Randy Fedor, 52, of Norwalk, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Norwalk Hospital.  Born in Norwalk May 23, 1964, he was the son of Elizabeth Rigo Fedor and the late Allen D. Fedor.

Everyone wakes up every day and knows that they have to be part of this world. People have to find what makes them happy. People will say that it’s things or vacations or work that they enjoy. Well, for Randy it was people. People made Randy happy. It wasn’t what you could do for him; it was what he could help you with. Especially if it was something you couldn’t overcome. That was when he would stand his tallest. He would do everything he could for anyone, especially for people down on their luck, never asking for anything in return. His family made him the happiest. Not because we always pushed him to be better, but because no matter how crazy the situation, he knew we never stopped loving him. When we look back there’s always a lesson to be learned. Randy taught us that growing up is overrated. Rest in Peace.

In addition to his mother Elizabeth, he is survived by his son Randy Fedor Jr., brother Allen Fedor and wife Andrea, sister Sandy DeVingo and husband Edward and by many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his ex-wife Marlo Colon and his good friend Theresa Serna.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road Norwalk.  Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).

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Thomas Richard Hellard Sr. 78, of Norwalk, husband of Antoinette Elizabeth Hellard passed away on Friday, January 06, 2017 at his home. Born January 8, 1938 in Scranton, PA, he was the only son of the late Theodore R. and Mary H. Hellard.

He graduated from West Scranton High School and attended classes at the University of Bridgeport. Tom left Pennsylvania in 1960 to work for Pitney Bowes, Stamford, CT. He started working as a Meter Repairman and after many promotions, became Manager of the Cigarette Tax System. He retired from this position in 1994.

He became a member of the South Norwalk Boat Club in 1980, during which time he served 10 years on the Board of Governors, and 3 years as Flag Officer and Vice Commodore. He was a member of the Marina Committee for 8 years. In November 2003 Tom was awarded Life Membership.

Tom and Antoinette (Toni) enjoyed many years of boating and fishing on Long Island Sound. They also enjoyed traveling to many ports with Ward and Janet Evarts and Ralph and Lois Werner. The Werners and Hellards were married the same day, August 19, 1960 and celebrated their 55^th Wedding Anniversary this year.

Tom joined the Knights of Columbus in 1959 and transferred to Council #46 in Norwalk. He was active early on with the Bowling League and attended many functions at Shorelands.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Thomas R. Hellard, Jr. and wife Cathleen of Massachusetts, and grandchildren Roger Theodore and Kira Frances.

A memorial mass will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14^th in St. Philip Church, 1 Fr. Conlon Place, Norwalk, CT 06851. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Please visit www.collinsfh.com/obituaries to leave condolences.

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Ethel F. Canty, age 94, of Norwalk passed away on January 6, 2017 at Notre Dame Convalescent Home.  Miss Canty was born at home on Bell Island to Thomas H. and Ethel Smith Canty.  She graduated from Norwalk High School and worked as an assistant to dentist, Harry Hefferan, and later as vice president of  South Norwalk Savings Bank.

Ethel loved to play golf, bet on the Kentucky Derby in memory of her great-uncle the famous “plunger” Pittsburg Phil, and in later years to tell stories of the days when Babe Ruth visited her family home on West Rocks Road.

In addition to her parents, Ethel was predeceased by her sister Helen Canty Coates and her husband Arlington, brother Thomas H. Canty, and beloved niece Ethel Coates Robbins.  She is survived by her brother William H. Canty and his wife Helen of Danbury, several nieces and a nephew.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the caregivers at Notre Dame Convalescent Home, and request that in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made in Ethel’s memory to their Capital Improvement Fund (NDCH – SSTV Capital Improvement Fund).  Services will be private.

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Judith G. Weed Fox, 79, wife of the late Jesse S. Fox, passed away peacefully at home in Norwalk, CT, on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, after a long illness.  Judy was born November 14, 1937 in Norwalk, CT, the daughter of Alexander and Julita Weed.

Her childhood years were spent in Rowayton with her brothers and sisters.  She often talked of the good times they had playing with friends, ice-skating, swimming, and spending her summers with family at the beach.

Judy loved playing the piano and enjoyed singing the oldies with her family and friends.  She loved to dance and studied ballet at the Silvermine Guild of Artists, and later becoming one of the best jitter-buggers on the floor.

