Caroline Previdi died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.
Caroline Previdi died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.
Charlotte Bacon died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.
Charlotte Bacon died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.
Victoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including 20 children.
lessVictoria Soto threw herself in front of her first grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. She was killed in the mass shooting with twenty-six people including
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People arrive to the the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
People arrive to the the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
People adjust the luminaries on the front lawn of the Munson Lovetere funeral home durng the funeral services of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
People adjust the luminaries on the front lawn of the Munson Lovetere funeral home durng the funeral services of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
A bystander wipes a tear as firefighters stand at attention outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessA bystander wipes a tear as firefighters stand at attention outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic
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Mourners enter past lines of firefighters outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessMourners enter past lines of firefighters outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on
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A hearse containing the casket of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, exits as a line of firefighters stand at attention outside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessA hearse containing the casket of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, exits as a line of firefighters stand at attention outside St. Rose of Lima
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Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A casket carrying the body of teacher Victoria Soto, 27, leaves Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A casket carrying the body of teacher Victoria Soto, 27, leaves Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Photo: Mike Ross
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton talk as people arrive to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
lessNewtown First Selectman Pat Llodra and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton talk as people arrive to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on
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WOODBURY, CT - DECEMBER 19: Bagged candles spelling the word "hope" are laid on the lawn of the wake for school principal Dawn Hochsprung, December 19, 2012 in Woodbury, Connecticut. Six victims of the Newtown school shooting are being honored at funerals and visitations across the state today for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School.
lessWOODBURY, CT - DECEMBER 19: Bagged candles spelling the word "hope" are laid on the lawn of the wake for school principal Dawn Hochsprung, December 19, 2012 in Woodbury, Connecticut. Six victims of the Newtown
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People arrive to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
People arrive to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
People leave the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
People leave the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
People embrace outside funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
People embrace outside funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
Sen.-elect Chris Murphy arrives to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Sen.-elect Chris Murphy arrives to the funeral of Sandy Hook principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung at the Munson Lovetere funeral home in Woodbury on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Jason Rearick
The coffin of Charlotte Bacon is prepares to depart at the close of funeral services held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School killed by lone gunman, Adam Lanza on Friday.
lessThe coffin of Charlotte Bacon is prepares to depart at the close of funeral services held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and
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The funeral for Charlotte Bacon was held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School killed by lone gunman, Adam Lanza on Friday.
lessThe funeral for Charlotte Bacon was held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School killed
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Gov. Dannel Malloy, far right, leaves the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by Adam Lanza lone shooter.
lessGov. Dannel Malloy, far right, leaves the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed
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Flowers are carried away from the church after a funeral service for shooting victim Charlotte Bacon, held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Flowers are carried away from the church after a funeral service for shooting victim Charlotte Bacon, held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Carol Kaliff
Mourners leave the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by lone gunman Adam Lanza.
lessMourners leave the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the Sandy
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Mourners arrive for the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by lone gunman Adam Lanza.
lessMourners arrive for the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the
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Mourners arrive for the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by lone gunman Adam Lanza.
lessMourners arrive for the funeral service for Charlotte Bacon at the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Charlotte was one of 26 children and educators killed friday at the
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Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Family and Friends embrace while attending the burial for Victoria Soto, at Union Cemetery on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Family and Friends embrace while attending the burial for Victoria Soto, at Union Cemetery on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
Photo: Mike Ross
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Family and Friends attend the burial for Victoria Soto, at Union Cemetery on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Family and Friends attend the burial for Victoria Soto, at Union Cemetery on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
Photo: Mike Ross
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard waits with family and friends for the funeral services for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn. The first grade teacher reportedly died while trying to protect her students during last Friday's shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard waits with family and friends for the funeral services for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
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Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Mourners embrace while attending the funeral for Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Mourners embrace while attending the funeral for Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed.
Photo: Mike Ross
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Nearly 300 plus listen to funeral services outside of Lordship Community Church on December 19, 2012 for Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Nearly 300 plus listen to funeral services outside of Lordship Community Church on December 19, 2012 for Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary
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Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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A child lines up with firefighters outside the funeral for Daniel Gerard Barden, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
A child lines up with firefighters outside the funeral for Daniel Gerard Barden, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard salutes to the arrival of family of slain teacher teacher Victoria Soto at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard salutes to the arrival of family of slain teacher teacher Victoria Soto at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Photo: Mike Ross
Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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Mourners fill the parking lot at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 as they wait the enter the church for the funeral of Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings.
