News

Arthur Henry Hutchinson

Details: Published: June 06 2026 June 06 2026

Arthur Henry Hutchinson, Jr., 73, of Wethersfield, beloved husband for 52 years of Kathy (Whalen) Hutchinson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Natalie "Nikki" (Damon) O'Neill

Details: Published: May 27 2026 May 27 2026

Natalie “Nikki” S. (Damon) O’Neill, 90, of East Hampton, passed away Monday May 11th at her home surrounded by her closest friends. She was married to Governor William O’Neill for 45 years before his death on November 24, 2007. Born in Leominster, MA, on April 5, 1936 to the late Alice (O’Donnell) and George Damon. She had a brother George Jr. who predeceased her also. Nikki graduated from Leominster High School in 1954 and the University of New Hampshire in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She did graduate work at Worcester State Teacher’s College, Boston University, University of Hartford and University of Connecticut.

An Open Letter from the Rhine River Rebels

Details: Published: March 27 2026 March 27 2026

Dear all,

As of last night, the Rhine River Rebels have become part of history.

Robert George Herel

Details: Published: March 20 2026 March 20 2026

Robert George Herel, 93, of Centerbrook, CT, passed away peacefully on January 20th, 2026, with his loved ones by his side. Born on January 7th, 1933 to the late Rudolph Herel and Miriam Gear Herel, Bob was raised in Essex, CT, where he remained a nearly lifelong resident. He attended Pratt High School in Essex, and was in the very first graduating class from Valley Regional High School in Deep River. He met the love of his life, Mary Louise Appell, at his sister's wedding, where he was a groomsman and she was a bridesmaid. They married in July of 1961, and were blessed with 62 years of marriage.

Daniel Short

Details: Published: February 22 2026 February 22 2026

Daniel Marshall Short, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ethel Jean Lavelle

Details: Published: January 10 2026 January 10 2026

Ethel Jean Lavelle, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on November 26, 2025, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Berlin, VT.

Carl Frederick "Rick" Corbett, IV

Details: Published: December 21 2025 December 21 2025

Carl Frederick “Rick” Corbett, IV, 65, of Romney, WV, passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Becky, by his side on December 18, 2025, after battling many chronic health issues. Rick was born at Quonset Air Base in North Kingstown, RI on March 14, 1960 to Carl F. “Fred” Corbett (dec.) and Joanne (Wilson). He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Rebecca (Matthews), daughters Jennifer Petit (Jamey) and Melissa Corbett and granddaughter Lindsey Petit (Ash). He is also survived by his mother, Joanne (Wilson) Corbett and sisters Deborah Bryan (Martin) and Kerrin Martini, and was pre-deceased by a brother, Christopher P. Corbett.

Sandra Bidwell

Details: Published: August 05 2025 August 05 2025

Sandra Lee Gergler Bidwell, 76, passed away peacefully on the 15th of July alongside her two children, Mandy Beth Bidwell and Shane T. French, after her second, no holds barred, bare knuckle, prison yard battle with The Cancer which she often brushed off her shoulder, punched in the throat like she was Rocky Balboa and stubbornly ignored continuing to live alone, remaining as independent and mobile as possible.

Kenneth Harold Green

Details: Published: July 13 2025 July 13 2025

Kenneth Harold Green of New Windsor, NY died peacefully at his family home on July 4th, 2025 at the age of 64. Ken was born on May 26th,1961 at the West Point hospital to Harold Dawson Green and Thelma Karole Green.

Renovation Updates at the Museum of Fife and Drum

Details: Published: May 11 2025 May 11 2025

Over the past several months, the Museum of Fife and Drum has undergone a series of thoughtful renovations aimed at improving safety, function, and the overall visitor experience — while staying true to the museum’s heritage. With the majority of the work now complete, we’re proud to share some of the key upgrades that will benefit the community for years to come.

Bill Maling

Details: Published: April 15 2025 April 15 2025

William Bell Maling “Bill” passed away at home in Green, Ohio on April 9, 2025, at the age of 91.

Theodore "Ted" Nelson

Details: Published: February 15 2025 February 15 2025

Theodore Harold Nelson, “Ted”, 89, of Centerbrook, CT passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2025 reuniting with his wife of 58 years Judie Nelson, in eternal happiness. He was born in Queens, New York on October 26, 1935, the son of Harold and Lydia (Greene) Nelson.

Raymond J. Narducci II

Details: Published: January 06 2025 January 06 2025

Ray Narducci of Killingworth, aged 72, passed away after a brief illness, November 27, 2024 at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Building Repairs at The Fife and Drum Museum and Headquarters

Details: Published: December 01 2024 December 01 2024

We are pleased to share that a series of much-needed repairs and improvements were recently completed at The Company of Fifers & Drummers' Museum and Headquarters.

Marilyn Weksner

Details: Published: November 21 2024 November 21 2024

Marilyn Eve Weksner, 67, of New Britain, passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2024.

George C. Yeramian, Jr.

Details: Published: November 21 2024 November 21 2024

George C. Yeramian, Jr., former Life Member and 1st Vice President of the Company of Fifers & Drummers passed away on November 16, 2024 at the age of 95.