News Obituaries

Former state Rep. Brandon McGee named director of CT Social Equity Council
After a summer of controversy over who would benefit from the commercialization of marijuana, Connecticut’s...

CT officials mourn passing of Medal of Honor recipient Paul Bucha
CT officials are mourning the passing of retired United States Army Captain Paul W. Bucha,...
![NEW YORK (AP) — Francine Pascal, a onetime soap opera writer whose “Sweet Valley High” novels and the ongoing adventures of twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield and other teens captivated millions of young readers, died Sunday at age 92. Pascal’s death was confirmed Tuesday by her publisher, Penguin Random House, which did not immediately have […] NEW YORK (AP) — Francine Pascal, a onetime soap opera writer whose “Sweet Valley High” novels and the ongoing adventures of twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield and other teens captivated millions of young readers, died Sunday at age 92. Pascal’s death was confirmed Tuesday by her publisher, Penguin Random House, which did not immediately have […]](https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-1481862788-1.jpg?w=132)
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
Francine Pascal, creator of beloved ‘Sweet Valley High’ books, dies at 92
NEW YORK (AP) — Francine Pascal, a onetime soap opera writer whose “Sweet Valley High”...

Former longtime Courant reporter dies after ‘a life well-lived.’
She joined the Hartford Courant to work as a general assignment reporter covering breaking news,...
![By MARK KENNEDY and PAN PYLAS LONDON (AP) — Award-winning British actor Joan Plowright, who with her late husband Laurence Olivier did much to revitalize the U.K.’s theatrical scene in the decades after World War II, has died. She was 95. In a statement Friday, her family said Plowright died the previous day at Denville […] By MARK KENNEDY and PAN PYLAS LONDON (AP) — Award-winning British actor Joan Plowright, who with her late husband Laurence Olivier did much to revitalize the U.K.’s theatrical scene in the decades after World War II, has died. She was 95. In a statement Friday, her family said Plowright died the previous day at Denville […]](https://www.courant.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Joan_Plowright_Obit_65560.jpg?w=132)
Tony Award-winning British actor Joan Plowright, widow of Laurence Olivier, dies at 95
By MARK KENNEDY and PAN PYLAS LONDON (AP) — Award-winning British actor Joan Plowright, who...

CT U.S. District Court judge known for ‘stellar leadership’ dies after prolonged illness
John H. Durham, former U.S. Attorney, said, “His passing is a grievous loss."

Sam Moore, who sang ‘Soul Man’ in Sam & Dave duo, dies at 89 because of surgery complications
Sam Moore, the surviving half and higher voice of the 1960s duo Sam & Dave...

Trailblazing model Dayle Haddon dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former “Sports Illustrated” model who pushed back against...

Richard Perry, record producer behind ‘You’re So Vain’ and other hits, dies at 82
Richard Perry, a hitmaking record producer with a flair for both standards and contemporary sounds...

Abortion emerges as most important election issue for young women, poll finds
Abortion has emerged as the most important issue in the November election for women under...

Yo-Yo Ma, Jon Bon Jovi to raise cash for Harris in final stretch
WASHINGTON — A slew of celebrities and politicians are set to raise cash for Vice...

SUBSCRIBER ONLY
Kathryn Crosby, actor and widow of famed singer and Oscar winner Bing Crosby, dies at 90
Kathryn Crosby, who appeared in such movies as “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad,” “Anatomy of...

SUBSCRIBER ONLY
North Carolina GOP doubles down for Mark Robinson after CNN report as GOP candidates mostly stay mum
RALEIGH, N.C. — Following the news tying the GOP’s gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson,...