Ronald S. Prentice died on July 27, 2022 at home. He was born October 4, 1932, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Fred and Lucy (Turner) Prentice.
Ron graduated Pittsfield High School, Class of 1949. After High School, he graduated from UMass Amherst, with a degree in Business. While there, he was actively involved in ROTC. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, spending time stationed in Italy. He had the opportunity to see several countries in Europe, while on duty. He retired from the Army on May 20, 1963 as a Captain and remained in the Reserves, stationed in Ludlow, MA. Serving his Country was very important to him and one that created a tremendous amount of pride. Once out of the Army, he was a Sales Manager for Lindenmeyr Munroe and Rourke Eno Paper Company, both in the paper distribution business.
In 1959, he married Madeleine T. (Rougeau) Prentice, of North Adams, MA. They celebrated their 61st anniversary in October 2021. Once married they settled in East Longmeadow, MA eventually moving to Westford, MA, where they lived for over 42 years. They then moved to Pepperell, MA, where they have lived for eight years.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude, who died in 1928, prior to his birth. Surviving in addition to his wife, are his son Glen Prentice of Attleboro, MA and daughter Sandra (Prentice) Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six grandchildren; Tara (Prentice) Cherubino and her husband Kevin of Johnston, RI, Heather Prentice and Kelly Prentice and her fiancé Brandon Osborn, all of Norton, MA, Christopher Estes and his wife Heatherlee (Webb) Estes of Baldwinsville, MA, Jonathon Estes and Timothy Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six great grandchildren; Devin Prentice, Haylee Estes, Christopher Estes Jr., Ryker Estes, Nathan Cherubino and Ethan Cherubino. Additional family members include Debra (Plummer) Prentice of Norton, MA and Chris Estes of Fitchburg, MA.
He was a very skilled craftsmen working with wood, having created several pieces of furniture and art. Along with his wife Madeleine, they started a small craft business and sold wooden bunnies with ears and posts to depict various seasons and events. They attended craft fairs throughout New England and were very successful.
He was known as “Papa”, which he felt was his greatest accomplishment. He was extremely proud of his family as they were his whole life, worshipping every minute he had with them. He was always smiling and ready for a hug anytime somebody needed one.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date and will be private.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ron’s honorable and faithful military service, donations in his memory may be made to a Veterans Service Organization of one’s choice.

Philip Wardner Wilkinson
January 6, 1936 – October 13, 2022

Phil graduated from Williston Academy, a preparatory school in Easthampton, MA., and then attended Colgate University to earn his undergraduate degree. During his college years, Phil was a successful athlete earning his Varsity Letter for Soccer and Track & Field. He graduated from Colgate in 1959 with a degree in Economics; afterward, he continued his education and attended graduate school at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Immediately after graduating from Northwestern, Phil moved to New York City, taking a job in Product Development with the American Mustard company French’s. He lived in a fantastic apartment on the Upper Westside of Central Park!

Shortly after moving to New York City, Phil met and married the love of his life, Mary Rothmann. Phil and Mary were married on May 9th, 1970, and soon began to plan their epic off-shore sailing trip aboard “Vibrant.” Phil & Mary spent nine months sailing from Long Island Sound to the Bahamas.

Once back on land, Phil moved with Mary to Fairport, NY, to start a family. Phil worked for several companies in marketing, consulting, and product distribution in the Rochester area. On days off, Phil & Mary enjoyed sailing “Vibrant” at Sodus Bay with sons Eric and Philip, enjoying many summer vacations across Lake Ontario. A loving and supportive father, Phil could always be found at the sidelines of his son’s soccer games and in the front row of their concerts, line judging at their ski races, or heading up Boy Scout meetings or trips.

In retirement, Phil enjoyed skiing, sailing, and traveling with Mary. Together they visited Italy, Sweden, Russia, South America, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, Montana, California, and Canada, and even made time for a Semester at Sea enrichment voyage. In addition, he created many intricate sculptures and did so for many years side by side with Mary at several local art galleries.

He is survived by his children, Philip Wilkinson Jr. and his wife Theresa of Pittsburgh, PA, and Eric Wilkinson and his wife Emily of Charleston, SC. His four grandchildren, Kiera, Theo, Mary Catherine, and Julia Wilkinson loved him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Suzanne Meldrum of Pawling, NY, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, October 14th, at 1:00 p.m. at Simons Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA.

A second memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Fairport, NY conducted by Rev. Ken Peppin on October 29th at 4:00 p.m. The family would like to invite guests to attend a reception before the service at 2:00 pm also at St. Luke’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Blvd. Monroeville, PA 15146 or online at www.bridgeshospice.org

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, caregivers, and Bridges Hospice staff who provided such excellent care and the thoughtfulness and prayers of devoted friends.

