<?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>J. Niel Spillane Joseph Niel Spillane (Niel), 102, of Mystic CT, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, September 18, 2026. Niel was born on March 30, 1924, in New York City, the son of Daniel Joseph and Treva Niel (Winter) Spillane. During his early years, he lived in Yonkers, Irvington, and Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Niel was married to Dorothy (Hoover) Spillane, his beloved wife of 61 years, who predeceased him in 2011. Niel and Dorothy, known as Dee, met in Toronto, Canada, where Dee was studying at the University of Toronto. They later lived in upstate New York and Charleston, SC, before settling in Southeastern Connecticut to raise their family. Together, they were a dynamic team, deeply committed to serving their town, church, and community. Niel was predeceased by his oldest son, John Spillane (Melody), of Groton CT. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Spillane, of Mystic CT, and his son, Jamie Spillane (Linda), of Willington CT; six grandchildren: John Spillane (Barbara), of Griswold CT; Melissa Kumiega (Craig), of Manchester CT; Kristen Zephyrus (Geoff), and Hilary Sueoka (Dan Stedman), of Redmond OR; J.B. Spillane (Allison), of Melbourne, Australia; and Colin Spillane (Angela), of Somerville MA; and five great-grandchildren: Logan, Nikki, Jude, Quinn, and Reid. Niel earned undergraduate degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in Glen Cove NY, and pursued extensive graduate studies in Environmental Engineering at the University of New Haven. World War II temporarily interrupted his college education when Webb Institute became a Navy school, and Niel's relatively poor vision did not meet Navy officer standards. He voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was again advised that his vision would preclude Officer Candidate School and overseas combat. Within a few months, however, he was assigned to Company B, 376th Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, as a machine gunner and sent to combat in Europe. Landing at Utah Beach shortly after D-Day, his division helped contain the German submarine ports along the west coast of France before advancing into Germany. During the Battle of the Bulge, the 94th Infantry Division participated in the breakthrough of the Siegfried Line. In that fighting, Niel was awarded the Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation. He suffered severe frostbite while standing in a frozen foxhole near the Rhine River and was sent to England and Wales for several months of recovery and recuperation. He later returned to Germany as part of the occupation force and completed his active military service in March 1946. During the Korean War, Niel was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. After two years of active duty repairing ships at the Charleston, South Carolina, Navy Yard, he continued in the Navy Reserve, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Niel's postwar professional career began with planning for the construction of the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus. He subsequently spent 25 years at Electric Boat, where he managed the planning of submarine construction, the creation and acquisition of new facilities at Quonset Point, and the design of the Land Level Construction Facility. He ultimately served as Assistant to the President for Manufacturing. After leaving Electric Boat, Niel joined ShipTech International as Vice President, where he consulted on the design and modernization of shipbuilding facilities throughout the United States. Niel was deeply interested in the effects of government decisions on education and community life. Soon after arriving in Southeastern Connecticut, he was elected to Waterford's first Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and was appointed minority party leader. During his years in Waterford, Governor John Dempsey appointed him a Commissioner of the Industrial Fresh Water Development Commission, forerunner of the present Southeastern Connecticut Regional Water Authority. After moving to Mystic, Niel joined the Groton RTM and shortly thereafter was elected to the Town Council and then as Mayor of Groton. During his tenure, the Town Council established the Mystic Historic District Commission and acquired Pequot Woods in Mystic, one of Groton's early major open-space acquisitions. He also helped secure the construction of the Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Regional Technical High School on Fort Hill in Groton by offering state officials town-owned land at no cost. Niel was particularly pleased with the establishment of the Pequot Outpatient Treatment Facility. Using Groton's economic development funds as leverage, he helped bring together Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and the surrounding towns of Stonington, North Stonington, and Ledyard with Groton to establish a fully staffed emergency room and outpatient facility serving