Bacon Funeral Home Willimantic, CT, 71 Prospect Street, Willimantic, CT (2026)

06/05/2026

Doris J. Charron, 97, formerly of Hebron and Columbia CT, wife of the late Joseph M. Charron, passed away Tuesday June 2, 2026. She was born on December 20, 1928 in Willimantic, CT and was the daughter of the late Ovila and Clara (Hervieux) Chalifoux.

Doris and Joe met in May of 1947, were engaged on her birthday that December and married in May of 1948. They spent 72 fun and eventful years together before Joe’s death in 2020. They lived in Columbia CT for many years in the house they built on Hunt Road. It was the scene of many fun gatherings of family and friends, especially every July 4th where the backyard came alive with grilling chicken, delicious salads, fun yard games and splashing in the pool.

Shortly after moving to Columbia, Doris began working part time at Electric Motor in Willimantic, then worked fulltime at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford as an inspector. In 1972 she began working at Windham Community Memorial Hospital, first as a nurse’s aide and then as a secretary for the nurse’s station until her retirement in 1989.

Doris loved to cook and was well known for her apple pies made only with her homemade dough; store bought dough was frowned upon. Every Christmas she made a huge batch of Pizzelle cookies which she widely shared. She was an avid Red Sox and UCONN Huskey Basketball fan.

Doris and Joe loved to travel to any place warm and with beautiful beaches. They visited Aruba, St. Thomas, Barbados and several trips to Hawaii.

Doris moved to Colebrook Village in Hebron CT in 2020 following Joe’s death and spent six lively and engaged years there. She enjoyed the many activities there but especially loved playing Bingo and participating with her team in Name that Tune. She had a bit of a competitive side to her.

She is survived by her son, Joseph G Charron and wife Liz of Lebanon CT, son Richard Charron and wife Joan of Ellington CT, grandchildren Jeff Charron (wife Lynda) of St. Augustine FL, Lisa Charron (husband Julian) of Madison WI, and Mandy Greer (husband Reuben) of Ridgefield WA and her great grandchildren Parker, Nathan, Jayden, and Ella, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doris’ family would like to thank the staff and care givers at Colebrook Village for the tender and loving care they gave to Doris during her last few years and especially during the past few weeks.

A memorial service for Doris will be held later this summer. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

06/04/2026

Edward N. Paulovske Jr., 81, of Windham husband of Patricia (Beatrice) Paulovske passed away Wednesday June 3, 2026. He was the son of the late Edward and Marie Antoinette (D’Albis) Paulovske .

Born on November 19, 1944 in New Haven, CT he was educated and licensed in every type of aircraft he worked on. Edward was an airport owner and his own business aircraft mechanic. He also worked on airplanes while serving in the U.S. Army. He had a passion for inventing and building things including a Try Moran boat and a home in Texas. He was also an excellent antique Jaguar mechanic. There pretty much wasn’t anything Dad couldn’t fix or repair. He was generous and loving and always willing to give a hand to whoever needed it. Edward knew the Lord and attended church regularly when he was able to.

Besides his wife, Patricia he leaves behind his son, Edward Paulovske and his wife Alice; his grandson, Nicholas Paulovske and his wife, Kayla; brother, Martin Bannavitch and his wife, PJ; his sisters, Cynthia Rotol and husband, Bill and Roberta Bonauto; 5 bonus grandchildren through Alice Paulovske,20 bonus great grandchildren and his caregivers, Debbie Cuccaro and Nigel Bryan. He was predeceased by his son, Michael.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday June 18, from 10AM to 12PM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. Graveside services will follow at 12:30PM at Windham Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org)To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

06/02/2026

Wladyslaw Johan Janczyk, 75, of Storrs Mansfield, husband of Elizabeth Janczyk Nield passed away Tuesday May 26, 2026 at Mansfield Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was the son of the late Wladyslaw and Anna (Hafner) Janczyk.

