Charles McKenney, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2016, in hospice in Florida. He had lived in Darien for more than three decades, from the 1960s through the 1990s. He raised his family in Noroton and Tokeneke. They were parishioners at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. He and his wife, “Bobo,” were renowned as charming hosts of large elegant dinner parties at their house, Captain’s Walk, on Searles Road.

Mr. McKenney grew up in Summit, New Jersey, graduated from Pingry and Yale, and got his law degree from the University of Virginia. After serving in the Navy, he practiced patent law as a partner with Pennie & Edmonds in New York City until his retirement. In the summers, he enjoyed golf at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Helaine (Bobo) McKenney, his children, Hobby Coudert, Wensley McKenney, and Philip McKenney, and his grandchildren, Preston and Emerson McKenney, and Matthew and Charlotte Coudert.

Memorial donations can be sent to Hospice of Palm Beach County in Florida.

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Mina Jane MacDonald, a lifelong resident of Darien, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the age of 81. Jane, as she was known, was born in Darien to the late Donald and Gertrude (Sullivan) MacDonald.

Jane worked as a childcare professional for over 20 years, caring for the children of families throughout lower Fairfield county. She was well loved and will be fondly remembered by the members of the families she was tasked to look after. She loved children and animals, and was an avid reader. She loved to celebrate the holidays and was known to throw parties for her beloved neighbors at the Darien Senior Community housing complex.

Jane is survived by her sister, Patricia Ward, her niece, Mary Ward and her dear cousin, J.P. Kapusta. Jane was preceded in death by her daughter, Emily Vacca, and her son, Henry Vacca.

The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford, CT 06

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Janet “Jann” Ilene Musitano died on March 2,  in Pawley’s Island, SC. She was 67.

 Mrs. Musitano was born on August 21,1948 in Grass Valley, California to her parents, Thomas and Betty Jo Potter. After leaving California and living in the Carolinas where her children were born, she and her family moved to Darien,  in 1976. Mrs. Musitano was a dedicated employee of the Darien School System for over 15 years. She was respected by her peers and loved by the students.

When she wasn’t working, Mrs. Musitano loved spending her summers with her family and friends at Pear Tree Beach in Darien, CT. Every year Jann and her family would spend time at Litchfield Beach, SC where they created beautiful memories. She loved the arts and found peace in painting. She never missed out on an opportunity to dance; if music was playing she was moving. Countless hours of laughter were had when playing Gin Rummy with Joe Sr. and Uncle Tony or Bridge with her closest friends.

She married Bob Musitano in 2002 and together they moved to Pawley’s Island, SC in 2005. They shared a love for the game of golf. Mrs. Musitano volunteered her time to raise money for different charities; one in particular that was dear to her was Habitat for Humanity. A lifelong lover of the beach, Mrs. Musitano found solace in walking along the shore searching for Pawley’s Island shells. She looked forward to her visits with her grandkids who called her Grammy Janny and loved her dearly.

Mrs. Musitano is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Ross Musitano of Pawley’s Island, SC; son and daughter-in-law, Joie and Julie Papp of Fairfield, CT; her daughter and son-in-law, Kimi and Andy Savvaides of Wilton, CT; her sister Barbara DeCandt; her niece Dee O’Brien; her nephew Kenny Dubnick; and her seven grandchildren, TJ, Jake, Cameron, Carly, Claire, Graham and Adam.

A private celebration of Mrs. Musitano’s life will be appropriately held along the beach in Pawley’s Island, SC. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tidelands Community Hospice in Georgetown, SC.

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Although we have lost our beloved Jason Alexander Taylor at age 27 to a tragic ski accident at Keystone Resort on Elk Run in Colorado on January 20, 2016, his bright memory will forever surround us and light our way.

Jay, the son of Lynda and Harry Taylor, was born in Massachusetts on June 24, 1988, and was raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea.  He would eventually live in Southern California and Portland, Oregon before traveling the world to explore the beauty of nature and the excitement of adventure.  By way of his travels, he would return to the United States with an appreciation for his homeland as the best country to find all that he loved.

Jay recently relocated to Boulder, Colorado where he found happiness in living close to nature, and in pursuing his passions for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and skiing.  He was an exceptional athlete, thriving on being active and training diligently to reach new goals.  He dreamed of becoming a BASE Jumper and Wingsuit Flyer, and was ecstatic to have completed his first skydiving jump in May of 2015.

