Vernon L. Thunem

Vernon Lee Thunem, age 90, a resident of New Canaan for more than 53 years, died Tuesday April 19, 2016 after a brief illness, with his sons by his side.

Born in New York City Jan. 2, 1926, he was the son of the late Louis and Victoria Thunem. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Elizabeth (Libby) Thunem, in 2008.

An only child, known as Vern, he attended The Hunter College Model School and Stuyvesant High School. He played the violin and was a Boy Scout at the West Side YMCA. He loved to recall his boyhood antics including sketching behind city buses on roller skates while toting his book bag and violin.

He earned a BA in Fine Arts from Columbia University and an MBA from New York University.

He met the love of his life, Libby Pickles, at an engagement party in New York City for Howard and Suzanna Gray. Eventually, both couples settled in New Canaan and at St. Mark’s Church.  Vern and Libby were married on June 5, 1954 at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Providence Rhode Island.

Vern enjoyed a 36-year career in the human resources field, most of that with Caltex and then Texaco, before retiring in 1987. As a specialist in expatriate benefits administration, he was assigned to numerous international placements over the span of his professional life; these included Beirut, Istanbul, Indonesia, Bahrain, Brussels, and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. After retiring, Vern served as a volunteer with the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), a U.S. State Department sponsored organization that places retired executives in temporary foreign assignments to improve local communities and economies.

Vern was a proud member of the Seventh Regiment in New York and he spent many memorable occasions at the Armory on Park Avenue at 66th Street. He began in the State Guard at age 17, and rose through the ranks to second lieutenant. As an officer of the Honor Guard there, he paraded at West Point and Washington, D.C. for reviews commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Seventh Regiment, and he met the Queen of England when she visited the regiment to review the troops. He also served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, with active duty in the European theater of operations in Patton’s Third Army, 1944-1946.

For 53 years, Vern was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, serving as senior warden, vestry member, minister of communion, lector and May Fair volunteer. His most notable role in the community was as the founding scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 70 at St. Mark’s Church. From the troop’s beginnings in 1969, Vern served as the scoutmaster for twenty years and, with the exception of his times overseas, served continuously in that capacity. He was proud to see more than 100 boys in the troop earn Scouting’s highest award, Eagle Scout, including all three of his sons. Two of his grandsons also participated as active scouts in the troop. Many of Vern’s former scouts point to his leadership and example in life as the foundation for the men they have become, and for many he was a true father figure.

Vern is survived by his three sons, Carl (Debbie) of Flower Mound, Texas; Eric (Cynnie) of New Canaan; and Mark (Lauren) of Huntington, Conn. Four grandchildren, Matthew (Meghan) and Megan of Flower Mound, Texas; Edward “Ned” and Peter of New Canaan; and one great-grandchild, Lincoln, of Flower Mound, Texas also survive.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday April 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in New Canaan, with a reception to follow in Morrill Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either BSA Troop 70 c/o St. Mark’s Church or to St. Mark’s Church.

For online condolences and directions visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Family

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Marjorie R. Wilson

Marjorie Riddell Wilson, 88, of Meadow Ridge in Redding, Conn., formerly a New Canaan resident for over 52 years, died Saturday April 9, 2016 with her family by her side.

Born in Hartford, Conn. Oct. 11, 1927 she was the daughter of the late John Baird and Margaret Greenland Riddell. Marjorie was predeceased by her husband James L. Wilson who died in 2014.

Marjorie began dancing at a very young age and was a graduate of the University of Hartford’s esteemed Hartt School of Music. An accomplished ballet dancer and singer, Marjorie was a cast member of the 1947-1949 Tony award-winning Broadway show High Button’s Shoes starring Eddie Foy Jr., Nanette Fabray, and Phil Silvers, and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

Marjorie sang in the church choir for many years and taught dancing and ballet. She was very active in her younger days in the New Canaan Women’s Club as well as many other activities and organizations in New Canaan. She enjoyed traveling, painting, drawing, needlepoint, and knitting.

Marjorie is survived by her daughter, Donna Wilson Swigart (Mark) of Sandy Hook, Conn.; three sons, J. David Wilson (Sandra) of Darien, Conn., John K. Wilson (Kathleen) of Wilton, Conn. and Robert B. Wilson (Julia) of Lexington, Va. Nine grandchildren also survive.

In addition to her husband and parents, Marjorie was predeceased by her sister Janice Riddell and granddaughter Jamie Wilson.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Fairfield County Chapter: www.alz.org

For online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

— The Family

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John S. Piscitello

John Salvatore Piscitello, age 86, a New Canaan resident for 42 years, died on Thursday, April 21, 2016, in Bradenton, Fla., with his loving family by his side.

