Win Stevens

Winthrop Ramore “Win” Stevens of Bald Head Island, NC, passed away on August 12, 2017 at the age of 76.

Win was born in Missouri on June 25, 1941, the son of the late John and Louise Stevens.

He attended the University of Missouri and received his BS degree before attending law school. He met his then to be wife Fran and they married in August of 1967. Win and Fran would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Win dedicated his career to the world of advertising, focusing on Family Circle Magazine, Golf Digest and Golf World, Reader’s Digest, Snow Country Magazine, and Tennis Magazine. Win and Fran moved from Darien, CT to Bald Head Island, NC in 2000 where they became enthusiastic members within both the Island community and the Bald Head Island Club.

Win was an active member at the Bald Head Island Club for many years, taking leadership roles on the Golf, Greens, and Finance Committees and also serving on the Board of Governors from 2003 to 2008, and from 2009 to 2012. Win’s passion for all things golf held a close second to his love for his family, friends, and his dogs.

Win is survived by his wife, Frances Stevens; two daughters, Heather Mango and husband, Christian of Winchester, MA, and Jaime Stevens and Eric Turner of Southport, NC; a brother, Rev. Dwight M. Stevens of Palm Beach, FL; six grandchildren, Tyler Stevens, Will Mango, Andrew Mango, Mya Turner, Sophie Mango, and Anna Turner; and his loving dog, Kimani.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, October 13th, at 11 a.m., in the Village Chapel on Bald Head Island, with a reception to follow at the Bald Head Island Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to two organizations: The First Tee of Brunswick County, PO Box 1820, Shallotte, NC 28459, 910-754-5288; or to Missions of Mercy, Rev. Dwight M. Stevens, PO Box 511, Palm Beach, FL 33480.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service in Southport.

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Stephen P. Connelly

Stephen P. Connelly, 63, loving husband, father, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Stephen grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Connelly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and two children, Jessica and James. He was a beloved brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. Stephen and his family have been residents of Darien, Connecticut for more than 30 years.

Stephen earned a bachelor of science in finance from Georgetown University. He also earned a masters of business administration in finance from New York University.

For more than 25 years, Stephen worked in the field of finance in New York. He began his career in the investment business at Morgan Guaranty Trust Company where he managed short and intermediate term securities for the Trust and Investment Department. Stephen later was a vice president in Portfolio Management at Chase Bank where he played a key role in setting investment strategy for the Western Hemisphere Investment Group. He also managed equities, global fixed income and currencies for high net worth individual and institutional account assets, which required extensive international travel. Stephen then served as chief investment officer, vice president, and portfolio manager at Daiwa SB Investments (USA) Limited. At Daiwa, he managed institutional and mutual fund assets. In addition, he determined Daiwa’s investment strategies with a focus on U.S. and Canadian equities and fixed income.

Stephen was a dedicated father. He volunteered for his children’s favorite activities, including soccer, Boy Scouts, the Darien YMCA Adventure Guides and Princesses, and Post 53. He also enjoyed working at local polling centers in Darien each Election Day. Stephen was a world traveler, a dedicated Steelers and Pirates fan, an avid gardener, and a history buff.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on September 16, 2017, at St. Thomas More Church in Darien, followed by burial at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan. Donations in memory of Stephen may be made to the charity of your choice.

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Lynne Powell

Lynne Powell, 78, of New Canaan, passed away peacefully on September 16, at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT.

Lynne was born July 4, 1939 to Rudolph Augustus and Louise Biborosch in Philadelphia, PA.

She is survived by 3 sons and 8 grandchildren: Wheeler Powell (Robyn) of Atlanta, Ga.; Scott Powell of New Canaan, Conn.; Craig Powell (Marie) of Stamford, Conn. and Chaz, Connor, Caroline, Travis, Meghan, Lizzy, Zachary and Carson. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Baumann (Fred) and her brother, Richard Biborosch (Diane) both of Philadelphia and her brother-in-law, Juett Powell (Meb) of Colbert, Ga.

She was predeceased by her parents and husband, Charles Powell.

