Leslie Anne McGill, a resident in the Star Residential program in Norwalk and formerly of Darien, passed away on July 25, 2018. She was 59.
The third child of Donald and Carol McGill of Darien, Leslie was born at Stamford Hospital on June 9, 1959.
She was a happy, smiling baby who loved her parents, siblings and family cats, all of whom returned their love for her in equal measure. Leslie attended K-12 in Darien and was in the school district’s first special ed program; she was a proud graduate of Darien High School.
There were other firsts in Leslie’s life, which were about breaking barriers and stereotypes. At 22, she became one of the first residents in the newly created STAR residential program, where she lived for the rest of her life, making friends and learning independence and skills that broadened her life immeasurably. She graciously shared a Connecticut Magazine cover with Barbara Walters to promote a story about Down Syndrome. Leslie was in the first wave of a STAR program that placed members in jobs in the community.
After she “retired,” she attended the STAR senior program in Norwalk for as long as she was able, enjoying the friendship, programs and activities. Leslie led a big little life.
Her life will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 7, at 2:30 PM at The First Congregational Church of Darien, 14 Brookside Road, Darien. She is survived by her sister, Christine Fabie (Ray) of Belmont, CA; brothers Sandy (Alice) of Darien and William (Michaelynn) of Worthington, OH and their families, including five nieces and nephews. Burial will be at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to STAR, Inc., 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Husband, father and friend, Ron Aparicio, 42, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Stamford Hospital with his loving wife at his side.
A lifelong resident of Stamford, Connecticut, Ron graduated from Stamford High School where he excelled academically and athletically. An Honors student, Ron was his senior class vice president, a captain of the football team and a first team all FCIAC selection in his senior year, and a member of the wrestling team. An outstanding singer, he competed nationally for the Stamford High School choir.
He attended Bentley University on a full scholarship, and was a varsity football player. He graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Ron worked in finance at UBS Group in Stamford and Zurich, Switzerland and GE Capital in Stamford. He later ran the family business, Ruben’s Decorative Fabrics in Stamford.
He fully enjoyed and cherished the passions of his life — faith, family, friends, and running. He completed 28 marathons throughout the U.S. and internationally with a 3:20 personal best. He served as an elder at Grace Evangelical Church in Stamford and led multiple Bible studies at his home. Ron felt strongly about having a purpose in his life, and his was to help people. Whether you just needed a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a big hug and laugh, Ron would always make time for you, preferably over a Peruvian meal.
As a demonstration of his purpose-filled life, he worked at Service Master Corporation until the time of his passing as a health and safety manager, where he traveled across the country to storm-ravaged communities to help families rebuild their lives. His last selfless act was to donate his organs so that other people would have the opportunity to live healthy lives. In the tragedy of his untimely death, he ensured good prevailed in his life.
Ron is survived by his wife, Megan Hibbert Aparicio and three children: Lucas, Grace and Abigail, ages 5, 3 and 18 months, respectively; his mother, Angelica Curto Aparicio of Stamford; his brothers, Richard and Robert of Norwalk, Sonny of Stamford, Rafael of Darien, and Ruben of Boston, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his father, Santiago Aparicio and his brother, Jorge.
Calling hours will be held at Lacerenza Funeral Home, Eight Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut, on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. His life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, August 4, 2018, starting at 10:00 am at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 241 Courtland Ave., Stamford, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the athletic department at Stamford High School or Grace Evangelical Church.
Joan Bulley Keever passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 29th, 2018 at the age of 88. She was born on February 27, 1930 in Evanston, Illinois to Allan E. Bulley, Sr. & Lucille Kile Bulley of Kenilworth, Illinois. Joan attended the Joseph Sears School in Kenilworth, IL, New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL & Mills College in Oakland, CA, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree.
She married H. Weller “Jake” Keever on September 20th 1958 and lived in Manhattan before moving to New Canaan, Connecticut, where she lived since 1960. She immediately joined the New Canaan Sewing Group where she donated her time and efforts for fifty-eight years. She was Chair of the New Canaan Country School’s Frogtown Fair in 1976 and also enjoyed working at their annual Clothesline Sales.
She loved teaching swimming and synchronized swimming at the New Canaan YMCA. She also took pride in teaching English as a second language starting in college and continuing that role throughout her life. She was a member of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of New Canaan during all of her years in town.
Her many memberships in clubs included the Junior League of Evanston, IL & New York, NY, the Women’s Westchester-Fairfield Golf Association & the Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. A natural athlete, she became an accomplished golfer in competition. Her favorite tournament at Woodway was the Partner’s Best Ball where she paired with her “Horse” Sis Madigan Healey in spirited play with her group of friends. She also served on the admissions committee and was a driving force in establishing a scholarship fund for the club’s employees.
Joan adored many things in life, especially her family, their traditions as well as her creativity with needlepoint & knitting. These elements were most evident with her love of the Christmas season when all of her handiwork would be displayed throughout the house. The Christmas dinner scavenger hunts during dessert were a continuation of her mother-in-law’s time, but enhanced with the special wit and skill that only she could bring. Heaven help the person who received the clue “O Tannenbaum” as over fifty types of real and needlepointed Christmas trees decorated the house. She won awards for her needlepointed king bed sized headboard depicting a lovely garden as well as for her culinary skills with her legendary cheesecake.