John, known as Jack, was born in New York City on Feb 3, 1930, and was the son of the late Dominick Piscitello and Angelina Cangelosi Piscitello. He was the devoted husband of Jeanne Piscitello for 54 years.

Jack received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Fordham University in 1951, his bachelor of law in 1957 from New York Law School, where he was a member of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi and a manager for the New York Law Forum, the official legal publication of the New York Law School, and his masters of law degree in trade regulations from New York University circa 1962.

Jack worked his entire legal career as patent counsel for Union Carbide until his retirement. Jack was the attorney of record for 69 patents, and was a member of the Committee on Foreign Patent Law and Practice for the New York Patent and Trademark Committee during 1992-1993.  He was one of the first U.S. attorneys to prosecute a patent before the European Patent Office.

In 2003, the American Chemical Society designated his patent on The Discovery and Development of High Performance Carbon Fibers as a National Historic Chemical Landmark.  He was honored by the Society, along with the entire team from Union Carbide Corporation.

Upon retirement in 1997, Jack became an avid worldwide traveler with his wife, Jeanne.  Together they visited over 20 different countries and much of the U.S, including Australia, Spain, and Turkey, as well as a recent trip to Alaska.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Angela Elizabeth Piscitello, her husband, Nicholas Iacono, and their children, Kathryn and Mathis; his daughter, Jacqueline Lenore Piscitello, her husband, Tony Aquilina, and their children, Ally and Ben; and his son John Dominick Piscitello, his wife, Aliona Kazakova Piscitello, and their children, Sacha and Sonya.  He was a cherished grandfather, known as Poppy to all of his six grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 2, at St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Road, in Darien, Conn. at 10:30 a.m., with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 1, at the Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan, from 1 to 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy First, based in Syosset, N.Y. Mercy First provides foster care and residential services to children growing up without parents, families in crisis, and teens who have lost hope for the future. You can find them online at mercyfirst.org/howYouCanHelp.asp.

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

— The Family

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Fred F. Mazzella

Fred Mazzella, longtime resident of New Canaan and Palm Coast, Fla. passed away in Visalia, Calif. on April 10, 2016 at the age of 85.

Fred was born on Dec. 11, 1930 in West Virginia and moved with his parents, Thomas and Mary Mazzella, to New Canaan as a young child. He graduated from New Canaan High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. After returning from the service he married Jeannette Nicholson, and they settled in a home on Hillside Avenue in New Canaan, where he dedicated his life to raising and caring for his family.

Fred was a longtime employee of the Town of New Canaan, and served as superintendent of the town incinerator and waste water treatment plant until his retirement and move to Palm Coast.

Community service, sports and coaching were always important to Fred. Over the years he volunteered countless hours to coach local youth baseball and football teams. After retirement Fred remained connected to the New Canaan community, returning often to visit family and friends and attend the Old Timer’s events every fall.

Fred was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Jeannette. He is survived by his daughters Laurie Mazzella of Visalia and Tina Mazzella (John DiStefano) of Bethel, Conn.; his daughter-in-law Teresa Juliano Mazzella and grandsons Tyler and Logan Mazzella of California. Also surviving are his sister Sandy DeAsi of New Canaan, his brother-in-law Patrick Seile (Anne) of Oregon; his sisters-in-law, Diane Seile of Pennsylvania, and Nancy Mazzella of Norwalk, Conn.; his brothers-in-law Nick Chamulak of New Canaan and Robert Cook of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Fred is preceded in death by his son Thomas F. Mazzella; his sisters Rose Chamulak, Anna Cook and Carmela Warzenski; his brothers Charles and Andrew Mazzella; his sisters-in-law Isabel Jones and Vincenza Mazzella, and brothers-in-law Mel DeAsi and Carlton Seile.

A memorial service for Fred will be held in New Canaan at a later date.

— The Advertiser

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Joan S. Theiss of New Canaan, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2015. She was the beloved wife of Karl R. Theiss who predeceased her in 2011 and sister of the late John Semsel (Georgeanne).

She is survived by her sons, Karl Fritz Theiss (Louise), Richard J. Theiss (Jennifer) and Peter D. Theiss; two grandchildren, Anna Theiss and Alicia Anniballi (Nick); two great-grandchildren,  Arianna Galarza and Jazmine Anniballi; and two brothers Robert Semsel (Mary) and Donald Semsel (Dianne).

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan.

Memorial contributions  in Joan’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, 178 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.

