Obituary Pending.

Tyler James Stuart, 24, passed away  February 9, 2019 unexpectedly at his home.

Born on September 11, 1994 in Norwalk, Ct, he was the youngest of three children born to Steve and Sharon Stuart. Tyler spent most of his life living in New Canaan where he graduated from New Canaan High School in 2013.

As a child, Tyler loved swimming and diving at the town pool, skateboarding with his friends, going to concerts with his sister and watching WWE with his brother.
In recent years, Tyler loved anything that had to do with cars. From the engine to the detailing, to racing and everything in-between, it was his passion. He loved detailing his dads motorcycle and hanging out with his mom in the kitchen. He had an appreciation for great music and enjoyed writing his own from time to time. He loved going out with his girlfriend, watching sports, and screaming at the TV during every UFC event.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Steven and Sharon Stuart; brother Bryan Stuart and longtime partner Betsy Winslow, sister Megan Stuart, nieces Valerie and Zoey Stuart of Norwalk Ct; Grandmothers Jane Stuart of Norwalk Ct and Lola Palombo of Naples Florida, many beloved cousins and friends as well as his girlfriend Tori Ruocco of Norwalk Ct.

He is predeceased by his Grandfathers Donald L Stuart of Norwalk, Ct and William Palombo of Mesa, Arizona. He is also predeceased by his Uncles Donald Stuart of Norwalk, Ct and Charles Stuart of Darien, Ct.

Friends may call, Thursday February 14 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home. 92 East Avenue, Norwalk Ct.

Susan L. Zappo, 67, of Westport passed away peacefully on February 12, 2019.

Born in Glenridge, NJ, on July 25, 1951 she was the daughter of the late Louis and Philomena Taylor Zappo.

Susan is survived by her sister Christine McConnell of New York.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 22, at 10:00 AM St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Susan will be buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ.

Greta E. Slavitt, a long time resident of Norwalk, died February 14th after battling a long illness. She had a loving and exciting marriage with her husband Bob full of travel, fine dining and dear friends with whom she loved to be connected with. Greta is predeceased by her husband Robert A Slavitt and beloved son Joshua J Slavitt.

Survivors include her daughter Vicki Perez and son in-law Alvin Perez of Norwalk. Sister Marcia Kaplin and brother in-law Arnold Kaplin of Alexandria VA, Daughter in-law Kelly Slavitt of Irvington, NY. In addition she had five grandchildren Jenna, Maxwell, Ryan, Liam and Millie and a great granddaughter Amira whom she loved very much.

A Memorial wake will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 10:00AM to 12:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Despina Stefanides, 89, of Norwalk passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Born in Greece on October 26, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Alexandros and Efthia Alexandrides.

Despina is survived by her two children Sotiria Roula Stefanidis and her husband Paul Fotiadis and Stefanos Stefanidis and his wife Ester. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lazaros and Valentina.

A Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 18, at 10:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rock Road, Norwalk. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk. Friends may call at the church one hour before the funeral.

Obituary Pending

On Monday February 18, 2019 Barbara A. Brzostek passed away at Norwalk hospital after having Alzheimer’s. She was the wife of Chester Brzostek.

Barbara was born on Long Island July 17, 1942, the daughter of Alfred Axman and Eleanor Kneiper. She was raised in Stamford Connecticut and graduated from Stamford high School class of 1960. Barbara graduated from Berkeley secretarial School in White plains New York. She worked as an administrative assistant and scheduler in the corporate and medical / dental field. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed bowling and gardening.

Barbara is survived by her husband Chester, son Michael, and two grandchildren, and her sister Linda Fauci.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 22nd, 2019 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at the Collins funeral home 92 East avenue Norwalk Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s association Connecticut chapter, 200 executive boulevard suite 4B southington Connecticut 06489 or on their website alz.org.

Thelma Jean Cruz, 62, wife of Jose M. Cruz of Trumbull entered into eternal rest Monday, February 25, 2019.

