Robert W. Baeder

Robert W. Baeder passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

His beloved wife, Helen Jean Baeder, predeceased him. Bob was 87 years old at the time of his death. He lived in Paradise Valley, Ariz.and was a former resident of Fairfield, Conn.

Bob was born and raised in Parma, Ohio. During his childhood he worked at the family grocery store with his parents Walter and Anne and excelled in school. He was also a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with several Palms. After graduating from high school, Bob went on to Case Western Reserve University and earned a BBA before receiving his MBA at Ohio State University. Later, through the Ford Foundation Fellowship and a grant from the General Electric Company, Bob earned his Ph.D from Ohio State University. He was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

In 1952, Bob served in the Controller’s Office of Air Training Command Headquarters as a captain in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1954. While serving in the Air Force he met and married the love of his life Helen Jean, but before he could go back to teaching at Ohio State University, the General Electric Company hired him.

During his 33 years with the company, Bob was a manager for many divisions. From 1969-1971 he was the vice president of the General Learning Corporation, a joint venture of Time, Inc. and General Electric. From 1972-1977, he was manager, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Industrial and Power Delivery group. In 1977, Bob became the staff executive for Strategic Planning and Business Development Operation for the General Electric Company.  SBUs for this operation included semiconductor, factory automation, aerospace, mobile communications, medical, process automation, motors, construction equipment, GE supply, and industrial service. He also served as director for GE Corporate Business Development Council, GE Venture Capital Company, and GE Automation Ltd with Itoh in Japan.

Bob was also a past president or director for the American Management Association, Society of Mechanical Engineers, Planning Society of North America, American Marketing Association (Fairfield County Chapter), and past president of Toastmasters International. He was published in the Harvard Business Review, American Business Journal and numerous other publications.

Prior to his retirement, Bob served in government think tanks in Washington, DC.  He retired in 1987.

Bob traveled all over the world for business, but after retiring from GE, he retraced old steps in a leisurely way, and added new and exciting destinations to his itinerary. Known as The Doctor, Bob loved to play golf, and scored three holes-in-one during his lifetime. He was a member of The Patterson Club for over 40 years. While in retirement, Bob finally found his way back to teaching via the University Of New Haven’s Executive MBA program.

After retiring from UNH in 1993, he and Helen permanently traded in cold Connecticut winters for a beautiful view of Camelback Mountain. His family and friends will miss his phone calls, which always began with a very cheery, “Greetings from Sunny Arizona!”

The enduring twinkle in his eye and his remarkable intellect will truly be missed. He was a teacher and mentor to many, but most of all he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. The world will not be the same without him.

Bob is survived by his children, William Baeder (Sherri Goldman) of New Canaan, Elizabeth Jones (John) of Fairfield, and two grandchildren, Wade and Alexander Jones.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 160 Hill Farm Road, Fairfield.

Arrangements are in the care of the Fairfield Funeral Home of Edmund W. Dougiello, 36 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield.

— The Family

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Victoria W. Negley

Victoria White Negley, 57, of New Canaan passed away at her home on May 25, 2016. Victoria, a devoted and dearly loved wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend, was born in Miami, Fla. on Nov. 19, 1958.

Victoria is survived by her husband and son, Mark and Andersen Negley. Victoria is also survived by her mother Catherine Radvansky; brothers Frank White, John White, Chris White, Andrew White, and William White; and sister Faith Radvansky.

Join the family in a celebration of Victoria’s life service at The Congregational Church of New Canaan, 23 Park Street, Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m.

— The Advertiser

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Mary Susan O’Connor

Mary Susan O’Connor, 49, of Cary, N.C. died suddenly of a heart attack on Dec. 5, 2015.

Known by her middle name, Susan was born on Dec. 30, 1965, in Washington, D.C., to Leon Richard and Shirley JoAnne Martin Kearing.

Susan grew up in the District of Columbia, where she attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School. She graduated from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. with a degree in English and earned a graduate degree in organizational psychology from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.

She worked for several years as a paralegal at the law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell and then as an administrator at Columbia University before committing herself fulltime to her family.

A devoted wife and mother, she was fiercely protective of her family. Their greatest ally and advocate, she brought out the best in her husband and their children.

