Michael James Salzillo’s Obituary

Michael James Salzillo, 81, of Plantsville, passed away Sunday morning, March 17, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.

Michael was born on August 20, 1942, in New Britain, Connecticut, to James Salzillo and Florence Lalla Salzillo. Michael was eager to serve his country and achieved his GED while in the Air Force.

Mike was a man dedicated to his family, and to his work. He married Susan Marinone Salzillo in 1979, and they had four children – Michael, Matthew, Mark, and Mandy. The house was always full of the sounds of children, both his own and their friends, much to the chagrin of Susan trying to keep them quiet while Michael slept.

Michael made incredible sacrifices for his family, the most prominent being his decision to work the night shift, driving for UPS between Hartford and Albany. Working nights paid better and was instrumental in helping the family make ends meet. He also often worked significant overtime to help provide for his family.

He cared for his children fiercely always making time to play and teach. Throwing, catching, riding bikes, fishing… Michael loved the time he had with his children, often forgoing sleep after driving all night on Friday to spend Saturday with them.

Michael’s affection for his children only intensified after he and Susan split in the early 2000s, and that affection turned to pride as each of his children started their own careers and their families.

The family was a constant for Michael, and he never moved further than one town away from Southington, where his mother, Florence, and sister, Amy, lived, a place he loved deeply. He was constantly visiting his childhood home, which was still occupied by his mother and sister, until recently. His older brother Jimmy moved to Maine, which was a favorite place to visit in the family motorhome.

Some of his best memories and favorite moments came from the time he spent in the motorhome, driving the family to locations like Lake George, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, and Disney for summers on end.

Michael was one-of-a-kind. He was humble, stubborn, loyal, and dedicated. He threw himself into work and did his best no matter the situation. He worked at UPS for more than 45 years and never had one accident, driving well over a million miles in that time. Quite likely, the best attribute anyone could take from meeting and knowing Michael was the value of hard work.

In the end, Michael cultivated and loved a simple life. He loved his children, his work, his cars, his country, and, like any good Connecticut resident, he loved all things UConn.

Michael is survived by his brother Jimmy, sister Amy, four children and their spouses – Michael and Joanna, Matthew and Jackie, Mark and Melissa, and Mandy and Brian, as well as his eight grandchildren.

For Michael’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

Maureen Ellen Flynn’s Obituary

Maureen Ellen Flynn, 74, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at MidState Medical Center.  She passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer, which she fought with humor, grace, and dignity. Born in Meriden, September 26, 1949, the daughter of late Faith (Leary) Kjellson and the late John Flynn.  

She spent 24 years as the Democratic Registrar of Voters in Meriden and loved every minute of it. She also spent many years working for her adoptive family, the Siebert’s, at Meriden Insurance.

Maureen was active in the community, having served past president of the LAOH in Meriden, as well as past New Haven County President; a member of Meriden Elks, organizing the Flag Day Essay contest; charter member and past Vice President of the South Meriden Lions; and a past President of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Maureen had been blessed with many good friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

She is survived by her sister Joann Flynn Noonan, her nephew, James Flynn, his wife Kelly Roman and their three children, whom she adored, Maggie, Colin, and Tessa.  She is also survived by her Uncle John (Jack) Leary; her stepbrother and his wife Carl and Sylvia Kjellson; two nieces Emily Lewis (Patrick) and Anna Kjellson-Platzer (Evan); a great-nephew Tristan Lewis; and by many cousins, a special friend Emil “Buddy” Altobello, as well as two special honorary “little people”, Angelo and Trisha Calandra, who affectionately called her “Grammy”.

For Maureen’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

Maxwell David LaFayette’s Obituary

Maxwell David LaFayette, 32, husband of Amanda (Burgess) LaFayette, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 2, 2023. Born in Meriden on November 22, 1990, he was the son of Edward J. LaFayette II and the late Holly (Shelberg) LaFayette. He had graduated from Francis T. Maloney High School. Max was employed as a CNC Machinist at Supermill LLC of Berlin.

Maxwell was a member of Connecticut’s Most Wanted Motorcycle Club, and Meriden Elks Lodge 35. He loved riding his motorcycle. Although short lived, his favorite roles were husband and father. He was a very caring, selfless, and remarkable man. His laugh and smile were infectious. To know Max, was to love him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Alivia Sue LaFayette and Avarie Maxwell LaFayette; his sister, Samantha Paige LaFayette; his brother, Matthew and his wife Mallory (Baker) LaFayette and Ed’s partner, Angela Cottle. He is also survived by his niece, Harper and nephew, Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his daughters on Go Fund Me, https://www.gofundme.com/f/swh3w-grieving-family. 

For Max’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

John J. Zajac Jr. Obituary

Former State Senator John Joseph Zajac Jr., 90, of Durham, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family he led to build.

