Margaret W. Furst

Margaret (Peggy) Watkins Furst passed peacefully on Dec. 11, 2015 at The Village at Waveny in New Canaan. Peggy was born Nov. 19, 1916 in Montreal, Canada to Francis Benjamin Watkins and Romaine Taylor Watkins.

Peggy received an AB degree from Smith College in 1937. On Aug. 2, 1941 she married Austin Owen Furst of Bellefonte, Pa.

Living most of her adult life in Bellefonte, Peggy was a founding member of The Antiquists, a board member and a docent at Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art, a member of the Bellefonte Hospital Auxiliary, and a co-founder of the Bellefonte Children’s Fair. Peggy was also a member of the Junior League of Harrisburg and of Savannah and a member of the Colonial Dames of America. While living in Bellefonte, she belonged to St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church on Hilton Head Island.

Peggy is survived by two sons: Austin O. Furst, Jr. of New Canaan and Stephen W. Furst of Winchester, Va.; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A private burial will be held  in Union Cemetery, Bellefonte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, P.O.Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492, or Waveny LifeCare Network, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.

— The Family

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Lucia M. Cullinan, 82, of Beacon, N.Y., formerly of Vista, N.Y., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015 at Norwalk Hospital with her family by her side. Lucia was born in Stamford on June 8, 1933, daughter of the late Nicola and Donata (Samela) Tarzia.

She had worked as a secretary for Arlington Public Schools in New York. She loved sewing, cooking and taking trips to the casino with her closest friends. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching movies, playing cards and talking with them for hours.

Lucia is survived by three sons, Michael Cullinan and his wife Cathy of Plainsboro, N.J., Joseph Cullinan of Vershire, Vt. and Nick Cullinan and his wife Katie of Bethel, Conn.; two daughters, Margaret Cullinan-Hill and Maria Naughton and her husband Bob, all of New Canaan; two brothers, Joseph and Michael Tarzia; a sister, Sarah Lorenti and nine grandchildren whom she cherished. She was predeceased by five brothers, Domenick, Lawrence, Pasquale, Bruno and Nick Tarzia and a sister Margherita Bocuzzi.

Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., in New Canaan. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m.

In Lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to: The New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corp., P.O. Box 598, New Canaan CT 06840, or online at

— The Advertiser

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Mr. James Richard Gilligan, 68, of Westport, passed away quietly on Dec. 16, 2015 after a lengthy illness.

Richard was born in Keene, N.H. on Sept. 13, 1947, son of the late James Lynapp and Pauline (Schorer) Gilligan. A longtime resident of New Canaan, graduate of New Canaan High School Class of ’65 and Bentley College Class of 1969, Richard was known affectionately as “Goose” to all his friends.

He was a long time employee of the New Canaan Post Office, had a lifelong love of sports, and was a member of many local bowling and horseshoe leagues over the years.

Richard is survived by a daughter Deborah Gilligan of Stamford; a brother, Stephen and his wife Mary of Milton, Mass.; and a sister Bonnie Kniceley and her husband Clark of Greenville, R.I.

A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday Dec. 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. at St Aloysius Church, Cherry Street in New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

Family and friends may gather at the Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan  at 12 noon on Dec. 18.

In lieu of flowers donations made be made in Richard’s name to The Guillian-Barre Foundation: gbs-cidp.org/donate/

For directions and online condolences, please visit

— The Family

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W. Andrew M. Clarkson

W. Andrew Macbeth Clarkson, 78, passed away peacefully at home in New Canaan, surrounded by family, on Dec. 16, 2015 after a long illness.

Andrew was born in Scotland in 1937 and, after serving in the British Army with active duty in Cyprus he graduated from Oxford University in 1960. In 1966 he earned an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School.

Andrew began his career at First National Bank of Chicago as assistant vice president in merchant banking. He then became the assistant treasurer at General Foods. In late 1983, Andrew joined Malone & Hyde, Inc, parent company of AutoZone Inc., as chief financial officer, member of the Board of Directors, and chairman of the Finance Committee. Additionally, Andrew also served on the boards of Amphenol, GTx , Seessels, TruckPro, and Royal Furniture.

He was very active with Memphis, Tenn. non-profits, and received Memphis’ Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 2004.

