James H. Bershtein, 87 was born in New Haven on June 10, 1924. He died on Feb. 6, 2012. Son of the late William and Bessie Burke Gamm Bershtein, he lived in Hamden his entire life. Mr. Bershtein graduated from Hamden High School, Class of 1942. He was a Merchant Marine veteran, attended The Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, Great Neck, New York. During World War II, he sailed on Merchant Marine Vessels carrying cargo, materials, and supplies to England, North Africa and Russia. He was the owner and founder of Powers Dance Studio. He was a member of the North Haven Temple Sweethearts and The Norwalk Senior Center. He is the brother of Attorney Herman S. Bershtein of Hamden, and Attorney Morris Gamm of Wallingford. His brothers, David Bershtein of North Haven, Alexander Gamm of Hallendale, Florida, and Henry Gamm of South Carolina predeceased him. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Doris Ann Burton, 79, of Hamden, departed this life Jan. 30, 2012. Born in New Haven, CT, Nov. 28, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Columbus and Anna Morse. Mrs. Burton was most recently employed at Griffin Hospital as a Certified Nurse's Assistant. She is survived by daughters, Cheryl Jackson (Charles) and Terryl Parrilla (Carlos); sons, Macceo Moss and Deark Lewis; a sister, Betty Gallentine; and a host of grandchildren; great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by daughters, Daine Burton and Beverly Williams; and a brother, Rev. Roger Skinner.
Cecilia J. Carrano of Whitney Avenue, Hamden, died Feb. 19, 2012 in the Hospital of St. Raphael. She is the beloved wife of 65 years of Anthony Carrano. Cecilia was born in New Haven June 21, 1925 daughter of the late Angelo and Mary Bove Mosca. She was educated at Hillhouse High School and had worked with her father, who was a partner, at Elm City Jewlers. Later in life she worked for 24 years as an administrative assistant for the Yale Alumni Fund. She is the mother of Anthony (Anne) and Richard Carrano. Sister of the late Margaret Franco. Also survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Gregg J. Chipokas, 49, a lifelong Hamden resident, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Gregg was born in New Haven, June 19, 1962 to the late Joseph & Helen (Chizenko) Chipokas. He was a 1980 graduate of Hamden High School. He was an avid fan of the rock group The Grateful Dead and enjoyed golf and backpack camping in the roughest of terrains. He also played hockey in adult leagues later in his life. Gregg is survived by his brother; Charlie & wife Susan Chipokas, nephew; Matthew J. Chipokas, all of Wallingford, as well as several good friends. He was predeceased by his niece; Charly Cara Chipokas.
Alice F. Geary, 90, beloved wife of the late Howard "Pete" Geary, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23, 2012. Born in Pawtucket, RI on June 27, 1921 to the late Charles and Helena Ferreira. Alice is survived by her two children, Lynne Geary of Aiken, SC and Stephen Geary and his wife Sally of Haddon Heights, NJ; grandchildren, Matt and Kyla Geary and Brendan and Sumner Mooney. Alice grew up in Rhode Island before moving to Washington D.C. as a young adult where she met her beloved husband. She worked as an IRS Secretary until her retirement in 1976. Living in Hamden since 1949, Alice moved to Mt. Laurel, NJ four years ago to be closer to her son. She was a vibrant woman and dedicated parishioner of Christ Lutheran Church who lived life to the fullest. Contributions in Alice's memory may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church, 600 Shepard Ave., Hamden, CT 06514.
Casimir J. Lubowicki, Feb. 21,1920 - Feb. 1, 2012. U.S. Veteran. In Hamden Feb. 1, 2012 Casimir J. Lubowicki 91, of Sherman Lane, Hamden. Husband of the late Magdalen (Zdazinskas) Lubowicki. Loving father of Charles J. Lubowicki, Sr. Ret. H.P.D. of Hamden and his wife Jeri. Also survived by his cherished grandchildren Charles J. Lubowicki, Jr. Lieutenant H.F.D. and Sarah Anne Lubowicki and several nieces & nephews. Predeceased by brothers Walter and Frank Lubowicki and sisters Mary Ann Johnson and Rosalie Lubowicki. Casimir was born in New Haven February 21, 1920 son of the late Walter and Leocadia (Grzybowski) Lubowicki. He served during WWII in the US Army and was a recipient of the Purple Heart,Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. Prior to retirement he worked as a supervisor for Pratt & Whitney. He was an avid golfer and Boston Red Sox fan. The family would like to thank the Staff of Hamden Health Care for their compassion and care given to Casimir. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hamden Health Care, 1270 Sherman Lane, Hamden, 06514.
Clarence Arthur Noel of Mix Ave, Hamden died Dec. 1, 2011, in Arden House. He was born in New Haven May 13, 1932, the son of the late Clarence and Gertrude Adams Noel, Sr. and was a proud US Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He is the brother of Carolyn Falcigno, Fred J. Noel and the late Jean DiNello. Funeral services were held privately. The Monanhan Cox Smith & Crimmins Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.
Carl J. Podgwaite Jr., 70, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 at the Hospital of St. Raphael in New Haven. He was the husband of Anita (DeBiase) Podgwaite. Memorial contributions may be made to the Father McGivney Cancer Center, 659 George Street, New Haven, CT 06511. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. For online condolences or to share a story, please visit: www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com