He lived intensely, thoughtfully, practically and freely.  He was a humble man of great integrity with a compassionate and generous heart.  Jay held a profound commitment to personal sacrifice in order to achieve his dreams and goals.  Jay savored life.  He knew, always, how cherished he was, while mutually expressing his love for family.  He was a loyal friend and confidant, embracing friendships from all walks of life.

As a child, he was recognized as a deep thinker, and would later set an example by always looking to the positive.   He so often made his family and friends laugh, and brought light into a room in an instant by his playful energy.  Even while living at a distance, he made sure to brighten the lives of others by staying connected. We will miss his voice, his loving presence, his wisdom, his humor and his joyful heart.

Throughout his life, Jay and his brother Trevor were the very best of friends.  Growing up closely together, they talked daily, skied together for well over 20 years, hiked and adventured. They had mutual friends, and shared the love of nature with independent, yet nearly identical, personalities.

Jay worked side by side with his father, Harry, in building his glass art business.  They consulted together about travel planning, and with Trevor, formed a trio to troubleshoot around the latest mechanical challenge with their cars, whether local or from a distance.  Jay helped his father with projects around the home, and recently completed a much needed masonry job that will last for many years.

Jay had a close relationship with his mother, Lynda, by way of sharing his dreams and goals, and then setting out to seek them in an ever-larger sphere.  A devoted brother to his sister, Allie, and brother-in-law, Ryan, he was a source of steady love for their happiness, and their young children delighted in Uncle Jay’s visits. He was a fun loving and patient teacher, and hoped to take his nephews and niece mountain climbing one day.

Jay quietly pursued his dedication to his dreams, which he held dear. He achieved many of his goals, to include rock climbing in Thailand, Utah, Colorado, Oregon and California.  His first solo climb was Mt. Whitney, and he trekked Mt. Everest in Nepal to over 18,000 feet, in addition to climbing and hiking in the East.  His signature one-hand handstand upon summiting the highest peaks captured his delight in his athletic and spiritual achievements. One of his greatest passions was Yosemite and its climbing community. He considered living there before thoughtfully choosing Colorado, but planned to return to climb at Yosemite in 2016.

As a very young child, he was intrigued by art, and would become a successful, self-taught glass artist. His work is a living expression of exquisite form, beauty, function, balance and precision. He ensured only flawless pieces of his work left his bench in his name, and so is a highly respected member of the glass art community for such skill, talent and commitment to quality.  Jay generously shared his knowledge and helped to teach his craft to others. He experienced tremendous joy in capturing nature through his photography, as yet another form of his enduring art.  Jay’s legacy includes, in part, his inspiration to so many to live life fully, experience adventure, and love deeply.

Jay always found his smile in his love of family and in friendship. In addition to his parents, Lynda and Harry, he leaves his dear siblings to cherish his memories and carry the lessons he gifted to each of us in his brief but accomplished life.  His brother, Trevor Taylor of Somerville, Massachusetts, his sister, Allison Taylor Mannle and brother-in-law, Ryan Mannle, of Darien, Connecticut, nephew, Stafford Mannle, niece, Carolina Mannle, and twin nephews, Brooks Mannle and Conrad Mannle are mourning his loss. He also leaves his aunt, Claire Taylor Cassella (John) of Salem, Massachusetts, and cousins, Megan Cassella Hand (Tom) of Stowe, Vermont, and Kate Cassella Kirk (Pat) of Hingham, Massachusetts. All who knew Jay will miss his endearing warmth, smile, and passion for life.  He was predeceased by paternal grandparents, Matilda and Henry Taylor, and maternal grandmother, Ann Weston, all of West Hartford, Connecticut.

Jay attended Manchester schools before graduating from North Shore Technical High School, and attending Franklin Pierce University.

A memorial service to honor his life will be celebrated at Grace Episcopal Church in Salem, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 11 AM, with a reception to follow at Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Jay Taylor Memorial Fund, which has been established specifically to help assist and support the glass art and rock climbing communities. Checks may be made payable to the “Jay Taylor Memorial Fund” and sent to Santander Bank, 17 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944.

— by the Family

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Joan Grace LaBanca, a long-time resident of Darien and Jupiter, FL, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Stamford Hospital.  Born on October 1, 1929, in Suffern, NY, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Emma Meffert. She was 86.

