Vivian Ann Fatone, 78, wife of the late Robert J. Fatone, Sr.  Of Norwalk, passed away on Saturday August 10, 2019 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born December 31, 1940 in Manhattan, NY.  Vivian was the daughter of the late Mary & Sylvester Hughes.

Vivian Fatone grew up in New Rochelle and attended schools in New York and then moved to Bridgeport, CT and then later making her home in Norwalk in 1969.

Vivian worked numerous jobs, including volunteering at Tracey elementary school where her sons attended.

After retirement her real job started of shuttling her grandkids to numerous sporting events, school and practices.

Vivian is survived by her sons: Robert J. Fatone Jr., Jeffrey W. Fatone and his wife Nicole Fatone, her three loving grandkids: Joseph Fatone, Grace Fatone, Nicholas Fatone, and the newest light in her life-her great grandson Jason G. Harriott.

In addition to her husband Robert, she was predeceased by her sisters: Marion Shevelin, Josephine Bartley and Kathleen Jones, and also by her brothers: Warren Hughes and John Hughes.

Friends may call, Wed. from 5-8 at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00am in St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk, CT. 

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Hospice in her name.

Sabrina Gournaris, age 25, of Ansonia, formerly of Norwalk passed away suddenly on August 14. Sabrina was a free spirit who lived life on her own terms. She was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School.

Sabrina was predeceased by her father Christos Gournaris.

Left to cherish Sabrina’s memory are her mother Jennifer Ornelli and partner Tracey Allen of Ansonia, her grandparents Barbara and Alex Gournaris of Norwalk, her grandmother Holly Allen of Milford, her aunt Vasi Gournaris of Norwalk, her uncle Gus Gournaris of Wallingford, and her two dogs, Dirt Dog and Gurr Dog.

Friends and family will gather to remember Sabrina on Wednesday, August 21, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will be private.

            Luca Ferrandino, 97, passed away on August 19^th at his home in Norwalk. Born March 28, 1922, in the town of Casamicciola Terme on the island of Ischia, Italy, he was the husband of the late Angelina “Angie” Baldino Ferrandino. Luca graduated as an officer from the Merchant Marine Academy in Naples, Italy, before coming to the United States after World War II, where he met his future wife of nearly 70 years and, together, raised their two sons, Vincent and Pat. He was a longtime supervisor at Character Novelty Toy Company in South Norwalk and at Goldline Electronics, among others, and was a lifetime member of the Sons of Italy, St. Ann’s Club and the Knights of Columbus. Luca, along with his beloved wife, Angie, made the most of his retirement, traveling the world to such places as Italy (especially to the island of Ischia), Kenya, India, the Panama Canal, Mexico, the Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and to many parts of the U.S.A., including Hawaii, Alaska, California and Florida, where he enjoyed his winters in Naples. But most of all, Luca enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they certainly enjoyed and loved him. He is survived by his two sons, Vincent, who resides in Naples, FL, and Pat, who resides in Norwalk, his daughters-in-law, Christal and Marina, his five grandchildren, Luke (and his wife, Ariana), Marc (and his wife, Kim), Erica (and her husband, Suneel), Angelica and Jon-Luke, and his seven great-grandchildren, Brooke, Jack, Anjali, Amber, Alec, Alexa and Serena. Luca is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jennie DiOrio, his brother-in-law, Thomas Baldino (and his wife, Terri), and by many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Anna Nestro, his brothers Anthony, Frank, Peter, Joseph, Vincent, Luigi (Gino), and John, his parents, Vincenzo and Maddalena Capuano Ferrandino, and by his grandparents who raised him, Pietro and Marianna Ferrandino.

           Friends may call, Friday, August 23rd from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24th at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

Nancy P. Mazzella, 96, wife of the late Andrew Mazzella of Norwalk passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, surrounded by her family and dedicated staff at Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Norwalk on March 25, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Carmella (Mola) DeMichelis.  Nancy, along with her four sisters and their parents lived in South Norwalk.  All five DeMichelis girls married and lived within a few short miles of their childhood home. 

