Avgerinos, Anastasia
Calling hours are Thursday October 18 from 4-8 at Holy Transfiguration Church 285 Alden Avenue, New Haven, CT. Funeral service is Friday at 2:00 with interment at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Connecticut, the town where she lived for over 50 years. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.
Blevins, Marshall B.
Briggs, Richard E.
Rich attended Milford schools and went on to graduate from SCSU attaining a Masters Degree. He was a gifted athlete in high school, where he played football, basketball and ran track & field. He went on to play quarterback in college for the Southern Connecticut Owls.
Rich was an educator and coach in the Milford school system for 34 years. He taught science and coached track & field and cross-country at Foran High School. He also officiated high school football and girls’ basketball throughout his career.
He was a member of the Fairfield County Football Officials Association and the Milford Tennis Club. He was an avid skier and tennis player, captaining teams in the USTA adult tennis league. Rich will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his many former students and athletes.
In addition to his wife, Susan, Rich is survived by his children, Robert (Laura) Briggs and Patti (Brian) Droney; his grandchildren, Eric and Meghan Briggs, and Keira and Kyle Droney; his sister, Dorothy Crowley; and many nieces and nephews. Rich was predeceased by his brothers, William Briggs, Jr. and Donald Briggs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Church (Precious Blood Parish), 400 Merwin Avenue, Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will be private. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
DeFeo, John E.
John E. DeFeo, 59, of Kinnelon, passed away on October 22, 2018.
John was born and raised in Orange, Connecticut, the son of Robert and Judith DeFeo. John then studied for his law degree while living in New York City, where he met his wife, Margaret and later settled in Kinnelon, New Jersey, where they lived since 2001. John was a lifelong goofball and loved being the life of the party. Whether joking with old friends, embellishing long stories with new, or telling the same jokes to his family, he could always be counted on to make you laugh.
John also had a lifelong passion for politics. He studied political science in undergrad at Fordham University, attending national conventions, and was later involved in local politics at various times in his life. Later in life he ended up spending most evenings catching up on the day’s events, and could often be found debating good-naturedly with friends and family.
He was also an avid traveller, and loved exploring new places, visiting all 50 states over the course of his life. He also loved sharing this passion with his family, planning trips all over the U.S. as well as to visit his wife’s family in Ireland most summers.
John is survived by his devoted family, wife, Margaret and children, Ellen, Paul and Tim; his parents, Robert and Judith DeFeo; his siblings, Robert DeFeo (Dawn), Dave DeFeo, Sue Simone, Mark DeFeo (Aileen) and Steve DeFeo (Pam); his mother in-law, Susan Finnerty; his nieces and nephews, Kevin and Jessica Simone, Brian, Sarah and Daniel DeFeo, Christopher and Robert DeFeo, Will DeFeo, Aoife, Anna, Hugh, and Emily Broderick, Mark, Andrew, and Lucy Finnerty, Catherine and Patrick Finnerty, Hannah and Rosie O’Brien; and his brothers and sisters in-law, Patricia (Tony) Broderick, Enda (Mary) Finnerty, Cormac (Rachael) Finnerty, Susan (J.P.) O’Brien. John was predeceased by his father in-law, Patrick Finnerty and brother-in-law Sandy Simone.
Friends and family may visit on Thursday, October 25 from 2-6pm at Our Lady of the Magnificat RC Church, Kinnelon. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
Fulton, Randall J.
Randall J. (Randy) Fulton, 53, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 14th after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. Those who knew him were astounded (yet unsurprised) by his optimism and relentless drive in dealing with his illness.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; his parents, Jane and Jim Fulton, and his sisters, Kimberley Eggers and Kristen Fulton-Wright; and an extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Randy graduated from Trumbull High School in 1983, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he also met the love of his life, Catherine.
A lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan, Randy loved to banter about his teams’ storied Boston-New York rivalries. He also enjoyed boating on Candlewood Lake, golfing with family and friends, and working on landscaping projects around the home he and Cathy shared with their beloved dogs.
Randy will be deeply missed by his family – his kindness, generosity, devotion, character and passion for life will inspire us forever.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury, 24 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT at 11:00 a.m. Friends, colleagues and others who knew Randy are invited to join his family in remembering and honoring him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Randy’s memory to the American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter.
Geigle, Kenneth
He was born September 23, 1945, and was raised by Ann and Roger Minor to whom he was forever deeply indebted. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Southern CT State University, his Professional Diploma from the University of Bridgeport, and his Ph.D. from Fordham University. He was a teacher at Spencer School in Middletown and then went on to become Principal at F.M. Kearns School in Granby, Helen Street School in Hamden and lastly at Turkey Hill School in Orange. He loved to travel and had visited Europe, New Zealand, Israel and Egypt. He went to London and New York City many times. Ken was a fan of the N.Y. Jets and the N.Y. Yankees. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Eric Geigle, M.D., and Tamika Brierley, M.D.; his adored granddaughter, Lena Geigle; and his brother-in-laws, Thomas and Philip Yara.Funeral service and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the North Shore Animal League, www.animalleague.org. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext. www.wallingfordfh.com.
