Obituaries from the March 9, 2023 Issue

Carol was survived by her husband and adoring family, daughter Lori Kuhar (Bobby)
grandchildren Zachary Attolino (Allison), Alexandra Attolino Woods (Matt), Gabrielle Attolino,
and Ella Kuhar, great grandchildren Gaia and Jude Woods. Son Glenn Bennett (Terrie) and
grandchildren Max and Karlie Bennett.

In addition, Carol leaves behind her loving companion Addie, her King Charles Spaniel and dear
friend Judy Lukes.

 

Carol was a loving, energetic soul who was loved by all that knew her. She will be greatly
missed.

A celebration of Carol’s life will take place at a future date, to be announced.

Ted Brosius

Ted Brosius, 81, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11th, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, son Teddy, daughter Susan, son-in-law Martin O’Brien, daughter-in-law Nazima Rashid and grandson Zakh Brosius. He served his country faithfully in the US Airforce and served his community tirelessly through the Milford Little League, as well as the Orchard Hills and Milford Rec basketball programs, coaching Milford’s kids for 30 years. He spent his career in computer programming, working for the likes of Bic, American Frozen Foods, and Cartier until landing at Milford Hospital from which he retired in 2008.

He gave much, asked for little, and touched the lives of many.

There will be no public funeral service but, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. www.northhavenfuneral.com.

Virginia Bryan

Virginia Lee Bryan, age 94, of Milford, beloved wife of the late William Austin Bryan, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 surrounded by her family.  Virginia was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 2, 1928, to the late Clarence and Mary Turbeville Kemp.  She graduated from Milford High School in 1948 and continued her studies at Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing and received her nursing degree in 1951. She was a Registered Nurse for many years at Saint Joseph’s Manor in Trumbull.  She was a longtime church and choir member of the Trumbull Congregational Church and was an avid bridge player.  “Her family was her all” and she will be greatly missed by all of them.

Survivors include her children, Susan Klisus-Ricketson of Milford, Lynn Manson and her husband, Mark of Milford, Scott Bryan and his wife, Donna of Lebanon, TN and Todd A. Bryan and his wife, Rosemary of Marlton, NJ, loving ‘Nana’ to her 11 grandchildren, Kevin Klisus (Chrissy), Kelly Ranucci (Robert), Jessica Jones, Sean Manson, Matthew Bryan, Daniel Bryan (Angela), Joshua Bryan (Livvie), Todd R. Bryan (Erika), Patrick Bryan (Amy), Julia Bryan Abbate (Nick) and Stephen Klisus (Cece), eight great-grandchildren, Riana, Alexa and Bryan Klisus, Brody Ranucci, Austin Jones, Lily and Peyton Bryan and Amelia Bryan and two sisters-in-law, Judith and Janet Bryan.

Services will be private.  The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Foundation, visit www.BHSNAA1.org.

Paul Campagna

Paul Anthony Campagna, 69, of Manchester, passed away on February 6, 2023. Born on November 10, 1953, in Milford, he was the son of the late Joseph (Jeanne) and Corinne Campagna.

Paul was a graduate of St. Mary School (Milford), Kolbe High School (Bridgeport), Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven.  Paul worked in the Milford and Manchester school systems and was devoted to his special education students and to special needs adults in the Manchester community. His love of all things nature—seashore, night sky, the good earth—are well known as was his love of all things Giants, UConn and Dylan.

In addition to his father and mother, he was predeceased by his brother, Joseph, Jr. Survivors include son, Michael Campagna (Brittany); siblings, Mary Lee O’Connor, Ann Marie Campagna, Susan Kearnes (Dan), and Joan Dalbon (Gordon); grandson, Lucca; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or CT Special Olympics.

Lucille “Lucy” Cassella

Lucille Cassella, 87, of Orange, passed away peacefully at her home on February 8, 2023. Born on July 12, 1935 in Meriden, CT, she lived life fully and on her own terms. She brought love and laughter to all who knew her. There was no greater friend or relative. As a good friend once said “Where there was a need, Lucille fulfilled it.”

The past owner of the popular Lucille’s Bridal Shop in Orange, Lucille was a guiding light for thousands of jittery brides.  Her eye for detail and her good humor made working with her a joy.

She attended the University of Connecticut and was a graduate of the Chamberlain School of Retailing in Boston.  Earlier in her career she worked as a buyer for the Edward Malley Company of New Haven.  Lucille’s Bridal Shop was next door to the Racebrook Pharmacy, owned by her brother Robert.  These were truly family businesses where the youngsters of the family learned the value of hard work while being with people they adored.

Lucille’s devotion to her family was exemplified by her selfless caretaking of her Mother and Stepfather, an act of pure love.

