Dr. Carol Sarabun, 73, of Wilton, CT passed away at Norwalk hospital on January 1, 2020. Her beloved son and husband, Matthew and Paul Bacco, were both at her side. 

Carol was born on April 10, 1946 in Norristown, PA to the late Charles and Eleanor Sarabun.  She is survived by her sister Barbara and Barbara’s daughters, Meghan and Jennifer; her brother Chuck; her stepdaughter Lisa and Lisa’s children, Sammy and Kayla; and her stepson Louis and his children, Jason and Justin. 

Carol was predeceased by her sister-in-law Pauline Fiorita, whose companionship Carol found a pillar of support as she faced a difficult and protracted illness. Carol also held dear Pauline’s husband Paul, and their children Paul David, Diane, and Tommy.

Carol was an Army Brat, through and through, attending primary schools in Pennsylvania; Vandenberg Air Force Base; Roswell, New Mexico; Florida; and Alabama, to name a few.  She eventually graduated from Millersville Teachers College in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  She earned her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her Administration Certification from Bank Street College of Education. In 1995, Carol received a prestigious Doctor of Education degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Sarabun was recognized as a consummate professional for her exceptional efforts to foster collaboration and excellence in teaching.  She had an accomplished and fulfilling tenure in Greenwich Public Schools for almost 35 years.  She was truly an exemplary educator and a dedicated, caring administrator.  

Dr. Sarabun was also a valued mentor to many teachers and administrators. She was an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Bridgeport, and at The University of Connecticut, Stamford. 

In addition to her numerous professional accomplishments, Carol developed many interests and talents which she pursued passionately.  She enjoyed classical music and studied piano; she was a gourmet cook; and she loved flowers and plants and took great pleasure in designing beautiful outdoor gardens.  Her knowledge of birds was in depth, and her special love of butterflies was apparent in all she did. Carol was a cherished friend to many and maintained these friendships throughout her entire life.

Paul and Matthew will host a gathering of family and friends from 1-4pm on Wednesday, January 15^that Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s memory to The Myositis Association, 1940 Duke St, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314.

A memorial Celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Jean Bowers, 89, wife of the late Arthur W. Bowers, died peacefully Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness.  Born December 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Giuseppe (Joseph) and Mary Carmina Zilembo. 

Jean graduated from Norwalk High School in1949. She worked at the Hat Corporation of American, and later, for more than 20 years at Save the Children. A lifelong Norwalk resident, she was a member of the Columbiettes and the Red Hat Society. In her later years, she traveled widely in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Some of her greatest pleasures were the beaches of Norwalk and Martha’s Vineyard. But her first love was her family, who will miss her dearly and treasure her memory. She reveled in frequent family gatherings.  An excellent cook and dedicated homemaker, always welcoming and generous, she charmed friends and strangers alike with her sweet nature.

She leaves two devoted daughters, Christine Bowers and Lisa (Stephen) Smoragiewicz; three grandchildren, Jillian (John) Sutherland, Kyle, and Kayla Smoragiewicz; and a great-grandson, Rowan Sutherland. She was predeceased by her brother Pat Zilembo and his wife, Theresa, and her sister Helen Capaldi, and her husband, Victor.

The family would like to thank Norwalk Hospital for providing excellent, professional treatment, and everyone at Notre Dame for their outstanding, compassionate care during her short stay. We would also like to thank Jean’s caregiver and companion, Elizabeth Bezabihe for her understanding, kindness, and unfailing care of our mother.  Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Friends may call on Monday from 5:00-7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue. Please visit www.collinsfh.com/obituaries to leave condolences.

Robert (Bob) Jeffery, 93, formerly of Norwalk, husband of the late Rose Jeffery, entered eternal peace in Shelton on January 9, 2020. Bob and Rose were married for 58 years after originally meeting on Block Island. 

Bob proudly served our country as a Sergeant in the United States Army/Airforce during World War II as a ball turret gunner, which was one of the most dangerous assignments, in the Pacific Theater. Bob was awarded the Victory Medal, as well as the Army of Occupational Medal of Japan. He was also the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon and the American Theater Campaign Ribbon. 