Nancy is survived by her daughter Mary Beth Ronzitti and her husband Claudio of Norwalk, and their children, the loves of Nancy’s life, Mitchell Andrew and Christina Marie.  She is also survived by her sister Marie Corbo and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her husband Andrew, Nancy is predeceased by her sisters Antoinette Giunta (Nati), Josephine Lorenti (Joseph) and Lucille Amenti (Nicholas).  

Nancy worked at Style Footwear in South Norwalk, where she met her husband Andrew.  She also cooked for affluent families as a young girl, sewed robes as a young adult and worked for Cranbury School in Norwalk and the Norwalk Regional Center later in life.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, at 10:00 AM at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. There are no calling hours.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers a charitable donation can be made in the name of Nancy P. Mazzella to Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Adele Bayer, beloved daughter of the late Norma and Sidney Mintz died peacefully at home on August 24, 2019. She was surrounded by all those she loved the most. Adele is survived by the love of her life, Neil Bayer, her husband of nearly 53 years; her children, Doug and Liz Bayer of Wilton, CT and Alan Bayer and Heather Borlase of San Francisco, CA; her grandchildren Jack, Dylan, Ella and Isaac; her sisters Marilyn Schoenberger (Bob), Dana Effron (Ira) and Cherie Bramley (Bruce) and her brother-in-law Andy Bayer and sister-in-law Ellen Greenstein (Noel).  She is also survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews.

Adele brought joy and love to all she met and will be greatly missed. Burial will be private.  The family requests no flowers please.

Helen A. Stetz, 76, of Norwalk passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Norwalk Hospital.

She was born in Mt. Vernon, NY on January 6, 1943. She was the daughter of the late John and Helen R. Stetz. Helen with her mother, moved to Norwalk in 1982 after the death of her father to be closer to their family.

Helen worked at Howland’s in Norwalk until it closed when she transferred to Howland/Steinbeck in Fairfield. After Steinbeck closed she began working at Au Pair in America in Stamford were she retired from. What Helen loved the most was being creative from sewing to crafting but especially baking. She was known for her delicious cookies and treats. She was known by many as “The Cookie Lady”.

Helen Ann always had a smile on and the biggest kind heart anyone could ever have. She will be truly missed be her beloved family Marie and Ron Castorina, Lisa Marie and Sal Randazzo, Rich and Lisa Jean Castorina and “her kids” Mark, Derrick, Jason, Scott Castorina, Tanner & Bianca Randazzo. She is also survived by her aunt Marion Carlucci as well as many cousins and friends near and far.

Friends may call on Wednesday, August 28, 5:00-8:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home 92 East Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Collins Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Avenue. Hawthorne, NY 10532.

Nicola (Nick) Cianciullo, 91 of Westport, Connecticut died suddenly on August 25, 2019 at his home from apparent and unconfirmed heart failure.

He was the son of the late Giovanni Cianciullo and Concetta D’Amico. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, the late Katherine Mary Fratino Cianciullo. He was the devoted father to John Cianciullo of Westport, Connecticut and daughter Patt Cianciullo of Atlanta, Georgia.

He was predeceased by brothers Andrew, Sammy, and Michael, and sister Saveria Valiante and is survived by his brother Joe of New York. Nicola is also survived by daughter-in-law Maggie Lopez-Cianciullo and sister-in-law Phyllis Ragosa of Port St Lucie, Florida as well as many nieces and nephews including grandnieces and grandnephews from both the Fratino and Cianciullo families.

A retired mason, he was beloved and popular in Westport, where he was known to many friends and business acquaintances. His masonry, artistry and workmanship can be found throughout Westport residences and commercial works.

Hours of visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday (August 29) between 4pm to 7pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church located on 84 Long Lots Road, Westport, Connecticut will be celebrated on Friday (August 30) at 10am. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farm Road, Westport, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in Nicola & Katherine’s memory may be made to St Luke Roman Catholic Church, 84 Long Lots Road, Westport, Connecticut.

Joyce Giorgio (nee Mendelsohn), passed away peacefully at her residence at The Villa at Stamford on Thursday, August 29, 2019.  Joyce was born in Bronx, NY on September 2, 1949 where she spent her childhood.  She was married to Larry Giorgio on August 24, 1969 and had two children, Christina and Greg.  Joyce moved to Carmel, NY in 1980 where she raised her children and worked as an executive secretary and librarian.  