Andrew founded the Jeniam Foundation, named for his children, in 1992, and remained the lead trustee until his death. A self-described Type A, Andrew was intimately and passionately involved in every project the Jeniam Foundation funded, many with organizations in the New Canaan area, such as KEYS, Stamford Symphony scholarship funding and Master classes, Stepping Stones Children’s Museum, Waveny Care Center, Visiting Nurses and Homecare, Summer Theatre of New Canaan, Channel 79, Silvermine Arts Guild, and Audubon Connecticut, as well as environmental conservation groups throughout the Americas, particularly the American Bird Conservancy. Andrew’s philanthropic work over the last 25 years has impacted thousands of lives around the world.

Andrew is survived by Carole Grant Clarkson, his devoted wife of 49 years, loving children Jennifer Clarkson Killin of Newtown, Conn. and William Clarkson of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., grandsons Sebastian and Darwin, and his sister, Susan Lee. His family will carry on his legacy through the Jeniam Foundation for many years to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrew’s name to any of the above non-profits.

— The Family

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Mildred Sadlon Haskell, 97, of Hilton Head Island, S.C. died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at the Fraser Health Center. She was born on July 20, 1918 in Danbury, Conn., the daughter of John and Christine Sadlon.

Millie graduated from Bryant College in 1937, where she starred as the captain of the basketball team. While attending Bryant, she met her future husband, Trum Haskell. They were married on Nov. 20, 1943.

Millie taught school for over 30 years and was head of the Business Department at New Canaan High School, where she was instrumental in acquiring the first student-operated computers. After Millie retired in 1983, they moved to Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island. They lived there until they moved to The Seabrook Retirement Community, where they enjoyed many years of community and friendship.

After Trum died in 2010, Millie continued her busy schedule of volunteerism at the Bargain Box and also Hospice.

Millie is survived by a son, Skip (MaryLou) Haskell of Hilton Head, and a daughter, Debby (Andy) Calhoun of Salem, S.C. She is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A reception celebrating Millie’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28 in the living room of the Seabrook Retirement community. Donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 3827, Bluffton, SC 29910.

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory. theislandfuneralhome.com.

— The Advertiser

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Anthony F. Piotrowski, Jr., 55, of Hartford, passed away quietly on Dec. 19, 2015 after a lengthy illness.

Anthony, known as Tony, was born in Cohoes, N.Y. on Feb. 21, 1960, son of the late Anthony F. Piotrowski, Sr. and Beverly Piotrowski.

A graduate of New Canaan High School, Class of ’78, Tony was named to FCIAC All County Baseball Team at second base and also played varsity football for the Rams. He earned a B.S. from Union College in systems engineering as well as two master’s degrees, including an M.B.A. from Pace University. Tony, during his career as a systems engineer, worked for several insurance companies in Hartford.

Tony is survived by his mother Beverly of New Canaan, as well as a brother, Mack, and two nephews, Alexander and Sebastian of Greenwich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 28 at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tony’s name to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation:

For directions and online condolences, please visit hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Family

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Sarah Jane Peck

Sarah Jane Peck, 65, a resident of Daniel Island, S.C. and former long-time resident of New Canaan, passed away in the early morning of Dec. 11, 2015.

Jane fought progressive health issues over the years and during her last month this fight was too great to overcome. She leaves behind her mother Sally Arkedis of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., her brother George Arkedis of Atlanta, Ga., three children Margaret of Norristown, Pa., George  of Monroe, Conn., and Elizabeth of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as well as three grandchildren — Ryan, Shannon, and Sean; and her cherished dog, Buddy.

While raising three children in New Canaan, Jane was also very active in the Junior League community. Jane’s ambition led to a tenure as president of the Stamford-Norwalk Junior League from 1989-1990. Shortly afterwards Jane began consulting for Junior League chapters across the U.S. which she turned into a passionate career over the past 25 years.

She will be remembered for being a devout wife of the late Richard Peck, nurturing mother and a hardworking entrepreneur. She was an avid golf and tennis enthusiast who constantly watched and talked about sports with friends and family. She will be missed by many especially from New Canaan and Charleston area.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 13, 2016 at Saint Claire of Assisi Church in Daniel Island, (85 Island Park Dr, Charleston, S.C.) with a reception to follow.

