Obituaries from the June 3, 2021 Issue

William H. Hoagland, III, 95, of Milford, beloved husband of 65 years to Virginia Hoagland, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2021. Born on July 23, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Mary and William H. Hoagland, II.

Bill was happy to move to Milford early in life because he had already been in nine different grammar schools by age 10. His father was highly sought after in his field of employment and the family moved often for work. Bill enjoyed staying in one city and one school and making lifelong friends. As a young adult, he joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCs), volunteered for many of their programs, and received the “Young Man of the Year” award in 1959. He was incredibly active in the community, even running some political campaigns. He was a permanent fixture at the United Church of Christ in Devon and was a key member of the building committee when they tripled the size of their church. Bill was a Mason for over 50 years, though became less active in his later years. The Milford Historical Society was one of his favorite places in Milford and he was instrumental in turning their single house museum into a three-house complex by coordinating the move of two of Milford’s historical houses onto their property. He had the entire family working on moving those houses!

He was a huge Yankees fan from the days of Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto right up through Derek Jeter and Aron Judge. Often times, you could find him watching reruns the next day to catch what he had slept through the night before.
Bill was a talented amateur painter often gifting his family with charming, colorful paintings of lighthouses, the American flag, and Santa Claus. He was a skillful woodworker and excellent handyman, always busy working on small projects throughout his home. His friendly disposition and affable nature made Bill a great partygoer and excellent friend. We will miss him for his kindness, generosity of time, and ability to take charge of any situation.

Along with his wife, Bill leaves behind his children, Rosanne Hoagland, William (Kim) Hoagland, IV, Robert Hoagland, and David (Linda) Hoagland; grandchildren, William Hoagland, V and Haley Hoagland; and many many friends.

Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Masks will be required. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Devon, 30 Ormond St., Milford 06461 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH & MASKS ARE REQUIRED). Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Christ in Devon at https://gofund.me/de26abbc or to the Milford Historical Society at smile.amazon.com (type in Milford Historical Society Trust UA as your charitable organization). To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Carol Eleanor Hubbell, 85, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Richard William Hubbell, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 9, 1936 in Milford, she was the daughter of the late William and Marion Porter.

Carol was a longtime Milford resident but loved her years growing up in Hendersonville, NC. She enjoyed her yearly trips to Sturbridge, Mystic, Newport, and especially Utah. Her greatest loves were her family, her home, and feeding her squirrels. She was an avid collector of elephants and snowmen. Prior to her retirement she worked at the Gift Gallery, Melba, Baybrook, and Rite Aid Pharmacies. Carol was a huge fan of UConn Women’s Basketball and New York Yankees. She was also an active member of Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church for many years.

Carol leaves behind her children, Richard W. Hubbell, Jr., Dawn (James) Meraviglia, Carolann (William) Chevett, Susan (William) Pitre, and Thomas Hubbell; grandchildren, Kristi (Pete) Diaz, Kimberly Chevett, William (Sarah) Chevett, Sandra (Thomas) Fomenko, Michael (Melissa) Meraviglia, Bryan (Bailey) Meraviglia, Michelle Hubbell, Patrick Hubbell, Elizabeth (Daniel Albert) Hubbell, Dawn (Raymond Rich-Fiondella) Hubbell, Liana (Larry Maenza) Pitre, and Amanda Pitre; great-grandchildren, Derek Diaz, Zack Diaz, Jackson Volovsky, Evelyn Meraviglia, and Lonan Meraviglia; sister, Sandra Porter and her friend, Elaine Pepin; sister-in-law, Lynn Porter; close friends, Joann Ricard and Karen Wakeman; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her brothers, William Porter and Richard Porter and his wife Carol; and close friends, Cookie Money and Arlene Tarbox.

The family would like to make a special thanks to her longtime caregiver, Alourdes.

A Walk Through Wake will take place on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Masks and social distancing will be required. The service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church at www.mtm-umc.org/giving or to Smilow Cancer Center at www.ynhh.org/smilow. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Lavoie, Ann B.

Ann B. Lavoie, 86, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Edward Lavoie, passed away on May 4, 2021. Born on June 5, 1934 in Utica, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Daisy Balcum.

Ann spent the summers in Maine at the cabin on the lake. She loved needlework, especially cross stitch, and quilting with her friends at the Milford Senior Center. Ann liked to read and do jigsaw puzzles on rainy days. She and her best friend, Linda Parnoff, enjoyed playing Skip-Bo together.

Ann is survived by her loving children, Kathy (Mark) LaFountain, Karen Lavoie, Brenda (Tom) McKiernan, Donna Gray, and Mark (Barbara) Lavoie; 20 adoring grandchildren; 14 cherished great grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Anne Lavoie. She was predeceased by her son, Stephen Lavoie, and son-in-law, Steven Gray.

