Entered into eternal rest on July 2, 2014, Geraldine Arizzo Walsh the beloved wife of William M. Walsh (d. 1975) and adored mother of Peter J. Walsh and his wife Patricia of Aberdeen, NJ, David C. Walsh and his wife Tania of New Britain, CT, and Andrew P. Walsh and his wife Elizabeth of Darien, CT.; 3 grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at Corpus Christi Church, 234 Southern Blvd., Chatham, NJ on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00am with a reception at the Beacon Hill Club, 250 Hobart Ave., Summit, NJ at noon. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Arrangements by Bradley, Brough & Dangler Funeral Home, Summit, NJ. For more information or to send condolences, visit: www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com

Known to all as Gerry, she enjoyed a love for music and the arts and often attended performances of the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the theatre. She grew up listening to the great singers of her time and shared a passion for dancing, mystery novels, the beach and movies. She was active in her Catholic faith throughout her life.

Gerry was born in Elmhurst, NY the daughter of James Arizzo and Gabriella Cuozzo Arizzo and was raised in Jackson Heights where she attended St. Agnes High School. She went on to attend Adelphi University and graduated in 1948 with a degree in Merchandising. She was a member of Delta Gamma and was selected to Who’s Who of Women in America.

She began her career in retail at Henri Bendel of 5th Avenue and from 1948—1952 was a personal shopper at B. Altman in New York City before joining garment manufacturer J.W. Valentine Co. of New York until 1956. From 1956-1959 she worked at General Dynamics Corporation and later assisted her husband launch William M. Walsh Inc. From 1982-2005 Gerry was a receptionist at Kirby, Cooper, English, Schaul & Garvin law firm in Summit, NJ.

Following her marriage in 1959 she moved to New Jersey and from 1962-2005 lived in Summit where she was active with the Women’s Auxiliary of Overlook Hospital, Family Services Association and the Summit Lacrosse Club. In 2010 she moved to Atria Senior Living in Darien, CT.

Gerry dedicated her life to raising her three children and was a loving daughter, wife, grandmother and loyal friend. To all that knew her she will be remembered for her compassion and generosity shown to everyone who crossed her path. She will be dearly missed.

Francis G. “Buck” Rodgers died on July 1. The son of Harry L. and Hazel Grove Rodgers, Mr. Rodgers was born Aug. 18, 1926 in Alliance, Ohio. He lived in Darien for the last 46 years.

Mr. Rodgers grew up in an Irish household that included his grandparents, Anna and Francis Grove, his parents, his twin brother, and Al Byron, an adopted brother. Mr. Rodgers graduated from Alliance High School in 1944, making a mark as class officer his four years, quarterback of the football team, basketball and baseball player. He enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation, having declined an offer to play baseball with the then-St. Louis Browns. After the war, Mr. Rodgers attended Miami University where he played football under coach Woody Hayes and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. It was there that he met Helen Loucks. On their first date, he told her they would marry. They would enjoy 62 years of marriage until her death in 2013.

After graduating from Miami in 1950, Mr. Rodgers joined IBM as a sales trainee in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Rodgers was with the IBM Corporation for 34 years. Moving up the marketing ranks, Mr. Rodgers held positions as a computer special representative, a branch manager and the industry director of IBM’s banking, finance, and brokerage business. For five years, he ran the western region division, initiating creative programs to motivate the sales force. In 1967, he became president of the data processing division, the U.S. organization for all computer products and services. For 10 years, he was IBM’s vice president of marketing, responsible for worldwide marketing activities, which encompassed IBM’s domestic divisions and operations in 131 foreign countries. He was a well-regarded speaker at IBM’s 100% Clubs and Golden Circles with his signature dapper attire and effortless, yet inspirational style, his family said. Mr. Rodgers took early retirement on July 1, 1984 to pursue a career as an author and lecturer.

Renowned within the business world as a motivator, articulator of ideas, and practitioner of excellence, Rodgers was considered one the most dynamic speakers in America, his family said. His audiences spanned a wide range of business, academia, trade association, and civic groups. He was cited by USA Today as one of America’s five most requested speakers. His trademark topics included Riding The Winds of Change and The Essence of Leadership.

Mr. Rodgers’ first book, The IBM Way, was a worldwide best-seller. His second best-seller, Getting The Best Out Of Yourself and Others, serves as a practical motivational guide for the business, political, and academic worlds. He also is one of the individuals exemplified in the books The Ten Greatest Salespersons and The Perfect Sales Presentation,and quoted extensively in In Search of Excellence.

Mr. Rodgers served as director on seven corporate boards. He was named the 1987 marketing Statesman of the Year by Sales and Marketing Executives International.