Additionally, there will be a local gathering on Dec. 20 at Brennan’s Shebeen II in Fairfield Conn. (2425 Morehouse Hwy) from 4-6pm.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Junior League of Charleston.

— The Advertiser

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Murray G. Albertson

Murray Grieve Albertson, a retired engineer, businessman and longtime resident of Vero Beach, Fla. died peacefully at Harbor Chase on Sunday Dec. 20. He was 90 and married to his life soul mate Marjorie (Erickson) Albertson for 61 years.

Born in Oradell, N.J. on April 4, 1925 he was the son of the late John G. Albertson and Jess Richmond Albertson. Second to older brother Jack, he graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, N.J. He joined the Navy in 1943, trained as a radio technician for the submarine service and was sent to the Pacific before being returned the states for the Navy V12 program. After the war he graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in civil engineering.

He began his career in New York City where he met and married Marjorie and settled in Connecticut — in Rowayton and then in New Canaan where they raised three children. In 1961 he formed his one man engineering firm which was later to be known as Albertson, Sharp & Ewing in Norwalk, Conn., an engineering and architectural design firm. After his retirement in 1985 he designed and built new houses including his own. He said it was his greatest joy.

A man of many facets he had countless interests and truly loved life. He was ever optimistic and open to tackle new innovative ideas. He was always ready with a quick pun and a spin on the dance floor.

Murray enjoyed sports and outdoor activities, especially tennis which he played all his life. He also enjoyed skiing, which included many family trips to Vermont, and in later years was an enthusiastic golfer. He spent many memorable summers with family at his beloved home in Quonochontaug, R.I. with activities that included boating, clamming, fishing and growing raspberries. Murray and his wife shared their love of travel throughout the world.

Murray is member of Central Assembly Church of Vero Beach and a former trustee and deacon of the Congregational Church of New Canaan. He was past president and member of the Rotary Club of Norwalk, Conn. for over 40 years. Also he served as board member of the Norwalk YMCA and ABC House of New Canaan. He is past president of Pivot Ministries of Bridgeport, Conn. He was a former member of the Country Club of New Canaan, Weekapug Golf Club, the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club, and he volunteered at the Indian River Habitat for Humanity.

A devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather he is survived by his wife Marjorie and children: Tom Albertson and his wife Nancy of Rockport, Maine; Bonnie Kelly and her husband David of DeFuniak Springs, Fla.; Lisa Kelley and her husband Paul of Houston, Texas; and eight grandchildren: David, Sarah, Jessica, Caroline, Shawn, Allan, Meghan and Katie.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 – 17th St., Vero Beach, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Indian River County, 4568 N US Highway 1, Vero, Beach, FL 32967; or Pivot Ministries, 485 Jane St., Bridgeport, CT 06608.

— The Family

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Mrs. Gertrude Schutze Mead, 95, of New Canaan, passed away peacefully, Monday, Dec. 21, 2015 at Waveny Care Center. She was the widow of Mr. Harold Hoyt Mead, Jr.

Gertrude was born in Bridgeport, Conn. on Jan. 23, 1920, daughter of the late Victor L. and Bertha (Schatze) Schutze. She was an elementary school teacher at Center School in New Canaan for many years, prior to her retirement. She was very involved in her church, the Congregational Church of New Canaan, and volunteered at the Waveny Care Center for years before taking her own residency there.

Gertrude leaves behind a son, David Richard Mead and his wife Christine of Danbury, Conn. and a daughter, Sally Estefan and her husband Paul of Danbury; two grandsons, Joseph and Edward Estefan; a granddaughter, Gabrielle Mead; and two great-grandchildren, Clare and Luke.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in her honor to the Waveny Care Center or The Congregational Church of New Canaan.

For directions or online condolences, please visit

— The Family

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Hans Fredrick Reiss

Hans Fredrick Reiss, 83, of New Canaan, died unexpectedly but peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Dec. 23, 2015.

Hans was born to Hans and Ida Reiss on Feb. 9, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minn. Raised in Golden Valley, Minn., he spent his formative years working in the family business Reiss Greenhouses. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1953 and went on to serve two years in the United States Air Force before beginning a career in financial services.