All services will be private at this time and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. The family is being compassionately cared for by the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beth-El Center at www.bethelmilford.org.

Limbacher, Susan E. Kohloff

Susan E. Kohloff Limbacher, 65, of Milford, died unexpectedly May 10, 2021 at a Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born March 9, 1956 in New Rochelle, NY the daughter of Paul H. and Mary Elizabeth (Emanuel) Kohloff.

Susan graduated from Greenwich High School, in Greenwich CT. Throughout her life, Sue wore many hats. Anyone that knows Sue will remember her smile, laugh, sarcasm, and her ability to make anyone laugh at the drop of a dime. She was admired for being unapologetically herself, warm and outgoing, with an uncanny ability to bring light and joy to anyone in her presence. Sue truly loved her family and friends and spent a lot of her time with them, especially with her mom and daughter. She loved connecting with people, the beach, and as we all know Sue adored her dog, Kahlua, and treated her like a second child. It’s extremely heartbreaking that Sue left us so soon, but she will always be remembered and will be missed many.

In addition to her father, Paul Herman Kohloff, she was predeceased by her husband, Robert Kurt Limbacher and brother Paul Kohloff. Survived by her mother, Mary of Milford, CT; daughter, Courtney and her fiancé Maurice, granddaughter, Mia of Stratford, CT; brother, Kevin of Florida; nephews, Kyle of Florida and Paul of Greenwich, CT and many extended family members.

Family and friends are invited to a walk-through wake on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT.

Maguire, Finley Rhia

Finley Rhia Maguire, 23 months (just 13 days shy of her 2nd birthday), of Milford, passed away on May 12, 2021 at Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital after a 4&1/2 month courageous battle with metastatic Medulloblastoma. Finley, lovingly known by most as “Finnie,” was born on May 25, 2019 in New Haven, she was the cherished daughter of Philip and Melanie (Walter) Maguire.

How can I write an obituary for our baby? A sweet, innocent and perfect baby girl, a true light in this dark world… who up until 19 months of age was a healthy and happy little girl. With her plump lips (lips for days as I used to call them), perfect set of teeth, big brown eyes, button nose, chubby hands, wrists, cheeks and legs, and perfectly round head.

Her smile and giggle were like no other, and her little voice that she was just learning to use was as sweet a sound as I have ever heard. She would say “love you” right back to our, “I love you Finnie”! Finley was a climber; you would often find her on top of her play kitchen or the dining room table. She would carry around a little stool or bucket that she would use to climb up on high areas… or to reach whatever it was she wanted off the counter. She was the best cuddler and the best hugger, and she would pucker up those amazing lips for a kiss anytime. She loved to sing songs (baby shark, baa baa black sheep and wheels on the bus were some of her favorites), move her chubby fingers and arms to the baby shark song and clap her chubby little hands when you-tubes coco melon came on the screen. Finnie loved to play with all of her older sisters toys (baby toys just wouldn’t do!), push baby dolls in a stroller, ride her scooter around the kitchen or any of the ride on toys (especially if they made a lot of noise), cook us a meal in her play kitchen, empty the Tupperware cabinet, and demand we change the show on TV over and over again because she never seemed to settle on an episode she liked, but since she couldn’t talk much yet, she would give a grunt and hand you the remote.

She loved to play in the sand at the beach, but wasn’t a big fan of the ocean. However, in the tub she would play for as long as you let her, and dump as much water out of the tub as possible, that’s if she wasn’t drinking it first. She also loved to swim in the pool with us, and held us as tight as she could to feel safe.

Finley wasn’t a big fan of the snow, she only experienced one real snowfall this December, but didn’t seem to like the cold or the sledding… so she and I stayed inside and warm. She loved donuts, especially the frosting, didn’t matter if it was chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, sprinkles or no sprinkles… she would eat until her face was covered in frosting. Finnie was an avid fan of Frozen, and loved to sing along to “Let it go” and yell “Elsa!” She loved to go to “school” at Gingerbread House, and loved all her teachers and friends there. She never met a bounce house or trampoline she didn’t want to jump on, or a bucket or box she didn’t insist on climbing into, just to sit. We dabbled in swim lessons and “mommy & me” gymnastics … she loved both, and would probably love just about any activity we signed her up for. Finnie loved to drive in daddy’s Jeep, with the top down, and wind on her little face… always all smiles, giggles and happiness.

She was the most chill, easygoing sister… when playing with her cousins she would just tag along, and was just so easy and sweet. She did not care to sleep, sleeping was not one her favorite things to do. She didn’t like to fall or stay asleep, and would happily stand and wait for us to take her out of her crib. She never went to sleep without a “kiss, hug and a pet” from Teagan.