Born in Norwalk on June 13, 1956 she was the daughter of John and Margaret (Blake) Puskas. Thelma dedicated her life to her family especially her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her mother and husband, Thelma is survived by her children; Nelly Jean Claudio and her husband William of Bridgeport, Jose S. Cruz and his wife Jennifer of Trumbull, Christina Cruz and her lifelong partner David of Trumbull, Stephaine Berrios and her husband Marcelino of Bridgeport, grandchildren; Ezekiel Cruz, D.J. and Evonna Claudio, Genesis, Michaela, and Anaia Claudio and Mariahlynn Berrios, her sister Sue and brother Jimmy, niece and nephew, several cousins and close friends.

Thelma was also predeceased in life by her beloved father and her brother John Puskas, Jr.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, March 2, at 1:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.

Joseph Leo Altman of Norwalk, CT and South Salem, NY died on February 28, 2019 after a difficult illness that he handled with great dignity and courage. Joseph is survived by his loving wife Patricia. He is predeceased by his first wife Mary Jane, with whom he had four children still living: Denise, Mark, Donna, and Eric. He also is survived by one step son, Father Benedict Nivakoff, O.S.B. and Joseph’s brother in law John Clark.

Joseph was a master carpenter and builder for over 40 years. After he retired he served the Convent of St. Birgitta in Darien as their estate manager. He was not only a loving husband, buy also devoted to these nuns and happily provided any service needed above and beyond his day to day responsibilities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 2, at 10:30 Am at St. Mary Church, 669 West Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Convent of St. Birgitta, Darien.

Theofilos Papadopoulos, 73, husband of Galene Apazidis Papadopoulos of Norwalk, Ct. passed away March 2, 2019.

Born in Kavala, Greece on September 5, 1945 he was the son of the late Georgios and Aphroditi Papadopoulos. Brother to Anastasios, Haralambos, Sofia, Nikolaos and Dimitris Papadopoulos.

In addition to his wife Galene, Theofilos is survived by his three children: Anastasia Papadopoulos Andrea and her husband Alex Andrea; Afrodite Papadopoulos Konstantinidis and her husband George Konstantinidis; and George Papadopoulos. And four grandchildren: Erini and Niko Andrea, Ilias and Elisavet Konstantinidis.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 5th, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gifted to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport Ct.

Theofilos will be returning to his beloved homeland to rest peacefully side-by-side with his deceased parents and three brothers, funeral services and burial will take place in Kavala,Greece.

Ronald Winthrop, age 80, of Stafford Springs, CT, formerly of Norwalk, CT passed away on March 2, 2019 at Douglas Manor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Windham, CT after a 7 month battle with liver cancer.

Born in Georgetown, MA on June 14, 1938, he was the son of the late Helen Begin and Norman Winthrop. He graduated in 1956 from Central Senior High School, Providence, RI.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Silva (Sue) and her husband, Joseph, of Danbury, CT, and his beloved grandchildren Bethany, of Washington, D.C., Matthew and Jenna and his cousin, Virginia Mulherin, of Loveland, CO. Ron was predeceased in 1999 by his beloved wife, Barbara.

Known as “Pops” and “Poppie,” Ron was an avid sports fan, holding a special fondness for the Boston Red Sox and NASCAR. He served in the Navy from from 1956-1958 as a medical corpsmen and was honorably discharged. He was a truck driver for American Red Ball, worked for Crawford and Russell as a purchasing agent and was a warehouse associate for MBI, Inc. He retired from MBI in 2003 and spent his retirement living a full and independent life, collecting, trading and selling sports memorabilia while making many new lifelong friends. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Ron’s healthcare team, specifically his hospice nurses, Jackie and Chelsea, and the nurses and staff at Douglas Manor, especially Emily and Jessica, for their exceptional and compassionate care of our beloved Pop.

At Ron’s request, there are no calling hours.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT, on Thursday, March 7 at 11:30 AM. A luncheon (to be announced) will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s memory to Hartford Health Care at Home / Hospice, 1290 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109.

Collins Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of condolences may be sent to Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Elizabeth H. Nestor (“Ella”), age 85, wife of the late Robert H. Nestor Sr. of Norwalk, passed away peacefully Friday March 8^th 2019.

Born September 25, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Betty Hartnett. Ella was a life-long Norwalk resident and a member of St. Matthew Parish for over 60 years.