the east side of the Thames River. After retiring from elected office, Niel continued his civic service as Chairman of the Historic District Commission, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pequot Woods, Chairman of the Charter Revision Commission, and Vice Chairman of the John Mason Monument Commission. When the Mystic Fire District acquired the former Cottrell Lumber Company property in Mystic, Niel was elected Chairman of the Mystic River Park Commission. In that role, he oversaw the design and construction of the park and the management of its facilities. Niel's lifelong interests in boats and woodworking led to many years of involvement with Mystic Seaport as a member, volunteer, teacher, and Staff Interpreter. His fascination with the carved decorations found on ships continued in his own work, including the  Welcome to Historic Mystic signs marking the roads into the village, quarterboards for Amistad, and numerous signs and figureheads at the Seaport. At St. Mark's Church, Niel served over the years as a vestryman, chorister, lector, usher, and occasional handyman. For many years, he also assisted Dee with the annual Christmas Bazaar. Niel lived a long and richly engaged life, combining professional accomplishment with a deep commitment to family, community, service, history, boats, and craftsmanship. He will be remembered with affection and gratitude by his family, friends, and the many communities he served for his hard work and willing smile. There will be a memorial service at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 14th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Niel's memory may be made to Mystic Seaport, St. Mark's Church, or the Mystic River Historical Society.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/f9b85dadfb334d26b8e41ef4e845c88b.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302826</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0306194Z</pubDateParsed> <title>J. Niel Spillane&lt;br/&gt;Sep 18, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Cynthia Lee (Ramey) Romagnolo of Rhode Island passed away Sept. 13, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was a longtime resident of Ledyard. Cindy was born December 19, 1956, and grew up in Northern Virginia. She worked in the airline and travel industry for many years before settling in Ledyard, where she raised her family. Cindy was a dedicated volunteer in Ledyard Public Schools and with other community organizations. She loved traveling, especially regular trips to Aruba, boating across southern Connecticut and Rhode Island, cooking traditional British meals, and tending to the flowers in her gardens. Cindy is survived by her husband, James Romagnolo, of Rhode Island; her children: Shannon Anusewicz and her husband Joshua of Essex, and Ryan Romagnolo and his wife Stephanie of North Kingstown, R.I.; three beloved grandchildren; sisters Susan and Yvonne, and brother Robert; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and June (Newson) Ramey. A private celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, Cindy s family requests that donations be made to the Brown University Health Cancer Institute in her honor.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/6345f151f6e54407869335cc10c26a85.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302787</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0306194Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Cynthia Lee Romagnolo&lt;br/&gt;Sep 13, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER Radhames Valdez It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear dad. His kindness, warmth and love touched the life of many. THE FAMILY INVITES YOU TO A MEMORIAL SERVICE IN HIS HONOR. Dinoto Funeral Home Saturday, September 19, 2026 11am ~ 1pm 17 Pearl Street Mystic CT 06355 </description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/348e0892f1d6408498de53672d16da55.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302786</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0306194Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Radhames Valdez&lt;br/&gt;Sep 11, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Patricia Ann (Olzacki) Gallagher, age 81, of Groton passed away peacefully at her home on September 9, 2026. She was born on July 20,1945, in New London CT, to the late Henry and Kazimira (Cass) Olzacki. After graduating from RAHM High School in Hebron in 1963, she continued her education, earning her degree from the Joseph Lawrence School of Nursing. In December 1966, she married her beloved husband of 57 years, Michael Gallagher, becoming a Navy wife. She continued her nursing career and after many station changes, she ended up working in the ICU at Backus Hospital in Norwich for over 22 years, where she retired in 2004. During her retirement, Patti and Mike loved to travel. They took cruises and visited many countries. She was an active member of the Joseph Lawrence School of Nursing Alumni Assoc. and enjoyed old TV shows, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Sheila Powers (Ron) and their children Ryan and Lexi; her son Sean and his children Kassidy and Tiffany; as well as her sister-in-law Terry Vanloo (Kenny) and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Robert Olzacki and his wife MaryAnn. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In memory of Patti, please consider donating to a dog rescue/shelter. </description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/06a9b9ea4d34474db47c5830c1376eab.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302715</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0462447Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Patricia Ann Gallagher&lt;br/&gt;Sep 09, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Cynthia Lynn Pitman, 63, of Farmland, Indiana died on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. She was born March, 1 1963 to the late Joseph M. Johnson Sr and Betty I. (Terry) Johnson. Cindy grew up with her parents and several siblings in East Central Indiana where she had fond memories of running around her grandparents farm. She graduated from Monroe Central Jr-Sr High school in 1981. She held many titles throughout her life including cashier, waitress, and for the longest stretch of her working life, she was an employee of FCC in Portland, IN. Although she held many titles throughout her 63 years, her most cherished titles were those of Mom and GiGi. Cindy spent her most recent years attending Faith Baptist Church of Farmland where she had many cherished friends. In addition to her church, she volunteered at the Farmland Friends food pantry whenever she was able. She enjoyed sitting outside watching the birds and just being surrounded by the sounds of nature. Some of her favorite hobbies included thrifting with family and friends, playing card games, and watching the Waltons. She counted down the days to her trips to Connecticut and took in every moment with her daughter, granddaughters(both human and K-9), as well as her favorite son-in-law. Being a grandmother was her happy place and she adored every second of it. Cindy is survived by her daughter Sara Harris and her husband David and their daughter Lynlie. In addition to her daughter's family she is survived by sisters, Deb (Chuck) Ward of Hagerstown IN, Laurie Dingus Farmland IN, and Lou (Bob) Deady of Losantville IN, her brothers Melvin (Londa) Johnson of Farmland IN, Jim Johnson of Farmland IN, and Donald (Mariah) Johnson of Muncie IN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as her granddog daughter, Ollie. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Daniel and close brother-in-law Bill Gray. Her wishes to be an organ donor where honored and through those donations she was able to save two lives and gave the gift of sight to another. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September, 12 from 4-7pm at Farmland Friends Church in Farmland IN. A private memorial will be held at a later date.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/6ec6716f2ac8456faf15159bed6474f8.jpeg" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302577</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0462447Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Cynthia Pitman&lt;br/&gt;Sep 03, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>Peter O. Peter O. Crisp, son of Martha Ottley and Vandeventer Crisp, was born August 9 1932 and died on August 4, 2026 at the age of 93. He grew up on Long Island, and raised his family there while spending summers on Fishers Island, NY and later retiring to Hobe Sound, FL. Following graduation from the Hotchkiss School '50 and Yale in '55, he served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force in the Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command. After receiving his MBA at Harvard Business School in 1960, he was hired by the Rockefeller Family. His focus was on venture capital, pioneered by Laurance Rockefeller, concentrating on early-stage technology companies in aviation and electronics. In 1969 he was the founding partner of Venrock, a partnership funded by the Rockefeller Family, and related non-profit organizations, to invest in embryonic enterprises. During his 52-year association with the Family he was instrumental in helping create millions of jobs and help foster companies that have been transformational. Peter served on the boards of 42 companies, including Eastern Air Lines, Texas Air, Itek Corporation, Apple Computer (16 years), Thermo Electron (29 years - now Thermo Fisher), American Superconductor (25 years), and Evans and Sutherland. Following his retirement from Venrock in 1997, Peter served as Vice-Chairman of Rockefeller Financial Services for six years. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Venture Capital Association in 2004 and the Harvard Business School's Alumni Achievement Award in 2024, among several other awards. Peter also served on the boards of three hospitals, motivated by the legacy of his brother Vandeventer who died from leukemia at age 12: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (42 years); Chairman of Glen Cove Hospital (now Northwell) (eight years); and Chairman of the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation (five years), as well as many other educational and community charitable organizations. Peter's first love was his family; a devoted husband, he cherished every daughter and grandchild equally. Peter loved family recreation, including golf, skiing, and tennis. He was a fine athlete and played varsity hockey at Yale. One of his most cherished places was the Beaver Dam Winter Sports Club where he served as President for five years while playing on a Senior team until age 63. At Beaver Dam he was "Coach" to legions of boys who still call him that. In 2005 the club honored his contributions by renaming its covered rink in his honor. He will be remembered for his remarkable business achievements and even more impressively for the way he cared for everyone whose lives he touched. Always putting others first, Peter made people feel special and important. He was a beloved presence wherever he went -- recognized by his easy demeanor, strong sense of values, and razor-sharp intelligence. He had a rare gift for thoughtful understanding. Generous with his time, his advice, and his friendship, he was, to countless people, as much a mentor and a counselor as a friend. His guiding mantra -- Learn, Earn and Return -- was a philosophy he visibly lived every day. Peter is survived by his wife Emily (Missy) of 63 years; three daughters, Wendy C. Henderson (Ted) of West Palm Beach, FL, Ann C. von Stade (John) of Rowayton, CT, and Tina C. Miller (Malcolm) of New Canaan, CT; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His sister, Lucetta Crisp Knox, and his brother Van, predeceased him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Fishers Island, August 31, 2026 at 11:30am. Details upon request: Email: crispmiss1@mac.com. Gifts to honor Peter may be made to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA): 533 West Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335. www.curefa.org or Jupiter Medical Center Foundation (JMCF): 1210 S. Old Dixie Hwy., Jupiter, FL 33458. jmcfoundation.org/ways-to- give/donate or Fishers Island Community Center (FICC): 66 Hound Lane #464, Fishers Island, NY 06390. ficommunitycenter.org/ donate</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/d1f978cf420042cfbf4782eb53c83a36.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302526</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0462447Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Peter O. Crisp&lt;br/&gt;Aug 23, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>William B. McKenzie August 20, 2026 William Bryce McKenzie of Mystic, CT, passed away, after a short illness, on August 20, 2026, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Bill was born on December 14, 1930, in Edmonton, AL, Canada, to Lily Bennett McKenzie, of Durham, England, and William McKenzie of Dumbarton, Scotland, who had each emigrated separately from the UK and met in Edmonton. He grew up in the Westmount section of Montreal, QB, Canada, excelling at hockey, skiing, and football, among other sports. His father piloted his own plane, and Bill learned to fly as a 13-year-old, soloing in a Tiger Moth biplane. He spent several memorable summers in Peterborough, ON, Canada, working on his uncle's farm, and was a student at Lower Canada College and then McGill University. After university, Bill spent a year living in London, after which he travelled around France and Italy, trips that were the source of many of his fondest memories and stories. On his return to Montreal, he met and married Jocelyn Wiley, a fellow McGill student three years his junior, in 1958. They moved to New York City, where Bill began his career in finance and bond trading. He worked for several firms, including Salomon Brothers, Richardson Greenshields, and Merrill Lynch, and managed major bond issues including for several large Canadian hydropower projects. In the late 1960s, Bill and Jocelyn left New York City for Riverside, CT, to raise their three daughters, along with their beloved Standard Poodles, Mystique, then Phoebe. Making many friends in Riverside, and around Greenwich, they enjoyed walks and boating at Tod's Point, golf and tennis at Greenwich Country Club, the neighborhood 4th of July, Halloween, and Christmas celebrations, and the "Sagittarius Group" birthday parties every December. On retirement, Bill and Jocelyn moved to New Canaan, and then to Mystic. He enjoyed the attractions of the area, including Mystic Seaport, where he loved volunteering for over a decade. Upbeat and gregarious by nature, he loved dining out and dressing well, and he charmed everyone he met with stories about growing up in Montreal, working in Manhattan, British sports cars, jazz standards from the 1930's and 1940's, his many travels with