Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • Page C08

C8 TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009 THE HARTFORD COURANT OBITUARIES MASTROBATTISTO, Darlyne (Cannon) 1 DALY-CORBIN, Claire J. (Brigada) Claire J. (Brigada) Daly-Corbin, 78, homemaker extraordinaire, died unexpectedly, Thursday (April 30, 2009) in Russellville, AK. Her glorious lyric earthly soprano voice has been stilled and she is now singing with the heavenly choir of angles. Claire was born in the Thompson-ville section of Enfield, the second daughter of the late James F.

and Agnes (Casin-ghino) Brigada. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Donald A. Corbin of Russellville, AK; her beloved children, Maureen May-ton and husband Steve of Decatur, TN and Christopher Corbin and wife Emilie of Harker Heights, TX; four grandchildren, Travis Mayton, Richard James, Sean Arries and Justin Michael Corbin. She also leaves her dearly beloved aunt, Evelyn DeCaro; her sister, Eleanor D'Amato; a nephew, James D'Amato and wife Guylene, all of Enfield; along with her faithful and constant companion, (dog) Blossom. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, June 17, in St. Patrick King St. Cemetery. Rev. Marc Eames, a member of Claire's, family will officiate.

Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Enfield has been entrusted with arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy, visit www. brownefuneralhome.com. CIRONE, Patricia Ann Patricia Ann Cirone, 68, of Vernon, passed away peacefully on Monday, (June 15, 2009) at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on March 31, 1941, a daughter of the late Nicholas A.

and Carmela (DeAngelis) Cirone, she had been a life-long resident of the Hartford area. Pat was a graduate of Bulkeley High School, Hartford-Class of 1959. Prior to her retirement, Pat worked in the shipping department for over seventeen years for Gunver Manufacturing Company, Dynamic Gunver, and Smith's Manufacturing Company all in Manchester. Pat was very talented in crocheting, especially afghans and pocket-books. Pat was also a member of the Vernon Senior Center, but most of all, she was a proud grandmother.

Along with her parents, Pat was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas A. Cirone, Jr. of Hartford, and her twin sister, Carole A. Pietrandrea of Wethersfield. Pat is survived by her caring daughter, Leah N.

Carago and her husband, Manny, of Vernon with whom she made her home; a son, Steven N. Mutch of Torrington; a daughter-in-law, Christine E. Mutch of Torrington; a brother-in-law, Al "Sonny" Pietrandrea of Wethersfield; six adored grandchildren; two nieces, a nephew; several cousins; and many dear friends. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 18, at a time to be announced from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Christopher Church, 538 Brewer Street, East Hartford.

Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery (Section 34), Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, June 17, from 5-7 p.m. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com. JOHNSON, Gail Virginia (Guild) Gail Virginia (Guild) Johnson was taken away from her beloved family and friends unexpectedly on Friday, (June 12, 2009) at the age 59. She was the loving wife of Ted Johnson for the past 39 years.

She is survived by a daughter, Erika Johnson, her significant other Harry Cooper and his son, Eric. She is also survived by her son, Kristof Johnson and wife, Emily. She leaves behind her two most precious treasures, her two granddaughters, Libby and Gracie. Gail was born in Middletown to Warren and Virginia (Ginny) Guild. She is survived by her siblings: Elwin Guild, and wife Joan Geiss-man, Roger and Elaine Guild, Roy and Joann Guild, and her beloved sister Bonnie (Guild) Jackson.

She leaves behind 11 nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her Aunt Angellina Young and family. Gail's family is particularly grateful to Pat Swartz for the special bond she shared with Gail. Gail will be joining both her beloved parents and two nephews in eternal peace. Gail enjoyed many things in life, she especially loved spending time in the sanctuary of her gardens.

She was a avid collector of antiques and jewelry. She and her best friend Pat were always able to find a bargain at every tag sale and flea market. She loved vacationing in Arizona, and visiting anywhere else that had public gardens, including Elizabeth Park in West Hartford. Donations can be made in Gail's memory to the rose gardens at Elizabeth Park, www.elizabethpark.com, or at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, 281 Greenfield South Deerfield, MA 01373, Attention: Kathy Miller. You can also remember Gail by planting a flower in your garden.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, June 17, at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland, from the hours of 4-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 18, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Portland, 554 Main Street, Portland. The Rev. Jane Hawken will officiate.