Joan’s education began in a one-room school house with 16 students.  She excelled in music, playing the clarinet and the accordion.   She went on to study under professional accordionist Pietro Deiro and performed at many venues.   After graduating from Spring Valley High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University, her career began at the WR Grace & Company as an Executive Assistant to Peter Grace.  Her position required extensive travel throughout Europe and South America.  This earned her the honor of becoming a member of both United Airlines and Pan American Airlines 100,000 Mile Club by 1953.  In 1955 she met the love of her life, Alfred LaBanca, in New York City at the Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park.  They married in 1956 and moved to Darien in 1964 where Joan was active in many school and community events and enjoyed a rich social life.

She will be remembered for her independence, positive attitude, extraordinary social skills and her organizational abilities.   She was the ground commander for the family racing sailboat and coordinated all the logistics for events in New England, the Chesapeake Bay and Florida for over 20 years.  She was a member of the Country Club of Darien, Noroton Yacht Club and the New York Athletic Club.  She enjoyed many sports and was a fierce competitor in tennis and paddle tennis, playing well into her seventies. She loved the game of bridge and played in several groups during the week.   Entertaining family and friends was, by far, her favorite pastime.  She was well known as a gracious hostess, always being ready to greet the many people who crossed her threshold with a warm welcome, and a banquet that would magically appear.  Her home was always an open house and all felt welcome.  After her husband’s retirement, Joan and Al traveled around the country playing golf and visiting lighthouses.  They spent winters in Jupiter, FL and summers in Darien with their beloved grandchildren.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Ellen Connery and her husband Scott of Darien, son Bob LaBanca of Stamford, CT and his wife Mary, grandchildren Nick and Cate Connery and Cort and Lauren LaBanca.   After 56 years of marriage, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Alfred in 2012 and a daughter Laurie in 1967.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 PM, Friday, March 18 at Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820, or Post 53, Darien Emergency Medical Services, P. O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820

— by the Family

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Jeffrey Leon Donoso, a lifelong resident of Stamford Connecticut, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Jeffrey was born on October 22,1981 and he was one of the three children born to Margott Donoso and the late Leon Donoso.

Jeffrey was born and raised in Stamford and graduated from Westhill High School. Jeffrey worked at Grade A Shoprite and Best Buy. He also dedicated his time to volunteering at the Meals On Wheels program. Jeffrey was a member at the Darien YMCA where he kept very active by doing his favorite activities that included playing basketball and swimming. Jeffrey’s other passions included playing soccer, following his favorite teams, traveling to Ecuador once a year and attaining the latest technology. Jeffrey was a hero and inspiration to many. He fought a long, hard three year cancer battle. He touched so many lives with his kindness, love, strength, positive energy and best of all a smile and jokes that could light up the world.

Jeffrey was predeceased by his father, Leon Donoso in 1989. He is survived by his mother Margott Donoso; his sisters, Lina Donoso Reyes, Cristina Kapoor; brother in laws Anthony Reyes and Rajat Kapoor; his nieces Keli Reyes and Karina Kapoor and nephews Maximo Jr. Reyes and Krishan Kapoor. He is also survived by extended family aunts, uncles, cousins in Stamford and Ecuador.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital for their support in his final days.

Jeffrey’s Family will receive the sympathy of friends and family on Thursday March 31st from 4pm to 8pm at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 1st at 11am at Saint Mary’s Church, 566 Elm Street, in Stamford, CT. At the family’s request the burial will be a private.

If you would like to leave an expression of sympathy for the family online, you may sign the guestbook at  or visit the funeral home Facebook page at to share memories with his family.

— by the Family

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Joan Pelletier Isabel, originally of Concord, NH, passed away peacefully at home at Governor’s Club in Chapel Hill, NC on Friday, March 18. She was born on Jan. 9, 1940.

Joan leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Richard Isabel; two children, Mark Isabel of Providence, RI and Margo Isabel of South Riding, VA; and three grandsons, Charles Manosalvas of Fairfax, VA and his wife Brittany, Ricardo Manosalvas of South Riding, and Daniel Isabel of Providence, RI.

Joan graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, MA in 1957. She received her BA degree from Denison University, Granville, OH in 1961. Joan and Dick met at Denison.

Joan and Dick lived in Darien from July of 1969 until March of 1998, During their first 20 years of residency,  Joan was constantly visible in the civic life of the community. She served on both the YMCA and YWCA boards, on two different school building committees and was President of the Darien League of Women Voters; she also became Vice President of the State league. She later worked for the City of New York for ten years where she served as director of the city’s office responsible for economic relations with the “not for profit” sector of the city.