— The Family

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Joseph M. Crawford

Joseph M. Crawford, 87 of Pomfret, Conn. died Sunday, April 24, 2016 at home. He is survived by wife, Eleanor (Olsen), his children Heather Crawford (Eric Alletzhauser) of Madison, Conn., J. Myron Crawford (Janet) of Cheshire, Conn. and Deborah Crawford of Woodstock, Conn.; and grandchildren Warren C. Johnson, Emily C. Alletzhauser and Lucy K. Alletzhauser.

Born April 25, 1928 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Theodore and Edith (Taylor) Crawford. A former resident of Stamford and New Canaan, he retired to Pomfret in 1990.

Crawford was a Korean War Army veteran, serving as master sergeant, 169th Regiment, honorably discharged in 1953; member of Putnam VFW #1523 and American Legion Post 13. He was past chief and 20-year member of the Order of Scottish Clans, he was also active in Congregational Church of New Canaan. Joe was active in New Canaan Pack #31 and served as B.S. Troop 70’s assistant scoutmaster and district commissioner for Powahay and Nipmuck.

A gifted carpenter, he was president of Joseph M. Crawford, Inc. and treasurer of New Canaan Home Builders.

A memorial service will be Saturday, May 14, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Church, 521 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, Conn. There are no calling hours.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice of Northeast Connecticut, PO Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, share a memory at

— The Family 

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Carol Ruth Shepherd

Carol Ruth Shepherd, better known as CR, died peacefully on Monday, May 2, at Stamford Hospital at the age of 93 of natural causes. She was a resident of New Canaan for 52 years.

Born in Bridgeport, Conn. on August 24, 1922, she was the daughter of Judge Joseph G. and Helen Shapiro. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years “Shep” Shepherd.

She graduated from Cornell University in 1944 with a B.S. in Home Economics, now the School of Human Ecology, where she specialized in nutrition. She went on to work in the Army Air Corps in a variety of jobs including food organization analysis and often talked of painting numbers on airplanes.

Carol Ruth joined the League of Women Voters in Bridgeport in 1947 alongside her mother. Together their passion for volunteering led her to become Connecticut State president, following her mother’s term. They were a strong mother – daughter team with the League and at Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport. Carol Ruth and Shep moved to New Canaan in 1964 and settled into life in the Frank Lloyd Wright house on Frogtown Road. They enjoyed sharing their home with the public for many community events, and she continued her work with the League.

In 1971 CR fulfilled a dream and founded PhotoGraphics Workshop on Elm Street in New Canaan, known to many as PGW. She saw it as a place that artists could gather and have creativity as their common language. Following her experience with her mother, she encouraged her daughter, Beth Shepherd Peters, to join PGW. Together they educated and inspired thousands of students from teenagers to students in their 90s.

She and Shep were active members in the Young President’s Organization and the World Business Council and traveled throughout the world in conjunction with these organizations, studying everywhere they went.

In 1993, she joined her husband in founding the Albert B. Sabin Vaccine Institute with the main headquarters in New Canaan, now in Washington, D.C. They forged a vision together, and she proudly traveled to Washington at age 91 to celebrate the Sabin Institute’s 20th Anniversary.

She was a flawless example of what a mother could be, and, right to the end, saw her children as individuals. Carol Ruth is survived by her four children, John Shepherd and his wife Susan Tunick of Easton, Conn., Marjorie Shepherd Loeper and her husband John of Ocean City, N.J., Beth Shepherd Peters and her husband Kenneth of New Canaan, and Benjamin Shepherd and his wife Liz of Boston, Mass., as well as eight grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, nephews, nieces, and her sister Elaine Silver of Boca Raton, Fla.

She is predeceased by her brother Howard Scott.

Please visit dignitymemorial.com/leo-p-gallagher-son-funeral-home-stamford for funeral information.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Temple Sinai, 458 Lakeside Drive, Stamford, Conn. and Sabin Vaccine Institute, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 7100, Washington, DC 20006

— The Family

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Frank J. Dalia

Frank John Dalia, 87, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 25, 2016. Beloved husband of Arden Schnauder Dalia and son of the late Jeanne Guichet Dalia and Anthony John Dalia of New Orleans, Dr. Dalia was a Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tulane University. Also a Registered Professional Engineer, Dr. Dalia was an accomplished structural designer specializing in steel, concrete and foundations, and served as an expert witness in complex construction cases. A retired Commander in the U.S. Navy, Frank fondly recalled his service as a Seabee.

Dr. Dalia earned his Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees at Tulane, becoming a full professor in 1968. He was a dedicated family man, married for nearly 65 years to his wife Arden. Frank was an enthusiastic fisherman, loved travel and rollicking family dinners, and participated for many years in the Metairie Rotary Club. He will be remembered for his intellect, great sense of humor and generosity.