Bob enjoyed life and found moments of happiness and beauty in each day. A devoted and very active parishioner of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church of Norwalk, he sang in the church choir. Bob was a lifelong member of The American Legion and a member of The Knights of Columbus. He served as President of the First Methodist Church of Norwalk Bowling League for many years. He loved traveling with his wife and daughter, in particular spending summers in Cape Cod. After his retirement as an HVAC Specialist, Bob enjoyed a second career, working as a school crossing guard for The Darien Police Department at The Royle Elementary School. He was also an active member of The Norwalk Senior Center. 

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial on Tuesday, January 14th at 10:15 AM at The Church of The Assumption, 61 N. Cliff Street, Ansonia. Reverend Peter A. Cipriani will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Orange Center Cemetery, Orange. 

Memorial Donations may be made in Robert’s honor to House of Heroes Connecticut Chapter, 3000 Whitney Avenue, Suite 233, Hamden, CT 06518 ~or online at hohct.org. 

Blanch S. Pinto, wife of the late Albert Pinto of Norwalk passed away Friday, January 10, 2020 at her home in Norwalk.  Daughter of the late Henry and Barbara Naski Zeszot, she was a life-long Norwalk resident.

Blanch was also a past president and life-long member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Frank C. Godfrey American Legion Post 12 in Norwalk. She enjoyed her family, was an avid football fan and loved animals.

She is survived by her daughter Barbara LaCanfora and her husband Victor of Norwalk and by son Frank Rubino and his wife Barbara of Norwalk; by five grandchildren, Christopher Rubino of Fairfield, Randy Rubino of New York City, Jeremy Rubino of Norwalk, Brandon Rubino of Norwalk and Lauren Butler and her husband Brandon of Norwalk; and by two great-grandchildren, Donovan and Gino Butler of Norwalk. She is also survived by her caregiver and friend of many years, Anna Mercado.

Friends may Call on Sunday from 2:00-6:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the ASPCA (secure.aspca.org) or to the animal rescue of your choice.

Elizabeth (Betty) Roberg, a long-time resident of Stamford, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born 85 years ago in Easton, PA born to the late Clarence and Retta Walter. 

Betty studied at St. Luke’s School of Nursing and moved to Connecticut.  In Stamford she met her husband, Fred Roberg, and raised two children.  Betty worked for Stamford Hospital, the former Courtland Gardens Senior Residence, and the ENT practice of Dr. McKee.

Betty was active in the Junior Woman’s Club and Turn Of River Church.   An ardent crafter, she was one of the founding leaders of the Holly Fair.  Betty enjoyed regular gatherings of the Couples Club and planned their themed parties.  Throughout her life with her husband Fred, they traveled to Canada, Wildwood, Hawaii, the Southwest, Florida, and Cape Cod. 

She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Alfred Walter, of Easton, PA.  Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Fred Roberg, her son, Larry Roberg, daughter-in-law Joanne Jeris, her daughter,  Nancy Sciglimpaglia, her son-in-law, Steve Sciglimpaglia, and two grandsons, Alex and Andrew Sciglimpaglia, all of Norwalk, CT.  She is also survived by a nephew and two nieces and their families. 

A memorial service will be held at Turn of River Church on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Turn of River Church, 49 Turn of River Road, Stamford, CT 06905.  Interment will be held privately for the family.

Dr. Marvin Goldstein, 85, husband of Harriette Goldstein, passed away Friday January 10, 2020 at Norwalk Hospital.  Dr. Goldstein, the son of Harry & Lottie Goldstein, was born February 13, 1934 in Newark, NJ and grew up in Ellenville, NY.

Marvin graduated from Albany State Teachers College before earning his PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  After spending the majority of his career as a research chemist at American Cyanamid in Stamford, Dr. Goldstein went on to serve for 16 years as an adjunct professor at Norwalk Community College.  He was a devoted and active member of Congregation Beth El.

