Generoso Lapolla, age 82, of New Canaan, formerly a longtime resident of Ridgefield, passed away on March 28, 2017 in Norwalk Hospital with his family by his side.

Born in Panni, Italy Dec.16, 1934 he was the son of the late Alfonso and Grazia Ciruolo Lapolla. Generoso was predeceased by his wife Santa Gesualdi Lapolla in 2010.

He is survived by his son, Michael Lapolla of New York City and Los Angeles, Calif. his daughter, Grace Lapolla of New Canaan, two brothers, Giuseppe and Vito Lapolla, and two sisters, Carmella and Filomena Lapolla all of Italy. Also surviving are two brothers-in-law, Nick Gesualdi of New Canaan and Alfonso Gesualdi of Colorado.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 31, at 11 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church, Cherry Street, New Canaan. Entombment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Box 598, New Canaan, CT 06840 or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org

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

— The Advertiser

Generoso Lapolla

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“In paradisum deducant te Angeli” – “May the angels lead you to paradise.” 

Donald J. Douglass

Donald James Douglass joined our creator on March 27, 2017 at the age of 85.

Don was born in Gonzales, Texas and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from Corpus Christi High School, Don attended Rice University and graduated second in his class with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas in Austin in 1954. He earned his MBA from Stanford Business School in 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy between 1954-1958 as a Lieutenant and Aviator flying both the F9F-6 Cougar and FJ-3 Fury aircrafts from the USS Enterprise carrier in the Far East.

Don Douglass founded Alamo Group, Inc. (ALG-NYSE) in 1969, located in Seguin, Texas and served as its chairman from 1969 to 2011. He was chief executive officer of Alamo Group Inc. from 1969 to 1999. He served as a director of Alamo Group Inc. from 1969 to 2011. Alamo Group is a global manufacturer of high quality tractor-mounted mowing and grounds maintenance equipment.

In 1996 Forbes Magazine published an article about Don and his entrepreneurial success with Alamo Group and the establishment of the Douglass Foundation. The Douglass Foundation began in 1982 exclusively for educational, entrepreneurial, scientific, and artistic purposes. The foundation has provided funds to schools of business; the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas for graduate level scholarships; and Douglass Fellowships in American Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Smithsonian American Art Museum. The foundation also supported Texas Biomedical Research Institute Post Doctorate Fellowship in gene function.

Don was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio and St. Mark’s Episcopal in New Canaan. He has always been passionate for poetry and the arts and is well known for his love for American art, Impressionist art, and sculptures that inspire beauty, love, and spirituality.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Helen Doscher Dunlap Douglass and by his parents Arthur James and Alice Sewall Douglass. He is survived by his former wife, Shirley Engelhardt Douglass Burgher and their three children, Daryl Douglass, Scott Douglass and Laurel Douglass and wife Fraulein. His grandchildren are Kathryn Douglass, James Douglass and wife, Ayesha; and brothers John and Stephen Douglass. He is survived by his sister, Marylee Browning and husband Robert. He is also survived by Helen’s children, Kimberly Dunlap and son, Samuel Fesko and Scott Dunlap and wife, Mia.

Memorial services will be held in San Antonio on Monday, April 3, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 East Pecan Street. A reception will follow at The Argyle, 934 Patterson Ave, San Antonio.

There will be a memorial service in New Canaan at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan on May 16 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX 78245 in honor of Donald Douglass. Don was interested in their work in Ebola, Parkinson’s disease and stem cell therapy.

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Tel: 210-227-8221.

— The Family

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New Canaan resident, John E. Sandstrom, 77, husband of Margaret-Rose Sandstrom for 46-years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 31, 2017 at Rhode Island Hospital.

Born September 26, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Mary Catherine O’Keane Sandstrom and Frederick Sandstrom. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Construction Battalion Seabee serving in the Vietnam War from 1962-1964 before retiring in 1991 as Chief Warrant Officer-4. In 1962, he began a 54-year career with Con Edison as a Transformer Specialist, retiring in August 2016. In his spare time, John enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and thirteen grandchildren.

He is survived by his son Richard and wife Carrie of York, South Carolina, daughters Rosemary Casey and her husband Kevin of Ridgefield, Conn, Annemarie DeVille and her husband Adam of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Catherine Sweeney and her husband Shawn of Tiverton, Rhode Island, and Mary-Theresa Sandstrom of West Warwick, Rhode Island. He is also survived by his grandchildren Brandon, Caroline, James, Thomas, and Joseph Casey; Ephraim, Aiden, Anastasia, and Helena DeVille; Christian, Ryan, and Daniel Sweeney; and Richard P. Sandstrom. He is also survived by his three siblings twin sister Mary Sandstrom-Hennigan and her husband Brian of Rensselaer, New York, brother Rev. Philip Sandstrom of Brussels, Belgium, and sister Clare Blatz and her husband Greg of Rensselaer, New York, and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday, April 6, from 4-8:00pm at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 7 at 10am in Saint Aloysius Church, 21 Cherry St, New Canaan, Connecticut. Interment with military honors will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, 41 Hecker Ave, Darien, Connecticut. Donations in his memory may be made to the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park, 21 Lafrate Way, North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852. Please visit www.collinsfh.com/obituaries to leave condolences.

