Mary Mulligan, a long-time Darien resident, died on Sept. 22 after a courageous battle with cancer at her daughter’s house in Greenwich.  She was born the oldest of 10 children on  May 13, 1933 in Kiltimagh County Mayo, Ireland to Patrick and Mary McDonagh.

Mrs. Mulligan immigrated to the United States in 1952.  She worked as a nanny for a family in New York City and for several families in Darien.  She met her husband Christopher at an Irish dance at the Jaeger House in New York City.   They married Oct 1, 1960 and lived in Sunnyside Queens.  They moved to Darien in 1967 where Mrs. Mulligan was a member of St John’s Parish, The Darien Boat Club, and volunteered at the Yellow Balloon Consignment Shop.  She was also a member of the Fairfield County Gaelic Club. Mrs. Mulligan enjoyed spending time with family and friends, gardening, and exercising at the Darien YMCA.

She was predeceased by her husband Christopher in 2001.  She is survived by her son Kevin and his wife Colleen of High Point, North Carolina and their children Mathew and Christine.  She is also survived by her daughter Michelle and her husband James O’Dea of Greenwich,  and their son Aidan.  Surviving siblings include Ann Levy of Scottsdale, Arizona, Tom McDonagh of Middlesboro England, Marcella Starkey of New London, New Hampshire, William McDonagh of Palm Coast, Florida, Michael McDonagh of Middlesboro England, and James McDonagh of Kiltimagh Ireland.  She was predeceased by three siblings, Eileen Hyland, Theresa Scharpf, and Patrick McDonagh.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and support provided by Dr. Tracy Silva of Stamford,  and Dr Chau Dang of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

A mass to honor her memory will be celebrated on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10:00 am  St. John’s Church in Darien.  Interment will be Lakeview Cemetery New Canaan.

Memorial donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

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Walter N. Plaut, age 97 passed away on July 4, 2016 in Norwalk, CT. He was born on January 17th, 1919 in New York City to Edith Plaut and Edward Plaut. His two brothers, Albert and Edward preceded him in death. Walter married Sally Barton Hayes on January 1, 1946 in Chicago, IL. Together they built a life and raised a family in Rowayton, Connecticut.

Walter graduated from The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey in 1937 and Wesleyan University in 1941. After graduation, he worked for The Westinghouse Corporation at a job “critical to the war effort”.

Walter joined the Army Air Corp as a top turret gunner on B-17s and flew his first combat mission over Normandy on June 6, 1944. He was stationed in London where he met Sally, who was serving as a Woman’s Army Corp Staff Sergeant and working as a Cryptographer at the American Embassy in London.

In addition to being an outstanding family man, Walter was very active in the community. Given that Scouting was very important to him, he served on the board of Mauwehu Council of Boy Scouts of America and as a Scoutmaster of Troop 2 for which he was the recipient of the 1976 Silver Antelope Scouting Award, eventually retiring with over 30 years of volunteer work with BSA.

As a trustee, he was forever committed to The Lawrenceville School. He served as President of the Lawrenceville Alumni Association from 1962-1966. Lawrenceville remained dear to him as his son, Walter Plaut Jr. graduated in 1966 as well as two grandchildren, Jennifer Plaut 1996 and Ethan Plaut in 2000. He also served as a Trustee to the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Columbia University. At the same time in 1970, he served as the chairman of Norwalk, Connecticut’s United Way Campaign. From 1970-1974, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Thomas School in Rowayton, Connecticut. During this time he was also an associate of the management consulting firm, Frank C. Brown & Co., Inc.

As President of Lehn & Fink until it sold to Sterling Drugs in 1967, Walter managed to balance his family life with community involvement. He enthusiastically supported his family’s activities, had a wonderful sense of humor, complemented by an unsurpassed generous spirit. He absolutely loved life! He volunteered at the Maritime Museum in Norwalk, Ct. with his second wife Beryl Plaut, whom he married in 1996. Both Beryl and Walter are remembered on a volunteer plaque at the museum, recognized as giving over 10000 hours of service between 2001 and 2012. For many years he read for and provided audio books for the blind. This influence carried over to his children, Walter Plaut Jr. ( deceased 2014) married to Suzanne Post Plaut ( Jennifer and Ethan); Howard Plaut- (Matthew and Jason); Mary Plaut Solomon married to Joe Solomon

(Ann Baker and Steven Solomon); Andrew Plaut married to Lennie Dietz Plaut (Stephanie Plaut Thurston, Nick, Sara and Samantha). Sally Hayes Plaut preceded Walter in death in 1994. Walter Plaut is survived by his second wife, Beryl Plaut, whom he married in 1996.

In lieu of flowers, enjoy a glass of Merlot tonight.
— by the Family

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To the Editor:

As Democrats we are excited to endorse and recommend Terrie Wood for re-election as our state representative.  We are “Terriecrats.”

Terrie has proven herself to be a tireless, amiable and dedicated public servant.  Her 100% voting record is a shining example to all others in her position.  We have always found her to be open-minded and willing to listen to opposing views.  Her commitment to constituents and representing our best interests is unparalleled. While her opponent plays the usual partisan games, Terrie has been refreshingly non-partisan in her legislative efforts.