Her knitted afghans, ham pies, eggplant parmesan and chocolate chip cookies were the stuff of legend.  She always made sure the younger kids of the family had the latest toys for Christmas.  She was a second mother for many a lucky kid.  When you were around Lucille, you just felt special. There’s no greater gift than that.  She will be greatly missed. She will live on in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Lucille was predeceased by her Mother Nicoletta Lender of Orange, CT, her Father Anthony J. Cassella of Wallingford, CT, her Stepfather Hymen B. Lender of Orange CT and her Sister-in-Law Susan Cassella, of Orange, CT.

She is survived by her siblings, Robert Cassella of Orange, CT, Albert Lender of Fountain, CO, Shirl Anne Robles of Wallingford, CT, Rosanne LaBonia of Wallingford, CT and Tony Cassella of Wallingford, CT as well as her nephews, David P. Cassella and his wife Marilyn of Taunton, MA, Stephen R. Cassella and his fiancée Lori Kiely of Mystic, CT and Kenneth Cassella and his wife Erin of Shelton, CT.

She was also cherished by many “great” and “great-great” nieces and nephews all of whom love her dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT to be immediately followed by interment at the Orange Cemetery, 640-646 Orange Center Road, Orange, CT.

In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sidney Dalaker

Sidney Dalaker, 92, of Milford, beloved husband of the late Olga Dalaker, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023. Born on December 22, 1930 in Ottawa, IL he was the son of the late Conrad and Sadie Dalaker.

Sidney is survived by his children, Susan Emanuel, Eric (Heidi) Dalaker, and Karen (Jim) Elliott; his grandchildren, Elyssa Dalaker, Kaitlyn Dalaker, and Jessica (Phil Caffry) Elliott; his brothers, Milford, Odd, and Kenneth Dalaker; and several extended family members. Sidney was predeceased by his son-in-law, Niel Emanuel and brother, Kjell Dalaker.

Sidney had many passions in life. Family was first, he will always be remembered for his loving, caring, generous, and helpful ways. He loved to do Sudoku, and crossword puzzles, and listening to music. Earlier years he enjoyed gardening, swimming, and traveling.

All services will be private at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online at www.diabetes.org.

Dana Ellen Doran

Dana Ellen Doran, age 66, of Milford, entered into eternal life on Monday, February 20, 2023.

Dana was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Westport, CT. She then lived in Bridgeport before becoming a homeowner in Milford. Dana attended Lesley College in Cambridge, MA where she graduated in 1978 with a Bachelors Degree in Science of Education. She loved sweets and ice cream, her morning coffee, watching tv and movies, shopping, and driving by the beach. Dana took great pleasure in her garden and decorating her house. She was an avid animal lover and always enjoyed the company of her cats, Fruit Loop, Bernard, and Bella and her dog, Jasmine.

Dana’s memory will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Rosalind K. Tobin, of Trumbull; her brother, Jared D. Schneid, and his spouse, Marna, of Lyme, CT; her children, Natalie Doran, Jared Doran, and Christian Doran, all of Milford; and grandchildren, Angelina Doran and Illicionna Lanziero, both of West Haven. She was predeceased by her step-father, Bernard Tobin.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center, with a prayer service taking place at 4:30 p.m. All other services will be held privately.

To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.

Patricia “Pat” Marie (Jones) Fabian

Patricia “Pat” Marie Fabian, 84, entered her eternal rest on February 16, 2023 with her family by her side. She was born on December 9, 1938 to Edward and Margaret Jones at Bridgeport Hospital. Patricia was a life long resident of Milford, CT where she graduated from Milford High School. While raising her family she earned her LPN license from Bridgeport Hospital and worked in a surgical office in her hometown. Patricia was married to the late Albert Arnold Fabian and they had 6 children. She is predeceased by her son Edward Fabian (Krista), her daughter-in-law Monica Fabian (Robert), and her sisters Doris Malota and Phyllis Jones. Survived by her children Lori Therriault, Bonnie Schell, Lisa Dolyak-Fabian, Ronald Fabian, Sr (Maribel), Robert Fabian, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and her sister Penny Oliver (Ernest).

Patricia loved her family, sharing her enthusiasm for cooking and baking with her granddaughters and spending an endless number of family camping trips to her favorite site in New Hampshire. She always greeted those in her company with a smile, never leaving to chance the opportunity to tell you she loved you. Pat was a life-long parishioner at St. Ann’s Church in Devon. She was a devoted Girl Scout leader when her girls were young. She enjoyed the great outdoors, biking, hiking, reading by the lake, and would regularly get her daily workouts at the Milford YMCA. After retiring, she took great pleasure volunteering at the Beth El Shelter cooking for and feeding those in need. She always gave more than she asked for and she will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. Friends are invited to pay their respects at Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home at 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford Friday, February 24, 2023 calling hours will be 5 PM to 7 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 9:30 AM at St. Ann’s Church (St. Raphael’s Parish), 501 Naugatuck Avenue, Milford. Following the mass interment will commence at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Buckingham Avenue, Milford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Patricia to the Beth El Shelter.