In 1999, he received the lifetime achievement award from Sales and Marketing Executives International. Ohio State University honored Mr. Rodgers as the first recipient of the Arthur Cullman Award for enhancing the relationship between business and academia. He was a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow and a Purdue University Old Masters Program participant. Mr. Rodgers was honored with a doctor of laws from his alma mater, Miami University in 1982, and honorary doctorates from Hartwick College, Mt. Union University and St. Thomas Aquinas College. He received the keys to both the city of his birth, Alliance, Ohio and Fairfield, Ohio, the home of Mercantile Stores.

An accomplished golfer, Mr. Rodgers won seven club championships at four different clubs, made numerous holes-in-one, and shot his age for at least a decade. He was a member of Wee Burn Country Club in Darien and both Windsor and Johns Island Club in Vero Beach, Fla. He excelled in tennis and was a dedicated runner.

Mr. Rodgers inspired many individuals in business and throughout his personal life. That legacy will continue through the Buck Rodgers Leadership Program at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business. Its mission is to “transform the business students of today and build the passionate leaders of tomorrow.”

Mr. Rodgers was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Helen L. Rodgers and his daughter-in-law, Linda Browne Rodgers. He is survived by his three children, Christy Ann Rodgers of Snowmass Village, Colo., Scott Francis Rodgers of Indianapolis, Ind., and Kathy Rodgers Heckert of Ridgefield; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; his twin brother, William H. Rodgers of Mission Viejo, Calif., three nephews and one niece.

On July 17 at 11 a.m., a mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Parish, 1986 Post Road, followed by burial at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. Memorial donations in Mr. Rodgers’s memory may be made to the Buck Rodgers Leadership Program, Attn: Kirk Bogard, Farmer School of Business, Miami University, 800 High Street, Oxford, OH 45056.

— by The Darien Times

Anne Lehr Bigelow, a former resident of Darien, died Thursday, June 12, in Hudson, Fla.; she was 93, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her, her family said.

Born in 1920 in Lebanon, Penn., she was the daughter of Charles Ellis and Mae M. Lehr. She grew up in Bethlehem, Pa., where she attended Liberty High School, and she earned an associate’s degree from Moravian College in 1940. She then worked briefly at Weston-Dodson Coal Company and at Bethlehem Steel Company.

During World War II, Anne Lehr enlisted in the Navy in 1942 as one of the initial group of WAVES. She became one of the first female Navy officers, serving in the Navy intelligence office; she also was the model for a Navy recruiting advertisement that appeared in national magazines and on posters.

In 1943, Ensign Lehr married another Navy officer, Lt. Benjamin Bigelow; they were married for more than 62 years. She was discharged from the Navy in 1944, and returned to Bethlehem while her husband continued to serve overseas. After the war, they moved initially to Lynn, Mass., and then to the New York area, eventually settling in Darien in 1962. In addition to raising a family, Mrs. Bigelow provided administrative support for her husband’s business, served as office manager for Corbin Development Co., became a licensed realtor, and managed the Darien office for Paul Dauk Associates; she also was active in the First Congregational Church. They retired to Florida in 1977.

Mrs. Bigelow was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, devoted to her family and friends, her family said.

In her retirement years, she was an avid reader, bridge player, and golfer, winning club trophies even in her 80’s.

Mrs. Bigelow is survived by a daughter, Karin Bigelow Faber, and her husband George, of Kennett Square, Pa.; a son Jonathan Bigelow and his wife Mariann, of Wilton; and a son Peter Bigelow and his wife Margaret, of Darien. Mrs. Bigelow is also survived by six grandchildren, Dr. Sara Faber Adler of Huntersville, N.C., Jake Faber of Kennett Square, Pa., Emily Bigelow of Columbus, Ohio, Catherine Bigelow of Darien, James Bigelow of Wilton, and David Bigelow of Darien; and one great-grandchild, Benjamin Adler of Huntersville, N.C. She was predeceased by her husband, Benjamin; a son, Benjamin Jr.; a grandson, Benjamin Faber; and her brother, Charles Ellis Lehr Jr.

A memorial service is planned for later this summer. Memorial donations may be made to the Benjamin Faber Memorial Scholarship Fund, West Chester University Foundation, P.O. Box 541, West Chester, PA 19381.

— by The Darien Times

Teresa M. Laird, age 83, died July 17th at the Notre Dame Nursing Home in Norwalk.  Terry was born September 18, 1930 in Philadelphia to the late John and Helen McNamee.  Terry was married to Gerald (Jerry) Laird for 58 years.  They moved to Rowayton in 1959.