When she would see us, whether it was after a few hours, or a shorter time, or after a long work shift … she would run at us with her arms up for a big hug and kiss with a massive toothy smile on her face.

Finley had all kinds of nicknames besides Finnie, “Fin,” “Finnie Rheeeeee,” & “Fincheska.” To name a few. And, for some reason we started calling her bottle a baba-doooey… how she loved her bottles.

Finley has two older sisters (Peyton, 11 and Teagan, 3) whom she adored (the adoration was mutual), and would constantly dress in matching attire. They were her BFFs, the best sister crew. She has four grandparents (George & Maria Walter of Milford and Philip & Benedetta Maguire of Fairfield)… as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins who love and will miss her tremendously.

Friends and family are invited to attend a walk-through wake from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Masks and social distancing will be required. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Finley’s name to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee at www.stjude.org.

McBride, Angelica Elena

Angelica Elena McBride, age 46, of Milford, beloved wife of Jon McBride, passed away on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Rd., Easton with burial to follow in Kings Hwy Cemetery in Milford. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services and on Wednesday at church from 5:30 p.m. ’til 8 p.m. The Trisagion Service will be held at 7 p.m. Arrangements in the care of the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home. To view the complete obituary, get travel directions, purchase flowers and sign an online register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.

McManus, Thomas

Thomas McManus, 95, of Orange and formerly of Glen Rock, NJ, beloved husband of the late Muriel (Dunn) McManus, passed away on May 27, 2021. Born on May 3, 1926 in NY, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anne (Ryan) McManus.

Tom is survived by his children, Gerard (Judy) McManus, Ellen (Thomas) Pfeiffer and James (Debbie) McManus; grandchildren, Michelle (John), Ashley, Megan (Ian), Jenna (Kris), Brian (Mallory) and James; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT. Burial will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, 234 Paramus Rd., Paramus, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Regis High School, Attn: Development Office, 55 E. 84th Street, NY, NY 10028. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Mohr, Ruth

Ruth C. Mohr, 87, of Trumbull, CT, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2021. Ruth, or “Ruthie,” was born on March 3, 1934, in Teaneck, NJ, to the late Peter and Alice Tiagwad.

Ruth leaves behind her two children, Linda Sylvester and her husband, Kevin, of Milford, CT, and Richard Mohr and his wife, Amy, of Eatontown, NJ. She was the loving Nana to three grandchildren, Katherine Sylvester, James Sylvester and Samuel Mohr. Ruth also leaves behind her brother, John Tiagwad and his wife, Rhoda, of Camden, SC, and sister, Alice Sperry, of Camden, SC. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Richard “Dick” Mohr, and sister, Annamaria Harvey.

Ruth was a graduate of Teacher’s College of Connecticut and Fairfield University. A passionate educator, Ruth taught in Milford, Norwich, and, finally, at Middlebrook School in Trumbull for 25 years, retiring in 1999. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 1997. Ruth enjoyed singing in the choir and sharing faith and fellowship with friends at Grace Episcopal Church and, later, Christ Episcopal Church. An avid gardener, she was a member of the Long Hill Garden Club and the Connecticut Butterfly Association; she was often referred to as the “butterfly lady.” Her love of nature extended to the 22 summers she spent in Maine, camping with her husband. She was a teddy bear maker and a scrapbooker, using her love of storytelling to preserve her wonderful memories in many scrapbooks.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center, which provides hands-on environmental education. To leave online condolences, please visit Cody-White Funeral Home website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Moore, Norman

Norman Moore, age 92, of Milford, beloved husband of Ann Henry Moore for 41 years, died on Friday, May 28, 2021. Norman was born in New York, NY on August 9, 1928 to the late Charles and Ruth Biel Moore. He graduated from Yale Law School and taught at Housatonic Community College for many years. Survivors include his children: Charles Moore of New Mexico, David Moore of Arizona, Martha Monroy (Gerarrdo) of Arizona, three grandchildren, Rebecca, Amanda, and Sara and two great-grandchildren. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society. To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Neumon, Joyce Finch

Joyce Finch Neumon, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2021. She was born on August 1, 1945 in Bridgeport, CT to Elsie (Bodin) and Ralph Finch. She is survived by her loving husband Alfred H. Neumon of Milford, CT. Joyce worked many years as a daycare provider while raising her own three children. She enjoyed the beach, cooking and working on crossword puzzles. More than anything, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She loved a full house and could solve any problem while sitting around the kitchen table with friends and family.