It is clear that a single-party in control has not worked out well for Connecticut. We have a flaccid economy which has not participated in the broader national recovery, and an obvious trend toward politics-over-expertise in leading critical state departments. There’s too much at risk to get this wrong.

It would be nice if we could send ten representatives like Terrie to Hartford. Fortunately we have the privilege of sending one. Vote for Terrie Wood on Nov. 8.

Cassandra Hegarty

John Lundeen

Rachel Martin

Cynthia Princi

Holly Russell

Rob Werner

Philip Van Munching

John Lundeen is a former Democratic selectman.

Rob Werner, Rachel Martin and Cassandra Hegarty are former members of the Darien Democratic Town Committee.

Werner challenged Terrie Wood unsuccessfully for state rep in 2012.

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Thomas L. Cassidy, age 88, a resident of New Canaan, Vero Beach and Block Island, died Saturday, September 24, 2016 at Waveny Care Center. He was the husband of Marjorie Lawlor Cassidy.

Tom was born in Waterbury, CT on June 17, 1928 and grew up in Watertown, CT. He was the son of the late John Hughes and Charlotte (Theve) Cassidy.  Tom graduated from Taft School , Georgetown University and earned an MBA at the Wharton School of Business. He was active in sports playing Varsity Hockey and Baseball at Taft and Georgetown. Tom and his 3 brothers led the Georgetown team to the AAU College Hockey final four tournament.

Mr. Cassidy and his family moved to New Canaan in 1960 and had many friends in town. He worked at the First Boston Corporation in New York for  25 years where he was Managing Director, Corporate Finance. He then worked at TCW Capital, an affiliate of Trust Company of the West where he was a Partner until he retired in 1999. Mr. Cassidy was on the Board of several companies including Congoleum Corp, Federal Paperboard, Spartec and Holnam Inc. Prior to his professional career, Tom served as a 2nd Lieutenant  in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he was in active duty for 2 years and received several decorations including the Bronze Star.

He was as charitable and generous as he was hardworking; volunteering his talents to organizations such as Juvenile Corrections of Vero Beach FL, All Saints School in Norwalk and Waneny Care Center of New Canaan. Mr Cassidy enjoyed golf and relaxing at his lifetime retreat at Block Island with family and friends.

In addition to his wife Marjorie, Thomas will be deeply missed by his  by three sons, Thomas L. Cassidy, Jr. (Moira) of New Canaan, William C. Cassidy (Elizabeth) of Darien and Peter L. Cassidy (Lisa) of Darien, two daughters, Anne Callahan (Christopher) of West Windsor, VT and Mary Finnegan (John) of Bedford, New York, a brother, Jerome Cassidy of San Antonio, Texas, two sisters, Jean Duffy of Marblehead, Massachusetts and Charlotte Chamberlin of Southbury, as well as fourteen grandchildren, Megan, Emily and Clare Finnegan; Charlotte, Lilly and Patrick Callahan; Tommy, James, Brian, Chris, Lillian, Arthur, Georgia and Sally Cassidy. Thomas was predeceased by two brothers, John and Patrick Cassidy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Aloysius Church, 23 Cherry St., New Canaan, CT. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Tom’s memory to the Waveny Care Center, New Canaan, CT or the Block Island Medical Center, Block Island RI.

For online condolences and directions visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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Monsignor Robert F. McCormick, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and former pastor of St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining, N.Y., died Friday, September 23rd, at the Convent of St. Birgitta, in Darien, CT where he was the resident chaplain. He was 95.

Upon his ordination in 1947, Msgr. McCormick served at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel, at the Military Academy at West Point, for 28 years until 1975. While there he helped oversee the redesign and expansion of the chapel. He counseled numerous West Pointers, including cadets, officers and enlisted men and formed many lasting friendships, including leaders at the highest levels at the Academy.

In 1975 he was appointed pastor at St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining, New York and was elevated to Monsignor during his tenure there.  
In recognition for his stewardship and dedication to Catholic education, St. Augustine’s started a foundation to support the school in Msgr. McCormick’s name.

After retiring in 1994, Msgr. McCormick assisted at Resurrection Church in Rye, N.Y., and Holy Redeemer Church in Palm City, Florida.  In 1997, he became the chaplain at the Convent of St. Birgitta, located in the Tokeneke section of Darien, CT where he served the community with daily Mass and frequent discussion groups.  His homilies affected people for their simplicity and wisdom and he will be remembered by many for his trademark line “Only good lovers go to heaven”. Msgr. McCormick had tremendous admiration for the work of the Bridgettine Sisters who run the Convent

Raised in New Rochelle, N.Y., Msgr. McCormick was the youngest of eight children. He received a B.A. from Fordham University before completing his theological studies at Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y.  Throughout his 69 years in the priesthood, Msgr. McCormick was known for his quick wit and keen sense of humor. He enjoyed tennis in his spare time. He is survived by 21 nieces and nephews and their families.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining on Friday, Sept. 30 at 10 am, with visitation at 9 am. In addition, a wake will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29 at St. Augustine’s School from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.  Burial will follow the Mass at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in New Rochelle.