Dr. Dalia is survived by his wife, Arden; his children, David of New Orleans, Thomas of Atlanta, GA (wife Ann), Randall of New Canaan, CT (wife Stephanie), daughter Julie of Atlanta, GA; and grandchildren Christopher, Sarah, Erin and Katherine (of Randy and Stephanie Dalia); and Arden and Jean Thomas (of Tom and Ann Dalia.) He was predeceased by his brother Eugene A. Dalia.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. with a memorial mass following at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124.

The family would like to thank the Harahan Visiting Angels, especially Ms. Tara Celestin and Ms. Terry Montiforte, for their unfailing and compassionate care.
—The Family

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Natalie L. Vitti

Natalie L. Vitti, age 79, a long time resident of New Canaan and Norwalk, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday April 27, 2016. Born in New York City, February 9, 1937 she was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth DeRham Leonard. Natalie was also the wife of the late Michael Vitti who predeceased her in 2013.

Natalie attended school in New Canaan and the Miss Porter School in Farmington, Connecticut growing up. She also attended Skidmore College. She worked and retired from Family and Children’s Aid in Norwalk. She was an avid Bird Watcher like her dad and loved reading, gardening and Life Time Learners at Norwalk Community College. She could often be found in her lovely manicured yard gardening with her loving cat Isabel by her side. In addition, she was an accomplished tennis player in her youth. Her fondest memories were her trips to Cape Cod at the family summer home every year her entire life.

She is survived by her son, John T. Langhorne and his wife Sharon of Green Valley, AZ, her daughter, Elizabeth Redinger and her husband Jim of Southbury CT, her sister Virginia L. Bagdady of West Falmouth, MA, and her brother James R. Leonard, Jr. of Lancaster, PA. She has one grandson Alexander Langhorne of Washington D.C. and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by a sister, Laura Meyers.

The family wishes to thank her two aides Karen Daley and Ann Marie Maysonet for their loving care during her illness.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday May 21, 2016 at 12 p.m. at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery.

For directions and online condolences visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com

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Lyn Evans Shotkus

Linda (Lyn Evans) Shotkus, owner of the Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs store on Elm Street, died of a heart attack in her Weston home on May 5. She was a resident of Weston and Chatham, MA. She was the beloved wife of Stanley J. Shotkus, loving mother of Jennifer Lynn Shotkus of Weston, devoted sister of Susan Evans of Boxborough, MA, Michael J. Evans and his wife Lynne C. of Wallingford, PA.

Aunt of Alexandra Eisel of Philadelphia., PA; Christianna Jo Evans of Wallingford, PA; Joe Shotkus of Philadelphia, PA. Sister in law of Bob and Deborah Shotkus of Birmingham, AL.

Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16) Wellesley, MA, Monday, May 9 from 4-8 p.m.

The funeral service was held in the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington St. (Rt.16), Wellesley, MA, Tuesday, May 10. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Weston Metco Scholarship Fund, Inc. c/o William H. Wrean Jr., 49 Bay State Rd. Weston, MA 02493.

The Boston Globe had a long obituary. Read it here:
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/obituaries/2016/05/09/linda-shotkus-who-launched-lyn-evans-potpourri-designs-apparel-chain-dies/X1LidsZv1FVbHs1gIm4z1M/story.html

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Jennyann Carles

Jennyann Carles, 46 of 63B Park Place, New Canaan, passed away unexpectedly after a prolonged fight with an unrelenting skin disease at her home on April 30, 2016 with her husband by her side.

Jennyann was born in New York City on November 12, 1969, to Nancy Carles.

Jennyann received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Magna Cum Laude honors from New York University in 1992. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School in 1995, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class.

After graduating from Law School, Jennyann worked for various law firms in New York City and Connecticut areas before settling into a Legal Recruiting position with Berman International of Ridgefield, CT.

On December 31st 2006 Jennyann met the love of her life, Brian Sheridan with whom she was married to on June 22, 2009 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Jenny’s various hobbies and activities included attending St Aloysius church services, travel, ballroom dancing, and New York Times Saturday and Sunday crossword puzzles. Jenny was most content at home with her husband where they loved having their quiet time curled up on the couch together watching movies or cooking together (those that knew her husband, Jenny did the cooking and he assisted). Jenny often referred to her husband as her sous-chef.

Jennyann is survived by her spouse, Brian Sheridan of New Canaan, CT, mother Nancy Carles, brothers John and James Carles, and her uncle David Carles of Pembroke Pines, FL.

Jennyann was laid to rest with family by her side on May 4th, 2016 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetary in Doral, FL.

A memorial service is being held for Jennyann on Thursday, May 12th at 11 a.m. at St Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, 21 Cherry St., New Canaan.

