Wallingford Death Notices: Dec. 28, 2025 Through Jan. 6, 2026

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

Gabriel “Gabe” Toppin, 19, died Dec. 28, 2025. A Lyman Hall High School graduate and Southern Connecticut State University sophomore, he was a student-athlete on the SCSU track and field team and a newly appointed track and field coach at his alma mater, who in his free time played chess and video games, worked out, and stayed closely connected with teammates while approaching life with diligence, good humor and a readiness to take on challenges.

Shawn Christopher Fitzgerald, 62, died Dec. 29, 2025. A longtime security manager and communications graduate who spent much of his free time reading across multiple genres, listening to music—especially the Beatles—visiting bookstores for hard-covered books, enjoying meals out, and sharing life with his pets while approaching others with wit and dry humor.

Thelma J. (Martin) Walter, 97, died Jan. 1, 2026. An accomplished knitter known for Irish knit afghans, Christmas stockings, Linus blankets and prayer shawls, and a longtime volunteer who gave her time in church offices as well as with the Wallingford Public Library and Holiday for Giving, dedicating much of her life to service and handiwork.

John F. Marriott Sr., 87, died Jan. 1, 2026, a lifelong educator who spent 35 years with the Wallingford Board of Education as a science teacher, audiovisual coordinator, vice principal and ultimately principal of James H. Moran Middle School, held advanced degrees culminating in a Juris Doctor in educational law, and devoted his time to civic leadership through roles with the library board, Committee on Aging, Visiting Nurses Association, education association and as the first president of CSC-AFSA-AFL-CIO to attend law school.

Carmela Zurolo Lee, 85, died Jan. 2, 2026. A 35-year teacher at Highland School honored as Teacher of the Year in 1992 who also created the educational toy “Little Teacher,” and who spent her free time playing tennis, golf and pickleball.

Bernice (Bongoll) Dorsey, 97, died Jan. 3, 2026. A longtime employee of International Silver who also assisted at the family’s service station and fuel oil business, Dorsey’s Service Station and Fuel Oil Company in Wallingford, who spent her leisure time enjoying summers at the beach with friends.

Jody Landino Kremzar, 63, died Jan. 5, 2026. A medical professional who spent the last 20 years as a radiation pharmacy technician with Cardinal Health, also working as an independent Pampered Chef consultant, connecting with fellow small-business owners and cancer support communities, and caring deeply for animals and her pets.

Helana (Kretock) Eylward, 61, died Jan. 6, 2026, a more than 30-year employee of Steven’s Ford who was an accomplished home cook known for preparing meals for others and a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys.