Month: October 2026

Robert Edward “Bob” Rentz, M.D., 96, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He spent his final week under hospice care, with his wife and children by his side.

Born in Hartford on September 4, 1929, to Edward and Wanda Rentz, he moved to West Hartford as a young child and never truly left. His parents had immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island as teenagers and gave everything they had so their children could be educated. Bob never forgot it. A child of the Depression who made the most of every opportunity this country offered, he remained deeply patriotic and eternally grateful for the life that became possible for him and his family.

He spoke often and fondly of his youth—of hand-built free-flight and control-line model planes, wooden skis and leather boots, raising pigeons, Boy Scouts, a carefully maintained BB gun and .22 rifle, tinkering with cars, and disassembling his father’s Buick Riviera engine into pieces, only to be told by his mother that it better be put back together before Dad got home. These were memories of a town and a way of life he never wanted to leave behind.

Bob graduated from Hall High School in 1947 and earned his B.Sc. from Trinity College in 1951. While at Trinity, he joined the Connecticut National Guard’s 43rd Infantry Division, rising to corporal. When the division was federalized, his commanding officer arranged for his discharge so he could attend medical school. He received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1955 and completed postgraduate training at Hartford Hospital, Yale, and the VA Hospital in West Haven. He then served on active duty as a captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps from 1958 to 1961, including service on the staff of the 1605th USAF Hospital in the Azores from 1958 to 1960, followed by a year stateside at Turner AFB in Albany, Georgia. In all, his military service spanned nearly 12 years.

It was during his final residency at Hartford Hospital that he met Carol Ann Schofield, a head nurse in one of the surgical units. He married the love of his life on September 24, 1966, and for nearly sixty years they shared a life of deep love and devotion. After completing his residency in 1962, Bob opened a solo practice in general internal medicine on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford. He cared for generations of local families for 45 years. In his words, medicine was not an occupation but a calling, and he made house calls until the day he retired at 78—one of the last physicians in the area to do so. He also served on the West Hartford Board of Health and held senior staff privileges at Hartford Hospital. Unwaveringly dedicated to his patients and to the community he called home for nearly a century, he lived a life of quiet selflessness.

To the wider world he was Dr. Rentz. To his family he was Dad—a man of meticulous habits, exacting standards, and uncommon care for others. No bag, can, or box ever received fewer than two or three useful lives in his household, and no one-hour chore escaped a thorough three-hour planning session to ensure maximum efficiency. He prepared the family car for road trips with the precision of a pre-flight checklist, taught his children the correct sequence for starting an engine (with the mandatory pause between modes), and insisted that the wheels never be turned unless the car was already moving. He loved planes and airshows, cars and opera, jazz and skiing, rifle ranges and pond fishing, and the particular joy of building a fire with gusto. Family trips to ski in Vermont, hikes through the Connecticut foliage, Sunday dinners, and the sight of Dad in his red bathing suit on Cape Cod beaches are among the memories that still bring smiles to his family. His friendships complemented these family moments: the weekly Thursday dinners with the Arborio, Friend, and Livingston families, and the Manor Lane get-togethers with neighbors—the Larkins, McAndrew, Shima, Walker, and Welch clans.

In his final years, he left quiet trails of notes and observations for those who loved him. Shortly before he died, he wrote to his family and closed with words that now feel like a final gift:

“Memories are the only paradise from which we cannot be expelled.”

— Jean Paul (Johann Paul Friedrich Richter)

Bob is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Carol Schofield Rentz of West Hartford; his children, Diana of Walnut Grove, CA; Douglas and his wife Kori of Darien, CT, and their children Alexander, Ella, and Lachlan; and David and his wife Lisa of Charlotte, NC, and their children William and Benjamin. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Ronald, and outlived the friends and siblings of his youth.

He lived a life of steady purpose, rooted in place and devoted to others. The memories remain, and those who loved him are left with deep pride and lasting gratitude that he was ours.

David Smith Wadstrup Sr., 80, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, in Meriden, Connecticut.

Born on February 23, 1946, in Hartford, Connecticut, David spent most of his life in Rocky Hill, where he built a home, raised a family, and became a cherished member of the community. He graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford and proudly served his country in the Army National Guard for more than 20 years.

David dedicated over 40 years of his career to Eversource, where he was respected for his hard work, reliability, and commitment. Outside of work, he had a passion for woodworking and home improvement. Whether crafting something with his hands or working on his home, David found joy in creating and fixing things. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and there were few projects he couldn’t tackle.

A man of deep faith and service, David devoted countless hours volunteering to help build St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Rocky Hill, a labor of love that reflected his generous spirit and dedication to his community. He remained actively involved with the church for many years and later became a devoted member of the Universalist Church of West Hartford, where he continued to build meaningful friendships and serve others.

David will be remembered most for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need. He never hesitated to give his time, talents, or encouragement to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. His gentle nature, warm smile, and selfless heart touched the lives of many.

Nothing brought David greater happiness than his family. He especially treasured watching his two grandsons grow up and was a familiar face at nearly every sporting event, school activity, and milestone in their lives. His love and pride for them were evident to all who knew him.

David was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Donna Wadstrup; his son, David Vadstrup, and his partner, Ellen Hubbard; his son, Michael Wadstrup, and his wife, Carmen Wadstrup; and his cherished grandsons, David Wadstrup and Luke Wadstrup. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors, and fellow church members who will miss his compassion, wisdom, and quiet strength.

David’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless acts of kindness and service that defined his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Anthony “Tony” Warren Newman, 88, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, leadership, athletic excellence, and joy. Born on May 15, 1937, in Johnson City, TN, he was the beloved son of Ruth Rice and Olin Berry Newman.

In 1941, Tony moved to West Hartford with his mother and older brother, beginning a lifelong connection to the community he proudly called home. A graduate of William Hall High School, Class of 1955, Tony often joked that he may not have been its most dedicated student—but he was certainly one of its most committed athletes. A standout basketball player, he earned a place in the school’s Hall HS Hall of Fame.

Tony served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1962, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he continued to distinguish himself both in service and on the basketball court. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Hartford, Class of 1962. There he was a two-year Varsity Basketball Captain and was later elected to the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor reflecting his talent, leadership, and profound impact.

His professional career began at Travelers Insurance Company (1962–1965). He later became a partner in the Kenney, Webber and Lowell Agency in Canton, Connecticut. The firm was eventually sold to The American Phoenix Corp., and through various subsequent transitions, Tony concluded his distinguished career with Willis Group, retiring in 2015. Over more than five decades in the insurance industry, he held numerous executive positions, earned multiple sales awards, and built trusted relationships with a distinguished clientele that included movie stars, high-level politicians, and professional golfers.

Athletics were a lifelong passion. Tony excelled in basketball at every level: high school, the Army, college, and the Farmington Valley Basketball League, where he led the league in scoring for several years. He was an INA Regional tennis champion, Town of Burlington Tennis champion, winner of the University of Hartford “Over 50” 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in 1997, and a Senior Olympic Silver Medalist that same year. At age 79, he proudly coached the JV basketball team at Westminster School alongside his son, Peter, in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, then in his early 80s, he was a 2-time Master’s (80+) Golf Champion at Rockledge Country Club, a testament to his enduring competitive spirit.

His commitment to youth sports left a lasting mark. In 1970, he founded the Burlington Youth Basketball League, mentoring generations of young athletes and teaching lessons that extended far beyond the court.

Tony was also deeply engaged in civic and charitable service. He served on advisory committees at Hospital for Special Care and was a Corporator there as well as at St. Francis Hospital. His many club memberships reflected his wide interests and enduring friendships, including The Old Guard, The Hartford Tennis Club, The Hartford Golf Club, Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, Hartford Jazz Society, Hartford Power Squadron, Avon Country Club, Hop Meadow Country Club, The Quechee Club (VT), The Woodlands Club of Falmouth, Maine, Shuttle Meadow Country Club, and the Rockledge Men’s Club.

A true renaissance man, Tony loved jazz and the Great American Songbook, and at home he could be found lost in a Miles Davis solo or a Stan Getz samba at any moment. During the years between cheering at their sons’ college lacrosse games and applauding their grandchildren’s recitals, games, marathons, speeches, musters, and many milestones- they were always there- Tony and Gail enjoyed golf, European travel, Seabrook Island sunsets, UCONN basketball, and maybe a bourbon and cosmo at any point with friends and family. Tony and Gail were always happy to see you. A true gentleman, Tony lived and loved life fully, he gave generously, and inspired others through his infectious and self-effacing sense of humor, his gracious hospitality, and his unwavering desire to enrich the lives of those around him, for which he may be most lovingly remembered. Tony had a unique ability to make you feel better than when you arrived.

Above all of his professional and personal accomplishments, Tony cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gail T. Newman, his partner in life and adventure since 1954. Together they shared a love of boating and cruising the New England coast, happiest when docking (eggshells…) at their home port in Essex, Connecticut. He is also survived by and was a proud and devoted father to son Peter W. Newman and his spouse Robin Collinson Newman of Savannah, Georgia; son Anthony C. Newman and his spouse Christina Stathis Newman of North Granby, Connecticut; and son David R. Newman and his spouse Janine Carole Newman of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Tony is further survived by his true pride and joy, his grandchildren, all of whom received words of wisdom and encouragement with every conversation. He was “Poppy” to Abigail and Charles of Savannah; Anthony (AJ) and Helen of North Granby; and Emilie, Elise, and William of Ridgefield. Nothing brought Tony more pride than watching his children and grandchildren grow into loving, caring adults.

Tony’s wonderful life and influence were about movement, across courts, fairways, waterways, and most importantly generations. His legacy endures in the family he adored, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives he uplifted along the way.

Donald F. Disque, 86, born and raised in Alexandria, Indiana, on March 18, 1939, and died in Farmington, CT October 18, 2025.

Don was a very sweet man who loved his family, friends, work, hobbies, and adventures very much. He grew up on a farm in Indiana, where he learned his love of taking care of animals with his parents, younger brother, and sister.

He worked hard in school and focused on good grades. In his free time, he loved playing basketball and won the best free thrower award.

Don met his wife, Sharron, in the summer of 1966 in Many Glacier on his way back to Illinois to teach. He graduated first in his veterinarian class at Purdue in 1963.

Don and Sharron were married on June 24, 1967, in Elgin, Illinois. Then they moved to Connecticut, where their two children were born in Hartford.

Their first big family adventure was to New Zealand, where Don practiced on large animals for a year and a half. He got tired of being kicked by the large animals, so they moved back to Connecticut, where he opened his own small animal practice in Farmington.

In his free time, he loved to golf, get a hole in one, fly his plane, and drive his boat. He was an active member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

Don and Sharron enjoyed travels to Europe, a Greek cruise, China, and Africa. Don was worried about going to Africa, but went to please Sharron. They had a good time and didn’t get sick! They brought in the new millenium with friends in Paris.

Brooks Rogers Joslin
12/25/1930 – 8/8/2025
If you were lucky enough to meet Brooks Rogers Joslin, you never forgot him. His warmth, kindness, and humor left a mark that time could not fade. For decades, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances would light up at the mention of his name, saying things like, “Oh, Brooks is such a nice man,” or “What a wonderful man.” To so many, he was the definition of a true gentleman — respectful, wise, and unfailingly kind, with a sense of humor that could make any moment brighter. His great niece reminisced, “Brooks was a man whose love reverberated – just like his deep and soulful voice”; a friend remembered him as “a genuine friend and the standard setter as to what is a true ‘gentle-man.’” Whether offering a voice of reason, sharing a laugh, or simply listening, Brooks made people feel valued and at ease. He was, in the words of many, “a truly remarkable person” — and he lived every day in a way that earned that praise.

Brooks was born on Christmas Day 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ellsworth Carl Joslin and Augusta Brooks (Ramsey) Joslin. He moved to Connecticut in 1936, first to West Hartford and later to Farmington. A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy (Class of 1949) and Trinity College in Hartford (Class of 1955), Brooks also served proudly in the United States Air Force for three years during the Korean Conflict.

In 1954, Brooks met the love of his life, Carol Lee Blake, on a blind date. They were married December 16, 1955, and shared 69 years of devotion, laughter, and adventure before her passing in December 2024. The couple began their married life in Evanston, Illinois, but soon settled in West Hartford, Connecticut, where Brooks would live for the rest of his life.
Brooks enjoyed a distinguished 37-year career at The Travelers Insurance Company, retiring as an executive in 1993. Outside of work, he was deeply committed to community and culture. He was a dedicated member of Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, where he sang bass in the choir, served as moderator and senior deacon, participated in numerous committees, and took part in the church’s International Partnership program. A passionate supporter of the arts, he served on the Board of the Wadsworth Atheneum and had an abiding love for opera — attending more than 500 performances across the U.S. and Europe, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Santa Fe Opera (his favorite), and opera houses in London, Paris, Berlin, and Prague. Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg was his favorite work, which he saw multiple times.
Brooks and Carol Lee loved to travel, exploring new cities and revisit favorite destinations, across the U.S. and in Europe. He was an avid tennis player well into his 80s, a devoted Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) fan, and a fixture in West Hartford Little League, where he umpired for 18 years in his younger days. He was also a member of the Hartford Club and the Farmington Country Club. When asked how he hoped to be remembered, Brooks said simply, “I always tried to be fair.”
Brooks was an extraordinary father — a constant and enthusiastic supporter of his beloved children. “I felt like he was my number one fan,” his daughter shares. “He was always there in whatever way I needed him, always on my side.” That same steadfast loyalty and generosity of spirit extended to his grandchildren, family, and all those he loved.

Remarkably, Brooks remained alert and engaged to the very end, talking sports, business, and politics in his final days. His mind was as sharp as ever, and his interest in the world around him never faded.

Brooks is survived by his three children: Blake Joslin and his wife Donna Eagle Joslin of Asheville, North Carolina, and their children Josh and Emma; Timothy Joslin and his wife Michelle Pettee Joslin of Medford, Massachusetts, and their daughters Abbie and Kate; and Spencer Joslin-Montlick and her husband Neil Montlick of Windsor, Connecticut, and their daughters Canaan and Vivian. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol Lee, his brother Ramsey Joslin, and sister-in-law Sally Joslin.
Brooks passed away peacefully at home in West Hartford on August 8, 2025, surrounded by love. His humor, kindness, and deep integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him — a true gentleman whose example will continue to guide those fortunate enough to have called him family or friend. In the words of one admirer, Brooks was “a human to aspire to and adore,” and to the many whose lives he touched, he will always be remembered that way.

Robert Stuart Davidson of West Hartford died on September 21, 2026, at age 91 after a prolonged illness. Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Andrew and Margaret Davidson and grew up in East Hartford, CT.

After graduating from high school there, he attended the University of Hartford. He worked at G. Fox while earning his bachelor’s degree at night. It was at G. Fox that he met his future wife, Kay, to whom he was married for 59 years. Bob left G. Fox in 1975 and began selling “on the road” for a variety of companies.

In retirement, Bob joined West Hartford’s “Old Guard,” an organization that focuses on fellowship, friendship and giving back to the community. He spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels as well as acting as a guide at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Bob was a proud member of Hartford’s Central Baptist Church for 79 years where he participated in numerous leadership roles.

Bob and Kay enjoyed traveling both in the United States and abroad, touring in Mexico, Central America, Europe and the British Isles, as well as in Egypt and China. He treasured time spent with good friends and especially with cherished family.

Bob’s beloved daughter, Diane Hurd, predeceased him and he was also heartbroken when his wife Kay died two years ago. He leaves his lovingly devoted daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and David Talbot; son-in-law James Hurd and his wife, Laura; grandchildren, Katherine and Andrew Hurd and Hannah Talbot and Meghan (Sean) Crowley and great-granddaughter Carter Louise; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Joan Davidson; brother- and sister-in-law, Marshall and Shari Hovey; as well as many nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews. A special thank you to his caregiver, Margaret Codner, who helped Bob achieve his goal of living at home in his final years.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00am at Central Baptist Church, 457 Main Street, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, 786 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457.