Obituaries
John J. Popkowski, 77
November 11, 2024 — John J. Popkowski passed away unexpectedly on November 8, 2024. He enjoyed a storied career as an advertising executive in the cable television industry, finishing his career as President of Advertising Sales at MTV Networks. His sense of humor was legendary. Continue reading.
Carolyn Kramer, 72
November 8, 2024 — Carolyn Kramer was born on March 9, 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri. A dedicated teacher, Carolyn worked tirelessly to invent new and imaginative ways to make France and its culture come alive for her students, ultimately bringing some to choose a career teaching French. Continue reading.
Jean Thurber Sells, 84
October 19, 2024 — Jean Thurber Sells, a longtime Weston resident, died at home on October 18, 2024. She taught mathematics at Sacred Heart University, had a dual career as a financial planner, and loved the town of Weston and her September Lane neighborhood, where she was known for taking long fast-paced walks. Continue reading.
Donald Patrie, 94
October 14, 2024 — Donald Maurice Patrie died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Carmen by his side on July 14, 2024. Born in 1930 in a small town in Kansas, he lived a long and fulfilling life with the church, a supportive wife, thriving family, loyal friends, a military career and many hobbies. Continue reading.
Jeffrey Tallman, 78
September 30, 2024 — Jeffrey Kevin Tallman died on August 18 after a long battle with cancer. A graduate of Roger Ludlowe High School, he attended Cheshire Academy and Central Connecticut State University. He served six years in the US Marine Reserves, and was a builder, avid photographer, woodworker, and prolific artist. Continue reading.
Gloria Doino, 86
September 26, 2024 — Gloria L. Doino passed away peacefully at her home in Redding on September 23. She began her career as a teacher working with special needs students while living in Queens, then launched her own preschools. She lived in Weston 41 years and was active at St. Francis of Assisi church. Continue reading.
Janice Fiedler, 93
September 12, 2024 — Janice (Phillips) Fiedler, of Bonita Springs, FL and Portsmouth, RI, died on September 8. In her time in Weston, she taught at the high school and middle schools and was an active member of Norfield Congregational Church, where she helped establish the Senior Center. Continue reading.
Hilary Gibson, 66
September 10, 2024 — Hilary Lauren Wechsler Gibson passed away on September 7. An avid long-distance bike rider, hiker, and sailor who enjoyed life to the fullest, she was “a tremendous spirit, wonderful friend, fun partner, and great mom. She will be missed tremendously.” Continue reading.
Merilyn Rose Smith, 89
August 4, 2024 — Merilyn Rose Smith was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was blessed with a long life and passed away at the age of 89 on July 10, 2024. Weston was home for 30 years, where “she found joy and comfort as it reminded her of where she grew up.” Continue reading.
Thomas Glass, 82
July 8, 2024 — Known to all simply as “Tom,” Mr. Glass worked for more than three decades in advertising for Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal, making an indelible mark for his larger-than-life personality. In Weston, he was known for engaging with others, making him a cherished figure in the community. Continue reading.
Richard Amill, 91
June 14, 2024 — Richard Luis Amill died peacefully on April 19, surrounded by his family. He enjoyed a career in educational textbook publishing, believed strongly in service and community, taught reading skills, and was a volunteer at hospitals and community organizations. Continue reading.
Janet Hetterly, 88
June 13, 2024 — Janet (Jan) Laing Hetterly died on November 7, 2023 in Trumbull, Conn. at 88 years old. She was a longtime resident of Weston (1968–1992), where she raised two sons. Continue reading.
Bernard Zimmerman, 91
April 5, 2024 — Bernard Zimmerman (Bernie) passed away peacefully on April 4. He and his family moved from Brooklyn, New York to Weston and lived there for 45 years. The home was “a center of love and a place for gardening, family parties, gymnastics, grand kids, friends, and all sorts of happiness.” Continue reading.