Hans joined Peat Marwick and Mitchell (KPMG) in 1954. He made partner in the Minneapolis office, and became the managing partner of the Santa Ana / Newport Beach, Calif. office in 1971 and managing partner of the White Plains, N.Y. / Stamford, Conn. office in 1976. Hans retired from KPMG in 1985. He then went on to have his own practice as an estate attorney after graduating from the University of Bridgeport (Quinnipiac University School of Law) in 1987. Hans was still practicing law and providing financial and estate planning services up to the evening of his death. Hans was extremely devoted to his clients. Throughout his life Hans shared his business and financial expertise and sat on numerous nonprofit boards including the Westchester Community College Foundation.

Hans wed the love of his life, Helen Schoenberger, in 1953, and celebrated 51 years of marriage at the time of her death in 2004. Hans is survived by their six children: Hans (Richard) Carlsbad, Calif.; Tom (Carol) San Jose, Calif., Sharon Closius, Bethel, Conn., Mark (Judy) Redding, Conn., Suzie Kocourek (Ed) Mendota Heights, Minn., and Paul (Lisa) of New Canaan.

Hans took great pride and joy being involved with his family, be it direct relatives, in-laws, or family friends. He was enthusiastically active in his children’s lives and especially enjoyed engaging with his 17 grandchildren and great grandson. Hans had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews and the friends who became part of the Reiss family.

In addition to Helen, Hans was preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister Mary Faust and brother Bill.

A viewing will be held Monday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, in New Canaan. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at a future date at the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas on the University of St. Thomas campus, St. Paul, Minn., and internment will be at the Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope, Minn.

Hans established the Hans & Helen Reiss Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of St. Thomas, and his family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to the University in care of this scholarship. (Please make checks payable to “University of St. Thomas” and indicate in memo line designation is for “Hans & Helen Reiss Endowed Scholarship” and mail to University of St. Thomas, P.O. Box 64947, St. Paul, MN  55164-0947. Online donations can be made to: GiveToUST.com / Gift Area: Other / Giving Priority: Other / Other Instructions: “Hans & Helen Reiss Endowed Scholarship” / (Enter amount) / Continue. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Plante at (651) 962-6972.) Thank you.

For online condolences and directions please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

— The Family

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Frank Palermo, age 96, a New Canaan resident for over 35 years, formerly of Stamford, died peacefully Dec. 28, 2015, in Stamford Hospital. Born in San Fili, Province of Coscenza, Italy on Jan. 16, 1919, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Concetta Curti Palermo. Frank was the husband of Francesca Magliocco Palermo, with whom he had  been married for 64 years.

After serving in the Italian Army, and graduating from college, Frank became a teacher in Italy.

He owned and operated the Continental Tailor Shop in New Canaan until retirement. He had been a past president of the San Fili Social Club, Portchester, NY.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Salvatore Palermo of Stamford, CT and John Palermo and his wife Elena of West Hartford, CT, and two grandchildren, John Peter Palermo and Jacqueline Palermo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 4, 2015 at 11 a.m. in St Aloysius Church, Cherry Street, New Canaan. Entombment will follow in St Johns Cemetery, Darien.

The family will receive friends at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m.

For online condolences and directions visit hoytfuneralhome.com

—The Family

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Nicholas Myers Albertson was born March 23, 1930, in Rochester, NY, to Nicholas A. and Kathryn Albertson, their only child. After graduating from Brighton High School, Nick attended Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree from the ILR School in 1951, and went to work for the Union Carbide Corporation, retiring in 1993. Nick married the love of his life, Dorothy Clark, in 1949, and they raised three sons in Fostoria and Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to Westport, CT, in 1965. After the boys were grown Nick and Dorothy made their home in Redding, CT., until Dorothy’s untimely death as a result of lung cancer in 1992 and where Nick has lived ever since.