lessMourners fill the parking lot at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 as they wait the enter the church for the funeral of Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the
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Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard arrives for funeral services for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn. The first grade teacher reportedly died while trying to protect her students during last Friday's shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -A police honor guard arrives for funeral services for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, at the Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn. The first grade teacher
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Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - A line of family and friends wait to enter Lordship Community Church for the funeral mass for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, leaves on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - A line of family and friends wait to enter Lordship Community Church for the funeral mass for teacher Victoria Soto, 27, leaves on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Photo: Mike Ross
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - Carlee Soto sister of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, makes her way out the entrance of the funeral mass at Lordship Community Church on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - Carlee Soto sister of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, makes her way out the
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Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara speaks to reporters outside Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara speaks to reporters outside Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, in Stratford, Conn.
Photo: Mike Ross
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - Funeral procession carrying the body of teacher Victoria Soto, 27, makes their way down Prospect Drive in Stratford, CT on way to funeral proceedings at Lordship Community Church on Dec. 19, 2012.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance - Funeral procession carrying the body of teacher Victoria Soto, 27, makes their way down Prospect Drive in Stratford, CT on way to funeral proceedings at Lordship Community
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Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -An emotional Donna Soto mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, makes her way out the entrance of the funeral mass at Lordship Community Church on December 19, 2012 in Stratford, Connecticut.
lessMike Ross Connecticut Post freelance -An emotional Donna Soto mother of Victoria Soto, the first-grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School who was shot and killed while protecting her students, makes her
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Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, is held Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mourners fill the parking lot at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 as they wait the enter the church for the funeral of Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings.
lessMourners fill the parking lot at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 as they wait the enter the church for the funeral of Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the
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Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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A priest offers communion outside St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. during funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
A priest offers communion outside St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. during funeral services for Caroline Previdi, a student victim of the Newtown shootings, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012.
Photo: Autumn Driscoll
Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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Mourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last week.
lessMourners leave St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, Conn. Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 following funeral services for Caroline Previdi, one of 20 children killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook
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Firefighters line up outside before the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessFirefighters line up outside before the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday,
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Firefighters stand at attention outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessFirefighters stand at attention outside the funeral for Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on
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An FDNY firefighter and his son exit the funeral of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, outside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessAn FDNY firefighter and his son exit the funeral of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, outside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on
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Firefighters salute as the casket of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, leaves St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
lessFirefighters salute as the casket of Daniel Barden, one of the twenty children killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, leaves St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Newtown on Wednesday, December 19,
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Mourners gather for the wake for Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Charlotte Helen Bacon, 6, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
lessMourners gather for the wake for Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Charlotte Helen Bacon, 6, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy
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Funerals, wakes for 6 more victims
More than 500 people gathered inside and outside a small Stratford church Wednesday to celebrate the life of "Vicki" Leigh Soto, the heroine teacher credited with protecting her students during the deadly attack at Sandy Hook School.
As the gunman approached her classroom, Soto hid some of her students in closets, keeping them safe.
Among the mourners Wednesday was singer Paul Simon who performed "Sound of Silence" on acoustic guitar.
Soto's service was one of four funerals and two wakes Wednesday as Connecticut -- and the nation -- mourned the passing of those killed in last Friday's school massacre.
Soto's sisters spoke about their fun-loving sister who organized every Christmas celebration and was their role model.
Jillian Soto noted that her sister, who put herself in harm's way to protect her first-grade class, is being hailed as a hero. "But truthfully you have been a hero to me for a lot longer than five days," she said. "You've been my big sister. The one I always looked up to."
Carlee Soto cried as she recalled the last time she saw her sister, one week ago. The two got scolded by their mother for playfully throwing candy at one another. "I didn't see her Thursday because I went to the Scholastic Book Fair to get books for her kids," Soto said.
"The pain is unbelievable," she later added, in between sobs. Her cousins and aunt said blue-eyed Vicki was the glue that held the entire family together. Everyone wore green because that was her favorite color.
People showed up early for services for Soto that began at 10 a.m. at the Lordship Community Church, 190 Prospect Drive, in Stratford. Burial followed at Union Cemetery in Stratford. There were so many people who attended that folding chairs were set up on the church lawn for any overflow.
Fairfield Police Chief Gary McNamara was among the mourners at Soto's funeral. "Police are suffering, but we have to be tough for victims and families. We have to leave our hearts at the door."
In Newtown, there was the funeral for Daniel Barden. The seven-year-old who never got the chance to grow up and become a firefighter, but on Wednesday he got a firefighter's funeral.
Well over 100 firefighters from New York City, Simsbury, New London, Lyme and elsewhere lined the long driveway leading to Saint Rose of Lima Church as his griefstricken family passed by in the funeral procession.