Joan and Dick moved to Governor’s Club in 1998 where Joan was active in community affairs.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 16 at 10:00 AM at the Newman Catholic Student Center on the UNC campus. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Phillips Academy in honor of Joan, 180 Main St, Andover, MA, 01810.

— by the Family

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Bertha Fumega Stuart, a longtime resident of Darien, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2016 at Stamford Hospital after a short valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer.  Born on August 31, 1934 in Cuba, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Hortensia Fumega.  She was 81.

 Bertha worked for Union Trust in the Darien office for many years and retired as the manager.  She was a parishioner of St. John R. C. Church, a member of the Darien YMCA, Darien Senior Center and Noroton Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.  She had a great love of traveling the world.

She is survived by her husband, John A. Stuart of Darien and a daughter-in-law, Gina Stuart of Florida.  She was predeceased by two sons, John F. Stuart and Ron Stuart; and two brothers, Chris Fumega and Armando Fumega.  Also surviving are a nephew, Frank Fumega; three nieces, Laurie Bianchi, Denise Fumega, Kim Fumega; and a sister-in-law, Leslie Fumega. She is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Charles and his wife Lillian Stuart of Darien; James Stuart of Stamford; and Michael and his wife Lou Ann Stuart of Darien; and two sisters-in-law, Anna Marie Carriero of Stamford and Katherine  Trocolla husband Dan of Tennessee and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

Memorial donations may be made to Noroton Fire Department, 1873 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820.

— by the Family

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John F. Hartley

John Fiske Hartley died peacefully on April 7, 2016 at age 86 at Piper Shores Retirement Community.

John was born in Medford, MA in 1929 to Noble Munroe and Ethel Fiske Hartley. He lived in Portsmouth and Cincinnati, Ohio, and Arlington, MA where he graduated from Arlington High School. He received a Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1952, and a Masters from the Middlebury Language School in 1953.

John taught French at The Choate School and then served in the US Army for two years in peacetime Korea. He started his career with the Travelers Insurance Company in New York and New Jersey. During this time, John often traveled to Binghamton, NY to visit his parents; this is where he met his future wife, Kathleen Hardy.

John and Kathy were married in 1961 and had two sons, Rusty (John Jr.) and Bruce. They settled in Darien, CT where they lived from 1965 through 1994. After 19 years with the Travelers, John joined the Charter Oak Insurance Agency in Darien in 1973 and eventually became an owner. John was also involved with many local organizations. He served as a coach for the Darien Little League, and was President for 15 years. He was involved with the YMCA Indian Guides and then Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 53. He was a member and President of the Darien Rotary Club, and the Commissioner of the Darien Park and Recreation Committee. He was a member, a Deacon, a Trustee, an Elder, and a Sunday School teacher at the Norton Presbyterian Church.

After his retirement from Charter Oak in 1994, John and Kathy moved to Cape Elizabeth where they lived for 15 years. They spent winters on Anguilla and St. Augustine, FL, and summers at their family home in Pine Point, Scarborough. John also volunteered at the Spurwink Cemetery.

One of his greatest personal accomplishments during his retirement was to complete an extensive genealogy of his family dating back 300 years to the Scottish highlands. This took him over 10 years to complete, involved hundreds of hours of research and conversations with extended family members, and ultimately led to his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution.

John and Kathy moved to Piper Shores in 2009 where John remained active by serving as Chairman of the Store Committee. His greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, his sons, and his grandchildren. John will be remembered by friends and family as “a kind, caring, and compassionate gentleman”, “a role model for all of us”, a “decent and honorable citizen”, and “a loving husband, father and grandfather”. John is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his son Rusty and his partner Christina Lane, his son Bruce and his wife Maria, his beloved grandchildren, James and Julia, his brother David and his wife Teri, his nephew David, Jr. and his wife Cathy, his niece Laura Fagan and her husband John, his grandnephew and niece Kyle and Colleen Fagan, and his cousin Ann Mills.

Services will be held at the Blue Point Congregational Church at 236 Pine Point Road, Scarborough at 10am on Saturday, April 23. John will be interred at the Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Auburn on April 25 in a private ceremony.

Any acts of kindness in his memory would be appreciated, especially those in support of the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England – their address is PPNNE, Support Department, 784 Hercules Drive, Suite 110, Colchester, VT 05446-9943. The Hartley family would like to thank the staff at Piper Shores and Holbrook, as well the VNA Home Health Hospice organization for their caring support during this time.