Terry graduated from the Holy Child Academy in Sharon Hill, PA.  She worked at The Bulletin after graduation.  Terry and Jerry met in Cape May, NJ and after marrying lived in Pittsburgh and then Dobbs Ferry.  Terry worked for many years at Surgical Associates in Westport.

As well as her husband, Terry leaves behind a son, Robert of Falmouth, MA and daughter, Dana of Rowayton.

Edward Lawrence Funeral Home at 2119 Post Road Darien will receive friends from 5-8 on Wednesday July 23rd.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at on Thursday, July 24th at 11 am at St. John’s Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rowayton Historical Society, PO Box 106, Rowayton, CT 06853 or the Rowayton Art Center, 145 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853.

Interment will be private.

Juliette Blanchard Gidley, 26, a former longtime resident of Darien and current resident of Middlebury, died suddenly at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury on Friday, July 18.

Born Sept. 6, 1987 at Stamford Hospital, Ms. Gidley was the daughter of Carley Tankoos of Norwalk and Fenton Gidley of Los Angeles, both formerly of Darien.

When Ms. Gidley was diagnosed with Angelman’s Syndrome at the age of 2, she was one of only 56 Americans diagnosed as such. She and her family were involved in the formation of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

Ms. Gidley always had a smile, a hug and a laugh for those she loved, her family said. She never met a box of Cheerios she didn’t like. Ms. Gidley began her love of horseback riding with the Pegasus program at the age of 4, and continued to be an avid horseback rider throughout her life. She enjoyed working with the animals at Smith Stables in Oxford, alongside her close friend, Lou Matule at Oakville. Ms. Gidley attended Bidwell Center, where she had many friends. She spent summers at Camp Harkness, exploring in and out of the water (as she loved the water) and maintaining her friendships over the past 20 years. Ms. Gidley lived the last years of her life with her extended family at her house on Artillery Road, where she will be missed beyond words.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Gidley is survived by her brother, Eric Gidley of Stamford, and also Kenneth G. Kolok of Byram, who loved her like a daughter. She will be missed by her cousins: on the Tankoos side, Ryan, Grant, Kayte and Sarah, and on the Gidley side, Emilie, Mason and Meg, as well as by her aunts and uncles on both sides.

There will be a celebration of her life held at Noroton Presbyterian Chapel on Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow. There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Camp Harkness Fund, 301 Great Neck Rd., Waterford, CT 06385.

Walter Kidde II of Darien and Hobe Sound, FL died July 21st. He was 85. It was announced by his long time companion, Ann Dorrell, also of Darien. He was born on August 14, 1928 the son of Ervin Hence and Walter Kidde.

Mr. Kidde also known as Skip, graduated from St. Lawerence University. He joined the army in the 82nd Air-borne Division as a paratrooper. Then he worked in construction for his grandfather, who invented the fire extinguisher.

The Kidde Corp. became a billion conglomerate, the world’s largest manufacturer of fire safety products. Skip built the Johnson & Johnson plant in Europe where he continued working for the Kidde Corp. Skip loved sailing and started a small business on the Jersey Shore. He also spent his summers sailing in West Hampton Beach, NY.

The memorial service will be August 6th, 11am at the Summer Chapel in Quogue, NY.

Simon Stoler died at Albany (NY) Memorial Hospital on July 31, 2014 at the age of 93.  Born in White Plains, NY on December 5, 1920,  Simon moved to the Noroton Heights neighborhood of Darien, CT when his father, Louis, opened Stoler’s in 1923.  After graduating from Darien High School and serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII, Simon and his older brother Bill ran the store until it was sold in the mid-1970s.

Stoler’s was a Darien institution for decades.  Simon was touched to hear how many people remembered the store and remembered him with affection when his daughter posted last year on the “You Know You Are From Darien” Facebook Page.

Over the past thirty years, Simon and his dog Skipper moved several times in order to stay close to his children and grandchildren, residing in the Boston area; Boca Raton, FL; Milford, CT; and finally in Stephentown, NY where he lived with his daughter, Beth Everett.

Simon also spent time volunteering for organizations where his business skills and gregarious nature proved an asset.  In Boston, he was honored by the Wang Center for the Performing Arts (now known as CITI Performing Arts Center) for his work and received similar recognition for his efforts on behalf of the Boca Raton Historical Society in Florida.

Simon always maintained his sense of humor and loved talking with people (and charming them). He was a voracious reader, particularly of history, enjoyed music, the theater and spending time with his family.  A devoted baseball fan his entire life, Willie Mays always remained his favorite player.  Later in life he became a Red Sox fan to the delight of his son and chagrin of his daughter.