In addition to her husband, Joyce leaves behind her daughters: Patricia Plescia (Frederick) of Monroe, CT, Cheryl Takacs (Robert) of Oxford, CT and Karin Watts (Duane) of West Haven, CT. She also leaves 7 grandchildren: Alexander and Maxavier Plescia, Lukas and Skyler Takacs and Kial, Madison and Kobe Watts. She is also survived by four siblings; James Finch, Gary Finch, Robert Finch and Dale Martin as well as several nieces and nephews she cared for deeply. She is predeceased by her sisters, Edith Merkle and Patricia Nettle.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a walk-through wake on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to American Diabetes Association. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Noble, Paul E.

Paul Eugene Noble, 87, of Milford, passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 14, 2021 after giving his beloved wife, Donna, a three-year head start to Heaven.

Milfordians might well remember Paul as their friendliest postman or as the most powerful voice in the choir. His was a life of humble service and after-work tales framed by song and laughter, often in the company of friends at the Kimberly Diner.

He was born in Somerville, Massachusetts but moved to Milford as a teen after his father became an iron worker amid the post-war construction boom.

Paul attended Milford High, where he excelled in basketball, and honed his faith and strong singing voice at Grace Baptist Church. In his teens, he worked as a caddy and was a fair golfer. After he suffered a serious knee injury while playing basketball for his seminary college, Paul became a coach to boys’ basketball teams in Milford.

The aching knee didn’t deter him from joining the U.S. Postal Service, beginning a 32-year career as a letter carrier. Nor did it stop him from roller-skating, where one fateful night he met Donna Harvey at the Lordship rink. They married in 1962, moved into a small home on Oldroyd Street in Devon, and had two daughters.

Paul was an avid fisherman at Cedarhurst Lake and across Connecticut. He loved passing on his skills with a rod to family and friends. When vacationing each summer in New Hampshire, Paul would explore lakes and streams for the perfect catch, and return with tales of the one that got away.

Paul loved a good joke, and couldn’t resist bad ones either. He was well known for his one-liners and often received joke books as gifts.

For years he double-jobbed to pay the bills: letter carrier by day, unloading trucks at the Port of New Haven by night with the Teamsters.

His postal route took in Bic Pens, Schick Razors and Subway’s global HQ. It covered hundreds of Milford households, whose own stories he often recalled with fondness. He kept a special spot in his heart for their dogs – one of whom, Skippy, often rode shotgun in his delivery van.

Paul’s father and mother, Harry and Hilda, lived on the Naugatuck Avenue stretch of his route. He stopped in daily to check on his mother and to help with her insulin shots. After she passed in 1968, Harry joined Paul, Donna and the girls as they moved together into a bigger home on Rita Lane.

Pastor Alan Ellis became a beloved family support, deepening the Nobles’ faith along the way. They joined him at the United Pentecostal Church in Milford, which became Cornerstone Christian Center, where Donna served as secretary and Paul as a church elder.

Paul would check the church doors on Meadow Street each morning on the way into the post office. Every Sunday, his strong tenor-baritone led the choir. His favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.”

After retiring from the Post Office, Paul worked security at Schick and delivered car parts for Colonial Toyota. In his later years, he could be found most mornings at the Milford Senior Center playing pool with friends, singing in the Senior Center Choir, or walking in Eisenhower Park, collecting golf and tennis balls along the way.

As Donna bravely battled cancer, Pastor Alfred Watts led a special prayer service at Cornerstone for the Nobles, honoring their years of service to the church. After Donna’s death, the Cornerstone community rallied around Paul as he transitioned to assisted living in Carriage Green, bringing him to church and visiting over coffee or a meal.

He spent his final two years at the Sachem Center in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. As his earthly life ebbed away, Paul spoke often of his strong desire to rejoin Donna in the next – even though, he joked, she must be enjoying the peace and quiet.

Paul was predeceased by his brother, Harold, and three nephews, Paul, Kenny and David. He is survived by daughters Janis (Kevin Gonsalves) Rockett of Fairhaven, MA and Dawn (Shawn Pogatchnik) Noble of Dublin, Ireland; granddaughter Alexandra Berntson, and grandsons Matthew Rockett and Harrison Noble.

A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 9 a.m. at the Cornerstone Christian Center, 349 Wheelers Farm Rd., Milford, CT. Inurnment will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Paul Noble to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

Pierson, Douglas Brainerd

Douglas Brainerd Pierson, Jr. beloved husband of Karen (Romay) Pierson, passed away on May 14, 2021. Born on April 24, 1963 in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Douglas B. and Margaret (Park) Pierson, Sr.

Douglas was a graduate of Wethersfield High School and he attended the University of Florida and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, his children, Anders Nils Pierson, and Christiaan Douglas Pierson, and his sister, Barbara Booth Pierson and her children, Erica Pierson Diener and John Thomas Diener.