Lynne was a 50-year resident of Darien and New Canaan. She taught special education for 15 years in Darien. She was a tireless community volunteer logging 1,500 hours of service and an active participant in the Bennett Cancer Center walk where she set the record for funds raised by an individual. She was also an active member in the First United Methodist Church of Darien.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Darien, 345 Middlesex Road, Darien on Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bennett Cancer Center, 1 Hospital Plaza, Stamford, CT 06902 or The First United Methodist Church of Darien, 345 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT 06820.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820, http://www.lawrencefuneralhome.com/.

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Peter M. Ziegler, 60, a lifelong resident of Darien, died on September 5, after a spinal cord injury resulting in a long illness.

September 5 is Spinal Cord Injury Day, an international recognition of people with spinal cord injuries.

Peter is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marie Longner Ziegler, five siblings and several nieces and nephews.

Peter was born in Stamford, the son of the late William III and Jane Ziegler. He grew up in Darien and graduated from Gould Academy and Columbia University, and then worked in the family business.

Peter travelled extensively with his wife, Marie. Peter was an avid sailor and skier, and also an airplane enthusiast and sky diver.

There will be a Gathering of Friends and Family on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: HelpHOPELive, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Road, Radnor, PA 19087, website: www.helphopelive.org.

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Lisa Black

Lisa Black, age 84, a 40-year resident of Darien, passed away on July 17, 2017 in Sebastopol, Calif. after a spirited and courageous battle with kidney failure. She was in the arms of both of her daughters, Kelly Black Windsor, of Sebastopol, Calif. and Leslie Black Cheney of Fairfield, Conn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Black of Darien, Conn.

In addition to her two daughters, Lisa is survived by sons-in-law, Jim Cheney and Mike Windsor and grandchildren, Caylin Cheney, Jillian Cheney, Tess Cheney, Black Cheney, Hailey Windsor, and Madeline Windsor.

Lisa, who lived in Darien for 40 years, was well known around Fairfield county for her exuberant personality and vibrant abstract art. She exhibited all over the area and won well over 100 awards in local shows.

A Celebration of Life party will be held in Fairfield County in Spring 2018. Inquiries can be made to kellyblack@aol.com.

Donations in her honor may be made to the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, 299 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850, attention Tony Kirk.

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Carol (Armstrong) Sargent

Carol (Armstrong) Sargent, a resident of Darien, CT, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2017.

Born on May 18, 1958, she is survived by her loving husband, Scott Sargent and a son, Timothy Sargent. She is also survived her two brothers and her sisters-in-law, Billy and Christine Armstrong from Stamford, CT and David and Cheryl Armstrong from Redding, CT; her sister, Laura Armstrong from Auburn, CA; her brother-in-law, John Allen, and four nieces and nephews. Her parents, Regina and William Armstrong and her sister, Barbara Allen, predeceased her.

Carol grew up in Ridgefield, CT and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Central Connecticut State University in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She joined the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County in 1981 as a Head Teacher and worked her way up to Director of School Readiness Programs for Children’s Learning Centers. She enjoyed working as the Director of the Children’s Learning Center in Stamford for 36 years just as much as she enjoyed watching the New England Patriots.

Calling hours will be held for close friends and family on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children’s Learning Center, 64 Palmer’s Hill Road, Stamford, CT 06902. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.

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Elizabeth Bacon “Betty” McCoy

Elizabeth Bacon “Betty” McCoy of Darien, passed away on September 25, 2017 at the age of 103.

Born on November 2, 1913 in Charleston, SC, Betty received her BA degree from George Washington University and then married Ralph Richard McCoy in 1935. Inducted in 1932 into the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, she recently received an award for 75 years of membership.

Betty moved to Darien in 1948 and was very active in local politics. For over 20 years, she was a member of the Republican Town Committee and then a representative of the Representative Town Meeting.

Betty loved playing competitive bridge and recently was honored at the Wee Burn Country Club for participating in their Duplicate Bridge games for over 50 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Sankey M. Blondin and husband, Arthur Blondin, of Millis, MA and Elizabeth Noel McCoy and husband, John Fabiano, of Newton, MA; her grandchildren, Marshall Steeves of New York City and Christy Goodrich of Walpole, MA, and her great-grandchildren, Cornelius Goodrich and James Goodrich.

All services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Person-to-Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 or an organization of your choice. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.

