Tag:

Obituary

Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love'
Ex-CT Police Chief Dies After Long Illness: 'To Know Him Was To Know Love' The longest-serving police chief in Connecticut history died last week at his home surrounded by his family, police in Hartford County said.  Former Windsor Police Chief Kevin C. Searles fought a long battle with dementia and died from the disease on Thursday, Nov. 7, his obituary said.  Searles worked for the Plainville Police Department, rising to the rank of detective, before taking the top cop job in Windsor in 1987. He held the position for 28 years.  He stepped down in December 2014 for medical reasons.  His family said he became a police officer because of …
Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others'
Trumbull Mom Jhoseline Nelson Dies At 42: 'Always Had An Open Door For Others' A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering after their matriarch, a mother of three boys, died late last month.  Jhoseline Nelson, of Trumbull, died surrounded by her family on Sept. 29, her obituary said.  The Westchester County native from Port Chester leaves behind three sons — ages 13, 11, and 6 — and a husband of 17 years, Raney Nelson Jr. She was known for her fierce love of her family, her openness to anyone in need, and her compassion, according to her obituary. "From her earliest days, she was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, a…
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report
Mom Of 2 ID'd As Victim Of 'Suspicious' Death At Apartment: Report The body of a 37-year-old Connecticut woman found inside a Hartford County apartment has been identified as a mother of 2, NBC Connecticut reported.  Lisa Beebe was found on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Parkridge Condominiums at 1320 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield. She leaves behind a young son and daughter, her obituary said.  Paramedics were called to her apartment after receiving a report of a medical emergency. Authorities have not said what that was, but police ruled the circumstances "suspicious," officials said at the time. Investigators do not believe there is an ongoin…
Weston Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding In Fairfield Was 'An Easy Person To Love' Weston Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding In Fairfield Was 'An Easy Person To Love'
Weston Man Who Died In River After Severe Flooding In Fairfield Was 'An Easy Person To Love' A local man who died unexpectedly during the historic flooding on Sunday, Aug. 18, in Fairfield County was known for his kindness, hard work, and caring, according to his obituary. Related: Man Found Dead In Aspetuck River In Fairfield After Police Discover Submerged Vehicle He went missing in the Aspetuck River in the town of Fairfield after his vehicle was located submerged in the water, according to authorities. Divers searched the surrounding waters and located his body in the river in Westport,  said Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Stahl. Robert Neil MacIsaac, age 59,…
Fairfield County Police Department Mourning Loss Of Beloved Officer Fairfield County Police Department Mourning Loss Of Beloved Officer
Fairfield County Police Department Mourning Loss Of Beloved Officer The Greenwich Police Department is mourning the loss of one its retired longtime beloved officers. Sergeant Richard Daly Jr., age 76, died on Friday, Aug. 23, the department said. Daly was born on Sept. 11, 1947, and raised in Stamford. Prior to becoming a Greenwich Police officer, he served in the US Army from 1967 to 1971.   During his career as a police officer, he served in the Patrol and Detective Divisions before being promoted to Sergeant in 1998. Daly’s file contains numerous citations and commendations for exceptional police work, including many thank you letters from …
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late New England Father, Fiancé 'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late New England Father, Fiancé
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late New England Father, Fiancé After a Massachusetts brother, fiancé, and father unexpectedly died, the community is helping support the family he left behind while remembering his lasting legacy. William Harris (known to many as “Bill” or “Billy”), a lifelong Norfolk County resident, died on Saturday, April 6. Bill, who was born in Norwood and lived with his family in Stoughton at the time of his death, had recently come back from a weekend vacation with his fiancée and the pair’s three children when he came down with the flu. The flu quickly turned into pneumonia, which led to a blood clot that required Harris to b…
Former Westport Police Officer, Beloved Musician Dies Former Westport Police Officer, Beloved Musician Dies