Jennyann and Brian wish to thank the many doctors and wonderful nurses at 7 Hudson South, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center for their unwavering support during Jennyann’s hospital stay. We also wish to thank the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, and last but not least Mary Beth from Option Care with whom Jennyan spent many days talking too and getting support from during her courageous fight.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jenny’s name to the Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation to further Bullous Pemphigoid research. Visit http://www.pemphigus.org to donate.

-by Brian Sheridan and the Carles Family

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Janet P. Bova

Janet Plant Bova, 90, formerly of New Canaan, transitioned with peace and grace on Tuesday May 10, 2016 at Wilton Meadows Health Care Center in Wilton, Conn., surrounded by her loving family.

Janet was born in Greenwich, Conn. on Dec. 4, 1925 to the late Edward and Madelon Haviland Plant.

Janet spent many years in the antiques business, owning Haviland House Antiques in New Canaan in the 1970’s. After closing her store she continued to buy and sell antiques for private collectors and the large auction houses in New York. Janet loved art and, after retiring, spent a month in Florence, Italy learning the art of creating frescoes.

She loved to travel and would often jump in her car to experience new locations. She also had her favorites and often returned to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Martha’s Vineyard. She was always up for an adventure, even in her 70’s and 80’s, she could be found on horseback, hot air ballooning, riding in a helicopter or traveling internationally. Her free spirit will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Janet is survived by her children; Lisa D’Alton of Stamford, Conn., Janet Stapleton of Fairfield, Conn., Taylor Bova of Trumbull, Conn., Gregory Bova of Tucson, Ariz., and William Bova, Jr. of North Augusta, S.C. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Janet was predeceased by her husband William J. Bova, Sr. and a brother Edward Plant Jr.

Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date and there will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

— The Family

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L. William Sessions

Louis William (Bill) Sessions died peacefully on May 13 at his home in New Canaan surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Muskegon, Mich., to Helen and Clarence Sessions in 1920. He grew up in North Muskegon near Lake Michigan. A member of the “greatest generation,” Bill earned a BA (summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa as a junior) and BS in Chemical Engineering (Tau Beta Pi, president) from the University of Michigan and a Masters degree in Engineering Management from Washington University in St. Louis.

In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a lieutenant at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. He worked on advancements in radar technology, and was sent for collaborative assignments to Princeton University, MIT and Bell Telephone Laboratories.  While at the University of Michigan, Bill met his lifelong love, Nancy Stock, on an arranged “blind date” after she caught his eye in a music class. In his Navy dress whites, Bill and Nancy were married in a ceremony in her family’s garden in Hillsdale, Mich., in August 1943. Thus began their marriage that was to continue for nearly 73 years until Bill’s death.

After Bill was discharged from the Navy in 1946, he began his career as a corporate executive with Monsanto Chemical Company and then American Can Company. Initially a chemical engineer, he assumed increasing responsibilities in sales, marketing and management for plastics and chemicals subsidiaries of these two large companies. His final position before he retired in 1984 was as vice president for energy, environment and chemicals with American Can, representing one of the first instances among major U.S. companies where these functions were recognized as sufficiently important to warrant a dedicated segment of the corporation directed by a senior vice president.

After retirement, Bill was persuaded to resume working as president of the Society of the Plastics Industry, the trade association representing the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry.

During Bill’s long working career, he and Nancy raised four children, moving 17 times to locations including St. Louis, Mo.; London, England; Birmingham, Mich., and New Canaan and Simsbury, Conn.

Bill was a renaissance man.  He was an accomplished and versatile athlete — tennis (college varsity, several club championships), golf, skiing and more; a woodworker, vegetable gardener, electronics wizard, classical music afficionado, photographer, fisherman, avid world traveler, and lifelong learner. He and Nancy adventured to little-known, far-flung destinations across all seven continents, even into their nineties. Bill was known also for turning intricate wooden bowls, often with designs influenced by his travels. He regularly donated his bowls to raise tens of thousands of dollars for worthwhile causes.

Bill and Nancy lived in New Canaan from 1959 – 1963 and from 1968 until now. Bill was an effective force for good in the Town’s civic affairs. He guided or advised and contributed to many nonprofit interests, including Irwin Park, St. Mark’s church, Staying Put, Waveny Care Center, the New Canaan Inn, Getabout, the YMCA, the walled garden at Waveny Park, the elementary school building project, the Senior Men’s Club and more. He worked mostly behind the scenes, though he was a member of the Republican Town Committee for many years and chairman of the Town’s Personnel Advisory Board until his death. He was recently honored by the establishment of the Bill Sessions Woodworking Center at Silvermine Guild Arts Center.