Marilyn E. Kirchner, 85
March 30, 2024 — Marilyn Elaine Kirchner, a resident of Dunedin, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 7. Throughout her life, and even while raising six children, she was active in volunteer work. Upon her retirement from Weston EMS, her “call number” was retired in a ceremony honoring 34 years of service as an EMT and crew chief. Continue reading.
Richard Orenstein, 82
March 25, 2024 — Richard Harris Orenstein passed away suddenly on March 20 in Sarasota, Florida. As executor of the estate of his friend Daniel Offutt, he formed a charitable trust and distributed Mr. Offutt’s funds, a life changing event that led him to become known as the “Jewish Santa Claus.” Continue reading.
Robert Phillips Turner, 103
March 22, 2024 — Robert Phillips Turner died on March 9 at his home of 70 years in Weston. He had a long career at Sikorsky Aircraft, and loved living in Weston, always serving on at least one town board, with especially long service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Continue reading.
Callie Frazier Tyrrell, 83
March 19, 2024 — Callie Frazier Tyrrell passed away peacefully on March 16 in Naples, Florida. She enjoyed decorating, golf, and socials. The true loves of her life were her grandchildren. Continue reading.
Margaret “Peggy” Barton, 89
February 13, 2024 — Margaret “Peggy” Streifler Barton died peacefully on February 11. Peggy was a longtime resident of Westport and Weston. She chaired Big Brother/Big Sister of Westport, and volunteered in the Weston schools. Continue reading.
Robert H. Bloom, 93
January 30, 2024 — Robert H. Bloom (Bob) died on January 20. An attorney and member of an international group of lawyers who met in the world’s major cities, he was an ardent golfer and a founding member of Aspetuck Valley Country Club. Continue reading.
Claire Marie Sansone, 85
January 19, 2024 — Claire Marie Sansone died suddenly and peacefully on January 11. A Weston resident for nearly 50 years, she worked for more than a decade as a State of Connecticut Department of Children Youth Services social worker. Continue reading.
Dr. Jerome Brodlie, 85
October 31, 2023 — Dr. Jerome Flagg Brodlie died peacefully at home in Weston on October 25. A child psychologist for over six decades, he reached millions of parents on television and helped build mental health services in areas affected by natural disasters. Continue reading.
Aurelie Sheehan, 60
October 6, 2023 — Aurelie Sheehan, author and creative writing professor at the University of Arizona, whose acclaimed work included novels, short story and prose-poem collections of her own unique design, died on August 4 at home in Tucson. Continue reading.
Dante Edward Zacavish, 88
September 23, 2023 — Dante Edward Zacavish passed away peacefully in Wesley Chapel, Florida on June 15 at the age of 88.
He was a longtime resident of Weston, where he and his late wife Barbara raised their two daughters. Continue reading.
Patricia Ellen Burrows, 76
August 15, 2023 — Patricia Ellen Burrows passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2023 at her home in Weston, CT.
The beloved wife of Milton Wolfson, she was a psychotherapist for more than 50 years and a pillar of numerous communities. Continue reading.
John Floyd Richard, 81
July 31, 2023 — John Floyd Richard, 81, died suddenly and peacefully on July 8, 2023 at Bridges in Norwalk where he had been under care for Parkinson’s Disease and dementia for the past year.
Fittingly, he was watching The History Channel. Continue reading.
Gordon Muller, 72
July 14, 2023 — Gordon Muller, 72, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
Mr. Muller met his future wife, Vicki Meridy Oosthuizen Muller, while she was playing tennis in the South African Open. Continue reading.
Barbara Lambert, 87
July 6, 2023 — Barbara Lambert, 87, of Boynton Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2023.
Ms. Lambert and her husband moved to Weston in 1967, where she lived for over 50 years, raised children, and joined several community organizations. Continue reading.
Thomas Joseph Burke, Jr., 53
June 3, 2023 — Thomas Joseph Burke, Jr. passed away on May 31, 2023, in his home of 21 years in Weston.
A passionate gamer, he had a long career in the IT industry and was a devout Christian. He married Michele, his high school sweetheart, in 1994. Continue reading.