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Janet Dunn Murphy

Janet Dunn Murphy of Norwalk passed on February 8, 2018 with her husband and daughter at her side.

She was born in Stamford on January 30, 1940 to Joseph Dunn and Helen Gaffney Dunn.

She is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Frank, and her daughter, Kara. She is also survived by her sister, Carole Tyler, her sisters-in-law, Dorothy Aruza, Gloria Murphy, Kathleen Brooks, and brother-in-law, Scott Brooks. She is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother, Kevin Dunn.  

An accomplished ballroom dancer, Janet won competitions in foxtrot and tango at the Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden, hosted by Bob Hope and Ed Sullivan. Janet and her partner performed in Los Angeles, CA for the “Dance Masters of America,” hosted by the legendary Gene Kelly. Guest appearances on numerous live television shows included “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Arthur Murray Dance Studio.” After competitive dancing, Janet trained and taught competitive ballroom dancers in Connecticut and New York.

She was employed by the American Heart Association, and the Parish Office of St. Thomas More Church in Darien, where she was a member of the choir for eleven years. She is a present parishioner at St. John’s Church, a member of the Darien Community Association, and a former member of the Shore and Country Club. She volunteered for many activities in the community and at both churches. Her willingness to provide help and comfort to those in need, particularly the sick and  elderly, is notable.  

She expressed her creativity through art, interior and landscape design. She studied painting and drawing with a local artist and completed course work at Norwalk Community College. Her garden was her canvas, designing formal gardens at her home. She enjoyed visiting historic gardens and homes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT. Internment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.savingplaces.org) or the Closer to Free Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital (www.givetoynhh.org).

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Robert Morgan Fitzmaurice

Robert Morgan Fitzmaurice, “Fitzy,” of Darien, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Stamford Hospital.

Born on October 22, 1928 in Stamford, he was the son of the late William Henry and Anna Josephine (Kingsley) Fitzmaurice.

Robert worked as a butcher at the A & P and was better known as “Fitzy” from the Colony Grill in Stamford for over 50 years.

He will be remembered for saying “Don’t chip the china!” and “Mother’s milk (Dewar’s) on me!” He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus in Stamford. He served with the Marines during World War II.

He is survived by his three children, Thomas Fitzmaurice and his wife Danielle, Mary Carlo and her husband Richard, and Kathleen Browning and her husband Christian all of Darien. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Eve Bieber of Birdsboro, PA; Theresa Khazadian of Newtown, CT; Kevin and Maggie Fitzmaurice; Jessica, Nicole and Rocco Carlo; and Dorothy and Charlie Browning all of Darien; and six great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy Mae Fitzmaurice, a son Robert Edwards, his brothers, William, Daniel, Kingsley and Richard Fitzmaurice and a sister, Sister Maryanne Fitzmaurice.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R. C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Sisters of St. Joseph, 27 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.

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Leo vanMunching III, 62, died February 6, 2018, in San Francisco, California, after a long illness. His beloved wife, Laura, was by his side.

Leo was an adored son, the oldest of the eight children of Peggy Van Munching and the late Leo Van Munching, Jr.  He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Southern California, received a Masters Degree in Education from Stanford University, and entered the doctoral program at the University of California, Berkeley.

Known for his brilliant mind, unending curiosity, and constant questioning, Leo was a philosophy instructor at U.C. Berkeley. Leo’s focus was on ethics.  Scouring newspapers and media sites, he engaged students by applying philosophical principles to contemporary issues and events. Leo loved learning and teaching, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and informed debate.

After leaving academia, Leo began a successful career in photography, capturing the people and architecture of San Francisco.  Leo was fully engaged when scouting areas, carrying and setting up his 8×10 view camera, carefully choosing the best angle, and then patiently waiting for the right light. He was equally adept at capturing a spontaneous moment in a crowd with his small digital camera. His portraits challenged the viewer to accept his diverse subjects on their own terms. Leo’s work is recognized and exhibited throughout the Bay Area.