Nick was an active member of the Staples Booster Club while his sons attended Staples High School and he and Dorothy were very actively involved in the life of Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Church, Weston, for more than 50 years. Nick was an avid golfer and a long-time member of the Redding Country Club, and spent his retirement years faithfully attending his nine grandchildren’s music and dance recitals, athletic contests, and graduations

Nick is survived by his three sons, Nicholas W. and his wife Patricia of Miller’s Falls, MA., and his three daughters, Lindsey, Dana and Morgan, Thomas C. and his wife Kathleen of Redding, CT, and their three children, Grant, Amanda, and Nick, and James D. and his wife Manya of Branchville, NJ, and their three children, Manya, Bennett, and Regan, Manya and her husband Jon Timmons have two girls, Nick’s two great-grandchildren, Bronwyn and Rowan.

A service of Christian burial will be held Sat., Jan. 2, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Emmanuel Parish, 285 Lyons Plain Rd., Weston, CT 06883, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. A burial service will take place later that day for family members only at Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. In lieu of flowers, Nick’s family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Emmanuel Parish Building Fund or to the Outreach program, Emmanuel Church, 285 Lyons Plain Rd., Weston, CT 06883. www.emmanuelweston.org

—The Family

Nicholas Albertson

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Sara “Sally” Allen Lewis, age 84, a longtime New Canaan resident and former resident of Mount Kisco, N.Y. died peacefully Dec. 18, 2015 in Stamford.

Sally was born in Greenfield, Mass. on April 23, 1931. After attending The Bement School and The Northampton School for Girls, she earned a BA in Bacteriology from Goucher College in 1952.

Sally’s lifelong passions included horseback riding, theater and extensive global travel. She worked in a variety of positions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the corporate offices of Dress Barn. Most recently, she was a volunteer at Norwalk Hospital and at Treasure House in Norwalk.

Sally is survived by her children Alexandra (John) DeMarino of New Canaan, and Scott Ballantyne Lewis of Brooklyn, N.Y., granddaughters Kathleen and Elizabeth DeMarino, nephew Stewart (Kathy) Allen, niece Marie Louise (Rick) Martin and three great nephews, all of North Platte, Neb. She was predeceased by her brother, David Field Allen, and her parents Lewis W. and Louise Field Allen.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Oenoke Ridge Road in New Canaan, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Getabout of New Canaan, getaboutnc.org, or the World Wildlife Foundation.

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

— The Advertiser

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Michael B. Scarborough

Michael Bowen Scarborough, 59, of Friendship, Maine died Dec. 27, 2015, with his brothers, Chris and Matthew, at his side, at the Sussman House in Rockport, Maine.

Mike lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. until 1968, when he moved with his family to New Canaan. He spent the next 35 years of his life here before moving to Maine.

Predeceased by his father, Richard O. Scarborough in 2000, Michael is survived by his mother, Joyce (Bowen) Scarborough of Phoenix, Ariz.; three brothers, Chris and Matthew Scarborough both of Phoenix, Ariz., and Andrew Scarborough of Richmond, Va; and a nephew Michael.

A celebration of Michael’s life was held on Jan. 1, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home’s 104 Limerock reception center in Rockland, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Island Trail Association, 58 Fore St., Suite 30-3, Portland, ME 04101 or visit mita.org.

To share a memory or read Michael’s full obituary, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

— The Family

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Yolanda C. Zangrillo

Yolanda Caldwell Zangrillo, 89, passed away on Dec. 31, 2015 at her home in Darien after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Born on Nov. 25, 1926, Mrs. Zangrillo was born in Canada to the late Gordon and Wanda Caldwell. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Stephen Frank Zangrillo, who passed away on July 8, 2015, and her sister Barbara.

Mrs. Zangrillo and her husband raised four children together, and she was very active in the community. She was a charter member of the Country Club of Darien, a member at the Metropolitan Club in New York, Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, and the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda. She was an accomplished athlete, having won several tennis, platform tennis and golf tournaments at the Country Club of Darien.

Mrs. Zangrillo was also a member of the Daughters of the British Empire charity organization, which she volunteered with frequently throughout her life. She also volunteered with the Children’s Aid Society and the Darien Community Association.

She is survived by her son, Stephen Jr. and his wife Pam, her son Anthony and his wife Gina, her daughter Stephanie, and her daughter Gina of New Canaan. She is survived also by her six grandchildren, Stephen III and his wife Danielle; Nicholas Neville and Samantha Neville; Gregory Reilly Jr., Douglas Reilly, and Allison Reilly of New Canaan; and by her great granddaughter, Lilliana.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Post 53, PO Box 2066, Darien, CT  06820.

