Steven Dominick Annucci
Steven Dominick Annucci, age 47, passed away suddenly on October 27, 2022. He was the loving husband of Korrie Conforte Annucci. Steven was born in Island Park, NY son of Debra Ueblacker Annucci and the late John “Jack” Annucci. He is also survived by his sons Stephen and Jack Annucci, his brothers Dominic Annucci of North Haven, John (Amy) Annucci of Milford & Danny (Ashely) Demayo of West Haven, his sister Nicole (Joe) Ghirardi of NY, his best friend Nick (Tammey) Emerling of East Haven and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his grandfather Eugene “Pop” Ueblacker.
For the past 13 years, Steven worked for Metro North as a car inspector.
The hours for visitation will held on Friday from 4-7pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Lawrence Church at 10am. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Terri Ann Collucci
Terri Ann Collucci, 57, of Milford, passed away on November 9, 2022. Born on August 2, 1965, in Milford, CT, she was the daughter of the late Carmen Collucci and Phyllis Byrne.
Terri was a passionate worker, everything from candle making to working at the garden center. She enjoyed music and attended many music festivals with her life-partner Dave. “The song is ended; the melody lingers on…” Terri was a great human being that put everyone before herself. It is not enough to simply live. We must have strong roots, sunshine, and a lot of love to bloom.
Terri is survived by her loving companion, Dave Tripp; her children, James and Vanessa Santos; her grandchildren, Liam Santos and Jackson Andrews; her siblings, Thomas (Susan) Collucci, Paulette (Paul) Reynolds, and Donna Collucci-Molloy. In addition to her parents, Terri was predeceased by her brother, John Collucci.
At Terri’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution Terri would’ve loved is all her friends and family planting a flower or tree in her memory. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
James S. Crocker
James Sprague Crocker, 88, of Milford, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2022, surrounded by his three children. He was the beloved husband of the late Patricia Crocker, to whom he was married for 57 years. Born on July 6, 1934 in New Haven, he was the son of the late Lucille (Sprague) and James Samuel Crocker. From an early age, Jim took his role as ‘big brother’ to six younger siblings seriously. A graduate of West Haven High School, Jim was a career-long production supervisor at defense contractor Norden Systems in Norwalk, CT as he and Patricia raised their family in Milford.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim was much more comfortable out on a hiking trail than at a crowded social event. He could often be found with the day’s NYT crossword puzzle or a long historical novel in his hands, and family knew not to call when the NY Yankees or UCONN Huskies were playing.
Among his proudest accomplishments was his time serving in the US Navy from 1956 until 1959, as a Petty Officer 2nd Class on the USS Power. These few years profoundly affected his later life. Jim would have easily fit into his Navy uniform for the rest of his life, and answered to the occasional nickname “Salty Dog.” He proudly displayed his maritime predilection by building and displaying model ships.
Too modest to boast, he was nevertheless proud of his accomplishment in training for and completing the 1988 NYC marathon. Prior to that, he completed many local road races, including the historic New Haven Labor Day 20K. He remained active in recent months, continuing to golf competitively for nickels and dimes on summer Tuesday mornings with the Norden Retirees Golf League. For decades, he never missed the annual spring and fall hikes with “the guys.” None of them would have guessed just a few weeks ago that this would be his last outing with them.
A true kid-at-heart, Jim spent many treasured years as Dad to his three children, and then as Pampy to his six grandchildren. He wore many hats in his years as a Dad, including Sunday school teacher, coach, Scout leader and mentor. He will long be remembered for his quiet wisdom, playful nature and curious mind. During this past fall, he began a new hobby raising chickens in his backyard.
Jim is survived by his children, Jeanne Elizabeth Franciamore (Domingo), James Edward Crocker (Deborah), and Dianne Patricia Crocker (Peter Swan); his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Domingo Franciamore, Isabella and Alexander Crocker, and Monte and Aquinnah Swan; his beloved sisters, Lois Kennedy, Elizabeth (David) Fruin, and Ruth Crocker (Sue); brother Roger Crocker; and various nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his wife Patricia, and his brothers Richard and Paul Crocker.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 71 River St., Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Burial will follow at the Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford. Memorial contributions may be made in James’s name to Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church at www.stpetersmilford.org/giving.