Although her family was always her first priority, she found time to volunteer in the community, including fundraising for the GetAbout program in New Canaan, working in the shop at Person-to-Person in Darien, Conn. and earning Sustainer status in the Junior League. She also achieved great success in the dog show world, finishing five champions (two of whom she bred), winning the 2010 Canadian national Cavalier King Charles Spaniel specialty show, and competing in the Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden.

She loved spending time on Martha’s Vineyard and travelling with her family. Although a resident of North Carolina at the time of her death, she spent 14 years raising her family in New Canaan, which she always considered her home.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Susan is survived by her husband, Anthony M. O’Connor Jr., her daughter, Perry, and her son, Anthony III.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, at the Congregational Church in New Canaan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to Person-to-Person in Darien.

— The Family

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Kathleen Murphy Stone died at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan on May 19, 2016.

She was born June 14, 1923 in McDonald, Pa., the youngest of nine children and daughter of James Louis and Eleanora Brousse Murphy.

Kathleen graduated from McDonald High School then received her nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She spent seven years at the university hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio, serving as head nurse. Her career was put on hold when she married George Stone in 1952, and became homemaker and mother for his two sons. They had two more children together, and raised all four in New Canaan.

Music was always a prominent part of Kathleen’s life. Having also studied music in college, she was an accomplished pianist and would accompany for choir practice and for voice students at Merit Music Studios. Singing in St. Mark’s Choir for 35 years was a meaningful and important part of her life.

Kathleen was very active in the New Canaan community, serving as Red Cross Bloodmobile nurse and chairman for 16 years, and volunteer at Norwalk Hospital. Her many other activities included Girl Scout leader, United Fund, Heart Fund, and senior citizens music programs. She served on the boards of New Canaan Community Concerts Association and Community Chorus. Active in the schools, she served on many committees, volunteered in the nurse’s office, was piano accompanist and substitute music teacher, and assisted in the library.

Family ski trips, traveling to visit her sisters, and trips to Maine and Block Island, were some of her favorite times, enjoying family, hiking and the coastline.

Kathleen is survived by her husband George Stone III, son George (Deborah) Stone IV in Wisconsin, Gordon (Jennifer) Stone in Vermont, daughter Mary (Jim) Allen in Wyoming, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by son William Stone.

No services are planned at this time.

— The Advertiser

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Wynne Marschalk Anne Wynne Houchin McKay Marschalk passed away at 91 on June 9, 2016 at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan. She was born in Worcester, Mass. in 1925. She attended Northfield Mt. Herman on a scholarship and was a swimming record holder at the school, qualifying for the Olympic Trials.  After graduation she went to New York City to live with her brother John Edwards McKay and found employment with the Vick Chemical Company, as secretary to the president of Prince Matchabelli. Through the matchmaking of her boss, Wynne was introduced to H. Robert Marschalk, an up and coming Vicks Vapor Rub salesman. He proposed in ten days with the blessings of her mother, and they embarked on an adventure-filled marriage of 55 years. Wynne made a happy home for her growing family and mother wherever they lived, including Morristown, N.J., Saltaire, Fire Island, N.Y., Valley Forge, Pa., and New Canaan, as well as Lost Tree Village, North Palm Beach, Fla. She was a priceless asset to her late husband, Bob, who would become president of Richardson-Merrell. They traveled internationally on business and pleasure and saw the world.  In addition to her global experiences, Wynne’s natural athletic ability allowed her to become a fine deep sea and fly fisherman, a great golfer and a crack shot. Wynne was always active in her community and took on responsibilities with efficiency and grace. In Morristown she was president of the Junior League and in New Canaan a member of the Garden Club of New Canaan. She was a dedicated fundraiser for the New Canaan YMCA, Waveny Care Center, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and The New Canaan Inn. Wynne is survived by her children Karen Viener (Michael) of Stuart, Fla., Peter Marschalk (Laurie) of New Canaan, and Andrea Scheyhing (Peter), Stamford, Conn., six grandchildren, Justin Viener (Cindy) of Richmond, Va,  Hardy Viener of Austin, Texas, McKay Marschalk Jr. (Katie) of Darien, Conn., Bradley Marschalk (Allison) of New Canaan, Robert Marschalk (Alison) of New York City, N.Y., and Lily Scheyhing of Stamford, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to Waveny Care Center, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.