Memorial donations may be made to the Convent of St. Birgitta and/or the Foundation named in Monsignor’s honor to support St. Augustine’s school.

— by The Darien Times

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Preston Wayne McEwan died on September 28, 2016 at the age of 84 years old.  He was the only child of the late Florence and Arthur McEwan of Middletown, NY. Preston was born in Oneonta, NY on January 13, 1932.  He graduated from Walton High School, attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.  He was a member of the ROTC at SMU, where he met his future wife of 63 years, Carol Joy Schmidt McEwan.

He is survived by his wife Carol; his daughter Karen McEwan Kansas of Somerville, NJ; son Jon and Eila of Finland and son, Marc and Danielle of Darien.  He is also survived by six loving grandsons, Christopher and Matthew Kansas; Bryan, James and Zachary McEwan, and Joshua McEwan.

Preston was a navigator in the United States Air Force during the Korean War in which he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. After the military his career consisted of various accounting positions in many firms in the area.  

He spent many years as Treasurer of Darien United Methodist Church; he was a Veteran Member of the Noroton Heights Fire Department for 50 years and a member of the Darien Senior Men’s Association and the New Canaan Society.  

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a tender heart for pets, especially dogs, a passion for photography and a love for the New York Yankees and all things sports.

For the past 6 years, Preston and Carol have been living at Sunrise Assisted Living in Stamford.  The family is tremendously grateful to the entire Sunrise staff for providing loving care of Preston over the years, including “Happy” the resident dog.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 PM at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made in his name to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT, 06405 or the Noroton Heights Fire Department, 209 Noroton Avenue, Darien CT 06820.

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Lee Arnold Colbath, 92, passed away peacefully at home September 18, 2016 in Auburn, Maine.  He was born November 16, 1923 in Howland, Maine to Lee and Helen Colbath.

Lee grew up during the Depression and, after graduating high school, served in the European Theater during WWII.  He was a member of the 12th Armored Division “The Hellcats”, 7th US Army and awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle.  The 12th Armored Division was also known as “The Mystery Division” serving with General Patton’s Third Army.  After returning from the war, Lee married Paula Lindner of Portage, Indiana.  The couple settled in Maine where Lee attended the University of Maine and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

He was the first in his family to graduate from college.  Most of Lee’s career was spent in sales with Rockwell International’s Edward Valve Division.  Lee and Paula raised four children moving from Maine to Indiana, Pennsylvania, Georgia and finally settled in Darien, Connecticut where they lived for over 40 years.

A long standing member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church, Lee served as an Elder on the Properties Committee, taught Sunday school and participated in mission trips.  Lee was active in community and civic associations including Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Program, Audio Books for the Blind, and the Darien Board of Assessors.  In later years, Lee was an avid supporter of his grandchildren’s numerous sports and music activities, traveling all over the East Coast and known fondly by generations young and old!

Lee’s engineering and architectural talents spilled over into his many interests ~ as varied as those of his intellectual hero Leonardo da Vinci.  He loved wood carving, sculpting, painting, photography and building, never afraid to try something new like Japanese brush painting, building a darkroom or building a sailboat in his basement!  His family always said “Dad loved to understand how things worked and could fix almost anything!”  Lee was a real “Mainer” and outdoorsman.  While he enjoyed outdoor activities year round, Lee especially enjoyed summer fishing and boating on the lake in Maine.  His camp at the lake was a joy and refuge his whole life, and a cherished gift to his family.

Lee was predeceased by Paula, his beloved wife of 59 years, and his sister, Marion Sage.  He is survived by his sister, Lois Varrone, his four children:  Jeff Colbath and his wife Mary Katherine of Atlanta, GA, Cindy Terry of Darien, CT, Liane Bender and her husband Dr. Robert Bender of Auburn, ME, and Clay Colbath and his wife Julie of Norwalk, CT.  Lee was a loving and proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren:  Dr. Greg Colbath and his wife Molly of Spartanburg, SC, Leigh Brassard and her husband Dan of Bedford, MA, Katherine Bishop and her husband Cameron of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Alex Bender and his wife Dr. Meaghan Kennedy of Contoocook, NH, Andrew Terry and his wife Sara of Hoboken, NJ, Dr. Christine Bender of Portland, ME, Captain Michael Bender of El Paso, TX, Lydia Colbath of Norwalk, CT and Baxter Colbath of Norwalk, CT.  and great grandfather to: Annie Colbath, Caroline Colbath, Helen Colbath and Jane Colbath of Spartanburg, SC, Jack Brassard and Emily Brassard of Bedford, MA  and Amelia Terry of Hoboken, NJ.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm, at the Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Noroton Presbyterian Church – Missions Ministry – 2011 Post Rd. Darien, CT 06820.

— by the Family

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Gustav W. Hedlund, age 76, a resident of Darien for 32 years, died early this Spring on May 14th, 2016 from heart complications.  He was the husband of Patricia L. Hedlund.