Hunt, William
Family will receive friends on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT. Interment will follow at the Orange Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 2911 Dixwell Ave., Suite 205, Hamden, CT 06518. For directions and online memorial see www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Kloeppner, Leon J. Jr.
Kruger, Robert
Robert Kruger, age 73, of Milford passed away on October 12, 2018 in St. Joseph’s Manor in Trumbull. He was born on August 18, 1945 in Bridgeport to the late George and Louise Hembling Kruger. Before retiring, he was employed as a mechanical engineer for Remington Arms and Bridgeport Hospital. He is survived by his devoted wife Gale Babey Kruger. All funeral services will be held at a later date and will be published at that time.
LaFontaine, Bernice C.
Born February 3, 1926 to Burton G. and Anna Canfield, she was a 1943 graduate of Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport. She met her husband, Robert, while he was serving in the U.S.C.G. during WWII.
While she held a few jobs in the early years of her marriage, she spent the most time working for D.M Read’s, Jordan Marsh, and Macy’s Department stores in the junior’s department. She was an active member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport and St. Andrew’s Church in Milford. She was a past Mother Advisor to Bridgeport #7 I.O.R.G, Past Worthy Matron of Orient Chapter #1/Azelia #2, O.E.S, and traveled the state as a grand officer for the organization for many years.
Bernice enjoyed coffee, talking on the phone for hours to her friends and family, listening to the radio, and loved her dogs Mindy and Maggie.
Bernice is pre-deceased by her devoted husband Robert, her brothers Raymond (Winifred) and Burton, and sons-in-law Robert Frazier and Richard Hooten. Bernice is survived by her daughters Cheryl Frazier and Janet Johnson, her grandchildren Lori Segal (Lou), Chris Mast (Karen), Scott De Cesare, David Mast, and Bryan Hooten. She is also survived by a great-grandson, Giovanni, and two nieces and a nephew.
A funeral service will be held Monday, October 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Friends may greet the family Sunday from 2-6 p.m. in the funeral home.
Charitable contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, donorschoose.org, or any favorite charity. The family wishes to express the sincere gratitude to the medical staff of Wooster 2 at the Masonic Home and Hospital for the compassionate care provided to Bernice during her stay. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.
Lucia, M.D., Walter M.
Dr. Lucia did his residency at St. Raphael’s Hospital and then was commissioned into the Navy as a Lieutenant. Upon discharge from the Navy, Dr. Lucia completed a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Virginia. He then came to the Bridgeport area and practiced invasive cardiology for the next 35 years, giving the best medical care to many and saving many lives.
Dr. Lucia’s favorite time was having a house full of people enjoying good food and each other. He was always especially happy when he was around his grandchildren. He was a member of the American Medical Society, American College of Physicians and College of International Angiogram. He was also a member of the VFW and American Legion.
Dr. Lucia leaves behind his wife, Patricia Cronan Lucia; his son, WalterJohn (Reneé) Lucia; his daughters, Rita (David) Supernaw, Elisa (James) O’Connor and Laura (Christopher) Church; his five beloved grandchildren, Matthew Carralero, twins Roderick Graham and Nella Teresa Church and Frankie BellaRose and Santino WalterJohn Lucia. He also leaves behind his beloved sister-in-law, Maureen Redman and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Cronan as well as many nieces and nephews both in this area and in Italy including his special niece, Anna Maria Rabel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Ann Church (St. Raphael Parish), 501 Naugatuck Ave., Milford, CT. Burial will be private. Friends are invited to call on Monday, October 22, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Miles, Robert E.
Apr. 10, 1930 – Oct. 18, 2018 Robert E. Miles, age 88, of Milford, beloved husband of Dorothy Widmer Miles, died on Thursday, October 18, 2018. Robert was born in Stamford on April 10, 1930 to the late Ralph Sylvester and Marion Mahogany Miles. He worked as a welder for Mesco Inc. for over 35 years. Survivors include his children, Robert A. Miles of New Haven and John E. Miles of Milford, two grandchildren; Robert T. Miles and Cherilyn Miles, one great-grandchild, Amelie Choiniere, twin sister, Ruth Hassenmayer and her husband Walter of Milford, sister, Jane VanValkenburgh of New Hampshire and many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Bob is predeceased by his brother, Edward Miles and his wife Alice, sister, Mary White and her husband Marcus and brother-in-law, James VanValkenburgh. Family and friends may call on Friday, October 26th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in THE GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Devon, 30 Ormond Street. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United Church of Christ in Devon. To share a memory, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.
