Germaine C. Benanti of Norwalk, CT passed away peacefully on February 11, 2017 after she lost a long and brave battle against ovarian cancer.  She was our beloved mother, grandmother, best friend and confidant.  She was predeceased by her husband, Hector J. Benanti and son, Philip M. Benanti.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY, and attended NYU where she met her late husband.  (While at NYU she worked as a hat model.)  They moved to Danbury, Connecticut in the early 1950’s and she helped him start a very successful advertising agency.  After he died in 1969, she moved to Wilton, Ct and then to Norwalk, where she resided for over 30 years.

Germaine led an unbelievably remarkable and successful life.  She did so even though she was widowed at a young age and had to overcome the typical stereotypes and barriers for a woman in that era.

She went back to college in the 1960’s and obtained a Teaching Degree from Western Connecticut State University and later received a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport.

She bought and sold houses, taught and practiced homeopathy, owned a health food store and ran a small nutrition oriented business for over thirty-four years.  She loved old movies, plays, art, travel, reading the New York Times and Wall Street Journal and particularly loved playing Bridge and watching the New York Rangers.  She also loved talking about and taking vitamins and homeopathy.

She was a true “character”.  Funny, smart, feisty, hard working and strong willed, but very generous, and always available to help anyone who asked.  She enjoyed spending countless hours helping people with their medical problems and recommending various treatments and doctors around the world.

But anyone who knew her, knew that her grandchildren were the light of her life.

She will be greatly missed by her loving son, daughter, grandchildren, daughter-in-law, nieces and nephew, and by her many, many friends.

The visiting hours are on February 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.  The Funeral will be on Friday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Collins Funeral Home followed by the burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Danbury, Connecticut.  In lieu of flowers donation in Germaine Benanti’s name to Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance or https://www.thenhf.com/ or http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/  (LinusPauling Science Center).

Arthur “Art” Albert  Santella, 75, of Norwalk, CT passed away on February 9, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

A lifelong resident of Norwalk, Art was born on April 24, 1941. He was the son of Albert and Elizabeth “Betty” (Torre) Santella. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Norwalk, CT.  He graduated from St. Basil’s Preparatory School and Norwalk High School.  On April 8, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy C. Morton.Art’s artistic talent led him to work with his father at Al Santella & Son’s Signs on First Street. He went on to become a proud Norwalk Firefighter.  Upon retirement, Art studied to become a computer aided design (CAD) draftsman at Porter and Chester Institute.  He went on to work for Sturm Ruger and Co. in Southport, CT.

Art is survived by his wife of 55 years Nancy C. Santella; daughter Caressa and husband Sean Neary of Norwalk; daughter Nancy and husband Peter Scimeca of Norwalk; his grandchildren Robert Santella, and Albert and James Scimeca of Norwalk.  He is also survived by many cousins and friends who filled his life with joy.  Art also loved his pets.

Art had a boundless sense of humor, loved to tell stories, and most of all loved to make others laugh.  Anyone who had the good fortune to know Art was blessed with his larger than life personality and will undoubtedly recall many, many fun times.  Art had many talents, passions, and hobbies.  He loved to travel with his wife and spend time with his family; he was an avid history buff; enjoyed riding his Harley with friends from the Norwalk Eagles Club, Norwalk Firefighters and Police Officers; and many other dear friends.  Art took part in many charity rides and was passionate about showing support for the men and women of the military who defend our freedoms.  He loved to go freshwater fishing in upstate New York with dear friends.  Art was a celebrated amateur radio operator, an AAA-Class skeet shooter, held a black belt in karate, played several musical instruments, enjoyed poker, taught blackjack, and imparted his wisdom through various industry publications.

Our family would like to thank the Norwalk Hospital EMS, the Norwalk Fire and Police Department, and the staff of the Norwalk Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion for Art and his family.

As a man who loved life, his friends, and family and lived life each day to its fullest with a sense of passion and purpose, Art and his family hope that you will share his enthusiasm and appreciation for life with your family, friends, and all who you meet along your journey.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 3pm to 8pm, at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk , CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 16, 2017, 10 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, on 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850.   Donations in his honor may be made to Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org.

Albert R. Talloni, 88, of Norwalk, husband of Lucy Iannaccone Talloni passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Bridgeport.