Leo was a cherished husband whom Laura loved beyond measure.  He personified loving kindness, and was a treasured and admired brother to Jan (Chuck), Pieter, Paul (Heather), Tesa, Anne (Peter), Philip, and Chris (Kim); brother-in-law to Mark (Joni); and uncle to many nieces and nephews.  He was a devoted friend, sought after for his encyclopedic knowledge of music and books, his insight and wise counsel, and his infectious sense of humor. He lived his life, and fought his illness, with grace, courage, and dignity.

Memorial contributions can be made by check payable to “UCSF Foundation” with a note in the memo line to support Drs. Jennifer Clarke, Mary De May, and Michael McDermott. Please also note the gift is in memory of Leo Van Munching III. Checks should be mailed to: UCSF Foundation, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339

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John Mitchell Lucas

John Mitchell Lucas died early in the morning of January 21, 2018 in Darien, CT. He had been ill with Parkinson’s disease for a long time.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Neilan Lucas (née Krieger) whom he married in June of 2002. They have no children.

The son of Marcus Aurelius and Mary Virginia Lucas, John was born in 1940 in Kansas City, MO. He graduated from Yale University in 1963 and the University of Pennsylvania, School of Architecture in 1968. During graduate school and for several years after, he worked both building houses in Warren, VT at Prickly Mountain and in the office of Louis I. Kahn, in Philadelphia.

Of working for Louis Kahn, in 1991 for comments at a Kahn retrospective, John wrote: “Words cannot express the experience of working for Lou, much of the time on long charrettes on projects that were never completed.” For some portion of his time working for Kahn, John lived out of his Buick, his T-shirts neatly arranged in the trunk. Similarly, at Prickly Mountain, he lived in a shack he’d built on the foundation of a silo. His heat: a Glenwood stove; his blankets: 6” fiberglass insulation batts taped together. Earlier at Prickly, it was John who came up with its name at a meeting of the founders Dave Sellars and Bill Reinecke, with John Mallery, Randy Taplin and several others. They were assembled on a large rock at the top of the mountain — well, all but John. John was sitting next to the rock on a spread of raspberry bushes. After a while, he was heard to say “Ouch, it’s so prickly up here” and the name stuck.

After Kahn died, John stayed on to catalog Lou’s drawings and then to photograph his projects across the world. In subsequent years, up to 2005, John worked for Pellechia & Meyers, Philadelphia, and then in New York City for Johnson/Burgee, Edward L. Barnes, Eli Attia, and finally Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF). For a year in 1975-1976, he taught at Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.

At KPF, he was a sought after mentor to younger architects. Recognized as a special talent, he was a beloved anomaly in the firm. He took a particular interest in the use of computers in design, and developed a skill at the fundamental plan geometry of large and complex projects all across the world; their zoning, circulation, access, elevator, services, etc. He had become an Architect’s Architect, ever curious; ever excited to refine his trade, the tools he brought to it, and the community he worked with.

Earlier in his life, he was known to his peers as “Luke the Duke” — apt then, now and forever.

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Stuart Duffield

Stuart Duffield, 90, a 50-year resident of Darien, died peacefully at home on February 12, 2018. He and his wife had resided at Maplewood of Darien for the past two years.

He was born on April 24, 1927 in Elizabeth, NJ to Stuart and Mildred Duffield.

Stuart graduated from Cranford, NJ High School where he was all state in football and basketball. He then went on to Williams College where he was president of his class, as well as both quarterback and Captain for the Williams College football team, graduating in 1950.

His professional career was based in New York City, where he owned and operated an independent insurance brokerage firm.

Stuart served in the U.S. Navy, WWII, in the Pacific. He was an active member and Elder of Norton Presbyterian Church and later joined Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. He was a longtime, active member of Trout Unlimited and volunteered many hours with Darien Book Aid, Pivot House and Norwalk Soup Kitchen.

While both his professional and personal accomplishments were vast and many, his greatest legacy is most evident in his strong faith and the family that he and Joan raised. He lived his life as a humble servant and set a wonderful example for his family. Second to his family, his greatest joy in life was being in the outdoors, most especially near a stream with a fly rod in his hands.