Joyce remained in Carmel after her divorce in 1990 and enjoyed her work in the local public library. She enjoyed nature and hiking in upstate New York.

Joyce loved visiting with her children and grandchildren. She was a voracious reader, and appreciated music and dance. Joyce always accessorized with jewelry and enjoyed painting her nails and having her hair styled.   Although she was often quiet in large social situations, she was very funny and sarcastic in smaller groups and with those she felt comfortable around. Joyce will be remembered for her intelligence, kindness, beauty and sense of humor.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Christina and husband Marcus of Wilton, son Greg of New Haven; and grandchildren: Tyler and Drew.

Burial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Bronx, NY.

Beverly Gage O’Connor, 91, wife of the late Michael N. D. O’Connor, Sr., of Greenland, NH, died peacefully at her daughters home in Bethel CT, with family at her bedside on Friday, August 30, 2019.

Born in Manchester, NH, on June 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late John C. And Mary (Keane) Gage.

Beverly attended St. Joseph’s College, becoming a RN, then joining the US Air Force, ending rank 1st Lieutenant; graduated from Duquesne University with a BSN; going on to complete a Masters’ Degree from Columbia Teachers College. A resident of Norwalk, CT she was employed in Nursing by Norwalk Hospital she retired in 1994. Active in the community, Beverly donated her time as a Girl Scout troop leader, the CT Nurses Association and as a practicing Catholic, the St. Mary’s Parish. Upon retiring, she helped to establish the Parish Nurse Program for St. Mary’s Parish. Eventually retiring to Greenland, NH and Astro, FL.

Beverly is survived by her daughters; Mary Ferri and her husband Robert Ferri of Bethel, CT, Elizabeth Arena and her husband James Arena of New Britain, CT, and Bridget DeBartolomeo and her husband Craig DeBartolomeo of Norwalk, CT, she is also survived by six grandchildren and four great grand children. Beverly is survived by one sister, Geraldine Trowell and one brother Frank Gage.

In addition to her husband and parents, Beverly was predeceased in life by her son Michael N. D. O’Connor, Jr,.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 3, at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Church, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel, CT. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

Friends may call on Monday, September 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Generations, Inc., 568 Portsmouth Avenue, Greenland, NH, 03840 a shelter for homeless women and children where Beverly donated her time.

Maria Christina (Tina) Prince, 77, of Norwalk, CT, passed away on August 31, 2019. Born on November 25, 1941, in Port Chester, NY, she was the daughter of the late Filomena (Malizia) and Rocco DiPalma. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 55 years, Kenneth Prince Sr., son Kenny Jr. and his wife Trish, daughter Lisa, grandsons Connor and Brendan, along with her siblings Louise, Dominic, and Theresa, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Joanne Santoro.

She loved her daily rides to the beach each morning for coffee with her husband. All those who knew her will remember her smile and giving heart, her wonderful anisette cookies and meatballs, and her love for dessert, particularly her daily morning donut and an occasional hot fudge sundae. After watching the movie “Happy Feet,” she gained a lasting love of penguins. She was a passionate gardener, and enjoyed caring for the flowers in the front yard and vegetables in the back.

She was a long time member of St. Ann Club of Norwalk and served on the ladies auxiliary board for many years. Always one to lend a hand and help out, friends would find her in the kitchen, peeling cucumbers and helping with the salad. She was a volunteer at heart and loved her time there.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 5, at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 41 Hecker Avenue, Darien.

Friends may call on Wednesday, September 4, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. The St. Ann’s Ladies Auxiliary will gather to give a brief memorial and prayer at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Autumn Lake, 34 Midrocks Drive, Norwalk, CT, 06851. Special thanks to Andrew in PT, her nurse James, and her aide Michelle.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Danbury Hospital and Norwalk Hospital.

Joan A. Gardella, 85, wife of the late Louis J. Gardella, Sr., of Norwalk passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019.

Born in Norwalk on October 28, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James and Catherine Mahoney Sisk.

