Recent Death Notices From Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Below are recent death notices from Wallingford.

John Desmond Murphy, 58, died June 27, 2025. He worked in media and communications for the Town of Rocky Hill, previously held marketing roles at several organizations, co-founded Sonic Arts Recording Studio, and was a drummer for the Big Fat Combo who enjoyed music, fixing things, and summers in Bonnet Shores.

Joshua George Menard, 44, died July 1, 2025. An autobody technician at Frenchy’s Auto Repair, he enjoyed ATVing, cooking, spending time with friends, and watching NASCAR races with his father.

Ford Lanzoni, 96, died July 3, 2025. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War, he worked as a chaser and designer for Wallace Silversmith and International Silver Company and enjoyed UConn basketball, golfing, bowling, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Robert P. Chenkus, 85, died July 4, 2025. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime tool maker at Hitchiner Manufacturing, he enjoyed fishing and polka dancing with his wife.

Joseph E. Ruggiero, 87, died July 4, 2025. An electrical engineering graduate who worked at TMC, AED, and Varitronics, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, sailing, clamming in Block Island’s Salt Pond, and collecting shark teeth on Florida beaches.

Robert Bates Chace Jr., 81, died July 5, 2025. A former proprietor of Warner Miller and Thimble Island Wine & Liquor, he later worked as a school bus driver known as “Bus Driver Bob” and enjoyed cooking, caring for animals, and organizing elaborate birthday celebrations.

William A. Rotavera, 80, died July 10, 2025. A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, he worked his way up in the electronics industry from warehouse to sales, enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, music, Jeopardy, and business travel, and valued time with his dog Zeke and his family.

Eileen Mulcahy Donovan, 93, died July 10, 2025. She worked for 30 years as office manager and insurance agent at Kovacs Insurance Agency, served as treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73, and was a longtime parishioner of the Church of the Resurrection.