He was born in 1940 in Charlottesville, Virginia where his father was on the faculty at the University of Virginia.  In 1948 he moved to New Haven, CT where his father took a position in the Yale Mathematics Department.  Quoting from the brief biography Gus wrote for his 50th reunion of the Class of 62 at Yale University he said, that was where he “was faced with my first big academic challenge when I was placed in the dummy section of third grade”…After a three month struggle I managed to lift myself up and got promoted to the academically elite half of the class, perhaps the biggest honor of my life.”  

He maintained his focus during his undergraduate years at Yale, and always said that “after surviving an Electrical Engineering major at Yale”  he then  entered the work force at IBM where he became “an engineer for one day.”

“They were so impressed with my skills that I was transferred into software development, which made me feel that my Yale education was wasted”.  In fact, the project that he worked on for two years was the nascient development of the IBM 360 computer , which fundamentally changed the architecture of computer systems for the future.  He left IBM to work for consulting companies and “noticed that many software people were going out and starting their own companies.  That was enough for me so I began the process of trying to start a company.  My first attempt finished in abject failure as a couple of partners and I bid on a project that our employers were also bidding on.  Well, our employer found out about this and the result was we all got fired but I did take a nice summer  vacation that year.  Our second attempt was more successful and we were able to found a firm that developed software for Wall Street firms.” 

That company was Monchik Weber, and Gus was one of the four partners that created it, eventually growing to over 500 employees and creating the software systems for every major firm on Wall Street.  He said that “the biggest downside was the exceedingly long hours required”, and after McGraw Hill bought the company, he immediately left with some other key personnel, at which point he created a second company.  In 1984, he met another commuter on the tracks of Grand Central Station, waiting for the train  —  the Metro North line was alternately delayed and shut down for hours during that evening rush hour, and two loquacious workers heading home began to talk.  Marriage and babies soon followed, and an old house on a pond in Darien which would become home.  Gus continued to work, but decided that pouring Cheerios for two little boys in the morning, and bringing them to their favorite fishing hole in the afternoons, was more important than adding to the asset spreadsheet.  

His competitive nature needed outlets, and he became a longstanding member of the racing circuit on Long Island Sound with his first boat, custom built in Sweden, “Worthy Brooke”, named after his favorite grandfather’s racehorse on the tracks of Long Island.  With his crew he participated in all of the important races, including the Vineyard Race, and numerous others where he regularly campaigned his boat.

In his undergraduate years he said “he should have received an advanced degree in intramural sports as I participated in everything from crew, touch football, tackle football,”  and was a member of the Wall Street basketball league, until a bad knee injury eliminated his ability to compete on those courts.  He transferred those sports enthusiasms to delight in bringing his sons to their many ice hockey and lacrosse games.  A major Yale Hockey fan, he travelled to Pittsburgh to watch his favorite team compete in the National Championships.

It also gave him deep pleasure to listen to his daughter, Katharine play the Steinway grand piano that her grandfather had similarly played so many George Gershwin and Cole Porter songs in his own home for so many years.  Beginning when the children were little, Gus captained his boat to our own Outward Bound excursions off the New England coast, taking his family to remote island s and historic ports from  Connecticut to the coast of Maine, and as far “Down East” as Canada.

He found another conduit for all of his considerable energy with the New Canaan Exchange Club, where he was the Treasurer for close to a decade.  But what the members of the club will always remember was his constant presence from late November until  the end of December, where he comprehensively thought about every detail of their Tree Lot, selling Christmas trees to fund the club’s various philanthropies.

In his 60’s he came back to a childhood interest in Ham Radio, and met some wonderful new friends, also engineers and inventors, who shared this passion for the hobby.  There was never a tradesman or visitor that showed up at his home that didn’t quizzically look up at the sky, at the complex web of wires his detailed calculations had devised to reach by radio every corner of the planet Earth. Typically, he found great satisfaction in Ham Radio contests, and again thrived on weekend long 24 hour a day contests with participants from around the world, more trophies, always winning.    

He was a beautiful Swede who gave all of his energies to all that he cared about.  Puttiing his prodigious intellect, agita and passion toward his work, retirement interests, and most of all, his family, that he dearly loved.  He was a caretaker always, worrying about his children, paying the bills, thinking about all of us.  His attentions and love did not reflect back on himself, and it impacted his health significantly enough that he left us all too soon.

In addition to his wife Patricia, he will be greatly missed by his first child, adopted during a prior marriage, Brandon Hedlund of North Carolina.  He was predeceased by his son Gustav Andrew in 2008, which was the deepest hurt for him.  His son Dirk William Hedlund and his daughter Katharine Louisa Hedlund,  both of Memphi, Tennessee also survive their father.  He will be loved by all of us “for infinity”.  

A Memorial is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th at 10:30 AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the Boston Post Road in Darien, CT.  A reception immediately following the service will be at the Community Center on the grounds.  The Exchange Club is naming their Christmas House in his honor on the day after Thanksgiving, when the tree lot opens at Kiwanis Park in New Canaan, CT in Gus’s honor.  All of their funds support local families and citizens in our surrounding communities in need.  A place of children and Christmas joy.

