NIANTIC — UPDATED 12/22 with excerpts from and link to full obituary. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our son, brother, uncle and friend, Jesse William Rando, 35, who left us too soon Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023. Jesse was born April 21, 1988, in New London, to William Francis Rando and Nancy (Berry) Rando.
He graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High School in 2006, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut …
Jesse leaves his mother Nancy, sisters, Kacie, Carly Rando and husband Jim Wood of Scituate, Mass., and Caroline Rando and fiancé Jamil Ahmed of Stamford; along with his beloved nieces and nephews …
The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, in East Lyme Cemetery, Boston Post Road, East Lyme …
12/21: UPDATED with full obituary and link to fundraiser started by Ryan’s Lyme-Old Lyme HS classmmates: Hilarious, witty, smart and at peace, Ryan Larson 37, left us suddenly in the early morning of Tuesday December 12, 2023. He felt ill on Monday, he then died peacefully during the night. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Merilyn Vargus for her effort to help by alerting EMT’s. Merilyn and Ryan enjoyed a beautiful friendship and her love for Ryan will be remembered. This loss has left the family with profound sadness but please keep her in your thoughts too.
Ryan leaves his mother Lynn, father Robert (Chris), sister Carolyn (Nate) and daughter Emily Kathryn. We will miss Ryan’s gentle nature more than words can say. Losing a child is not easily put into words nor is explaining the loss to children.
Ryan was laid back and capable. He was good at whatever he put his mind to. He has been a loving father to Emily and Annabelle and loyal friend. He was a great listener who could comfort with patience and change the harshest reality into a slight blow.
Of Ryan’s many accomplishments his most cherished is his daughter Emily, 8 who adores her Dad. He also leaves Em’s sister Annabelle. She has been a part of our family for 10 years along with their mother Kelly, all who will miss his generous spirit beyond measure. Missing him is an extended family of cousins Cristin, Greg, Ben, Ian, Nick and BIll, and aunts Lindy and Heidi Larson. He was predeceased by grandparents John and Henrietta Larson of Deep River.
Ryan was a graduate of the 2005 class at Lyme-Old Lyme. His talent was a welcome addition to The Select Singers with performances in several musicals.
He received his RN at Goodwin College where he thrived and was a respected leader in the Nursing program. He worked as a Peer tutor at the ASC, a tight knit setting where supportive connections with staff felt more like family and where lasting professional relationships were formed. He has worked as an RN for several years.
Ryan’s family will hold a private memorial luncheon in his honor.
Rest peacefully Rylars. You will be with us always…loved and missed everyday .
MYSTIC, CT — Ellen Bourquin of Mystic, CT, and formerly of Huntington Station, NY, passed away on December 5, 2023. She was the widow of John Bourquin Jr. Ellen was born on August 24, 1929, in Perth Amboy, NJ, the daughter of Ernst and Ellie Christophersen.
She was a registered nurse having graduated from Muhlenberg Hospital’s nursing program in NJ.
Ellen loved to sew, making clothes, doing embroidery and needlepoint pictures.
Ellen is survived by her children Beth Sullivan (Michael) of Old Lyme, CT, John Bourquin, III (Leslie) of Manorville, NY, and her beloved Jan Amaral of CA; grandchildren Peter, Emma, Hannah, Allison, and John IV; and great-grandchildren Shiloh and Quin. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sister Joyce Thompson.
ROCKY HILL — Ret. Col. John William “Bill” Small passed away peacefully at home in Rocky Hill, Nov. 27, 2023, just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Bess G. Small; and his sister Patricia Small. He is survived by his daughter Janet Fox (Daniel Fox) …
Bill was born Dec. 20, 1933, in Northampton, Mass., to his parents, John and Anna (King) Small. He prided himself on being the eldest of six children and cared deeply for his siblings throughout his life …
Upon Bill’s retirement from the Air Force in 1983, he and Bess settled in Old Lyme for 25 years before moving to a retirement community in Rocky Hill. Always active, Bill worked as a real estate appraiser and volunteered with the Old Lyme Cemetery Association, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding and the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme …
… In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to High Hopes Therapeutic Riding of Old Lyme, CT or Operation Homefront of San Antonio, TX in Bill’s memory. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.
LYME — Robert David Webster of Lyme, [Conn.] died Nov. 16, 2023, at the age of 85. He had a long and distinguished law career at the firm of Pillsbury Winthrop (formerly Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam and Roberts) as managing partner and head of the Financial Institutions group.
In Lyme, he served on the boards of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Musical Masterworks, the Florence Griswold Museum and the Lyme Ambulance Association.
He is survived by his wife Betsey; his children, Chris, Hope and Elizabeth; and his grandchildren: Katryna, James, Catherine and Phil.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Florence Griswold Museum, the Lyme Ambulance Association, or the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme.
