Anna M. Keyes, 91, beloved wife of the late Harold R. Keyes of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019 in her home. Anna was born on July 11, 1928 in Norwalk. She was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Lillian (Vena) Morrone and a lifelong resident of Norwalk.

Anna graduated from the West Hartford School for the Deaf. After graduating, she worked at several clothing textile companies including The Hat Corporation of America and Dooney & Bourke. Anna was active in the deaf community and proud of her Italian heritage. Anna was a devoted wife, and a loving mother and grandmother.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and devoting her time to helping animals in need. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Deborah A. Simons of Phoenix AZ and her son Robert B. Keyes and wife Heidi of Norwalk as well as her grandchildren: Stephen, Christopher and Katherine Simons of Phoenix, AZ and Jordan, Hannah and Rebecca Keyes of Norwalk and several nieces and nephews. In addition, she was predeceased by her brother John Morrone, and sisters Mary Bove and Rose Tiano.

Friends may call on Thursday, November 21st from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 am on Friday, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Interment will conclude in St. John Cemetery, 233 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Connecticut Humane Society in memory of Anna and her ongoing love of animals.

Lewis J. Spero of Norwalk, loving and devoted father, 99 years old died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on November 17, 2019 surrounded by his family.
Lewis was born on October 9, 1920. He was the son of the late Anthony and Assunta Gazzio Spero.
Lewis was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Mucci Spero, daughter Gloria Spero Farina, son-in-law James Perry, and three brothers and three sisters.
Lewis is survived by his daughters, Angel Guman and husband Steve, Susan M. Perry, Barbara Loehn and husband Richard, Rosemarie Ginter and husband John, and Linda Spero; sons, Lewis Spero, Mark Spero and wife Linda and Anthony Spero and wife Diane. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Lewis was a veteran of World War II, he served in the Army and was discharged with a good conduct medal. Lewis was a truck driver for Vallerie’s Transportation for 42 years, he received an award for saving a child’s life on interstate 95 and an award for driver of the year. Lewis then went on to be a Special Police Officer. He was also a member of the Knight of Columbus, the VFW, and was president of the retirees of the local 191 Teamsters Union. Lewis enjoyed his Lionel trains and making model airplanes. He was also a big fan of the New York Yankees and the San Francisco 49ers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.
Friends may call Wednesday, November 20, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Frederick N. Hill, Jr., 62, passed away on November 20, 2019 surrounded by family. Fred was born on June 7, 1957 to Jeannette and the late Frederick Hill, Sr. Fred married Patricia Long in 1987, and together they raised their three children, Maive Howard (JP), the late Charles Tyler, and Michael in Wilton, CT. He is additionally survived by his sisters, Claire and Debbie (David Reinholt), many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fred was a devoted husband and father who was also the best uncle, son, brother, brother-in-law, and lifelong friend to many and was always available to those who needed him. From playing basketball and softball, to coaching youth sports, and founding his New Canaan based business, FH Roofing, Fred was a lifelong active member of the Fairfield County community. Words cannot describe the impact that he has left on all of our hearts. Fred’s legacy will be carried on by all who love him.

Visiting hours for family and friends will be held at The Collins Funeral Home at 92 East Ave on Friday November 22 from 4 to 7 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 23, 2019 at 10 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle at 203 E. Avenue Norwalk, CT. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Fred’s honor to the Closer to Free Fund, which jointly supports Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven and Yale Cancer Center. P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508. Fred and his family greatly appreciate the care and kindness he received from the whole staff at Smilow.

Patricia Ryan Currie, widow of the late Lenox St. John Currie Jr. passed away at her home on November 28th. Patricia was born September 9th 1935 and was a lifelong resident of Norwalk CT. 

Patricia was a long time member of the Norwalk Garden Club. She also was a volunteer at The Norwalk Hospital as well as The Honey Hill Nursing Home.  Pat and Len enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound in their boat “Happy Daze” with friends and family. Later in life she became interested in golf and played at Pinehurst and many of the Norwalk area golf courses.  She enjoyed traveling and took a trip to the Ryan and O’Keefe homeland of Ireland.