Interment will on Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m. at Center Cemetery in Portland. OLMSTED, Patricia Crockett Patricia Crockett Olmsted, 84, of Fayetteville, NY and formerly of Northampton, MA passed away on Thursday, (June 11, 2009). Born in Farmington on October 24, 1924, Patricia Olmsted was the daughter of Agatha (Hol-linger) and Thomas John Crockett, Jr. She attended the Farmington public schools, graduating as Valedictorian of the Class of 1942 at Farmington High School.

For the next two years Mrs. Olmsted served as Office Manager of the Farmington War Price and Rationing Board prior to her attending Radcliffe College from June 1944 June 1947 where she majored in Latin and English Literature. She also took graduate courses at the Harvard School of Education and the Harvard Graduate School of Business. For five years she served as Special Assistant to the Vice President of Dewey Almy Chemical Company in Cambridge prior to her marriage to Michael Seymour Olmsted. In 1952 they moved to Northampton, MA where Mr.

Olmsted joined the Smith College faculty and Mrs. Olmsted served for two years as Administrative Assistant in the Department of Art and as an interviewer in Smith's Office of Admission. Following Mr. Olmsted's death in 1960, Mrs. Olmsted returned to Smith and for 30 years served in numerous capacities in the Office of the Dean starting as Secretary to the Dean and becoming Publications Secretary, Assistant to the Dean, Assistant Dean, and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

For 15 years she served as Dean of the Junior and Senior Classes, and for five years as Dean of the Sophomore Classes. Her office was responsible for Smith's Honors Programs, the Junior Years Abroad as well as other independent study abroad programs and the College's student exchange programs. She was responsible for setting up in the early 1970's the student exchange with Predominantly Black Colleges. Following her retirement from Smith in 1990, she became the Director of the North American Office of King's College, University of London. For the next seven years, she worked recruiting American students for study in London and institutionalizing the American branch of King's College Alumni Association.

Active in community life, Mrs. Olmsted was honored in 2003 as a 50 year member of the Northampton Area League of Women Voters, where she served in several Board position over the years. She had also been a Board Member of the Hampshire United Way and former Campaign Manager; a Board member of the Northampton Historical Society; Trustee, Northampton Institution for Savings; Board member of the Institute for Study Abroad and the College Center for Education Abroad; Board member of the Northampton Community Music Center; a member of the Round Hill Club and local book clubs. Mrs. Olmsted is survived by two sons, Jeffrey S.

Olmsted of Miamisburg, OH, and Michael C. Olmsted of Fayetteville, NY; five grandchildren, John Wiley, Emily, Grace, Margaret and Edith; daughters-in-law, Julie and Sarah; a brother, Thomas John Crockett III, of Farming-ton; and several nieces and nephews. Another brother and sister predeceased her. Donations could be given in her memory to any charity, but especially to the Northampton Community Music Center in Northampton MA. A memorial service is being planned for the fall in Northampton.

To sign a guest book please visit www.scheppfam-ily.com SHEEHAN, Dr. Bernard F. HITCHCOCK, Arthur B. Arthur B. Hitchcock, 90, formerly of the Warehouse Point section of East Windsor, currently of Aiken, SC, loving husband for 62 years to the late Jean (Rockwell) Hitchcock, died peacefully at home on Sunday (June 14, 2009).

Art was born in East Windsor and lived here most of his life. He worked at Pratt Whitney Aircraft for 38 years retiring in 1975. Art moved to Stanley Bridge PEI Canada for four years, moved to Lake Helen, FL and since 2005 he had lived with his daughter, Cheryl in Aiken, SC. Art was a member and Past Master of the Morning-star Lodge 28 A. F.

A.M. of Warehouse Point, a member of the Prince Edward Island Lodge 14, A.F. A.M., the Warehouse Fire Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Wesley; United Methodist Church. He had built several homes and enjoyed outdoor sports, camping and traveling across the United States.

Art was always there to help people in need. Art is survived by three daughters, Sandralee Hitchcock of East Windsor, Cheryl Jean Perry-Hitchcock of Aiken S.C. with whom he made his home for the past three years and Pamela Hitchcock of Niantic; six grandchildren, Sheila Erb, Deborah McDonald, Dean Perry, Robert Murphy Sidni Bragg and Kylene Znoj; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Art was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Theodore. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 19, at 12 Noon in the Wesley United Methodist Church, East Windsor.