She is survived by her two sons Bob Nestor and his wife Susan of Wilton and Michael Patrick Nestor and his wife Roberta of West Haven. She is also survived by he three grandchildren Kyle, Travis and Christina.

Friends may call on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Contributions in her memory may be made to: Notre Dame Convalescent Home, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851.

George Joseph Hall, Sr. “Bud”, 92, of Naples, FL, formerly of Norwalk, died February 19^th, in Florida. He was the husband of Mary “Mollie” Sullivan Hall.

Born in Greenwich, March 12, 1926, son of the late Louis and Christina Muskas Hall, he was a lifelong Norwalker prior to retirement to Florida thirty-three years ago.

Mr. Hall was a World War II Veteran of the U. S. Army Air Force. Serving in the Philippines as a cryptographer. With a top secret clearance, he was the one who actually forwarded the message to General MacArthur, aboard the U. S. S. Missouri, that the  Japanese surrender was accepted.

After the war, Bud worked in the tech industry with several firms including; AMF, Sikorsky, Dictaphone, Perkin Elmer, retiring from Burndy Corp., as a quality control engineer. He enjoyed his garden, golf and bowling.

Seventy years ago, Bud and Mollie were married in St. Mary Church: they later were a founding family of St. Philip Parish. Bud was a member of Council 46, Knights of Columbus, here in Norwalk, and a life member of St. Peter the Apostle Council 12178, at his parish in Naples.

Survivors in addition to his wife include children; Mary “Mimi’ Soltes and husband Louis, of Norwalk, Jon Hall and wife Kathy, of East Sandwich, MA, Kathleen Jordan and husband Rob, of Bar Harbor, ME, Robert Hall, of Cheyenne, WY, Anne Kavulich and husband Michael, of Monroe, Peggy O’Hara and husband Kip, of Milford, Jeanne Cornell and husband Steve, of Covington, GA, one sister, Margery Roos, of Norwalk, daughter-in-law, Denise Hall, of Norwalk, twenty-one grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hall is predeceased by: oldest son George J. Hall, Jr., and siblings: Victoria Andrick, Louis S. Hall, John Hall and Catherine Tucker.

Friends may visit the family Saturday, March 16^th, in St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon. Military Honors will be offered at the conclusion of Mass.

The family requests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Margaret Fiore, 69 years old and a life-long resident of Norwalk, passed away on March 10^th after a two-and-a-half-year fight with pancreatic cancer. She was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Theresa Bredice. Margaret will be dearly missed by her husband of 46 years Gary Fiore and her daughter Lauren and her husband Brian Volpe of Naugatuck. Margaret is also survived by her brother Michael Bredice of Norwalk.

Margaret was a loving and caring wife, mother and friend … and a great cook. She made flags for several of the area Marching Band Color Guards. Margaret loved to do research on the Internet, feed her squirrel and chipmunk friends, and maintain her butterfly bushes hoping that more butterflies would return each summer.

Visiting hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday March 14^th at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 15^th at 1:00 PM in St. Thomas RC Church,  203 East Avenue, Norwalk, followed by burial in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, Gary and Lauren ask that donations be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (www.lustgarten.org).

Catherine Backer, 91, wife of the late Henry Jacob Backer of Norwalk, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

Born on November 30, 1927 in Norwalk, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Rose Cenci Lagana.

Mrs. Backer was a life-long Norwalk resident. She attended Norwalk High School and later worked at Omega Engineering in Stamford. She was a devoted Catholic and a long-time parishioner at St. Matthew Parish. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her son James Backer and his wife Diana of Lowell, VT, two daughters, Kathy Patchen and her husband Richard of Cave Creek, AZ and Cheryl Backer McNeill of Norwalk. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Vickie, Jessica, Luke, Jacob, Christopher, Barbara, Tracie, Adam, Megan, and Mackenzie. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter. She was predeceased by her son Terry Backer and granddaughter Arian.

Friends may call Friday from 4:00-8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 :00 AM in St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Calvin B. Kurimai, 75, of Norwalk and previously a long-time resident of Madison, CT, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Hospice of Branford, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT. He was husband of the late Erin Kallaugher.