— The Family

Anne W. H. McKay Marschalk

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Richard J. Karl

Richard J. Karl of New Canaan, died on Saturday June 11, 2016. Mr. Karl was born on April 10, 1926 in Stamford, Conn., son of John M. and Miriam B. Karl.

Mr. Karl graduated from New Canaan High School in 1944 and earned a BS degree at Fordham University. He was in the automobile business with his father and two brothers at Karl Brothers, Inc. and then was in a partnership with Antonio Mazzola with a Saab dealership for 10 years in New Canaan. He was in the real estate business for two years and also worked for 10 years at Lighthouse Motors in Brewster, N.Y. Mr. Karl enjoyed working on old SAAB’s in his garage at home. He and Mrs. Karl enjoyed traveling.

He was a member of St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan, Knights of Columbus Council No. 2287, New Canaan Fire Company, Senior Men’s Club and former member of the Exchange Club.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet W. Karl, two daughters Patricia Ann Holton and her husband Todd of Lakewood, Colo.; Carolyn Mary McMonagle and her husband Richard of Austin, Texas; two sons, Kevin A. Karl and his wife Katherine of Norwalk, Conn.; Peter J. Karl and his wife Glory of Mission Viejo, Calif.; and seven grandchildren, Heather and Jonathan Karl, Lyle and Nash Holton, Jim and Stephen McMonagle, Francis Karl; one great-grandson, Hadeon Karl, and his long time caregiver “Kate.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan on Friday, July 29, at 10 a.m. A private burial will be held in South Salem, N.Y.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Aloysius Church of New Canaan or St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School, PO Box 610, Thoreau, NM 87323-0610.

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

— The Family

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Charles Craft Lucas Jr.

Charles Craft Lucas Jr., formerly of New Canaan, died June 7, 2016 at his home in Charlotte, N.C. He was 77 years old.

Charlie was born in Charlotte on March 4, 1939 and was the son of the late Charles Craft Lucas and Mary Davidson (May D) Marion Lucas. He grew up in Charlotte attending Myers Park Elementary School, Alexander Graham Junior High School and Myers Park High School, graduating in the Class of 1957. After high school, he attended Duke University, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, graduating in 1961.

Upon graduation from college, Charlie worked for North Carolina National Bank for seven years. In 1968, he moved to New York and spent the rest of his career at The Juilliard School as controller, and later, as the vice president of Finance and Administration. During his career at Juilliard, he was the school’s principal liaison to the Lincoln Center for the Arts, and was active in the development of the school’s building program at Lincoln Center, which was transformational for the institution. He retired from Juilliard in 2000 after 32 years.

Charlie was dedicated to the arts and was a devoted fan of classical music and opera, particularly the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was also an avid collector over the years, developing extensive knowledge and expertise on American furniture and decorative arts, American paintings and U.S. Presidential history. He served on the Board of Trustees of The Mint Museum in Charlotte and Friends of the New Canaan Library.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Hardin Marion Lucas. He is survived by his sons, Charles Craft Lucas III and his wife Beth, Josiah Charles Trent Lucas and his wife Sally, and Benjamin Newton Duke Lucas and his wife Jill; his sister, Mary Lucas and her husband Ken Boggs; his nephew Davidson Glenn Lucas and his wife Kim; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his ex-wife and close friend, Wendy Kerner, with whom he lived for many years on Logan Road in New Canaan.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC 27708 or the New Canaan Library, 151 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840.

Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

— The Advertiser

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Alana-Jade Pamella Mitchell passed away from this life on Thursday, June 16, 2016. She was the daughter of Alwin and Shandia Mitchell of New Canaan.

Besides her parents, Alana-Jade is survived by her brother Javan Mitchell and sister Amira-Marie Mitchell of New Canaan; grandparents Pamella, Leroy, Sandra and Chris; Uncle Euwan; and Godparents Alana and Nick Dimuzio, Erin and Tom Kanter; and other relatives.

