April 2019

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Paul Moscaritolo, 48, of Middletown, Connecticut, beloved husband of Mary (Mandeville) Moscaritolo, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 2, 2019 in his home with his family by his side. He was born in Middletown on March 20, 1970 and was the son of Raymond Moscaritolo of Torrington,  and Ann (Madeux) Moscaritolo of Torrington. Paul was employed by the City of Middletown Sanitation Department for over 13 years. He was a DJ known as "DJ White Money" for over 30 years, and a music artist and engineer for over 36 years. The love he had for music was contagious and he passed this love onto all of his children and many Connecticut artists that recorded at his studio, Trackmixers Studio. Aside from music he was also a devoted family man. Paul was a hard worker from a very young age and did everything to support his family and make them happy. He put everyone before himself, especially his family and friends. His children were his world. Paul could always make the whole room laugh with his humorous personality and will always be remembered for his sweet, loving, compassionate nature. Paul is survived by his three sons, Tailan Moscaritolo of Middletown, Dante Moscaritolo of Middletown, and Devon Moscaritolo of Middletown, as well as the son he took under his wing, Danny “Shoog” Martinez of New Britain. Paul is also survived by his daughter, Marisa Moscaritolo of Middletown, his step daughters, Paige Gagnon of Middletown, and Kendal Gagnon of Middletown, as well as his grandson, Kasius Moscaritolo of Middletown. He was also survived by his sisters, Lisa Tomasitis of Middletown, and Annette Vinci of Middletown, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 7th at the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Those who wish can make memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, 2911 Dixwell Ave., Suite 104, Hamden, 06618. 

William R. McInerney, 64, of Middletown, beloved husband of Susan Asermly, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 4th. Born on May 14, 1954 in Middletown, he was the son of Charles McInerney and the late Margaret (Tolette) McInerney. William, better known as "Billy Mac," was a firefighter for Middletown where he served for over 30 years. Billy was a Fire Service Historian throughout his life, fixing old fire trucks and apparatus. Billy was a trustee of the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society. He was a jack of all trades and a master of all. Sometimes a man of very few words, but he was always listening. We will love and miss you Billy Mac.
Besides his father and wife he is survived by a daughter, Lindsey McInerney, a sister and brother-in-law Judy and Charlie Cecchini, a niece, Erin Cecchini, two step-sons, Donald and Derek Anderson, two step-daughters, Taylor DiDominiscis and Chelsea Asermly.
The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X church Middletown. Burial will be in the family plot in Minor Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Those who wish may make donations to the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society, 230 Pine St., Manchester, CT 06040. 

Pauline Antoinette Talevi Damato passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 03, 2019 after a brief illness. Pauline was born April 3, 1925 daughter of Arnold and Mary Cordone Talevi. She was the widow of William J. Damato who died in 2009. Pauline was the quintessential Italian mother and hostess, welcoming all to her home. Within 5 minutes of your visit, there was food and drink on the table. Pauline graduated from Middletown High School in 1942 and had several part time jobs during that time. She shared many humorous stories from filling too much jelly into the doughnuts and early release from school to work at Western Union during the war. For most of her adult life she was a loving homemaker raising two children Judy and Billy. Her love of singing and dancing led her to participate in the minstrel shows at St. Sebastian.Through photography, she enjoyed recording the history and special events of her large extended family. Pauline was a talented knitter, creating beautiful faire isle sweaters, baby blankets and afghans that she gave to her family. Pauline became a second mother to her grandchildren Jessica and Benjamin when their father Peter died in 1981. She loved having them for weekends, visiting with her siblings' families which created a true sense of family for Jess and Ben.Judy is forever grateful for the love and support of Mom and Dad during that traumatic time.Pauline shared her passion for cooking with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren teaching them the art of Italian cooking, making homemade pastas, stuffing shells, and a favorite, fried dough. For anyone who knew Nanny, Rocky Roads were her specialty and she was happy to demonstrate production to her friends and relatives. Pauline was an extremely thoughtful and considerate person acknowledging family and friends' birthdays, anniversaries and special events. She would buy greeting cards years in advance so she was prepared for the time. Whoever needed a helping hand, Mom was always there. She loved sitting on her front porch surrounded by hanging plants, enjoying the activities on upper Grand that became stories in themselves. Pauline leaves her children, Judith Aucoin of Manchester and William Damato and his wife Cheryle of Wethersfield; her grandchildren: Jessica Aucoin Squatrito of South Windsor and Benjamin Aucoin of Willington and grandson-in-law Sandro Squatrito; her great grandchildren: Taylor Aucoin, Serafina, Aurelia and Gaia Squatrito. Her sisters Joanne Liljedahl, Molly Pascoe and Ruth Portante and sister-in-law Kathy Talevi. She was pre-deceased by her husband Bill, her son-in-law Peter, her sister Grace Steadham, and brother Joseph Talevi. She also leaves many loving and caring nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral will be held on Friday, February 8th at 11 AM in the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High Street, Middletown. Burial will be in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 188, North Haven, CT 06473 