Joan, from her birth was not one to sit idle. In her youth she spent 15 years with the Girls Scouts and their Honor Guard, carrying the flag during the parade for the end of WWII. As a child she was also involved in the Children of Mary, a young girls catholic club. After graduating, in 1952 from Sacred Heart Academy, she became a member of the Newman Club in Stamford. Joan went on to graduate from the American Institute of Banking at UConn with two degrees in finance.

During her professional career Joan was a secretary at South Norwalk Savings Bank. After her marriage she worked with her husband, Louise Gardella, Sr., at his local business empire: Rex Marine, Cove Marina, Pier Restaurant, Skippers Restaurant, Ascension Beach Pools and Shoreside Miniature Golf Course. Also, Louis started a harbor cruise business with the “Lady Joan”, named after her. Joan was married to Louis J. Gardella, Sr., for 26 years and upon his death she retired. However, she remained active with many organizations such as; St. Mary’s Women’s Guild, St. Mary’s Golden Age, Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary and the Norwalk Senior Center. Beyond volunteering at St. Mary’s Church Joan enjoyed gardening, swimming and traveling. In particular she loved spending the winter months at Delray Beach.

Joan is survived by her nephews Aaron, Kyle and Neal Sisk. She was predeceased by her brothers Daniel and James Sisk.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 6, at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may pay their respects on Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Manuel D. Silva age 75 of Danbury Ct. passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 4th after a 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Manny was born on May 31, 1944 in Norwalk Ct.  He was the son of the late Jose and Erminia Freitas Silva.  He was an employee of Perkin Elmer for more than 40 years.

His many joys in life were his kids, grandchildren and extended family and most of all his wonderful trips to the Island of Madeira where his parents were born.  He loved to take walks at the mall, go to dinner with friends and loved his flea markets.

He is survived by his Daughter Kathy and her husband Tony. Their children Victoria and Anthony Jr. His son Jon and his wife Paige and their two daughters Taylor and Jordan.  His brother James and his wife Sharon, Sister Delores Conway, brother Joseph and wife Carol, sister Zita DeSocio, brother Michael and his wife Pattie, sister Linda Freedman and husband Daniel, Many nieces and nephews and many cousins in NH and Madeira Portugal.  He was also predeceased by his brother in laws David Conway and Al DeSocio.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 11, at 12:00 noon, at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, September 10, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 30 Milestone Road Danbury Ct 06810.

Maria Spennato Buono passed away peacefully on September 4, 2019 surrounded by her daughters, at Notre Dame in Norwalk. Born in Barano d’Ischia, Italy on August 18, 1928, the daughter of Alfonso and Francesca (DiIorio) Spennato, she emigrated to the US with her family shortly after WWII and worked as a seamstress at factories in South Norwalk. Maria returned to Italy in 1953 to marry Arcangelo Buono and they made their home in Norwalk where they raised their family. Maria worked for several years at Umberto the Tailor in Wilton, where she honed her skills as a seamstress. She went on to create exquisite wedding dresses for her three daughters and her daughter-in-law, as well as countless baptismal outfits, communion and prom dresses. She loved her family above all, her friends, gardening and cooking wonderful meals.

Maria is survived by her sister, Madeline Cohen; her children, Stella (Michael Becker), Frances (Paul Rogers), Rosemarie Brady and her son Frank Buono. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, David (Erica) and Andrew (Jessica) Becker, Paul (Megan) and Maria Linton, Nick and Emma Rogers, Matthew and Jessica Brady, Michael, Jeffrey (Gabby) and Eric Buono. Her great-grandchildren, Christopher, Shelby and Hattie Becker and Brynn Linton, were the light of her life. Maria will be missed by Jim and Michele Linton, their sons, Jonathon and Nick, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Maria was predeceased by her husband, Arcangelo, her brothers, Ralph and Peter Spennato, her daughter-in-law, Deborah Buono and her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Brady.

Visitation will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, on Monday, September 9 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, September 10 at St. Jude’s Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

Maria’s family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Notre Dame for their kindness and loving care. Donations in her memory may be made to Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Services (ndhrehab.org).

Jesse C. Granton, 37, engaged to Diana DiPalma of Norwalk, passed away Friday, September 6, 2019 at their home.

Born March 23, 1982 in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of John T. Granton and Deborah L. Granton.