Arrangements are under the care of Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME.

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Gina Marie Senese English, age 49 of Fairfield, beloved wife of Darren John English for 23 years, died on Sunday, April 17, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Born in Norwalk, the daughter of Alfredo J. Senese Jr., and Jean (DeFlorio) Senese of Darien, Mrs. English graduated from Darien High School, class of 1984, earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion design at the American University of London and Master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport. She loved children and worked as a special education teacher for the Darien school system, until her illness required her to stop. Mrs. English had a passion for travel, art and cooking but above all, she was a dedicated mother and wife.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. English is also survived by her children; Tyler Matthew English and Hayley Elizabeth English of Fairfield, and a brother Michael Senese of Darien, Mother-in-law Mary Correnty English, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 22 at the St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Rd, Darien. Burial will be held privately. Her family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk.

Memorial donations may be made to:

For directions or to leave an online condolence, please go to

— by The Darien Times

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Donald Keene Hawes, 93, longtime resident of Darien and New Canaan, passed away peacefully at home on April 15. He was born in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in nearby Montclair. He graduated from College High School, a demonstration school of Montclair State Teachers College in 1940, and Principia College in Elsah, Illinois in 1943. He was a naval officer in the South Pacific in World War II, serving on the submarine USS Guitarro. He is probably the last survivor of the submarine that was the first to encounter and report the location of the large enemy naval force en route to the Leyte Gulf where a great part of it was destroyed in one of the epic naval battles in history. His skipper was awarded three separate Navy crosses while commanding the Guitarro, including one for that trip. Once during a crisis, through Mr. Hawes’ quick thinking, he saved the ship from sinking.

Following his service in World War II, he began a long career in the energy resources business, initially serving as Secretary with Union Texas Oil and Gas in Houston. Later he worked for Mobil Chemical in New York City, which brought him to Darien where he and his wife, Grace, raised their four children. He later served in the Federal Energy Administration (which later became the Department of Energy) in the Carter Administration. He served as Assistant Treasurer at the international headquarters of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass. Later he was an energy consultant with Equitable Life Insurance Co. in New York.

Mr. Hawes was an early and ardent supporter of insurance companies keeping clients healthier longer through an intelligent lifestyle with exercise, wise diet, etc., encouraged by employers and the insurance companies. An outstanding athlete, he was an avid tennis player throughout his life and enjoyed the company of his fellow members of the New Canaan Senior Men’s Club. He was a longtime member of Wee Burn Country Club.

His love of life, good humor, and caring spirit made him a good friend to many, influencing and inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds. He served his church, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Darien, in many capacities, and was an inspiring Sunday School teacher devoted to his students.

Mr. Hawes was a devoted father and very proud of his children. He was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and many others whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Joyce, his brother Douglas and sister-in-law Claudie, of Paris, France, his sons Kenneth of Sudbury, Massachusetts, Christopher of Portland, Oregon, David of Darien, and their spouses, his daughter Barbara of New Haven, five grandsons and three great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife, Grace.

Services will be private. Memorial donations in his memory be made to Save the Children, Person-to-Person, or First Church of Christ, Scientist, Darien.

— by The Darien Times

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Deborah Almy Chudy, a longtime resident of Darien, died on Sunday, April 17, at Stamford Hospital.  Born on Feb. 13, 1936 in Stamford, she was the daughter of the late Lyonel King and Edna Goulden Almy.  She was 80.

Mrs. Chudy was a graduate of Darien High School and Skidmore College.  She worked as a Registered Nurse at Stamford Hospital for over 20 years as the Night Nursing Supervisor.  She was a member of Noroton Presbyterian Church and an avid reader.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Chudy Simon and her husband Richard of Long Valley, New Jersey and Emily Chudy Shute and her husband Frank of Darien and four grandchildren, Matthew, Kayleigh, Caleb and Abigail.  She is also survived by a sister, Barbara Almy Bird of Limerick, Pennsylvania.  She was predeceased by her husband Andrew in 2002.

A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, April 23, at 1 p.m. at the Noroton Presbyterian Chapel, 2011 Post Road, Darien.  Burial will be private.

Memorial donations can be made to Noroton Presbyterian Church, Deacon’s Fund, 2011 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 or to World Vision, P. O. Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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Darien resident Susan McGoldrich, 53, was charged with DWI after rear ending another driver at the intersection of Middlesex Road and Noroton Avenue on April 16. Police said three cars were involved in the accident at about 4:45 p.m. and identified McGoldrich as the offending driver.