Former Westport Police Officer, Beloved Musician Dies A former police officer and beloved musician who grew up in Fairfield County and joined many popular acts on stage is being remembered for his talented guitar playing.  New Haven County resident Gary Ciuci of Milford died on Tuesday, May 2 at the age of 69, according to his obituary.  After growing up in Bridgeport and graduating from Central High School, Ciuci went on to become a Westport Special Police Officer. He retired from this position before his death.  Additionally, Ciuci also played guitar with several popular acts including The Ciuci Brothers, The Black …
'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash Remembered 'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash Remembered
'Our Shining Light': 26-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash Remembered A 26-year-old Connecticut woman born and raised in New York who was killed in a single-vehicle crash is being remembered as a "beautiful, sweet soul." New Haven County resident Jessica Anne Bulfaro, of Milford, who was born in Westchester County and lived in Putnam County, in the town of Carmel, died on Thursday, April 20 when she lost control of her silver 2021 Subaru Impreza and struck two utility poles in Newtown, said the Newtown Police.  She was born on Thursday, August 22, 1996, in White Plains, to her parents Stephen and Jeanette (Santorelli) Bulfaro. After graduating hi…
Popular Educator In Fairfield County Dies At Age 68 Popular Educator In Fairfield County Dies At Age 68
Popular Educator In Fairfield County Dies At Age 68 A beloved educator from Northern Westchester who worked in Connecticut known for her dedication to her family has died.  Edna Rose Ventarola of Ossining died on Monday, Nov. 14 at the age of 68, according to her obituary.  Ventarola was born in 1954 and raised in the Bronx, graduating from Lehman College, her obituary said.  Pursuing a career in early childhood education, Ventarola served as the director of Creative Playtime in Scarsdale and also directed the Head Start program in Port Chester, according to her obituary.  Ventarola also later served as s…
Company Manager From Fairfield County Who 'Loved To Laugh' Dies At Age 49 Company Manager From Fairfield County Who 'Loved To Laugh' Dies At Age 49
Company Manager From Fairfield County Who 'Loved To Laugh' Dies At Age 49 Friends and loved ones are remembering a Connecticut woman for her sense of humor and love for animals. Fairfield County resident Katherine Hagendorf, of Danbury, died Monday, Aug. 1, at the age of 49, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not listed. Born in New York City on Dec. 22, 1972 to parents Ross and Teresa (Brisland) Angione, Hagendorf later obtained a bachelor of arts degree in English at New York University, her memorial said. She married her husband, John Hagendorf, on Oct. 12, 2013 in New York City. More recently, she worked as a logistics manager in Danbury for co…
19-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player From NY Remembered For His 'Infectious Smile' 19-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player From NY Remembered For His 'Infectious Smile'
19-Year-Old College Lacrosse Player From NY Remembered For His 'Infectious Smile' A college lacrosse player from the region who died suddenly over the Memorial Day weekend is being remembered for his "infectious smile," and his love of his family and friends. Long Island resident Aidan James Kaminska, age 19, of Port Jefferson, died unexpectedly on the morning of Monday, May 30, according to his obituary. A lifelong resident of Port Jefferson, Kaminska attended the Port Jefferson School District, graduating in 2020.  He went on to be a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in communications, and was a member of the Minutemen's Division I mens’ la…
Investment Banker Who Grew Up In CT Dies After Battling Cancer Investment Banker Who Grew Up In CT Dies After Battling Cancer
Investment Banker Who Grew Up In CT Dies After Battling Cancer An investment banker and longtime Westchester County resident who was born and raised in Connecticut has died from cancer at the age of 71. John Toffolon Jr. died peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, while surrounded by his wife, Joan, and two daughters, Ashley and Allison, according to his obituary. Toffolon was born in Hartford and spent his early years in Litchfield County in the village of Riverton. He went on to live in Bronxville for 30 years, his obituary said.  He was a graduate of Fordham University Gabelli School of Business. "John had an outstanding career in investment …
Charles Entenmann, Who Turned NY Bakery Into National Brand, Dies Charles Entenmann, Who Turned NY Bakery Into National Brand, Dies
