Jenkins, King, Palmer, Tullock: Recent Death Notices From Ellington And Somers

ELLINGTON-SOMERS, CT — Here are some recent death notices from Ellington and Somers.

Shirley (Belliveau) Jenkins, 90, peacefully found her way home on May 26, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband of 70 years, Charles, and her three loving daughters. Shirley found much joy in making memories in the simple things, like long drives on country roads with Charlie, planting and watching flowers grow, as well as rocking and soothing babies who were newly welcomed into her family. She was grounded in her Catholic faith and devoted early mornings to saying the rosary and prayers. She felt especially honored when she became a Eucharistic Minister. Her faith guided her through her journey in this world and offered her peace as her soul entered eternal life.

Joseph King, 82, of Somers, formerly of Vernon, best friend for over 10 years and loving fiancée of Jane Thomas of Somers, passed away peacefully, with Jane at his side on May 19, 2025. During his high school years in Los Angeles, Joe was an active musician and enjoyed playing and singing at several venues around thecity. In his later years, he earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph University. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and proudly served his country as a fuel supervisor, having earned the rank of SSGT. He then joined the Connecticut Army National Guard, then the Air National Guard, and continued his service to his country for a total of 36 years. He was honorably discharged in 2002, having earned the rank of Command Chief MSGT. Joe was employed as an assistant vice president with Cigna Insurance Company for over 27 years.

Lois Palmer, 95, lately of Manchester, died May 15, 2025. Her childhood home was in Ellington with her brother Theodore Townley Palmer and her sister, Ruth Everglyn Palmer Twitchell, both of whom predeceased her. She was a graduate of Rockville High School and after graduation in 1952 from the University of Connecticut with a major in English, Lois joined the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (now a part of Cigna) and worked in the actuarial field until her retirement. Lois was a lover and student of music. She sang soprano in many local and regional choirs and choruses. She played the piano, specializing in the classical repertoire and bought and restored an early 1900s Steinway grand piano. In service to her community, she was a life-long blood donor.

Daniel "Chip" Tullock, 77, of Somers, passed away on May 22, 2025 after a long, courageous battle with two types of bone marrow cancer: MDS and myeloma. After graduation from Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford in 1965, Dan continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston. In 1969, he married the love of his life, his soulmate JoAnn (Bodwell) Tullock. Ready to begin his career as an electrical engineer in 1970, his life was interrupted by a “Greetings” letter from President Nixon, and Dan went on to serve in the U.S. Army toward the end of the Vietnam War. After 23 years of engineering, Dan followed his heart and his dream; he and son Dave started their own business, T-Square Builders, and the family moved to Somers. After Dan’s declining health issues and eventual retirement in 2020, Dave took over the entire business operation, which continues to thrive today under his expert leadership.