In addition to New Canaan, the second truly special place for Bill was the family’s summer cottage on the best trout fly-fishing stretch of the Pere Marquette National Wild and Scenic River in western Michigan. The Sessions family has been a force in the area for nearly 150 years. Bill’s great grandfather was a partner in the railroad and logging company that opened the area, his grandfather was the Federal District Judge for Western Michigan, and Bill’s attorney father and his mother had the original cottage built on a fine 40-acre parcel in 1926. Amidst the travels and many places that he lived during his long life, Bill loved nothing more than to fish, explore, and swim in the cold, clear waters of the Pere Marquette, surrounded by family and friends, where life slowed down to an unhurried pace.

Bill Sessions’ advice to others throughout his life has been consistent with how he chose to live his life. He might advise anyone reading this obituary to: “Live a full and forceful life. Use your God-given talents to do the maximum possible good for yourself, your family, your community, and the world in general.”  Bill would then do what he could to help his advisee live this credo.  Those who knew him would say that Bill Sessions lived a life of determination and integrity in the pursuit of excellence.

Bill Sessions is survived by his wife Nancy (New Canaan), sons Stuart (Chevy Chase, Md.) and David (Ypsilanti, Mich.), daughters Andy (Andersonville, Tenn.) and Brooke (Rowayton, Conn.), and nine grandchildren; Tina, Carrie, Sarah, Steve, Rob, Billy, Jake, Colton, and Mike, and spouses and significant others.

A memorial service for Bill Sessions will be held May 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road in New Canaan. His burial will be private.

Donations in Bill’s memory and in lieu of flowers may be made to the New Canaan Community Foundation, 111 Cherry St, New Canaan, CT 06840; or to the Pere Marquette Watershed Council, PO Box 212, Baldwin, MI  49304.

— The Family

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Rev. Dr. William Vincent Pietsch

The Rev. Dr. William Vincent Pietsch passed away on May 19, 2016 after a long illness.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in October 1923, and grew up in Ridgewood, N.J. He received a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Northwestern University. Dr. Pietsch attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and was stationed in Memphis, Tenn. during World War II. While there on duty, he became the cartoonist for the Naval newspaper. After discharge from the Navy, Dr. Pietsch married Barbara Bains and the couple had two children, James William and Patricia Ellen.

Pietsch felt called to study for the ministry and graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with the degree of master of divinity. Dr. Pietsch was ordained into the Presbyterian Church in 1952 and served as the minister of Presbyterian churches in Dearborn, Mich. and Zanesville, Ohio, then served as a Presbyterian chaplain at Ohio State University. With a group of ministers from Ohio, he traveled to Washington D.C. to join the 1963 March on Washington, and was present for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech.

He then became the associate minister of the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan working with the Rev. T. Guthrie Spears. While there, he decided to make a change in the scope of his ministry. Dr. Pietsch enrolled at the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry (now the Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center). After completing his studies, he established a private practice as a licensed individual, marriage and family therapist in Wilton, Conn. then in Westport, Conn., while continuing to live in New Canaan with his family.

In 1981 he earned the degree of doctor of ministry from Andover Newton. He also authored two books which are still being published — the first is Human Be-ing: How to Have a Creative Relationship Instead of a Power Struggle issued by Trafford, and the second is The Serenity Prayer Book issued by Harper Collins.

In 1988, Dr. Pietsch married the Rev. Dr. Louise Parsons Weld, an Episcopal priest. The Pietsches first lived in Westport and then in Ridgefield, Conn. until, in 2002, they moved to a Continuing Care Retirement Community — Kendal — in Hanover, N.H. Dr. Pietsch died Thursday at Kendal.

Dr. Pietsch is survived by his wife Louise Parsons Pietsch and his son James William Pietsch, his daughter Patricia Ellen Pietsch and his three grandchildren: Shauna Wise, Alea Wise and Miles Pietsch. He is also survived by two step-sons, one step-daughter and eight step-grandchildren. A family service will be held in Maine in the summer.

— The Advertiser

Rev. Dr. William Vincent Pietsch

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Robert Torrey Thompson, a private equity investor and longtime resident of New Canaan, passed away on Sunday, May 15 in his home. He was 61.

Bob is survived by his wife, Frances (Bush-Brown) Thompson, and his children, Sarah M. Thompson and Augustus T. Thompson, both of New York City. He is also survived by his sister, F. Dana Thompson, of Denver, Colo.

Bob spent 40 years in the financial services industry, most recently as a senior advisor to Intermediate Capital Group, for whom he served as the non-executive chairman of ICG Strategic Secondaries. Additionally, he served as a senior advisor and board member to multiple private equity general partners and a high net worth family office.

