Death Announced of Thomas H. Johnston of Old Lyme, Survived by His Wife, O.P.; Celebration of Life Planned at Later Date

8/14/1941 – 11/04/2025

OLD LYME—Thomas H. Johnston, 84, of Old Lyme, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Born Aug. 14, 1941, in Callicoon, N.Y., and raised in Roscoe, N.Y., Tom lived a life marked by service, faith and devotion to family.

He earned his degree in economics from The Catholic University of America before joining the United States Coast Guard, where he served honorably in Vietnam as both a patrol boat XO and supply officer. During his service, Tom married Carole Philopena …

In 2005, Tom married O.P., and together they enjoyed life in Old Lyme, active in their church and community.

Tom is survived by his wife, O.P.; son Paul Johnston and his wife Kate; daughter Leonore D’Onofrio and her husband Dave; grandchildren: Elias, Eva, Ryan and Lucia; and stepson C.P. and his wife Tosca …

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date. The family would appreciate donations in Tom’s honor to The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, designated for the Food Pantry or Shoreline Food Pantry and Soup Kitchens.

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to read the full obituary published by ‘The Day’ on Nov. 14, 2025.

Death Announced of Constance Demis Knauff of Old Lyme, Services at a Future Date

OLD LYME—Constance Demis Knauff, 88, passed away Oct. 30, 2025, in Old Lyme. Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Knauff. She leaves three children, Anne E. Knauff, Gretchen Knauff and Robert Knauff (Laura); three grandchildren, … and one great-grandchild.

Born to Michael and Helen Weronick Demis, Connie was raised in Norwich Connecticut and graduated from Norwich Free Academy. She met her husband while she was a student at Bryn Mawr College. They were married in 1958, and spent their early years together living as a Coast Guard family … and eventually settling back in Connecticut …

Burial services will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries in Essex, Connecticut. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com.

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to read the full obituary published by The Day on Nov. 11, 2025.

Death Announced of Mark Richard Leary, Brother of Martha Quaratella of Old Lyme; Services, Nov. 14 & 15

Mark Richard Leary, 63, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on May 10, 1962, Mark was the third of eight children of the late Winifred and Richard Leary. He grew up in Meriden, CT, and attended Lyman Hall High School, where he was part of the Vocational Agriculture program.

Mark’s easygoing nature and huge heart made him easy to love. With the mind of an engineer and the heart of an artist, he was resourceful and a natural problem solver who saw possibility in everything he touched. A welder by trade, Mark’s true passion was his art. He became a talented sculptor, blending technical skill with creative vision.

Mark was always happiest outdoors—biking, camping, kayaking—and sharing any adventure with his son Jack, who was his pride and joy. He cherished time spent with his large, tight-knit family. Trips to Cape Cod were always a highlight.

He is survived by his son Jack Leary and his seven siblings: Kathy Gentilozzi (Mark), Stephen Leary (Mary), Marty Braun (Peter), Martha Quaratella (Joe), Susan Beaudoin (Rich), Dennis Leary (Kristin), and Jennifer Kelley (Mike). He is also survived by his girlfriend Lisa DiCaprio and his 28 nieces and nephews who adored him. Throughout Mark’s cancer treatment, he remained grounded in the present—never complaining and facing each day with quiet strength. We are grateful to the friends who stood by Mark with love and support and to the oncology team at UConn Health—especially Dr. Kapadia and nurses Syd and Julianna—whose compassionate care meant so much.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, November 14, from 4-6 p.m. at The John J Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 15, at noon at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph’s Church Campus, 177 West Main St., Meriden, CT. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451.

Death Announced of Judith “Judy” Richardson Beers of Old Lyme, Wife of Tom Beers

OLD LYME — Judith “Judy” Richardson Beers, age 91, died in peace at home, Oct. 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, Thomas Whitney Beers and children, David Richardson Beers and Lynne Beers Walters, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship and inspiration …

They subsequently moved to Old Lyme, where they broadened their line of wooden accessories for needlework … She actively worked there [at the family’s business] alongside her son, David, well into her 80s.

… She embraced the role of “Dede” for her three grandchildren, Allison, Christopher and Maya …

She leaves behind her husband, Tom; her children, David Beers and Lynne Walters (Jeff); three grandchildren: Christopher Walters (fiancée Isabella Garza), Allison Walters, and Maya Beers; her niece Cindy Ryan (Doug); and her nephew Jim Richardson (Maria). She was predeceased by her brother and his wife, Jim and Barbara Richardson …

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nature Conservancy or First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. To honor Judy’s wishes, services were held privately. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for tributes.

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to read the full obituary published by ‘The Day’ on Nov. 2, 2025.

Death Announced of Peter Harron of Essex, Husband of Colette Harron

Peter Harron

ESSEX, CT — Peter Harron of Essex, Connecticut, was born on October 31, 1940, in Hamilton, Bermuda, to the late Hal Young Harron and the late Phylis West Harron. He passed away suddenly on June 26, 2025. He leaves his beloved wife, Colette Harron, and two sisters, Diana and Aramynta, his nephews, Wendell Anderson and Charles Anderson, and many friends and family in Bermuda, Connecticut, and New York. He was predeceased by his sister, Andrea.

Peter spent his childhood with his three sisters in Bermuda. He attended Appleby College in Canada, The Hatch School in Newport, RI,  Emerson College in Boston, The New School, and HB Studio in New York.

Peter, a lifelong artist, began his creative journey with still photography. His father gifted him a camera and a developing kit when he was nine years old which he put to immediate use. A creative soul, he eventually transitioned into theatre and film production. He started his film career as an actor, then directed plays at New York’s 8th Street Playhouse, ultimately becoming a producer.

Peter studied with Uta Hagen as well as Lee Strasbourg in The Director’s Unit and produced with Edward Albee. He was the cinematographer on the anti-war documentary “Anti-War Music Festival,” which featured Jimi Hendrix, among other major rock stars, as well as “Listen America” and the documentary “Raoni.” Peter also, directed the musical “The Fantasticks” in Bermuda.

Peter developed a distinctive photographic style that provided him with a unique perspective on the world. He favored black and white film for its dream-like quality, and his large-format silver gelatin prints were exhibited at numerous galleries. He captured the immediate aftermath of 9/11 in a series titled “Sept 2001,” which was created to pay homage to the victims. This work was featured in “Here Is New York” at the Spring Street Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. Another notable project was his documentation of Woodstock in 1969. Throughout his life, he exhibited extensively in galleries and museums, actively participating in the vibrant New York art scene.

Peter was always drawn to the water; he sailed and raced sailboats in Bermuda at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and locally at the Essex Yacht Club.  In 1955, he and his family established the Essex Pettipaug Yacht Club. Peter served as a Junior Commodore at the club, where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport.

Peter loved to photograph the light and cool shadows at dawn in Colette’s beautiful garden in Essex. Peter’s inimitable style and sophistication, along with his broad knowledge, wit, and unwavering love for Colette, his friends, and family, will be deeply missed.

Donations may be made in Peter’s memory to:  The Essex Fire Department; or the Valley Shore Animal Welfare.