She is survived by her daughter in-law Kim Currie of Easton CT.  Linda Wolf and her husband Larry Wolf of Southern Pines NC, Lenox St. John Currie 3^rd and his wife Rita of Cornelius NC, Diane Barnes and her husband Tracy Barnes of Tallahassee FL and Mark Peter Currie of Norwalk CT. Patricia was known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as Mema. Her grandchildren are Jake Wolf, Tyler Wolf, Aimee Bonnell, Adam Currie, Timothy Currie, Clayton Barnes and Spencer Barnes. Patricia’s great grandchildren are Johnny Wolf, Peter Bonnell, Scarlet Wolf, Alexander Bonnell and Luna Wolf. 

In addition to her late husband “Len” she was predeceased by their eldest son Timothy Paul Currie of Easton CT.  She was also predeceased by her brothers and sister in-laws Leo Ryan and his wife Nancy, Jack Ryan and his wife Livia, Robert Ryan and Ken Ryan.

Family and friends may call on Thurs. Dec. 5th at Collins funeral home from 5-8 pm. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Dec. 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Church Norwalk CT. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.

Eleni Marmanidou Christoforides died on the 29th of November, 2019, at home, with her children, Nicholas and Anastasia,  by her side her side. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Christ Christoforides.

Eleni Christoforides was born to Elisavet (Papadopoulou) and Nikolaos Marmanides in Ishun, Simferopol, Crimea. Her family was originally from Chortokopi of Pontos. She lost her mother at age three and her father at five. As a result, the six children were brought up by their father’s cousin, Father Kyriakos Marmanides (Papa Kyriakos) in the Spelia Greece. Her legal birthday was 15 October 1926.

In 1962, she came to Norwalk, with her husband and established a home by working hard, despite all the challenges of being an immigrant. But, she overcame so much as a refugee child , she knew that love and family were the foundation for success… And they made it!

As our mother was the last surviving sibling, we would like to pay tribute to her and her siblings- Soteria, Kyriake, Ioannis, Chrysana and Konstantinos. As we close this last chapter, we want to honor these remarkable people, who with love, determination and family unity made it. We always envied their love for each other and their solidarity. We hope that the future generations will inherit this blessing of family. We would also like to honor Father Kyriakos E. Marmanides. A man who lost his family, but, had enough love to take in and bring up six orphans. He gave them love and hope. Our mother always said that they believed there were good people in the world because of this selfless and loving man. Mom is also survived by very loving nieces and nephews, cousins and many loving relatives of many generations.

The viewing and Trisagion will be on Monday, 2 December, from 5-8pm, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. The funeral service will take place at 10am on Tuesday, 3 December, at St. George. Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, Connecticut. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk, Connecticut.

We ask our family and friends to donate to St. Basil Academy, in Garrison, NY, as a final act of love and kindness to our mother and her siblings and a tribute to a man who was about love and hope. We want children to always be loved and given hope. We appreciate and thank you for your generosity.

Tanya Marie Court, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2019 at the age of 67.

Tanya is survived by her husband; Bill, her sons; Billy and Kevin, her brother; Johnny, her sister; Ingrid, her brother-in-law; Ken, and their children.

Tanya was born in New Jersey on March 10, 1952 and was a lifelong resident of Connecticut. Upon graduating with a master’s degree, she began a lengthy and successful career in public policy and planning. Recently retired, she planned on experiencing all life had to offer with her family, friends, and loved ones.

Tanya was a go-getter, being both a fearless leader, and a compassionate teammate to all those around her. An avid gardener and lover of nature and animals, she was at her happiest kayaking, “noodling” in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or planting her next masterpiece.  Tanya also leaves behind two Portuguese Water Dogs, Beau and Picabu.