— by the Family

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Joan C. Davey, a 44-year Darien resident,  died Monday, Sept. 5, at 84 years old.  She was born in Minnesota to C. Marie Helwig and Eugene D. Carstater in 1931 and attended Bucknell University and University of Minnesota. Ms. Davey spent her professional career caring for others as a Registered Nurse. 

Before living in Darien, she worked at a hospital in California, then entered the field of private care in Darien until working as a Public Health Nurse for the City of Stamford until she retired in 1999.  Ms. Davey was an active parishioner at St. Luke’s in Darien and volunteered for the Red Cross and League of Women Voters.

Ms. Davey is survived by two brothers, David H. and J. Richard Carstater; two sons, Timothy and Theodore Davey; one daughter, Elizabeth Lane; four grandsons, Kevin and Richard Davey, Maxfield and Frazer Lane; one granddaughter, Laura Justin; two step-granddaughters, Lauren Grab and Lindsay Laszlo; one step-grandson, Cody Laszlo and one great-grandson, Peter Justin. 

Calling hours will be at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road in Darien from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 14.  Funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, at St. Luke’s Parish 1864 Post Road in Darien.  Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
The family requests that contributions be made to the American Red Cross, Connecticut Chapter, 209 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032 and/or the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. 

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Irene V. Wislowski D’Andrea, age 78, wife of Frank D’Andrea, died on Oct. 1, at Bridges by Epoch in Trumbull, CT from complications from Lewy Body dementia.  Born in Dupont, Pennsylvania on Dec. 9, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Roman and Mary Gibey Wislowski and was a longtime resident of Shelton, CT.

Mrs. D’Andrea was a cardiac diagnostic radiographer for 30 years with Cardiac Associates of Fairfield and took great pride in tending to her patients. Mrs. D’Andrea was a prolific reader and was fond of her vast library of books and old movies.  She was a devoted Catholic, attending Mass daily.  Her great love in life was her husband Frank, her family, and her golden retriever Amber.

In addition to her beloved husband Frank of 58 years, survivors include four children, Laura Mosher and her husband Tom of Darien, Roxanne Herlihy and her husband Rich of Shelton, Michael D’Andrea and his wife Mindy of Southington, and Christen D’Andrea and her husband Mark Sticca of Darien, nine grandchildren Katherine and Alec Mosher, Richard, Christopher, Matthew and Elizabeth Herlihy, Jasmin and Jordan D’Andrea and Marianna Sticca, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her two brothers, Victor and John Wislowski and four sisters, Mary Berry, Dorothy Gordon, Pauline Blake and Ethel Kalish.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, Oct. 7. Burial followed at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Garden Mausoleum, Stratford.

Memorial donations may be made to Caring Hospice Services, 45 Church Street, Suite 203, Stamford, CT 06906.

— by The Darien Times

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James Armour

James Stephen Armour died in Stamford, Connecticut, on October 7, 2016, at the age of 86. Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Ahlberg Armour; three daughters, Rabbi Victoria Armour-Hileman of Atlanta, Georgia; Allison Armour-Garb (Bradley) of Slingerlands, New York; and Julie Armour (Tom Jones) of Summit, New Jersey; and grandchildren Isabel, Zev, Charlie, and Carson. He was predeceased by his sister, Jacqueline Armour, and by his parents, Beatrice Peters (née Kalt) and David Armour.

Jim was born on January 27, 1930, in Brooklyn, and grew up in Larchmont, New York, where he met lifelong friends and fly-fishing buddies Larry Rosenstadt, Ed Nusbaum, and Joe Andress; became an Eagle Scout; and graduated from Mamaroneck High School.

Jim earned a bachelor of arts in political science from Syracuse University, where he was a proud member of Alpha Phi Omega, the only non-sectarian and racially integrated fraternity operating on campus at that time. He was profoundly affected by his U.S. Army service in the Korean War and recounted many spellbinding stories of his more-than-a-year’s time in active combat. Jim earned a master’s of business administration from Cornell University and went on to build a career in marketing and sales in the paper and printing industries.

He met Karen at a Kentucky Derby party in Manhattan, and they married in 1966. They settled in Darien, Connecticut, where they raised their daughters and, later, he became an enthusiastic member of the Darien Men’s Association. Jim and Karen continued the party throughout their 50 years of marriage. After they retired, they began spending summers surrounded by friends and their growing family on beautiful Lake Massawippi in North Hatley, Quebec.

Jim adored being a father and was endlessly proud of his daughters’ professional accomplishments, expertise, and talents. Family and friends will remember him for his wisdom, dance moves, charades prowess, and relentless sense of humor (affectionately known as “pun-ishment”), among many other things. He was a kind, caring person and a devoted dog owner. In addition to trout fishing, playing golf, and listening to music, Jim enjoyed boating, and he always said that his first job—as a launchman at the local yacht club when he was a teenager—was his favorite.