Simon’s siblings William Stoler, Freda Latwin and Ruth Saxon preceded him in death.  He is survived by his children, Beth Everett and her husband Brad, of Stephentown, NY;  Mark Stoler and his wife Barbara, of Orange, CT; and three grandchildren, Zoe, Genevieve and Nick.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. of Troy, NY

To express condolences online please visit Simon’s everlasting memorial tribute page at: www.TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com

— By the Family

James William Brameier was born April 3, 1921 to Laura Viola Belle Turner Brameier and William Henry Brameier in Vevay, Indiana and passed away July 24, 2014 in Clearwater, Florida at the age of 93.

Jim grew up in Florence, IN with his older sisters Marguerite and Alice. He attended Patriot High School and graduated from Purdue University in 1942 with a BS degree in Chemical Engineering.

He went to work for Texaco, Inc. in New York City in refinery design and management. He had a two year tour with the US Navy 1944-46 and returned to Texaco after an Honorable Discharge. In 1972 he transferred within the company to the Refining International department and in 1976 into Marketing in Europe, South America, and the Middle East. He retired from Texaco in 1983 after 41 years of service.

Jim married Constance Marilyn Leon, “Connie,” in 1949, and moved to Darien, Connecticut to raise their family, becoming a New Haven railroad commuter to the city. They had four children and were founding members of the Country Club of Darien where they actively participated in tennis and golf and the Merry-Go-Round dance group.

When Jim retired they moved to Eastlake Woodlands in Oldsmar, Florida and enjoyed 30 years of retirement life in the golf course as well as travelled the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. Five years ago they moved to Regency Oaks, a senior living facility in Clearwater, Florida. Jim was always an avid reader, a crossword puzzle master, and loved to play poker and bridge.

He was preceded in death by his lifetime love and wife, Connie. He is survived by his four children, Constance Ann Brameier of New York City, Marylou B. Anderson of Weatherford, TX, Jeffrey W. Brameier of Wilton, CT, and Kathryn L. Mikukencak as well as 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who all know he was the best father, a trusted friend, and a kind and gentle man, who will be missed but never forgotten.

— By the Family

Janina M. Peliksza died on June 30, in Valrico, Fla. Born in 1924 in Poland, she married Stanley Peliksza, a U.S. Army soldier working with UNRRA in Germany in 1945 and immigrated to the United States, where she raised six children in Darien.

After moving with her family to Florida in 1975, Mrs. Peliksza, often referred to as “the cookie lady,” owned Chateau Chocolat in Brandon, Fla. during the 1980s. Preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; son, Gary; and daughter, Rosemarie (John) Sunden, she is survived by four children, Ken Peliksza, Janine Peliksza, Jim (Ashlee) Peliksza, Lisa (Bill) Hernandez; two grand-children, Christine and Jay (Aly) Sunden; and one niece, Jasia (Leszek) Zaremba. Private burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 8.

 — by The Darien Times

Lori Moody, A.K.A. Mary Dolores Hanley Moody, a resident of Stamford and former longtime resident of Darien, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014 in Stamford. Born in Clarksburg, W.V., she was the daughter of the late Agnes Harkins and Charles Robert Hanley.

Lori graduated from DeSales Heights Academy in West Virginia, received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut.

She was an Executive Producer for N.W. Ayer and winner of two CLIO Awards, a Bravo Award and an International Broadcasting Award for television commercials produced for major advertisers.  Later after raising children, she owned MVP Productions and acted as a writer, producer and Director of Business to Business Infomercials for many clients including Brinks, Reebok Shoes, Waldenbooks, political clients and non-profits including Stamford Hospital, CT Food Bank and Person to Person.

Lori was president of the CT Press Club; Hindley School, PTA president; Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club president; Mather Junior High School PTA president; Darien High School PTA president; CT Communicator of Achievement and CT Press Club.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Freeman Moody, Jr. and a brother C. Robert Hanley.  She is survived by three children, Charles F. Moody, III of Stamford; David A Moody of San Francisco; and Allison (Lisi) Moody Rutledge and her husband Jeff Rutledge of Darien and their two daughters, Lauren Hanley Rutledge and Carly Margaret Rutledge.  She is survived by her brother Charles Robert Hanley’s widow, Margaret of Naples, FL;  brother Michael David and his wife Sara Hanley of SW Ranches, FL; and eight nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien on Thursday, August 14, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 11:00 AM.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lori’s memory to “Save the Sound” 142 Temple Street, Suite 305, New Haven, CT  06510, (203)787-0646 or The ALS Association – 1275 K Street NW – Suite 250 – Washington, DC 20005

William Nason “Bill” Sammis, 83, passed away July 29 in Pocasset, Massachusetts.