Douglas will be greatly missed by all who knew him for his easy way, his patience and his sense of humor. He enjoyed golfing, crafting, model rocketry, and spent many years teaching Sunday school and boy scouts. He was a paraprofessional to special needs students and a mentor to autistic people for many years. He loved to garden and spend time outdoors walking on the beach and visiting with friends and neighbors. Douglas was loved by all who knew him.

All services will be private.

Puvogel, James F.

James F. Puvogel (Jimmy), 72, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Loraine Puvogel, passed away on May 5, 2021. Born on May 23, 1948 in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Jack and Irene Puvogel. He leaves behind his children, Justin, Patrick, and Meghan Puvogel; brother, John; grandchildren; and many friends.

Jimmy started his career with a stint in the US Navy, followed by a 21 year career with the NYC Fire Department. He spent all 21 years with Engine 41 in the Bronx. He loved being a FDNY Firefighter, but most of all loved traveling and spending time with his loving wife, Loraine. He could often be found at the Milford Yacht Club, down by his boat, where he loved fishing and most of all spending the day with his grandchildren, Sailor, Jack, Paisley & JJ.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, May 14, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service to follow at CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. Masks will be required and social distancing enforced.

Romanchick, William J.

William J. Romanchick, Sr (Wild Bill), age 83, of Milford, beloved husband of almost 63 years to Genevieve L. (McLaughlin) Romanchick, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Bill was born in Ramey, PA, January 8, 1938 to the late Michael and Anna (Russin) Romanchick. Bill started earlier in his career working at Sikorsky Aircraft of Stratford before working many years at Milford Manufacturing of Milford as a stock coordinator.

Bill is predeceased by his sister Margaret Paige, and brothers, John Romanchick, Elmer Romanchick, Michael Romanchick and some great lifelong friends.

Bill is survived by his loving children; Curtis J. Romanchick of Milford, Michael Romanchick and his girlfriend Rachael Wallin of Trumbull, William J. Romanchick, Jr and his wife Laurie(Amodio) Romanchick of North Haven, Richard J. Romanchick and his wife Lisa (Pereira) Romanchick of Milford, 12grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by sister Helen Baker of Ohio, brother Paul Romanchick of PA, also by who he considered his other son, Donald (Mickey) Wyman of Watertown, and his good friend Pete Amato of Stratford.

Bill loved to build amazing vegetable gardens in his earlier years, was an avid lifelong trout fisherman and hunter. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and UConn Ladies basketball fan. Bill also enjoyed working on cars and scraping metal.

Wild Bill will be missed dearly by many.

Friends are invited to greet the family on MONDAY MAY 10th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD.  Masks are required when you are in the building.

Interment will be private.

Roots, Susan

Susan Roots, 72, of Milford, beloved wife of William W. Roots, passed away May 19, 2021. Susan was born on August 25, 1948, in Pawtucket, RI to the late William B. and Grace E. Klepsak.

In addition to her husband, Bill, Susan is survived by her daughter, Kimberly S. Roots and her husband Nathaniel E. Fredman and their daughter Grace A. Fredman of New York City, NY; daughter, Kelley E. Kennedy and her husband Derrik M. Kennedy and their children Caleb W. and Eisley G. Kennedy of Old Saybrook, CT; brother, William F. Klepsak and Sandra Small of North Attleboro, MA; sister-in-law, Katherine Mohr and her husband Kenneth of Avon Lake, OH.

Susan graduated with Honors from William E. Tollman High School in Pawtucket, RI, Class of 1966. She graduated from New England Baptist School of Nursing in Boston, MA, Class of 1969. On September 23, 1972, she married William W. Roots of Mansfield, MA, at Darlington Congregational Church in Pawtucket, RI and they resided in Greenfield, NH from 1972 to 1983. She worked as an RN at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Attleboro, MA, Monadnock Community Hospital, Peterborough, NH, Greenfield, NH, Fire Department Rescue Squad, Milford Hospital, Milford, CT, and as School RN for the Hamden, CT, Board of Education and Amity Regional High School, Woodbridge, CT. From 1983 to the present, Susan and Bill resided in Milford, CT. Susan was a member of First United Church of Christ Congregational in town and was also a member of their Women’s Fellowship. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, craft work, travel, family gatherings and being surrounded by her grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 7, at 11 am at First United Church of Christ, Congregational, 34 W. Main St., Milford CT. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rutledge, James P.