Tanya was a devoted mother who loved and was loved immensely by her family, and she sought to bring beauty and joy into the lives of those around her. Tanya woke up each day ready for life’s next adventure and will be sincerely missed by those she leaves behind. Her light and love of life will continue to comfort and guide her loved ones on their journeys ahead.  

Funeral services will be private.

Arthur James O’Boy “Art”, 91, Husband of the late Veronica O’Boy of South Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Saturday November 30, 2019 in Norwalk surrounded by loved ones.

Born on June 7, 1928 at Norwalk Hospital, he was the son of the late Elizabeth and Arthur O’Boy.

Art was a lifelong resident of Norwalk.  He served honorably in the United States Army and returned home to work for Pepperidge Farms and Roy Bros HVAC Co. before opening Mr. Frosty’s in 1964.  Notably, Art was a member of the South Norwalk Boat Club, joining in 1952, He was the oldest and longest living member of the club with 67 years of membership.  Art was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending plenty of time out in the sun with loved ones. 

He is survived by his three daughters; Linda Martino of Trumbull, Patricia Kovacs of Norwich and Karen Bassett of East Norwalk, his five grandchildren; Kelly Capps, Tracy Kovacs-Shea, Andrea Martino, Daniel Martino and Richard Bassett, as well as numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Veronica, Art is predeceased by his two brothers; William and Robert, as well as his three sisters; Edna, Arlene and Betty.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue Norwalk. Interment will take place on Thursday 11am at Saint John’s Cemetery, Richards Avenue Norwalk.

Lawrence Du Rant Church, a lifetime Norwalker, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.

Larry was born in Norwalk, Feb. 2, 1952.  He attended Norwalk public schools, graduating from Norwalk High School in 1969.  He attended Kenyon College followed by University of Connecticut Law School. Marrying his high school sweetheart, Beth Liebman, he returned to Norwalk, where he began a career practicing law.  He partnered with Charles Pirro III to open Pirro & Church, LLC, where he worked for over 35 years.  

Larry had deep roots in Norwalk.  He made a commitment to raising his family here and was a dedicated father who always made time for family, both immediate and extended.  

He was deeply involved in the Norwalk community, serving on the Common Council, along with stints on Planning & Zoning and Redevelopment.  He also volunteered on numerous local boards. He was fond of singing, with a melodious baritone that he shared Sunday mornings in the First Congregational Church Choir, as well as any time the mood struck him (which was always).  He was also a huge baseball fan, having rooted for the Dodgers ever since seeing a left-handed Duke Snider on TV in the mid ’50s. He coached each of his sons’ baseball teams in the Cranbury League.  

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Beth; his siblings Allen, Randall, and Clara; his children John (wife Sara) and Michael, both of Norwalk; his grandchildren Daniel and Benjamin; and his mother-in-law, Lenore Liebman.  He is predeceased by his parents, Lorna Henry Church and Gerald Du Rant Church, and his father-in-law, Bernard Liebman.

A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church on the Green, 3 Lewis Street, on Saturday, December 7, at 11 AM.  Shiva will follow on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Church residence from 12-5 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to STAR, Inc., 182 Wolfpit Ave., Norwalk, CT, or the First Congregational Church on the Green, 3 Lewis Street, Norwalk, CT.

COL (Ret.) Alfred A. Coppola, Jr., passed away at home on Monday, December 9th, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Fred leaves behind by his wife of 37 years, Laura M. (Errico) Coppola, also of Norwalk. They were high school sweethearts and married in 1982. 

He is survived by his sons Vincent Coppola (Cristina), Dominic Coppola, and his grandchildren Alexander, Grayson, Elias and Annalise. He is additionally survived by sisters Ruth (Ira) Miner, Cynthia (Robert) O’Brien and Audrey Coppola, sister-in-law Kathleen (William) Granata, many family members and a multitude of friends.

Fred was born on 6 Dec, 1958 in Galveston, TX, to the late Alfred A. and Christine (Ringer) Coppola, Sr. He first moved to Stamford, CT and then to Norwalk, where he played youth football, and Babe Ruth baseball. He attended St. Luke’s, in New Canaan, where he played football and baseball, graduating in 1977. He then entered the USMA at West Point, NY. While there, he was a standout on the Lightweight Football Team. As their captain in 1980, they became the EILFL champions, with an undefeated season. 