Jesse’s interests evolved over time. Going from martial arts to football to wrestling to musician and vocalist in his youth. Later as an adult Jesse became a personal trainer, first responder, fire fighter and was most recently sworn in as a Fire Inspector with the Norwalk Fire Department. Jesse has been recognized and received multiple awards for bravery and saving lives. From off duty performing CPR on a heart attack victim while grocery shopping, to carrying a severely burned elderly woman down three flights of stairs from an engulfed apartment building fire. Jesse loved music, cooking, rock climbing and especially surfing, but more than anything he loved his future wife, his dog, his family and his friends.

He is survived by his fiancée Diana DiPalma and their beloved dog Gemma, his parents John T. Granton and Deborah L. Granton. He is also survived by his brothers John, Scott, Joshua and brother in-law Jonathan. He had 1 niece, Abigail.

Family and friends may call, Thursday September 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Friday September 13 there will be a reception be held to honor and remember Jesse from 5:00 to 10:00 at the South Norwalk Boat Club, 17 Mack St., Norwalk, CT. Internment will be a private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: The Connecticut Burns Care Foundation, ctburnsfoundation.org.

Michael T. Novak, 48, of Woodbury, passed away at home from natural causes on Monday, September 9, 2019.

Born on February 19, 1971, in Norwalk, Connecticut, he was the son of Paula Novak Buonaiuto and the late Charles R. Novak.

Mike grew up in Wilton and graduated from Wilton High School in 1989.  He was born with a love of trucks and machinery and made a living doing what he loved working for various trucking and construction companies over the years. He was most recently employed by Pabst Trucking in Woodbury, Connecticut. He will be missed for hard working nature, big heart and keen sense of humor.

In addition to his mother, Mike is survived by daughter Alexandra Novak of Norwalk, sister Lisa Ploder, brother-in-law Steve Ploder and their children Whitney, Berkeley and Charlie of Barrington, IL, former wife and lifelong friend Christiane Mola Novak of Norwalk and longtime girlfriend Marie Jordan of Wilton.

Friends may call, Sunday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.  Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Norwalk.  

Concetta S. DiScala, “Connie”, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2019 surrounded by her family after a prolonged battle with the effects of dementia. Connie remained in her home, as were her wishes, cared for by her loving son Mark, weekend caregiver and devoted friend Laura, and with the assistance of the skilled and compassionate nurses of the Vitas Healthcare & Hospice. The daughter of the late Fannie and Joseph Santella was 93 years old.

Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband Frank F. DiScala, who built the home they shared and loved on Skytop Drive; her brother and sister in law, Andrew J. Santella and Tina S. Santella, and her parents Fannie and Joseph Santella. She is survived by her two sons, Gary D. DiScala of South Norwalk, and Mark J. DiScala of Bridgeport; her brother Dennis J. Santella and sister in law Pat, of East Norwalk; her sister in law Elvera D. Paqua of New Milford; and their families.

Connie attended local schools, and graduated from Norwalk High School. She was possessed of an incredible work ethic, having begun her career as a bookkeeper, and at one time owned a small manufacturing business, and in her retirement years, did volunteer work in the offices of Congressman Christopher Shays. Connie loved cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, and took a keen interest in East Norwalk’s civic affairs. She was a deeply patriotic American, who was fiercely proud of her Italian-American roots. Connie and her husband Frank were avid boaters for much of their lives, and were lifetime members of the South Norwalk Boat Club. But above all, she loved her two “boys.” Her loving touch, and her sense of humor will be forever and profoundly missed by them.

The family suggests a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, in recognition of this too little talked about disease, and requests that prayers be said for the many family members, all throughout this land, who are quietly and stoically caring for parents, husbands and wives, afflicted with this illness. May God grant them the strength to continue their journey.