James Patrick Rutledge, age 73, of Milford, beloved husband of Carol (Maggie) Wheeler Rutledge for 53 years, died on Sunday, May 16, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Pittston, PA on November 9, 1947 to the late John and Marguerite Gallagher Rutledge. He worked in Information Technology at Pitney Bowes for 27 years. Jim loved his family and enjoyed gardening and was a Lionel train collector. He was an active parishioner in Saint Gabriel Church for many years and was a PGK, PFN and PDD in the Knights of Columbus. He loved ALL music, photography, traveling, and living life to its fullest. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Survivors include his children: Diane Buraszeski (Tony) of IL, Denise Rutledge Sperduti of East Haven, Jennifer Lomme of Milford, Jacquelynn Rzepko of Milford, and Travis Rutledge of Milford, eight grandchildren; John, Jessica, Monica, James, Kenny, Joe, Samantha and Jillian and several nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his brother, John Rutledge. Friends and family may call on Thursday, May 20th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Masks will be required. The family will greet friends in Saint Gabriel Church (Saint Raphael Parish) before the Funeral Mass on Friday, May 21st from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. with the Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. To share a memory or to leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Santamauro, Susan

Susan Harp Santamauro, 67, of Milford, passed away on May 24, 2021 surrounded by family. She was married to Anthony T. Santamauro who preceded her in death earlier this year. Susan was born in Schenectady, New York on July 24, 1953 to Elwyn and Nancy (Elsbree) Harp. Susan graduated from Union College in 1975, where she was the first woman to letter in Track and Field. Susan retired from AT&T in 2015 as a Senior Technical Director in Information Technology.

Susan loved gardening and her beautiful perennial gardens provide refuge to wildlife and visitors whom she openly and generously welcomed. She loved her two corgis and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her parents Elwyn and Elsie Harp, children Erin (Sarah) Schwartz and Benjamin (Sherin) Schwartz, and stepsons Paul (Diann), Joseph (Penny), Nicholas (Brittany), and Brian (Nicole) Santamauro. She is also survived by her grandchildren Arlind (Melissa), Juliana, Marisa, Olivia, Preston, Emma, Sam, Max and Ezra. Susan is also survived by her siblings Chris (Grai) Harp, Missy (Rich) Harden, TJ (Kim) Korth, Carolyn (David) Harp, sister-in-law Andrea Harp, and beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother Nancy, husband Tony, and brother Jeff.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care by her medical team at the Yale Smillow Cancer Center in Trumbull.
A memorial celebration of Susan’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Susan’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 800-272-3900; www.alz.org.

Saxton, Garry John

Garry John Saxton, 59, of Milford, beloved husband of Loraine Saxton, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021. Born on November 26, 1961 in Milford he was the son of the late Eleanor Saxton Gagain and John Saxton. Garry attended Jonathan Law High School in Milford, CT, where he spent his youth working on cars and rebuilding his ’57 Chevy. He was employed at Scan Tool & Mold, Inc as a Tool and Die Machinist for the past 15 years. He was an active member of the Milford VFW Post 7788 where he held the positions of Junior Vice President and Chaplin of the men’s auxilary participated in charity events and motorcycle rides, together with his wife, Lori, on his cherished Harley Davidson. He could be found on weekends cooking for his VFW brothers and telling anyone willing to listen how proud he was of his son, Matt, serving in the Army. Garry was a life-long Dallas Cowboy fan, who instilled his love for the Cowboys into his sons, John and Matt, as a dedicated coach for their Pop Warner football teams. When not coaching, he could be found cheering on his daughter, Sandy, at her softball games. His love for his children was only surpassed by his love for his grand-daughters Riley and Quinn. What’s not to love about a man who loved his children and grandchildren almost as much as he loved the Dallas Cowboys, Budweiser beer, cigarettes, vintage cars, and motorcycles. He is survived by his daughter Cassandra Saxton, son John Saxton, daughter-in-law Jennifer Saxton, grand-daughters Riley Saxton and Quinn Saxton, son Matthew Saxton, daughter-in-law Diana Saxton, step-son Michael Dulin, step-daughter Catherine Dulin and his previous spouses Kathy Pinion and Laura Saxton. He was preceded in death by his parents John Saxton and Eleanor Saxton Gagain, son Garry Saxton Jr. and most recently by his dog, Cooper.

A viewing will be held 4:00-8:00pm on Monday, May 17, 2021, at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT . He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony, Wednesday, May 19. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on his behalf to the Milford VFW Post 7788 422 Naugatuck Ave., Milford CT 06460.

Scheets, Rita

Rita G. Scheets, 93, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Roderick G. Scheets, passed away on May 20, 2021. Born on June 2, 1927 in Fulton, NY, she was the daughter of the late George and Gladys (Reynolds) Quesnell.

Rita is survived by her children, David (Suzanne) Scheets, Deborah (Tom) Vaught, Michael (Carol) Scheets, Pamela (Tony) Colangelo, Lori (Ed) Seferian, and Mark (Liz) Scheets; her grandchildren, Jason, Nicholas, Chris, Corey, Justin, Brian, Kyle, Amanda, Mark, Stephen and Sylvia; her 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Rita was predeceased by her brothers: Lawrence, Harold and Edward.
A Graveside Service will be celebrated on May 26, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery 885 Boston Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06610. Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Masks will be required. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Schwartz, Robert D.