He enjoyed a 65 year love story with his wife and then poured his greatest love into his three daughters, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His faithful, kind, loving, silly attributes will live on forever in their hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Duffield and daughters, Debbie (Jed) Lawrence of Darien, CT and Allison (Chuck) Kendall of Midland, MI. He was predeceased by a daughter, Betsy (Doug) Shufelt in 2001. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and his brother, Richard (Mary Rose) Duffield of Tucson, AZ.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT with Pastor Brandi Drake officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trout Unlimited Mianus Chapter, P.O. Box 475, Wilton, CT 06897, Alzheimer’s Association of CT, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or Constellation Health Services (Hospice), 14 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851; http://www.lawrencefuneralhome.com/.

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Lynn Johanson Brown

Lynn Johanson Brown, 84, passed away February 24, 2018 in New Canaan, CT., with her children and grandchildren by her side.

Lynn was born October 19, 1933 in San Francisco, CA. to Carlton and Josephine Johanson. Growing up in San Francisco, she graduated from Catherine Delmar Burke School before going on to the University of California, Berkeley, where she received degrees in Business Administration and English, and was an active member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

Remaining in California, Lynn then went on to work at Dean Witter. During this time she was married to her late husband, Richard Allen Brown, before moving to Darien, CT., where they lived and were married for fifty four years with their last years spent in New Canaan, CT. Their years together lead to countless friendships and many beautiful, wonderful memories which were shared by many both here and abroad.

With her passion for decorating, keen eye and fabulous taste, Lynn established her own interior design firm in the early eighties, Lynn Brown Inc. Lynn’s impeccable style, grace and fun sense of humor were a gift that she shared with ease. She was involved in all aspects of the business until her passing.

Lynn is survived by her two daughters, Suzie Barit of Hardwick, N.J., and Jodi Brown of New Canaan, CT.; her grandchildren, Alex and his wife Brooke of Houston, TX., Tyler and her husband Eric Drexler of New York City, NY., and Taylor Barit of Paget, Bermuda; and her great-grandson, Bowen Barit of Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. Checks should be mailed to: Box 489, Wilton, CT., 06897.

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Elizabeth (Betty) List Gardner

Elizabeth (Betty) List Gardner was born in 1918 in Schenectady, New York to Alvin and Kathryn (Ryan) List. After graduating from St. Lawrence University in 1940, she married Ellis B. Gardner, a graduate of Columbia University. They were married almost 55 years when he died in 1977.

After the war, Betty and Ellis transferred from upstate New York and settled in Darien, CT with their two children, Kathryn and Ben. Daughter Sara was born soon thereafter.

Betty was active in her children’s activities and volunteered for many years at the information desk at the Stamford Hospital. She said it put her life in perspective — there was always someone worse off than herself. Upbeat and a good listener, she was often at the bedside of a sick friend or bringing them casseroles.

Betty was an active tennis and paddle tennis player at the Wee Burn Country Club. While not a strong hitter, she was fiercely competitive and chased down every ball. This competition could be seen in her later years where, even in her 90s, she regularly excelled at duplicate bridge and was a demon in scrabble. Until she was 80 and hit by a snowboarder who dislocated her shoulder, Betty skied in every kind of weather from their condo on Pico Peak.

She is survived by her three children: Kathryn and husband, Mead Sommers, Dr. Benjamin Gardner, and Sara Gardner-Parlow. Her grandchildren include Jen Sommers Slaboda, Ryan, Tyler and Sarah Gardner, Abby Athanasopoulos, and Livvy Gardner-Parlow, plus great-grandchildren Andrew and Adelle Slaboda, Will Gardner, Niko and Sebastian Athanasopoulos. She is also survived by four nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Bud List, his son Mark, her granddaughter, Kerry Sommers and her son-in law, Rob Parlow.

In 2008 she moved to Edgehill in Stamford where she continued to be an avid reader, duplicate bridge player and scrabble whiz. She was known for her high heels and her Betty Boop pillow.

Donations in memory of Betty may be made to St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Dr, Canton, NY 13617, in honor of Kerry Sommers.

A celebration of her life will be held at Edgehill at a later date.

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Kinsley Morse

It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Kinsley Morse (Hewitt) announce her sudden death from a heart attack on January 21, 2018. She was a loving wife to her husband, Clifford (Kip) Hewitt for 41 years and a devoted mother to their son, Thayer (age 10).