He is survived by his wife Harriette, his daughter Stephanie Stelly, her husband John and their sons Evan & Ryan, his daughter Elaine Durkas, her husband Frank and their children Frank Joseph & Breanna, his daughter Barbara Koteen, her husband Dan and their children Sarah & Robert, his son Jonathan Goldstein, his wife Heidi and their daughters, Sabrina & Maya and his sister Bea Daskal.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth El at 10am on Sunday January 12^th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth El or to Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Wilma A. Bieler (Roberts), 79, of Westport, CT on January 18, 2020.
Beloved wife of Paul Bieler, loving mother of Harvey Bieler and his wife, Olga Barbanel, Mark Bieler and his wife Ellen Israel, Warren Bieler and his wife Ilene Fiszel Bieler. Adoring grandmother of Sam, Adam, Talia, Charlie, and Laura. Devoted sister to Charlotte Chaffin, of blessed memory, and her husband Richard, and Edward Roberts & his wife Nancy. Loving aunt and great aunt to 22 nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Wilma was a woman with many interests and activities and was intensely and passionately engaged in the world, generously giving much of her personal time and energy to benefit her family and community. Ahead of her time in many ways, she was a pioneer in re-defining the boundaries of feminine gender roles as she got her MBA and returned to the workforce as a financial executive and consultant once her sons were old enough to fend for themselves. Wilma was a true supermom with a passion for Boston sports teams, cooking, gardening, and family celebrations. Her hard work, dedication, commitment to excellence and love inspired us all.
Services will be held at Congregation Beth El, 109 East Ave., Norwalk, on Tuesday, January 21, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Beth El Memorial Park, Norwalk. Memorial observance will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 – 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (www.wscfriends.org), 21 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 or Congregation Beth El of Norwalk, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Philip Camhi of Boynton Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, January 19, 2020.

Born in New York City on February 14, 1929, to the late Raphael and Sophie Camhi, Philip was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-uncle and friend.

An admirable Norwalk native, Phil will be remembered as a humble man; he had a true heart of gold. His selflessness, humility and subtle, yet comical demeanor made him one-of-kind. An individual we all aspire to be more alike, Phil’s legacy lives on through the loved ones he’s left behind.

His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his beloved wife, Judith Camhi of Boynton Beach, FL, sons Dr. David Camhi of Weaverville,  NC and Stephen Camhi (Therese) of Weston, CT, daughter-in-law Patricia Camhi Dattellic of Boynton Beach, FL, grandchildren: Nicole, Stephanie, Frederick, Jenni and Andrew as well as nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Sophie and Raphael Camhi; sister, Leah Lebow; son, Federick Camhi and niece, Jennifer Lebow Munyon.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 25, 2020, at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Burial will take place at Beth Israel Cemetery, 227 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
followed by a bereavement luncheon at Silver Star Diner,  210 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Trustbridge at 5300 East Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 in the name of Philip Camhi would be greatly appreciated.

Marguerite “Peg” Lawson DeGostin, age 98, a long-time resident of Bristol, CT, died on Monday, January 20, 2020, at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Norwalk, CT.

Peg was born in Waterbury on December 24, 1921, one of four daughters of Claude Lawson and Margaret Coffee Lawson (O’Connor). She is the widow of Robert John DeGostin, Sr.

Peg is survived by her daughter Joan Shaw and her husband Cary Shaw of Norwalk, and her son Robert John DeGostin, Jr. and his wife Lucille Kelly DeGostin of Little Rock, AR; three granddaughters, Jocelyn Shaw of Long Island, NY, and Kelly Marchand and Erin Lytle of Little Rock, AR; six great grandchildren; and five nieces and two nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sisters Dorothy Cronin, Elizabeth Corrigan and Ruth Ryan, nephews Fran and Tom Corrigan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk from 3:00 to 4:30 PM with a prayer service at 4:30 PM. Burial will take place on Monday, January 27, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Cemetery in Bristol, CT.

Anthony Thomas Kurche, loving husband and devoted father, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

He is survived by his wife Grace, his son Anthony and his wife Chanel, and his son Joseph.

Born in Detroit Michigan on March 13, 1949, he was the son of the late Anthony and Barbara Kurche. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving two tours in the Vietnam War. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 29, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, January 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

In Lieu of flowers contributions in Anthony’s memory may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Francella Johnson beloved mother grandmother greatgrandmother sister and aunt died peacefully in her daughter’s arms at home in Norwalk Ct on January 17th.

Aunty girly as she was known by family members was born in Jamaica August 13th 1928. she was the daughter of Maude Sawyers and Obidiah Johnson.