Robert David Schwartz, age 67, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Arlene Schwartz, died on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Robert was born in Bridgeport on March 25, 1954 to the late Otto and Margaret Brown Schwartz. He worked as a welder at Ashcroft in Stratford for many years. He had a passion for cars, especially corvettes, and loved going to car shows. He enjoyed listening to the rolling stones and spending time with his friends and family. Survivors include his brothers, Wayne Schwartz, and John Schwartz, both of Milford and brother-in-law, Richard Burke of both Naugatuck and Florida. He is predeceased by his sister, Peggy Jane Burke. Interment will be private. THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford is in care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Servadio, Jane Sullivan

Jane Ellen (Sullivan) Servadio, 79, of Milford, died peacefully on Monday, February 15, 2021. Born on November 27, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen Sullivan. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 36 years, Rino Servadio.

Jane lived in Braintree, Massachusetts, Fairfield, Connecticut and Seaford, Long Island before settling in Milford with her husband. She was a graduate of Andrew Ward High School in Fairfield and Grace New Haven School of Nursing. Jane was a private duty nurse in both Long Island and Connecticut. She was also the co-founder of the adoption support group the Ties that Bind and their sister group Adoption Healing, a support group for birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. Throughout her involvement in the adoption community, Jane became an expert searcher who assisted numerous members of the community reunite birth parents with their adult children and adult children with their parents. Along with other members of the group, Jane was a determined advocate for reforming Connecticut’s laws regarding access to adoption records and changing guidelines for those seeking adoption information. The support groups, along with the families Jane helped, are all forever grateful for the essential role she played in their lives. In her spare time, Jane loved traveling the world with Rino.

Jane was also passionate about animals and spent a great amount of time rescuing cats, rehabilitating them back to health and finding them a loving forever home, many times with her and Rino. She spent a great amount of time and effort advocating for the spaying and neutering of local animals.

Jane is survived by her brother Jack Sullivan of Rexford, NY, and her sisters Susanne Sullivan of Hyde Park, VT, Elin Kinney of Falmouth, MA, Gael Kunkel of Sandwich, MA and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be held at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Stratford, CT on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 10:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Sidoti, Evelyn

Evelyn S. Sidoti, 104, of Orange, beloved wife of the late Fred Sidoti, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2021. Born on September 23, 1916 in New York City, NY, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Annetta Stern.
Evelyn was faithful member of Saint Mary Church in Milford for over 60 years. She became a Eucharist Minister and a choir member. Evelyn enjoyed knitting, playing piano, and in her youth dancing to polka with her brother. She loved animals, especially her cats.

Evelyn leaves behind her daughters, Patricia Johanson and Lynne Bryant; five grandchildren, Kym Ludwig, Eric Johanson, Chris (the late Daniel Mccormick) Mccormick, Carrie Bryant, and Stephen (Anne Yang) Bryant; several great-grandchildren; a niece; and two nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Raymond Stern.

All services will be private. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) at www.preciousbloodparishmilford.org/giving or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Snyder, Sandra L.

Sandra L. Snyder, 73, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Frank Snyder, passed away on May 3, 2021. Born on December 25, 1947 in New Haven, CT, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lorraine (Lawler) Plano.

Sandra was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and sibling. She was loved by her entire family, and she always tried to make everybody happy to the best of her abilities. She strived to make the world a more enjoyable place for everyone. She was a beautiful soul that will be missed and remembered by many.

Sandra is survived by her son, Christopher Snyder; her grandchildren, Taylor Snyder, Tyler Snyder, Tiffani Wilczynski, and Tara Wilczynski; her siblings, Frank Plano, Jr., Peter Plano, Cheri Plano, Susan Stachyra, Daniel Plano, and Rosie Plano; and her nieces and nephews, Peter Plano, Elizabeth Plano, Christie Plano, Melissa Kelly, and Robert Stachyra.

A Graveside Service will be take place on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at King’s Highway Cemetery 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. Friends and family may call from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Sova, Walter T. Jr.

Walter T. Sova, Jr. 94, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Alice Griffin, passed away on May 28, 2021. Born on July 27, 1926 in Plymouth, PA, he was the son of the late Walter T. and Alice (Victor) Sova, Sr.

Walter proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He enjoyed Polkas and caring for his family. He will be greatly missed.