Born on November 27, 1950 in Mengen Germany he moved to the United States with his family in November of 1954 to Bristol, Connecticut. He attended Saint Stanislaw School in Bristol, E.C. Goodwin Technical High School in New Britain Tunxis Community College in Farmington where he graduated with a Business Degree.
Wladyslaw was the Owner, CEO, and Senior Toolmaker of National Spring and Stamping in Thomaston, Connecticut. He served in the United States Naval Construction Forces, Seabees for 27 years. Wladyslaw was a War Time Veteran serving in Vietnam and receiving the Bronze Star. He retired as a Command Master Chief of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 12, in Davisville Rhode Island.

Besides his wife Elizabeth, he leaves behind his only child Jody Lynn Williamson, and his grandchildren Devora Louise Trestman and Elianna Rebekah Trestman, son in law Thomas Neilly Moffat Williamson; step Son Dylan Nield and his wife Kristina and their children Gavin & Harper; his departed step Son Shawn Nield, Shawn’s son Austin; sister Alina Anna Farago, her husband Sam and her sons Jameson and Ryan,and their children; brother Andrzej “Andy”Janczyk his wife Therese and their children Matthew, Christopher and Andrea, and their children; sister Jadwiga “Hedy” Stinchfield, her husband John and her children Maxwell, Marina, Leo, and their children. Wladyslaw “Walter” also leaves behind many friends and loved ones including Jody’s mother, Patricia Demay, his former business partners and his Brothers in Arms
and their spouses and partners of MCB12.

Please join the family for a celebration of Walter's life on Friday June 19, at 2PM at the family estate at 9 Storrs Heights Rd. Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268. It is recommended that you bring your own lawn chair.

Eulogy and memorial at 2PM
Honor Guard at 3PM Sharp
**The family is asking people to be on property for 1PM to 1:30PM**
Address: 9 Storrs Heights Road
Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268
Parking: The driveway is reserved for honor guard soldiers. Please parallel park on the street, do not park on the grass of the center green across from the house; If someone has a disability and needs to pull up to the house please do so, someone can assist with moving your car to the road. If you arrive after 2PM kindly wait until honor guard is completed to pull in.
Luncheon, dessert, and refreshments will be served immediately after the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MCB12 Association Scholarship- send checks to MCB12 Association c/o Don Napery 2 Birdie Court, Lakeville, MA 02347-1413. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/31/2026

Hipolito Palacios Castro, 46, of Willimantic passed away Tuesday May 26, 2026.

Born on August 13, 1979 in Puebla, Mexico he is the son of Gregorio Palacios and Lucile Castro.

He is survived by his loving family.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday June 4, from 4 to 7PM at Funeraria del Pilar 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. Services and burial will be in Mexico.

05/19/2026

Deborah Doucette, 50, of Windham, beloved wife of Gary Doucette, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Born on January 28, 1976, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Ellen (Horn) Bushey.

Debbie was a funny, caring, and sweet woman who brought joy to everyone around her. She had a heart full of love, especially for her two boys and her five beloved grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She loved shopping for her grandkids and could spend hours in Savers searching for the perfect gifts for them. Family was always at the center of her life, and some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved most.

She had a creative spirit and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Debbie loved coloring and working on paint-by-number projects, and she never passed up the chance to stop and smell every candle in the store. Her home was always filled with the warm glow and comforting scent of a candle burning nearby. She also loved fishing and took great pride in out-fishing her husband whenever she had the chance. Always ready for a little excitement, she enjoyed trips to the casino and the fun and the laughter that came along with them.

No matter where she was, Debbie had a way of making people laugh and creating lasting memories. Her greatest joy was talking about and showing off her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Her warmth, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed, but the love and memories she shared will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Along with her husband Gary, she is survived and loved by many. She leaves behind her two sons; Cody & Kyle Doucette. Five grandchildren; Genesis, Aria, Carmelo, Tatum & Kehlani. Her two sisters; Karen Lussier & husband Jim and Kim Boisvert & husband Richard, as well as many nieces and cousins. She also leaves behind her two dogs: Roxy & Taz.

Relatives and friends may visit on Friday May 29, from 5 to 7PM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/17/2026

Keith Joseph Christadore, 55, of Windham passed away Tuesday May 5th, 2026. He is the son of Christina (Pompeii) Knowlton and the late Joseph Christadore Jr.