Kevin Evitts
Kevin Robert Evitts, 67, of Derby, beloved husband of Karen (Trinder) East, lost his battle with Melanoma on November 8, 2022. Born on November 25, 1954 in Milford, CT, he was the son of the late Robert and Patricia (Kelly) Evitts.
Kevin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was the former owner of Derby Nautilus and Power House Gym in Derby, but Kevin’s passion, was always, Martial Arts. He and his wife, Karen, owned and operated Martial Arts America in Derby and Milford for over 25 years, where his students and most parents referred to him as “Mr. Evitts”. The lives he touched are innumerable. He was a role model for so many children and adults. He had a special way of making every student feel important while striving for their individual personal best. Outside of work, Kevin was always ready to have a good time. He loved his downtime. Kevin loved spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pop”. He spent many years on Long Island Sound on his boat named “Kick It”, and when he came ashore, you could find him in downtown Milford at Stonebridge and SBC. Kevin treasured every relationship he formed throughout those years. He appeared tough on the outside, but had a very big heart. Everyone felt a little bit safer in his presence.
In addition to his loving wife, Karen, Kevin is survived by his children, Shannon (Peter) Palumbo, Kevin P. (Courtney) Evitts, and Alyssa (Jacob) Leslie, and their dog, Zoe; grandchildren, Dylan and Ella Palumbo, and Ryan Evitts; and his sister, Susan (Evitts) Asermely.
The family would like to send a special thank you to all of the doctors, nurses, and technicians at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Gaylord Specialty Healthcare.\
Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Military Honors will commence at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be private.
John Scott Fitzgerald
Scott grew up in a chalet on the trails of Great Gorge ski area in McAfee, NJ where his days were spent perfecting his skiing technique in addition to convincing his school bus driver to drop him at the mall and have her call school pretending to be his mom and say he was sick, amongst many other misdeeds. Despite losing several toes in a rock climbing accident in his teens and being told he would never ski again, his grace on the slopes was unsurpassed. Plus he left really cool footprints in the sand at the beach.
Scott was the Owner and President of Sound Orthopaedic Solutions, a medical device distribution company specializing in foot and ankle. He often answered his phone, “Scott Fitzgerald, world famous salesman” which was a fact as it’s been said he could sell ice to Eskimos. He was a natural and extraordinary sales person who always went the extra mile for his clients. He especially enjoyed Wednesdays and Fridays in the OR at McGivney with surgical teams, doctors, nurses and coworkers who all became good friends.
Most of all, Scott was a legend: larger than life, a force of nature, the confetti in the room, the life of any and every party. He liked to say he was huge, colorful and friendly, an apt description. He had a booming voice that got even louder when he was on the phone (much to the chagrin of his family) and a personality that overtook the room and you wanted to be wherever he was. He was known to enjoy a great meal, a filthy martini up with blue cheese olives and the best bottle of Barolo on the menu. He was the guy you wanted to hang with at the bar, and not just because he was generally buying.
Scott called himself a stubborn Irishman. To his family he was their center, a thoughtful and lovable husband who made his wife laugh every day (sometimes multiple times) and a fantastic dad that his kids could always count on no matter what. He was sometimes called “John D” (as in Rockefeller) for living high on the hog along with his keen knack for doing things with class and style. He was a true blue friend and an all around good guy who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Scott always told his wife that no one should be sad when he died because he’d done anything and everything he had ever wanted to do and had a freaking blast doing it. With that in mind, there will be a true Celebration of his Life on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, which was to have been his 65th birthday. Those he loved and who loved him are invited to Park City Music Hall, 2926 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT from 1:00-4:00 PM for Cocktails and Testimonials to The King. We ask that colorful attire be worn in honor of his flashy fashion sense (no black) and please come prepared to share your favorite Fitz stories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name (Class of ’76) to the Northwood Annual Fund, 92 Northwood Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946 www.Northwoodschool.org.
Bradford “Brad” Gesler
Bradford G. Gesler, 81, of Orange, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth E. Gesler, passed away on November 1, 2022. Born on May 22, 1941 in New Haven, he was the son of the late Albert M. Gesler and Ruth W. Gesler Galwey.