Francella found her niche working in the hotel tourism industry for over 30 years. she later migrated to California to join her daughter her love for helping others continued when she decided to work with the elderly where she found  much fulfillment.

Francella later retired and traveled to England where she lived for a short period.. she returned to the US and settled in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida she has travelled quite a bit a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church for many years she then made her final move to Norwalk Ct with her daughter.

Francella loved preparing great Jamaican meals for her loved ones and truly enjoy been a homemaker. Her smile was warm and engaging a generous soul and giving nature she will be dearly missed beyond words.
She’s preceded in death by her parents Maude and Obidiah son Milton Coombs brothers Samuel Wint, Vincent Marks, and Cleveland Wint. she leaves behind daughter Carolyn Coombs -Smith sons Winston Hinds Edsil Owen Wayne Owen many grand and great grandchildren nieces and nephews.

The family would like give a special thank you to nurse David and Cyrstal Social Worker Amy Chaplin Marlon and CNA Ally from Regional Hospice for their excellent dedication compassion attentive professional hands on love and caring they have given her until her passing..

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at 1PM at Collins Funeral Home 92 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Regional Hospice of Danbury, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 .

Mary Elliot Drake animal lover, procrastinator and consummate bassoon player passed away on April 7, 2019.

A resident of Norwalk, CT since 1961, Mary was the first bassoonist with the Greater Bridgeport and Norwalk Symphonies since the early 1970’s until 2014 as well as a past member of the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra, Stamford and Ridgefield Symphonies. She received her Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory;  a Master of  Music from the University of Arizona, where she taught as a graduate assistant and played in the faculty woodwind quintet. She took additional credits from McGill University, Dartmouth College, Manhattan School of Music and Tanglewood Institute. Her many musical activities in Fairfield County included soprano church soloist, orchestral personnel manager, various woodwind ensembles, long term substitute teacher in the  Norwalk Schools as well as music teacher at All Saints Catholic School. Her instrument is a beautiful Heckel bassoon which was 100 years old in 2011.

Mary will be greatly missed by all her loyal friends and long time music colleagues. A memorial service & reception will be held at St Pauls on the Green in Norwalk this Saturday February 1 from 2 – 5

Rita Albert Zavidow, 97, of Westport, wife of the late Herbert R. Zavidow, passed gently Monday January 27 at the Carolton Hospital in Fairfield.

Born in 1923 the daughter of the late Samuel Albert and Stephanie Teller Albert, she was a lifelong resident of Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk, raising family in Greenwich and a Westport denizen for the last 40 years.

Mrs. Zavidow was a graduate of Norwalk Hospital School of Nursing becoming a Registered Nurse and served as a World War II US Army Surgical Nurse earning the rank of Lieutenant. Later, in the midst of family-raising, she exercised her creative passion by becoming a talented interior designer, with a specialization in color and wallpaper design consulting.

With her husband and continuing after his death, she traveled extensively around the world and, with her eye for beauty, built a collection of artistic treasures, particularly from several Asian and Pacific Rim countries.

She was a woman of great intelligence and style, with a larger than life personality. But her greatest gift was her generosity of heart: she became the “second mother,” trusted friend and confidante to men and women of all generations. In the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.” Rita Zavidow had 20-20 vision.

She is survived by her one daughter, Marilyn Zavidow of Westport and a loving extended family of friends and relations including, Carole and Tony Mazzarella of Westport, Susan Silver of Fairfield, Stephen Pratt of Westport, Susan Lucks of New York City, Ann and Jack Dillon of Torrington, Jeffrey Earls of Black Rock, Terry Lupo of Norwalk and the remarkably kind and loving caregivers of the Carolton Hospital’s West Wing.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM tomorrow, Thursday, January 30^th in Beth Israel Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Norwalk. A Memorial Celebration is planned for May 2020 in Westport.

Bernard S. Unger, 99 years of age, passed away after a brief illness. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Henry and Nellie Unger, and raised in Brooklyn New York. After the war, “Bernie” returned to Connecticut where he was a lifetime resident of Norwalk. He was married to his beloved wife Marjorie (Midge) for close to 70 years. They met as counselors in summer camp in the Catskills. They shared a beautiful life together. Midge passed away in 2012. 