Born in Norwalk April 18, 1928, he was the son of the late Adam and Josephine Santella Talloni of Italy.

Al served his country first in the Navy and then in the Army during the Korean War. He later retired as a Captain of the Norwalk Fire Department in 1994, after 33 years of service there.  He was also a 30 Year Member of the South Norwalk Boat Club. Al will always be remembered as someone who would go out of his way to help someone in need.

In addition to his wife Lucy, he is survived by his son Robert and his wife Karen of Turlock, CA, by his five grandchildren Maria, Riccardo, Cristina, Roberto and Alessandra, and by his two great grandchildren Conner and Albert.

Friends may call on Monday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9:30 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Patricia Bell Beaver of Milford, CT, wife of Jeffery Beaver passed away Saturday, February 18^th, 2017 with her loving family by her side.

She was the daughter of the late Wallace and Catherine (Kitty) Bell. Pat was a Norwalk Resident for most of her life as well as spending many years in Cape Coral, FL and Milford, CT. She was also a graduate of Norwalk High School Class of 1956.

Pat worked for SNET (AT&T) for over 24 years and was active in the American Legion Post 12 for over 27 years, serving as Auxiliary President. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and was an American Red Cross blood drive facilitator, earning her 5-Gallon pin as a donor.

Her smiles were infectious and her family was everything to her. Growing up in East Norwalk, she loved the waters of Long Island Sound. She and her children and grandchildren enjoyed many years of vacationing on the beaches of Block Island and Misquamicut, Rhode Island. She and Jeff also enjoyed many great vacation cruises including Alaska and Europe to name a few.

Pat is survived by her four children: Lorrie (Tom) Kaufman, Teri LeDuc, Douglas LeDuc and Tracey (Gary) Cahn, and by seven grandchildren and four beautiful great granddaughters.  She is also survived by her sisters Kathleen Aurigamma, Margaret (Norman) Chabot and Cindy (Chuck) Harvey, and brother-in-laws Arthur and Brad Beaver.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Friends may call on Wednesday February 22, 2017 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM, with a service beginning at 6:30 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to Connecticut Hospice (www.hospice.com)

Taylor Greene, 22, of Norwalk CT passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Danbury Hospital due to a Pulmonary Embolism. She was born December 6, 1994, in Norwalk to Walter and Suzanne Greene. Taylor truly lived life to the fullest – life-time Pop Warner, Norwalk High School, and CCSU Cheerleader, Norwalk Athletics Lacrosse enthusiast. Taylor had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. In December 2016, Taylor was engaged to Nick Briganti and finished her studies in English and Editing at Central Connecticut State University.

In addition to her parents, Walter and Suzanne Greene, Taylor is survived by; brothers, DJ, Thomas, and Cody Greene; grandparents, Dorothy J. Brown of Norwalk, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Brown of Naples, FL, and Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Greene of Norwalk, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Taylor was predeceased by her grandmother Faye Curriton.

Friends may call on Monday, February 27, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 11:00 AM at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport, CT.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Taylor Greene Scholarship Fund, C/O Sue Greene, 200 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850. Please make checks payable to Fidelity Charitable and memo Taylor Greene Scholarship.

Parthena Savvaides, age 84, of Norwalk died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 23, 2017 with her loving family by her side.

She was an amazing mother and grandmother who adored her family. She touched many hearts and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Born in Greece, daughter of Kostandinos and Kyriaki Papadopoulos, she was the wife of George Savvaides.

Parthena is survived by her husband George and her four loving children: Kate Lanzaro (Louis), Debbie Savvaides-Winley (Camerone), Steve Savvaides (Natalie), Andrew Savvaides (Eugenie); and 7 cherished grandchildren: Anthony, Thomas, Melissa, Michael, Parthena “Tina”, George and Elizabeth.

Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851 with interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850.