Burial will follow in Town Street Cemetery, East Windsor. Visiting hours will be held Thursday evening, June 18 from 5-7 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. at the Bassinger Dowd Funeral Home 37 Gardner East Windsor. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Art's name may be made to either, Wesley United Methodist Church, 55 North Main East Windsor 06088 or Hospice Care of America 4314 Belair Frontage Augusta, GA 30909 For online condolences and directions, please visit www.bassingerdowdfh.com NYE, Marguerite 0.

(White) Marguerite 0. (White) Nye, 90, of South Glastonbury, was reunited with her loving husband Wallace E. Nye, on Sunday (June 14, 2009). Passing at home where she lived and was cared for by her devoted daughter, Sandra and son-in-law, John Hacker (who she lovingly and jokingly referred to as Papa John, as he would set his cheeseburger specialties in front of her) along with two special grandsons, Clinton and Jesse Hacker who lovingly helped with her care for many years. Marguerite was born in New Britain daughter of the late Burton and Eva (Weldon) White then moving to South Glastonbury in 1952 when she married her husband.

She spent many summers at her summer home in Madison where she loved to take early morning walks on the beach and collect shells and sea glass. She loved the tranquil sounds of the water and the salty smell of the sea air. She loved this so much, she wanted to share it with someone who would other wise never experience it, so she took a five year old little girl from the streets of New York City and brought her to this special place for two weeks each summer through the Fresh Air Program. She did this every year until the young girl was full grown. Marguerite is also survived by her oldest daughter, Nancy and her husband, Louie Tryon of South Glastonbury and her youngest daughter, Beverly and her husband, Daniel Car-valho and two beautiful granddaughters, Danielle and Kristina Carvalho all of Manchester.

Also her wonderful and loving friends that have kept her in their thoughts and prayers, Anne and Walter Buckingham; Jan Von Baron; Bill and Judy Dunn and her loyal and devoted caregiver MayRose Rismond; her Vitas Hospice nurse, Helen, your structure and continuity was a blessing; her hospice aide "little bird" Cindy, your love and kisses meant the world; and Miriam, her Vitas Chaplin who's hugs and support we couldn't have done without. Thank You. Relatives and friends are invited on Wednesday June 17, at 1 p.m. to the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Glastonbury, for a period of visitation prior to the 2 p.m. celebration of Marguerite's life with the Rev.

Richard Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Old Church Cemetery, South Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to her favorite charity, Boys Town, P.O. Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010 Darlyne (Cannon) Mastro-battisto, 73, of Farmington, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, (June 11, 2009) at John Dempsey Hospital. Darlyne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and foster care mother.

She was predeceased by her husband David S. Mas-trobattisto. She was born in Meridian, MS, a daughter of the late Earl Thomas and Alice (Moffett) Cannon. She had resided in Farmington for the last seven years. Darlyne is survived by her four sons and a daughter, Jon O'Keefe and his wife Christina Colby of Orange, Steven O'Keefe and his wife Lynn of Bristol, Lance O'Keefe and his wife Tracie of Bristol, Neil O'Keefe and Laura Mathews of Burlington, Cindy (O'Keefe) Bergstrom and her husband Mark of Mendon, VT, a sister, LeFaye (Cannon) Martin of Mobile, AL, four grandchildren, Morgan O'Keefe, Henry and Willem Colby and Neil O'Keefe, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, a foster child Stephen Breeney II and many friends.

Darlyne relocated to Connecticut from Mississippi after marrying her first husband, the late John Thomas O'Keefe. At that time Darlyne resided in Bristol and was eventually employed by the City of Bristol in the Department of Public Works. After she remarried to David S. Mastrobattisto she moved to Eastham, MA on Cape Cod where she worked for and retired from the insurance agent Drake, Swan and Crocker. After David's passing, she moved back to Connecticut where she could be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Darlyne was a foster parent through IPP for the past five years. She provided care for many special needs children within the program. She was an amazing, loving, and caring foster parent who opened up her home and heart to children in need. Her unconditional love and commitment to these children in need was remarkable. She loved her family, her many dachshunds, her cats Macey and Muffin and her life.

Darlyne immensely enjoyed going to the casino and playing bingo with her friends. Darlyne's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the ICU nurses at John Dempsey Hospital for their attention, caring, kindness, sympathy and professionalism displayed during her care there. A celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, June 18, from 5-8 p.m. at Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Unionville. Darlyne will be buried on Cape Cod next to her husband David at a private family service at the discretion of the family.