Judy was educated in Norwalk public schools and was very good with numbers, being employed as a bank teller and also with Genovese in Westport.  She was a devoted, compassionate mother with a fast wit and a great sense of humor were her assets for raising four children in Westport.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, son Rick Santos, daughters Gail Schwader, Aleda Warren (children Kyle and Ryan); and Laurie Aschettino (children Joshua Fox and Lexi Aschettino); her brother Wayne Weed, sister Julita Inzero, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Jesse S. Fox, Judy was predeceased by her brother Alexander Durl Weed, sisters Sandra Weed Austin and Charmaine Brown Molino.

A Memorial Service will be on Monday, January 16 at 11:00 at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Donations in her memory may be made to: Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.

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Randy Thomas Sci, our son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend, passed away suddenly, but peacefully yesterday in his sleep, at his home in Norwalk. He was 49 years old.

Randy was born and raised in Norwalk, and attended Kendall, Ponus Ridge, and Brien McMahon schools. He was a gifted musician, with a special ability to play by ear, taking after his grandfather Rene Guimond. However Randy took it a step further, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Five Towns College on Long Island.

He played in many bands over the years, but was happiest and most comfortable playing with his cousin Roger Guimond. Randy struggled with his cousin’s death two years ago, and missed him greatly ever since.

Randy also had a God given gift to teach music. He was especially good at sharing his talent with children, and worked for many years at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk.

Randy will be missed greatly by his family including his parents Claire and Tom, older brother Chris of Boston, and younger brother Michael and his wife Jacqui from Atlanta, 4 nieces and nephews; Timothy and Victoria Sci of Cape Cod, MA, and Isabella and Joseph Sci of Atlanta, GA.

He is also survived by his girlfriend Lori Rukin and their two rescue cats; Cabo, and Chewy.

He is pre-deceased by his grandparents Joseph and Angelina Sci, Rene and Rose Guimond, and two cousins; Roger, and Raymond Guimond.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 4:00-7:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk with a ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM. Burial will be private.

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Ernest I. Arnow, husband of Elaine Walkoff Arnow of Westport, passed away Sunday, January 15^th, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.

Born, July 6, 1924, in Bronx, NY, he was the son of Samuel and Sadie Arnow.

Dr. Arnow (Ernie) attended the Bronx High School of Science and then served in the US Army during World War II in the Medical Corps in the Pacific.  He attended NYU Undergraduate School and NYU Dental School.   He practiced dentistry in Norwalk for over 50 years.

Ernie was president of many organizations including Fairfield County Children’s Dental Study Group, Southern New England Dental Practice Administration, Friends of University of Connecticut School of Dentistry, and Norwalk Dental Society.   He lectured at many domestic and international dental societies, and in 1995 became a member of the Honorary Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Ernie earned a Masters in Clinical Nutrition in 1980 from the University of Bridgeport.   He was on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in Westport, CT for many years and President of B’nai B’rith and Norwalk Lions Club.  Ernie was an avid tennis and bridge player, and a member of the Y’s Men of Westport.  He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering food to homeless shelters and the senior center.

Ernie was a devoted husband and father to his five children.  He was quick-witted and had a dry sense of humor. He arranged annual family reunions to foster closeness and family bonding between siblings and cousins to bridge the family’s geographical distances.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, with whom he enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage.  Elaine is an elected official in Westport, plays in the Norwalk Symphony, and is an active real estate agent.

Ernie is also survived by daughter Sherry (Jeff) of Shavertown, PA, Hilary of Westport, CT, son Jonathan (Linda) of Lexington, MA, son David (Debbie) of Austin, TX, daughter Meredith (John) of Asheville, NC.  He is also survived by his sister Barbara Muchnick (Paul) of Norwalk, CT and 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services are at Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road Westport, CT on Wednesday, January 18 at 10 AM.  Burial will follow at Cedar Park Beth El Cemetery, with full military honors, at 735 Forest Avenue in Paramus, NJ Block 10 Section 2.   Shiva will be observed Wednesday, 6-8 PM and Thursday 7-9 PM.  Additional visiting hours will be Thursday 2-4 PM and Friday 2-4 PM at 5 Aspetuck Lane in Westport, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: Temple Israel of Westport, Connecticut or Westport Center for Senior Activities.

