<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?> <rss xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" version="2.0"> <channel> <description>Dinoto Funeral Home provides online obituaries, funeral notices, condolences, tributes and death notices - powered by the national CurrentObituary.com database.</description> <item> <description>Mallory Erin Ahern Young, age 33, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Mallory was a friend to all and a stranger to none. Her spirit of unwavering loyalty, empathy, and devotion to her friends and family were the guiding principles of her life. Born in Norwich, Connecticut, and raised in Preston, Connecticut, Mallory was an outspoken lover of animals, especially horses, which she spent much of her time around. She competed in dressage and found joy in a busy barn and a stall that needed cleaning. She also adopted a rescue dog named Bella, whom she loved dearly. Mallory attended many schools throughout her life, but found her home at The Franklin Academy in East Haddam, Connecticut, from which she graduated and made life-changing friendships. Through years of medical challenges, Mallory persevered with a spirit that embodied the Ahern family motto,  Per ardua surgo  I rise through difficulties. Mallory is survived by her parents, Regina and Russell Young of Preston; her brothers, Ryan Landry of Gales Ferry and Colin Ahern of Windsor, and their respective spouses, Heather and Emily; as well as her niece and nephews, Emersyn, Robbie, and Ethan. She is also survived by her biological father, William Landry. Mallory is predeceased by her cherished grandparents, John and Regina Ahern. Mallory s family wishes to thank Nancy and Chuck Clavin for their extraordinary kindness and compassion to our beloved daughter and sister in her life and passing. The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, on Thursday, August 20, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick s Cathedral, 211 Broadway, Norwich, CT, on Friday, August 21, at 10:00 AM, followed by a burial at Elm Grove Cemetery, 197 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, CT. The family is choosing to honor Mallory by ensuring that Franklin Academy in East Haddam, CT can continue to provide the same sense of possibility and belonging that enriched Mallory s life, to other young people. The family will be establishing the Mallory Erin Ahern Young  14 Memorial Scholarship, which will support students whose families need additional financial assistance to make a Franklin education possible and allow the student to fully engage in all that is available. In lieu of flowers, the family invites all who are able to use the link below to make a donation to this scholarship fund in Mallory s memory. &lt;a href=https://giving.veracross.com/franklin_academy/give/Mallory#gift-amount-step target="new"&gt;&lt;b&gt;giving.veracross.com&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; </description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/ba399ef945d247de904079f76b47662d.JPG" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302189</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-08-18T12:44:59.4487601Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Mallory Erin Ahern Young&lt;br/&gt;Aug 11, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Bernard  Bernie Jerome Lippman of Ledyard, 79, passed away on July 20, 2026 after a very active, authentic life and a brief stay at Connecticut Hospice after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Bernie was born on January 20, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, to parents Suzette (Nissan) Lippman, an Iraqi immigrant, and Albert Lippman, who was born and raised in New York. Growing up in Brooklyn, Bernie got his start playing  ball : first stickball and stoop ball in the Williamsburg streets, then basketball all over the city. He skipped eighth grade and went to one of the most prestigious high schools in New York City, Stuyvesant, which turned out to be one of his biggest regrets because it was boys-only, and he had already realized that he much preferred women to men. He survived, graduating in 1963, and went on to Brooklyn College and the City College of New York, during which time, in addition to his academic pursuits, he discovered Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, hitchhiked through the U.S. and Europe, began accumulating the many stories he would tell and retell throughout his life, and continued playing lots of basketball. He graduated from CCNY in 1969, and later that year, met Mary Marsh at a Halloween party in New Haven. They lived in Manhattan together with their cats before moving to Ledyard, Mary s hometown, and getting married in 1974. They spent 53 years together and raised two daughters, Molly and Margo, with unconditional love and support. Bernie was an active parent, teaching his children to fish in the local ponds, taking them to the library, the duck pond, the beach, the Mystic Aquarium, the Peabody Museum, and as they got older, wherever they and their friends wanted to go. He listened to his daughters, encouraged their interests, and trusted and empowered them to make their own decisions. Once their daughters left home, Bernie and Mary were back to living with each other and their cats, which were a constant in their home. Bernie had a special affection for Midnight, who lived to be 22, as well as for Stevie and for Runty, his last cat who predeceased him by a year. Midnight s backyard funeral was the only time Bernie s children saw him cry. Bernie and Mary enjoyed going to the movies in Mystic and Madison, and Bernie tolerated long visits to Mary s beloved quilt shops all over New England. When Mary was diagnosed with a cluster of autoimmune diseases and became progressively weaker, Bernie lovingly cared for her and respected her autonomy until the end. He spent three and a half years living on his own until the last two weeks of his life, which were spent experiencing incredible care and a beautiful view of Long Island Sound at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Bernie s first