She also had a deep love of her pets starting in her childhood with her cat, Herman and her, dog Boots. She nurtured and cared for Siamese cats, Brandy & Benedictine, Pernod & Cointreau, Crème de Cacao & Sambuca, Lillet & Pimm. Dogs included English Springer Spaniel, Sam & Golden Retriever, Mandrake’s Champagne Charlie.
Joan will be greatly missed by her son, James Weller Keever & his wife Doreen of Darien, CT; her daughter, Kile E. Keever of New Canaan, CT; her two grandchildren: James Weller Keever, Jr. & Katherine Grace Keever and by her brother, Allan E. Bulley, Jr. of Kenilworth, IL
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan on Saturday, August 4th at 11:00am.
Rose K. Weldon, of Stamford, CT passed away peacefully on her 75th birthday August 2, 2018 at Greenwich Hospital. She was born August 2, 1943 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Herbert and Helena Wagner. She married Chris Weldon, Jr. in 1971 and moved to Briarcliff, NY in 1972. She gave birth to Chris, III in 1976 and James in 1978.
Rose was a devoted teacher for over 50 years who advocated for her students, pushing them to excel both in and out of the classroom. Teaching was in her blood and after she retired, she tutored regularly.
Rose, along with her husband Chris, was also co-owner of Heights Hardware. She often joked that the first day, she was asked for a wood screw and she remembered thinking, “I didn’t know they made wood screws.” It wasn’t long before she learned the business and mastered it, often sought out for her opinions and advice from wallpaper to electrical. “Whatever you do, don’t ask me about plumbing though,” she’d joke.
A faithful Catholic, Rose attended daily Mass before her illness prevented her from doing so any longer. She sang in the choir at funerals and spent time before and after Mass praying for her family and friends.
Having run the race well and having received the Sacraments of the Dying, she is now at rest.
Rose is survived by her husband of 47 years, her two sons and one grandson, Luke Weldon; her siblings, Ann Fey, Jane Ottenweller and Stephen Wagner, all from Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by siblings Evelyn Bubb, Alice Wagner and Tim Wagner.
Friends and family are invited to her wake on Sunday Evening, August 5, 2018 at Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to A.A.B.R., 1508 College Point Blvd., College Point, NY 11356.
Florence E. Tosches (Moore), resident of Stamford, CT, passed away on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Stamford Hospital. Florence was born in Darien, CT on October 12, 1932 to the late Thomas and Georgiana (Strattinger) Moore. She was 85-years-old.
Florence is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Alison) Tosches and Daniel (Dawn) Tosches. In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Tosches. She also was preceded in death by her siblings Ella Mae Totilo, Thomas Moore, John Moore, and Anne Thibdeau. Florence is survived by her brothers Frances Moore and Coleman Moore.
Florence worked for the Town of Darien police department for 30 years as a police matron and traffic agent where she was a well-known and very loved school crossing guard. She also was a nurses’ aide at St. Joseph’s hospital for many years.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 9th at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, in Stamford, CT. Her interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rock Rimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
Damon Burke Clemow of Darien, Connecticut passed away much too soon at the age of 43 on August 3, 2018.
Born on March 3, 1975, Damon was the son of Brian and Susan Burke Clemow and grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut with his siblings Katharine and Justin. Damon was a serious and determined student who graduated from Loomis Chaffee, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed an MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Damon began his professional life at Accenture in 1997 doing management consulting and technology strategy. From there, he went on to a long and successful career at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York, where he spent 19 years as a committed and dedicated adviser to clients across the financial services industry. During his time in banking, Damon met many clients, colleagues and friends who valued his excellent judgment and thoughtful advice. At the time of his death, Damon was a Managing Director in Investment Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
In addition to his work accomplishments, Damon will be fondly remembered for the love and generosity he showed to his family and extensive network of friends. Damon loved life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and children, was an amazing cook and had a great sense of humor. All of his family will cherish the memories made with Damon at the family’s lakeside cottage in the Berkshires. Constantly looking for new adventures and challenges, Damon loved running, playing paddle tennis, hiking and skiing.
In addition to his parents, Damon leaves his beloved wife of 11 years whom he met in kindergarten, Jennifer Clemow, and their two children, Caroline and Tyler; his sister, Katharine Barrett (Gary Barrett), and their children Liam and Sophia; his brother, Justin Clemow (Christina Clemow), and their children Chase and Cameryn; his father-and mother-in law, John and Ruth-Ann Hussey; and his brother-in-law, Sean Hussey (Lauren Cromwell), and their children, James and Cora. Also, his uncle and aunt, Derrick and Judy Clemow of Sparta, Tennessee and many cousins and their families.
A private family funeral service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Darien with a celebration of life for family, friends and colleagues to take place this fall (date to be announced).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the University of Pennsylvania in memory of Damon Clemow, C’97 WG,04.
John Morrill Lashar Jr., age 78, of Fairfield, passed away on Aug. 6, 2018.