— The Advertiser

John E. Sandstrom

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John C. (Jack) White, age 89, a lifelong resident of New Canaan died peacefully in Norwalk Hospital on March 25, 2017. Born in New Canaan on April 6, 1927, he was the son of the late John S. White and Gertrude (Campbell) White. He was the husband of Harriet MacMaster White and was predeceased by his first wife Ruth White in 1988.

Jack was a member of the New Canaan High School Class of 1944. A proud U.S. Army Veteran who served during World War II, he attended Arnold College in Milford, Connecticut and UConn in Storrs, Connecticut. He was a teacher and administrator in the Weston, Connecticut school system from 1950-1975 at which time he retired to live in Bethel, Vermont. He continued his career as a teacher and administrator in Tunbridge and Stockbridge, Vermont. He also was employed by the Millstone Century 21 Agency in Bethel, Vermont. He returned to New Canaan in 2006.

His many interests included gardening, a love of animals, music, history and travel. He also very much enjoyed encouraging young people by sharing inspirational experiences and stories from his past.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, John C. White, Jr (Jean) of South Burlington, Vermont, Robert White (Nancy) of South Royalton, Vermont, one daughter Susan Messervey (Dann) of Westport, Connecticut and six grandchildren, Kathleen Messervey, John C. White III, Jordan White, Logan White, Patrick Greer and Whitney Greer. Two great granddaughters, Rachel and Sydney White also survive him.

Other survivors include his stepchildren, Martha Seymour (Chris) of Fairfield, Connecticut, Laura MacMaster Danforth of New Canaan, Connecticut, George MacMaster of Patterson, California and five step-grandchildren, Julia Danforth, Kendall Danforth, Hunter Danforth, Jacqueline Seymour and George Seymour.

In addition to his first wife he was predeceased by his daughter Laurie White Greer.

A memorial service will be held on May 15, 2017 at 2:30pm at the United Methodist Church of New Canaan, South Avenue, New Canaan, Connecticut. Interment will be private.

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

— The Family

John C. (Jack) White

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Arthur Stanley Congdon III of Clayton, Missouri, formerly a longtime resident of New Canaan, Connecticut, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 26, 2017. He was 75. He maintained his zest for life and exquisite sense of humor until the very end, when Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) took him from us.                                

Arthur attended Boston University and completed a BFA degree in Fine and Applied Arts in 1964. In his senior year at BU, the administration and faculty named him “1964 All-University Man of the Year.” He received a full scholarship to Yale University where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in design. As a young man Arthur exemplified what would be his lifetime credo, enthusiastically embracing life’s opportunities for using one’s love and talents to enrich the lives of others.

Arthur began his career at The Guggenheim Museum in New York as Design Director. An expert in the field of visual communications, he held senior executive positions in New York with Congdon Macdonald and Shear, Lippincott & Margulies, and Sandgren & Murtha. He formed the firm of Congdon + Company in 1993. Throughout his career he received numerous design awards. Arthur created effective and highly visible logos and branding programs for major U.S. and international corporations. His portfolio included such well-known and diverse business entities as A&P, American Greetings, Bacardi USA, Budget Rent A Car, First Union Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Mercury Marine, United Van Lines and the United States Employment Service. He received commissions to design postage stamps for the United States government and the United Nations. Arthur strongly believed in “giving back” by pro bono branding of worthy nonprofit organizations, including Staying Put in New Canaan, the New Canaan Historical Society and the New Canaan Community Foundation.

Among his many interests, Arthur enjoyed travel, opera and the symphony. He and his wife, Jan, traveled to many diverse destinations around the world. In 2005, on a trip to the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, Arthur fulfilled a childhood dream and discovered a new site of the 80 million-year-old protoceratops. It was confirmed by paleontologist Dr. Khand Yondon of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and named for Mr. Congdon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anne Stewart Litterst and Arthur Stanley Congdon, Jr., sisters Stacy Litterst and Sandra Brockmann and brothers William Ward Congdon and Warren Stewart Congdon. He is survived by his wife, Janet, a former guidance counselor at the Middle School in New Canaan, his children Christopher W.S. Congdon (Oakland, California) and Shannon Reilly Fritts and her husband Jason (St. Louis, Missouri). His cherished granddaughters are Holly Murphy Fritts and Sabrina Ann Fritts. He is also survived by brothers James Boote Congdon (Sally) of Berwyn Pennsylvania, David Stanley Congdon of Princeton, New Jersey and Todd Lanning Congdon (RobynAnne) of Islesboro, Maine, and by many beloved nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and other extended family members.

To leave a message for the family please visit Arthur’s Facebook Memorial at https://www.facebook.com/arthur.congdon.14

Donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611 in memory of Arthur Congdon.

Arthur Stanley Congdon III

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Roswell P. Bryant, son of the late Elsie Scofield Bryant and Roswell P.  Bryant Sr., passed away on March 8, 2017 at Danbury Hospital at the age of 86.