A Funeral Service will be held at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, on Friday June 24, 2016 at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

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

— The Advertiser

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Wesley Richard Liebtag

Beloved father and devoted husband, Wesley Richard Liebtag passed away as he had lived, with dignity and grace, on June 13, 2016.

Born on May 19, 1922 to Ray and Orene Liebtag, Wes grew up in North Canton, Ohio. When he was three years old, he met his future sweetheart and wife, Jane Glass.

His high school debate coach, Wayne Russell, was one of the major influences in his life, helping to shape his integrity and strength of character. Wes attended Ohio State University but left school in 1942 to serve in the Navy. Just after enlisting, he married Jane and then went on to fly Naval Air Transport Service C-54 hospital ships in the Pacific, served as a flight instructor in Stearman bi-planes, and flew mail up and down the East coast. He maintained his love of flying throughout his life although his time as a pilot was interrupted as he devoted his time to family and work-life. Wes and Jane were happily married for 49 years until her death in 1991. Together they raised four children and welcomed eight grandchildren.

Wes joined IBM in 1946 as a traveling typewriter salesman. He was promoted and moved many times, and by the end of his 39 years at IBM he had traveled the world and reported to corporate headquarters as an IBM director of personnel programs.

A world renowned expert on executive compensation, he again served his country as a member of the task force of the Cost of Living Council, as executive director of President Carter’s Commission on Executive Compensation, as an adviser to the Council on Wage and Price Stability, and was instrumental in writing the outline which became the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. After retiring from IBM, he taught compensation as a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management and the University of Illinois and was a member of the committee that set the curriculum for the Harvard Business School. He also served on the board of Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Wes loved to travel and fly, as well as spend time by the pool and in the garden. He was knowledgeable about various flowers and shrubs although he sometimes stretched his knowledge a bit. When not sure of a correct plant name he would always call it a Mock Orange. As children, we were told so many different plants were Mock Oranges; we’re still not sure what they look like.

In 1992 Wes suffered a major stroke. His recovery was due not only to his strength of will and spirit but to the loving support of Mary Ashwell Johnson, a long-time family friend. After recovering from his stroke, Wes and Mary were married and spent the next 23 years loving and supporting each other until her death in 2015.

They moved from New Canaan to Meadow Ridge in Redding, Conn. and became active members of the community there. Wes served on several committees and was a founding sponsor, along with his friend Mort Bailey, of the Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund for employees and their children.

Wes’ actions and life are defined by his commitment to Christian beliefs. He was a member of St. Mark’s Parish in New Canaan and a member of the vestry for many years. He will be remembered for his devotion to Jane and Mary, his gracious manner, his integrity, his inclusiveness, curiosity, good humor, and as a wonderful father. He was known for his integrity and bias for action. If something needed to be done, it was done well and with dispatch. Always positive and friendly, he welcomed everyone into his life, whether it be co-workers, new employees, friends, or new family members and made everyone feel included and loved.

We will also fondly remember his bad taste in hats, his lousy cooking, and his total cluelessness about digital cameras, computers and cell phones.

Wes leaves four children; Lanadee Liebtag Burrill Lampman, Margaret Anne Liebtag

Miller and husband Gary, Thomas Wesley Liebtag and wife Deborah Howe Liebtag, and David Ray Liebtag and fiancé Anne Silva; eight grandchildren Amy Burrill Sevier, Peter Andrew Burrill, Christopher Liebtag Miller, Colin Lanning Miller, Jonathan Wesley Liebtag, Emily Anne Liebtag, Hillary Wolfe Liebtag and Benjamin Howe Liebtag, as well as two great-grandchildren Marteen and William Sevier. From his marriage to Mary, he also leaves Mark Johnson, Ann Johnson Long, and David Johnson and their spouses and families who came to love him as a father as well.

The family is extremely appreciative of the caring staff of Meadow Ridge Health Center, BrightStar Care staff, and friend and supporter, Barbara Herman. We would like to especially recognize the love and dedication of Joseph Lima, Wes’ best friend and caregiver during his final years.

Funeral services will be held at St Mark’s Church in New Canaan on Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund at Fairfield County Community Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851.

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

— The Family

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Timothy Webster Biggs of Norwalk, Conn., retired detective of the Greenwich Police Department, passed away on June 16, 2016. He was 58 years old.