Born October 24,1970 in Willimantic, CT he grew up in Ashford attending Ashford Elementary School and graduated from E.O. Smith High School in 1988. Throughout his life we worked many years at Caldor and then became employed at Mackey’s and Staples.

Keith found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved shooting pool at the American Legion with his friends, playing golf, fishing and spending time outdoors surrounded by nature. He especially enjoyed photographing the beauty of flowers and frogs and expressing his creativity through designing artistic t-shirts. Keith was an adored member of the American Legion and would also stop at the French Club for a visit a time or two with friends.
Keith had a deep love for all animals and cherished his beloved cat, Paulie, as well as the many fish he cared for over the years. Some of his happiest moments were spent walking through the woods with his dear friend Sammy and her dog, searching for painted rocks, enjoying the peace and beauty of nature together. He also enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends at Tony’s and Mama’s Pizza , That Breakfast Place, places that brought him comfort and happiness.

Known for his kind heart and warm spirit, Keith loved everybody he met and was loved in return. His generosity, humor, creativity, and appreciation for life will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Keith is survived by his loving mother, Christina (Pompeii) Knowlton; his sister Stacey Gendreau and her husband Michael Gendreau; his brothers, James Knowlton and his wife Bethany Knowlton, and Isaac Knowlton and his wife Carrie Knowlton; his nephews, Evan Gendreau, Levi, Jasper, and Emmett Knowlton along with extended family members and friends. He is predeceased by his nephew, Cody Gendreau, and his father,Joseph Christadore Jr.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends my visit on Monday May 18, from 10AM to 12PM at Bacon Funeral Home 71 Prospect St, Willimantic followed by a graveside at 12:30PM at St. Joseph Cemetery Club Rd, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society (cthumane.org) To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/14/2026

Bill " DUKE" G. Ward, 77 of North Windham passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with cancer on May 7, 2026. He was born in Willimantic on July 7th, 1948 to the late George and Antoinette (Plesz) Ward, and
graduated from Windham Technical High School before joining the Army at 19. He served in Vietnam, and was
awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Medal, the U.S Army
Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart.

Bill worked as a mason for the rest of his career, leaving behind many beautiful brick, stone and concrete works, from Backus Hospital and the Savings Institute buildings to custom designed stone chimneys that will be seen and appreciated for generations to come. He loved classic cars, and spent his free time working on his 1936 Chevy and his treasured 1970 Corvette. He was a true jack of all trades, building everything from wood
stoves to hover boats. Once he retired you could find him enjoying his time at the casino playing the slots, or
feeding the birds and squirrels on his back porch, and watching classic TV shows with his cat, Bear. He loved a good breakfast with the family at the Country Diner, but if you asked what his favorite food was, he couldn’t decide between lobster or hot dogs and beans.

Bill is survived by his wife and partner of 34 years, Margaret (Prentice) Ward, his daughters Heather (Ward) Gilbert (husband Scott) and Hillary (Ward) Wilson (husband Erik), his grandchildren Charlotte Ward, Victoria Gilbert, Miles Wilson and Bennett Wilson, his Stepsons David and Dan Deluca and family, his sister Joan( Ward) Tetreault (husband Leon), his niece Jennifer (Tetreault) Major, and great niece Marley Major.

Graveside services with military honors will be held on Friday June 5th at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Windham, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Franco American Club at 116 Club Road,
also in Windham. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/14/2026

William L. Strand, 91, formerly of Willimantic, husband of the late Mary Ellen (Resnisky) Strand passed away Monday May 11, 2026. He was the son of the late Louis and Lillian (McNulty) Strand.

Born on July 31, 1934 in Queens, NY, his parents relocated to Willimantic when Bill was 5 years old and he became a lifelong resident of the town, graduating from Windham High School in 1952. In 1955, he married Mary Ellen Resnisky and they settled in their home on Walnut Street where they raised four sons. Bill was an employee of Electro-Motive Manufacturing Company for most of his life, working in facilities management. He then became the owner of an Exxon station in Waterford Ct until his retirement.

