On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, Tony Scott, 73, of Shelton, CT passed away.

Born in Decatur, IL on December 11, 1945, he was the son of the late Otis L. and Evelyn Plummer Scott.

He earned a B.S. degree in accountancy and an MBA from the University of Illinois. He served a 4-yr term in the Air Force, including one year in Vietnam. He earned the designation of Certified Management Accountant. He worked as a CPA for Weber, Lipshire & Company, Eisener & Lubin, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), KPMG, and as The Controller for The Bridgeport Bluefish.  For the last 24 years he worked as Professor of Accounting at Norwalk Community College where he started the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). He also volunteered for many years at the Norwalk Oyster Festival running the hospitality tent. He also served as a Trustee of the Norwalk Seaport Association for many years.

Tony, Linda and their sons moved to Norwalk,CT in 1980 and joined St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. He served the church as a Sunday school teacher; S.S. Superintendent; Chairman of the Board of Christian Ed.; on the Board of Elders; as Treasurer; and as congregational President.

Tony is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Scott, their two sons, Terry Scott of Norwalk, CT and Deric Scott, and his wife Marie Scott of Sweden, and his 3 grandchildren whom he adored, Elizabeth, Julia, and Kian.  He is also survived by his sister Sharon Hooker of Bement, IL and his sister-in-law Lois Plummer of Decatur, IL.

Tony was known for his quick numbers mind, his overzealous generosity, and his kind and compassionate spirit and the overwhelming pride he had for his grandchildren.

Friends may call on Saturday, September 28th from 9am-11am at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28^th at 11:30am at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Avenue, Norwalk.  Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Bruce David Tourigny, Sr, 77, husband of the Elaine Tourigny of Norwalk, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 26th at Norwalk Hospital.

Born April 22, 1942 in Norwalk, CT, he was the son of the late Elsie and Alfred Tourigny. Mr. Tourigny attended Norwalk High School, and served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. He later worked his whole life, lastly retiring as the supervisor at the WPCA of Norwalk.

He is survived by his children Bruce and his wife Trisha of Milford, CT, Lisa Tourigny and her Husband Craig Odierno, of Norwalk, CT, Mark and his wife Elizabeth of Sandy Hook, CT, and Keith, of Norwalk, CT; 1 granddaughter, Isabella of Sandy Hook and 4 Grandsons, Jacob and Jarrett of Milford and Patrik and Kyle Odierno of Norwalk, and by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his older brother, Brian Tourigny.

Friends may call, Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Donations in Bruce’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/donate).

Joseph“Ollie” Murray, 70, of Norwalk passed away on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by family.

Born on May 6, 1949, in Limerick City Ireland, he was the son of the late Christina and Lawrence Murray, Sr.

Ollie is survived by his sisters, Christine Zoldak of Newburgh, NY, Rita Murray of Bowling Green, KY, and Patricia Quinn of Limerick City Ireland; nephews, John Clancy, Patrick Clancy, and Thomas Murray; niece, Colleen Liscio; grandnieces, Brianne Clancy and Kayla Clancy; grand nephews Ricky Liscio, Jr. and Owen Liscio.