Joseph F. O’Handley died peacefully at home on Friday, February 24, 2017.Joe was born on November 8, 1926 to Ronald and Elizabeth Kearney O’Handley in New York City.  He spent most of his youth in Manhattan, but resided during his high school years in Seaford, Long Island.  He graduated from Amityville High School, Class of 1944, and enlisted in the Navy for his service in World War II.  Joe graduated from New York University, Class of 1950, and Harvard Law School, Class of 1953.  Joe married Marion Connelly on May 11, 1957 and they began married life in Queens, NY, then moved to Garden City, NY, and settled in Wilton, CT in 1970. Joe spent most of his career at Great Northern Nekoosa Corporation, retiring in 1990 as General Counsel and Vice President. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years, spending winters in Marco Island, Florida, traveling with Marion and friends, and being with his cherished grandchildren.  Joe is survived by his beloved wife Marion, his daughter Ellen Moore, son-in-law Quentin Moore, and grandsons Patrick and Ryan Moore. He was predeceased by his son Dennis J. O’Handley, and brothers Ronald J. O’Handley and Daniel P. O’Handley. Joe will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  He had a great sense of humor and a kind word for everyone he met.  Those of us who spent part of our lives with him were lucky indeed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 27, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton, 229 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Joan P. Ancker, 69, of Norwalk, wife of Laurence J. (Larry) Ancker died Sunday, March 5^th at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in New York City, daughter of the late Frederick and Ellen Gilroy Farrow she had been a long time Norwalk resident.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her children, Corrie Belardinelli and her husband Barry and Kevin Ancker and his wife Kristina; four grandchildren, Barry Belardinelli, III, Michael Belardinelli, Krista Ancker and Kameron Ancker, a sister,Donna Pesce,and her husband Rich, a sister-in-law, Donna Farrow  several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Princess. She was predeceased by a brother John Farrow.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 8^th, at 10:00 AM in St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, March 7^th, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Whittingham Cancer Center,c/o Norwalk Hospital Foundation, 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06856.

Frank D. Leone, 89 of Norwalk CT, passed await peacefully on March 8,2017. Born on August 7, 1927 to Steve and Florence Leone, he was pre-deceased by his sister Antionette.

Frank graduated from Norwalk High and J.M. Technical School. He served in the U.S. Army as part of the 68th Constabulary Squadron in Budingen Germany during the Occupation. He worked at Pitney Bowes as a manufacturing Engineer and was actively involved with St. Marys Church , the Knights of Columbus, St Ann’s, SME and the VFW.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, his sons Frank, Mark and his wife Janet, son Thaddeus, daughter Mary-Ellen and her husband Anthony Andreana.

Friends may call Sunday, March 12 from 2:00-6:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:30 AM in St Mary Church 669 West Avenue Norwalk CT. Interment will follow at St John’s Cemetery, at 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT.

Walter Edward Brueski, Norwalk resident since 1968, passed away at age 86 after a brief illness on March 10 with his loving family around him.  Walter was born in Port Chester, New York on April 1, 1930 to Felix Barwikowski and Anna Darmochwal who both emigrated from Lomza, Poland. Walter enjoyed sports growing up including a natural ability at speed skating as a young boy.
Walter served in the United States Army Reserve inducted into active status on April 19, 1951 during the Korean War with one of his duties working on tank maintenance.  He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army as a testimonial of honest and faithful service on the 25th day of February 1957.

Walter married Kathleen Ford on April 4, 1964 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage.  In addition to his wife, Walter is survived by his three children: Michael F. Brueski (and wife Barbara), his daughter Elaine K. Brueski and son Stephen A. Brueski as well as two grandchildren, Stefan and Sarah Brueski, all of Norwalk, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Walter was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Jesse Glatzl, Leon Brueski, Alice Markisz, Stanley Barwikowski, William Barwikowski, Joseph Brueski, Helen Shrive, Edwin Brueski and Stephanie Bailey.
Walter was retired from Professional Graphics, Inc. in Norwalk.  Walt was very active in Norwalk’s youth sports starting with the West Norwalk Community Baseball League, Pop Warner Football and a long time member of Norwalk Athletic Association.  Walter also coached Parochial League Basketball, and was League and Regional Commissioner for Babe Ruth Baseball. Walter was also a founding member (1981-1987) of Brien McMahon Football’s Booster Club, a proud member of BMHS Football Chain Gang as well as a long time supporter of American Legion Post 12 Baseball.
Walter will be missed for his corny wisecracks, love of his Red Sox and amazing culinary skills.  A loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend that everyone will sorely miss.  May God bless his journey home.
Calling hours will be at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave., Norwalk on Friday, March 17 from 4:00pm-7:00pm with a service at the funeral home on Saturday, March 18 at 10am followed by interment at St. Johns Cemetery, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Legion Post 12, c/o Joe Parlanti, 5 Byselle Road, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Dawn Marie Rekosz Mejia, 37-years-old, died on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family. Her strong will to live, unwavering courage and the love for her son carried her through her valiant fight with brain cancer.