No injuries were reported, and McGoldrich told police that she thought she saw a green light while traveling east on Middlesex. The officer at the scene detected the odor of alcohol coming from McGoldrich’s vehicle, but she initially denied drinking.

She was unable to pass field sobriety tests, and a pair breathalyzer of tests showed her blood alcohol content levels at .11 and .10. She allegedly admitted to drinking after failing the test, and was charged with DWI. McGoldrich posted $250 bond and is due in court on April 26.

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Marjorie Riddell Wilson, 88, of Meadow Ridge formerly a New Canaan resident for over 52 years died peacefully Saturday, April 9, with her loving family by her side. Born in Hartford, on Oct. 11, 1927 she was the daughter of the late John Baird and Margaret Greenland Riddell. Mrs. Wilson was predeceased by her husband James L. Wilson who died in 2014.

Mrs. Wilson began dancing at a very young age and was a graduate of the University of Hartford’s esteemed Hartt School of Music. An accomplished ballet dancer and singer, Marjorie was a cast member of the 1947-1949 Tony award winning Broadway show — High Button’s Shoes — starring; Eddie Foy Jr., Nanette Fabray, Phil Silvers, choreographed by Jerome Robbins. She sang in the church choir for many years and taught dancing and ballet. She was very active in her younger days in the New Canaan Women’s Club as well as many other activities and organizations in New Canaan. She enjoyed traveling, painting, drawing, needlepoint, and knitting.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her daughter, Donna Wilson Swigart (Mark) of Sandy Hook, three sons, J. David Wilson (Sandra) of Darien,  John K. Wilson  (Kathleen) of Wilton,  and Robert B. Wilson (Julia) of Lexington, Virginia. Nine grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Wilson was predeceased by her sister Janice Riddell and granddaughter Jamie Wilson.

Services and burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Fairfield County Chapter: www.alz.org

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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MacDonald “Mac” Osland, a longtime resident of Darien, passed away  on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Stamford Hospital.  Born on October 19, 1926 in New Rochelle, New York, he was the son of the late Ivind and Melinda Osland.  He was 89 years of age.

Mr. Osland graduated from Stamford High School, Class of 1948 and J. M. Wright Technical School in 1950.

Mr. Osland enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and served as a Carpenter’s Mate in the Seabees during WW II, where he saw extensive action at Okinawa in the Pacific supporting American operations against the Japanese.  His decorations include the Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal (1 star) and the Navy Unit Commendation.

Following his service in the United States Navy, Mr. Osland worked as a toolmaker for Globe Slicing Company.

Mr. Osland enjoyed tending to his decades old garden, woodworking, and watching classic western films.  Most of all, he was a loving and spirited friend and will be deeply missed by Maryann, Karl, Max and Leo Scaccia, who considered him family, as well as his wonderful caregiver Annette Lowe.

A Service was held at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.

— by The Darien Times

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Mildred Seavy, 96, of Redding, wife of the late Harvey Seavy, died on Monday, April 25, at the Meadow Ridge Health Center in Redding.

She was born in New Rochelle, N.Y. on Feb. 18, 1920, a daughter of the late Charles and Mildred Noxon. She attended New Rochelle High School and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Bucknell University in 1940.

A resident of Darien for 50 years, she Mrs. Seavy was a member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien Community Association and P.E.O. International. She was a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Darien for 16 years before retiring in 1988.  She moved to the Meadow Ridge Senior Living Community in 2002 where she was a member of the book group and worked in the Meadow Ridge store.

She is survived by her son, Mark Seavy and his wife, Joanne, of Ridgefield, and two grandchildren, Kathleen and Sean; a nephew, Alan Learch of Ponte Verde Beach, Fla., and two nieces, Gail Howard of Amelia Island, Fla. and Lynn Learch of Royal Oaks, Ca.; a brother-in-law, Garth Seavy of Adamstown, Md. and a sister-in-law, Margaret Catts of Wilimington, Del. She was pre-deceased by her sisters, Madeline Learch and Roz Ridley.

There will be a memorial reception at the Meadow Ridge Senior Living Community, 100 Redding Road, Redding, on Saturday, May 21, at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mrs. Seavy’s name to the Dorothy Day Hospitality House, P.O. Box 922, Danbury CT 06813-0922.