Tim was born in Greenwich on Jan. 9, 1958 to the late Ann and Cliff Biggs. He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Schuttler-Biggs. He also leaves behind his two children, Lindsay (Matthew) Doran and Morgan Biggs; his three grandchildren, Madison, Ava and Scarlett Doran; two brothers Christopher and William Biggs; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He is predeceased by his sister Linda Tiska.

Tim was a 1977 graduate of Greenwich High School. He attended and graduated from the Connecticut Police Academy and was sworn in as a Greenwich Police Officer in 1986. In 1997, he was promoted to accident car investigator and was promoted again in 2002 to detective. He was recognized as Officer of the Month twice in 2011, and was a recipient of the U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement Award in 2012. Tim was well-respected by his fellow officers for his accomplishments and dedication to the department.

He retired in March of 2014, and went on to serve as a campus monitor for East Elementary School in New Canaan.

Tim was an avid motorcyclist, and took part in numerous road trips with his “motorcycle buddies.” He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and close friends at his vacation home on Montgomery Lake in Yulan, N.Y. Tim was a very proud father and “Peepaw,” as he was known by his grandchildren. His generous and fun-loving nature will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Friends and family may call at the Leo P. Gallagher Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, Conn. from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 24. A service celebrating Tim’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 884 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, Conn. at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 25.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caldwell County 4H Youth Development Program, c/o Darlene Berry, 120 Hospital Avenue NE, Suite 1, Lenoir, NC 28645.

To send the family an online condolence, please visit, .

— The Family

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Lois Lauda Ahern Bortone, Darien resident and formerly of New Canaan, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

Born in 1927, Lois was the daughter of Charles and Louise Lauda. She grew up in Port Washington, N.Y. and married her high school sweetheart, Frederic John (Jack) Ahern.

Following her early career as an artist, Lois’ creative flair and style influenced her antiques-filled homes and bountiful gardens. She was the paragon of a model wife, mother, hostess and homemaker, according to her family.

Subsequent to the death of Jack Ahern in 1980, Lois married Matthew W. Bortone seven years later, who predeceased her in 2007. Together they enjoyed golf, traveling and creating dollhouses and miniatures.

As an active member of the Darien Community Association in the 1970s, Lois was instrumental in the expansion and renovation of the DCA Thrift Shop. She was a long term member of Woodway Country Club.

Mrs. Bortone is survived by her daughter Nancy J. (Nan) Ahern of New York City, and son Frederic John (Rick) Ahern, Jr. of Hockessin, Del.; stepdaughter Dr. Joanne Bortone of Mt. Kisco, N.Y., stepson Matthew W. Bortone Jr. of Kona, Hawaii, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, followed by interment at Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, Conn.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been made by Lawrence Funeral Home of Darien.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Bortone may be made to North Shore Animal League of Port Washington, NY; Post 53 of Darien, Conn., or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

— The Advertiser

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Joann Concetta Sanna Raychel, age 91, of Winter Park. Fla. passed away Jan. 21, 2016 in Del City, Okla.

Joann was born in New Canaan on Dec. 8, 1924 to the late Anthony Sanna Sr. of Sardinia and Teresa Peretti of Vicenza, Italy. Joann attended New Canaan High School and graduated in 1942.

In 1957 she went to work as a secretary to the U.S. Staff Engineers in Poitiers, Vienne France as a Department of the Army civilian. She met and married her husband, John J. Raychel who was a soldier in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, April 12, 1958. Throughout their marriage they were able to travel, visiting such places as France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Korea, Japan, and Panama Canal Zone.

She served as an administrator to State of Florida Children’s Medical Services. Her husband, John, preceded her in death as did her sisters Susan Sanna Ramsey Reeves of Fox Island, Wash., Angela Sanna Falcone of Winter Park, Fla., brothers Lawrence Sanna of Norwalk, Conn., Francis P. Sanna of San Antonio, Texas, and stepson, James Daniel Raychel, killed in Vietnam.  

Joann is survived by a son Richard and wife Patricia Raychel of Del City, sister Anna T. Jacobson of Stamford, Conn., brother John A. Sanna of Buzzards Bay, Mass., stepsons John and Chris Raychel of Moline, Ill.