Until 2012, Bob served as the global head of alternative investments for AIG Investments, which rebranded to PineBridge Investments upon its spinout from AIG in 2010. In this capacity, Bob was responsible for all private equity and hedge fund activities globally. Prior to AIG, Bob was a founder and managing partner of Ferrer Freeman Thompson & Co., a Greenwich, Conn.-based private equity platform. Previously, Bob was a managing director and equity group leader at GE Capital Corporation where he was the founder of the GE Capital private equity business and developed GE Capital’s private equity activities throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Before joining GE Capital, Bob was a consultant at Bain & Co. in Boston, Mass. and a commercial lending officer at Chemical Bank in New York City, where his career began in 1976.

Born in Boston in 1954, Bob was raised in Andover, Mass. He received an A.B. in economics from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Bob’s childhood home was proximate to the playing fields of Phillips Academy, which fostered an early and lasting fanaticism with sports. Bob was a heralded student-athlete at Berkshire School and subsequently played varsity soccer, varsity golf, and junior varsity hockey at Harvard. He excelled in golf and numerous racquet sports well into his adult years.

Friends and family will remember Bob most especially for his infectious personality, dry wit, and kind-hearted nature, the family reported. His balance of intellect and approachability facilitated enduring friendships and profound impressions on those within his personal and professional lives. He was loved by many.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in memory of Robert Torrey Thompson to support cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Attn: Kirstin Burdett, 885 Second Ave, 7th Fl., New York, NY 10017.

— The Advertiser

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Sophie F. Deprez

New Canaan High School graduate and former resident Sophie France Deprez, age 50, passed away on May 4, two months after a diagnosis of cancer.

Born on May 19, 1966 in Norwalk, Conn., Sophie grew up in New Canaan. After attending the Brearley School in Manhattan for five middle school years, she graduated from New Canaan High School in 1984 and later graduated from Wellesley College.

Her career path led her to San Francisco, where she worked in publishing for Collins Publishers and the Museum of Modern Art. Moving back east, she worked in New York and Baltimore until the dot.com collapse in 2000, when she shifted her interest to fund-raising in New York, first with Memorial Sloan Kettering, then with the Tisch MS Research Center. Sophie’s last career move as director of major gifts at Hunter College was cut short on March 1, 2016 with the diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.

After spending 10 days in palliative care at Mount Sinai hospital and a month of home hospice at her sister Thé’s home in Orlando, Fla. enjoying the company of many friends, Sophie passed away.

As youngest of four siblings, Sophie was always the life of the party with her infectious wit, contagious sense of adventure, inspiring passion for the arts, and unmatchable joie de vivre. Her talent for music was expressed with singing, the piano, and flute.

Sophie is survived by her son Charlie Kry, her parents André and Jocelyn Deprez of Winter Park, Fla., her sister Marie-Thérèse Harper of Orlando, her brother and sister-in-law, Alex and Colette Deprez of Orlando who are residing in Ghana, sister-in-law Susan Walker Deprez of Annandale, Va., and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sophie’s family is profoundly thankful to her many loyal friends who rallied round her ceaselessly in New York and Orlando, some coming from afar to render help and loving support, in her final two months. You are the angels who have borne her on high.

A funeral service and reception will be held for Sophie Friday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. at Church of the Heavenly Rest, Fifth Avenue at 90th Street, New York, N.Y.

Donations for son Charlie are deeply appreciated and should be made out to Charles Kry (529 college plan) or Thé Deprez (for everything else) and sent to: Thé Deprez, 9908 Sublette Ave., Orlando, FL 32836.

Because Sophie so loved her work at Hunter, donations are gratefully received, made out to The Hunter College Foundation, noting The Sophie Deprez Fund, Muse Scholar Program, and mailed to The Hunter College Foundation, 695 Park Ave., Room 1313, New York, NY 10065.

— The Family

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She was born July 6, 1931, in Norwalk, the only child of Edith and Seth C. Gregory of New Canaan.

After graduating from New Canaan High School in 1949, she studied at Briarcliff College. She was married to Gaynor N. Kelley of New Canaan in 1951 and had three sons, raised in Wilton, Ridgefield, Oak Brook, Ill. and Rowayton.
Upon returning to Rowayton in 1973, she began a career in retail sales.

She enjoyed her home and yard, taking walks near Long Island Sound, her family and grandchildren, her family said.
She is survived by her sons, Gaynor Jr. and his wife Linda of Southbury, Russell and his wife Jill of Wheaton Ill., and

Theodore and his wife Margaret of Harwinton, and four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her longtime companion, Malcolm G. Fancher of Rowayton.