Ethel Follett, 85
April 21, 2023 — Ethel Edna Follett, 85, of Woodbury, died on April 5, 2023 at Maplewood of Newtown.
She enjoyed bird watching, and for many years banded birds as a volunteer for CT Audubon of Fairfield and the Nature Conservancy at Devil’s Den in Weston. Continue reading.
Linda DeMarco, 82
April 18, 2023 — Linda DeMarco passed peacefully at home on April 13th, 2023 in Weston, Connecticut, with her husband and daughters by her side. She was 82 years old.
Linda grew up in Eastchester, New York. In 1970, she and husband Alfred moved to Weston, where they raised four daughters. Continue reading.
Carole Soloff, 80
April 12, 2023 — Carole Soloff, 80, of Weston, CT, passed away on February 1, 2023, peacefully in her home.
She had various careers in her lifetime, designed ceramic Judaica, and published poetry, a book about dialysis and receiving a donor kidney, and a children’s book. She worked alongside her husband, Robert, founding Sonics & Materials, Inc. Continue reading.
Peter Schoellkopf, 56
March 21, 2023 — Peter Schoellkopf, 56, of Weston, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Peter enjoyed music, philosophy and science, especially physics. He cherished every moment of the idyllic beauty of nature and relished being surrounded by it at his home in Weston. Continue reading.
Lillyan Jacqueline Troxell, 92
March 20, 2023 — Lillyan Jacqueline (Taschl) Troxell, 92, of Weston passed away peacefully in her home on March 10, 2023 after a brief illness.
Jackie was a much beloved member of Norfield Congregational Church, worked the polls on Election Day, participated in Kiwanis activities, studied history and film, and enjoyed weekly lunches at the Senior Center. Continue reading.
William Barron, 77
March 9, 2023 — William (Bill) Barron passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was 77.
A resident of Weston since 1954, Mr. Barron was a member of the Art Law Committee of the International Bar Association, the Yale Russian Chorus Alumni, Kiwanis International, Norfield Church, and the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston. Continue reading.
Ellen Jones, 74
February 24, 2023 — Ellen Jones, 74, of Fairfield, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, February 19, 2023.
In the early 2000s Ellen worked for the Town of Weston as the Assistant Town Clerk. More recently, she worked at Peter’s Market, then Lily’s Market, where she was known for good cheer and a big smile. Continue reading.
Christopher Anthony Barreca, 94
February 3, 2023 — Christopher Anthony Barreca, longtime resident of Weston, passed away peacefully on January 29.
An accomplished attorney who made important contributions to the legal profession, he once was a Weston Selectman, Board of Education chair, and president of Aspetuck Valley Country Club. Continue reading.
Margaret Anne Shaeffer, 76
January 25, 2023 — Margaret Anne Shaeffer died on January 3 in hospice care at Norwalk Hospital.
A retired financial industry executive, Peggy was active in the PTO, the Women’s Club of Weston, and other organizations. Her most significant involvement was at St. Francis of Assisi church. Continue reading.
Howard Simon, 90
January 2, 2023 — Howard Simon, longtime resident of Weston, died on December 30th after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Simon, his daughters, sons, and five grandchildren. He was known for his affable personality, engaging everyone he met with midwestern charm. Continue reading.
Brendan O’Kelly, 99
January 1, 2023 — Brendan William O’Kelly, 99 years old, a Weston resident for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2022.
He married the love of his life, Helen Cook on May 16, 1953. They moved to the US in 1953, when he began his esteemed career centered on sharing his Irish heritage with all he encountered. Continue reading.
Susan Hauser, of Weston
December 7, 2022 — Susan Hauser of Weston died on Monday, December 5. Fiercely determined her entire life, she died with her husband and family nearby, at home, on her own terms.
Born in Vienna, Austria, Susan and her family escaped the Nazis and immigrated to the US in late 1940. Continue reading.
Kathlyn “Bobbie” Dorman Sassano, 99
November 28, 2022 — Kathlyn Dorman Sassano aka “Bobbie” passed away peacefully on November 1st, 2022.