Shirley Smith Staack, age 84, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2019.
A life long Norwalk resident, Shirley was born February 1, 1935 in Norwalk, CT to Helen (Jennings) Smith and William Smith. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 1953 and began her career with the New England Telephone Company. In 1965, Shirley married Alan R. Staack, also of Norwalk.
Shirley devoted her life to her family and serving her community. A Norwalk Hospital volunteer for many years, Shirley served on the Hospital Women’s Board as well as operating the hospital thrift shop, the Treasure House. Shirley was also a member of the Shorehaven Golf Club for over 50 years.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Alan R. Staack and her two brothers, James Smith of Jamestown, RI and Page Smith of Foothill Ranch, CA. She is survived by her daughter, Robin McCaul (Staack), her son in law Brian McCaul and grandchildren Paige and Will of Lake Mary, Florida.
A Mass to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held Thursday September 26 at 10:00am at St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Norwalk Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Mary Ann Moser/Araujo died Thursday September 19 with her son by her side. She was born June 25, 1931 to the late Thomas Parker and Lillian Houston in East Bernstadt, Kentucky. She worked in the nursing home owned by her mother in Hamilton, Ohio eventually becoming co-owner. Upon relocating to Connecticut, she worked for the Norwalk public school system food service department in various capacities. She also served as past worthy matron, Order of Eastern Star in Norwalk and was proud to be a life time member. Mary Ann enjoyed cooking, traveling, her shelties, country and spiritual music, piano, the church and her cats.

She is survived by her son Reid Saffell and his children Rachel and Angelynn Saffell. Mel (Valarie) Solis and their children Michael (Kai), Justin (Kate Scully), and Lindsay (Kelli). Also, five great grandchildren; Savannah, Siena, River, Shane, and Ryan. She was predeceased by her sisters Mildred and Georgie.

Calling hours are Wednesday, September 25th- 9:00am-11:00am at Collins Funeral Home with graveside service at Riverside Cemetery immediately following.

The family would like to thank everyone who lived and worked at Broad River Homes for their kindness. Also, thank you to everyone at Autumn Lake for the wonderful care provided.

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature., nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

Helen Keller

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Queen Elizabeth II

Mary R. Di Orio, daughter of the late John and Rose Di Orio, passed away Friday, September 20, 2019.

Born in Norwalk, she was a graduate of Norwalk High School, Class of 1946, attended the University of Bridgeport, and for more than 40 years was employed by the Spadone Machine Company as Manager of their Accounting Department.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother Samuel J. Deorie.  She is survived by her brother Vincent J. Deorio, Nephews John, James, Jeffery, and Jay Deorio of Norwalk; nieces Rosemary Davis of Missouri, Joan Muse of California, Melanie Davis of Texas and Patricia Arthur of Massachusetts; many grand-nieces and nephews and several great-grand nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 30^th in St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Norwalk Emergency Shelter (www.opendoorshelter.org) will be very much appreciated. Arrangements are in the care of Collins Funeral Home. Please visit www.collinsfh.com/obituaries to leave condolences.

Jill Ann Hynes passed away peacefully on September 22, 2019.  She was born on September 26, 1952 in NYC and grew up in Wilton, Connecticut.  Her parents were the late Dorothy Heide and Edward Gibson Hynes Jr.

Jill attended Wilton public schools most of her life and graduated from the Wilton High School in 1970.  She received her A.A. from Marymount College in Arlington, VA and her B.S. from Arizona State University in 1975.

Jill was a teacher’s aide at Tokeneke Middle School in Darien, Connecticut.  In addition, she was a fond lover of all animals and spent most of her weekends “animal-sitting” for many friends and relatives.

She is survived by siblings:  Terry Hynes Helm, Dorothy “Heide” Moran, (Peter); Edward Gibson Hynes III, (Rosemary Carey) and Mary Hynes, (Marc Tessier-Lavigne).  She was predeceased by her brother, Timothy Joseph Hynes, (Kimberly).

She is also survived by many loving aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well as her lifelong best friend, Tina Moreno Smith, who was by her side until the end.

Jill was an avid sports enthusiast and received her first of many trophies for swimming at the age of four. She played many varsity sports in high school and later in life she became the Women’s Singles Tennis Club Champion at Roton Point Tennis Club in Rowayton, Connecticut. For many years she was the Junior Varsity Assistant and Head Coach for the girl’s tennis team at Darien High School. 

Services for Jill include calling hours at Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk CT on Sunday, September 29th from 4-7 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, Connecticut on Monday, September 30th at 11am. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Wilton.

If preferred over flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111 (CTHumane.org).