In lieu for flowers, donations can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire, 814 Elm Street, Suite 300, Manchester, NH, 03101, 603-623-WISH (9474) SPERRY, Doris A. (Murray) Doris A. (Murray) Sperry, 88, was taken quietly on the wings of an angel on Monday, (June 15, 2009) at Cherry-brook Healthcare Center in Canton. Formerly of Avon and Southington, she resided at Cherrybook for the last three years with her husband of 60 years, Robert K. Sperry.

They enjoyed walking outside around the grounds, always holding hands, and still looking at each other with the same love in their eyes they had the day they married. Besides her husband Robert, she leaves behind her sister, Rita MacNamara of Florida; her brother, Brother Edmund of the Trapist Monks in Spencer, MA; a son, David Sperry and his wife Kellie of Canton; her daughter, Susan Henry of Torrington; her grandchildren, Nichole Pratt and Jefferson Sperry, both of Torrington and Jennifer Long of Hartford and three great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and her favorite four legged family, Benjamin and Sophie, who never failed to make her smile. A memorial service will be celebrated Thursday, June 18, 11 a.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike, Canton.

Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery, Avon. Friends may call prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Last Post Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 259, Falls Village, CT 06031.

For online condolences please visit www. vincentfuneralhome.com. Dionor a loved one in the obituary section on courant.com Rare memories of loved ones in the obituary section on courant.com LINCOLN, Robert L. Robert L. Lincoln, age 94 of Oak Dr.

Westbrook formally of East Hartford, passed away at his home on Saturday (June 13, 2009). He was born in Milton, MA on December 12, 1914. Beloved husband of the late Helen Lincoln. After a long career as service mgr. for Addresso-graph Multigraph, he retired at age 65.

Robert started his second career with ARRL for 27 years retiring at the age of 92. He is survived by his three children, Robert Lincoln and his wife Carol of East Hartford, Jean M. Boggs of Old Saybrook and Carol Perrone and her husband Tom of Old Saybrook. He also survived by six grandchildren, Lori, Lisa, Robert, John, Jennifer and Jason, and survived by eight great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Ralph Lincoln and his wife, Katherine of Groton, MA and long time companion, Thelma Jutras of Plantsville.

He is predeceased by a sister, Janet Fasch. Family and friends may visit the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook, Thursday June 18, from 6-8 p.m. with a celebration of his life tribute at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave.

Suite 300, Bethesda, MD, 20814 or to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave. PO Box 1004 Meriden, 06450. Please visit www.mem.com for an everlasting memorial tribute. VILLARD, Alice M. (White) Alice M.

(White) Villard, 89, of Glastonbury, formerly of East Hartford and Coventry, wife of the late Charles S. Villard, died Sunday (June 14, 2009) at the Glastonbury Health Care Center. Born January 27, 1920 in East Hartford, she was the daughter of the late David White and Grace Walker Tracy White. She was assistant clerk for the East Hartford Court and retired from the personnel department at the Travelers. Alice received her brokers license and along with her husband owned the Villard Agency in East Hartford.

She had started the cheerleading squad at East Hartford High School and was a charter member of the Democratic Women's Club. Alice is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia V. and Michael Low of Glastonbury; a son and daughter-in-law, Charles S. and Linda Villard of Coventry; her grandchildren, Tracey and Jeffrey Grote, Michelle Villard and her fiance Wayne Lallier, Charles S. Villard, III, Scott J.

Villard; two great grandchildren, Emily Elizabeth Grote and Samantha Alice Grote; a nephew, Richard Jarm of Arizona; a niece, Carol Haulier of Maryland and a brother-in-law, Donald Ferry of Coventry. She was predeceased by two sisters, Jane Ferry and Doris Michaud. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday (June 18) at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Main Rt.

31, Coventry. Burial will follow in Center Cemetery, Coventry. Friends may call at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Glastonbury, Wednesday (June 17) from 5-7 p.m. CUNNINGHAM, Eugene "Gene" M. Eugene "Gene" M.