Bill was born in 1930 at Stamford Hospital, the son of Grant Sammis and Edith Nason Sammis. He resided in Darien through college and Simsbury in the early years of his insurance career eventually returning to Darien to raise his children, Bruce and Laura.

He attended Holmes Elementary School, graduating from Darien High School, Class of ‘49 where he excelled at football as a star quarterback. He was also basketball point guard and baseball pitcher known to his friends as “Skip.” He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal during the Korean War, stationed in Germany running a special sports program under the direction of a top general for his fellow soldiers. Upon discharge, he entered the Trinity Pauling School post-graduate program and went on to four years at Hobart College, Geneva, NY graduating with the class of ‘56 where he was also a star quarterback. He started his insurance career with Travelers Insurance in Hartford.

After 18 years at Travelers, he was offered a position at Johnson & Higgins in New York City. The last years of his career were with Johnson & Higgins and the joint venture known as J&H/KVI, Inc. as a senior vice president. His expertise was group employee benefits and some of his more notable accounts were with Bell South, TWA and IBM. Bill remained an active consultant to the firm to 74 years old relied upon as a skilled deal closer. Bill was a very accomplished golfer and belonged to Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston and more recently The Landings at Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA and The Pocasett Golf Club on Cape Cod.

Bill is survived by his wife of 18 years, Judith Kane Redmond Sammis, his former wife Pauline “Polly” Anderson Sammis, Bradenton, FLA, his two children: Bruce Anderson Sammis of Dallas, TX, his wife Sarah Spencer Sammis, three granddaughters, Perri Sammis Brighiu and her husband Emanuel, Paige Anderson Sammis and Parker Nason Sammis; his daughter Laura Sammis Pearce of Atlanta, GA, her husband Thomas McCallum Pearce, Jr., his granddaughter Anderson McGuire Pearce and grandson Thomas McCallum Pearce III. Bill is also survived by his four step-children, Paul J. Redmond Jr. of Atkinson, NH, Kelly Redmond of Arlington, MA, Maura Redmond of Lexington, MA and Meaghan Redmond Winokur, her husband James of Wayland, MA and two step granddaughters, Laine Winokur and Alicia Winokur.

A memorial service will be held at Story Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA on Saturday August 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM.

Dr. Herman R. Schoenwald of Rowayton (twenty six years and formerly of Darien), passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2014. He was born on February 5, 1932 to the late Herman and Minnie Schoenwald in Binghamton, NY. He attended Greenwich High School and Fordham University, and then received his medical degree from Georgetown University in 1958. Dr. Schoenwald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan Schoenwald, their four children, Catherine, Carl, Christine and Clare, their seven grandchildren, Megan, Caroline, Victoria, Jordi, Emily, Emerson and Christopher, and their great-grandson, Samuel.

Dr. Schoenwald was a captain in the United States Air Force, where he served as a physician at Sembach Air Base in Germany. He then went into the family practice of medicine in Darien, CT and later specialized in adolescent and adult psychiatry, completing his residency at Yale University in 1970. In addition to his lengthy private practice of psychiatry in Darien (1972-2007), Dr. Schoenwald held positions as Chief of Psychiatry at St. Joseph’s Hospital (1987-1999); as attending physician, medical student/resident teacher, and Medical Board Member at Stamford Hospital; and as consultant and Medical Board Member at Courtland Gardens Health Center.

In his leisure time, Dr. Schoenwald was an avid fisherman and supporter of the Long Island Sound. For over a decade, he and his family were members of the Middlesex Club and the Darien Boat Club. “Doc,” as he is known at Norwalk’s Ischoda Yacht Club, rose in the ranks, culminating with terms as Vice Commodore and Commodore and served on Ischoda’s Board of Governors. In his retirement, Doc volunteered at the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and the Tully Health Center.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road on Friday, August 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Church located at 1986 Post Road, Darien . Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information, see www.lawrencefuneralhome.com or telephone (203) 655-6127. 

In lieu of flowers, his wife, Joan, requests donations be made to the Maritime Aquarium at maritimeaquariaum.org/support/donation-opportunities or Save the Sound at ctenvironment.org/save-the-sound.

— by the Family

Mary Carriero Russo, a resident of Darien, died on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Stamford Hospital. Born May 2, 1919 in Port Chester, New York, she was the daughter of the late John and Vita (Colangelo) Carriero. She was 95. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, her family said.