Born in Bridgeport on Jan. 1, 1940, he was the son of the late John and June Martin Lashar.
In addition to his wife, just-retired 39-year Darien Public Schools teacher Kit Reilly, John is survived by his daughters Kristen Lashar of Fairfield, Allison Cottle and her husband Mike of Stamford, Sarah Lashar of Boston, sons John Lashar and his wife Debi of Hingham, Mass., James Lashar and his wife Eve of Easton, and William Lashar of Fairfield. He leaves his grandchildren, Ian, Tori and Emily Puebla, Lilly, Lucy and Lindsay Lashar, Victoria Jenkins and her husband Colin, and Annah, Drew, Sam, Molly and Josh Verderame. He is also survived by his sister Diana Thompson of Arizona, sister-in-law Laurel Lashar, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Jeffrey Lashar.
John was a Fairfield resident most of his life. He attended The Gunnery of Washington, Conn. where he was a star athlete. He later graduated from Andrew Warde High School. He enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. After his service John graduated from Bryant University.
He was a well known entrepreneur businessman, owning Management Forms and Systems and associated ventures. He was the proud owner of the Milford Ice Pavilion and Northford Ice Pavilion. John’s passion was ice hockey; he played competitively all his life. He started at the age of 14 and continued playing for The Gunnery, within the tri-state area, Canada and most recently with the “Old Crabs” in Darien.
He also coached the Roger Ludlowe HS Hockey team for several years. John also excelled at hockey, skiing, golf, and tennis. He was a member of Brooklawn Country Club, Algonquin Club, Fayerweather Yacht Club, and Black Rock Yacht Club.
John was a good friend to many. He was always ready with a story, a joke or whatever the occasion required. He enjoyed long walks and talks at St. Mary’s by the Sea in Black Rock. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Old Academy Rd., Fairfield. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements in the care of the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JDRF New England Chapter, 60 Walnut St., Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. To sign an online register or to get travel directions, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.
David M. Kane, prominent citizen of Grove, Okla. passed away Wednesday, August 8.
A native of Louisville, Ky., David was born to John and Alice Kane on August 6, 1944. He went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation he served with the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Asian Pacific. He began his professional career with Buffalo Forge Company on the East Coast as an engineer and salesperson, settling in Darien, Conn., his home for over two decades.
After establishing a series of successful businesses and receiving several patents for HVAC innovations, including his pride and joy, the Mistop 7, David retired on Grand Lake. Seeking to preserve the history of Route 66, he opened Afton Station, a museum on the “Mother Road” featuring memorabilia and his beloved collection of classic Packard automobiles.
He was a leader and supporter in several community organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International, the Shriners, and the Scottish Rite Masons.
An avid sportsman throughout the years, David was a sailor, master diver, fisherman, marksman, hunter, and most recently, he fostered his son Patrick’s powerboating career.
David is survived by his loving wife Sylvie and beloved children Patrick and Sarah and her fiance John. He is also survived by his brother John Kane of Louisville, Ky. David will be missed by these people as well as a multitude of extended family, friends, and business associates.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, Okla. A celebration of David’s life is scheduled at the Kane Family property on August 13 at 5:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Grove Education Foundation for Excellence, P.O. Box 453335, Grove, OK 74345; info@geffe.org.
Ralph J. Perschino, who passed away in January of this year, will be honored on Saturday, September 1, 2018 by his family, friends and former students in a ceremony to be held at Tokeneke Elementary School in Darien, where Ralph served as the school’s first Principal from 1956 to 1976. The Tokeneke Totem Pole was recently restored and repainted in preparation for this event, which will begin at 4 PM and is open to the public. All those who wish to say a few words in remembrance of Ralph are encouraged to do so.
Nelson Noren Ehinger Sr. died on August 11, 2018, after a long illness at the age of 88. He was a son of George and Aline Ehinger born September 8, 1929, in Dover, DE. He graduated from Dover High School in 1947 then followed in the family tradition graduating from Northfield Mount Hermon Preparatory School in 1948 as well as Dartmouth College (Class of 1952). He earned his M.B.A. during his career from the University of Connecticut.
Early years were spent in Dover as his father was the long-time superintendent of the Elizabeth Murphey School and State Representative in 119th General Assembly while his mother was an English teacher at the local high school. He had many interests growing up including being a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, an avid Boy Scout achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and spending summers at Camp Rodney, a member of many high school drama productions, a clarinet player in the Kent County Band, Dover High School Marching Band and The Hermon Knights Ensemble as well as a member of both track and field and basketball teams in high school and Mount Hermon. As part of his civic duties, he was a Spotter for the WWII Aircraft Warning Service in Dover which his parents helped coordinate locally.