Monroe, Michael William
Michael made the world a better place with his kindness and sense of humor and will be missed dearly by those who knew him.
Michael leaves behind his beloved wife, Caroline of Orange, Conn.; parents, Charles and Laura Monroe of Fairlawn; sister Caroline Monroe (Nhut Diep) of San Francisco, and the extended McKenna-Braaksma family around the country.
Michael was born and raised in Fairlawn, Ohio. After graduating from Copley High School in 2005, he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He trained as a teacher outside Madison and later worked with at-risk students in East Haddam and Hartford, Connecticut, and with autistic adults and youth at Vista Life Innovations in southern Connecticut.
Michael was a kind and loving man, with a witty sense of humor who always had a friendly smile or joke for everyone. In high school, he was very active at Bath United Church of Christ in the youth group and in their Brass Choir. At Copley High School, Michael was on the swim team and played doubles tennis with his lifetime best friend, Nick Hatch. Michael joyfully played trumpet in his high school band and with the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
Michael was deeply compassionate and with a passion to help those who struggled, which led to his career choices. While in Madison, he volunteered for a community center in Madison and worked at the YMCA as a summer camp counselor and coach. His passions later took him to Connecticut to teach young adults with autism, which is where he met Caroline, the love of his life.
He enjoyed all sports (especially Wisconsin Badger football) and could be found opening day at every blockbuster superhero movie. Michael doted on his adopted terrier Monty and lovingly welcomed an Australian Shepherd named Milo when he met Caroline.
After marrying during the summer of 2017 along the shore of Lake Michigan, Michael and Caroline saved for a year for their dream trip to Ireland and loved their time there among its beautiful people and landscapes.
The accident occurred in Northern Ireland, and the people there, especially the bereavement group Life After, did everything they could to help Caroline, her mother Aileen McKenna, and brother, Will Braaksma, cope with the tragedy. For all the support provided by the people of Northern Ireland, our families are very grateful.
Michael’s life was enriched and touched by so many amazing people in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. We can’t thank them all, but they are in our hearts.
A celebration of life service will be planned for a later date. Those wishing to contribute in his memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Life After organization of Northern Ireland or choose a favorite charity serving an important need in your local community.
Moran, Sandra M.
Sandra is survived by her beloved husband Leo T. Moran, her sons Paul (Sue) Moran, Thomas Moran and grandchildren Bailey and Ryan. She is also survived by her twin sister Leela A. Wojczak, nephew Anthony (Mary) Wojczak and niece Wendy Wojczak. Sandra is predeceased by her infant son Leo, Jr. and her brother Alfred Bouteiller.
Upon high school graduation, Sandra became a certified Operation Room Technician and worked at Griffin Hospital for 15 years. Then she worked at the Veteran Hospital in West Palm Beach as a Medical Transcriptionist, which she retired from. She was a huge Red Sox and UCONN Women’s fan. Sandra also loved to travel whenever she could.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT. Burial will follow at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange, CT. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Volunteer Fire Dept. PO Box 878 Orange, CT 06477, Charter Hose Co. #4 4 Murry St. Ansonia, CT 06401, or Hospice. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Murray, William H.
Napolitano, Mary Jane
She is survived by her sister, Barbara Schankel of Florida, as well as her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is predeceased by one brother and one sister.
MJ was born on May 23, 1931 in New Haven, CT. She grew up in Orange, after graduating from high school she went on to pursue her career as a Hostess at Howard Johnsons in Milford for over 30 years; she then went on to work at the Olive Garden in Orange for an additional three delightful years. MJ was a dedicated NY Yankees’ fan who loved taking trips to the casino and spending quality time with her family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Bishop-Wicke Hospital for taking extraordinary care of MJ.
Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm St. West Haven CT on Tuesday October 23th from 5 to 7pm with a service at 7pm.
Pepe, James J. Jr.
Affectionately known as “Jimmy” or “Pepe” by his family and close friends, he was born and raised in Bridgeport. A Milford resident, he had worked for the Valleri Brothers Transportation Co. for many years until his retirement.
Jimmy loved the drum corps. In his youth, he was a baritone horn player and marched for the Bridgeport P.A.L. Cadets from 1958 to 1963 and later for the Ct. Hurricanes from 1963 to 1973. He was an avid hunter and was a military and history buff. He had a passion for helping those in need whether it was family or friends. Jimmy always had a pot of coffee on and enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table for countless hours, talking with anyone over a cup of coffee and some pastries.