William (Billy) Battistini, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2019 at the age of 82. Billy was born on December 6th, 1936, and grew up in Wilson, Connecticut, where he lived a full childhood, surrounded by an extended family that included many cousins. As a young man, Billy enlisted in the United States Navy and toured the world, an early example of the sacrifice and service to others that his friends and family will remember him for.
Following his career in the Navy, Billy began work at All Gas, where he would spend the next 37 years in faithful employment. One day a young woman named Irene was talking with a friend who also happened to be one of Billy's coworkers. "You should meet this guy," he told Irene, referring to Billy. "You would like him. He's a hard worker. He takes good care of his family." In 1972 Billy and Irene were married. They began a loving companionship that would last 47 years.
The couple moved to Sears Street in Middletown in 1981, where they spent many happy years caring for their dogs and riding horses together. In addition to the quality time he spent with family, Billy also had many friends and personal interests. Always an avid bowler, Billy belonged to four 10-pin bowling leagues in Bloomfield, where he earned a reputation for his skill. He loved to play cards and was partial to the old-time country music of Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Billy's lifelong loyalty to his Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots was repaid with a string of world championships in recent years.
Later in his life, increasing physical difficulties did not stop him from being around others and living a life he loved. A beloved regular of the Cromwell Senior Center, Billy enjoyed regular card games, pool, and Wii bowling tournaments. While Billy loved the games and events at the senior center, his connections with others there were what he treasured most. His friend Karen, who referred to him as "Uncle Billy," was particularly dear to him.
In fact, many people in Billy's life affectionately referred to him as "Uncle Billy." "He wanted to be everyone's uncle, everyone's father," recalls Irene. "He just cared for everybody." Billy's friends and family will remember him as an incredibly humble, kind, and loyal person who always put others before himself and who always had a warm smile on his face. "Billy always wanted everyone around him to be happy," Irene remembers. A good friend of Billy's once observed, "If more people had a mind like Billy, this world would be a better place."
Even as he experienced declining health in his later years, Billy maintained an attitude of thankfulness for everything he had. Each evening, he and Irene would offer prayers of gratitude for the blessings they had received that day.
Billy is predeceased by three brothers – Donald, Archie and Richie. He is survived by his wife, Irene Battistini, and several cousins. A celebration of Billy's life will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cromwell Senior Center, 41 West St., Cromwell, CT 06416 in thanksgiving for all they gave to Billy. The Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown is in charge of arrangements. 

Stephen Martin, 58, of Middletown, passed away on January 20, 2019. Stephen was the beloved son of Arthur and Jacqueline Martin of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Stephen is survived by his son Kyle (Barbara) of Newtown, Pennsylvania, his daughter Lily of Middletown, and his precious granddaughter Calliope Martin. Stephen also leaves behind two brothers and several nephews and nieces. Stephen was an avid photographer, lover of the arts, and celebrated woodworker. He loved to spend time playing with his granddaughter, chronicling her growth and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his next grandchild.
Funeral services and burial will be at the convenience of the family. The Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High Street, Middletown is in charge of arrangements. 

Constance Ceberek passed away on January 26, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. Connie was born in Hartford October 23, 1943 then moved to Middletown where she lived for most of her life.Connie graduated from SCSU in 1965. .She worked at the UTC Research Labs & then was a chemist in the State Health Lab for over 25 years until her retirement.Connie is predeceased by her parents Joseph Ceberek and Sophie Dolinsky Ceberek and sister Carol Ceberek. She has left behind her sisters Jackie Ceberek of Middletown and Kathy Ceberek Grasso of Higganum, Jim Grasso (brother in law), and her nephews Damion Grasso of Cromwell, Corey Grasso of Austin, Texas and their families.Connie loved nature & was a strong advocate for protecting the environment. Her dogs gave her great joy- agility trials, going for walks, & just having their companionship. She enjoyed traveling to many beautiful sites for nature adventures & horseback riding. .She was a talented photographer - especially nature photography. She had lots of fun with her Mustang sports cars - along with her four-legged horses.Connie was gentle and kind; she loved to share conversations - with friends as well as new acquaintances. She will be deeply missed by her family & friends.The funeral will be held on Friday, February 1st at 9 a.m. from the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St., Middletown followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. John's Church, Middletown. Burial will be in St.John's Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, January 31st from 5 to 7 p.m.