Charles Entenmann, Who Turned NY Bakery Into National Brand, Dies Charles Entenmann, who helped turn his family's Long Island bakery into a national brand, has died at the age of 92. Entenmann died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 24, according to his obituary. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Nalewajk, his son, Charles W. Entenmann, and his seven grandchildren, his obituary reads. Entenmann, along with his two brothers and his mother, worked together to expand their family bakery, located in Bay Shore. The Entenmann's company went on to manufacture a variety of baked goods, such as cookies, donuts, and cakes, which are sold by retailers across the Uni…
Beloved HS Teacher, Coach Who Was College Standout In Connecticut Dies Beloved HS Teacher, Coach Who Was College Standout In Connecticut Dies
Beloved HS Teacher, Coach Who Was College Standout In Connecticut Dies A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who was a beloved high school coach, and teacher, as well as the chief of a local fire department, and a standout college athlete in Connecticut, has died. Northern Westchester resident Michael Repp, of Somers and formerly of Katonah, died on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at age 82 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco.  He was born in Orange County on May 15th, 1939, in Cornwall, to the late Michael and Irene Repp. He was raised in Katonah, attended Saint Mary’s School in Katonah, and was a member of the first graduating class from John Jay High S…
Douglas Vane, Longtime Police Sergeant In Fairfield County, Dies Douglas Vane, Longtime Police Sergeant In Fairfield County, Dies
Douglas Vane, Longtime Police Sergeant In Fairfield County, Dies A Westchester native who was a longtime police officer in Northern Fairfield County has died. He was 75. Retired Brookfield Police Department Sergeant Douglas Neil Vane, a native of Yonkers, died peacefully at Danbury Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 13.  After serving as an MP in the U.S. Army, Vane worked as a police officer for 35 years, served as Chief of the Candlewood Lake Patrol and served an additional 5 years as a special officer, according to the Brookfield Police Department.  He was active in the police union and the Police Benevolence Association and served as a patrol supe…
Veteran Police Officer In Fairfield County Dies Suddenly Veteran Police Officer In Fairfield County Dies Suddenly
Veteran Police Officer In Fairfield County Dies Suddenly A veteran police officer who served in Fairfield County died suddenly in Stamford. The circumstances of the death of Jarah Matthews-Dixon were not immediately released. "It is with great sadness that the Bridgeport Police Department announces the passing of Police Officer Jarah Matthews-Dixon passing suddenly in Stamford this evening," Brideport Police announced Saturday night, Jan. 4.  Matthews-Dixon and his family had deep roots in Bridgeport, and on April 21, 2008, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a Bridgeport police officer.  Matthews-Dixon was a decorated 12-year member o…
Casey Lynn Carpenter Of Stamford, Passion For Children, Animals, Dies At 21 Casey Lynn Carpenter Of Stamford, Passion For Children, Animals, Dies At 21
Casey Lynn Carpenter Of Stamford, Passion For Children, Animals, Dies At 21 A Stamford resident who had a passion for children and animals, Casey Lynn Carpenter, died suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at age 21. She was born on Dec. 10, 1997, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Carpenter had a "unique personality and a big heart to match, which shined through despite her strong will." She was a voracious reader and a talented artist. "Her inner being was reflected in her work, her obituary said. Majoring to be an art therapist, Carpenter had a "strong passion for children and animals," according to the obituary. She is survived by her parents, mother Nicole Carpenter …
Francesca Tuccinardi, 51, Of Norwalk, Children Her 'Pride, Joy', Loved Sharing Stories Francesca Tuccinardi, 51, Of Norwalk, Children Her 'Pride, Joy', Loved Sharing Stories
Francesca Tuccinardi, 51, Of Norwalk, Children Her 'Pride, Joy', Loved Sharing Stories Francesca Tuccinardi whose children were her "pride and joy" and who loved sharing stories, Francesca Tuccinardi, of Norwalk, died Thursday, July 25, at age 51. She was born on Jan. 5, 1968 to the late Domenico and Carlotta (Bertuccio) Santoro and is the wife of Antonio Tuccinardi. Tuccinardi's pride and joy was not only her children but her family as a whole. She loved nothing more than spending time with them and sharing stories, according to an obituary. In addition to her husband, she is survived by children, Nicole and Antonio Tuccinardi; brothers, Angelo and Nicola Santoro; sist…
Greenwich Man Remembered For Playing 'Santa', Ex-President Of Fire Department Greenwich Man Remembered For Playing 'Santa', Ex-President Of Fire Department
