Gonce entered her eternal slumber on August 16th, 2026 after a full 81 years of living. Born on June 27, 1945, in Leicester, England, to Mary Vivian Banks and Lesley Hicks, Gini spent her early years near London.

At the young age of 17, she traveled to the United States with hopes of making her way to the West Coast. Although she eventually made it to California, as well as many other states throughout her life, she ultimately settled in Texas, where she married and became a mother to five children.

In 1976, Gini returned to England for a year before making her way back to the United States, where she planted roots in New England, primarily Massachusetts and Connecticut. While in New England, she welcomed another child, became a social worker, and continued her education.

During her adult life, she earned her master’s degree in English, became a foster mother to countless young girls, and worked tirelessly to defend and be a voice for those who did not have one of their own.

Once her kids left the nest, she left her mark on more lives up and down the East Coast, planting seeds of hope and light in South Carolina and Florida as well.

Throughout her life Gini loved gardening, playing bingo, writing, and spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Michael, Christopher, and Andrew “Andy” Gonce; her parents, Mary Vivian Banks and Leslie Hicks; and her grandchild, Ian Nelson.

She is survived by her brother, Andrew Steven Vivian; her daughters, Julie Riser (Alan), Tami Gonce- Lambert (Timothy), Kymberlie Gonce, and Jaime Ohop; her grandchildren, Crystal Jenkins, Jessie Gonce, Timothy Jones (Heather), Jacob Gonce, Joshua Gonce (April), Cierra Gonce, Brianna Hoeffer, and Brittney Hoeffer; and her great-grandchildren, Hope Jenkins, Jayden Jenkins, Alex Carmen-Gonce, Isabella Nelson, Ayden Gonce, Damien Gonce, Logan Gonce, and Mariela Lawrence.

Gini leaves behind a family who loved her, countless lives she touched, and a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and perseverance that will continue through those who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday August 30, from 1 to 4PM at Westville Dam Southbridge, MA.

08/17/2026

Jesus “Chuito” Soto Jr., 32, of Hartford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Jesus was born on July 20, 1994, in Norwich, Connecticut, to Jesus Soto Vazquez and Luz Ortiz.

In God’s Holy Kingdom, Jesus is reunited with his beloved brother, Samuel Ivan Soto; his paternal aunt, Maribel Vazquez; his paternal grandmother, Juana “Doña Juana” Vazquez; and his maternal grandmother, Regina Claudio Vazquez.

Jesus was a talented and skilled barber who had a special way of bringing a smile to everyone who sat in his chair. He loved making people laugh, smile, and feel loved. Jesus was a light to everyone he encountered, and he affectionately referred to everyone as “Wachupin.” His warm personality, sense of humor, and ability to make others feel welcomed will forever be remembered.

Jesus had a passion for music, dancing, cars, clothing, sneakers, and hats—but above all, he loved food! He expressed his unique personality and creativity through his love of tattoos and piercings.

Along with his loving parents, Jesus leaves behind his beloved children, Amir Lopez and Samuel Lopez, and their mother, Shavana Lopez.

He is also survived by his paternal aunts, Belegna Telles Toledo, Andrea Sanchez, and Rosemary Vega; paternal uncle, Gregorio Ayala; maternal aunts, Maria T. Flores, Carmen M. Ortiz, Aracelis Sánchez, and Jasmine Sánchez; brothers, Jonathan Ocasio, Kioma Ramos, and Danny Vazquez; and sisters, Miosotis Ocasio, Margarita Ortiz, and Belmarie Vazquez.

Chuito will be deeply and eternally missed by his many cousins, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His laughter, his love, his kindness, and his unforgettable spirit will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday Aug 18, from 10 to 11:30AM at Funeraria del Pilar 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. Graveside service will follow at 12PM at New Willimantic Cemetery .To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

08/16/2026

In Loving Memory of Kathleen S. Aukerman (Sullivan)

Kathleen S. Aukerman, 82, of Ashford wife of the late Stephen Aukerman Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday August 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Paul Sullivan and Vivian (Bourdeau) Sullivan.

Born on July 2, 1944, in Southbridge MA. She grew up in Sturbridge and then moved to Tolland, before finally residing in Ashford. She graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School, then from Eastern Connecticut State University, and got her law degree from Western New England University. She worked for the IRS and then founded her own financial services tax business before retiring.