In addition to his parents Ollie is predeceased by his brother Larry Murray and his sister Marie Murray Clancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 1, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church 669 West Avenue, Norwalk. Interment with full Military Honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends and family may call on Monday, September 30, from 5 to 7 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Doris Ann Franco, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, wife to Arthur C. Franco of 28 years, entered into eternal rest on September 24, 2019, surrounded by her family.
Born on July 19, 1938 in Passaic, New Jersey; Doris Ann was the daughter of the late Michael J. Bialek and Helen Arvary.
Doris Ann graduated from Passaic General Hospital Nursing School in 1959 and later achieved her BSN from University of Bridgeport in 1983. She was a surgical nurse for the heart valve replacement team at The National Institutes of Health prior to marrying the love of her life, Arthur C. Franco in 1964. He nicknamed her “The Polish Princess”, a name which she was very proud of and loved. They lived in New York City before moving to Rutherford, NJ in 1965.
Doris was very passionate about nursing and it was important to her to remain active in the nursing field after having her 3 children. She worked weekend and holiday shifts in the Emergency Room at Passaic General Hospital and later, after moving to Wilton, CT in 1976, she continued to do so at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, CT. Being an adrenaline junkie, she enjoyed the challenges of the 11 p.m.-7 a.m. shift, especially on full moons and holidays; regaling her family with crazy stories of the E.R. on Sunday mornings before church.
Doris joined Wilton Home Health Services in the early 1980s, where she was the school nurse for Miller-Driscoll Elementary school for a short time, before spending the remainder of her career as the school nurse at Wilton High School, retiring in 2000. She was an active member of the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was selected as the RN representative for Connecticut for a medical tour of the USSR in 1981.
While in New Jersey she was President of the Junior Women’s Club of Rutherford New Jersey. Doris Ann was an active member of the Fairfield/Westchester Chapter of The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Upon moving to Mount Pleasant, SC in 2001, Doris was a parishioner at Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivans Island and a member of the East Cooper Women’s Club and Women Who Wine Mount Pleasant. She enjoyed her weekly volunteer shift at East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO), and also played both Canasta and Mahjong weekly.
Doris traveled extensively after the death of her husband. She sea kayaked in Costa Rica; hiked the fjords of Scandinavia, the Great Wall of China and Hadrian’s Wall in Great Britain; attended Italian Cooking schools on the Amalfi Coast and in Tuscany; visited the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia, The Spice Islands, Australia, New Zealand and enjoyed multiple barge trips in France. She and her frequent travel partner, Marian Mench, were ‘birthday buddies’ and celebrated their July birthdays with copious amounts of wine in many of these exotic locations.
Predeceased by her husband in 1993, Doris Ann is survived by her daughter, Mariana Hall (Randy) of Charleston, SC; son Michael C. Franco (Joanne) of Norwalk, CT and daughter, Moniz Franco (Andrew Stess) of Petaluma, CA; her grandchildren Finnley and Minna Stess of Petaluma, CA; her brother, Michael M. Bialek (Naomi Berger) of Narragansett, RI and her nephews, Mick Bialek and Colin Bialek of Narragansett, RI.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 5th, 2019 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue Norwalk, CT.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 229 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897.
The burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 165 Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT, where Doris will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Arthur.
The family will receive guests following the burial at Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall.
A Memorial Service will take place in the Charleston, SC area at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doris Ann’s memory may be sent to The Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.

Elise Thompson, 86, wife of the late Robert Thompson, passed away September 26, 2019. Born November 29, 1932 in Marchall County Mississippi, she was the daughter of the late Joe Hull and Ethel Hall.

Mrs. Thompson was a career domestic worker. She was a resident of Norwalk and attended Bethel AME Church in Stamford. She was also a member of the Evelyn Thompson Ministry.

She is survived by her brother Richard Louis Hull (Stacey Joann Stroh) of California and special friend Dora B. Wright, who will cherish her memory along with all her other relatives and close friends.

Friends may call Friday from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Bethel AME Church, 150 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT.  Services will be held in the Church at 11:00 AM. Final disposition will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk, CT.

You can always tell where a beautiful soul has been by the tears and smiles left behind. Kathy passed away September 22, 2019 after a heroic 8-month battle caused by a brain aneurysm. She fought the good fight, always keeping her wit and sense of humor.

Kathy, a life- long Norwalk resident was born August 23, 1948 and predeceased in death by her parents, Anna (DeCesare) and Fonzi Sachetti. She graduated Norwalk High School in 1966 and worked many years at South Norwalk Savings Bank (Gateway).  After banking, she opened her own eclectic shop offering vintage, depression items and beautifully designed, one of a kind baskets and gifts.  Kathy was a talented crafter with an eye for display and loved decorating her home, especially at Christmas. We were never disappointed! She was an avid tag sale enthusiast, bargain hunter, loved West Side Story and trips to the casino. She will be dearly missed.