Greenwich Man Remembered For Playing 'Santa', Ex-President Of Fire Department Robert "Crow" Crawford of Greenwich remembered for his portrayal of Santa and his service to the Glenville Fire Department as president died on Saturday, July 27 at age 83. He was the husband to the late Patricia Larsen Crawford. Crawford was born on Jan. 14, 1936 in Shelton to the late Ronald and Nonna Welton Crawford. For much of his life, he was an electrician, working on high tension lines, however, he is best remembered for portraying Santa in his visits to children at Bergdorf Goodman in New York and at McArdles Florist in Greenwich. He was also a member of the Byram Shore Boat …
Jon Jester Of Stamford, Devoted Dad Of Two, Dies Suddenly At 51 Jon Jester Of Stamford, Devoted Dad Of Two, Dies Suddenly At 51
Jon Jester Of Stamford, Devoted Dad Of Two, Dies Suddenly At 51 A Stamford man known as being a devoted father died suddenly at age 51. Jon Gregory 'Greg' Jester died Saturday, June 29. He was a "dedicated, passionate and devoted" father to sons Tyler and Matthew, according to his obituary. Jester is recalled as having had a joy of life and his passion for his boys, friends, skiing, baseball, gardening, yoga, climate change, and  "peaceful acceptance of the present moment." He is survived by his mother Beverly Meade, stepfather Newtie; sisters, Karen Jakubak and Suzanne Cionci; brothers-in-law; and nieces and nephews. His father, Jon Anthony Jeste…
Janet Lynn Checca France Of Trumbull, Worked 30 Years At People's Bank, Dies At 53 Janet Lynn Checca France Of Trumbull, Worked 30 Years At People's Bank, Dies At 53
Janet Lynn Checca France Of Trumbull, Worked 30 Years At People's Bank, Dies At 53 A Trumbull woman whose career in community banking spanned three decades has died. Janet Lynn France, formerly of Naugatuck, died Wednesday, June 26 in Bridgeport. She was 53. She was a residential and consumer Lending Closing Specialist for People's United Bank with more than 30 years of service.  France was the wife of the late James A. France. She was on Feb. 22, 1966, daughter of Rudolph and Florinda Pauciello Checca of Trumbull. She graduated from Trumbull High School in 1984 and went on to Butler Business School. According to her obituary, she enjoyed traveling to Florida and …
Douglas Smith Of Danbury, Former Principal In Ridgefield, Norwalk, Dies Douglas Smith Of Danbury, Former Principal In Ridgefield, Norwalk, Dies
Douglas Smith Of Danbury, Former Principal In Ridgefield, Norwalk, Dies A former principal in Ridgefield and Norwalk has died. Douglas John Smith, of Danbury, died Sunday, June 2 at age 87. He was the husband of Patricia (Gainer) Smith.  A resident of Danbury for the past 19 years, Smith was born in Norwalk on March 14, 1932, son of the late Capt. John and Amy (Selleck) Smith. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep, class of 1950, Fairfield University, 1954 and University of Bridgeport, 6th-year degree.  He taught elementary schools, was principal of Jefferson School, and opened Naramake School, all in Norwalk.  Smith was principal of Scotland Sc…
Mike Nevelson, Renowned Sculptor Who Lived In New Fairfield, Dies Mike Nevelson, Renowned Sculptor Who Lived In New Fairfield, Dies
Mike Nevelson, Renowned Sculptor Who Lived In New Fairfield, Dies A sculptor known for his "graven images" who once lived in New Fairfield has died. Mike "Myron Irving" Nevelson died Monday, June 3 in Acworth, New Hampshire. He was 97. Nevelson was known for his anthropomorphic wooden sculptures often based on furniture styles, e.g. grandfather clocks and jewelry chests.  An excellent raconteur, for hours he would entertain friends and family with stories from his world travels and voracious interest in world history. Mike Nevelson is survived by his wife, Marianne Wierenga-Nevelson; his three daughters Neith Nevelson (Robert McKnight), Elsbeth Nev…
Ryan Andrew Re, Lifelong Danbury Resident, Dies At 29 Ryan Andrew Re, Lifelong Danbury Resident, Dies At 29
Ryan Andrew Re, Lifelong Danbury Resident, Dies At 29 Ryan Andrew Re died on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at his home in Danbury. He was 29. He was born in Danbury on Sept. 5, 1989. He attended local schools and graduated from Danbury High School with the Class of 2007. Ryan was employed in pool construction at Nejame & Sons of Danbury for the past five years and was also a Marketing Consultant with Ambit Energy. He enjoyed golf, tennis, and exhibiting his creative and artistic talents through drawings. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, and most of all, his love for his family. In addition to his parents, Carlo and Kathy,…
Fairfield's Bobby Chizmazia, 24, Remembered As 'Kind, Beautiful Star' Fairfield's Bobby Chizmazia, 24, Remembered As 'Kind, Beautiful Star'
Fairfield's Bobby Chizmazia, 24, Remembered As 'Kind, Beautiful Star' Bobby Chizmazia of Bridgeport and formerly Fairfield died on June 24. The 24-year-old was remembered fondly by those who knew him -- and those who didn't. Many people left condolences for the family on a GoFundMe for Chizmazia's burial, which had raised more than $3,000 as of Wednesday evening. "Didn't know Bobby as well as I should have, but every-time I saw him so was kind and full of energy," said Griffin Cummings.  "My heart and thoughts go out to Bobby and his family." "Bobby, you were a beautiful star on Earth and definitely in your parent's eyes," Lyn…