Duncan passed away October 4, 2022 at the Weatherly Inn in Tacoma. After attending Williston Academy in Massachusetts, he graduated from Lehigh University and received a Master’s degree from USC. He entered the Army and served 28 years as a senior aviator and advisor. He was a loving husband to Joan for 66 years and father to Elizabeth (Betsy) Yohai, (Steve), Meredith Blackwell (Lyndon), and Peter Duncan Cook. He cherished his grandchildren, Rachael Yohai and Ryan Blackwell. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to LCOP or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Little Church on the Prairie on Oct. 21 at 2pm.

Richard Isaac Wrubel, 85, of Middletown, CT, passed away on December 23, 2020. Born on March 30, 1935, to Arthur M. and Mildred S. Wrubel, he lived in Middletown for 85 years. He graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1957 and was a member of Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. A talented clarinet player, Richard led a top traveling Dixieland college band, The Quaker City Six. He then went into the US Army, finishing as a staff Sergeant. Richard joined Wrubel’s department stores-a business started by his grandfather Isaac Wrubel in 1899, and ultimately opened his own retail store in 1976, called Richard Wrubel. He retired from retail in 1992, going into the residential real estate business where he acquired a portfolio of condominiums throughout Middlesex County. Being civic-minded, he remained an active participant in the Downtown Improvement Committee for Middletown Chamber of Commerce. He was also Vice President of the Middletown Concert Association. Throughout his life Richard was an exceptional and avid musician. He generously donated his time playing for local audiences around the area. In his later years, his daily piano playing brought him and his listeners much joy. He was a true champion of Middletown, CT. Richard loved his family more than anything and was truly the family historian, recounting tales from the time his grandfather arrived here in 1898, perpetuating the Wrubel legacy. He was a die-hard Red Sox fan throughout his life and was fortunate enough to attend the 2004 World Series to see them break their nearly 100-year curse. In later years, Richard organized a bi-weekly Friday lunch gathering with his best pals, called the ROMEOs – Retired Old Men Eating Out. Richard will be remembered for his optimism and generous spirit, his infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. In the words of his favorite composer George Gershwin, “The fundamental things apply, as time goes by…” Richard will sadly missed and always in the hearts of his loving wife of 56 years, Marcia, his daughter Susan, his son Arthur and daughter-in-law Melanie and their children Wesley and Ava, and his older sister Constance Carrigan of New Jersey. Due to current health concerns, the family held a private graveside service at the Indian Hill Cemetery in Middletown on Sunday, December 27, 2020. The family will organize a memorial service in Richard’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s name: Amazing Grace Food Pantry, SVD Middletown, Attn: Peter, PO Box 398, Middletown, CT 06457, The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Congregation Adath Israel, PO Box 337, Middletown, CT 06457, or Alzheimer’s Disease Research at the Mayo Clinic.

David Elliott Sirman died Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at his home in West Simsbury, CT. David was the son of Emory Thomas Sirman and Pauline Humphrey Sirman. He was born in Springfield, Mass. on March 30, 1938. He grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Williston Academy and Colby College. He received a Master’s Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University. Before going into business for himself, he taught at the Pleasant Valley School in Barkhamsted. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his two older brothers, Donald Stainthorpe Sirman and John Humphrey Sirman. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Elise Hooker Sirman; two sons, Russell Hooker Sirman of West Hartford and Thomas Hathaway Sirman of East Hartland; two grandsons, Joshua David Sirman and Emory Russell Sirman of West Hartford; a daughter-in-law, Mami Nishimune of West Hartford; his sister-in-law, Barbara Hooker Thorp of West Simsbury and a niece, Donna Sirman Ramsey of Tennessee. David’s family would like to thank the staff at McLean Hospice, and Companions and Homemakers for their help. The family especially wishes to thank the team of Juliana Arcala, David Bernadino, Greg Brown, and Shenelle Rochester for the exceptional care they gave David. They made a big difference. All arrangements are private and at the convenience of the family. Carmon Windsor Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.

