Ellsworth (Elzy) Simmonds, 95, of Hamden, CT, entered into eternal rest on Oct. 4, 2024 after a long and full life. He was born on January 28, 1929 in Bronx, NY to the late Dorcas (Forbes) Simmonds and John Joseph Simmonds who relocated their family from the Caribbean island of Nevis, settling in the Bronx. Elzy was the sixth of Dorcas and John’s nine children. As a young boy, he was known for his mischievous grin and insatiable curiosity, always getting into playful trouble with his siblings and cousins. From sneaking off to explore new places to inventing elaborate games, his spirited nature and love for adventure were the foundation of a lifetime filled with lively stories and cherished memories.
Nicholas James Montano, a pioneering educator, handwriting analyst and authority on written language, died on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Milford Health and Rehabilitation Center in Milford, CT. He was 83.
Jeannette Alice Mero Thomas, 91 of New Haven, entered into eternal rest at her residence on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. She was born on October 26, 1932. She was the eldest of four children born to Albert Wesley & Alice (Wilson) Mero. She was educated in the New Haven School system and graduated from James Hillhouse High School in 1951. She lived in the City of New Haven and her roots date back to the 1700s — in both the Greater New Haven and Fairfield County areas.
James Earl Corey, aged 77, passed away in New Haven, CT on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born in Pitt County, NC to the late Jessie Lee Corey and Lucy Lee Robinson Corey on September 17, 1947.
Brenda Dianne Jones Barnes, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on Sept. 16, 2024. Born on April 6, 1949, in New Haven, Connecticut, Brenda was the eldest daughter of Ernest Jones, Sr. and Mamie D. Jones.
Milagros Vega was born on December 7, 1949, in Yauco Puerto Rico. She was the fourth child, out of 12, of Graciliano Vega and Julia Montalvo. She grew up in Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico. There she helped to take care of her younger sisters and tend to the family farm.
Artist, filmmaker, designer, and beloved friend and daughter Kelly Bigelow Becerra, age 49, passed away in the company of loved ones at her home in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Kelly was raised in Jonesville, Michigan where she formed her lifelong ability to sift through life and find beauty, courage, and meaning in situations both light and heavy.
Norris Israel, 75, of New Haven, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. He was born on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent on February 6, 1949 to the late Edward Israel and Lillie Pike. He lived with his aunt, Adina Corke, for many years before he moved to Trinidad with his mother. He lived there until he immigrated to the United States in 1970.
Rosalyn Jane (Williams) Agbodoe was called home to her heavenly father on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024.
Roz led an active and vibrant life despite battling illness for the past several years. She was the daughter of Jane Bannister Harris and Julius Harris. She was born in New Haven, CT on Jan. 18, 1946. Rosalyn was predeceased by her parents, her older brother Charles Williams and her younger brother Julian “Mitch” Harris. She was also predeceased by the love of her life, her beloved son, Jason Jamal Mann and beloved nephew, Philip Jaamal Evans.
Celestino Cordova deceased on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 as a Korean War Veteran of the United States Army. Celestino Cordova, the honorable highly regarded role model for all of the State of Connecticut, the City of New Haven and surrounding cities. Celestino is very well known for his leadership in pioneering the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Coalition for the State of Connecticut. Celestino was a humble yet assertive individual who was part of cultural people, Puerto Ricans who needed services with the language, education, employment, and housing, as well as leadership in constructing, organizing, coordinating, and facilitating various facts of community life.
Answer Lena Simmons-Stovall was born August 13, 1941, to the late Roosevelt Buchanan and Lucy Harris in Columbus, Mississippi. She peacefully entered eternal rest Wednesday, August 21, 2024. She was raised by her loving mother and the late Mr. Hugh Bob Harris.
Catherine Grubbs, 95, passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Emma and Luke Perry of Dublin, GA. At an early age she was baptized and became a member of the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Dublin, GA. She graduated from Washington Street High School and then moved to Hartford, CT, where she joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Hartford. Catherine later became a founding member of Pilgrim Way Baptist Church in Windsor and served faithfully in various capacities.
John Clark-Ginnetti, 46 of Hamden, formerly of New Haven, passed away on August 23, 2024. He was born October 4, 1977 in New London to Terri Clark. John is survived by his son, Jack Hudson Ginnetti, Antonia Ginnetti, fiancée Jennifer Kelly, Danielle Ginnetti, Ella Heron and many loving friends and colleagues.
Genoveva “Genny” Trujillo Palmieri, beloved wife, mother, friend and lifelong community servant, passed away at age 83 on August 19, 2024 at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