She is survived by her husband, Angelo J. Russo of Darien; her three children, Theresa Kranyak of Maryland, Grace Hanafee of Norwalk and Anthony Russo of Florida. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Debra Requa of Maryland; Michael Frate and James Nyberg both of Norwalk; Karen Marino and Dean Russo both of Fairfield; and Jason Russo of Georgia; seven great grandchildren and a sister Rosemarie Nomack of Seymour.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 10 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. lawrencefuneralhome.com

John B. McKitterick, born October 24, 1919, in Cleveland, Ohio, died peacefully in his Darien home on August 15th. Jack attended Amherst College, graduating in the class of 1941 and went on to gain a MBA at Harvard Business School before serving in the Army state side during WWII. His entire working career was spent at General Electric, first in Cleveland and later in New York City where he rose to be a Vice President.

He is survived by Norah C. Sanchez of Darien, his certified-home health-aide. Also surviving him are his two sons by his wife, the late Therese McKitterick, William George McKitterick II of Washington D.C. and Tom McKitterick of New York, and by his grandchildren, Simone McKitterick, Victoria McKitterick and William G. McKitterick III. Services will be private.

— by the Family

Joan M. Waggner, 70, of Darien, Connecticut died Tuesday, August 26, 2014, in Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard. Born March 21, 1944, in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late James Francis and Marianne Pauline Mumaw. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Charles E. Waggner, in December 2013.

Joan graduated in 1963 from SUNY at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Joan began her professional career as an elementary school teacher and, in 1977, became a licensed real estate broker. She moved to Darien in 1980, where she was a fixture in the Darien real estate community for the next 34 years. She earned a number of credentials and awards over the course of her long career, while also serving a term as a director for the Darien Board of Realtors.

Joan cherished her family, friends, and dogs. She could be seen almost every morning at Cove Beach, walking J.P., Dixie or Wheeler. She even dabbled in the professional show dog world and ribboned her first time in the ring as a dog handler. She was a member of Wee Burn Country Club and recently played on the Club’s champion bowling team. Many of her most treasured times were with family. She loved swimming in the warm tropical waters on the biennial Waggner Family Vacations and exploring the world with her husband of 33 years, Chuck. She would often travel to Boston on a moment’s notice to care for her grandchildren, including most recently her beloved Dax, who was born in March 2013.

She is survived by her daughter Christine Card Weitzel and her husband Richard of Needham, MA; her daughter Torrey E. Card of Hingham, MA; and her six step-children, Bob, Sharon, Nancy, Mark, Ellen & David Waggner and 11 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jean and her husband Keith Ennis of Amherst, NH.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 2nd at the Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien, CT.

There will be a private family interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Memorials may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 or visit their website at http://www.guidedog.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.

Pieter Johannes Hoets, a 31-year resident of Darien, died on Aug. 28, at Stamford Hospital. He was 93 years old and remained active until his last days. He was born in the Netherlands, a veteran of World War II, an attorney, a naturalized U.S. citizen, and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, his family said.

Mr. Hoets was born on April 24, 1921 in The Hague, the Netherlands. He was the second child of the late Pieter P. H. Hoets and the late Jeannette Hoets- Semster of The Hague and formerly of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His older brother was the late Dr. Hendrik W. Hoets of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands.

Mr. Hoets grew up in The Hague, the Netherlands and attended the Netherlands Lyceum high school. After graduating high school, he studied law at the University of Leiden, completing his L.L.M. law degree shortly after the outbreak of World War II.

On May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the Netherlands. As a patriot, Mr. Hoets joined the Dutch Resistance, gathering intelligence for the Allies and disrupting German occupation. When the Nazis captured the leader of Mr. Hoets’ resistance group, Mr. Hoets eluded Nazi pursuit and escaped to neutral Sweden. He reported to the Dutch Embassy in Stockholm, providing intelligence briefs. Via a B-24 Liberator aircraft of the United States Army Air Forces, Mr. Hoets was flown from Sweden to the United Kingdom. In London, England, he joined the Netherlands East Indies Army, Special Operations Bureau. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he worked in Dutch Sector intelligence and security, under Allied Command.

After World War II, he attended Yale Law School, in New Haven, and obtained a Masters in Law. He returned to the Netherlands and worked in the legal department of K.L.M. Royal Dutch Airlines.

In 1953, he married Geertjen De Decker of The Hague. The next year, Mr. Hoets, Geertjen, and their young son Hendrik immigrated to the United States, where they eventually naturalized as American citizens in 1961. Their second son, Anthony, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. At the University School, Shaker Heights, Ohio, Mr. Hoets taught Latin and history, while he completed legal studies at the Cleveland Marshall Law School, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree (cum laude) in preparation for the Ohio State Bar exam.