A memorial service is being planned for later in the fall, as well as a private burial in North Hatley next summer. The family would particularly like to thank Jim’s caregiver Dieula Fleury for her loving encouragement. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s honor can be made to Darien Post 53 EMS at http://www.post53.info/donate

— by the Family

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Alice Knotts Cooney, 92, of Darien, CT., and Waldoboro, ME., died peacefully at her summer home in Waldoboro on September 30, 2016.  Born in Tacoma, WA., on November 17, 1923, she was the daughter of Gilbert Lloyd Knotts and Alice McCoy Knotts.  She grew up in Portland and Falmouth, ME., and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY.  She taught at the Knox School, Cooperstown, NY, Buckley Country Day, Great Neck, NY, and the Day School in New Haven.

 Alice married Daniel R. Cooney on July 9, 1949, at her family’s home in Falmouth, and they spent 67 loving years of marriage together.  They moved to Darien in 1952, and made it their home.  She filled many happy years there with her family and friends.  In addition to raising her two girls, Alice was involved in a number of volunteer organizations, including the Children’s Aid Society, the Red Cross, and St. Luke’s Church.  She was for many years an active member of the Noroton Yacht Club.

 Alice had a gentle intelligence and impish curiosity.  Her kindness to everyone earned her the name sweet Alice.  A keen bridge player, she also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and her Norwich terriers.  She was also known for her exquisite needlepoint.  Maine had a special place in her heart, especially the family’s home in Waldoboro, where she enjoyed exploring islands, family picnics, and family gatherings.

 Alice suffered a long and debilitating illness from Alzheimer’s Disease, and the family is enormously grateful to each of the women who gave her such loving care.

 Alice was predeceased by her three sisters, Elizabeth Fletcher, Grace Bean, and Janet Granville.  In addition to her husband, Daniel Cooney, she is survived by her two daughters,  Rebecca Cooney, and her husband Tito Pizarro, of New York City, and Alice CooneyFrelinghuysen, and her husband George, also of New York City, as well as her two grandsons, Henry Frelinghuysen, of Stamford, CT., and Russell Frelinghuysen of Asheville, NC.

 A memorial service will be held in her honor on Wednesday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m., St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut.  She will have a private family burial in Waldoboro next summer.

 In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to St. Luke’s Parish or the Alzheimer’s Association of America, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

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Elizabeth (Betty) Marciano Plank, a longtime Darien resident, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2016 at the age of 82.  She was born in Stamford, Connecticut to Anna and Anthony Marciano on January 18, 1934.  After graduating Stamford High School, Betty met William Plank and was married in 1953. While raising her family, she worked at Noroton Publishing for many years.

Betty was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and generosity.  Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy in life.

Betty is survived by two sons, Gary and his wife Barbara and their children David and Rachel, and Scott and his wife Colleen and their children Scott, Matt, Justin, Ryan and Morgan.  She is also survived by her brother Anthony Marciano of Shelton, Connecticut. Betty was predeceased by her son Billy in 2010, and her brother Robert Marciano.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Marcie Husband, a longtime family friend, for her support and guidance, as well as the staff at Greenwich Hospital, The Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Sunrise Assisted Living of Stamford, Connecticut for their compassionate care.

Family and friends will be received at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.  

— by the Family

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Donald J Brown, a long-time resident of Darien, passed away peacefully, at his daughter’s home in North Carolina, on Oct. 19.

He was known affectionately by family and friends as “Jigger” or “Doc” and he never met a stranger. He attended Fordham University until World War II interrupted his studies, whereupon he joined the Navy, serving in the South Pacific. His ship was among the first to enter both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki harbors after the Japanese surrender and he had many hair raising stories about his service.

After the war, he joined his family’s manufacturing business where he worked until his retirement in 2003. He designed a number of new products, held several patents and he counted NASA, Boeing and Grumman among his clients. Parts that his company made and he personally tested with his typical exactitude, were used on the Lunar Lander and remain on the moon today.

He was a member of the Noroton Yacht Club for seventy-seven years and in his younger days was an avid sailor and tennis player. More recently, he became a passionate follower of the UCONN Women’s basketball team and never missed a game.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Anna Brown, his brothers, William and Arthur and his beloved wife, Patricia, who he loved and cared for during 53 years of marriage.

He leaves behind his three children, Catherine Trosan (Ray), Toni Jennings (Chuck) and Donald Brown Jr ( Anne-Lise), eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom’s life is richer for having known and loved him.

The family received friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Darien on Sunday, October 23, 2016.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, October 24, 2016.  The burial was private.

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Ann Marie Reilly, 79, of Darien, and Vero Beach, Florida, died peacefully in Vero Beach on October 22 2016.  Born in New York, New York, on October 13, 1937, Ann was the daughter of John White of County Cork, Ireland and Margaret Doyle of County Kerry, and the sister to James and Margaret (Cissie).  Ann grew up in Washington Heights, New York and was a graduate of St Catherine’s Academy.

Mrs. Reilly married her high school sweetheart, John Joseph Reilly on June 7, 1958 at St. Elizabeth’s Church.  The day after their wedding ceremony, they attended John’s graduation from Fordham University and began their life together, which traveled across the United States and lasted 58 years.

Ann was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend who will be remembered for her endless kindness, loving heart and thoughtful manner.  Ann is survived by her husband John, her three children; Margaret (Peg), Dennis and Michael and her three special grandchildren Julianne, Evan and Emma.