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Edward M. Fusci, husband of the late Connie D’Errico Fusci – both longstanding residents of Norwalk – passed away on Monday Jan 16, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Born on October 2, 1923 in Stamford – where he spent all of his youth – Edward was the son of the late Allessio and Crocefissa Fusci, and the brother of Joe, Allessio, Jerome, Mary and Filomena. Today, Ed leaves behind a large loving family including his daughter, Joanne – his grandson Brian, his sons-in-law – Kevin and Thomas, special Sisters in Law, Betty and Mary, special Brothers in law— George and Danny, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews who will miss his kind heart, big smile, hearty laugh and love of life.
Ed made his career in retail as a seller and as a buyer — he was a master at telling a story, connecting with everyone – even when it was as simple as helping people make choices about buying appliances. Everyone left happy and he always made a friend. Many Norwalk residents knew “Ed” “Big Ed” or “Big Guy” from his time at Aitoro’s. Even when it was time to retire, he enjoyed going into “the store” to meet with people shopping.
Early in his marriage, he and his wife Connie owned a small local grocery store in Stamford and lived above the store. Moving to Norwalk seemed far away at the time, and caused them to sell their grocery business together, but his strong family ties made the important trips short – every week to visit his family or visit Connie’s family in Brooklyn and Queens.
He was active with the Sons of Italy, loved his volunteer days at the Norwalk Oyster and Westport Festivals, and the Honey Hill Center. Ed’s friendships at The Marvin were some of the most important part of his later life where he lived almost 18 years.
As Ed’s daughter, and grandson moved to Georgia, much of his family time was spent there until finally moving himself just a few years ago. It would be no surprise that he had made friends with all in the local area, and continued to make new friends until passing this week.

A celebration and final services will be held this weekend. Calling hours on Friday, January 20th from 5-8 pm at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 21, at 10:00 am at St Jerome Roman Catholic Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

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Samuel F. Lanzo, 92, of Norwalk, husband of the late Rose Marie Chientro , passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017 in the Norwalk Hospital. Born September 17, 1924 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Frank Lanzo.

Mr. Lanzo fought in World War II as a fighter pilot and later worked as a Machinist and Blaster for Con Edison for 35 years.

Mr. Lanzo is survived by his son Francis S. Lanzo and his wife Judith and their son Brenden J. Lanzo, all of Norwalk.

Friends may call on Monday, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 2:30 PM in Ivandell Cemetery, Somers, NY.  Burial will follow in Ivandell Cemetery in Somers, NY.

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Kenneth Garfunkel, a former Norwalk fire commissioner and one of the city’s longest practicing attorneys, died Tuesday. He was 86.

Garfunkel suffered a stroke at his home in Norwalk Tuesday evening and died at Norwalk Hospital with his family by his side, said his son, former Town Clerk Andrew S. Garfunkel.

“He just celebrated his 86th birthday last Friday and he went to work Tuesday morning like he normally did,” Garfunkel said. “Dad didn’t want to retire. He said, ‘I still have clients. I don’t fish. I don’t golf. What am I going to do with myself?’”

Kenneth Garfunkel was born Jan. 13, 1931 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family moved shortly afterward to Norwalk. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1948 and earned his law degree from New York University School of Law. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the United States Army.

In 1957, Garfunkel began practicing law in Norwalk in partnership with Judge J. Richard Fay. After Fay’s death in 1976, he retained the partnership name of Fay & Garfunkel. As a family law attorney, he handled wills, probate issues and real estate closings.

“He was a good guy and a good lawyer,” said Frank N. Zullo, former Norwalk mayor and local attorney. “He served with distinction as a fire commissioner.”

Throughout his life, Garfunkel engaged himself in the public life of Norwalk.

He was a past president and member of the board of trustees of Congregation Beth El, and past president of Norwalk B’nai B’rith. He served as a scoutmaster and later chairman of the Southern District Mauwehu Council of Boy Scouts of America. He was a founding member and attorney for the Norwalk High School Marching Band Parents Organization.

In 1961, Garfunkel ran for city council on the Democratic ticket. During the 1970s, he switched his political affiliation to Republican and served as a city fire commissioner for 12 years under Republican Mayor Frank J. Esposito. In 1997, Garfunkel ran for probate judge, his son said.