Bernie is survived by his three children Laurie, Heidi, and Henry (fiancée Chris Wilz), 3 grandchildren, Lindsey Guerrero (Greg Smith), Jordan Guerrero (Rebecca) and Jesse Unger (Lucy), as well as 1 niece and 3 nephews. He is the proud great grandfather of 4 (Hudson Bernabe, Laken Grae, Harper Noelle & London Emersyn). He was predeceased by his loving brother Mervin Unger, sister Suzanne Gross and his son in law Bernabe Guerrero.

Bernie was a highly regarded dentist who practiced for over 35 years in Georgetown, Ct. He subsequently embraced mobile dentistry and provided care to homebound and nursing home patients. He served as Chairman of the Connecticut State Board of Dentistry and as an examiner for the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments.

Bernie was a graduate of City College of New York and Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. He served as an officer in the public health service during WWII.

In his retirement Bernie helped found the ROMEOS (retired old men eating out), a social group focused on ongoing education for retirees. He enjoyed making leaded glass art and was an avid reader. He pursued many academic interests and took classes in the lifetime learner program at the community college. He was a pianist who enjoyed listening to Jazz.

Bernie and Marjorie enjoyed traveling and spent their winters in Siesta Key, Sarasota Florida where they enjoyed playing golf and tennis.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 2, at 10:00 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow at Independent Hebrew Society Cemetery on Richards Avenue in Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Constellation Home Care Services,14 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, https://www.constellationhs.com/contact or Stamford Hospital, 1 Hospital Plaza, Stamford, CT 06902

Our Darling Angela,

We cannot believe that you were taken away from us so very soon.  When you were born, you were so tiny. We could not believe our eyes. It is with so much sadness that we are here today to say farewell.

Goodbye our precious loved one. We Know you are up in heaven now, waving down to us with a beautiful smile!

Edward W. Lisowski Jr., 78 of Norwalk, passed away Friday, January 31, 2020 at Notre Dame Convalescent Home in Norwalk. Born in West Hazelton, PA on June 23, 1941, he was the son of the late Edward W. Lisowski, Sr and the late Gertrude (McGarry) Lisowski.

He was a retired Electrician of International Bureau of Electrical Workers Local 208/488 and was also a lifetime member of South Norwalk Boat Club and Pastime Athletic Club. He enjoyed fishing, clamming and boating on Long Island Sound as well as spending time at the beach. He cherished his family and friends.

“The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths it has its pearls too” ― Vincent van Gogh

Mr. Lisowski is survived by a daughter, Donna Thebodo (& her husband John) of Milford, a son Michael E. Lisowski (& his wife Dawn) of Bethel, CT and three grandchildren; Alicia, Michael Jr, and Heather all also of Bethel, CT. He is also survived by a sister, Jeanne Lombardo of Redding and a niece Monique, and a grand-nephew James both of Norwalk.

Friends may call on Tuesday, February 4^th from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A private burial service will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Norwalk.

We would especially like to thank Sister Lucy, Sister Frances and the dedicated staff of Notre Dame for their compassion and loving care while at Notre Dame. We also like to thank Julie, Anne and Christine and the caring staff at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield for their loving care and support.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to: Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, 22 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897.

Robert K. Burgess, 90, husband of Arlene Burgess of Easton and formerly of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on May 27, 1929, in New Jersey, he was the son of the late Charles and Nina King Burgess. Raised in New York City, he was a proud graduate of Brooklyn Tech and went on to receive his engineering degree from Purdue University. He enjoyed a long career as an aeronautical engineer which began at Sikorsky Aircraft for over 30 years and completed with Boeing Aircraft in Arizona for his last 22 years. During that career, he traveled to over 30 countries in the job he loved, until his retirement in 2007. An avid recreational pilot, he’d say he’d rather be flying. He was passionate and devoted to the church in which he served in many capacities throughout his life.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his 2 daughters, Holly Robaczynski of Fairfield and her husband John, Kristin Hummel of Easton and 3 granddaughters, Katie Purzycki, Allyson Robaczynski and Lydia Hummel

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 10:00 AM at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow at the Aspetuck Cemetery, Black Rock Turnpike, Easton.

Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, February 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Peters Lutheran Church, 208 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851

Elizabeth Ann Smith (Betteann), 68, passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at her home in Norwalk.

Betteann was born December 28^th, 1951 in Norwalk, CT. She was the daughter of the late Daniel Michael Smith and Marion Daley Smith. She grew up in Norwalk and then went on to raise her only daughter Jackie Smith Skorvanek in Fairfield, CT.  She worked as a legal secretary for the majority of her career before she retired.

Betteann can be well remembered for her contagious laugh, beautiful smile, sense of humor and her portable cooling fan.  She loved snuggling with her cat Shirley, telling stories, singing at family parties and spending time with her grandson, Joseph.

Betteann is survived by daughter Jackie Skorvanek and son-in-law Robert of Norwalk, CT, as well as her siblings Daniel Smith and his wife Karen, Barbara Swain and her husband Chip, brother Billy Smith and wife Teresa and brother Tom Smith and his wife Bobbi as well as many nieces, nephews.   She was the proud “Mimi” to her 10-year-old grandson Joseph.

Her family will receive friends on Monday, February 10^th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 11^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philips Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the Adoption Hope Foundation, a 501c3 organization near and dear to Betteann’s heart.   Betteann’s grandson was adopted and her daughter serves on the board of the Adoption Hope Foundation which provides financial grants to families to help with the extreme cost of adoption.

Giuseppi DiIorio (Joe), 71, of Norwalk, passed away Friday, February 7, 2020 at the Norwalk Hospital. Born November 17, 1948 in Barano, Ischia, Italy, he was the son of the late Claudio and Giuseppena DiMeglio DiIorio.

In 1968, he immigrated to the U.S., and in 1970 with his brothers started DiIorio Brothers Masonry which later became DiIorio Brothers Excavation, where he was a co-owner. Joe was an active builder in the area, often donating work to many different causes.

Joe is survived by his brother Vincenzo DiIorio and his wife Ann Marie of Bethel and their children Claudio and his wife Melanie and Elizabeth and her husband Julius; his brother Salvatore and his wife Theresa of Norwalk; his sister Anna Terzian of Fairfield and her children Bryan and Michael; and three sisters in Italy, Angela, Lena and Maria.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Giorgio and his wife Antonietta, but is survived by their sons Claudio and Ciro as well as by numerous other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00-8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, at 10 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

The family would like to thank Jacki, Julia and Karina for watching over Joe.

Rita Judith Glazer (Judy) passed away on February 12, 2020 from natural causes at the age of 94. Judy was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Rose and Benjamin Ginzburg and the eldest of three sisters.

A graduate of Oberlin College, she moved to Norwalk, CT when her parents started the radio station, WNLK. There, she met her husband Harold, of 55 years when her father hired him to build the radio station. They began their married life in Rowayton, raised their three children in East Norwalk, and spent the last 32 years in New Canaan. Judy was an active member of the local community serving on numerous boards including the Norwalk Symphony and Neon. Judy’s love of the arts was nurtured and shared with her children. Additionally, she enjoyed working on political campaigns on both the local and state level. She worked alongside her husband in their real estate business for many years.

As her family grew, so too did her most cherished role, that of matriarch of a large and loving family who knew her as Mom, Grammy and GG. She will be missed by her children, Susan Shields (Michael), Peter Glazer (Kristine), Andy Glazer (Marsha); grandchildren, Sara Ratner (Don Amorosi), Josh Beatty (Julie), Rachel Shields (Mike Molzahn), Dan Glazer (Jessie), Nikki Glazer, Samantha Glazer (Craig Lockner), Jenny Glazer and Harrison Glazer; great-grandchildren, Ellison Ratner, Jack Beatty, Vivian Beatty, Brighton Glazer and Drew Teddy Glazer.

The family would like to thank her caretakers Hermina Ramasola, Pauline Sagoe and Selina Frimpong, who gave Judy their kind attention and caring comfort at the end of her life.

A service will be held at Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT on Tuesday, February 18th at 11:30 followed by a reception at The Tavern at Gray Barns, 194 Perry Avenue, Norwalk.