After passing the Ohio State Bar, he joined the Coca-Cola Export Corporation. As its general consul, he worked in New York, N.Y. and eventually transferred to London, England, from where traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, directing the legal affairs of the company. After retiring from the Coca-Cola Corporation, he worked as an attorney at Jones Day law firm and Reid and Priest law firm in New York, N.Y. After Reid and Priest, he joined an international legal team commissioned by the Philippines Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) and recovered a portion of the ill-gotten wealth that the former Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos had accumulated and stashed away in secret bank accounts around the globe.

Sharing his time, energy, and knowledge, Mr. Hoets was an active member in several associations and clubs.

He was the former president of The Netherland Club of New York, N.Y., the former president of the Anne Frank Center, New York, N.Y., and was a member of the Netherland — America Foundation, New York, N.Y. In addition, he was a member of the Tokeneke Club, Darien, the Darien Senior Men’s Club, the Special Forces Club, London, England, and The Hague Cricket and Soccer Club. In his most cherished association, he was an active member of the Englandvaarders Association; the group of Dutch men and women who escaped Nazi occupied Holland and joined the Allies to carry on the fight against the tyranny of Nazi Germany.

For his services to the Netherlands, Mr. Hoets was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, under Royal patronage. For his efforts in World War II, the Netherlands awarded him military medals including the 1940-1945 War Cross, the Cross of Merritt, and the Resistance Memorial Cross. He was also awarded the Cross of the European Confederation of Former Combatants. With a strong passion for writing and a deep interest in history, Mr. Hoets authored five books published in the Dutch language, chronicling his adventures and interests: Vrijgevaren! (1976), Englandspiel Ontmaskkerd (1990), Spookspoor naar Moskou (1996) De Yale Connection (2000), and Buitengaats! (2006).

As a sportsman, he participated as an athlete in rowing, soccer, cricket, and field hockey. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting with his older brother Hendrik. Mr. Hoets regularly attended his grandchildren’s ice hockey, field hockey, and football games. Despite a bitter cold December day with 17 degrees temperature, Mr. Hoets attended the 2011 Connecticut State High School Class LL Championship football game between Staples and Xavier High Schools at Rentschler Field, East Hartford.

He is survived by his  wife, Geertjen Hoets – De Decker of Darien – their marriage spanned 61 years – and his two sons, Hendrik P. Hoets of Westport, and Anthony W. Hoets of New York, N.Y., and two grandchildren Jeannette U. Hoets, and Pieter B. Hoets. In addition, he is survived by his nephew, Pieter, A. Hoets of New Canaan, and niece, Hetteke Hoets of Amsterdam, and their respective children including Erik, Paul, and Anniek, Pieter’s life serves as an inspiration and example for all of us, his family said. Family, friends, and neighbors will always remember Pieter’s good nature, optimism, determination, smile, and laughter.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, a private memorial service will be held for Pieter J. Hoets, in Darien.

Memorial donations can be made in his name to Darien EMS Post 53, P.O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820.

— by The Darien Times

Joan M. Waggner, 70, of Darien, Connecticut died Tuesday, August 26, 2014, in Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard. Born March 21, 1944, in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of the late James Francis and Marianne Pauline Mumaw. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Charles E. Waggner, in December 2013.

Joan graduated in 1963 from SUNY at Cortland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. Joan began her professional career as an elementary school teacher and, in 1977, became a licensed real estate broker. She moved to Darien in 1980, where she was a fixture in the Darien real estate community for the next 34 years. She earned a number of credentials and awards over the course of her long career, while also serving a term as a director for the Darien Board of Realtors.

Joan cherished her family, friends, and dogs. She could be seen almost every morning at Cove Beach, walking J.P., Dixie or Wheeler. She even dabbled in the professional show dog world and ribboned her first time in the ring as a dog handler. She was a member of Wee Burn Country Club and recently played on the Club’s champion bowling team. Many of her most treasured times were with family. She loved swimming in the warm tropical waters on the biennial Waggner Family Vacations and exploring the world with her husband of 33 years, Chuck. She would often travel to Boston on a moment’s notice to care for her grandchildren, including most recently her beloved Dax, who was born in March 2013.

She is survived by her daughter Christine Card Weitzel and her husband Richard of Needham, MA; her daughter Torrey E. Card of Hingham, MA; and her six step-children, Bob, Sharon, Nancy, Mark, Ellen & David Waggner and 11 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Jean and her husband Keith Ennis of Amherst, NH.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 2nd at the Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien, CT.

There will be a private family interment at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Memorials may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 or visit their website at http://www.guidedog.org.