Fred graduated in 1981 and received his commission into the U.S. Army, in the Field Artillery. He was assigned to multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe during his 26 year career, and received many awards and decorations. After his military retirement in 2007, Fred joined the Dept. of the Army as a civilian and retired in 2019.

Fred loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He was passionate about coaching youth football, baseball and lacrosse, teaching life lessons in addition to skills. His family always came first and the highlight of his life was the birth of his grandchildren. 

Fred dedicated 42 years to the service of this country and the soldiers who defend it. He was a mentor, a leader, a loyal friend, a competitor, a voice of reason and a generous man. 

Visiting Hours will be held on Monday, December 16, 2019, from 4-8 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue in Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Rd, Norwalk. Burial will be at West Point at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Jimmy Fund.

Violanda (Viola) Marie Fretina, daughter of Anna (Manzi) and Pasquale Spinola, passed away on December 12^th at Notre Dame Health and Rehab following several years of ill health. She was the loving wife of Michael for 49 years until his death in 1995.

Viola was a factory worker at Arlene Knitting Mills, Beldoch Popper, Diane Knitwear and Deitz and Flents Products. In addition to Mike, she was predeceased by her brothers Frank, Larry, Sal, Babe and Abby and her sisters Anna, Rose Krysiuk and Molly Goodchild.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann Pappolla and son-in-law Joe; her son Joseph and daughter-in-law Denise; granddaughters Ann Marie Pivarnik (Troy), Michelle O’Brien and husband Dan, Lori Sierra and husband Jimmy and Jodie Fretina. Also four great-grandchildren: TJ Pivarnik, Morgan O’Brien, Daniella and Michael Sierra and many loving nieces and nephews.

Viola was a client of Elderhouse for many years and enjoyed going there. We would like to thank the staff for their wonderful care. We would especially like to thank Sr. Lucy, Sr. Frances and the dedicated staff of Notre Dame for their compassion and loving care while at Notre Dame.

Friends may call on Sunday, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Monday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Notre Dame (www. ndhrehab.org).

Iris Ellen Klein, 73, a Ridgefield, CT resident for over 45 years, passed away peacefully Friday, December 13th, at Danbury Hospital. 

Iris was born at Beth El Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Her parents, Sam and Rose Stolon, moved to Far Rockaway, NY with Iris and her sister Debra, where Iris lived for 14 years. Iris graduated from Far Rockaway High School, then went on to the Fashion Institute of Technology where she graduated with a degree in Fashion Marketing. In her early career she worked as a fashion buyer for a chain of department stores. She married Roy Abrams at the age of 22 and had two children, Melissa, 50, and Jason, 46. The family moved to Ridgefield, CT in 1970. She and Roy divorced in 1986. Iris was a past president of the Ridgefield community chapter of ORT, the Jewish occupational and rehabilitation training organization. She worked at Ridgefield High School as the assistant to the athletic director. Later she was the office manager for William Raveis Real Estate in Wilton.

Iris remarried in 1993 to Arthur Klein, 79, from Bronx, NY. Art had four children, Elyse, Melissa, Joshua and Melody. 

Daughter Melissa and husband Tom Goosmann gave Iris her first grandchildren, Maya and Bryan, twins who are now 18. Eliana, 5, is her granddaughter from son Jason and wife Violeta. Her other grandchildren through marriage include: Jake, 14, and Leyna, 7 from Melissa and Ed Aguilar; Caitlyn 7, daughter Elyse and Blake LeRibeus; Mason, 3, and Violet, 6 months, son and daughter of Josh and Emily Klein.

Iris saw the beauty in everyone and everything. She loved her friends, the town of Ridgefield, her pet dogs, needlepoint, knitting, and crafting miniature dollhouses. Her favorite lifelong pastimes were reading and broadway theater. Her family meant everything to her. 