Mark Fisher

Mark Fisher of Milford passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2023. Mark was born on October 21, 1966 to the late Fred and Donna Fisher.

He graduated from Foran High School and was a Milford resident for most of his life.

In addition to his parents, Mark was also predeceased by his brother, Randy. He is survived by his nieces, Amy (Andrew), Kayla (Hector), and his great nieces whom he loved spending time with, Avery and Mila.

A private memorial will be held by the family. Donations in Mark’s name may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Christian A. Fricke

Christian A. Fricke, 52, of Milford, Connecticut, passed away on February 22, 2023. Born on July 23, 1970 in Milford, Connecticut, he was the son of Paulette Gaidish and the late Christian Fricke.

Funeral services will be private.

The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460.

Betty T. Gagel

Betty T. Gagel, 93, lifelong resident of Orange, beloved wife of the late Edward Gagel, passed away on February 9, 2023. Born on April 4, 1929 in Milford, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Addie Treat.

Betty grew up next door to where she eventually built a home with Edward & raised three children. She was an avid knitter, cookie baker, and holiday decorator. She was the family historian and cultivated an interest in genealogy with her family members. Throughout her early years, she was an active member of the Children and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her interest in history extended to her dedication to the Farm Museum at the Orange Country Fair and she could be found greeting visitors there every year. For over twenty years, she served as Secretary of the Connecticut Historical Automobile Society and passed down a love of antique cars to future generations.

Betty leaves behind her children, Polly (Fred) Knight. Charles (Linda) Gagel, and David (Mary) Gagel; grandchildren, Christine (Mark) Abrams, Victoria (George) Arms, Jillian Gagel, Jennifer (Aaron) Johnson, and John (Stephanie) Gagel; great granddaughter, McKenna; and many extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Susan Wilson.

A Graveside Service will take place on February 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Rd., Orange (MEET DIRECTLY AT CEMETERY). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice in memory of Betty.

Lawrence C. “Larry” Giesman

Giesman Lawrence C. “Larry” Feb. 3, 2023, age 84, formerly of Milford, Connecticut, currently of Philadelphia, while being treated for medical complications from a fall in his home. Born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to George and Anna Giesman on October 4, 1938, he graduated from the University of Pittsburg in 1962. He started his 50 year career at a division of Boeing in Delaware County where he was a test engineer on the Chinook Helicopter. In 1968 he accepted a position with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Connecticut where he rose through the ranks ultimately becoming part of management. During his Sikorsky employment he earned an MBA at the University at Bridgeport. He retired from Sikorsky in January, 2000, but was asked to return as a contract employee. A second retirement followed ten years later. He is survived by Dolores (nee Parrot), his beloved wife of sixty years, his daughters Donna (John) Kessler and Laura (Michael Ranilla) Giesman, his five grandchildren David, Jessica, Tessa, Samantha, Zoe, and brothers Richard (Norma) and George (Pam). Relatives and friends are invited to his VISITATION Saturday March 18, 2023 9 A.M.-10 A.M. at Old St. Joseph Church, 321 Willings Alley, Phila., PA followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. Ent. Westminster Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 in Larry’s name. monti-ragofuneralhome.com.

Ursula Greta Hindel

Ursula Greta Hindel, born October 18, 1928, in Berlin, Germany, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2023, in Silver Spring, MD.

Ursula was the first-born daughter of Otto Elias, a language professor and Berta Orth, a family physician. Her sister Irmgard was born four years later.  Otto, who was a German Jew, became concerned for his family as anti-Jewish sentiment in Germany grew into religious persecution.

With much planning, the family left Berlin, immigrating to the United States in 1938 to build a new life together in America.

The family settled first in New York. Ursula attended Smith and then Radcliffe earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Ursula had started her PhD after Harvard opened its doctorate programs to Radcliffe, when she met Robert Hindel, a dashing young Viennese man who was also attending Harvard. They married in July 1951.  The couple believed that raising a family was more important at that time and Ursula discontinued her PhD studies.  Over the next twelve years, Ursula and Robert had six children, all of whom survive Ursula.

In 1968 the family returned to Germany where Robert took a management position with Picker International Corp. During these five years, Ursula organized many trips throughout Germany and Austria, providing a wonderful learning experience for the children.