In Weston, Bobbie joined the Norfield Congregational Church where she taught Sunday school, chaired the Altar committee and served as an usher and greeter. Continue reading.
Ronald A. Caruso, 1937–2022
November 22, 2022 — Ronald A. Caruso, a long-time resident of Weston, died on August 5, 2022 following a long illness.
Initially employed as a teacher in Delaware, he was lured away by the Weston school district, and ended his long teaching career in Scarsdale, New York. Continue reading.
Stephen Steinbrecher, 88
October 21, 2022 — Stephen Steinbrecher, 88 years old, of Weston, Connecticut, passed away on October 18th, 2022.
Steve served on the New York Hotel Trades council, the Board of Trustees of Clark University, and also the Board of University Settlement. Continue reading.
Betty Ann Bunger, 93
September 28, 2022 — Betty Ann Bunger passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 21, 2022, after 93 years of living life to the fullest.
She was an active member of the Weston Garden Club, a volunteer at the Norwalk Hospital Thrift Store, and an employee at a former gift store in Wilton. Continue reading.
Mark A. Blake, 61
September 24, 2022 — Mark A. Blake, age 61, of Stratford, Connecticut, died Tuesday, September 20, 2022, after a valiant battle with Covid-19.
Mark was a selfless volunteer for his community. He was honored to be a Life Member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Service. Continue reading.
Pamela Bochinski, 80
August 29, 2022 — Longtime Weston resident Pamela Drowne Bochinski died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on August 21, 2022.
She had a distinguished career as an attorney and was an active member of the community, serving in several capacities for decades. Continue reading.
Beverly Gerber, 86
May 20, 2022 — Beverly Gerber, 86, a former Weston resident who led and served on many Weston community boards, committees, and elected roles in the 1970s and 1980s, died peacefully on May 11 in Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Her passing was reported by Louis Francis Gerber, her loving husband and best friend for the past 62 years. Continue reading.
Leonard M. Horner, 95
May 4, 2022 — Aviation titan and tilt-rotor pioneer, Leonard M. Horner, known as Jack, passed away on April 26th, 2022 at the age of 95 from natural causes.
A former president and chairman of Bell Helicopter Textron, his influence on tilt-rotor innovations shaped commercial and military aviation from its inception to today. Continue reading.
Jerry Price Goodwin, 83
April 30, 2022 — Jerry Price Goodwin passed away on Friday, April 22 at age 83 in Danbury, CT. He was a longtime resident of Weston, CT, and New York City.
He was associated with a number of nonprofit organizations following early retirement from Citibank, including Asia Society and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Continue reading.
Richard Keene Troxell, 92
April 22, 2022 — Richard Keene Troxell, 92, of Weston passed away peacefully at his home on April 19, 2022.
In Weston, he and wife Jackie are much beloved members of Norfield Congregational Church. Dick was on Weston’s Board of Finance for five years, and the Panel of Moderators for 27, including eight as Chairman, and was a founding member of the Weston Kiwanis Club. Continue reading.
James Thomas (JT) Winton, 82
April 13, 2022 — James Thomas (JT) Winton passed away on April 10, 2022. In 1961, he met the love of his life, Musette Ryan. An avid golfer, photographer and lifelong “talker,” JT also loved to travel and did so regularly with Musette, and friends.
He was a lifelong learner and could digress on any subject for as long as one would listen. Continue reading.
Libby Jane Cailen, 72
March 11, 2022 — Libby Jane Cailen, mother, social advocate, international economist, paralegal and bank teller, passed away on February 19 due to complications with her recently diagnosed cancer.
During her time in Connecticut, she volunteered tirelessly for the Weston Democrats and spent much of her time playing with her two dogs and enjoying her new home. Continue reading.
Mildred Robinson Correll, 99 (Millie)
January 15, 2022 — Millie grew up during the Great Depression in a Craftsman bungalow in Charlotte, NC, and was happiest when reading books borrowed from the public library.