Family and friends will be received at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m.  A Mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Moore Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT. Burial will immediately follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10465.  

Memorial donations be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s / Parkinson Association, 2300 5th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL, 32960.  

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Preview of this week’s Darien Times combination Election Day/Halloween cartoon.

There are few election cycles, regardless of who you support, that most of us will celebrate ending more than that of Election 2016.

The Presidential race has been reduced to the plot of a reality show, with behavior we wouldn’t tolerate from our children, let alone the leader of our country.

Both candidates give many voters serious pause as to their qualifications and more seriously, their honesty and integrity. It’s gotten to the point where going to the voting booth makes us reminiscent of Sophie’s choice — but the opposite. Take them both — and start over.

But we can’t start over. What we can do is endorse neither, and wish voters the best with their own soul-searching decisions come Nov. 8.

Though there are a few Darien-related contested elections, only two seem to be forefront on the minds of Darien, judging by letters to the editor.

State senate

During the summer, The Darien Times asked Sen. Bob Duff, who is seeking re-election for his seat that represents Darien and Norwalk, some questions (along with his opponent, Republican Greg Ehlers). One of the questions was whether serving as Democratic senate majority leader could pose a challenge to Duff to be able to simultaneously serve the needs of his Darien constituency.

Sen. Duff began his answer by saying:

“Are you suggesting the governor does not have the best interests of every Connecticut resident at heart?”

No, we aren’t suggesting it, we’re stating it as fact. Sen. Duff, many residents of Darien often think the governor does not have their best interest at heart, nor the interest of Fairfield County. And considering Gov. Malloy’s approval rating is one state above the lowest in the nation, Fairfield County is not alone. In fact, some report Democratic state officials have gone as far as to distance themselves and announce their positions are independent of Malloy’s during this political season.

Senate Bill 1, which was introduced as a means to reform the state’s tax system, including the establishment of a statewide mill rate on tax and a revenue sharing system of commercial property tax, as well as the cutting of the Education Cost Sharing grant in the spring when many school budgets were already finalized, and the raising of Metro-North fares are examples of some decisions there were not quite in the best interest of Darien.

Republican Greg Ehlers of Darien has run an aggressive campaign against Sen. Duff, and understandably so. Ehlers is angry. He’s angry with the state’s status quo and angry at the Connecticut future he sees for his children. He’s angry at the pennies on the dollar Darien gets back from its substantial investment in the state. He is not a politician, but a businessman who got tired of his own frustration with the state of the state, and decided to do something about it. He has no plans to be a career politician, but instead to be a voice and advocate for Darien  — something it sorely needs. He is not beholden to endorse and support Gov. Malloy and his goals and agenda — he is beholden to his own ideas for change and progress and to his constituency.

We endorse Mr. Ehlers for state senate.

State representative

State Rep. candidate Randy Klein is no stranger to Connecticut politics and is a familiar face in local and state Democratic circles. His wife served as first selectman of Darien for three successful terms, and during her tenure, Darien had the first Democratic majority on the Board of Selectmen in its history.

Now, Evonne Klein is running the state’s Department of Housing, appointed to the newly created position by Gov. Dan Malloy in 2013. Randy Klein has previously served as head of the town’s Democratic Town Committee and served on it.

Much of Klein’s and his supporters’ criticism of current State Rep. Terrie Wood is that she uses “excuses” when she can’t get things done. If you’re a Republican and you’re continuously outvoted by a Democratic majority, that tends to be a fairly good excuse. A good analogy used was that’s like blaming a guy for losing when he’s playing basketball one against five.

Her criticism of her fellow Darien state officials, including Sen. Duff, is also bemoaned as a weakness. This is interpreted as not playing nice, not getting along, and criticizing Sen. Duff, as senate majority leader, isn’t going to do Darien any favors.

Who Klein is rarely critical of is Gov. Dan Malloy — in fact, he has consistently praised the governor, including in his Democrat Blue blog (now private), in op-eds and letters in this paper.

Terrie Wood does not have an easy job. She’s in the minority party in both Hartford and among her fellow Darien state officials. This often leaves her out of the loop in a variety of ways — but she will not let her voice, and in effect, Darien’s voice, be silenced — whether her fellow Democrats want to hear it or not.

The last thing Darien needs in Hartford is yet another Mal-loyalist who will support and endorse any legislation or policy that comes through the Democratic pipeline machine in Hartford. A representative needs to fight for Darien, not play partisan poker with those with “tenure” or long-term ties to the party in power.

There’s nothing wrong with being a supporter of the governor, but even a supporter has to agree the governor makes mistakes and is wrong sometimes. A state as diverse in Connecticut cannot have one-size-fits-all legislation — and that is why choosing our town’s representatives is so crucial. A representative of Darien must question the state’s leadership when necessary and fight for those whom they represent.

State Rep. Terrie Wood fights for Darien regardless of the odds — and even if it’s only a voice, it’s better than silence, sycophancy or resigned acceptance. She advocates for mental health and sensible fiscal policies. She advocates for seniors, the environment and small businesses.

Terrie Wood chooses fights based what’s fair and right for Darien. There’s no honor in only choosing the fights you can win. By doing so, you’ve already lost.