Services were held at Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk CT followed by burial at Temple Shalom/Independent Hebrew Society Cemetery, Norwalk CT. 

Donations may be made in Iris’ name to two causes very dear to her: the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 659 Tower Avenue, First Floor Hartford, CT 06112 and the North Shore Animal League, 25 Davis Ave, Port Washington, NY 11050. 

Ann D’Amato Artell, age 97, passed away peacefully December 13, 2019, at the home of her son Robert and his wife Marybeth. Annie, a nickname that encapsulated her spirit, was born February 20, 1922 in New Milford, Connecticut to Anna and Sabato D’Amato. She was the wife of the late Edwin S. Artell, Sr.

Annie was a force of nature, living independently until the last days of her life. Former Norwalk Mayor Tom O’Connor once commented, “If you could harness her energy you could light the entire city.”  That energy was demonstrated by her numerous list of accomplishments: 24 years as Registrar of Voters, co-owner Quality Homes Real Estate Agency, member of several real estate boards, Norwalk Election Coordinator for Congressman, Stewart McKinney, Governor Thomas Meskill, and several presidents, delegate to the 1980 National Republican Convention nominating Ronald Reagan for President, first president of the Norwalk High School Alumni Association, chairperson and board member N.E.O.N., president of the Norwalk Business and Professional Women’s Association, and so much more. All this achieved by this Class of 1939 Norwalk High School graduate.

Of course all that energy meant she loved to have fun. In social situations, Annie was the life of the party. 

She loved to dance especially to big band jazz but readily adapted to rock and roll. She enjoyed summers with her family on Long Beach Island at the Jersey shore, often joined by a gang of her close friends. 

Annie was an adventurous and constant traveler. Her itineraries included much of North America, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.  There is a photo of her in Egypt riding a camel. 

A  devout Catholic, she worked tirelessly in a number of roles for her church. Representing the Bridgeport Diocese, she volunteered as VIP guide for the Vatican Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair. She co-chaired a major fundraiser that resulted in the creation of a retired priests home in Stamford. When her sons attended Fairfield Prep, she become a leader in the Bellarmine Guild,  a group that brought together Fairfield Prep faculty, parents, care-givers and students. 

All knew her as a happy positive force, generous and fair minded. She was impressed by a person’s character and not their social status.  She believed all should be treated fairly and this was the guiding force of her life. The Honor America Committee accurately described Ann as a unique person who made unceasing contributions to  numerous religious, political, educational and civic activities epitomizing the best of what is within us all. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. For a more detailed story of her life visit the website,  Ann_D’Amato_Artell.com, lovingly created by her grandson James.  

Annie has now joined her three siblings, Mary (D’Amato) Somers Marino, Victor D’Amato, and John D’Amato. She is survived by her sons Edwin S. Artell, Jr. and his wife Bonnie and Robert Artell and his wife Marybeth Sullivan, six loving grandchildren, Christine and her husband Joe, Lauren and her husband Chris, Whitney, Ryan, James and Annie (her namesake), 5 great grandchildren, Christopher, Isabelle, Kirstin, Samuel, and Dante, nephews and nieces, Dennis and his wife Sally, Christine Lowery (wife of recently deceased Patrick Lowery), Linda, and John/Skip (her “third” son), grandnephews Daren, Michael, Tom and David, grandnieces Jaime, Joyce, Amy, Beth, and Caitlin, her brother John’s spouse, Geraldine D’Amato, and her nephew Al Somers wife Betty, and nephew David Somers wife Judy.

Ann’s family invite friends to celebrate her life on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Annie would be pleased if you would make a donation to any of the following: St. Matthew Recreational Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport, CT.

Joseph Kertesz, loving husband of Jayne Kertesz of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on September 1 ,2019 at the age of 85. He was born on March 19, 1934 and was the son of the late Anna and Stephan Kertesz

Joe was a lifelong native of Norwalk and attended Norwalk schools and graduated from Norwalk High School. Joe was employed with CPS Industrial in Stamford for many years and retired from Collins Pipe and Supply in South Windsor CT.