In 21 years living in Weston with husband Bill and their children, Millie was a Town volunteer, founded and chaired the Weston Warm Up Fund, and enjoyed singing in the choir at Norfield Congregational Church. Continue reading.
Mary Elizabeth Bova, 72
December 20, 2021 — Mary Elizabeth Bova, age 72 of Weston, CT, died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by family on October 24, 2021.
Mary ran her own business, Bova Advertising Specialties, for over 35 years. She was a former member of the Weston Young Women’s Club. An avid crocheter, Mary knitted thousands of scarves for homeless shelters. Continue reading.
Jerome Martin Rehr, 96
December 20, 2021 — Jerome Martin Rehr, age 96, of Miami Florida, passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021.
Jerry spent three years as an instructor in the physics department of Union College while earning a master’s degree in physics. Subsequently he joined his uncle in business while also engaging in the practice of law. Continue reading.
Wynn Lambert, 93
December 6, 2021 — Wynn Lambert, of Palm Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
In 1965 Wynn moved his family to Weston, where they lived for 54 years. Wynn was active in the Weston Volunteer Fire Department for decades and served as its president for a number of years. Continue reading.
Frederick Louis Hyman, 89
October 9, 2021 — Frederick Louis Hyman died peacefully on October 7, 2021 at the age of 89. He was a television and publishing executive, and Jacques Cousteau’s friend and business partner.
His career started with Associated Artists Productions, a distributor of feature films and short subjects. He was a founding member of the Aspetuck Valley Country Club. Continue reading.
Judith Smith, 77
October 1, 2021 — Judith Smith of Tampa, Florida died on August 24, 2021. She was one of triplets born in 1943 and raised in Weston.
During her time in Florida, Judith worked for the Department of Transportation until retiring. She was a good knitter, nature lover, and loving sister and mother. Continue reading.
Annette Jensen Sandstrom, 107
September 17, 2021 — Annette Jensen Sandstrom, 107, of Wallingford, wife of the late Ejnar “Sandy” Sandstrom, died on September 13, 2021 at Masonicare of Wallingford, CT. The cause was cancer.
In 1947, Annette met Sandy Sandstrom. They married four years later. Eventually they moved to Weston, Connecticut and both worked at Pepperidge Farm. Continue reading.
Patricia Pettigrew Beran, 87
August 22, 2021 — Patricia Pettigrew Beran, a beautiful spirit whose compassion and brilliance touched so many lives across her eighty-seven years, has been lifted heavenward.
In the early seventies, Patty launched her teaching career. She was a creative, resourceful and caring middle school teacher in Weston for twenty-nine years. Continue reading.
Nancy Samson Cohen, 56
August 12, 2021 — Nancy Samson Cohen of Weston, Connecticut, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and community leader died peacefully on August 3, 2021.
Her entire life was dedicated to service of her community, whether that community was her local synagogue or a national network of lung cancer survivors. Continue reading.
Robert Sherwood Fortin, 78
July 16, 2021 — Robert Sherwood Fortin, a longtime resident of Weston, passed away on July 1, 2021, after a long battle with heart disease.
Robert (Bob) was born on August 14, 1942 in Norwalk. He graduated from Staples High School and Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, where he met his beloved wife of 56 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Fortin. Continue reading.
Warren Andrew Spence, 82
May 26, 2021 — Warren Andrew Spence, 82, of Williamsburg, VA, ascended peacefully to Heaven on April 23, 2021. He was unable to recover after surgery to remove a brain glioblastoma.
Mr. Spence enjoyed a marketing career for over 30 years. In Weston, he was an active member of Norfield Congregational Church, and sang every Sunday in the choir. Continue reading.
Joan Scott, 97
April 11, 2021 — Joan Taylor Wisnieff Scott died peacefully at her home in Newtown Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family and the denizens of her private bird sanctuary, on a glorious Easter Sunday, April 4th 2021.
Ms. Scott and her family lived in Weston for 31 years. During that time, she worked for the Save the Children Foundation and the Westport News. Continue reading.