Walter is survived by his children, Michael (Crysten) Sova, Sharon (Donald) Schroeder, and Gail (Stephen) LaScola; his grandchildren, Christopher, Adam (Liberty), and Jonathan (Lidia); his great granddaughter, Anya; his sisters, Lillian Holly, Carol (Donald) Holly, and Geraldine Doyle; his lady friend, Barbara Morrison; and many nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by his brothers, Eugene and John.

A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be celebrated on Friday, June 4, 2021 at 12 p.m. at CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME. Interment will be private. Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD ST., MILFORD, CT. Masks are required. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Springsteen, Catherine

Catherine Springsteen, age 98, of Milford, beloved wife of late Stanley Arthur Springsteen, passed away on May 16, 2021 at Maplewood of Orange.

She was the daughter of the late Frederick and Catherine (Müller) Schatz and was born on May 8, 1923 in Augsburg, Germany. She graduated as valedictorian of Milford High School, Class of 1941 and enjoyed planning the Class Reunions. Mrs. Springsteen was an executive secretary at Alexander’s Department Store for many years before her retirement. She was a volunteer with the Milford Senior Center for over 25 years and a recipient of the CT Volunteer of the Year Award twice.

Mrs. Springsteen is survived by her devoted son and daughter in law, Art and Kathy Springsteen of Sunapee, New Hampshire and her granddaughter, Anne Springsteen and her husband, John Trussell of Lake Oswego, Oregon, and her sister, Evelyn Owens and her husband Frank of Ashburn, Virginia. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Irene and John Faulkins.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. at THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD. Interment to follow at King’s Highway Cemetery, Milford. Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Safety measures are still to be followed, including wearing a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Church of Christ, Milford to the Milford Senior Center. To share a memory, please go to www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Tripp, William Hyatt

An amazing man, husband, father, grandfather, friend and life-long public servant has gone home to be with the Lord. William Hyatt Tripp Jr.(76) died peacefully on May 26, 2021. Bill was born July 11, 1944 in Bridgeport, CT to William Hyatt Tripp Sr. and Marguerite Tims Tripp. Bill was a proud lifelong resident of Milford. He graduated from Milford High School in 1962, retired as a detective from the Milford Police Department, and raised his family in the Woodmont area.

Bill was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Cynthia Tripp. He is survived by his children William Hyatt Tripp III, Lindsey Carley and her husband Adam Carley, his grandchildren Ben, Will and Emma Carley, his loving companion, Jacquelyn Hartmann and so many friends and former colleagues he loved and considered to be family.

Bill lived life to the fullest, and his infectious laughter could be heard across every room. Bill loved to spend time in Maine and generously took his entire family to Disney World, almost annually! Bill was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan, and those who knew him best, knew that Bill’s favorite football team was the one that was in first place! He loved golf, fishing, holidays, going out to dinner and spending lazy summer days floating in his pool. Bill Tripp dedicated his life to his family and leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and beautiful memories!

Bill was so proud to serve as a detective on the Milford Police Department, proud that his father served and retired from the Connecticut State Police and considered those he served with on the police department to be his family.

A Graveside Service will be celebrated on Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at King’s Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CEMETERY).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor may be made to Milford Police Benevolent Association.

Varjas, Wayne

Wayne J. Varjas, age 65, of Milford, formerly of Fairfield, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021. Born in Bridgeport, son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Chelstowski Varjas, Wayne had lived in Fairfield for most of his life before moving to Milford recently. He was the owner and operator of the EMCO landscaping company. Wayne enjoyed the outdoors while gardening, hiking, skiing, canoeing and paintballing. He liked cooking and trying new things and would always have some home project going on. More than anything he loved his family and spending time with them. He is survived by his companion, Michele Almeraris, of Milford; siblings, David, and wife, Becky, Caren, and Neal, and his son, Luc; his children, Ryan, Christopher, and Emily Varjas and Vincent, Derek, Gina, and Michael Almeraris, and his wife, Michelle. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Jackson, Chase and Layla Jane Almeraris; a nephew, Brett Varjas, and his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Piper and Payton; and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by a nephew, Corey Varjas. Funeral services were held on Thursday at 12:00 Noon at St. Emery Church, 838 Kings Highway, Fairfield. A procession will follow to Wayne’s final resting place at Mountain Grove of Easton Cemetery. Arrangements in the care of the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at: http://gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-wayne-varjas. To sign an online register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.

Workiewicz, Michael R.

Michael R. Workiewicz, age 70, of Milford, beloved husband of 48 years to Deborah (Smith) Workiewicz, passed away on May 5, 2021. He worked at Southern Connecticut Gas Company for over 40 years before his retirement. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves his children, Christopher, Heather and Marc. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Bryan and Thomas Workiewicz and Gabriella Vado, she loved her Poppy. He also leaves behind his brother, Russell and his wife Evelyn and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Family and friends are invited to attend a Walk-Through Visitation on Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD. Services will be private.