Kathy leaves behind several cousins, many friends and her beloved Bichon, Barnie. Many thanks to Gaylord Hospital for their rehab efforts, to Yale neurology ICU for their exemplarity care. Grateful thanks to her dear friends who stayed by her side, held her hand, made her laugh and prayed for her.

Donations in Kathleen’s name:  Whittingham Cancer Center, Norwalk, CT. A memorial will be held at Collins Funeral Home 92 East Ave. Norwalk, CT. Thursday Nov 7^th from 5-8pm

Robert Paul Smurlo Sr. 81, husband of Catherine Godino Smurlo, passed away peacefully at his home in Norwalk, surrounded by loved ones on October 9, 2019.

Born August 20, 1938 in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Frank and Charlotte Richiski Smurlo. 

Mr. Smurlo retired from the town of Greenwich Highway Department after more than 30 years. In his retirement, he worked as a gatekeeper at Byram Beach for 19 years. In his youth, he was an accomplished athlete, recognized by the Greenwich Old Timers Association for playing Baseball, Softball and Football. He was known for the phrase: “He may be small but he’s dyn-o-mite!”. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus Third Degree.

In addition to his wife Cathy, he is survived by his daughters Marie Vizzo (Anthony) of Monroe, CT, Justine DeRuvo of Jacksonville, FL and Laura Gancarz of Newington, CT; by son Robert Smurlo Jr. of Greenwich, CT and by Daniel Hickman of Norwalk, who was like a son to him.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and by his brother Frank E. Smurlo of Old Greenwich.

Friends may call on Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM in Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday in St. Mary Church, 669 West Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. Contributions in his memory may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County (www.visitingnurse.net)

The Bangser family is saddened to announce the death of their husband, father, and grandfather William Bangser Jr of Westport CT, on October 11, 2019 at the age of 92. Bill and his family moved to Westport in 1961.

Bill was born in 1927, the son of William Bangser Sr. and Esther Maimin Bangser of Manhattan. After high school, Bill served in the US Navy and then earned degrees from MIT in both Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the national honorary engineering society, and Pi Tau Sigma, the national honorary mechanical engineering society, and an active member of the MIT Educational Council for many years.

Bill spent his career at H. Maimin Company, retiring as chairman in 1992.  During those years, he and Janet loved to travel and made lifelong friendships around the world with people they met along the way.

Bill once found an anonymous poem that read:

“Count that day lost whose low descending sun

Views from thy hand no worthy action done.”

That made sense to Bill and led to many years of volunteer work pre- and post-retirement.

Save the Children was a driving force for Bill for nearly 30 years. He started out doing public speaking on behalf of the organization.  After retiring from his day job, he moved into the Department of Global Health where, until age 91, he worked as a volunteer assistant to an associate director, preparing budgets and tracking results of Save the Children grants.

Bill was also active with the Westport Library and for eight years was a member of the Board of Trustees. He served as Treasurer of The Friends of Westport Library and a was a Co-Founder of the library’s annual book sales which continue to be an important part of the library budget.

For his volunteer work, Bill received the 1992 award from the Voluntary Action Society of Mid-Fairfield, and in 2001, the Town of Westport and Westport Library honored him for his contributions and commitment to the community. In 2013, Bill received the Save the Children Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award.

Bill leaves his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Janet (Rutstein) Bangser. Janet founded and led the Pathfinders Travel Agency in Westport for over thirty-five years.

He leaves four children and their families: Andrew and Barbara Bangser of Westport; Paul and Liz Bangser of Bethesda, Maryland; Jill and Jeff Boynton of Newington, New Hampshire; and Dan and Jennifer Bangser of Norwalk, as well as eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He had one brother, Henry, who pre-deceased him.

Bill’s family and friends will forever remember him for his kindness, his eternally positive attitude, his infectious sense of humor, his keen intellect and analytic mind, and his unflagging curiosity on a vast array of topics.

After a private burial, the family plans to hold a memorial service on November 3^rd at 11:00 AM at the Westport Library. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Save The Children Foundation in Fairfield Connecticut, or to the Westport Library.