John was born November 15, 1932, on his Babci’s farm in Middlefield, CT by a midwife to the late Stella Kokoszka and John Joseph Zajac Sr. John was married to the love of his life the former Alice Marie Montana for 61 years and raised six children. They resided at 33 Dexter Avenue in Meriden until moving to Durham in 2006. John and Alice enjoyed a well-deserved and enjoyable retirement in Durham.

John attended St. Stanislaus Grammar School where he served as an altar boy. He also attended Meriden High School graduating in 1950. While at Meriden High School John lettered in three sports, basketball, baseball, and soccer. John played the accordion and had his own band while in high school. John also attended St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medical and dental. Alice and John courted throughout their college years.

John was in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War veteran serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the 25th Tropical Lightening Infantry Division in the Pacific serving in Charlie Battery of the Artillery Battalion. He was stationed in Oklahoma and Hawaii.

John served his community and the state most of his life. His record of public service in the Meriden area extends three decades. He was chairman of the Meriden Board of Tax Review, State Senator, and Majority Leader from 1970-1974. He was appointed Deputy Minority Leader then later Majority Leader and House Whip in the State House of Representatives. John served with Governors Tom Meskill, Ella Grasso, William O’Neil, and Lowell Weicker.

For John’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

Paint Night was held to great success! Great job Sarah!

Be sure to be on the lookout for the next Paint Night event!
Everyone had a GREAT time, and you DON’T want to miss the next one!

Above collage was made using photos below provided
by Rich Doolittle.
If you would like a higher resolution photo of one
of the photos, please Contact US

Our Elks Lodge 35 Soccer Shoot was held recently.
We worked with New Britain Lodge 957 & Southington Lodge 1669
The event was a success with 40 kids participating!

Above collage was made using photos below provided
by Sarah Stack & Shannon Dwyer, ER, from unknown photographers.
If you would like a higher resolution photo of one
of the below photos, please Contact US



Timothy Broderick Obituary

Timothy L. Broderick, 74, of Southington, formerly of Buffalo, NY, where his heart will always remain, passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Tim was born the oldest of ten children in Jamestown, NY, son to the late Thomas and Joan (Rodgers) Broderick. His large family full of Irish heritage was something he was forever honored to come from. He grew up in Buffalo, NY where he met the love of his life, Maryellen (Brinkworth) Overgaard and attended local schools. He attended Niagara University and was proud of the education he received and the experiences he remembered fondly. Tim went on to receive his Masters in Finance from Post University, spent many years working in the banking industry, and retired from Liberty Bank after many dedicated years. He met many loyal customers and cherished colleagues along the way. Tim enjoyed his favorite hobby of reading or relaxing with an ice-cold Bud light in hand and was forever grateful for all the little things in life. A true Buffalo lover, he was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, and some might say he was their number one fan. Tim will spend eternity rooting on his team, Go Bills!!

For Tim’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

MERIDEN, CT — (From Meriden Memorial Funeral Home): John E. Markowski Jr., 80, loving husband of the late Dawn (Doyle) Markowski, passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden.

John (Jack) was born in Meriden, December 2, 1942, son of the late John E. Markowski Sr. and Valerie (Czajka) Markowski. He was a graduate of Maloney High School and was locally employed by the Record Journal as the Pressroom Foreman. He later went on to lead individual installations of Offset Newspaper presses worldwide for MAN Roland of Augsburg, Germany.

John was a parishioner of St. Paul Church in Berlin and a member of the Meriden Elks, Masonic Lodge Compass No. 9 in Wallingford, Valley of Hartford Scottish Rite Masons in Newington, and Sphinx Shriners in Newington, where he was a member of the Motor Patrol. This is where he lovingly maintained and drove the “little red Jeeps” seen at local parades.

For John’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE

Benjamin Lee Belancik, Sr., 69, of Meriden, loving husband of 50 years to Debra Tkacz Belancik, passed away on January 10, 2023 at Apple Rehab-Coccomo in Meriden. He was born in Meriden on December 2, 1953, a son of the late John and Olivia Stevens Belancik. Besides his wife Debra, he is survived by his daughter Tiffany Belancik, son Benjamin Belancik, Jr. and his wife Laura, granddaughters Gracie Rose and Anna Marie Belancik, brother-in-law Joseph Tkacz, Jr. and his wife Barbara, and nephews Joseph Tkacz, III and Brian Tkacz, as well as special dear friends Andrew and Debra Purchia, Dee Orzech, and Jeannette Farm, and a brother, John Belancik, Jr. Benjamin worked as a union training coordinator at Pratt & Whitney for over 40 years until his retirement. He was a proud and active member of The Loyal Order of the Moose Lodges, Meriden Elks, and Southington Lions Club. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Debra, especially to Disney in Florida, where they held season passes every year. Ben’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Apple Rehab-Coccomo, and Dr. Lele and his staff at Medical Oncology at Midstate for their compassion and care for Ben.
For Ben’s full obituary, please CLICK HERE