Bill was a longtime member of the Willimantic YMCA where he served on numerous committees. He was a proud member of the Willimantic Lions Club and often participated in their community outreach programs. Bill was a skilled handyman and enjoyed diagnosing and repairing any issue that arose in one’s home. He was an avid reader, preferring mysteries and political thrillers. Another hobby of his was solving mathematical problems in his spare time. Bill spent many summers with his beloved wife at their cottage in Black Point where he especially enjoyed grilling for his family and friends. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and followed them until his passing.

Bill is survived by his four sons: William and wife Jennie of Norwich, Thomas and wife Christine of Mansfield Center, Michael of New London, and Timothy of Niantic, and four grandsons: Andrew, Eric, Bryan, and Christopher and wife Kaitlyn. He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law: Sue Anne Pierson of Vienna VA and Annabel Resnisky of Middletown, as well as longtime friend and neighbor Shirley Mustard of Willimantic. Bill was predeceased by his parents Louis and Lillian, wife Mary Ellen, and dear friend Beverly Korba.

A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday May 20, at 10AM at St. Joseph Church 99 Jackson St, Willimantic. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley St, Willimantic CT 06226. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/14/2026

Kenneth “Kenny” Lynn Burton, 75, of Willimantic passed away Tuesday May 12, 2026. He was the son of the late Gerald and Marcella (Maheu) Burton.

Born on February 23, 1951 in Baton Rouge, LA, Kenny worked for many years as a frameworker at SNET. He proudly served in the Air Force Reserve and was also an artist with an appreciation for antiques, history and restoring antique grandfather clocks. Kenny was a devoted dog owner and greatly loved his dog, Shakespeare.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Burton) Wooten and her husband, Matthew Wooten of Mount Kisco, NY; his half-sister, Dolce (Burton) McArdle formerly of Baton Rouge, LA, now Plantation, FL; his uncle, Leo Maheu of Wakefield, RI; his uncle, Wayne Maheu and his wife, Sandy of Niantic as well as several cousins and friends.

A Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday May 27, 10AM directly at St. Mary Church 46 Valley St, Willimantic. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.heart.org or to www.easternct.edu/give/give-to-eastern.html. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.baconfh.com

05/09/2026

Katie Alicia Lewinstein, 40, of Willimantic, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Jennifer (Pease) Clark of Willimantic and the late Barry Lewinstein.

Born on May 18, 1985, in Manchester, CT, Katie spent nearly all her life in Willimantic, where she was surrounded by a close-knit circle of family and friends. She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School and Eastern Connecticut State University, earning her degree in History and Social Science.

Katie built a successful career in IT consulting, working side by side with her sister, Suzanne, a partnership she cherished deeply. Though she excelled professionally, her true passion was caring for others. Whether she was helping children, supporting friends, or rescuing animals in need, Katie’s compassion was the steady thread that ran through her life.

As a teenager, she loved playing soccer, softball, and snowboarding and she carried her creative spirit into adulthood through coloring, crafting, and making thoughtful handmade gifts. Her gentle nature, humor, and unwavering loyalty made her a source of comfort and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Among life’s greatest gifts was the extraordinary bond Katie shared with her mother, Jennifer – a love woven gently through every season of her life, filled with tenderness, understanding, and unwavering devotion. Katie is survived by her sister, Tracy Yanouzas, and her husband, Niko, along with their daughters, Lauren Yanouzas, Nicole Yanouzas Martinez and her husband Ever; her brother, Jeremy Brazeal, and his children, Elijah and wife Xanthe, Madelyn, and Noah Brazeal; and her sister, Suzanne Brazeal, and her husband, Robert Hearn. She also leaves behind loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends who will forever hold her memory close.

A private viewing for family will be held on May 14, 2026, followed by a private burial. The family will host a Celebration of Life in August 2026 to honor Katie’s memory and the many lives she touched.

Katie will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, and her boundless heart. Her absence leaves an ache that cannot be filled, but her love will continue to shine through the people and memories she leaves behind. She was our sunshine.

Bacon Funeral Home Willimantic, CT

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