During his college years, he majored in Economics, was a member of the marching band during his freshman year and joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity as a sophomore. As a member of the Dartmouth Track and Field team, Nelson dominated the high jump event at the Men’s Ivy League Heptathlon Championship being only 1 of 7 individuals in the history of the Ivy League to win an event for three consecutive years. He also was a multi-medal winner at the Millrose Games and Penn Relays during those years delivering a personal best of 6’-4 3/4″ ranking him as one of the elite high jumpers in the NCAA at that time. To honor these accomplishments, he was inducted into Dartmouth’s Hall of Fame, The Wearers of the Green. He had many fond memories of his years at Dartmouth and stayed connected to the school through annual luncheons in New York City, informal gatherings with his classmates and formal class reunions back on campus.
After college, he had a long career at ALCOA as Eastern Regional Sales Manager working in New York City where he met his bride, Jeanne. While living in New York City, they had three children then moved the family out to Darien, CT in the 1960s where their daughter was born. They spent the rest of their lives in Darien raising their children in the local public schools and enjoying their children’s competitive swimming and diving pursuits. In 1980, he was appointed the National President of SAMA (formerly NAMA) for a one-year term. In his retirement years, he enjoyed spending time with family, gardening and supporting local community efforts such as The Darien Library, Boy Scouts, and Friends of Woodland Park.
He was a devoted husband, married to his wife of 46 years, Jeanne Sienkiewicz Ehinger, who predeceased him. He is survived by his three sons and a daughter, Nelson N. Ehinger, Jr. of Ridgefield, Jeffrey S. Ehinger of Darien, Christopher D. Ehinger of Windsor, England and Geneve E. Hendricks of Wilton. Nelson was a proud grandparent of seven grandchildren: Elizabeth A. Ehinger (Boston, MA), Matthew N. Ehinger (Chicago, IL), Katherine B. Ehinger (San Francisco, CA), Tristan N.W. Ehinger (Windsor, UK), Juliet F.I. Ehinger (Windsor, UK), Pauline J. Hendricks (Wilton, CT) and Carolyn R. Hendricks (Wilton, CT). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, Robert F. Ehinger, George Ehinger Jr. and Paul F. Ehinger.
Friends may call at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, on Tuesday, August 21, 6-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at the Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, August 22 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to Elizabeth Murphey School, 42 Kings Hwy E, Dover, DE 19901 (http://www.murpheyschool.org/) or ask that you consider a blood donation to your local blood bank (https://www.redcrossblood.org) as these life-saving transfusions sustained him throughout his illness.
William B. Holding, a prominent banker and accomplished painter whose joys were his family and music, died peacefully on August 15 in Darien, Connecticut. He was 84.
After a 30-year career at Morgan Guaranty Trust (now JPMorgan Chase) as a senior executive and president of its joint venture in Amsterdam, Bank Morgan Labouchere, Bill founded his own consulting firm, William Holding Associates, in 1991. The firm advised Dutch and other European corporations for more than a decade on investing in the United States.
Bill’s true passion, though, was music and art. Even as a boy, he was a gifted pianist, eager to play for family and friends the pieces that he often composed himself. His bass voice anchored the Whiffenpoofs singing group at Yale College, where he earned his degree in 1955 and was known as “Lo and Be” Holding. Later, he would sing and travel the world with the Yale Alumni Chorus, and church choirs would often perform his highly original compositions.
As a painter, Bill drew on his fascination with the sea, developed as a boy sailing from Larchmont, New York, where he grew up, and as a U.S. Navy lieutenant aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Salem in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. He had a talent for capturing the grace and power of waves, and his works in oil often portrayed sailboats off the coast of Nantucket Island, where he and his family have owned a home, in Siasconset, for many years.
Bill was born in New York, New York on November 9, 1933, the son of Lucile (Burton) and Hunter Holding. He graduated from Mamaroneck High School and Yale, and then served in the navy for two years. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1959 and immediately joined Morgan Guaranty in New York. He lived in Darien and Siasconset.
Bill is survived by his wife, Judith (Kleinhans), and their three children and their families: Bill Jr., his wife Pam, and their children Will, Chase, and Abby; Chris, his wife Megan, and their children Katherine and Claire; and Wendy, her wife Lindsay, and their children Jasper and Willa. Bill also leaves his beloved sister, Lyn, and brothers Hunter and Reynolds.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at St. Luke’s Church, 1864 Post Road in Darien on Friday September 7 at 11 am.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Luke’s Parish, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820; The Yale Alumni Chorus Foundation Scholarship Fund, PO Box 209036, New Haven, CT 06520-9036 or the Siasconset Union Chapel, 18 New Street, Siasconset, MA 02564. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.
Thomas Cannon (Tom), age 97, died peacefully on August 22 at Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend after a brief illness. Tom was a longtime resident of Darien, Connecticut before retiring to Grafton, Vermont.
Tom was born in Salina, Kansas on August 11, 1921 to John Cannon and Dorothy Cannon. He was raised in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from the University of Wichita in 1943. He served in the 69th Division of the US Army during World War II and the occupation of Berlin. He was discharged in 1946 at the rank of Major.
Tom graduated from Harvard Business School in 1948 and was the longtime secretary of his class. He is the author of two business textbooks and two other books on marketing strategy. After retirement to Grafton, Vermont, he worked as a consultant for SCORE, and served on the Grafton Firefighters Association Executive Committee for many years.