She was born in Norwalk, CT to Paul and Judith Rekosz on December 17, 1979. Dawn was a devoted and loving mother to her son Daniel, the greatest joy in her life. She was a loving and proud auntie to her nephews Julian, Jameson, Dominic and her niece Miranda. She loved summers at the Jersey Shore, family vacations to St. Pete beach and eating at the Big E fair. Her chief concern was never herself.

In addition to her parents, Paul and Judith Rekosz, Dawn is survived by; her son Daniel Mejia, sister Michelle Rekosz-Aguirre and her husband Anthony, brother, Kevin Rekosz, grandmother Marie Rekosz of Norwalk, CT; aunts and uncles, Claudio and Linda Zampino of Madison, CT and Tom and Mary Beth Zarecki of Danbury, CT; her nephews, niece, cousins and best friend Norma. Dawn was predeceased by her sister Lorrie Ann Rekosz, maternal grandparents and parental grandfather.

Friends may call, Wednesday, March 15th, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave., Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 16th, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Darien, CT.

Our family wishes to thank The Connecticut Hospice for your kindness, support and amazing care provided for Dawn.

Elizabeth (Valiante) Parmalee, 96, of Norwalk quietly passed away at home with her sons by her side on March 13, 2017.

Born at the family home in Saugatuck on April 5, 1920 to Dominick and Gertrude Valiante, she was predeceased by her husband Kenneth G. Parmalee and three sons: Kenneth G. Parmalee Jr., Thomas Parmalee and Dennis Parmalee.

She leaves behind three sons: Gary, Robert, and Richard Parmalee, two sisters: Marge Ulbrick and Frances St. Amand, ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, plus several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church,  203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Calling Hours will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. Burial will follow the services in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

Debbie Klaff Katz, born August 24, 1929,  daughter of Mary Groginsky and Joseph N. Klaff,  and wife of the late Robert A. Katz, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 15^, 2017. She is survived by her daughters Laurie and Meri Lynn, her grandchildren, Josh, Rachel, Ari, Corey, and Carly, and her great grandchildren, Ester and Seth, and her sister Mollie Klaff Passero.

A life-long resident of Norwalk, Debbie graduated Syracuse University, and immediately joined the family business, Klaffs Inc. Debbie truly gave her love and dedication to the family business every day of her life. Debbie was always the last one to leave the office six days a week. Her love and devotion to her team and all Klaffs employees was extraordinary. Just like her parents, Mary, Joe and her sister Mollie, Klaffs was her life. Debbie’s contribution to Klaffs’ success is unmeasurable. She was a leader in the local community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations.  She was a role model for women seeking to enter the business world, as she was one of the early women business leaders in southern Connecticut.

The funeral will be held at Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Temple Shalom Cemetery on Richards Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allen Road, Norwalk, CT, in her name.

Yelianni Pamela Saldana, 13, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

Yelianni was born October 10, 2003 in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.  She was currently an 8^th grader at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk.  She was a bright girl, who was full of life with many dreams and aspirations.  She enjoyed spending time with her family but especially with her younger sister.  Words cannot describe how much she will be missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her mother Anadely Valera, father German Saldana, sister Analia Saldana, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 18^th at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.

Eleanor Mary D’Amato, 91, wife of the late Joseph D’Amato of Norwalk passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

Born in Paterson, NJ, on November 11, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Said and Mary Mardenly Atanas.

Eleanor is survived by her four children Cyrus D’Amato (Mary Jane), Joseph D’Amato (Debbie), Rosemary D’Amato (Kenny Owens), and Michael D’Amato. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Peter, Bernard, Joseph, Darcy, Rocco, Christopher, Nicholas, Michael and Jill.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 25, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 1:00 PM at St. Jerome Church 23 Half Mile Road, Norwalk. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Julie Keown, age 60 died peacefully with her sister’s by her side on March 22^nd, 2017.

She was a trailblazer for the rights of people with Down ’s Syndrome. She was a part of the first public school class in Stamford Connecticut, and was a graduate of Stamford High School Class of 1977. Julie was a Special Olympic Swimmer, a Pegasus Horseback rider, earning many medals. She enjoyed bowling, and loved all the Disney Princess’s, Star Trek and Star Wars.