Kathy (Grandma) was a devoted grandmother, mother, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered for her generous heart, gentle spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family.

She found immense joy in her annual Martha's Vineyard vacations, trying out at new restaurants with neighbors, watching The Young and the Restless, and spending time with her family. Her home was a place of comfort and laughter, and she never missed an opportunity to make those around her feel loved and cared for. Her smile lit up every room, and she was an inspiration and source of strength for so many.

She is survived by her son Stephen Aukerman Jr. and his wife Lisa, their three children: Zachary Aukerman, his significant other Carrie Lagasse and their children Gage Aukerman, Cameron Pramuka, Cadence Pramuka, and Cassidy Pramuka: Nicholas Aukerman and his fiancé Julia Gaiser; and Grace Aukerman. She is also survived by her daughter Karen Finik (Aukerman) and her husband Frank, and their three children: Kayleigh Finik and her husband Melik, Ally Finik, and Jason Finik. She also leaves behind her sister Ellen Romano (Sullivan) and her husband Sal; her nephew Kevin Schmitt and his wife Carolyn; her niece Valerie Payton and her husband Kim. She also leaves behind many other close family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Stephen Aukerman Sr., and her sister Marilyn Miller.

Her family will forever cherish the memories she created and the lessons she shared. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday August 19, 2026, at 9:30 am at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. Following the funeral will be a burial at New Notre Dame Cemetery in Southbridge MA and then a celebration of life at The Publick House in Sturbridge MA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations may be made in her honor to the National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) or any charity of your choosing. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

08/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Elizabeth M. Licata while surrounded by her loving family. She passed peacefully on Saturday, August 1st at the age of 95.

Born November 24, 1930 at Hartford Hospital, she was the last of six children born to the late Thomas and Joan Thompson. She was the matriarch of her generation. Family was first and foremost, and she made sure our extended families celebrated holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and many other special occasions together as a group. Friendships were plenty and forged throughout the years with many lasting 70 plus years. She was an avid supporter of both community and country. After graduating nursing school in 1950 to become a LPN, she worked at Windham Hospital for 30 years, mostly working the graveyard shift within the pediatric ward. She loved caring for the infant children on her watch. After retiring from Windham Hospital she felt she had more to give and began providing care for special needs children. It was a job that gave her some of the most satisfaction. She was an active member of many group organizations where she served on the boards including the VFW Women’s Auxillary (Lifetime Member), Princess Yolanda/Sons of Italy, Ella T. Grasso #2538 and many other. Patrons of Windham Tech and the Willimantic Midget Football sports teams enjoy many of her finest baking creations at the concession stand during the decades of the 70s and 80s. Elizabeth was baptized and a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph Church.

She was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years Norman Licata Sr. She is survived by two sons Norman Licata Jr. of North Haven, CT. and Samuel A. Licata and his wife Pamela of East Hampton, CT. She was extremely supportive and proud of her two sons. Willing to make sacrifices like driving to sports practices and games for several years, and help funding their college. The last of six including Thomas Thompson Jr., Mildred Chase, George Thompson, Helen Hureau and Donald Thompson. Nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, friends and family all had a warm spot in their hearts for Aunt Betty.

Her family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday Aug 11, from 9:30 to 10:30AM at the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect Street in Willimantic, CT. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson Street in Willimantic at 11AM. Burial service will follow mass at St. Joseph Cemetery , Club Rd in Windham, CT. where she will be laid next to the love of her life. In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth and the family ask that you consider a donation to either of these worthy causes; St. Joseph Church Building Fund, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT., or the Veterans of Foreign War Greater Windham Veterans Council 630 Valley St., Willimantic, CT. 06226. Please visit www.baconfh.com to register your condolences online.

07/29/2026

Lise C. Laflamme, 76, of Willimantic passed away Tuesday July 28, 2026.

Born on May 28, 1950 in Quebec, Canada she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emma (Cloutier) Fernand.

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

07/28/2026

Brenda G. Estep, 62, of Columbia passed away peacefully with staff by her side on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Melvin and Lila (Rittner) Estep. Brenda was Born on October 4, 1963, in Columbus, OH.