William Frederick Gentit, 85
March 30, 2021 — William Frederick Gentit, 85, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Shirley by his side on March 27th, 2021.
William was a graduate of Carnegie Institute and was a chemist by vocation. Before moving to Fairfield Glade, William lived in Weston, and worked for AkzoNobel until his retirement. Continue reading.
Nils A. Kindwall, 97
February 23, 2021 — Nils A. Kindwall of Jupiter, Florida, died peacefully on February 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving family due to complications of post-polio syndrome.
Mr. Kindwall and his wife, Lucille, moved to Weston in 1960 where they raised their three daughters and were deeply engaged with their neighbors and community. Continue reading.
Lyn Mack, 67
February 19, 2021 — Lyn Mack, 67, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away suddenly from acute peritonitis on Friday, January 29, 2021.
She attended grades K–12 in Weston, graduating with Weston High School’s first class in 1971. In Weston she met Larry Gene Welty, a computer programmer with Wiltek Corp. of Norwalk; they married in 1989. Continue reading.
Joan Anne Weinstein, 85
February 3, 2021 — Joan Anne Weinstein, a longtime resident of Weston, Connecticut, passed away on January 23, 2021 at Norwalk Hospital of Covid-19.
Joan and her husband Robert started their lives together in Far Rockaway, New York, eventually relocating to Westport in 1962 and to Weston in 1971, where they raised their three children. Continue reading.
Sharon Shattuck, 76
January 29, 2021 — Sharon Coleman Shattuck, of Weston, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2021. Sharon was born on March 22, 1944 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Alvin Wendell Coleman and Mildred Coward Coleman.
Sharon and her family moved to Weston in 1975. She worked at Town Hall for many years, served on the Historic District Commission, and was active with the Weston Warm-up Fund, at Norfield Church, and at the schools. Continue reading.
Harvey F. Bellin, 76
January 23, 2021 — Harvey Bellin, a longtime Weston resident, Democratic party stalwart, environmental activist, author, and television producer and director, passed away on January 22 at the age of 76.
In 1987, Mr. Bellin directed “The Outlivers: 200 Years in Weston,” a tongue-in-cheek history of the town narrated by Christopher Plummer, who said the film would attempt to answer the question of “how we got to be so peculiar.” Continue reading.
Jane Ransom Gray, 93
January 15, 2021 — Jane Ransom Gray, of Weston, passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2020, surrounded by family. Jane was born on October 25, 1927 in Nashville Tennessee, the daughter of the late McAden Peebles Ransom and Alberta Spain Ransom.
Jane and her family moved to Weston in 1967 when her husband Milton began work as an engineer for Mobil Chemical Corporation in New York City. Jane and Milton celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in May. Continue reading.
Dr. Jack G. Shiller, 92
January 15, 2021 — Dr. Jack G. Shiller, a longtime Westport resident, died in his home in Redding, Connecticut on January 13, 2021.
Dr. Shiller established a private practice in Westport before forming Willows Pediatric Group in 1973. He was active on the staff of Norwalk Hospital, where he started the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He helped form the Westport-Weston Health District in 1967 and was proud of his published works, including “Childhood Illness and Childhood Injury: A Commonsense Approach”. Continue reading.
Harold S. Shupack, 84
December 11, 2020 — Harold S. Shupack, of Westport, passed away December 7th, 2020 with his wife, Sheila by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.
A Weston resident for 41 years, his community work included service on the Weston Charter Revision Commission, the Democratic Town Committee, and the Board of Finance. He was elected to the Board of Selectmen, served for six years, and then was First Selectman from 1999 to 2001. Continue reading.
Ronald Radcliffe Marshall, 94
December 8, 2020 — A resident of Weston for 54 years, Ron was a mechanical engineer who worked for a variety of architectural engineering firms and started his own company, Marshall Control Products.
In Weston, Ron was an institution, running the roads from the 1960s up until his last year in town, when walking became his natural option. Continue reading.