Kinsley was born August 25, 1952 in Alexandria, VA to Elvira and the late Walter H. Morse. Growing up in Falls Church, VA., she graduated from George Mason High School, where she met her husband, Kip. She went to Princeton University, where she was a member of the Class of 1974, which was one of the first classes to admit women for four years. When she applied, she wrote that her application did not include the required parental signatures, because her father, who was a Princeton alumnus, was opposed to co-education. She majored in Art History, wrote her senior thesis on Beatrix Potter, and was the first woman officer of a Princeton eating club, Cap & Gown. Later she served on its alumni board.

Kinsley earned an MBA from Columbia Business School, and for a number of years, worked in financial services, managing client relationships and marketing at Manufacturers Hanover Trust and Morgan Stanley & Co.

Friendships meant everything to Kinsley. Her life was filled with loyal friends from each stage of her life — from her childhood in Virginia, her years at Princeton, and from each of the cities she lived in, Chicago, Boston, Hartsdale, NY, and Stamford, CT before settling in Darien, where she lived for over 30 years. In Darien her relationships centered around Saint Luke’s Parish, where she was active in the healing ministry, and community service and spiritual enrichment programs. She was also a member of the Noroton Yacht Club and the Middlesex Club, and a former member of the Roton Point Club.

Kinsley deeply cared about her family and friends, who cherish memories of her innumerable kindnesses, her sincerity, her empathetic listening, genuine compassion, and keen insight — and her laughter. She enjoyed a good party!

Kinsley’s life took on a very special dimension with her son, Thayer. She was a very loving mother and provided enthusiastic support during each stage of his development. She was active in the Mothers-of Preschool Children program, and later a passionate cheerleader at sports, scouts, and school activities. She was a guiding presence in his life, and she will be missed.

In addition to her husband, Kip and son, Thayer, Kinsley is survived by her mother, Elvira Morse, of Amherst, VA., and three sisters, Harriet Rieman of Myrtle Beach, SC., Meredith Pearce of Indian Harbour Beach, FL., and Alice Morse, of Amherst, VA, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Kinsley’s life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT.

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It is with profound heartbreak that we write this memorial for our dear friend, Will Kiersky, who we lost Sunday afternoon March 4 at the far too young age of 35.

Will, who loved life and never wasted a minute of it, had the unique capability to turn even the most common of gatherings into a lifelong memory. Finding the words to articulate the degree to which Will impacted our lives seems like an impossible task.

Will changed our lives forever 25 years ago when he moved to Darien, Connecticut as a fourth grader with thick glasses and a daily uniform of matching top-and-bottom sweat suits and white turtlenecks. It was not long before Will made a large number of friends, who were attracted to his unmatchable humor, intelligence, generosity and genuine love of people. Will never shied away from a little bit of trouble, the consequences of which he always seemed to charm his way through.

Will passionately loved New York sports, particularly the Mets and Knicks. However, the pinnacle of his athletic achievement occurred at the age of 12, when his little league team won a championship. Will led the team, not with what was a decidedly average batting prowess, but with an uncanny ability to lighten the mood. It wasn’t uncommon for Will to show up to games in flip flops or to lead the team through witty, while at times slightly inappropriate, cheers. The group of little leaguers, much like his 6th grade basketball team, was made up mostly of friends with whom Will stayed close with for the next 25 years; when you suited up with Will, you were on his team for life.

In his mid-20s, Will began working for Vice Media, and in the course of his near-decade tenure he saw many accomplishments as a publisher, producer, writer, and reporter. Will was incredibly proud of launching Vice Sports, a venture which perfectly merged his lifelong passion for athletics with his unique creativity as a storyteller. Despite his enormous talent and creativity, Will was always incredibly grounded, with the exception of talking about what was his true crowning achievement at Vice, meeting and then marrying the love of his life, Jenny.

Will’s nickname, “the Captain,” was inspired by his unique ability to connect people of varying backgrounds and interests. Will’s limitless creativity and boundless energy caused him to quickly outgrow the quiet suburban streets of Darien and ultimately even Manhattan, which pushed Will to travel more of the world and create more interesting stories in his 35 years than most people could in a century.

While we will miss Will dearly and are deeply saddened for the immense loss of our friend, we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of having him in our lives. Rest in Peace William Kiersky.