Funeral services and interment are private.  www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

— The Family

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Suzanne T. Stisser

Suzanne Theriot Stisser, of Darien Conn., passed away on Jan. 2, 2016. She was 63 years old.

Born in Bronxville, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Victor and Lorraine Theriot of Greenwich, Conn.

Suzanne graduated from Greenwich High School and Southern Connecticut State University. She received her masters in special education from the College of New Rochelle. Ultimately, she went on to teach physical education in the New York and Connecticut school systems, most recently at Tokeneke Elementary School in Darien, where she was adored for her enthusiasm and creativity.

Outside of teaching, she was heavily involved in the community. She was an instructor at the Darien Nature Center, the first female board member of Darien Little League Baseball, and an amateur photographer for Darien High School Blue Wave sports. She was an avid gardener and loved frequent visits to the beach. She had a deep love for family and friends — especially her husband of 40 years, three sons, and six granddaughters, as well as her beloved dogs.

Suzanne is survived by her husband David Carr Stisser of Darien; sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Leigh Stisser of Staunton, Va.; Timothy and Lauren Stisser of Darien; Matthew Stisser and Casey Goodson of Darien; and six granddaughters Evie, Lucy, Charly, Ella, Olive, and Pippa. She is also survived by three brothers and a sister and their spouses, Victor Theriot of Greenwich; Christopher and Irene Theriot of Cos Cob, Conn.; her twin, Winston and Susan Theriot of Ridgefield, Conn.; and Elaine Arosemena of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and their families.

She was a cherished member of the Stisser family as well and is survived by her mother-in-law Martha Carr Stisser of Riverside, Conn.; brothers and sisters-in-law Robert and Betsy Stisser of Windsor, Conn. and Peter and Diane Stisser of Wilton, Conn. and their families.

She is predeceased by her father-in-law Frank G. Stisser, Jr. of Riverside.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Suzanne Stisser Memorial Fund at both the Darien Nature Center () and Darien Little League (dybs.org).

The family will receive friends and family at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road in Darien on Friday, Jan. 8, from 4 – 8 p.m.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road in Darien. There will be a private burial at First Congregational Church of Greenwich.

— The Family

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Helen M. Petersen Merrill passed away Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at the Memorial Campus of Mission Hospitals in Asheville, N.C.

Born on Oct. 30, 1918 in Paterson, N.J., she enjoyed 97 years of a wonderful life. She graduated from New Canaan High School at the age of 15, part of the class of 1933, and later from a secretarial school.

She was predeceased by her father, Otto E. H. Petersen, and mother, Hermine K. Petersen. She was employed for many years as a secretary in New York City and Connecticut. She lived 70 years in Connecticut and has resided in Asheville for the past 18 years.

She leaves behind her husband of 58 years, Lewis H. Merrill; son, Scott P. Merrill and son-in-law, Brian B. May, both of Asheville; sister, Anita P. Ross of Fairfax, Va., and several nieces and nephews.

The wish of the family is for no funeral services. Her ashes will be interred at a later date. No memorials are requested. Mrs. Merrill had expressed to her family that she was ready to depart this life. For all that knew her, knew that she was a remarkable person. Condolences may be made to the family at .

— The Family

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Ronald R. Robinson, 75, passed away peacefully, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York, on Dec. 30, 2015, while holding the hand of his wife, Nancy, to whom he was married  for 49 years.

Ron attended Morrisville Junior College, received his master’s degree in food chemistry at the University of Georgia, where he was president of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He  graduated in the first MBA class at the Stamford branch of University of Connecticut.

Ron was a marketing director at Nabisco for over 25 years. Following his retirement he and Nancy moved back to Innsboro Farm in Buel, New York where they shared their happiest and most peaceful years surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Turturro Robinson, their children Kellie and (Josh), Emily and Alexis; Corky (Derek) Sturtevant, Riley, Luke, and Jake; Stacy (Eugene) Jarka, Drew, Mallory, Sydney; his son Brett and fiancée Jacci DiTullio, Caitlin (Daniel) Petrelle, Wyatt and step-grandchildren, Daniel, Aryion and Jacob. He was predeceased by his infant grandson, John Eugene Petrelle.

