This article looks back at the lives of four people with deep Connecticut roots who passed away in September 2025. Each person left behind a legacy of dedication, creativity, and community spirit.
From scholars and conservationists to caregivers, artists, and social workers, their stories wind through towns like Sharon, Lakeville, Salisbury, and beyond. These are lives well lived, and communities richer for having known them.
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Remembering Dr. Rhys V. Bowen: Scholar, Runner, Conservationist
Rhys V. Bowen, 65, of Foxboro, Massachusetts, was born in Sharon, Connecticut. He graduated from The Hotchkiss School and Harvard College, then earned a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from the University of California, Davis.
Bowen spent decades in field ornithology and biodiversity conservation. He served as a board member and Chair of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, where he championed environmental stewardship across the region.
He loved classical literature and music, diving into Homeric Greek and enjoying performances by groups like the Handel and Haydn Society. Bowen’s commitment to lifelong learning and conservation work reached communities throughout Connecticut.
In places like Torrington, Hartford, and New Haven, his lectures and outreach inspired students and naturalists. He lived at the intersection of intellectual pursuits and a love for the outdoors.
Honoring Kelsey K. Horton: Caregiver and Community Leader
Kelsey K. Horton, 43, of Lakeville, was a familiar face in the northwest corner of Connecticut. For 25 years, she worked at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, caring for residents and supporting staff.
Horton also volunteered as a cheer coach, mentored young people, and jumped into community activities. She loved camping, hiking in Kent and Litchfield, and tending her own garden.
Survived by her husband and two children, Horton’s life will be celebrated on October 25 in Millerton, New York. Her volunteer work reflected the close-knit spirit of towns like Watertown and Danbury.
Her influence reached across multiple generations in the region. You could feel her presence wherever people gathered.
In Memory of Eliot Warren Brown: Artist and Innovator
Eliot Warren Brown, 47, formerly of Sharon, brought creativity and craftsmanship to every community he touched. After Hurricane Katrina, he moved to New Orleans and became known for community-centered art that blended vision with social impact.
His death in a random act of violence on September 27, 2025, shocked many. Brown’s gift for connecting people through art was deeply valued.
His early years in Connecticut shaped his appreciation for the arts and collaborative projects. Brown’s work resonated with residents from Middletown to Stamford.
He strengthened the cultural fabric through exhibitions, workshops, and neighborhood initiatives. That kind of impact lingers.
Celebrating the Life of Randall “Randy” Osolin: Social Worker and Neighbor
Randall “Randy” Osolin, 74, of Sharon, was known for his compassion, dedication to social work, and love of athletics. You’d find him at community gatherings as often as in professional spaces.
Osolin loved reading and animals, and friends say his commitment to helping others was a true example of Connecticut’s tradition of civic engagement. Friends and colleagues across Bridgeport, Norwich, and Milford remember his warmth and generosity.
He genuinely cared for those in need—qualities that really do embody the best of Connecticut community values.
Connecticut Communities Carrying Forward Their Legacies
These four individuals grew up in different circumstances, but their stories share some striking similarities. Commitment, kindness, and a fierce love for their hometowns run through each of their lives.
They left their mark on towns and cities all over Connecticut, from Sharon to Hartford. Their examples of service and passion still feel worth following, honestly.
Here is the source article for this story: One dead, two hurt in Sharon car crash
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