Shepard, Eichler, Linsley: Recent Death Notices From Orange

Condolences are extended to the families and friends of those who have recently died.

By Rich Kirby, Patch Staff

Jun 24, 2026 5:14 pm EDT

ORANGE, CT — Recent death notices from Orange.

Joan Linsley, 92, a devoted homemaker, spirited storyteller, playful singer and dancer, and quick-witted humorist, wife of the late Arthur Linsley, died peacefully on Jun. 2, and is survived by her children Anna Jane and Stuart Platcow, Anthony and Donna Linsley, and Joann and David Pugliese, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her siblings.

Sharon E. Eichler, 74, who worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield, served as a lunch aide at Seth Haley Elementary School, and taught preschool at West Haven Green Nursery School, died peacefully on Fri., May 29. She enjoyed Walt Disney World trips with family, long beach walks with her husband Rich, scrapbooking, and collecting teddy bear figurines.

Michael D. Shepard, 65, a longtime commuter railroad conductor who enjoyed cooking for gatherings, helping others, cheering on the New York Giants and New York Rangers, and playing hockey and baseball in his youth, died on May 11. He is survived by his son Justin Shepard, siblings David Shepard and Paige Turman, several nieces and nephews, and great-nephew Braedyn Watson, and was predeceased by his wife Ellen, his parents Duane and Elizabeth Shepard, and his brother-in-law Dan Turman.

Raymond John Friend, 92, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by family; born Feb. 11, 1934, in Kent, England, he served in the British Army's Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before embarking on a distinguished machining career that brought him to the U.S. in 1967, led him through Colt Industries' Pratt & Whitney Machine Tool Division, and culminated in his founding of RAACO Tool Company in Milford, CT—which he operated for 25 years—while also becoming a proud U.S. citizen in 1990, an avid golfer and tennis player, a lifelong Chelsea Football Club supporter, an enthusiastic tractor operator and chainsaw collector, a skilled fix-it man who fabricated his own tools when none existed, and a devoted husband of 58 years to Ann, father to Lee, and "Poppy" to grandson Blake Raymond.