Beginning in 1980, Julie was a part of the STAR supportive work program. Her favorite positions were at the Marriot Hotel, Burger King, The Pet Shop, and Stop and Shop. After retiring from Stop and Shop she enjoyed attending the STAR Senior Club at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she loved karaoke, dancing, and walking the runway in fashion shows.

She is survived by her sister’s Laurie Linton and Susan Keown, her niece Jennifer Linton and her wife Michelle, her nephew   Eli Peck, and her niece Sarah Keown-Peck. Julie was predeceased by her beloved mother, Sally Keown, and her father, John Keown.

A Celebration of Julie’s life will be held at Collins Funeral Home 92 East Ave, Norwalk, Connecticut on Saturday March 25, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Her family would like to thank all of the people who supported and nurtured her throughout her life. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT  06851.

Donald Francis Bloom, 85, a lifelong resident of Norwalk , died Saturday, March 25 at the Norwalk Hospital following a brief illness. Son of the late Clifford and Florence Michek Bloom, he is survived by his wife of 65 years,  Joan (Maloney) Bloom.

Donald graduated from Norwalk High School in 1950.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.  Donald was co-partner with his brother Kenneth in Seymour’s Hardware of Norwalk.

In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by his daughters, Cynthia  and her husband William Lahey, Cheryl and her husband John Carbonell and his son Donald and his wife Allison (Palladino) Bloom; his grandchildren, Caylin, John and Christopher Carbonell and Rebecca and Timothy Bloom; his brothers, Robert, Edward (Janet)  and Kenneth Bloom and his sister Jacqueline (Thomas) Griffith and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Rodney Bloom.

The family will greet friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 30^th at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. (Family and friends will meet directly at church). Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donald’s name to Abilis (Advancing abilities for people with Special Needs ), 50 Glenville Street, Greenwich, CT 06831 or to the Norwalk Public Library (Norwalk History Room) 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850.

Duane A. (Al) Mutti, 85, husband of the late Janet G. Mutti of Rowayton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28^th 2017 at the Norwalk Hospital.  Born on May 19, 1931 in Peekskill, New York, he was the son of the late Charles P. and Isabella C. Mutti, and brother to deceased Charles Mutti.  He was a proud veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Having a passion for education, after completing undergraduate work at Middlebury College in Vermont, he earned a Master of Business Administration from New York University, and a Master of Music from Columbia University.  In his younger life he pursued his love of music, playing trumpet with Swing and Jazz bands.

Later, he held various positions in the banking Industry.  He retired from corporate life in 1983 as an executive of the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York, and began a successful career as a private real estate investor.  For forty years he served as a member of the board of directors of the Paul H. Gesswein Company of Bridgeport, Ct.  He was a member of the Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, CT since 1980.

In his spare time he enjoyed tennis, golf, and boating; most recently, spending time between his residence in Port St. Lucie, Florida and Meredith, New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee.

He was a devoted husband, great father, loving grandfather, and a loyal friend.  He is survived by sons Duane R. Mutti of Norwalk and his wife Buffy, Glenn W. Mutti of Norwalk and his wife Iga, David C. Mutti of Chester Vermont, nephew Michael and niece Ann; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha and Ethan.

In honor of his stated wishes, a private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

Christine Elizabeth Belcher, affectionately known by her family and friends as Tina, 49, of Norwalk, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

Born on December 16, 1967, in Greenwich, CT, she was the daughter of William Edward Belcher and Maryanne Beresh Schor. Tina moved to Norwalk when she was a young child where she attended Norwalk Public Schools. Tina worked in the Customer Service Industry, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Tina was a kind hearted individual who loved to spend time with her family and could often be found in the kitchen cooking for others.  Her infectious laugh and smile will truly be missed.

In addition to her parents, Christine leaves to cherish her sweet memories, daughter Nicole Belcher (Tamar Armistead), grandchildren; Anniya, Arianna and Tamar, Jr., siblings; Al Schor, Jr. (Christin), Bill Belcher (Pauline), Kristie Belcher and Greg Belcher. Christine is also survived by her stepfather, Al Schor Sr.

Friends may call the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk on Saturday, April 1, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There will be a service, following calling hours, at 4:00PM in the funeral home.