— by the Family

Henry “Clay” Hines Sr., a former Darien resident, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Aug. 23 at his home in Bethel. He was the husband of Ellen Perrine Hines. They have three children; Henry Mr. Hines Jr., Conner Campbell, and Cayley Marie Hines.

Mr. Hines was born in Stamford, on April 8, 1956, son of Gordon and Priscilla Blaikie Hines and grew up in Darien. He attended the King School in Stamford, and then went on to graduate from The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville. He spent many happy years visiting and working with his family on Holiday Farm in New Harford.Mr. Hines and his wife met at Cornell University where he sometimes studied civil engineering and received his master’s degree in structural engineering. He was an active member of Theta Delta Chi Fraternity at Cornell and loved to play his music there as well as help plan house parties. He and Ellen were married in 1982 in Centerport, Long Island. They liked to say they took their retirement in their 20’s while their knees still worked — hiking, biking, and cross skiing in Vermont and Maine on weekends, traveling in Europe and the Caribbean, and playing lots of volleyball with friends.

He has been with The DiSalvo Engineering Group in Ridgefield, since 1983 and as a principal since 1995. He worked on many local projects, including Bethel Middle School, Church of St. Mary in Bethel and the Ridgefield Library, to name a few. He thrived on designing and building things; solving problems and talking to people. He loved his job and his partners there.

In addition to his wife and three children he is survived by siblings Pam Monroe Dekker of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, Nancy H Senftleben of Westport, Gordon Hines of New Hartford, Blaikie Hines of Thomaston, Maine, brother and sister-in-law, Gerard Perrine of Potomac, Md. and Stacey P. Sass of Annapolis, Md. and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary Church in Bethel on Aug. 28. Cremation will be private.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, CT Affiliate 5 Brookside Dr., P.O Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492-7522

— by The Darien Times

Dorothy Shepard Clements, age 88, of Norwalk, formerly of Darien, died on Aug. 22 at Atria Darien Senior Living. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, James R. Clements, on April 11, 2010.

Mrs. Clements was born November 27, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Wallace E. and Dorothy J. Shepard. She graduated from the Ethel Walker School and from Finch College.

She was a volunteer at the Stamford Hospital and with Person-to Person and the Stephen Ministry at St. Luke’s Parish in Darien.

She is survived by her three children, James G. Clements of Bridgeport, Nancy J. Clements of New York, NY, and Francine C. Hulbert of New Canaan; her three grandchildren, Carolyn H. Hulbert of New York, NY, Benjamin J. Clements of Darien, and Christopher W. Hulbert of Norwalk; and her great-grandchild, Alena R. Clements

There will be a service in celebration of her life on Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Parish, Darien.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Parish.

— The Darien Times

Anthony Francis Lovello, Jr., a lifelong resident of Stamford, died Friday, September 5, 2014 at Stamford Hospital after an extended period of failing health. He was 82.

Born on July 2, 1932, he was the son of the late Anthony F. Lovello, Sr. and Catherine Vitti Lovello. Educated in Stamford schools, he was a graduate of Stamford High School, Class of 1950. He was a standout baseball catcher and a passionate San Francisco Giants fan who was given a tryout by the former Boston Braves of Major League Baseball. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force, stationed at Wheelus Air Base in Tripoli, Libya. He was fortunate to continue playing baseball while serving, playing for the Tripoli Nomads. He was honorably discharged as an Airman First Class. Upon his return to Stamford, he played baseball for the Stamford Advocate. He was a founding member of the Stingers bocce team, enjoying many years of playing as part of the Stamford Bocce League at Scalzi Park.

Anthony was a voracious reader, loved to talk all things sports, and always had the house and backyard on Oakdale Road “ready-to-go” with cold beer and great conversation.

He was employed for many years as a manufacturing manager at Digitech in Ridgefield before leaving to establish Oakdale Maintenance, a commercial custodial services firm. He retired as the owner of Cove Liquors on Cove Road in Stamford.

Anthony is survived by his children, Duane, and his wife Gayle, of Trumbull; his daughter, Jill, of Stamford; his daughter, Christine, and her wife, Laura, of Monroe; his daughter, Susan Iacovacci, and her husband, Tom, of Stamford; his grandchildren, Michael and Stephen Lovello; Matthew, Samuel, and Raeanne Iacovacci; Charlie Sullivan; and his brother and closest friend, Richard, with whom he resided. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife, Carol, and sisters, Joyce and Loretta.

The family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to the dedicated and caring staff of Stamford Hospital and Masonicare as they ensured Anthony’s dignity and comfort throughout this ordeal.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien. Relatives and friends may call at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford on Monday, September 8, 2014 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. To leave a condolence visit lacerenzafuneralhome.com.

-By the family