In 1973, the family moved to Cleveland, OH, and Ursula began a career as a German-English translator and occasional interpreter. After all the children left home, the couple moved once more, to Orange, CT.  Ursula obtained a paralegal certificate and joined the West Haven firm of Mirto, Ketaineck and Barrett, PC.  There she served as a paralegal for the next 30 years until she retired in 2020 at the age of 91.

In October 2020, Ursula relocated to Riderwood, a Senior Living Community, in Silver Spring, MD, to be closer to her daughter Lore and son Martin. Ursula greatly enjoyed her home there, especially communing with the many birds, squirrels and deer who came regularly to her feeders.

Ursula is forever loved and treasured by her family. She is predeceased by her parents, Otto Elias and Berta Orth, and her husband, Robert Hindel. She is survived by her sister Irmgard Gesund, her children Lore M. Sanchez, Robert E. Hindel (life partner Emilia Godinez), Joanne E. Hindel, Peter P. Hindel (wife Linda Beth), Ingeborg Hindel and Martin J. Hindel; her grandchildren Alissa M. Sanchez, Hannah Hindel (husband Zachary Adams), Leah Hindel, Chandani Shrestha and Manoj Bhukar; and her great grandchildren MaKayla M. McCullough and Isaac B. Adams.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 14th at11 am at St. Camillus Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed by the Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road, Orange, CT, 06477, where Ursula volunteered for many years on the Library Commission. In the words of the Library Director, “Ursula was such an amazing woman and will be truly missed.” Checks may be made payable to “Case Memorial Library” with the Note line annotated, “In Memory of Ursula Hindel.”

Britta Karen Kivell

Britta Karen (Schneider) Kivell, 65, of Milford, CT passed away too soon, on February 12, 2023, after a courageous, four-year battle with cancer.

She was born in Berlin, Germany, on December 19, 1957 to Walter and Brigitte (Fenske) Schneider. A year later, the family immigrated to America, settling in Seattle and moving to Sierra Vista, Arizona a few years later. She later lived with her Aunt Dorothea “Dottie” and Uncle Frank Marchesseau, and grandmother Selma “Omi” Schatzschneider in Westbury, Long Island. She earned a BA cum laude from the State University of New York at Oswego, Class of 1979; and a JD from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law in Malibu, California, Class of 1982. She then established a legal career that lasted more than thirty-five years. It included her own private practice, Connecticut law firms, publicly held corporations, and most recently thirteen years as in in-house counsel for Deloitte.

Britta is survived by Michael, her beloved husband of 32 years; her son, Sam and his wife, Jennifer and their son, Joey; her father Walter and her stepmother, Gila Schneider; her Aunt Dottie; her cousin, Lenny Schatzschneider, his wife Lina, and their daughter Jasmine; her cousin, Ralph Schatzschneider, his wife Tina, and their children Paul and Julianna; her cousin, Michael Schatzschneider, and his life partner Sigi; her uncle, Peter Fenske; her nieces Lisa Kivell and Amanda (Kivell) Lupoli and Amanda’s husband Matthew Lupoli and their son Benjamin; and her “granddog”, Penny; plus many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her mother; her Uncle Frank, and Uncle Helmut Schatzschneider; and her grandmother Ruth Fenske and grandmother Omi Schatzschneider. She was also predeceased by her dog, Napper, and cat, Toonces.

Britta’s greatest love and priority was her immediate family, especially her son Sam when he was very young. As a new mother, she started her own law practice partly to give her the flexibility to care for him. After her grandson Joey’s birth, she researched her family’s genealogy extensively, interviewing many relatives to leave a detailed history for Sam, Joey, and future generations to study and update. She was a voracious reader, especially of murder mysteries, and was fluent in German.

Britta was always a warm and gracious hostess at her many parties for relatives and friends. More than anything, Britta and Michael loved taking family and friends on their sailboat, Seahound, on Long Island Sound and its harbors, as well as by themselves.

Britta also took many trips to Europe; visiting family in Germany, backpacking with friends in the ‘70s, island-hopping with her cousins in Greece, being Mike’s guide on his first European tour, honeymooning in Portugal, and much more. She also traveled throughout the US and Caribbean.

She was devoted to helping the less fortunate. She volunteered for the Purple Pantry Boxes organization, helping them provide food to those in need. She was a member of the Connecticut and New York Bars. She was a former member of The Milford Network of Executive Women, The Junior Women’s Club, and Easton Little League Baseball. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life is scheduled for March 4, 2023, 2:30-5:30, at the Milford Elks Lodge, 124 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers please donate to PurplePantryBoxes.com and/or the Connecticut Humane Society (cthumane.org).

Thomas A. Krosky