Pending

Captain Henry S. Palau, JAGC, U.S. Navy, Retired, age 90 and husband of the late Nancy B. Palau, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2019 in his bed at his home known as “Sailors Rest “ on Bell Island.

Born April 13, 1929 in Danbury, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Henry Palau and Alberta M. Palau.

Captain Palau graduated high school from Friends Academy, a College Preparatory school on Long Island. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1950. Shortly after earning his LL.B. from Boston University in 1953. he entered the Navy and served his initial tour of of duty as communications officer and antisubmarine warfare officer aboard the U.S.S. Gatling (DD671). A Vietnam war veteran, he proudly served his country at many duty stations throughout the United States and Japan. Some of his awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and a meritorious unit citation. His final tour of duty was in Washington, DC., where he served as Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy until his retirement in September 1977.

Upon his retirement from the Navy, he joined the staff of the National Headquarters of TROA as legal counsel and assistant legislative counsel. In 1981 he became the association general counsel and was elected to the position of national secretary in 1985 and served until his retirement on August 1,1994.

In 1995, Captain Palau moved to his final home on Bell Island. He earned his General Contractor license and began to build Sailor’s Rest overlooking Long Island Sound on Bell Island. He proudly served the community in many various positions including multiple board positions (including President) for the Bell Island Improvement Association. He also served on the board for the Rowayton Civic Association and the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission until December 2012. He also volunteered at St Matthew Church as a Reader and Usher for the Mass Ministry group.

Captain Palau, when asked “How are you doing” would cheerfully answer “Peachy” or “Top Drawer.” He loved boating on the Sound and proudly named his boat NAP TIME, in honor of his wife Nancy Ann Palau (hence NAP Time). As the Chairman of there Board for The Water Preservation Society of Northern Virginia, he proudly opened up another chapter on Bell Island. He invited many new members and gave them a polo shirt and hat to wear during their meetings on his deck where they enjoyed the sights and sounds from his deck with good food. In keeping with the tradition of the Society no water was served. He loved his family, his country, his community and his life on Bell Island.

He is survived by sons Mark S. Palau, Richard H Palau and his wife Gigi Palau of Tiffin Ohio; 5 grandchildren, Adam and Eric Palau of Jacksonville Florida, Mary, Henry and Ian of Tiffin Ohio and 2 great grandchildren, Alexa and Asher.

Friends may call, Friday the 25th from 5:00 – 7:00PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM St Matthew Church. 216 Scribner Avenue Norwalk, CT 06854 on the 25th of October, The final burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.

Gabriella Loren DeVito, 35, of Norfolk, formerly of Westport, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2019. She is the daughter of Mary and Thomas DeVito, sister of Danielle and Brianna DeVito, Talia Silvestro, and loving aunt GG to Dominic and Rosalie Silvestro. She will also be remembered by the hundreds of people touched by her bright spirit and kind heart. Gabriella was abundantly kind, compassionate and sensitive. Since childhood, she was adventurous, goofy, and full of life.

Throughout the struggles she faced in life she remained kind and gentle and always concerned with others. In recovery she was appreciative of her life, her family, friends and her sobriety. She devoted herself for the past five and a half years to a career helping anyone she could in their own recovery, where she found purpose in helping others who struggled with addiction.

Her journey and the strength she carried was inspiring and exciting for everyone who loves her. Her heart cared deeply for everyone she met. She was an exceptional daughter, sister, aunt and friend and she will be missed dearly by us all.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, October 27th at 12:00 noon at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue in Norwalk. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM until the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Hope – www.operationhopect.org

Ann Kanas, 94 of Norwalk passed away peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on October 22, 2019. She was born in Spilia, Greece and was the daughter of the late Michael and Paresa Kydes of Norwalk.

Ann enjoyed cooking and baking for events at Laura Raymond Homes for many years. She was a talented seamstress and also loved to knit and embroider. She had a passion for gardening which started from her early years in Greece with her mother Paresa.

Ann was a strong, independent woman. She had a great work ethic that she passed down. She is loved and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her daughter Angela Goodfriend and granddaughter Michele Goodfriend, her brother Christo Kydes, and by several nieces and nephews.