He married Ann Ellison Tuller in 1948. Ann predeceased him in 1974. He is survived by his brother, Bill Cannon of Kansas City, KS; his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Whitaker Cannon; his children Elizabeth Cannon (Taro Suzuki) of NYC, Amy Cannon (Wayne Mellor) of Fly Creek, NY and granddaughters Ellison Mellor and Lucy Mellor DeBernardi; John Cannon of Dryden, NY; stepdaughter Jennifer Ball Robillard (Luc Robillard) of Waitsfield, VT and grandsons Jack and Eric Bates; stepson Thomas Ball (Mary McEachern Ball) of Hancock, NH; stepdaughter Alison Ball Hollo (Roy Seelye) of Guilford, CT and grandchildren Barrett, Stephen and Whitaker Hollo and Hannah and Kate Seelye; and stepson James Ball (Annette Lotano Ball) of Loudonville, NY and granddaughters Emilia and Mia Ball.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of the organizations that were important to Tom: Grafton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (P.O. Box 191, Grafton, VT 05146) and Grace Cottage Family Health & Hospital (PO Box 216, Townshend, Vermont 05353).
Angelo Russo passed away at home in Darien on August 25. He was born in Darien on November 3, 1916 and lived in Darien most of his 101 years. He was the son of Antonio and Rafael (Lombardi) Russo.
He was very proud of Darien and enjoyed being a member of the Fife and Drum Corp and taking part in the annual town parade.
Angelo was an avid gardener and loved having his family around to enjoy meals he prepared from the garden.
He is survived by three children, Theresa Kranyak of Maryland; Grace Hanafee of Norwalk and Anthony Russo of Florida. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Debra Requa and Michael Frate both of Maryland, James Nyberg of Norwalk, Karen Marino and Dean Russo both of Fairfield; and Jason Russo of Georgia; and eight great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Friday, August 31, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.
Memorial donations may be sent to Post 53 Ambulance, P.O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820.
Marion Theresa Mulrennan Graham, a long-time resident of New Canaan, CT, and loving wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday. She was 91.
Since May, 2014, she resided at Maplewood Senior Living in Darien, CT. Marion lived in New Canaan for nearly 40 years with her beloved husband John “Jack” Graham, who died in August 2017. They were married 67 years.
Marion was born in Everett, MA, on Jan. 7, 1927 to Patrick “Jim” Mulrennan and Elizabeth Grogan, young Irish immigrants seeking a better life. Her mother was part of the massive diaspora who entered America (1917) through Ellis Island. Her dad would arrive in Boston after serving with the U.S. Coast Guard during World War 1.
Marion was the middle child of three beautiful, raven-haired daughters. Ginny was the oldest, Patsy the youngest. In her teens, Marion worked in her parent’s restaurant, “Mulrennan’s Café,” as a waitress. She would go on to graduate in 1948 from Regis College in Weston, MA after commuting to her classes each day. There she earned the endearing nickname, “Mul” and was known for her gregariousness, wicked sense of humor and thick Boston accent. While attending Regis she met Jack, a World War 2 veteran and football standout five years her senior who was attending nearby Boston College on the GI Bill.
After marrying in 1950, Jack’s career as a cement-industry executive would take the young couple from Providence, RI, to Bethesda, MD, to New Rochelle, NY, and eventually New Canaan. The couple were parishioners of St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. They were also well-regarded members at Woodway Country Club in Darien, Westchester Country Club in Harrison, NY, and Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD.
Although a devoted wife and mother, Marion found time to give back to her community. For several years she had worked as a substitute gym and classroom teacher at Holy Family School in New Rochelle where all six of her children attended. But spending time with family and friends was her biggest passion. For years she held a weekly bridge club at her home in New Rochelle and over the summers she would delight in chatting and laughing on the beaches of Westchester and Woodway country clubs. In their later years, Marion and Jack would winter on Amelia Island, Fla. Their children and grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of many festive birthday celebrations, Thanksgivings and Christmas holidays.
Marion is survived by her six children: Mary Beth Conry (Kevin) of Alexandria, VA; Colleen Hogg (Gary) of Concord, NH; John Graham (Amy) of Newport Beach, CA, Margaret Arrix (Robert) of Darien; Monica Billeter (Todd) of Darien; and Patrick Graham (Veronica) of Yonkers, NY. She is also survived by her older sister, Sister Cecilia Agnes Mulrennan of Framingham, MA, and 14 grandchildren — Brianna, Katie, Rachel, Jack, Elizabeth, Grace, Fiona, Robby, Julia, Claire, Catherine, Emma, Patrick and Charlie and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her younger sister, Patsy MacLeod.
The family will receive friends at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31. The wake will be immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., and a private burial will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan. The Graham family will also host a luncheon celebrating Marion’s life at Woodway Country Club.
The family kindly requests that no flowers be sent. Memorial donations may be sent to: Regis College, P.O. Box 30, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493, in honor of Marion Graham.
George Hickson, a resident of Darien since 1936, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Norwalk Hospital. He was 90-years-old.