Joann was reunited with her husband, John, in the Columbarium, Companion Niches, Florida National Cemetery, in Bushnell, Fla.

— The Advertiser

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Mary Louise B. Van Benschoten

Mary Louise Van Benschoten of New Canaan and Naples, Fla. passed away on July 1, 2016.

She was 86 years of age, born to Thomas C. Bradley and Helen Hill Bradley on April 22, 1930. Mary Louise grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pa. and graduated from Agnes Irwin School and Endicott College.

She married Harry Van Benschoten in 1951 and lived a wonderful life together, first in New York City and later in New Canaan. She volunteered in many areas including her churches, Visiting Nurses Board of New Canaan, school projects and as a volunteer at the Stamford Hospital. The clubs she loved were the Woodway Country Club in Darien, Conn. and the Club at Pelican Bay in Naples, Fla. where she played all sports and bridge.

Mary Louise is survived by her wonderful husband of 65 years, Harry; her son, Thomas, of Danbury, Conn.; and her daughters, Claire Leigh Rische of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Diana Joy Locke of Darien, Conn.

She loved her three in-law family members, Lenore, Philip, and Charles and her precious grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Ellis, and Stuart. Her many friends were also precious to her during her wonderful life as was her beloved New York Mets.

Burial will take place at a private family service in Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

Contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT 06840 or St. John Episcopal Church, 500 Park Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34103.

— The Family

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Harvey Chanler

Harvey Chanler, a fine graphic artist and basketball standout at Forest Hills High School, passed away on Friday, July 1, in New Canaan. He was 87.

Harvey was born in New York City, a few months before the start of the Great Depression, to immigrant parents who fled eastern Europe for the United States. At Forest Hills, he competed for the league’s scoring championship with Hall of Famer, Bob Cousy. He pursued his creative talents and enrolled at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Mr. Chanler worked in advertising for some of the country’s largest consumer companies such as Swingline Stapler and English Leather. At MEM Co, he served as senior vice president for advertising and helped develop slogans, such as “All my men wear English Leather, or they wear nothing at all.”

His creative mind led to numerous inventions such as soap on a rope, stories told on bubble bath paper washcloths and dramatic recordings of Bible Stories. Mr. Chanler also helped start the first international facsimile service in the 1970s.

Harvey maintained a great sense of humor throughout his life. He enjoyed performing card tricks and became known as The Wizard for one of his most memorable tricks.

Harvey is survived by his children, Ann of New York, N.Y., Bill of Atlanta, Ga. and Cliff of New Canaan, and his grandchildren, Alex, Kaya, Casey, Liliana, Cole and Catalina. He is also survived by three nieces, Patricia, Beryl and Polly, daughters of famed recording artist Arlene Title, his only sibling, and Carole Chanler, mother of his three children.

— The Family

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Rolf Oscar Gullans

Rolf Oscar Gullans, 89, died at his Savannah, Ga. home on July 1, 2016.

He is survived by Mary Lou (Clark), his loving wife, and his four children and their spouses, Steve and Stenie Gullans, Louise and Edwin Brooks II, Joan Gullans-Pluck and Garrett Pluck, and Ann and Andrew Nash. He spent many enjoyable years with his 10 grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.

July 7 would have been his 65th wedding anniversary.

Rolf believed passionately in the American Dream and the 4th of July was his favorite holiday, according to the family.

He was born in West Springfield, Mass. to Finnish immigrant parents and graduated early from high school to join the war effort as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corp. He attended the University of Massachusetts on the G.I. Bill and received a B.S. in Engineering. Rolf spent a career in the paper industry which led to 10 moves around the U.S. before he retired as a senior executive at International Paper Corp.

Rolf and Mary Lou moved to Savannah from Wilton, Conn. in 1994 and developed many friendships. Rolf loved sports, particularly golf and tennis, and was well known as an avid competitor.

A memorial service will be held this autumn on a date to be determined. The family extended their gratitude to Quelin Frazier for her support and to all of Rolf’s friends with whom he enjoyed his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts in his memory be made to support Parkinson’s research in the laboratory of Dr. Clemens Scherzer. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital and sent to: Brigham and Women’s Hospital Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave., 3rd floor, Boston, MA 02116.