The only child of the late Gabriel and Helen Bartfay Kurimai, Calvin was born in Norwalk, CT on November 22, 1943. An excellent tennis player, he was a graduate of Norwalk High School, Class of 1961, then attended Franklin & Marshall College, in Lancaster Pennsylvania where he was awarded an AB degree in 1965. He then received his law degree from Western Reserve University, School of Law. In 1975, Calvin was admitted to practice law with the Ohio Bar and worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C. as a special agent. He worked at the Federal Court in New Haven and retired from the U.S. Attorney’s Office after having served for over 42 years.

Calvin is survived by his cousins Linda Ridgeway and Julie and Paul Ridgeway and by his caregivers of over 20 years, Michelle Taylor and Carmelo Mejias.

Friends may call on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Services will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Pending Obituary.

Candace “Candi” Eaccarino, 49, of Fairfield, passed away March 15, 2019. Candi was born in Washington DC on May 9, 1969 to Ginger Katz and Lou Eaccarino. Candi Lived with her step-father Larry Katz and Ginger Katz in Norwalk, attending local schools and graduating from Norwalk High. She has lived in Fairfield for the past 28 years.

Candi worked at Loehmann’s for 25 years before they closed. She previously worked at Blockbuster Video, Norwalk City Hall and Carlson Convalescent.  She volunteered at the Courage to Speak Foundation, Fairfield Library and Norwalk Hospital.

Candi was an exceptional athlete participating in track, weight lifting, tennis, swimming and gymnastics where she was State Champion and she won silver medals at the Special Olympics World games in the vault and balance beam.

Candi is survived by her mother Ginger Katz and her husband Larry Katz and her father Lou Eaccarino as well as her aunt Joan Colettta and uncles Raymond Rencher, John Eaccarino, Vincent Eaccarino and Tom Eaccarino. She is also survived by step-sister Brittany Ganson and many cousins. Candi was predeceased by her younger brother Ian Eaccarino.

Friends may call on Tuesday for 4:00 to 7:00PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 12:00 Noon in Saint Thomas The Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Donations in Candi’s memory may be made to Our Vision, a non-profit organization that embraces the lives of people with special needs. Checks may be sent to Our Vision, c/o Julie McNamee, 164 Surrey Lane, Fairfield, CT 06824. Donations may also be made to CLASP Homes, the community in which Candi lived at: CLASP Homes, 246 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.

Vincenzia “Jennie” Corello, 92, wife of the late Salvatore Corello of Norwalk passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Born in Bayonne, NJ, on January 25, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Benny and Frances (Lamendola) Bonomo.

Jennie was a bookkeeper employed by Mayhoff Co. for 45 years. She loved to cook and bake but most of all she loved being with her family. Jennie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be deeply missed.

Jennie is survived by her daughter Erma Golding and her husband Craig of Norwalk, grandchildren; Jennifer Laszlo and her husband David of Winter Garden, FL and Sara Bianco and her husband Richard of Dairen, CT, great grandchildren; Daniella and Gabriella Laszlo and Matthew Bianco. She is also survived by her sister Laura Corello of Norwalk, CT.

In addition to her husband Salvatore, Jennie was predeceased by her brothers James, Angelo , and Santo Bonomo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. Friends may call on Friday, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: The Elms Program at Wilton Meadows, 439 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897.

Ralph J. Pagano, 88 of Norwalk, husband of the late Anna Marie Gallo Pagano, passed away March 20, 2019 at Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Norwalk, June 14, 1930, he was the son of the late Samuel and Theresa Fumo Pagano.

Mr. Pagano served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He later worked for the city of Norwalk for 30 years in both Public Work and Parks and Recreation. He was also involved in the Junior Babe Ruth League for 10 years as a coach and as an umpire. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan.

Mr. Pagano is survived by his son Robert Pagano and his wife Christine, his daughter Mary Grace Holcomb and her husband Michael, his two grandchildren, Graham Holcomb and his wife Carrie and Erin Dailey and her husband Dominic and by a soon expected great grandchild.

Friends may call TOMORROW, Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers contributions in his name may be made to the children’s organization of your choice.