Mr. Hickson graduated from Darien High School in 1945 and from Tufts University in 1949. He received his Master’s degree from Teachers’ College, Columbia in 1959 and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Guidance from Fairfield University in 1975. He had also done summer work at the Sorbonne and Besancon University in France and at the University of New Hampshire.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952, first as a Chaplain’s Assistant at Ft. Devens, MA, and then at ALFCE (a subdivision of SHAPE) in Fontainebleau, France.
He traveled extensively in Europe. In 1962 and 1965, he was a leader of Student Council students from the U.S. on tours for International Understanding sponsored by our U.S. Government and to Russia in 1990 and 1992 with the Darien High School Theater exchange groups. In addition, he led several small groups of Darien students on European Tours.
Mr. Hickson taught French, English and Latin in the Darien schools until his retirement in 1992. He served as Foreign Language Department Head at what was Mather Middle School for 20 years.
George had been an active member of St. John Parish since 1936, first as an altar server and later as a member of the choir. He had also served on several parish councils and as an Assistant CYO Teacher. More recently, he had been a Eucharistic Minister.
George is survived by 3 nieces and a nephew. He is predeceased by a brother, John.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R. C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
Memorial donations may be sent to Edmundite Missions, 1428 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36703-2114; lawrencefuneralhome.com.
Richard Ayer Kimball Sr. died on September 1, 2018, at the age of 88 in Ft. Myers, FL surrounded by his immediate family. Dick was born in Cambridge, MA in 1930, the only child of Gladys and Joseph Kimball. Like three generations before him, he attended Andover (’48) and Yale (’52), making lifelong friends.
After graduating, he joined White, Weld in Boston as a stockbroker, later general partner, managing the Boston office and national sales in New York. At White, Weld and later at Kidder, Peabody, Dick sat on the investment committee and ran the daily Morning Call, inspiring the equity salesforce around the world. He traveled internationally to meet with the sales reps to build rapport in the field. In 1988, he launched Eagle Capital Management, an investment management firm, investing money for individuals then retiring in 2002. Dick had a gift for following and predicting the market; he wrote Anticipating Change, a book summarizing his thinking.
An avid sailor, Dick raced 210s in Marblehead Harbor and was very proud of taking second place in the Sears Cup Race of the U.S. Sailing Association. He loved to cruise the East Coast with his family and was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club of Marblehead, New York Yacht Club and Norton Yacht Club in Darien, CT.
Dick gave freely of his time and wisdom, serving on the Vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal in Darien and St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal on Sanibel Island. He was a Trustee of The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, on the Alumni Board of Andover, and a Board Member of A Better Chance in Darien. He was passionate about supporting Andover, the Fund for Urban Negro Development (FUND), STRIVE, Orbis Flying Eye Hospital and Technoserv.
He was an avid sailor, skier and tennis player, and builder of fine furniture. Above all, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Dick is survived by his wife Anne (Bogardus) and children: Martha Pomerantz (Greg) and Jennifer Gasperini, both of Minneapolis, MN, and Rick of Venice, CA, as well as his grandchildren: Sarah Petit (Reid), Atticus, Elle, Tucker, Will, Chloe, John and Eliza.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Norton Yacht Club, 23 Baywater Dr, Darien, CT 06820. All are welcome.
Harry Thomas Amyotte, a longtime resident of Darien, CT, died on August 25, 2018 while hiking in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with his family. He had a heart attack caused by an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. Harry was 55.
Harry grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1981. He attended Lawrence University on a full scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude with degrees in History and Art in 1985. Harry was recruited to Columbia University for a PhD in Modern European Intellectual History with another full scholarship. At Columbia, however, his historical study of financial markets redirected his path to New York University to pursue an MBA. He graduated with Distinction in 1990.
Harry was a member of the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of the Chippewa Nation. Professionally, Harry was a banker specializing in Corporate Finance. He worked in a number of roles at Scotia Bank in New York City for the past 20 years, and previously at Citibank and Sumitomo Bank, also in NYC.
He was known for his capital market insight and sage advice, and was a trusted advisor to many companies in the technological and media industries. Harry was admired by his colleagues for his credit acumen and sound judgment. According to his boss at Scotia, Harry was brilliant, kind-hearted, fair, and he was always, always a team player.
Harry married his hometown sweetheart, Kathryn, in 1986. Their lifelong love of music and theater began as they met in a Stoughton Middle School production of Oliver!, when Harry was “Mr. Bumble” and Kathryn was the “Milk Seller.” In high school they participated in all of the select choirs, musicals and plays (Harry was “Puck” to Kathryn’s “Hermia” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and they continued to sing together in choirs throughout their lives.
Harry and Kathryn became avid patrons of the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall and Broadway, but nothing made Harry happier or prouder than listening to and supporting Kathryn in all of her professional singing activities.
Harry was a wonderful father who adored his two children, Matthias and Marin, and his life was motivated by his devotion to his family. He never missed one of his children’s performances and always attended with a camera in hand to photograph or record. He taught his kids to always fight for a better version of their schoolwork and writing, and he was willing to sit with them to help them edit as many drafts as it took, all the way through college and graduate school. Harry inspired by example to be as fit as one possibly could be, not encouraging the kids to pursue competitive sports per se, but to encourage a lifelong love of exercise and physical fitness, from the time the kids could walk.