“Dad was not only a prominent attorney in Norwalk but he was chairman of the District A Republican Party several times,” Andrew Garfunkel said. “He served a couple terms as State Central Committee member from Norwalk.”

The younger Garfunkel, a Democrat, said he was proud to have been sworn into his last term as Norwalk town clerk by his father. He said his father was most proud of his four grandsons and his service as a Norwalk fire commissioner.

Garfunkel was predeceased by his wife, Jean (Chariott) Garfunkel. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Garfunkel, of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Andrew Garfunkel of Norwalk, and grandsons Justin Garfunkel, Steven Garfunkel, Joseph Garfunkel and David Garfunkel.

He is also survived by his first wife, Elaine Katz, of Boynton Beach, Fla. (the mother of his two sons), his partner Rene Pomerantz, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Thursday, Jan. 19, from 4-8 p.m., at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave. The funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m., at Temple Beth El, 109 East Ave. Donations can be made to the Fire Victims Fund, c/o Norwalk Fire Department, 121 Connecticut Ave., 06854.

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Frantzeska Gianisis, 87, of Norwalk passed away Monday, January 23, 2017 in the Norwalk Hospital. She was the wife of the late Anthony Gianisis.

Born December 15, 1929 in the village of Pitrofos on the Greek island of Andros, she was the daughter of the late Konstantinos and Katerina Morakis.

Mrs. Gianisis and her husband were the retired owners of Anthony’s Luncheonette on Main Avenue. After leaving the Luncheonette she spent many years working in their fruit and vegetable garden. She also loved growing and caring for roses, zinnia and other colored flowers.

She is survived by one son, Dino A. Gianisis and his wife Brenda, of Binghamton, NY, one daughter, Barbara Gianisis of Norwalk, CT, three grandchildren: Anthony, Katherine and Sophia of Binghamton, NY, one brother Nikolaos Morakis of Danbury, CT and one sister Antonia Gianisis of Athens, Greece. She is predeceased by two sisters, Maria and Irene.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 26th, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk. Services will be held on Friday, January 27th at 10:00 a.m. in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Ave., Norwalk. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

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Long time Wilton resident Arthur Edward Malcarney, husband of Rosemarie Malcarney, passed away peacefully at his home from pancreatic cancer on Thursday, January 26, 2017. He was 75 years old. Born on January 17, 1942, in Camden, NJ, he was the son of the late Arthur and Anita Malcarney.

Mr. Malcarney grew up in Haddonfield New Jersey and attended St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania. After serving in the Air Force, Mr. Malcarney went on to receive an MBA from Rutgers University and became a senior executive at various companies in the garment industry, including Exquisite Form and Warnaco. He was active in Wilton youth sports, including the Wilton Soccer Association and was instrumental in starting the girls’ travel soccer program in Wilton. He retired in 2000 and spent his time cooking regularly at the Open Door soup kitchen, teaching CCD at St. Joseph’s Parish in Norwalk and playing tennis.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rosemarie, his son Bryan Malcarney and his family, Tamsen, Fiona, Geneva and Mathilda, and daughter Kristin Malcarney and her family, Eric, Benjamin and Matthew Winograd. He is also survived by his brothers Courtney and Ronald of Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Friends may call on Friday, February 3 from 4:00-8:00 at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton. Donations in his memory may be made to: The Katie Swaney Foundation, a family foundation benefitting pediatric cancer patients, 2644 Capitol Trail, Dept. 377 Ste 300, Newark, DE 19711; The Open Door Shelter, 4 Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT 06854; or Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, PO Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897.

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Kenneth “Kenny” Drexel Norwood, 71, of Naugatuck, Ct passed away on Friday, January 27, 2017.

Born in Norwalk, Ct on June 29, 1945, he was the son of the late Macio James Norwood, Sr. and Martha Lockard Norwood. He also is predeceased by his brother Macio James Norwood, Jr.

Kenny is survived by two sisters Cora Anna Norwood and Barbara Norwood Bivens of Bridgeport, Ct, an Aunt Alma Mooney of Dorchester, Massachusetts and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Kenny served for a short period of time in the United States Army as a private. Kenny loved children where he was a long time resident of Washington Village in South Norwalk, Ct.

Friends and family may call on Wednesday, February 1, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Services will take place at 11:30 on Wednesday in the funeral home.