George J. Dargati, 90, of Tolland, CT, devoted husband to his college sweetheart, the late Elizabeth “Betty” (Hannon), passed away with his family by his side on July 20, 2022. Born in the “Greek Village” section of North Grosvenor Dale, CT on June 12, 1932, the son of the late Dimitri “James” and Andronica (Fatsi) Dargati. George was an enthusiastic and engaging individual who excelled as an educator, coach, mentor, leader and family man. His credo was faith, family and friends. He loved to tell stories and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved everyone he met along life’s journey and connected in a very deep and personal way with the people he touched. George lived life with passion and purpose. He had a great competitive spirit, an infectious personality and a big heart that drew people in wherever he went. His deep friendships knew no bounds. He was genuinely interested in all people as he asked questions, listened with an open mind and heart, and offered a hand to help. He’d often engage a stranger, introduce himself, and ask about their life. Inevitably he’d discover someone in common, and soon he’d have a new friend. “The Jet’ was a basketball, baseball, and track star at Tourtellotte Memorial High School, earning 12 varsity letters. Playing basketball for the legendary Jim Canty, he led the Tigers to back-to-back state championships. During his senior season, Tourtleotte recorded a perfect 28-0 record with George leading the state in scoring and winning All-State and State Tournament MVP honors. After a year of prep school at Williston Academy he turned down a professional baseball contract offer with the New York Giants organization to accept a basketball scholarship to the University of Connecticut. After a successful freshman season at UConn, he joined the US Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he excelled playing basketball and baseball all across Europe and received All-Armed Forces honors. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled at Willimantic State Teachers College where he went on to a Hall of Fame basketball and baseball career. He was a prolific left-handed hitter as a baseball player and one of the top scorers in the country during his basketball career and set multiple school scoring records that still stand today, including single-season average (25.8) and career scoring average (24.5), while leading the Warriors to the first ever post-season tournament title. He was elected as a charter member of the Tourtellotte High School Hall of Fame, Eastern Connecticut State University Hall of Fame and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. One of the most memorable highlights of his athletic career occurred when he was selected to play in the 25th Annual Maurice Stokes NBA All-Star Game at Kutcher’s Country Club in New York. He played alongside the likes of Bob Cousy, Oscar Roberson and Wilt Chamberlain and shared game-high scoring honors with Jack Twyman. Of all his accomplishments, he would tell you the greatest was landing his adoring wife of 53 years, Betty. George’s intensity was grounded by Betty’s genuine sweetness. Together they were a perfect blend, raising a close-knit family of three children and seven grandchildren. George leaves behind his son James Dargati and his wife Tori of South Windsor, his daughter Kaileen Colgan and her husband James of Boston, MA, and his daughter Jennifer Wood and her husband Kevin of Tolland. He also leaves seven grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Ryan, Allie and Michael Colgan, Kaitlyn and Mackenzie Wood and JP and Drew Dargati. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Ida and her late husband Don Menzone, and Viola Dargati; and brother-in-law Dave Hannon. Surviving are his sister-in-law Mary Hannon, brother-in-law Dave Shea and wife Dottie, brother-in-law Bill Hannon and wife Shirley, and sister-in-law Nancy Hannon. George leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. George was a man of faith and was an active parishioner at St. Matthew Church as well as a member of the Rockville Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He taught for 35 years as a science teacher within the Vernon School System and had the pleasure of working with a wonderful group of life-long friends at VCMS. He was a mentor and a role model and over the course of his career in education he made a positive impact on the young lives of countless students and athletes. Upon his retirement from teaching, George became active in fund raising projects for charitable organizations such as St. Jude’s, Day Kimball Hospital, and the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. He also traveled with friends and greatly enjoyed yearly trips to Fenway Park, the Frozen Four and Florida to visit Ted Williams. George’s star perhaps shined brightest when he began his last career; that of a doting and loving grandfather. “Poppy” as he was affectionately called by his seven grandchildren, was a constant presence in their lives and provided them with his support, wisdom, humor, and love. Annual family vacations on Cape Cod with all of his grandchildren were the highlight of every summer. He will always be their “Poppy,” from whom they learned unforgettable life lessons. The Dargati family would like to thank George’s caring neighbors and the entire staff at Vernon Manor for their outstanding and compassionate care. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, July 30th at St. Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland. He will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Cemetery, Rockville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in George’s memory to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451. Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.

John Gordon Sheehan Jr. of 1140 Florence Road, Florence, MA, died July 11, 2022 at the age of 84. He was born in New Brunswick, Canada, March 22, 1938. At the age of two he came and lived the rest of his life at the family farm house. John took great pride and sharing stories of the 162-year-old property giving everyone the true history of Florence from early farming days to what it has become today. He attended Williston Academy in his early years and was well known as a lifeguard and good swimmer. He then attended Smith Vocational High School where he learned another one of his great passions of automotive training. John worked for Labbee Chevrolet for many years and then eventually became a 32-year employee of the VA medical center in Leeds, MA, working in the motor pool and grounds facility. You could ask John anything about a Farmall tractor and he could tell you style, year and model and it showed with all the many he owned through the years at the farm. Same could be said for race cars; he didn’t own any but he could share tons of stories about all the races he attended at Riverside Speedway. He leaves behind his wife and special person Margaret Powers Sheehan of Florence, MA. Together they would attend many country western bands and dance the night away. He also leaves behind his stepson Dean Powers and wife Kristin Powers and his two step-grandchildren Opal Powers & Jarred Powers. Some people would say step but John would always say my son and grandchildren. Preceded in death by his brother Gordon (Sandy) Sheehan. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made American Cancer Society. John loved life and people; he never met a stranger. A lesson John leaves behind and how he lived his life every day is “the most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and let it come in.”