Harry was a prolific artist. He had his camera in his backpack every day he commuted into New York for work. He excelled in many forms of photography: street, landscape, portrait, wedding, and art. In this capacity, Harry often served the Darien community, working on projects for his church, Darien High School’s Theatre 308, and for his wife’s voice studio, among others. He had a unique ability to make beautiful images captured in the perfect light. His family and friends are grateful to continue to see the world through Harry’s eyes and the lens of his camera in the vast archive of images he created.
Dining was always a cherished event, and photos of family and friends are most often around a table for a meal that Harry, a true Epicurean gourmet, had helped to prepare and lovingly pair with a perfect wine. Harry had a meticulous palate and he delighted in discovering new flavors that would inspire guests to exclaim “Wow! What’s in this?!” Always in search of what Harry referred to as an “Umami Bomb,” recent additions to his cooking repertoire include such items as Ssäm Sauce, Colatura di Alici, Gochujang, Sambal Oelek, Smoked Shoyu, ground sumac, Maple Cayenne Hot Sauce, pomegranate molasses, and flaked Dulse, and he recently upgraded the family mortar and pestle to a deeper model more suited to grinding myriad spices for his meat-rubs.
While Harry did not relish his daily commute to NYC from Darien, it afforded him countless hours to study and contemplate; he read voraciously, fiction and non. Harry did not dabble. He became an expert in everything he set his mind on: grilling, wine, photography/printmaking, videography, filmography/cinematography, color study, home sound and lighting systems, landscaping, backcountry camping equipment and technique (the best way to hang a bear bag!) to name just a few. He was a brilliant writer and poet, and he kept a folder on his phone called “Brainstorm” to keep track of all of his ideas when they occurred to him, some deeply thoughtful, some hilarious, so he could return to them — fragments of ideas that reveal his sensitivity to the world and humanity. Harry was even writing a screenplay called “Mind the Gap,” the premise of which, in his words, was “True Happiness is possible if you pursue your true identity and calling, rather than the empty promise of material success as society values it.”
Harry was a real Renaissance Man. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, supported by hours of quiet, focused study, Harry was also very physically active, and he loved being outdoors in all kinds of athletic endeavors. A road biker from childhood, for many years he biked 17 miles each way to work. He ran on his high school’s cross-country and track teams, and he continued to love running all his life. He skated (masterfully, after years of hockey playing) on ponds the moment they froze, and he relished a “snow-day” when the trains weren’t running to Manhattan and he could strap on the cross-country skis for a tour around Waveny Park or any local golf course.
Harry was always drawn to the mountains: backpack-camping and hiking in the remote wilderness for dozens of miles in the Rockies, the Alps, the Whites, the Catskills, the Adirondacks, and segments of the Appalachian Trail, and on- and off-piste Telemark skiing in places such as Tuckerman’s Ravine at Mt. Washington and the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia. He and his wife skied the American Birkebeiner, a cross-country ski marathon. They swam together every summer in Long Island Sound, off the Darien shoreline, jiggering their work schedules around high tide when open-water long-distance swimming was best. Harry’s one indoor athletic activity was ballroom dancing, which he and Kathryn had recently taken up and were frankly surprised they enjoyed so much!
Harry, a man of deep faith, was a member of Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, for 26 years, and served the church in many capacities: he taught Sunday School, spent the past 20 years as a tenor in the Chancel Choir, was on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (Pastor Brandi Drake), attended Pastor Greg Doll’s 6:15 a.m. Bible study in NYC for over 8 years, photographed and videoed concerts, special services and children’s musicals, and most recently designed the newly remodeled chancel space in the sanctuary. He embraced and was embraced by his church community.
Family and friends captured Harry in adjectives: dear, sweet, warm, caring, kind, loving, steady, thoughtful, careful, honest, conscientious, trustworthy, intellectual, inquisitive, interested, erudite, pedantic (in a good way!), funny, insightful, creative, musical, artistic, generous, hospitable, spiritual, and faithful. Harry left a legacy of the constant pursuit of excellence and integrity. He lived an exemplary life: spectacular, but in the most unassuming way, ever willing to assume a supporting role so others could shine.
Harry is survived by his beloved and loving wife, Kathryn Amyotte, his adored children Matthias Amyotte (partner Mia D’Andrea), and Marin Amyotte Marka (husband Arthur Marka); his parents David Amyotte, Sr., and Dorothy Byrne; his siblings Michael Amyotte and Sarah Amyotte (wife Laurie Neff); a large extended family, and a multitude of friends. Harry’s brother, David Amyotte, Jr. (age 57) died less than three weeks prior to Harry, also by heart attack.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 28 in the Noroton Presbyterian Church Sky Lobby. A Celebration of Harry’s Life will be on Saturday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. in the Noroton Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to San Juan National Forest Stewardship, where a fund has been established in Harry’s memory for the maintenance and preservation of the Vallecito and Johnson Creek Trails, with the ultimate goal of replacing the bridge over Vallecito Creek which was washed away in 2006. His family believes that Harry would love for this tremendously beautiful place to be more accessible to the world. Via mail: National Forest Foundation, 390 Union Blvd, Ste 400, Denver, CO 80228-1556 — Note: San Juan National Forest Stewardship Fund in memory of Harry Amyotte. Online: https://www.nationalforests.org/give — In the “Promotional Code” field, enter “San Juan NF — Harry Amyotte.” To see some of Harry’s beautiful photos and videos, visit his websites: www.HarryAmyotte.com and www.vimeo.com/harryamyotte.