We endorse State Rep. Terrie Wood.

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Mildred B.  Rowe

Mildred B. Rowe, a lifelong resident of Darien, died on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Friends Nursing Home in Sandy Spring, Maryland. Born on Oct. 1, 1929 in Queens, New York, she was the daughter of the late August Stegmuller and Mrs. Rowe Meyer Stegmuller.

Mrs. Rowe attended the Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, and graduated in 1947. She attended Katherine Gibbs School and worked in a management company in Stamford. Mrs. Rowe was a homemaker and was involved with many volunteer activities including St. John Church and in the Darien Public Schools. She was instrumental in starting the St. John Church Visitation Program to assist homebound parishioners providing meals and cleaning services in 1976. Mrs. Rowe was also a lifelong parishioner of St. John R.C. Church. She enjoyed taking trips, walking at the beach, swimming and spending time with her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Deacon William K. Rowe who she married in 1951. She is survived by her two sons, William K. Rowe, Jr. and his wife Catherine of Olney, Maryland and James A. Rowe and his wife Bella of Houston, Texas; and five grandchildren, Emily, Emma, Jessica, William III and Eve Rowe. She is also survived by one sister, Virginia Jessup of Trumbull.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Friday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

Memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Charities, 238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

— by The Darien Times

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Mary Ann D’Acunto McClellan died at Notre Dame Convalescent Home in Norwalk on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the age of 102.  

She was born in Darien on Sept. 25, 1914. She was the daughter of the late Philip and Mary Mallozzi D’Acunto.  She graduated from Darien High School with high honors. She was employed by W. T. Grant for 10 years and also worked for the Darien public school system.  She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence R. McClellan — one of the original founders of the Darien VFW after World War II, and also one of the original founders of the Darien Little League.  Mrs. McClellan was also predeceased by her daughter Mary Cecilia McClellan.  Mrs. McClellan was predeceased by her brother John A. D’Acunto and his wife Jean, her brother Joseph P. D’Acunto and her sister Emma D’Acunto Dance and her husband Edwin.  Mrs. McClellan also was predeceased by her sister Cecilia D. D’Acunto and the first born of her parents John P. D’Acunto, who died at one-year old.

She leaves behind her nieces Joan M. Dance and Patricia J. Dance of Darien, John D’Acunto of Norwalk, Pamela Nevins of Stamford, Robert Nevins and William Nevins and cousins and great nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and her smile and gratitude to her loving family and all who cared for her.  The family wants to thank Notre Dame Convalescent Home for the excellent care given to Mrs. McClellan for the past eight years and four months,  especially by Sister Lucy.  

Friends may call at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, on Monday, Nov. 7, from 7 to 9 pm.  The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 11:00am.  Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.  Memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Convalescent Home, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT  06851.

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Richard L. Herrington, age 86, of Dartmouth, formerly of Darien, CT, passed away November 1, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of Elsa A. F. (Von Steiger) Herrington with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
Born in Stony Point, NY, the son of the late Albert E. and Edna L. (Hoyt) Herrington, he had resided in Darien, CT for over 50 years before moving to Dartmouth, MA 2 years ago.
Mr. Herrington was a graduate of Syracuse University and Harvard Business School.
He was a United States Army Veteran having served during the Korean War attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. Herrington had a successful career as a banker for Chemical Bank and several other banking institutions which he enjoyed even during his retirement years.
Richard had a passion for photography, following professional golf and playing with his grandchildren most of all.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Richard Herrington and wife Monica of Bridgewater, CT, Christopher Herrington and wife Fabienne of Clinton, CT and Cindy Cabral and husband Jason of New Bedford; a sister, Myrtle Smith of New York; six grandchildren, Christopher, Thomas, Matthieu, Everett, Carter and Tanner; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Gene and Curtis Herrington.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, 133 School St., New Bedford. Burial will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. in Spring Grove Cemetery, 41 Hecker Ave., Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.

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Robert Harrington “Bob” Clark, 82, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Stuart, Florida passed away November 9, 2016.

Born August 8, 1934 in Augusta, Maine, he was the son of the late George Malcolm Clark and Mary Ellen Van Voast.

Robert grew up in Maine and attended Miami University of Ohio and Babson College. He served in the Marines and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was an active member of the American Legion. He spent his career with Procter and Gamble.

Bob sang with the Big Apple Barbershop, Nor’easter Barbershop, and the University Glee Club of New York. Bob was a member of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club and Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart, Florida. He belonged to the Nutmeg Curling Club in Darien, Connecticut.

Robert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenna Harney Clark; his son Robert H. Clark II and daughter-in-law Vicki Clark of Newtown, Connecticut; daughter Deborah Holden and son-in-law Kevin Holden of Glen Allen, Virginia; daughter Betsy Balmat and son-in-law Daniel Balmat of Pleasant Hill, California; and six grandchildren: R.H. and Julia Clark, Evan and Nicholas Holden, Thomas Balmat and Michael Balmat.

A celebration of his life will be held next summer in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Condolences and messages to the family can be expressed by visiting: remembr.com/bob.clark

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