Joe was a gentleman with a great sense of humor who loved storytelling, fishing and clamming on Long Island Sound and Block Island.  He loved the outdoors taking great care of his home, landscape and gardens. He was a wonderful cook with specialty in his homemade soups.  He was involved in many community activities and belonged to the St Ann’s Club, the Piedmont Club, and the East Norwalk Boat Club.

Joe is survived by his daughter Tanya and his sons Robert and Stephen and a sister Anna Klim of Vero Beach, FL, step grandchildren, Jessica Parks and Eric Warren, and great grandchildren, Devyn Parks and Fiona Jayne Warren

In addition to his parents Joe was predeceased by a daughter Cynthia, a brother Stephen, and sisters Jolana Saladi and Irene Kyllingstadt.

Arrangements are with the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk Friends may call at Collins Funeral Home on January 4, 2020 from 1 PM to 3PM followed by a reception at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center.  Interment will be private.

Tracy M. Warren beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2019 at the age of 57. She was born on July 20, 1962 and was the daughter of Jayne (McIntyre) nee, Warren Kertesz and the late Lee Warren.

Tracy was a Native of Norwalk and attended Norwalk schools. She graduated from Norwalk High School and Katherine Gibbs School.

Her most favorite place in the world was Block Island where she lived and worked for many years. Tracy’s career was at Gen Re in Stamford. Tracy was a member of The Norwalk Lions Club.

Tracy was kind, fun loving, was a generous soul and had the warmest heart. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, laughter, twinkling eyes and her love to share good times. She adored and cherished her furry westie, Suzie. Tracy will be forever and always in our hearts.

Tracy was predeceased by her father, Lee Warren and her step father, Joseph Kertesz. In addition to her mother she is survived by her brothers Lee Warren and Eric Warren (Aleda), a niece and many nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements are in the care of the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may call at Collins Funeral Home on January 4, 2020 from 1 PM to 3PM followed by a reception at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center.

Interment will be private. 

Obituary Pending

Patrick A. DeVito, 77, husband of Carol A. DeVito of Norwalk passed away December 22, 2019, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

A life-long Norwalk resident, Patrick was the son of the late Patrick S. and Theresa Mary DeVito. He graduated Norwalk High School, class of 1960. Patrick entered the United States Navy for a three-year stint, spending much of his service at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu and Hawaii. Next, he began a lengthy career with Clairol in Stamford, CT.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Carol, children John and his wife Marsha and Mathew and his wife Maria; grandchildren Zachary, Sophia, and Isabella; siblings Albert P. DeVito of Tampa, FL, formerly of Norwalk and Alfred C. DeVito of Norwalk.

Patrick was an active sort, always on the move and as a graduate of New Haven College he participated in many charities and activities. His accomplishments include: softball umpire for 35 years; Shellfish Commission; Lifetime Member of the South Norwalk Boat Club; Small Fry Baseball president and coach.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s on the Green Church, 60 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, December 26, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

No flowers, please, contributions may be made to: Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org or South Norwalk Boat Club Scholarship Fund, 17 Mack Street, So. Norwalk, CT 06854.

Margaret Eckert, 92 wife of Alfred Eckert Jr. of Norwalk passed away peacefully Christmas Morning, December 25^th, 2019 at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Norwalk

Born in West Deer, Pennsylvania was a coal miners daughter of the late George and Emma Federinko.

Margaret enjoyed being with her family.  In her early years she was very active and was a chaplain of American Legion Auxiliary in Norwalk.   In her spare time she was an avid walker and loved to play scrabble.  She also enjoyed being with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Alfred Eckert Jr. of Norwalk,  Her son  Alfred Eckert  the 3^rd of Norwalk, Her Daughter Lorraine Duncan and her husband William Duncan of Norwalk.  She also is survived by  5 Grandchildren, Chelsea Eckert of North Carolina, Billy Duncan of Arizona, Kristine Duncan of South Caroline, Robert Duncan of Michigan & Corey Duncan of Norwalk.  She also has one Great Grandson, Tyler Sliech of South Carolina. And over 25+ nieces and nephews all over the United States.  And many Grand nieces and nephews.