— The Advertiser

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Alice A. Hasapis, 76, of New Canaan passed away on July 7, 2016 surrounded by her loving family at Norwalk Hospital.

Alice was born on July 25, 1939 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late James and Maria Xenakis. Raised in Brooklyn, she was always an outstanding student and graduated as salutatorian of Bay Ridge High School Class of 1957. She then attended Hunter College in New York City, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962 and was elected to membership in the Phi Beta Kappa society, and subsequently also was awarded a Masters degree from Hunter in 1966. Alice taught high school English in Brooklyn at both Fort Hamilton and Bay Ridge High Schools during the 1960s – she was so beloved by her students that she was received the WMCA Good Guy award when her students and colleagues nominated her through the local radio station.

In 1965, she married George Hasapis, and in 1968 gave birth to son Peter George. The family moved to New Canaan where they lived until her death. In 1972, they welcomed Anthony James into the fold.  While a New Canaan resident, Alice enjoyed raising her children and also served many years on the Performing Arts Committee and PTA in the New Canaan school system.  She returned to school and earned a Masters in Counseling from the University of Bridgeport. She also volunteered for many years at Norwalk Hospital, where she was Chair of Babies Alumni.

Alice was extremely devoted to her family, and was a beloved mother, grandmother and sister.  She is survived by her husband, George; two sons, Peter and Tony and their wives Jessica and Dawn; the five grandchildren who were the apple of her eye – William, Teddy, Elizabeth, Lindsay, and Ryan; her brother, James Xenakis of Glen Cove, NY; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Alice was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1965 and battled the disease for over 50 years.  Those who knew her best always admired and were inspired by her spirit, energy, drive and utter refusal to give in.  The illness never defined her, but her response to it certainly did.

The family received friends at Hoyt Funeral Home on Sunday, July 10. The Funeral Service is Monday, July 11, at 10 a.m. at The Church of the Archangels in Stamford, Conn. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. For online condolences and directions please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

— The Advertiser

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Donald E. Freud

Donald Everett Freud of Alpharetta, Ga., formerly of New Canaan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 28 at the age of 88.

Born Dec. 8, 1927 in New York City, he was the son of Everett H. and Hazel Freud.

Mr. Freud, a resident of Alpharetta and Johns Creek, Ga. for 15 years also lived in New Canaan from 1965 to 2001 where he was involved in many volunteer organizations. In New Canaan, he coached boys baseball and drove the GetAbout, providing transportation to the elderly. He belonged to and was active in the Senior Men’s Club, The First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan, and Woodway Country Club of Darien.

Mr. Freud graduated from Colgate University in 1951. During that time, he also served two years in the Marine Corps and two years in the Air Force, being stationed in the Azores. After returning from service, he completed his education at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

In 1955, he joined IBM where he served in many marketing and management positions for 37 years.

In 1956 he married Justine Shepherd. They lived in West Orange and Summit N.J., Poughkeepsie, N.Y., New Canaan, and Atlanta, Ga.

While in Atlanta, he served on the membership committee of the St. Ives Country Club, the Homeowners Board in St. Ives, the Session at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, and as a volunteer at the Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

In addition, he and his wife enjoyed attending the ASO, Fox Theatre, The Roswell Cultural Arts Center, and various town arts and crafts shows.

Don leaves behind Justine, his beloved wife of 60 years, and their three children: Jeffrey of Alpharetta; Kerry and her husband, Jim, of Alpharetta, and their children, Justine and Jillian; Timothy and his wife, Andrea, of Dover, Del. and their children, Andrew of Dover and Elizabeth of New York City; his sister, Nancy Harring and her husband John, of Severna Park, Md. and his sister-in-law Joyce Davidson, of Santa Barbara, Calif., as well as many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Freud of Santa Barbara, Calif.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 31 at 12:15 at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, 3700 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096.

Contributions may be made in his name to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.

— The Family

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Ilona Rozsa

Ilona Rozsa (née Csanki) died of natural causes on July 9, 2016 in Stamford, Connecticut at the age of 91.

Ilona is survived by her two sons Peter of New Canaan and George of Stamford/Greenwich. She is preceded in death by of her husband Imre Rozsa who died in 1997 as well as by her two sisters Judith and Elizabeth.