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Grace Moore Durkin, 96, of Norwalk, died peacefully on Friday January 27, 2017 in Norwalk Hospital Hospice Unit. Grace was born in Central Falls, Rhode Island on April 16, 1920, seventh of nine children of the late William and Mary Ellen Moore.

Grace was a career cook for many years at the Me-Tu Restaurant in Norwalk followed by The Village Luncheonette in Wilton. Upon her retirement from the restaurant business, she embarked on a second career in child care at the Norwalk YMCA until the age of 91.

Grace is survived by her daughter Kitty Durkin Scalisi and her husband Nicholas of Orange, CT; grandchildren, who were the light of her life and loved their Mamma dearly;

Michael T. Scalisi of Stamford, Jonathan D. Scalisi of Norwalk and Megan K. Queiroga and her husband Jeffrey of Milford, and great granddaughters Zoey Grace and Savannah Lola Queiroga, and by many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Denis E. Durkin, Grace was prdeceased by her son William A. Duncan and by four brothers, William, Gordon, Robert and Ralph and by four sisters, Lois, Dorothy, Mary and Ethel.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 1, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday,    February 2, at 10:00AM, at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Donations in her memory may be made to:Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.

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Mary B. Amato, 101, wife of the late Arthur J. Amato, passed away peacefully at home in Norwalk on Monday, January 30, 2017. Born December 17, 1915 in Fall River, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Stephain and Ida D’Amico Baresi.

Mrs. Amato started work at age 14, becoming a career telephone operator for over 40 years. She was a devoted Catholic and a good cook, hosting Sunday dinners for her children and grandchildren. She also loved visiting the casinos up into her 90’s.

She is survived by her sons Michael Amato and his wife Margaret of Norwalk, and Arthur Amato of Richmond, New Hampshire, and by her eight grandchildren Michael, Thomas, James, Joseph, David, Robert, and John Amato and Sarah Amato-Mills. She is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, nieces Gloria and Rosie and by her caretaker Christiana.

She was predeceased by her brothers Frank, Matthew and Nick and sisters Josephine and Roseann.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

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Vincent Shaqui Elijah Fowlkes, age 22, passed away suddenly on January 26, 2017, at Norwalk Hospital. Vincent was born March 24th, 1994 in Norwalk, CT. He is the son of Kathleen M. Slonski of Waterbury, CT and Vincent Fowlkes of Crewe, VA. Vincent attended Norwalk Public Schools and was an extremely gifted song writer, singer, and artist. He was also talented in all sports.

Vincent is survived by his brothers and sisters, Prentiss J. Elmore of Norwalk, CT, Patrick J. Elmore of Waterbury, CT, Shawn L. Bowman of Waterbury, CT, Tyrique J. E. Bowman of Waterbury, CT, Jordan M. J. Fowlkes of Crewe, Virginia,  Imani D. Z. Bowman of Norwalk, CT,  Shelby L. Rhodes of Shelton, CT and nieces and nephew, Serenity Elmore of Waterbury, CT, Mariah F. Elmore of Waterbury, CT, and Xavier J. Bowman of Bridgeport, CT, his maternal grandparents: James R. and Eileen B. (Cleary) Slonski of Norwalk,  his paternal grandmother Grace Fowlkes of Crewe, Virginia and his Uncle and Aunt Christopher J. and Jennifer (Rogers) Slonski of Mesquite, Texas, and his great grandmother Mrs. Eileen B. Cleary of Norwalk, CT. Vincent was predeceased by his great grandfather John B. Cleary of Norwalk, CT.

Vincent is survived by numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. He is predeceased by many family members who loved him dearly.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, February 4^th, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

Philip Reeves lost his battle with cancer on February 7, 2017.     Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1959 to the late Courtney H. Reeves Jr. and Sarah S. Reeves.  He moved to Wilton in 1962 and remained there for most of his life, attending Wilton Public Schools.  As a member of the Wilton Volunteer Fire department, Phil found his lifelong passion, becoming a firefighter with the Westport Department in 1980, where he remained for six years, at which point he joined the United States Army, to earn his wings as an Army Aviator.

After completing his active obligation, which included a tour in the Republic of Korea, Phil transferred to the Massachusetts National Guard, where he remained until his death, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5 as the State Aviation Safety Officer.  Phil served two tours in Iraq as a MEDEVAC helicopter pilot.  In 1994, Phil joined the Bridgeport Fire Department, earning promotions to Pumper Engineer and Fire Lieutenant, retiring in 2016.  Phil served the Bridgeport Fire Department as Firefighter, Engineer, Training Officer, Safety Officer, and Battalion Chief’s Aide. Phil earned a Bachelor’s of Science in History and a Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management.