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Charles Louis DuVivier, Jr., 93, passed on peacefully Wednesday morning in his Ridgefield home after an extended illness.

His wife of 46 years, Norma E. DuVivier, her son Richard Buckley DuVivier, grandson Micah DuVivier, as well as a cousin Gordon Napier of Westerly, Rhode Island survives him.

Charles was born in New York City, the son of the late Charles DuVivier and Olga (nee Gosch) DuVivier. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Darien where he remained until moving to Ridgefield in 2014.

Graduating in 1943 from Stevens Institute in Hoboken with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he enlisted in the Navy V-12 program as a Lieutenant JG and during WW2, served on the island of Guam for three years.

Returning stateside in 1946, he was employed by Petro fuel in Stamford, and for many decades by Automatic Signal in Norwalk, with over two-dozen electrical design patents to his credit. Charles was an avid history and railroad enthusiast, taking many train trips across the United States during his lifetime.

Charles and his wife attended Zion Lutheran Church in Stamford, and private services will be held there at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

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Richard H. Smith, Jr.

Richard H. Smith, Jr. of Naples, FL, died on February 22, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was 74.

Rick was born on October 9, 1943 in Stamford, CT from parents Richard and Jeanette Smith. He attended the King School in Stamford, CT and in 1966 graduated from Boston University with a major in History.

After working for Chubb & Son for 10 years, he and his business partners bought his father’s company, Pierson & Smith Insurance Agency in Stamford, CT. He resided in Darien, CT and then Branford, CT with his wife Linda until he retired as President of P&S in 2004 and moved to Naples, FL.

Rick and Linda were members of Quail Creek Country Club, where he loved playing golf and joking with friends. Rick particularly enjoyed his position as Club Librarian, a job at which he excelled. He was an avid reader, fanatic history buff and never missed the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.  

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son Nathaniel Smith of Portland, OR; daughter Whitney Smith of Charleston, SC; 2 stepchildren, Greg Klingaman of Amsterdam, NL and Cheryl Williams of Darien, CT; and daughter-in-law Andrea Smith of Missoula, MT. In 2010, Rick was predeceased by his eldest son Andrew Smith of Victor, ID. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Lily, Anna & William Klingaman, Anika Smith and Elias Smith.

In lieu of flowers, Rick has requested taking a moment to connect with your family members — a private dinner without cell phones, going to the movies on a rainy day or taking a ride on the golf-cart with your child or grandchild. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at Quail Creek at a date to be announced.

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It is with profound sadness that we mourn Robert M. Amen Jr., who at 42, passed peacefully from complications related to leukemia on March 15, 2018. His entire family was by his side, including his wife Kerith, her sister Shannon, Rob’s brothers Chris (wife Karen), Marc (wife Cristina) and Peter (wife Liz), sister Caroline and parents Claudia and Rob. He battled this illness with the strength, warmth, humor, and integrity with which he lived his life.

Rob was the eldest of five, but those who knew him say he was a big brother to so many more. Whether it was the United States Air Force, where he served for six years with distinction, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, or at FactSet, where he was proud to be a team member or on his beloved tennis and paddle courts at Woodway Country Club, Rob was dedicated to the team. Those mentored by him remember Rob for his caring, his devotion, and his humanity.

Rob was devoted to his wife Kerith, and beloved and adored by his daughter, Adair. Rob’s life spanned the world, including Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Mississippi, Belgium, France, and the Middle East. His greatest joy was his home and family. He was a generous and kind father and husband. His sense of humor, warmth, and strength will be sorely missed.

His life will be celebrated at a funeral mass on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 1:30 p.m., at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. In honor of Rob’s commitment to always put others first, the family asks that donations be made in Rob’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Wounded Warrior Project. Links to these charities can be found below. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.lls.org.

Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Sabina Burke of Stamford, died suddenly March 15, 2018 at age 75.

Raised in Darien, she was the daughter of the late Edmund (Ted) and Jean (Geddes) Burke and is survived by her brothers, Thomas Burke and his wife, Markey, of Wayland, MA and Edmund (Ted) Burke Jr of Ridgefield, CT.

Funeral services will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd, Darien, CT on Wednesday, March 21, at noon.

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