Brad is survived by his son, Bradford (Maribeth) G. Gesler, Jr.; grandchildren, William and Olivia; and brother, J. David (Marie) Gesler. He was predeceased by his son, James J. Gesler and brother, Albert M. Gesler Jr.
Following graduation from Amity Regional High School, he received a B.A. from Colgate University. A Navy veteran, he had a long and successful career in the banking industry and later owned Minuteman Press in Milford until his retirement. He lived most of his life in Orange and devoted much of his time to community organizations including Orange Planning and Zoning, Milford Hospital, Milford Red Cross, Milford Rotary Club, Orange Country Fair and Orange Arts Council, and was also a Free Mason.
Music was always important to him; he was a pianist and church organist starting in high school and throughout his life. He enjoyed singing in the New Haven Oratorio Choir and the Orange Congregational Church choir, where he was a lifetime member. We have many joyous memories of our family time in Madison and Maine; he was a true gentleman and we will forever miss his quick wit and gentle manner.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10am on December 3 at the Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meeting House Lane, Orange, CT 06477; Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Congregational Church. The family is being compassionately cared for by Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT.
Harry Richard Griffin
Jesus welcomed Harry Griffin at the gates of heaven on November 4, 2022. Harry leaves his loving and devoted wife, Eleanor, and a large family whom he was very proud of and deeply loved. They include his daughters, Debbie Griffin and Carrie Beckley and her husband, Andrew, and his two beautiful granddaughters, Grace and Hannah Beckley- who lovingly knew him as “Papa.” Harry is predeceased by his first wife, Shirley Crowley Griffin and his son, Richard. He is also predeceased by five brothers and sisters and leaves his younger brother and close friend, Robert, and his wife, Barbara, and his brother-in-law, Walter Crowley and his wife Kathryn, as well as many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his “second” family of stepchildren and step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Mr. Harry” and “Grandpa Harry.” For the past ten years, Harry and Eleanor have opened their home to four wonderful students who he lovingly called his “Daughters.” Words could never do justice to the extraordinary life of Harry Griffin. A life-long resident of Milford, Harry grew up as a “Walnut Beach kid.” He loved the ocean and everything it had to offer, including endless swimming, clamming, boating, and fishing. While working as a young man at Perry’s Restaurant in Milford, Harry helped create the infamous “Original New England lobster roll!” Harry served in the US Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Milford Elks and VFW. As a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Harry was a long-time member of Grace Baptist Church in Milford, where he was involved in many ways including cooking for church gatherings. Known as “Mr. Fix-it”, Harry also helped repair and build anything the church needed. Being a very generous man, Harry would gladly interrupt his life to freely give of his time and resources to help anyone in need. He was always so dependable and one whom people could count on. His sincere love for people was exemplified when he would often play his guitar and sing at Newington Children’s Hospital. Harry was so talented and had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He loved to cook and even created a cookbook of his finest recipes. He was known as the official “Grill Master” at family gatherings. He was an avid and voracious reader and gifted storyteller. He also loved to write stories and paint. Harry’s legacy of deep love for his family, service to others and his country, and his commitment to God will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 400 Burnt Plains Road in Milford.
Nabil I. Habib
Nabil Iskander Habib, M.D. passed away on 11/11/22 in Orange, Connecticut.
Nabil was born in Cairo, Egypt on January 19, 1932. His father, Iskandar, was an Electrical Engineer who was educated in England and Cairo. He worked for the Egyptian government. His mother, Monira, completed high school at French schools in Egypt and was married at age 14. Nabil had two brothers who also worked as engineers in Cairo, and a sister who was the first to immigrate to the United States with her husband.
Nabil graduated from the University of Cairo with an M.D. in 1955. He immigrated in 1958 to the United States. He began his medical career in Texas, spending 2 years at Baylor and 3 years at the University of Texas Hospitals in San Antonio. Here he met his future wife—Nabil was Chief Medical Resident and Joy Hoelzer was Head Nurse in the E.R. They married in 1962, worked a residency year at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, moved to Laurel Heights Hospital in Shelton, and spent a year in Syracuse, NY, finally moving permanently to Orange in 1966. Nabil practiced Internal Medicine from 1965-1993 in Ansonia/Derby and Griffin Hospital. After retiring from private practice, he worked at Masonic Geriatric Health Center in Wallingford until 1998 and with the Department of Disability Determination in Hartford until 2014.