Phil married the light of his life and soulmate, Robyn Hapke in 1994, who survives him.  Also surviving him are his daughter Rebecca of Keene, New Hampshire and son Isaac of Wilton.  He is survived by his mother Sarah, of Walpole New Hampshire, sister Leslie Kanerva of Springfield, Vermont; sister Cynthia and her partner Ray Ruseckas of Walpole, NH; and brother Ted, of Springfield, Vermont.

As a proud veteran, Phil was a life member of the VFW, the United States Army Warrant Officer Association, the National Guard Association of the United States and the Army Aviation Association of America.  Phil was also a proud member of Bridgeport Firefighter’s Local 834.

The visitation will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT on Friday February 17, 2017 from 4 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 48 New Canaan Road, Wilton, CT on Saturday February 18, 2017 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bridgeport Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the USO, or the veteran’s service organization of your choice.

Joseph M. Pline, age 55, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Virginia.

Born on August 20, 1961 in Jamestown, New York, he was the son of Marie Scalise Bard of Clearwater Beach, Florida, and Lawrence A. Pline of Monroe, Connecticut. Joseph was a generous and selfless person and spent his spare time volunteering at the Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester Virginia transporting disadvantaged youth to social programs and assisting with serving meals to the homeless. He also collected and donated supplies to the local animal shelter, provided children’s toys to local medical facilities and contributed to several charities.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his sister, Laurie Pline Furey, her husband Robert, and their three children Nicholas, Gregory and Alexander of Trumbull, CT; his brother Patrick L. Pline, his wife Ester and their two children Elliot and Katherine of Clifton, Virginia; JoEllen Pline, wife of Lawrence Pline of Monroe, CT; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Mary Church in Norwalk, CT on Saturday, February 11^th at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull, CT (family members only).  In lieu of flowers, please pray for the repose of his soul.  Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may the perpetual light shine always upon him.  May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Maureen Powers Palinkas, 85, wife of the late William “Bill” Palinkas of Norwalk, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital, spending her final days with her loving family.

Born October 16, 1931, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Maureen was the daughter of the late James and Johanna Powers. Upon graduating from Norwalk High School, she worked at Nash Engineering and MBI for many years. Since the mid-80s, and until the end of her life, she worked at the family-owned Connecticut Lawn Equipment in Norwalk. Maureen loved her entire family, and never missed the opportunity to spend time with them; she also enjoyed going for rides with Bill in their classic, yellow Model-A, in which they could often be seen around town.A person of great faith, Maureen also spent many hours in prayer, and even more time treating others with kindness.

Maureen is survived by a son, Kevin W. Palinkas and his wife Laura, of Trumbull; a daughter, Kathleen Cosacchi and Tom Murry, of Bridgeport; three sisters, Barbara Ensign of Bethlehem, Jean Cooke of Bethel, and Kathleen Callan of El Cajon, CA; three grandsons, Daniel Cosacchi and his wife Julia, of Norwalk, Eric Palinkas, and Dylan Palinkas, both of Trumbull; a great-granddaughter, Samantha Cosacchi, of Norwalk; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 57 years and her parents, she is predeceased by a sister, Nancy Ryan.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4 PM to 8 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave., Norwalk. Donations in Maureen’s name may be made to St. Jerome Church.

Grace M. Weed, a long-time resident of the Norwalk area, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Norwalk Hospital at the age of 95.  She was born December 1, 1921 in Stamford, CT, to the late Charles and Bertha Janson O’Donnell.  She was the devoted wife of the late Edward A. Weed.

She will be forever remembered by her daughter, Carole of Norwalk, son, Edward and his wife Valerie of Wilton, as well as her grandchildren Jessica, Dillon, and James.  In addition to her husband Edward, she was predeceased by her sister Sylvia Morgan and brothers Charles, William, and John O’Donnell.

Grace was a woman with a great heart who was always dedicated to her family.  She lived a long life full of love.

A private ceremony and burial took place at Collins Funeral Home in Norwalk and Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.  The family requests that contributions in her memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to the charity of your choice.