A wake will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, between 5 – 7 p.m. at the Ottman Funeral Home in Cherry Valley, N.Y. A celebration of his life will be held at the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, 19 Front Street, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 9.

For five years Ron received extraordinary care at Bassett Hospital. The family requests that any donations in his name be made to the Bassett Cancer Center, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13226.

To send online condolences or light a candle visit  Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY.

— The Advertiser

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Joseph F. Cullinan

Joseph Francis Cullinan, 81, of Darien, Conn. passed away peacefully at his home while surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren.

Joseph was born in Stamford, Conn. on Jan. 19, 1934, and was the son of Margaret (nee Cunningham) of Cork City, Ireland, and Michael Cullinan, of Fanore, in County Clare, Ireland.

Having grown up in Stamford, Joseph often reminisced about his childhood. He loved riding around town, swimming in the local watering holes and playing ball. Recalling many Saturday afternoons watching John Wayne adventure movies and the accompanying newsreels, he developed a passion for history, and stories of battles and bravery.

Inspired by deep patriotism, Joseph enlisted in the service at age 14 but was promptly discharged at his mother’s request. Finally coming of age, he joined and proudly served in the U.S. Army.

As a young man, Joseph married and later settled in Vista, N.Y., to raise his five children.

Inquisitive and mechanical by nature, he worked tirelessly to refine his abilities as a machinist, teaching himself and eventually his son the same trade. Whether fabricating food packaging or medical devices at work, building his family’s home, or working on his car or plane, he would often fashion his own tools to complete any given project. He achieved his dreams of becoming a licensed private pilot, and owning his own small aircraft, and he was proud to serve on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, patrolling the Hudson River, receiving a service award in 1986.

Later, Joseph remarried, and he and his wife lived in Darien. They enjoyed many trips together, with Joseph recalling Italy as one of his favorites. Passionate about flying, Joseph enjoyed day trips to Nantucket or Block Island for lunch with his wife, or longer trips with his son and fellow pilot, Nick. Of the many flying adventures to Tampa, Fla. and Oshkosh, Wis., he proudly recalled his most challenging flying adventure was to the Bahamas. Together, their blended family shared many special holidays and events.

Joseph loved good food, a cold beer or two, and long discussions. He was always proud of his children, stepchildren and grandchildren, and he appreciated their unique gifts, often with unspoken admiration. He loved to be surrounded by them, and rarely missed an opportunity to be in the company of family. His good humor, and his quiet, powerful and loving presence will be greatly missed.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Teresa; his sister, Mary Ball of Wilton, Conn.; five children, Michael Cullinan (Cathy) of Plainsboro, N.J., Joseph Cullinan of Vershire, Vt., Margaret Cullinan-Hill of New Canaan, Nicola Cullinan (Katie) of Bethel, Conn. and Maria Naughton (Bob) of New Canaan; two step-children, Anne Tomaselli (Larry) of Norwalk, Conn. and Meg Doyle of Norwalk; fourteen grandchildren; Austin, Micayla, Katie, Aidan, Elizabeth, Alexandra, Siobhan, Bobby, Kathleen, Susan, Laura, Michelle, Shane and Michael, and one great-granddaughter, Marlina. He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Cullinan.

The family will receive friends at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 4 – 8 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Road in Darien on Friday, Jan. 8, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.

— The Family

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Mario Fanone

Mario Fanone, age 74, a longtime New Canaan resident, died peacefully Jan. 4, 2016, at Stamford Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Settefrati, Italy on June 10, 1941, he was the son of the late Cesare and Elena Frattaroli  Fanone. Mario is the husband of Cesarina Apruzzese Fanone.

In addition to his wife, Mario is survived by his son Carlo Fanone and his wife Ilen, his daughter Anna Ferraro and her husband Massimo, and three grandchildren, Antonio Mario Ferraro, Jackson Rene Balcazar, and Matthew Carlo Fanone, all of New Canaan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Norwalk. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan.

Memorial contributions may be made to: New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance, 182 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840 (NCVAC.org) or St. Jude Children’s Cancer Hospital, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, #1615, New York, NY 10122 (StJude.org)

For directions or online condolences, please visit: hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Family

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