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Curtis Tredwell Dwyer of Stamford, and Lawrence, New York died on April 27, after a brief battle with cancer. He was a graduate of The Gunnery School, Trinity College (bachelor’s degree), and Manhattanville College (master’s degree).

Born on April 29, 1954 he was the son of the late John Charles McCarthy and Sheila Browne McCarthy of Lawrence, New York. He is survived by his two children, Casey Dwyer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Madeline Dwyer of Darien, his sister Winifred Post of San Francisco, California and his brother Robert McCarthy of Safety Harbor, Florida.

A small service for family and friends is planned for late May.

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Michael Francis Taylor, 26, of Darien, CT died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 30, 2016.

Michael, known to friends and family as Mike, was the son of Annmarie (Squatrito) and Francis Taylor of Darien, CT. He was raised in Darien and was a graduate of Darien High School in 2008 and Villanova University in 2012. In addition to his mother and father he is survived by his sister, Kathryn E. Taylor of Darien and many aunts, uncles and cousins living around the country.

Michael was kind, witty, adventurous, sincere and generous and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His spirit was infectious. He could always put a smile on the faces of those around him. He loved his friends and family deeply, and considered his friends to be a part of the family. He continued his generosity through the end of his life as an organ donor.

After college graduation, Michael worked in the marketing and advertising industry at Colangelo (Omnicom) in Darien, Geometry Global (WPP) in New York City, and Source Marketing (CxM) in Wilton. He had recently joined Ring’s End Inc. in Darien with an interest in the marketing program there.

Michael was a passionate sportsman, and could turn any activity into a competition. He was a gifted athlete. His passion was tennis and he played four years at Darien High winning a state singles title his senior year and played Division 1 tennis at Villanova. He also loved snowboarding, lacrosse, and hockey. Other hobbies included teaching tennis, boating, golfing, fishing, and traveling. While most comfortable being close to home, he had made several memorable trips with friends over the years including: South Africa and Zambia while in middle school, India on a NOLS Himalayan hiking program while in college, took an academic summer course in Greece that ended in a sailing vacation with his family, and a “cross country” drive with his best friend, Will.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral Mass on Saturday, May 7 at 12:00 noon at St. John Church (1986 Post Road, Darien). Interment will be at Spring Grove Cemetery (41 Hecker Avenue, Darien) immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to:

The Lighthouse Scholarship Fund, The Lighthouse, PO Box 5041, Westport, CT 06880 or Norwalk Grassroots Tennis & Education, 11 Ingalls Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854.

For directions or condolences visit www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

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John D. Stobbie  Jr., 58, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 26 in Gainesville, Florida surrounded by his family.  John was born and raised in Stamford, CT and attended St. Leo School and graduated from Westhill High School and the University of Florida

Mr. Stobbie was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. Mr. Stobbie and his wife Kim resided in Gainesville, Florida and raised three children — Lauren, John, and Brittney. Mr. Stobbie was an elementary teacher in the Gainesville school system for over 30 years.  As a PE teacher, he touched the lives of several generations of children.  He became known simply as ‘coach’ and was held in high regard.  Fourteen years ago, Mr.. Stobbie’s path led him back to summers in Stamford where he coached diving at the Roxbury Swim & Tennis Club.

These summers also allowed time for him to reconnect with his siblings, nieces, & nephews.   John was an excellent cook and the house was filled with laughter, friends, and food and John would lovingly question, “Who’s your favorite uncle, now?“  His sense of humor and storytelling antics will be greatly missed.

Mr. Stobbie was an accomplished athlete, enjoying many sports but his true athletic gift was diving.  Growing up, he dove at Roxbury Swim Club.  During his high school years, Mr. Stobbie earned All-FCIAC 4 years, State Champ ‘75 & ‘76, and in ‘75 the Triple Crown (FCIAC, LL, Open Champ).  Mr. Stobbie dove on the University of Florida SEC championship teams.  He won the NCAA qualifying zone and went on to the NCAA Championship.

In addition to his wife and children he is also survived by his father John Stobbie, Sr., sisters Kathleen Cummings of Seattle, Washington, Rachel Tyrrell (Lynn) of Stamford, and brothers Brian Stobbie (Mercedes) of Darien, and Tim Stobbie of Tampa, Florida as well as many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his mother Jean Bellairs Stobbie.

There will be a mass at St. John’s Church in Darien at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7.

— by The Darien Times

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Aurora Dorothy Wheeler, of Mystic, Conn., passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on April 27. She was 91.