Nabil is survived by his wife, Joy, of 60 years; 3 children: Lisa (Marti) Rudi of Tiverton, RI, Julie (Paul Legare) Habib North Attleboro, MA, Kevin (Corrie) Habib of Atlanta, GA; 5 grandchildren: Alex (Meg) Rudi of Coventry, RI, Ryan Pavao of North Attleboro, MA, Francesca Rudi of Rocky Hill, CT, Jack Habib of Athens, GA, Leila Habib of Athens, GA; and 1 new great-grandson: Bodyn Rudi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Nabil’s honor to Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfdn.org) or Connecticut Hospice.
Albert A. Rapini
Albert (Al) A. Rapini, of Orange, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Milford Hospital with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 77 years to Anne (Martone) Rapini.
A native of New Haven, CT, Al was born on November 15, 1919, and was the son of Dominic Rapini and Anita (Sacramone) Rapini. Predeceased by sisters Jean Farricelli, Helen Rapini, and a brother Thomas Rapini.
Al proudly served his country as a technical sergeant during World War II where he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, American Service Medal, European African Medal, and the Eastern Service Medal. He fought in the Normandy Invasion, the French Hedgerose, the Battle of the Bulge and the Seifried Line. He saw combat in Ardennes, Northern France, Rhineland, St Lo, and Malmady, Germany.
He experimented with many different occupations during his life. He worked as a salesman, mechanic, plumber, and carpenter. He was employed at the Southern Connecticut Gas Company as a service technician for 35 years until he retired at age 62. Never one to be idle he immediately began working for his son’s business delivering doors for the next 20 years.
He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 127 in Orange and Amvets Post in West Haven for 50 years once serving as vice commander and treasurer. He was also Grand Marshal for the Orange Memorial Parade in 2018.
He was honored by the New York Yankees as Veteran of the Game on August 30, 2018.
Al and Anne enjoyed taking their children on summer vacations to see the country. They were frequent visitors to the casino where Albert was an avid craps player. Albert will also be remembered for the many years he coached the West Haven and Orange Recreational Baseball Leagues and the impact he had on those players’ lives Al was devoted to his family who he loved unconditionally. He leaves behind his loving wife, Anne, daughter Janice DeVylder, sons Dennis and his wife Linda, Albert and his wife Marla, Darryl and his wife Audrey Chung-Wing. Grandchildren Michelle DeVylder and husband Seth Abbott, Peter J. DeVylder, Matthew Rapini, Sandra Yost, and Lori Dugdale. Great-grandchildren CJ Howard, Faith Roberson,
Rhett Abbott, and Sister-in-law Norma Rapini as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 7, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Infant Church in Orange, at 11:00 a.m. Interment, with military honors, to follow at Orange Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Anna Shattuck
Anna Shattuck, 101, of Milford, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on November 1, 2022. Born on February 21, 1921 in Ira, Vermont she was the daughter of the late John and Agnes Lulek.
Anna enjoyed time socializing, and could often be found with her group of friends at the Ct Post Mall food court. She also loved being with her grandchildren, having brunch at Pop’s Restaurant, and pampering herself with a manicure or haircut.
Anna is survived by her three children: Ronald Shattuck (Sheri), Lynn O’Connell (Joseph), and Edward Shattuck (Kathryn); 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Anna is predeceased by 6 brothers and sisters as well as her husband Kendall Shattuck.
The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT.
John Gordon Spongberg
John Gordon Spongberg, 68, of West Haven, beloved husband of Barbara Spongberg, passed away peacefully at his home on October 22, 2022. Born on September 21, 1954 in Bridgeport he was the son of the late Gordon and Noreen Spongberg.
John was a manager at IHOP in Orange. He loved to vacation in different places; one of his favorites was Top Sail, NC. Fall was one of his favorite seasons and he loved taking road trips to leaf peep. John was also a very kind and compassionate man who will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Along with his wife, John leaves behind his step children, Melissa (Samuel) Burgos, Gary (Malandra) Ritz, James (Melinda) Ritz, and Brian Ritz; brothers, Dan (Joanne) Spongberg and Ed Spongberg; sisters-in-law, Maureen (Ed) Jezierny, Jane (John) Velleca, and Ellen O’Connell; his beloved dog, Maxwell; as well as extended family and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to the home care community hospice workers: Jenny, Mary, Dana, Anna, and Dr. Bhati as well as the nurses at Smilow Cancer Center for all the love and compassion given to John over the course of his illness.
