Recent Death Notices From Madison: Picone, Wilson, Swanson

MADISON, CT — Below are recent obituaries from Madison:

James Robert Picone, 66, passed away peacefully on Aug. 5, 2025, after a four-year battle with cancer, following a distinguished 36-year career as a medical dosimetrist at Yale New Haven Hospital. A devout Catholic, he devoted his retirement to gardening, birdwatching, hiking local trails, and organizing family beach vacations in Rhode Island and Vermont.

Catherine E. Wilson, 93, beloved wife of the late Sherman Wilson, died Aug. 5, 2025. She was assistant to the Guilford Chief of Police for many years, a member of the Clinton Country Club who enjoyed golf, music, and playing the piano and violin, and was an avid reader with a keen eye for grammar.

John Thure “Swanny” Swanson, 70, died suddenly on Jul 10, 2025; a UCONN graduate, he spent most of his career as a Purchasing Agent for the CT DOT. An avid photographer and daily fixture at local diners, coffee shops, and the shoreline, he enjoyed sunrises, seagulls, class reunions, and lively conversations with friends.

Maria (Berlekovic) Romanik, 89, passed away on Jul. 12, 2025; she worked as a seamstress and ballroom dance instructor and enjoyed bowling, bird watching, following the UCONN “GIRLS” and the Yankees, visiting casinos, and dancing with her husband Gene. She was predeceased by her husband Gene, daughter Diane Romanik, and other relatives.

John “Johnny” Mack Barnes, 83, died peacefully on Jul. 27, 2025; a U.S. Navy submariner aboard the USS Sea Owl, he later founded Barnes Mechanical Contractors, serving central Connecticut in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning repair. An avid restorer of 1966 Ford Mustangs, skilled problem-solver, and enthusiastic fisherman, he also enjoyed traveling to visit friends and was active in the American Legion.