Ann was the sister of the late Andrew Kydes and Despina Tsipouroglou.

The funeral will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 10:00 AM in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, CT. There will be no visitation. Donations in her memory may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, 25 Segar Street, Danbury, CT 06810. Arrangements are in the care of Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk, CT. Please visit www.collinsfh.com/obituaries to leave condolences.

Eleanor Elizabeth (Treacy) O’Connell, 78, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with heart disease.

Born in Brooklyn, New York on January 25, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Patrick and Helen “Ellen” Treacy. She was predeceased by six siblings. She married William Joseph O’Connell on November 13, 1965 and had five children Maryanne Carriera, Ellen (Michael) Rosen, Patricia (Logan) Hankins, William (Cory) O’Connell, James O’Connell.

Eleanor received her Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1963. She received her Master’s in Education from Fordham University in 1970, stayed home to raise her children, and became employed with the City of Norwalk as a librarian. She spent her time volunteering at Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport and was a caretaker for the garden at St. Thomas Church for many years. She was a member of the third order of St. Francis. She also received a Special Education Service Award.

Eleanor was loving, caring, and devoted to her family, especially to her eight grandchildren and one great grandchild Jeffrey, Rachel, Julia, Jennifer, Kristen, Devin, Liam, Olivia, Josie. She loved cooking and baking with all her family and passed down her recipes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 28 at 10am at St. Jerome’s Church, 23 Half Mile Road Norwalk. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may pay their respects on Sunday evening 5:00-8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

John P. Charpentier, 67, husband of Karen Charpentier, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Born in Norwalk on June 18, 1952, he was the son of Blanche Whittemore Charpentier and the late Francis Charpentier.

John attended local schools and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970, and attended Catholic University in Washington. John was a Mortgage Originator and worked for various banks and mortgage companies.

John grew up in Norwalk and during his youth and young adulthood could be found on the golf course at Shorehaven Country Club. His love affair with golf continued into adulthood and played golf every Friday with “The Famous Foursome” and others. The boys from Central were some of his closest friends.

John was a wonderful father and never missed a sporting event, concert or teacher conference.

In addition to his wife and mother John is survived by his heart broken daughters, Jessica of Stratford, Casey and her fiancée John of Branford, and Christine, “the special one” of Stamford; sisters, Lynn Tranguch and her husband Steve of Woodbury and Jan Charpentier of Venice, FL; nephew, Richard and nieces Leigh, Tara, and Susanne.

John also had a special friendship with his cousins Michael and Peter who were like brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 2, at 11:00 AM At St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will private.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, November 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Jacqueline Pierre “Didi”, 82, wife of the late Socrate Pierre, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 31, 2019 at her home.

Born April 29, 1937, Cap- Haitien Haiti. She was the daughter of Soirilia Lucien and Louis Jean.

Mrs. Pierre was a member of the Saint Joseph church. She was a homemaker. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend.

She is survived by children Myrtho and his wife Myrtha of Miami, FL and Fred and his wife Florence of Miami, FL, Martine of Norwalk, CT and ,Karin of Brooklyn, NY; 3 grandchildren Odrinne, Senna, and Timothy. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Delphin, Rolin, Claude, Guy, Daniella, Claudette, Marlene, and by many many nephews and nieces.

Wake will be held at Collins Funeral Home on Friday November 8, 2019. Her funeral will be held at Saint Joseph church on Saturday November 9, 2019.

Judith M. Russo, 79, of Norwalk passed away Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by her family. Born on March 31, 1940 in Norwalk, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary DeMartino.

Judy was a long time resident of Norwalk and in her early years enjoyed singing with her late sisters Claire and Emily in the famed group known as the DeMartino Sisters. She worked in real estate and then in customer service for many years before retiring to enjoy her final years which she did immensely. What Judy loved the most was spending her time and efforts with her family and friends whom she treasured and loved dearly.

