Recent Obituaries
GOSHEN:
Samuel G. Mazzarelli, 82, of Goshen, CT, a businessman and entrepreneur passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was the cherished husband of Carolyn (nee Conti), enjoying fifty-nine wonderful years together. He was born August 26, 1942, the son of the late Victor and Margaret (Kaster) Mazzarelli. He graduated from Torrington High School and UConn. In addition to Carolyn, he is survived by his three children, and eleven grandchildren: Suzanne (Steven D'Alessio), Stephen (Stephanie) and David (Maria); grandchildren Elliot (Sarah) Neski, Arwen Neski, Maya Neski, Isaiah Neski, Emily Mazzarelli, Kaitlyn Mazzarelli, Matthew Mazzarelli, Samuel Mazzarelli, Elizabeth Mazzarelli, Annalee Mazzarelli and Christian Mazzarelli, and step grandchildren Makenna and Emma D'Alessio. He leaves his brother James (Mary Jane) and sister Mary Bray (Jeff) and Debra Talbot (Paul), sisters-in-law Ann Mazzarelli, Nina (Harry) Truitt, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Victor & Michael and his granddaughter, Ashley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or FSHD Society, PO Box 411617, Boston, MA 02241-1617
LITCHFIELD/NORTHFIELD/BANTAM:
James Burton Bates, 74, of Litchfield passed away peacefully at home on March 10, 2025, with his son, Timothy, and wife Linda at his side. Jim was born in New Milford on Oct. 16, 1950. He was predeceased by parents Charles Bates and Joann Peck, and brothers William and Joseph Bates. Jim leaves behind his wife of 50 years Linda (Martin) Bates, and son Timothy Bates; his maternal brothers Michael and Richard Peck; fraternal siblings Charles, and Ricky (Laura) Bates, Sandy Watson, and Barbara Jean Bates. Jim was also blessed with many friends and a large, loving in-laws family, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is planned and will be announced at a later date.
Sandra Dobos passed away March 3 after a long battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband, Richard Dobos; her sons, Andrew and Michael Dobos; her two brothers, Albert and Mario Peressinotto and her beloved granddaughter, Gabriella Dobos.
Katharine L. Thompson, of Litchfield, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, at her home, with her faithful dog, Colt, by her side. She is survived by her husband, Walter Thompson; her children, Elizabeth Thompson and Benjamin Thompson; her cherished grandchildren, Lucy and Kaily McGurk and Kieran Thompson; her sister, Nancy Landry; her son-in-law, James McGurk; her daughter-in-law, Mary Erin Clem; and countless friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Camp Washington in Morris CT or the Northwest CT Community Foundation.
Richard E. Bergquist 95, An Army Veteran, East Litchfield Volunteer Fireman, of East Litchfield, died on April 1, 2025 at UCONN Hospital in Farmington. Richard was born on Aug. 28, 1929 in Redding, CT to Vena and Gustav Bergquist, the second of their three children. Richard is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his daughters, Seema-Jayne Kenney and Kama-Lynn Hamilton as well as four grandsons; Sean Kenney, Thomas Hamilton, Ryan Kenney and Tyler Kenney, and three great-grandchildren. The family encourages donations to Saint Michael’s Church in Litchfield in his name.
WINSTED:
James Louis Corso, 84, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Mary Lou (Balthazar) Corso for 65 wonderful years. Born June 21, 1940 in Winsted; the son of the late Louis and Elizabeth (Bull) Corso. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves his sister, Marie Bombara and husband David of New Hartford and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Robert Corso and siblings, Margaret Brady, Elizabeth Dickinsen, George Corso and Louis Corso, Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Greenwoods Scholarship Fund in Jimmy’s name C/O Louise Van Alstyne, PO Box 834. Winsted, CT 06098.
Mark L. Cersoli, 62, of Winsted, CT, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Litchfield Woods. Mark was born June 1, 1962, in Derby, CT, the son of Sharon (Jones) Karkut of Winsted, CT, and of the late Charles Cersoli and of the late Joseph Karkut. In addition to his mother Sharon, he is survived by two brothers, John Cersoli of Barkhamsted, CT, Michael Karkut of Winsted, CT; one sister, Lisa Delekta of Torrington, CT; a sister-in-law Michelle Cersoli of Elmira, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his father and stepfather, he was preceded in death by one brother, Chris Cersoli.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Cancer Care, 200 Kennedy Drive, Torrington, CT 06790.