There will be a private burial service at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 855 Asylum Avenue, Hartford 06105.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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Marilyn M. Parke

Marilyn M. (Mandy) Parke, 83, died peacefully at her home in Tiburon, Calif. on May 13, 2016 surrounded by loved ones.

She is survived by her four children: Douglas F. (Rick) Johnston, Jr., Leslie A. Grayson, Dina L. Falk, Kim M. Hill, their spouses, and 11 adoring grandchildren.

Born Nov. 8, 1932 to Leslie and Gladys March in Buffalo, N.Y. Mandy attended St. Catherines School in Richmond, Va. after her family moved to Milford, Del. She graduated in 1950, and went on to attend Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. where she led the Sonateers singing group until her graduation in 1954.

In 1955 she married Douglas F. Johnston and in 1958 moved to Edina, Minn. where her four children were born. In Edina she was a member of the Junior League, and founding member of the League Aires singing group. In 1965 the family moved to San Marino, Calif. where she realized a passion for social work. There she was a counselor for the Foothill Free Clinic, Planned Parenthood, and All Saints Episcopal Church. She pursued her master’s degree in social work at the University of Southern California and received her M.S.W. in 1972.

In 1973 she moved with her family to New Canaan where she continued her work at Silver Hill Hospital, Waveny Care Center, and Catholic Family Services. After a divorce in 1984, she moved to Phoenixville, Pa. where she worked for Bryn Mawr Hospital, opened a private practice and was courted by Samuel Williams Parke, Jr. The couple moved to Tiburon and were married on Oct. 25, 2003. Sadly, Sam passed away on March 24, 2016. Mandy remained active in her local P.E.O. chapters wherever she lived, and with Sam created a college scholarship in her name.

Mandy was always generous toward others, took a keen interest in people of all backgrounds, and made a difference in the lives of many. We will remember her smile, warmth, humor, creativity, and love for family and friends (including furry 4-legged types).

A memorial service will be held June 28 at Old St. Hilary’s Church in Tiburon at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mandy Parke Scholarship Fund via the P.E.O. Foundation at 3700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please refer to the scholarship fund in the memo line.

— The Family

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Mary Qualey of New Canaan passed away Friday, May 13, in her home. She was 61.

Ms. Qualey was a lifelong resident of New Canaan and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1974.

She was predeceased by both her parents, her brother, Kevin Qualey, and daughter Sarah Gilroy.

Ms. Qualey is survived by her son, William Gilroy of New Canaan; her daughter, Jennifer Bray and her husband Erik Bray of Brookfield, Conn.; her two granddaughters, Alexis and Mackenzie; her brother, Brian Qualey and his wife Denise Qualey of Ridgefield, Conn.; her sister Maureen Taylor and her husband Robert Taylor of Prospect, Conn.; her sister Sharon Czel and her husband James Czel of Bethel, Conn.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Services will be private.

— The Advertiser

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E. Raymond Goodell, Jr.

E. Raymond Goodell, Jr. passed away at 86 years of age on Wednesday, May 25, in Griffin Hospital, Derby Conn.

Residents of Thayer Drive for over 50 years, Raymond and his wife, Jean, recently moved to Crosby Commons in Shelton, Conn. He was born in El Paso, Texas on March 21, 1930, the eldest son of E. Raymond Goodell Sr. and Jewell Harvell Goodell.

Known as Ray to his friends, he was graduated from Louisiana State University in 1952 with a bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering.

In 1953 he joined a group of chemical engineers at the Olin Mathieson facility in Malta, N.Y., where he conducted research on boron derivative high energy rocket fuels. He formed lifelong friendships with his associates.

He joined Mobil Chemical Company in New York City in 1963, where he worked to plan and build chemical processing facilities until his retirement. After his retirement he and his partners formed an educational group to teach technical subjects to non-technical employees of firms involved in chemical processing.

He mentored students in New Canaan High School, and supported the Chemical Engineering program at the University of New Haven. Later in his retirement he worked with Habitat for Humanity in New Canaan and in Sarasota, Fla.

He served as president of the area chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for many years, and was awarded the distinction of fellow of that organization.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean, his son Mark (Jane), his daughter Lynn (Bill Miller), and five grandsons: Christopher and Martin Goodell (Carly), Daniel, David and Kevin Miller.

He is also survived by his great-granddaughter Aurora Jean Goodell, daughter of Martin and Carly Goodell, and his loving brother William Goodell (Katie), and his nephew, Dr.  Kenneth Goodell.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 27, at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at United Methodist Church, 165 South Avenue in New Canaan at 10 a.m. on Saturday May 28, with burial at Lakeview Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity.

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

— The Advertiser

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