few jobs as a teenager and young man were at Wollman Rink in Central Park, at a tennis shop in Long Island, and as a counselor at summer camps in the Berkshires and Catskills. After getting married and moving to Connecticut, he began his long career in management: in the 80s he ran Mystic McDonalds, then opened several additional McDonalds around southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. He then went on to do similar work with Taco Bell, opening the Groton location among others. Later he managed Labor Ready, opening locations in New London and Norwich. Throughout the years, many people worked for and with him, and the relationships he built and cooperation he inspired among his teams were just as important to him as achieving great  numbers --which he also did. After retiring, Bernie worked part-time at Lebanon Pines, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility, where he emphasized the importance of treating the clients like human beings. You could say that his life s work was about people, and the result was that everywhere he went, he knew somebody. Throughout his working years and beyond, Bernie continued to play  ball 3 to 5 days a week. He spent years playing basketball at the Norwich YMCA before injuries eventually forced him to switch to racquetball, which he played at the Y, the Mystic Community Center, and the Racquet Club in Waterford and its later iterations. He played and placed in local, state, and national tournaments, including numerous trips to the National Senior Games held in various states around the country. In recent years, he had transitioned to playing pickleball, though he still maintained close relationships with his racquetball buddies and looked forward to their monthly  geezer breakfasts. His pickleball friends, though among his newest friends, became his pickleball  family. They quickly got used to his yelling and joking on the court, expanded his horizons when they introduced him to cribbage at Thrive 55 and writing groups at the Mystic &amp; Noank Library, and showed up for Bernie when he was ill. Bernie played his last pickleball game just a few weeks before his final and rapid decline. It s almost as though once he couldn t play ball anymore, he was done. Likewise, he was mowing the lawn, burning sticks in his fire pit (always dutifully calling Ledyard Fire Dispatch for permission first), and tending to his bountiful garden until he physically could no longer do so. He enjoyed waking up before sunrise, going to get a cup of coffee from the Ledyard store or Dunkin , and listening to the birds wake up and begin singing. Beyond sports or business or yardwork, Bernie loved and took the most pride in his family and friends, who already miss him like crazy: daughters Margo Lippman of Brooklyn and Molly (Jerry) Richardson of Chicago; sister-in-law Maureen Marsh of Lebanon; and nieces Katelyn Norman (Lee Gushurst) of Lebanon, Laura Norman of Newport, Rhode Island, Colleen LaBranche (William) Smith of North Stonington and Charlotte LaBranche of East Lyme; and his many devoted friends, some of them going back to childhood. Bernie was predeceased by his wife of nearly 50 years and partner of 53, Mary Marsh Lippman; his brother, Steven Lippman; and his parents, Suzette (Nissan) Lippman and Albert Lippman. Please join Bernie s family in celebrating his life, telling some stories, and honoring his memory at Ledyard Congregational Church on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. There will be time in the service set aside for friends and loved ones to share stories and memories; guests are encouraged to prepare a brief remembrance funny and colorful stories are welcome, just as Bernie would like! The service will also be available on Zoom; contact Molly for the link. In lieu of cut flowers, please consider a living, shade-loving perennial; the family will then plant these as part of the private burial at the Ledyard Center Cemetery. If you feel moved to do so, please consider donating in remembrance of Bernie to an organization that speaks to his life and character. Here are a few suggestions: Steady Buckets, which provides free basketball and leadership training to NYC youth (steadybuckets.org) My Grandfather s Cat, which assists seniors and terminally ill people to arrange second forever homes for their beloved cats (mygrandfatherscat.ca)  or if you are in a position to do so, adopt a senior cat from your local shelter ( Bernie would be a cute cat name& )! Ledyard Food Pantry, which provides local food assistance for neighbors in need (ledyardcongregational.org/food-pantry/) American Civil Liberties Union, which fights in courts nationwide to protect the rights of all people in the U.S. (aclu.org) .</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/815b109d3cea4cbda720c5fa3b102f17.jpg" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/301773</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-08-18T12:44:59.4487601Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Bernard J. "Bernie" Lippman&lt;br/&gt;Jul 20, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Paulino Cotto, 73, of Norwich, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 15, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, Paulino was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose love for his family was evident in everything he did. Paulino was a man with a generous heart and a great sense of humor. He had a way of making people smile and bringing laughter wherever he went. He loved spending time with his family, listening to music, watching westerns featuring cowboys and Indians, cheering on the New York Mets, and enjoying the simple things in life. Paulino's greatest joy was his loved ones. He loved his children unconditionally and was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his love, his laughter, and the countless ways he touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette Cotto, his children; Theresa Heben, Jennifer Cotto, Jose Cotto, David Cotto, Daniel Cotto and Jacqueline Cotto. He is also survived by his 15 beloved grandchildren; Amanda Ortiz, Bernard Holland, Joshua Cotto, Cindy Cotto, Cristina Holland, Brianna Cotto, Michael Ortiz, Arianna Leefoon, Jose Cotto Jr., Samara Heben, Justin Cotto, Devin Cotto, Princeton Leefoon, Matthew Cotto and Ethan Clyde, as well as his beloved great- grandchildren, Anthony Euell, Octavia Cortez, Ricardo Kearse, Jaxen Cortex, Noah Tiederman, and Joseline Cotto. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friend who will forever cherish his memory. His memory will forever live on in our hearts. Paulino's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, July 16, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Burial will immediately follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/9ae080dd51a8497aabef347f70ee1a59.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/301576</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-08-18T12:44:59.4487601Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Paulino Cotto&lt;br/&gt;Jul 03, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>MYSTIC: Jack (John) W. Pillar Jr. of Mystic passed on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Jack was born in Norwich, CT on July 28, 1938. He is the husband of Jane Richard Pillar. They were married on July 6, 1963 at St. Michael s Church in Pawcatuck and communicant of St. Patrick s Church of Mystic. He is survived by his wife, Jane and many cousins. He is predeceased by his parents John and Hattie Dugas Pillar of Groton, CT. He attended Norwich grammar schools, Norwich Free Academy and Fitch High School in Groton, CT. He joined the Air Force in August 1955 and served four years with tours of duty in Turkey, Greece and California. Jack was employed at General Dynamics/Electric Boat from 1962 until his early retirement in 1997. He was a member of the MDA/UAW L571 and was elected as Trustee, Grievance Representative Union Councilor, and was the first MDA Safety Representative. During his 35 years of employment he was a welding structural inspector in the shipyard a a member of the MTC Union. From 1970 in Union MDA/UAW until his retirement he was a Contract Change Technical Aide. He was previously employed in 1961 at Pratt &amp; Whitney in East Hartford. He was elected to the RTM for the Town of Groton, Parks &amp; Recreation and Town Budget Committee. Later he was on the Board of Directors for the Indian and Colonial Center in Old Mystic, CT. Jack was a drag racer and a member of the New Breed Auto Club of Norwich, CT, since 1962. He was elected president for one term, then secretary. He actively participated in NHRA, racing his  55 Chevy E/G Class at CT Dragway, Lebanon Valley, NY and York, PA. He designed, built and painted the car. He is a former member of Southeastern Mustang Club. He served as Secretary For Corvettes Only and Chairman of the 2014 annual Corvette Show in Mystic, AC Gilberts Erectors Club, American Game Association, NRA Certified, Lunch Box Collector, Antique Train Association, and Toy Collectors of America. He was co-owner of Pillar s Antiques with his wife, Jane, for 40 years. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 14, at 10:00am at St. Patrick Church. 32 East Main Street, Mystic and a private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smilow Cancer Center, Waterford CT or the charity of your choice.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/834678396a4e4a2ab967bf69a46ee6c9.JPG" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/301518</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-08-18T12:44:59.4487601Z</pubDateParsed> <title>John (Jack) W. Pillar&lt;br/&gt;Jun 28, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Calvin Brown Obituary - 6/27/2026 Calvin Maurice Brown, age 79, of Ledyard, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. He was born on November 21, 1946, in New London, Connecticut, to Maurice Brown and Mary Murphy Brown. Calvin was a hardworking, caring, and extraordinary man whose life was defined by dedication to his family, his work, and the people he loved. He was always present when needed and took great pride in providing for those closest to him. His strength, reliability, and unconditional love left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a devoted husband to Arleen Brown for 38 years, sharing a life built on commitment, partnership, and love. Together, they created a strong and enduring family foundation. Calvin was the proud owner of CB Paving, where his work ethic and integrity were evident in everything he built. He will be remembered not only for the business he created, but for the honest, tireless effort he put into every job and every promise he made. Above all, Calvin s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Arleen Brown; his children, Heath Brown and Jody , Toni Hopkins and Alicia, Donna Oddo and Gary, Arthur Cost and Ann; his cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Odin, Aryanna, Faith, Jace, Cash, and Amelia. His great-grandson and his forever  Buddy Mateo Calvin-Lee Oddo. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Sadler and Chuck, and nephew Patrick Sadler and Laura. He will be remembered for his hard work, his steady presence, and the unconditional love he gave so freely to his family. His legacy lives on through the lives he shaped, the lessons he taught, and the love he built into every part of his world. Though he is not here physically he will always be with us and his legacy will live on forever. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. </description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/d33e1d527a064a54a053fe2ddf14a4be.jpeg" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/301342</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-08-18T12:44:59.4487601Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Calvin Maurice Brown&lt;br/&gt;Jun 25, 2026</title> </item> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:44:59 UTC</lastBuildDate> <link>/member/33</link> <title>CurrentObituary.com RSS feed for Dinoto Funeral Home</title> <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:44:59 UTC</pubDate> <webMaster>webmaster@currentobituary.com</webMaster> </channel> </rss>