She moved into the group home (Scalise Drive, Key Human Services) in October 2021. Brenda became part of the Scalise family from day one. She brought joy to everyone around her with her one-of-a-kind personality. Brenda loved to listen to all genres of music , going out to eat pizza, and eating at Applebee's. She loved going to the fairs (The Big E, Lebanon Fair, Hebron Fair), going to the local parks, zoos, aquariums, taking walks on the damn and heading to the casinos with her housemates and staff, especially around the holidays. Brenda enjoyed going to the lights every year at Christmas and loved going to Disney with her staff and housemates. She will be forever missed by her Scalise family members and all staff who loved and cared for her. She left a mark on everyone's heart that will never be forgotten.

In her early years Brenda enjoyed knitting, crocheting, watching Happy Days, coloring, baking cookies at Christmas, playing the guitar, and spending quality time with her extended family. Brenda had quite a sweet tooth and enjoyed chocolate.

She is survived by her brothers, John Estep of Redford, MI and Stephen Estep of Dearborn Heights, MI and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Rye Merrow.

Relatives and friends may visit on Wednesday Aug 5, from 4 to 6PM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen (covenantsoupkitchen.org) To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

07/23/2026

Richard Henry Wright, 66, of Columbia husband of Denise (Matteau) Wright passed away Tuesday July 21, 2026 at Hartford Hospital. He was the son of the late Richard and Sidonie (Lamb) Wright.

Born on May 1, 1960 in Germany, he loved all types of racing especially Nascar, formula one and motorcycle racing. He also loved his Mitsubishi Evo lancer which was a very fast car. He also adored his 2 cats Zeus and Apollo. They love doing tricks for daddy.

Besides his wife Denise, he is survived by his brother, Michael Wright and his nephews Andrew and his wife Elise and Matt his brother. He also leaves his late brother Robert Wright and his wife Cassie and daughters Alisha and Katie. He also leaves his best friend who was like his little brother Matt Wadsworth from Vermont.

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

07/18/2026

When you call us, you’ll be connected to director and owner John A.Adamcewicz who will take care of you and your loved ones like our own. 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 and the surrounding area... Learn More

07/12/2026

Bruce Edward John
January 13, 1951 - June 29, 2026

Bruce Edward John, aged 75, died on the evening of Monday June 29, 2026. At his request, he was at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Bruce was born at Windham Hospital on January 13, 1951 to Alfred and Lucille John. He grew up in Mansfield, graduating from E.O. Smith High School in 1969 before briefly attending Eastern Connecticut State University.

In October of 1971 Bruce and David “Lefty” Foster opened the Shaboo Inn along with their siblings and business partners, Kerry and Gary John, and Mark Foster. While his most famous business venture was undoubtedly the Shaboo, Bruce worked in a number of fields over his life. He grew up working at Lou’s, his father’s restaurant in Eagleville, and spent many years in car sales, and advertising sales. He also co-owned the Mansfield Academy of Dance with his daughter Mia.

Bruce’s music and performance career began at a young age, first performing “Blue Suede Shoes” at an elementary school talent show. He performed with many bands over the years, including his first band, The Gas Company, Tonight Only, The Kidsville Kuckoo R***e, Dinosaurs After Dark, and, most recently, The Bruce John Genre Jam.

For the past 20 years Bruce dedicated his life to helping others, mostly through his music. He spearheaded numerous benefits furthering the causes of hunger and homelessness. For many years he celebrated his birthday by having a dance at the Elks Club to raise money for Project Hope (formerly the No Freeze Shelter). In 2009 he cofounded the Bread Box Folk Theater with his wife Therese, which has raised thousands of dollars for Covenant Soup Kitchen. While Bruce often said that he was not in it for the accolades, he was nonetheless very proud to be named Willimantic’s 31st Cupid in 2012.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Therese John; his daughter and son-in-law, Mia and Joshua Pomerenke and their children, Logan, Kali, Parker, Greta and Lucy; his daughter and son-in-law Emma John and Sean Riddle; and his siblings Kerry John and Scott St. John. He was predeceased by his parents Lucille and Alfred John; his sister Kim John; and his brother Gary John.

The family would like to thank Jason Altieri and Betsy Harakaly for their love and presence in Bruce’s final days.

There will be a public celebration of life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, Project Hope, or Creative Living Community of CT. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com