John Fairchild, Fairfield Plumbing Services Owner, Dies Suddenly At 57 John Fairchild, Fairfield Plumbing Services Owner, Dies Suddenly At 57
John Fairchild, Fairfield Plumbing Services Owner, Dies Suddenly At 57 John R. Fairchild, a longtime Wilton resident and the owner of Fairfield Plumbing Services, died suddenly on Monday, June 4. He was 57.  Born in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Russell and Mary Fairchild and grandson of the late Lester and Rosalie Fairchild. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1979. When not working John could be found trout fishing, tending to his garden, or paintballing. He felt blessed by the generous support of the Wilton community and was a strong advocate for the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He became involved with the Corps after they helped his father …
Clients Grieve Loss Of Beloved Fairfield County Hairdresser Michael Jordan Clients Grieve Loss Of Beloved Fairfield County Hairdresser Michael Jordan
Clients Grieve Loss Of Beloved Fairfield County Hairdresser Michael Jordan Michael J. Jordan of Stamford died on Monday, April 16. He worked as a hairdresser for more than 50 years in the Stamford and Darien area. The Stratford native was 68. His clients say they will miss him dearly. "I spent many hours in Michael's chair or just hangin' out on the floor or in the basement after hours," one said on social media.  "Michael was an artist with a pair of shears and loved to snap photos of his finished product." "My heart is so heavy," said another client of 43 years. "You were my shrink and I was yours! I love you Michael."…
Fairfield Drummer Bryan Gallace Dies Away At College, 21 Fairfield Drummer Bryan Gallace Dies Away At College, 21
Fairfield Drummer Bryan Gallace Dies Away At College, 21 Bryan Gallace of Fairfield died on Jan. 20 in Boston where he was in college. He was 21 years old. A 2014 graduate of Fairfield Ludlow High and the Regional Center for the Arts, Bryan was a senior at Berklee Music College where he was pursuing a BA in Professional Music.  A gift of a mini guitar and pint-sized amp one Christmas from his beloved Aunt Maureen sparked his creative journey. A talented and dedicated musician, he began lessons at just six years old with Billy Bileca - a patient and amazing teacher who helped Bryan realize his passion for playing guitar.  He first got to perform …
Stamford Dad, Fairway Market Worker Patrick Hansen Dies, 38 Stamford Dad, Fairway Market Worker Patrick Hansen Dies, 38
Stamford Dad, Fairway Market Worker Patrick Hansen Dies, 38 Patrick Sean Hansen, Sr. of Stamford died on Jan. 21. He was 38 years old. Patrick worked at Fairway Market for five years. He was a man of many skills. He was a man with a generous heart and compassion for all who crossed his path. He was a proud union member of local 371. Born on July 2, 1979 in Albany, he was the son of Kathleen M. Garcia and husband, Herb, of Darien, and Mark Hansen of Texas. Patrick is survived by his wife, Julia Perrault Hansen of Stamford; children Patrick and Anthony Hansen; sisters Christine Marie Garcia of Darien and Christine Ariel Chávez of Texas; brothers, Dak…
Melissa Wojtowicz Of Bethel, 31: 'Dedicated Her Life To Helping Others' Melissa Wojtowicz Of Bethel, 31: 'Dedicated Her Life To Helping Others'
Melissa Wojtowicz Of Bethel, 31: 'Dedicated Her Life To Helping Others' Melissa Wojtowicz of Bethel died on Tuesday, Jan. 16, with her parents and family by her side. She was 31. She was born March 9, 1986, the daughter of Debra and Daniel Wojtowicz. Melissa was a free spirit and embraced life. She attended Bethel High School graduating in 2004 and, later attended Briarwood College graduating in 2009. She dedicated her life to helping others and as an organ donor will continue to live on through others. Melissa is survived by her parents, grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of life will be he…
Thomas W. McGillicuddy, Fairfield Prep's First Lay Principal, Dies At 83 Thomas W. McGillicuddy, Fairfield Prep's First Lay Principal, Dies At 83
Thomas W. McGillicuddy, Fairfield Prep's First Lay Principal, Dies At 83 FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Thomas W. McGillicuddy, a longtime teacher and administrator at Fairfield College Preparatory School, passed away peacefully Jan. 4 at Bridgeport Hospital with his family by his side. He was 83. Born in Worcester, Mass., on May 6, 1934, McGillicuddy graduated from The College of the Holy Cross before beginning his more than 42-year career at Fairfield Prep. Joining the Prep community as a math teacher, McGillicuddy went on to serve as dean of men, principal, guidance, dean of discipline and college placement counselor and controller. “Known to be tough but fair, he was re…