She has one brother left Joseph Federinko of Ohio

She was predeceased by her parents George and Emma and her 4 sisters (Elizabeth Federinko of PA, Mary Zaleski, Betty Glen of Ohio, and Emma Keller of PA,) and 4 brothers (Mike of CA, George of PA, Andrew of PA and Steve of PA.)

There will be no calling hours.  We will have a graveside small service at St. Johns Cemetery on Richards Ave at 10:15am on December 30^th.

Flowers are always appreciated and can be sent to Collins Funeral Home at 92 East Ave, Norwalk CT O6851.

Margarethe (Maggi) Caroline Schon, wife of the late Julian Schon, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 in Cannondale, Connecticut. 

Born February 25, 19– (she could always keep a secret) in Park Ridge, Illinois, she was the daughter of Carl Oscar and Margarethe Tolf. 

Leaving Park Ridge to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, she performed with the USO in WWII and landed roles in off-off Broadway productions. Upon marrying she lived overseas for many years (China, the Philippines, Greece, Spain, Lebanon, Okinawa and Uganda). She was always active in the theater and played Peter Pan and the Wicked Witch of the West thousands of miles from Broadway in Beirut. 

She later received a Master’s Degree in Education from Fordham University, which she applied in positions at the Job Corps and as Museum Director at the Children’s Museum in Tucson, AZ. 

Margarethe was an intrepid traveler, an extensive reader and a masterful party-giver. 

Survived by children Jeffrey and his spouse Joëlle of Westport and Nairobi, Kenya, Gregory of Tucson, Christine and her spouse José of Los Angeles and Geneva, Switzerland; grandchildren Zachary of Tucson, Chloé of Montclair, and Caroline of Los Angeles; and two great- granddaughters. In addition to her husband Julian, she was predeceased by her brothers Carl and Robert. 

As Margarethe and Shakespeare would say, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances…” She would also say “life is short, eat dessert first”. 

Anthony J. Gasparino 75 of Palm Coast, FL passed away on December 23, 2019 at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House. He was born on November 2, 1944 in Norwalk, CT to the late Anthony James and Victoria Mary Gasparino (Mazzone). He graduated from Greenwich High School in Greenwich, CT. He then went on to Westchester Business School & Norwalk State Community College where he received his degrees in Accounting & Computer Science. Anthony was then drafted into the Army where he served during the Vietnam Conflict. Upon receiving his honorable discharge Anthony then went to work for Electrolux Corp in Greenwich, CT & Norden Systems in Norwalk, CT. He was very active in his church community of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church where he served as an usher, hospitality ministry, Teams of Our Lady and the coordinator of the Living Memorial Wall Collection. Anthony was also active with the Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight, Notre Dame Council 10514, 2017-2018, Faithful Navigator, Corpus Christi Assembly 2810, 2018-2019, he earned many Council & Assembly awards including an Assembly Award for the support of the Purple Heart To Be A Patriot. He enjoyed helping the youth of Flagler County keeping the Knights of Columbus sponsored events active. His memberships also included the American Legion, VFW and the DAV. He enjoyed gardening, reading, trivia, sports especially the NY Yankees, photography, classical music and cruising the Caribbean with his wife but his greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren.

Anthony was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gasparino. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Claudia; children, Michele (Kevin) Smith of Monroe, CT; Tina (Michael) Jones of Torrington, CT; beloved grandchildren, Peyton & Kathleen Smith, Brady Jones; sister, Rosemary (Louis) Fabion of Myrtle Beach, SC.

A Mass of Christian Burial will  be celebrated on Tuesday, January 7, at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas The Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Entombment will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may call on Monday, January 6, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House or the American Cancer Society.

Obituary Pending.