A kind and gentle man, Jimmy will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed. In addition to Judy, his devoted wife of 55 years, survivors include his two cherished daughters, Deneen Prushinski and her husband John of Sevierville, TN and Dana Magri and her husband Sam of Fairfield, his precious grandson Justin James Magri whom he loved more than life itself, a brother Joseph Pepe, a sister in law Valerie Gilberti and her husband Thomas, brother in law Gary Pagnozzi and his wife Carole, an aunt Pat Defeo his Godson Tyler Defeo, all of Milford. He leaves behind his mother in law Florence Pagnozzi of Stratford and his ” adopted ” grandson Ronnie Carlona of Bridgeport. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, James J. Pepe Sr. and Mary Park Pepe, two brothers Stephen Pepe and Frank Pepe, as well as his father in law August Pagnozzi.
Funeral services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to: www.ShrinersHospitalforChildren.org. To sign an online register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.
Petro, Michael P.
For more information or to make an online condolence please visit: www.adzimafuneralhome.com
Ramos, James J.
Russell, John “Jack” W.
John “Jack” W. Russell, 75, of Milford, beloved husband of Midori Russell, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2018. Jack was born on January 11, 1943 in Milford to the late Wilbur and Dorothy Russell.
Jack was stationed in South Korea for two years in the US Army and worked many years as a manager at SNET. He was a loving and caring husband, brother and uncle. Jack was a kind hearted soul with a witty sense of humor who was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jack leaves behind his siblings, Patricia Sullivan, Priscilla (Edward) Hartel and Kathleen (William) Bloxsom; sisters-in-law, Debbie Russell and Sumako Peck; parents-in-law, Ronald and Yoko Senes; and many nieces and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Russell and his brother-in-law, Edward Sullivan.
At Jack’s request, no services will be taking place at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s honor may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607or online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate. The family has been cared for by the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Simons, Lynn (Lebon)
Lynn (Lebon) Simons, 72, of Orange, CT, devoted wife of Bruce S. Simons, passed away peacefully at Smilow Cancer Hospital on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Born in Waterbury, CT, Oct. 2, 1946, Lynn was a daughter of the late Max and Thelma Lebon. Beloved mother of Jennifer Cohen (Lewis) of Orange, Kimberly Murphy (James) of Milford, Todd Simons (Ali) of Orange, and Karra Simons of Orange. Dear sister of K.C. Fodor (Joseph) of Hilton Head, S.C.
Cherished grandmother of Jacob, Lizzy, Sean, Max, Lily, Grace, and Ethan.
Lynn received her B.S. in Nursing from the University of Connecticut and worked at many area hospitals, Amity Regional High School, the So. CT Hebrew Academy, the Orange Visiting Nurse Assoc., and the Goodwin-Levine Adult Day Care Center. Nursing was Lynn’s passion and caring for others her love. She would always think of others before she would think of herself.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Smilow Cancer Hospital for the loving care given to and devotion shown to Lynn over the past 4 years.
Funeral Services will be held at Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange, CT, on Monday morning, Oct. 29th at 11:00 a.m. with Interment Services to follow at B’nai Jacob Memorial Park, 200 Wintergreen Ave., New Haven. Memorial Contributions may be sent to YNHH Development Office, Smilow Oncology Social Work Fund, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. A Period of Mourning will be observed at 283 Oakview Drive Ext., Orange, Monday & Tuesday, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Funeral Arrangements in care of Robert E. Shure & Son Funeral Home, New Haven. To sign an on-line registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.shurefuneralhome.com.
Stirk, Marcia A.
Marcia A. Stirk, 63, of Milford, beloved wife of 40 years to Albert Stirk, passed away on October 23, 2018. Born on January 18, 1955 in Bridgeport, CT, she was the daughter of Mary Louise Nettleton Dunn and the late John F. Dunn.
Marcia was a graduate of Assumption College and worked as a paraprofessional at Milford’s Harborside Middle School for the past 25 years. She enjoyed horseback riding and reading and she will be greatly missed by many.
In addition to her beloved husband and mother, Marcia is survived by her children, Patrick (Tara) Stirk, and Abby (Joshua Spoerndle) Stirk; her grandchildren, Thomas Marchitto, Eva and Julianna Stirk, and Wyatt Spoerndle; her siblings, John (Michelle) Dunn, and Robert (Mary) Dunn; her great-aunt, Patricia Nettleton; her several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her dog, Duncan. Marcia was predeceased by her grandmother, Marie Nettleton.
A Graveside Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Michael Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Ave., Stratford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CEMETERY). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the CT Humane Society at www.cthumane.org. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff of CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Toohey, Robert F.
Tuohy, Edward R. III
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on October 27, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf St., Milford. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave., Milford. Friends and family may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 26, 2018 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center of Yale New-Haven Health. To view the full obituary or leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Varsh, Rosina M.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.