An active businesswoman and well-known hostess in Darien, Conn. and Newport, R.I., Dottie Wheeler (as she was known) lived most recently in Mystic at StoneRidge with her husband of 66 years, Malcolm F. (Mac) Wheeler.

Dottie Wheeler was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Andrew Anastopoulos and Yolande Cardullo Anastopoulos. In the 1930s they moved Dottie (with her brothers William and Vincent) to the family home on Pyrgos, Greece. Dottie studied at a private school run by an order of French nuns who taught her French, while she spoke Greek with her Greek father, and Italian with her Italian mother.

Dottie was a teenager when World War II broke out, and her family relocated to Athens, considered at the time to be a “safe city,” on the belief that the Axis forces would respect the sanctity of its antiquities. They did not, and Dottie endured multiple bombing raids in Athens. She witnessed the Nazi invasion, and bore a lifelong memory of robotic SS men among the German troops marching down the main street. When the Allies liberated Greece, she became a radio singer, performing with the combo Dorothy and Her Friends on the Armed Forces Network, a welcome American voice performing familiar pop hits for the battle-weary troops stationed in Athens.

Soon after the conclusion of the war, Dottie and her family bore eyewitness to the violence of the Greek Civil War, where Communist forces made an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the government. The brutality Dottie witnessed during that conflict left her with a lifelong abhorrence of Communism.

Dottie and her family were repatriated to the United States in 1946, sailing to New York on the MS Gripsholm. Soon Dottie was studying Journalism at Columbia University and working in campus administration at University Hall. It was there in 1949 that she met undergraduate Malcolm Wheeler, and the two were wed the following year. The couple soon moved to Washington, DC, where Dottie put her language skills to work as a bilingual secretary at the International Monetary Fund.

After years of zigzagging moves across the country with four children, Dottie and Mac settled in Darien, Conn., where they resided, full- and part-time, from 1965 to 2007. In the late 1960s, Dottie put her language skills to use as a teacher at the Berlitz School. She later earned a real estate license and embarked on a successful career as a real estate broker at Charter Oak Realty, Realtech, and Scott Associates.

In her years in Darien, Dottie welcomed hundreds of guests at her New Year’s Day open house, as well as at smaller affairs throughout the year. She was a longtime member of the Tokeneke Club, where she was an avid tennis player. Dottie also hammed it up in front of young audiences as a member of a children’s theater troupe sponsored by the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk.

Upon moving to Newport, Dottie and Mac began acquiring historic homes for rental and sale, which she would restore, refurbish, and redecorate. Through her company Creativity Unlimited, Dottie donated her services to create bright new interiors for the Newport Hospital. Her whimsical designs were also featured at the Newport Designer Guild Show Houses in Newport and Watch Hill, R.I. She was also an accomplished amateur writer, artist, and songwriter whose skills also included gourmet cooking and restoring antiques. Aside from her family, Dottie’s greatest loves were politics, jazz, foreign films, and adopting pets from the animal shelter.

The Wheelers were active in many aspects of Newport life. They hosted many young tennis pros in town to compete at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. They continued to throw memorable parties for friends and neighbors, as well as events for the Newport Music Festival. The Wheelers also hosted visiting speakers for the English Speaking Union. They were contributors to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and members of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. The City of Newport declared December 4, 2005 to be “Mac and Dottie Wheeler Day,” to thank them for their efforts “to make Newport a better place.”

In February of 2000, after fifty years of marriage, Dottie and Mac Wheeler returned to Columbia University to renew their wedding vows at St. Paul’s Chapel, where they were married. Afterward, their half-century love affair was celebrated at a reception at the Faculty House, where they were toasted by friends and family.

Since moving to StoneRidge in 2010, Dottie has enjoyed many gatherings and activities, and was known around the community and by her many caregivers as someone who always had a smile and a kind word for all.

Dottie Wheeler is survived by her husband Malcolm, her children Scott Wheeler of North Reading, Mass., Wendy Wheeler of Newton, Mass., Jill Bourbeau of Franklin, Conn., and Drew Wheeler of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and grandchildren Margaret Wheeler, Emily Reid, Elizabeth Wheeler, and Alexa Wheeler.

There was a celebration of Dottie Wheeler’s life at StoneRidge on May 7, 2016 at 1:00 PM. Funeral service, burial and reception will be held at St. Columba’s Chapel, 55 Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown, R.I. on May 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, R.I. 02842.

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