Donald Francis Hamson, age 83, of Brookfield, CT, died peacefully on August 18, 2018, after a long decline in health. He was the son of Raymond and Anna Hamson.
Donald was born and raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts along with his older brother, Raymond. Donald was the beloved husband of Denise Laking Hamson, father to Cheryl, Stephen and David and grandfather to Jack and William.
Donald met his wife in Marblehead and they dated throughout their college years. Donald and Denise were married in 1957 and enjoyed almost 60 years together in marriage. Donald graduated from Dartmouth College in 1956 where he was on the varsity football team, ice hockey team and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After graduation, Donald served as a US Naval Lieutenant and flew surveillance planes. He had a long, successful career in technology sales and marketing and held senior management positions in Honeywell, Alta Technology and NCR Corporation. He completed his career as a partner with the TransTech Group.
A resident of Darien since 1969, Donald was very active in the community. He was an avid hockey fan and coached his son Stephen’s teams for over seven years. He was a founding member of the Darien Youth Hockey and Ice Hockey Referees Associations and refereed for seventeen years. He was elected to the Representative Town Meeting and served for twenty years, including time as Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee as well as Chairman of the Park and Recreations Commission.
In recent years, Donald and Denise relocated to the Danbury area to enjoy their retirement. He was active in his local church and served as a lay minister. Donald enjoyed attending both his grandsons’ hockey and soccer games. In addition, Donald was always interested in finding a book to read, especially a good mystery. His friends and family fondly recall receiving books from Donald with the suggested “I know you’ll like this one” notes attached to them.
Donald is predeceased by his wife, Denise and daughter, Cheryl. Donald is survived by his son Stephen and wife Nancy of Darien, and son David of New Haven. He also leaves behind grandsons Jack and William Hamson.
Interment will be held at a private ceremony in Marblehead, MA.
Donations to support the Darien Youth Hockey Association in Donald’s memory may be made to Friends of DYHA, c/o DYHA Treasurer, P.O. Box 97, Darien, CT 06820.
Linda Saverine Santarella, 72, a lifelong resident of Darien, passed away on September 10, 2018. She was born September 22, 1945 in Stamford to Joseph and Josephine (D’Arrigo) Saverine. Linda graduated from Darien High School in 1963.
Linda married Fred Santarella on October 3, 1970. She coached her daughter in Lassie League and enjoyed cheering her children on at their many athletic events. She served Darien in so many different ways. She was a member of the Board of Selectmen, the first female on the Darien Police Commission, a longtime member on the RTM Planning and Zoning Committee, a member of the first Charter Revision Commission and the Downtown Task Force.
Mrs. Santarella is survived by her son Daniel of Darien, son-in-law Brian Hickey and 2 grandchildren, Sean and Evangeline of Valhalla, NY, 2 brothers Dr. Richard Saverine of Darien and Robert (Barbara) Saverine of Stamford, three nieces and two nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Frederick and her daughter Stacey.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home located at 2119 Boston Post Rd, Darien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. John’s RC Church, 1986 Post Rd in Darien. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (www.msfocus.org), and would be greatly appreciated by her family.
Jean G. Cass died after a prolonged illness at age 82 in Warren, N.J. on Sept. 7, 2018.
Formerly of Darien and Fairfield CT, she was the daughter of the late Willard & Elizabeth Giddens of Cleveland, Ohio. Brothers Warren and Paul predeceased her.
She leaves her beloved husband Albert J. Jr., loving daughters Elizabeth G., Mary R., Jean S., and son Albert J. III aka Tiger. Grandchildren Callyn, Charlotte, Aidan, Maria and Alexa.
She was a graduate of St. Mary’s College in South Bend Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name there c/o zip code 46556.
Jean was formerly president of Children’s Aid, member of the Jr. League and The Darien Players. She was also Office Manager for the christian doctrine program at St. Thomas Moore under Director Zita O’Brien; and a member of Woodway Country Club.
A mass of christian burial will take place on Friday, Sept. 21st at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Rd., Fairfield, CT.
Leslie Anne McGill, a resident in the Star Residential program in Norwalk and formerly of Darien, passed away on July 25, 2018. She was 59.
Ralph J. Perschino, who passed away in January of this year, will be honored on Saturday, September 1, 2018 by his family, friends and former students in a ceremony to be held at Tokeneke Elementary School in Darien, where Ralph served as the school’s first Principal from 1956 to 1976. The Tokeneke Totem Pole was recently restored and repainted in preparation for this event, which will begin at 4 PM and is open to the public. All those who wish to say a few words in remembrance of Ralph are encouraged to do so.