Jocelyn, and life in Fairfield County. He had an excellent singing voice and could often be heard singing medleys of his favorite songs. Intellectually curious, he enjoyed the New York Times crossword, and reading about British and American history, in particular, World War II. After living in the U.S. for almost 70 years, Bill became a U.S. citizen in the 1990s. Though proud of that, and of his English and Scottish roots, he often said he was proud to be born a Canadian, as his father told him he should be. Bill is survived by his daughter, Kate (Peter) of Brooklyn, NY; daughter, Amy (Andy) of Santa Fe, NM; grandson, Jack of Santa Fe, NM, and brother, Glen (Viviana) of Toronto, ON, Canada. After 60 years of marriage, his wife, Jocelyn, predeceased him in 2018; as did his eldest daughter, Mary, earlier this year. Bill is also survived by the many friends he made over the course of his long life who knew and loved him. A memorial service will take place later, in the Fall.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/43a41c5442634bf8889253fc1beecdd5.jfif" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302524</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0462447Z</pubDateParsed> <title>William McKenzie&lt;br/&gt;Aug 20, 2026</title> </item> <item> <description>GALES FERRY:  Constance (Winkie) Wood Miller, 83 -beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and cherished friend left us suddenly on August 12. Winkie lived a life rich with love and purpose. She is survived by three children, Carolyn McGrattan (Joe) of Avon, CT; Matthew Hornberger (Colleen) of Charlotte, NC and Andy Miller of Oakdale, CT. She was predeceased by siblings Bobby, Tina and Cathi and is survived by siblings Teresa, Scott and Tod. Winkie found such joy in being a grandmother to Kayleigh, Cambrya, Grace, Lily, Victoria and Caden - each grandchild holding a special place in her heart. Her great grandchildren Hannah, Theo, and Liam were the highlight of her world. A passionate genealogist at heart, Winkie's thirst for knowledge led her to trace her lineage back to Sweden and England as far back as the late 1500s. As an active member of the Anna Warner Bailey chapter of DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she took pride in honoring her heritage while also fostering deep friendships and connections within her community. Her dedication to various social and civic organizations was everything to her and kept her very active. In addition to DAR she was involved in the Red Hat Society, WWII remembrance groups, the Lighthouse Society, and Saint David s Episcopal Church where she lent time and compassion to those around her for years. For 20 years she lived in Medford, NJ but her heart was in Gales Ferry and Groton where she first arrived over 50 years ago as a young Navy officers wife. 18 years ago, she returned back to the area she loved so much. Winkie's adventurous spirit shone brightly through her travels across Europe, journeys fueled by a curiosity about American and European history. Whether exploring castles and cathedrals or quaint villages steeped in tradition, she surrounded herself with meaningful treasures from her journeys and antiques that told stories from other eras.She embraced every opportunity to read and learn. Her caring nature made Winkie a go-to for friends and family during their times of need; and as the oldest of seven children, she had an innate desire to help others. A funeral service celebrating Winkie's life will be held on Friday, October 2 at 11 AM at Saint David's Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, CT. All are invited to a reception following the service. It will be followed by an internment, where all are welcome, on Saturday, October 3 at 1PM in the historical Scottsville Cemetery in Danby, VT. She will be laid to rest alongside her grandparents where she will find a final resting place steeped in the New England history she so loved. As we bid farewell to her, we hold close our memories, woven together through both shared and intimate experiences, and our knowledge that we had the opportunity to share life with a unique and special woman. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, 325 Huntington Street, New London CT 06320 or the Linda C. Davis  Ledyard Food Pantry, 741 Colonel Ledyard Hwy., Ledyard CT 06339.</description> <enclosure length="0" type="image/jpeg" url="https://currentobitwebstorage.blob.core.windows.net/033/6572355f1229466aba642196fe05711e.jpeg" /> <link>https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/302296</link> <pubDateParsed>2026-10-02T19:31:38.0462447Z</pubDateParsed> <title>Constance (Winkie) Wood Miller&lt;br/&gt;Aug 12, 2026</title> </item> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:31:38 UTC</lastBuildDate> <link>/member/33</link> <title>CurrentObituary.com RSS feed for Dinoto Funeral Home</title> <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:31:38 UTC</pubDate> <webMaster>webmaster@currentobituary.com</webMaster> </channel> </rss>