"We came here to show support," said John Cummings of Ladder Co. 45 in New York City. Daniel had cousins who are New York City firefighters. Most got text messages Tuesday telling them Daniel wanted to be a firefighter too, "People supported us after 911. We're here to return the favor," said Lt. Eddy Boles, another firefighter.
Daniel was one of 20 students and six teachers murdered Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Friends, family, neighbors, classmates and relatives were among the mourners who packed the church for the 10 a.m. funeral Mass.
Laura Stamberg and daughter Sarah came an hour and half away from New Paltz, N.Y. Laura's husband and Daniel's father Mark used to play in a band together. The last time she saw Daniel he was very small.
"I heard he loved to play the drums," said Stamberg, her face fighting back tears. Mark played the guitar and Daniel was learning to play the piano and was in a band with his siblings. Friday morning before he went to school, Stamberg said she heard Mark taught Daniel to play "Jingle Bells" on the piano.
"We're just pained and saddened and here to support the family," she said.
Michelle Erca, from Redding, shared the sentiment and she didn't even know the family personally. "I have a four year old. I can't imagine," said Erca.
Daniel played soccer and was part of a swim team. He sported a toothless grin and red hair. He was called kind, generous, outgoing and affectionate.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Caroline P. Previdi followed at noon at St. Rose of Lima Church. Burial was private, and arrangements are under the care of Green Funeral Home in Danbury. She was a first-grade student at the school and a lifetime resident of Sandy Hook. Caroline was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Caroline loved to draw and dance. Her smile brought happiness to everyone she touched.
The funeral for Charlotte H. Bacon followed at Christ the King Lutheran Church was held at 1 p.m., followed later with burial at Newtown Village Cemetery. Among those in attendance were Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Chris Murphy, the fifth district congressman and senator-elect; Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep.-elect Elizabeth Esty.
Charlotte's parents said in a statement: "Charolette was an extraordinarily gifted six year old who filled her family each day with joy and love. The family will forever remember her beautiful smile, her energy for life, and the unique way she expressed her individuality usually with the color pink. Charolette never met and animal she didn't love, and since the age of two wanted to be a Veterinarian. She also enjoyed practicing Tae Kwon Do weekly with her Dad and brother where she relished kicking and throwing punches!"
People arrived more than an hour before the start of Charlotte's funeral held inside a white-steepled New England church on a quite country road. The family arrived shortly after noon. At 1 p.m. the church bells tolled.
The family of Chase Kowalski received friends at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home in Monroe this afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. with prayer vigils throughout the afternoon. The family asked that the public visitation end at 5:45 p.m. to allow a brief period of privacy.
In a statement, Chase's family said: "Chase was an amazing son, brother, and grandson who's heart was only filled with love for all the people he touched. He was a fun loving energetic boy that had a true love of life. He completed his first triathlon at the age of six and ran in many community road races. Chase had a deep love for the game of baseball and enjoyed practicing with his father and team mates. Joining the cub scouts was just one of his many interests. He could often be found in the yard playing ball, riding his bike or quad. Chase was always excited to attend the kids work shop at the Trumbull Home Depot. He was greatly loved by his family. He joins his maternal uncle and grandfather, his paternal great grandmother and grandmother in a much better place."
Calling hours for Sandy Hook Elementary School Principal Dawn Hochsprung will be at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St., Woodbury, from 3 to 8 p.m. today. Burial will be private.
Those who knew Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung said she was a perfect fit to lead Sandy Hook Elementary School, where she took the helm in 2010. It was the veteran educator's goal to lead her own school. The optimistic, always smiling Hochsprung was the first fatality identified Friday in the catastrophic shooting at the neighborhood school of 525 students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
By one eye-witness account, Hochsprung and school psychologist Mary Sherlach were in a routine meeting Friday around 9:30 a.m. when they heard gunshots. They leaped out of their seats and ran out of the room toward the noise, said Diane Day, a therapist who works at the school and was in the meeting, The Wall Street Journal reported on its website. "They didn't think twice about confronting or seeing what was going on," Day said.
By the time the shooting ended, the principal, school psychologist, four other adults and 20 students were dead; the shooter, also died at the scene.
Gov. Dannel Malloy reaffirmed this morning that all flags in the state will remain at half-mast until burial services for all of the Newtown victims are completed. He also asked for a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on Friday.
Reporters Linda Lambeck, Keila Torres-Ocasion, Frank Juliano and Bob Miller contributed to this story.
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Funerals-wakes-for-6-more-victims-4130907.php