She was born on Aug. 18, 1924 in Rakospalota, Hungary to Stephen and Barbara Csanki. She married Imre Rozsa on Feb. 22, 1949 in Germany. In 1950 the family immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island. Initially the family settled in Miami, Fla., and in 1951 they moved to Forest Hills, N.Y. Subsequently, in 1955 they moved to Shirley, Long Island to raise their children. In 1981 she and her husband moved to Stamford, Connecticut.

Peter lives with his wife Kathy in New Canaan and George lives in Stamford/Greenwich. Ilona has five grandchildren: John and his wife Caroline residing in Darien along with Ilona’s great-granddaughter Ella; Ryan who resides in Norwalk, and Christianne, James and Callie along with Ellen her daughter-in-law who all reside in Stamford.

Ilona was also very fond of her two nieces, Iboya who predeceased her and Gabriele who lives in Berlin, Germany.

Ilona was accomplished at crocheting as well as needlepoint, which she started as a little girl. During her residency at Atria Senior Living in Stamford for the past 11 years she crocheted many items such as hats and blankets which she then donated to Stamford Hospital’s Maternity Ward and Hospice. She also studied and read the bible on a daily basis and was raised Presbyterian.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at Hoyt Funeral Home at 199 Main Street in New Canaan. Burial will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park located at 230 Oaklawn Ave., in Stamford, Conn. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GetAbout, P.O.Box 224, New Canaan, CT 06840.

The family would like to thank everyone who showed friendship and kindness to Ilona over the years.

For online condolences and directions visit http://www.hoytfuneralhome.com 

— The Advertiser

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Sally B. MacMannis

Sally Blake MacMannis of New Canaan, formerly of Darien, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.

Her quote to you: “If you’re reading this, you realize that I’ve passed away. I’m not just ignoring your phone calls.”

Sally was born on July 2, 1925 in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Bertram T. Blake and Helen Ackerman Blake. She married Bertram R. MacMannis in 1947, who passed away in 2000.

She graduated from Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. She remained an active and loyal member of the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien from 1950 until the time of her passing.

She is survived by two daughters, Marcia MacMannis Fallon of New Canaan and Bunny Kyle and her husband, Jim, of Clinton, Conn., as well as two sons, Bertram R. MacMannis and his wife, Pamela, of New Canaan and Johns Island, Fla. and James A. MacMannis and his wife, Peggy, of Ridgefield. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services and interment are private. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com

— The Family

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Ralph E. McCarthy

Ralph E. McCarthy died on June 5, 2016 after a long illness at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine with his loving wife and children by his side. He was 74 years old.  

Ralph was born in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. on March 21, 1942. He was the son of the late Eugene J. McCarthy and the late Beatrice O. McCarthy.

He was raised in Stamford, Conn. He graduated from the Canterbury School, New Milford, Conn., Class of ’60. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1964. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a roving reporter throughout Europe for the Stars And Stripes newspaper.

He lived in New Canaan for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Barbara M. McCarthy of Stamford. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Virginia McCarthy; his daughter Shauna McCarthy of New York, N.Y. and Bryn Mawr, Pa.; his son Paul McCarthy of New York, N.Y. and Ridgefield, Conn., and a sister, Doris M. McCarthy, of New York, N.Y.

First and foremost, Ralph was a family man.  He always took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and relished every moment with his family. He was a lifelong outdoorsman and sportsman. He loved teaching his son and daughter how to ski, play baseball, tennis, football, and especially lacrosse, a game he played at UNC.

He began his career as an advertising executive at Young and Rubicam. In 1972 he moved on to Bristol-Myers Squibb where he worked in the marketing division for many years. He later formed Promotional Opportunities, a strategic marketing and advertising consultant group with offices in Connecticut, Jupiter, Fla. and Kennebunkport.

All who knew Ralph admired his positive attitude and upbeat outlook on life, even when faced with serious illness.

Ralph was a devoted son, husband, father and friend. He died as he lived, with great courage, dignity, integrity and always a gentleman.

Should friends desire, a memorial donation may be made in his name to: Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarrierproject.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

— The Family

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