Cunningham, 64, of East Hampton and Milford, died Sunday, (June 14, 2009) at Milford Hospital surrounded by his family and partner and long time companion, Linda Pier-pont. He was born in Middle-town, the son of the late Winfield and Mary (Laverty) Cunningham. He was most recently employed with the State of Connecticut as a telecommunications engineer. Gene worked for 24 years as a pyrotechnician and chief pyrotechnician for Fireworks by Grucci. He was licensed in the following states, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York City, NY, Rhode Island, Maine, Maryland, and Nevada, as well as Puerto Rico working for Fireworks by Grucci.

He traveled to the Bahamas, China, Puerto Rico, and all over the United States to put on fireworks shows. He participated in five presidential inauguration fireworks show productions, and the 2000 winter Olympics fireworks. He was a member of the Pyrotechnic Guild International, the New Hampshire Pyrotechnic Association, the Pyrotechnic Artists of Western Pennsylvania, and the founding member of the Connecticut Pyrotechnic Association. He is survived by his son, Eugene M. Cunningham, II and his wife Johnna of Rockf all; and four grandchildren, Sean, Jacob, Amanda, and Morgan.

He was predeceased by a son, Christopher Cunningham. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. from Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Middletown followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at St. Patrick's Church, 47 West High East Hampton.

Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Lakeview East Hampton. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, 80 Seymour PO Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. MINK, Anthony Anthony Mink, 43, of New Britain, departed this life (June 11, 2009).

He was born to Beverly (Mink) James. He recently retired from DOT of CT. Anthony leaves to mourn his beloved and devoted wife, Blanche Mink; special father, Earnest (Pete) James; maternal grandmother, Julia McKenzie-Mink; sister, April Calloway; daughter, Taishima Harrison; son, Anthony two grandchildren, Shimarr and Tahjai and a host of family and friends. Calling hours will be held on June 17, at Hopewell Baptist Church, Windsor from 10-11 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 1 1 a.m.

1 wtm PIASCIK, Sophie M. Sophie M. Piascik entered into eternal rest on June 13, 2009. She was a lifelong resident of New Britain, born on September 9, 1919. She was born to Leon Chrzanowski and Valeria Kochnowski.

Sophie had a strong, kind heart; she touched the lives of many people. As a young woman she helped take care of her siblings, and frequented Children of Mary meetings. Growing up she attended Holy Cross, whose father helped organize. As a parent raising her two children she attended Sacred Heart. For the remainder of her life she was a member of St.

Mary's. When she was no longer able to attend church she enjoyed watching the mass on TV. Sophie worked in Laundry for New Britain General for 21 years, and before that worked for Fafnir's for many years. Her favorite past time was crocheting; she had entered her work in many contests, and donated them to many craft fairs and bazaars. She loved to make people happy with her talent.

For the last 20 years, she was able to be found at Miss Washington Diner, her home away from home; where she enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee. Sophie was predeceased by her beloved son, Edward (Eddie) Piascik; her two brothers, Alfonse and Stanley Chrzanowski; sister, Regina Uryga and beloved nephew Stanley Uryga, who was like a son to her; and her husband, Henry Piascik who passed 18 years ago. She is survived by her loving sister, Clara Choin-ski; devoted daughter, Jean Wronko and husband, Waclaw (wacek) Wronko; loving daughter-in-law, Maureen Al-bert-Piascik; and the mother of her two grandsons, Susan Piascik. Sophie had three grandchildren, Christine Wronko, Russell Piascik, and Alan Piascik; and several nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday, June 18, at 9 a.m.

from the Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt Street, New Britain, CT 06053, with a 10 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, New Britain. Rites of Committal will follow the Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Burritt Hill. To share a memory with the Piascik family, please visit us on-line at www.burritthill.com. Dr. Bernard F.

age 73, passed away Friday (June 12, 2009) at Middlesex Hospital surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Rheda M. (Clowers) Sheehan. Dr. Sheehan was U.S.

Veteran serving in the Navy as a Military Doctor. After his military career, he moved to Old Saybrook, where he started his own medical practice from 1969 to 2001. Old Saybrook has lost a dear friend, he has touched many families as our country Dr. and he will be sadly missed. Besides his wife Rheda of 44 years, he is survived by his son, Bernard F.

Sheehan Jr. and his wife Erika Ange of Washington D.C. and two grandchildren. Services will be private, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Middlesex Hospice, Crescent St. Middletown CT 06457 or to the Spiritual Renewal Center in Norwich.

The Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook CT. pon request, a flag will be added flee of charge to any veteran's listing V. 'isit tlie obituary section on courant.com to snare memories of loved ones..