A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the White Oak Baptist Church, 5344 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614. Family and friends are invited to gather beginning at 10:00 a.m. that morning at the church prior to the beginning of the service. Burial will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460.
Joan Tiberio
Joan Monroe Tiberio, age 77, of Milford and formerly of Stratford, beloved wife of the late Joseph Tiberio Sr., died on Wednesday November 9th, 2022 surrounded by her family. Joan was born in Bridgeport on April 4, 1945 to the late Edward and Elizabeth Hogan Monroe. She grew up in Stratford and loved spending her summers on Short Beach with her family and many friends. A caring and compassionate mother who loved to cook, Joan would make sure you never left her home hungry. Known for her witty humor and ability to make the best out of every situation, no one would ever question that her love for her family, friends and pets were her #1 priority. Joan will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Survivors include her children, Joseph Tiberio Jr. (Denise) of Milford, Mary Colella (David) of Guilford and Jennifer Tiberio of Milford, five grandchildren, Olivia and Joseph Tiberio and Victoria, Jessica and Cody Colella, one sister, Carol Monroe of FL, sister-in-law, Angelina Meloni of Trumbull, brother-in-law, Domenic Tiberio Jr. (Mary Beth) of Newtown and several nieces and nephews. Joan is predeceased by her brother, Jack Monroe and sister, Lenore Monroe.
Friends and family may call on Saturday, November 19th from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. A Service will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to a local animal shelter. To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.
Gretchen Unger
Gretchen Marie Unger passed away peacefully October 28, 2022 at Yale’s Bridgeport Hospital with her family by her side. She was born in Milford Connecticut on March 11, 1966 to Carl (Dick) Unger and Donna (Sundik) Unger.
Besides her parents, Gretchen is survived by her brothers, Christopher Unger and Kurt (Heather) Unger, both of West Haven; nephew, Michael; nieces, Emily and Ava; and many lifelong friends she considered family.
Gretchen graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. She worked at Rite Aid in Milford, Connecticut as a pharmacist for many years. She loved her cottage at Spafford Lake in New Hampshire, and her Spafford family.
She was a loving daughter, sister, and auntie and friend to many. She was always willing to listen and give advice and help anyone who asked. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, November 4, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 on November 4, 2022 at the conclusion of the calling hours at Cody-White Funeral Home. The family respectfully asks that all in attendance wear a face mask. Burial will be private. In lieu of Flowers a donation to the American Lung and or Heart Association is suggested.
Esteban Velez Jr.
Esteban Velez Jr, 25, entered into eternal rest on October 26, 2022. Born on January 9, 1997 in Stamford, Connecticut; he was the beloved son of Andrea Burtis and Esteban Velez Sr.
Esteban attended Milford public schools and graduated from Joseph A. Foran High School in 2015. He played Varsity Football and Track and Field. Esteban attended St. John’s University, Peter J. Tobin College of Business in New York and graduated in 2019 earning a Bachelor of Business Science degree, then in 2020 with a Masters degree. Esteban was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He had completed internships with local companies, as he worked towards his career goals. He was a licensed CPA with an accounting firm in New York City. Esteban had a modest and humble demeanor, as he was admired for his many successes as a young man. A scholarship at St. John’s University is being created in memory of Esteban, to honor his dedication to learning and his commitment to his career, family, and friends. Esteban is remembered by his loving parents, and his sister, Alexandrea Velez. As well as his maternal grandmother, Theodora Burtis, and late David Burtis II; his paternal grandparents, Nancy Flores Velez and Israel Velez. Esteban’s gentle presence and genuine kindness will be missed dearly by his aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends.
Friends and family may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Peter Episcopal Church, 71 River St., Milford (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, 352 Main St, New Canaan, CT 06840.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to assist Esteban’s family with funeral costs by going to https://giving.ncsservices.org/App/Giving/stpec and selecting “E. Velez Funeral” from the drop down menu.
Yung H. Son
Dr. Yung H. Son was born on January 2, 1928 and passed away on October 23, 2022 at age 94.