She is survived by daughter Susan and her husband Alfonse, son Martin and his wife Ashley, her six granddaughters, Alyssa, Samantha, Nicole, Lucey, Harper, and Charlie, one grandson Timothy-Jude, one great granddaughter Elle, sister Rosemary, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a mass to celebrate her life held at St. Matthews Church, 216 Scribner Ave., Norwalk, CT. on Wednesday, November 13 at 10 am. All are welcome to come and celebrate her great life.

Elaine S. Alkon, 85, of Trumbull, CT wife of the late Herman R. Alkon, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at her home. 

Born April 3, 1934, in New Jersey, was the daughter of Joseph and Sophie Wattenberg.

Mrs. Alkon lived in Norwalk for 35 years and most recently resided in Trumbull, CT for the past 16 years.  She attended NYU and Columbia University and was a member of National Association of Social Workers and an active member of the League of Women Voters.  She was an avid reader and devoted mother. 

She is survived by daughters Amanda Alkon of Hamden, CT and Michele McElhinney and her husband Kevin of Holliston, MA; three grandsons, Jason, Hunter and Gavin of Holliston, MA.

A service will be held graveside on Sunday, November 10 at 12:30 PM at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ. 

John L. Smith, 91, husband of Rita Caliendo Smith of Norwalk passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

Born in Bethlehem, PA, on June 22, 1928, he was the son of the late Milton and Alice Bachman Smith.

John worked as a service engineer for Perkin Elmer for many years. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. John volunteered at the Norwalk Hospital and as an usher for St. Matthew Church and was also active with the Knights of Columbus, Council 46. He loved going to Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, Las Vegas and went on 42 cruises with his wife Rita.

In addition to his wife of 63 years, Rita, John is survived by his son Brian Smith of Norwalk; Son-in-law Paul and a granddaughter Abigail.

John was predeceased in life by his brothers Woodrow, Wilbur, Milton “Smokey”, Pat, Curtis, and Gilbert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated of Tuesday, November 12, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Interment with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may call Monday, November 11, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Pending

Robb Van Veghel passed away suddenly on November 11, 2019. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Ronna, his daughter, Katie, his son Hunter and his beloved dog Oliver. He is survived by his immediate family in Wisconsin, his sister Barbara Kleine, and his brothers Steve, John and Mike Van Veghel (Annette). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sue Grey of Ridgefield and Marge Grey and her husband Michael Henderson of Elk Grove, California. He also leaves his mother and father-in-law, Betty and Lou Grey. In addition, he leaves many nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on April 10, 1954 to his parents Catherine and John “Snipe” Van Veghel.

Robb came to Norwalk in 1985 to become the Aquatic Director of the Norwalk YMCA. He then worked as Vice-President of Scott Pools, at Glen Gate Pools and lastly at All American Pools. His unique skills and knowledge of the proper construction and building of pools made him a leader in his field.

Robb was an avid sports fan. He followed football, basketball and baseball religiously.

He ardently cheered on his hometown team, the Green Bay Packers and also the UCONN Women’s basketball team. He instilled this love of sports in his children and they would watch events together every weekend. In addition, he was a prolific reader who especially enjoyed political thrillers.

He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed family trips especially back to Wisconsin to visit with his large family. In addition to his family, Robb had a wonderful network of friends that he saw on a regular basis. He will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a Wake on Friday, November 15, 2019 at Collins Funeral Home on 92 East Avenue from 4pm to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Jerome Church on 23 Half Mile Road in Norwalk. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Norwalk Hospital Foundation and specify The Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.

Obituary

Mrs. Cleone Pierre Dorvil, daughter of the late Emilia Rosenberg and Sauveur Pierre was born on July 15 1938 at Bon Repos, Lizon, Haiti.
She was predeceased by her husband of more than 40 years, Martely Dorvil.

An avid businesswoman, Cleone was known for her love for the Lord, her sense of humor, her passion for life, her compassion and her respect for justice and fairness. She loved her family and was protective of her friends. Cleone left this world on November 6, 2019. She is sleeping awaiting to be united with our Savior.

Her memory will be cherished by her six children, Elsie, Immaculee, Jony, Edwige, Guerbie and Magda, her 20 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and countless of friends.