OLD LYME—Rino Vitali, a well-known resident of Old Lyme, CT peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on the morning of Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Rino, the sixth of eight children, was born on April 8,1936 to Achille and Rosina Vitari Vitali …

… Rino and Judith settled in Old Lyme where they built their dream house overlooking the picturesque Black Hall River. In their later years, they wintered in Saint Augustine, FL.

… Throughout the Old Lyme community, Rino was especially known for his work with children. He was a Little League Coach and umpire for over twenty years, winning several town championships, calling strikes with dramatic flair, and sending many a disruptive parent to their car. In addition, Rino was the Scoutmaster for Troop 26 for over a decade, growing the program from a handful of boys to several dozen at its peak. Rino was also fond of singing. He was a member of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Choir for almost 50 years, and spent many seasons singing with various local choral groups: the Eastern CT Symphony Chorus, Capella Cantorum, and Con Brio.

… He has been a continuous member of Black Hall Country Club since 1978 …

Rino is survived by his three sons, Sean, Kevin, and Keith, two daughters-in-law Denise Mock and Alexis Lury Vitali, longtime companion of Kevin Vitali, Lindsay Malloy, four grandchildren, Ethan, Luke, Rowan, and Shane, sister Sofy, two sisters-in-law, Janice Modon and Margaret Hotchkiss, and countless nieces and nephews, including Elizabeth Comstock.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Saint Ann’s memorial garden on Saturday, April 5th at 2PM at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 82 Shore Road, Old Lyme, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Boy Scout Troop 26 of Old Lyme, The Lyme/Old Lyme Little League, or Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church music program.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published March 18 by DignityMemorial.com.

OLD LYME—Michellee K. Speirs of Old Lyme, died Friday Feb. 7, 2025, after a courageous health battle …

She is survived by her beloved husband Peter B. Speirs; and son Alec D. Speirs. Also surviving are her brothers, Ronald Kopald and Seth Kopald (Kathryn) … ; her sisters, Kim Griswold (Doug), Sandy Dubek (Bob) and Tori Kitchen (Rick) … In addition, she leaves behind a multitude of treasured relatives and true friends.

As a Justice of the Peace, Michellee joined many couples in marriage … Michellee was … a tireless volunteer for many organizations over the years. But first and foremost, Michellee was a wife and mother, not just to Alec but also to his many, many friends who searched Michellee out for advice, comfort and the support she always gave without judgment …

A memorial to celebrate Michellee’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 17, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 1 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michellee’s honor to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, 187 Williams Street, New London CT, or a charity of the donors choice …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published  by ‘The Day’ on Feb. 12, 2025.

OLD LYME—John A. Russo, Jr., 91, of Old Lyme, formerly of Newington, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (Janssen) Russo …

John honorably served the country in the U.S. Army. John received a BS degree in Meteorology from City College NY and a Masters in Meteorology from University of AZ and an MBA degree in Business from UConn. He began his working career as a Meteorologist, statistician and researcher …

He was a member of Newington UNICO, and Christ the King Church in Old Lyme …

A loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, John leaves his children John A. Russo III, Vincent Russo, Melanie Scelza and her husband Frank, Stefanie Russo, Scott Russo, Michele Nanci, and his grandchildren … and his great-grandchildren …

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, February 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a service with military honors at 11:00 a.m. He and Barbara will be laid to rest privately in the CT State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by WFSB on Feb. 12, 2025.

HIGHLAND BEACH, FL & OLD LYME, CT—Janice Montanaro, 76, of Highland Beach, FL and Old Lyme, CT, passed away peacefully at her home on February 2, 2025.

Born on August 25, 1948, in New Britain, CT, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Predeceased by her husband, Andrew ‘Drew’ Montanaro, … She is survived by her children Andrew ‘Monty’ Montanaro and wife MaryJo of Old Lyme, CT, Marc Montanaro and his wife Kelli of Fairfield, CT, and Michael Montanaro and his wife Elizabeth of Portsmouth, RI. Janice was a devoted grandmother to Mikaela, Aidan, Eiley, Oscar, Cameron, Spencer, Samuel and Georgiana, who all brought endless joy to her life …

A memorial of life will be celebrated at a later date in Connecticut, where friends and family will gather to honor and remember Janice’s remarkable life.

Visit this link to read the full obituary published Feb. 5, 2025 on Legacy.com.