He was born on January 19, 1931 at Norwalk Hospital and lived on Seminary Street in New Canaan, attended New Canaan Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1949, joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter, and served most of his four years in Alaska.

After his discharge from the Army, he moved to the New Milford, Connecticut area where he owned a dairy farm. He later owned and operated a landscaping business.

He is survived by Diane Best-Bryant, his sisters, Barbara Ann Bryant of New Canaan and Nancy R. Barnett of Seymour, Connecticut, and brother, Edward, Edward L. (Marty) Bryant of Oxford, Connecticut, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A military graveside service was held at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan on March 17, 2017. He is buried next to his grandmother and grandfather, Eva Horton Scofield and Herbert Lyon Scofield, Sr in the Scofield Family Plot.

— The Family

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Caryl Lynn Gautrau, age 59 of Wilton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, April 10, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with a degenerative brain disease.  She was born in Stamford, the daughter of the late Raymond and Betty Gautrau.  She is survived by her brother Alan Gautrau, and his wife, Ann, her brother, Douglas, her three nieces, Maggie Gautrau, Bridget Gautrau, and Abby Gautrau, whom she loved dearly, and her devoted and cherished friends, Mario and Pamela Alvino, and her loving caregiver, Loretta Cobb.

Caryl attended Stamford Public Schools before attending Southern Connecticut State University and Fairfield University where she received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Education.  She was an educator with the New Canaan Public Schools for 26 years until she had to retire in 2008 due to her illness. After her retirement, Caryl volunteered her time taking care of babies and toddlers at the YMCA day care room.  She was a die-hard and long-time New York Mets fan. Caryl was an extremely talented, and, creative baker, and cake decorator.  Her homemade breads, and cookies were the highlight of family holiday dinners.  She baked, and decorated many beautiful, and unique cakes over the years for her friends’ and family’s bridal showers, baby showers and birthdays.

Caryl also was an avid knitter and sewer, who spent many hours knitting beautiful blankets, scarves and mittens for the people she loved.  She made beautiful dresses, and creative Halloween costumes for her nieces every year when they were young. Spending time with her nieces brought Caryl the most joy in life.  Teaching them to knit, and bake was Caryl’s favorite thing to do. Caryl was the most devoted, loving and generous aunt, sister, and friend, and she will be missed dearly.

Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut. A private intermittent will be held on Friday, April 21.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, Pennsylvania, 19087.  www.gallagherfuneralhome.com.

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Barbara Goossen Capelle, a lifelong resident of New Canaan, passed away April 6, 2017 at Norwalk Hospital. She was born on August 30. 1927 in Stamford, Connecticut, the only child of the late Henry and Matilda Goossen. She attended Center School, Saxe Junior High and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1945. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated with a degree in English.

While attending UConn, she met her future husband, Robert Capelle. They were married shortly after they graduated in 1951 and moved to New York City to concentrate on their respective careers. While they were living in NYC, Barbara gave birth to the couple’s first child. Wanting their children to have the advantage of living in the country, Barbara and Bob moved to New Canaan.

Barbara returned to work and school after her children were older. Her career was mainly with non-profit organizations, including Save the Children and The Norwalk Hospital. She also earned her Master of Arts in Communications from Fairfield University in 1980. Barbara was proud of being a lifelong New Canaanite, and UConn Alumni. She was a long time active member the United Methodist Church in New Canaan and The American Association of University Women, (Norwalk/Westport Branch).

Barbara was a fierce fan of the New York Mets and UConn Huskies Basketball (both women and men). She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and was a fan of many genres of music, including Frank Sinatra, early pioneers of rock, such as Chuck Berry as well as classical and opera. She also was an animal lover, especially cats. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was ahead of others of her generation, pursuing a career and higher education all while raising a family.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her husband Robert. She is survived by her children; daughters Stacey Mathis and husband John, Barbara Capelle-Bennette and fiancé Wayne Bishop, and sons, Robert Capelle Jr, and Christopher Capelle and wife Nancy. She is also survived by grandchildren Christine McKibbon, Mark Mathis and wife Megan, Alexis Capelle and Ashley Capelle.

Services will be private. Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to: American Association of University Women, 1310 L Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20050 or Danbury Animal Welfare Society, 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT 06801.

Barbara Goossen Capelle

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Family man, music lover, traveler and local activist John Louis Mucci III, 66, died peacefully in his Meredith, New Hampshire, home, April 9, in the company of his loving family.

John was born in Stamford, Connecticut, to the late John Louis and Jane Nelson Mucci on May 27, 1950. After attending public schools in New Canaan, Connecticut, John studied Liberal Arts at Shimer College, located in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, and computer technology at the Control Data Institute (CDI).

John married Sandra J. Mucci (nee Miller), August 26, 1972 and the couple settled in Meredith where they raised their family, pursued a variety of stimulating careers, participated in civic and charitable activities and threw themselves into local, state and national politics. Together the couple traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad, including a “capstone” Italian tour in the autumn of 2015 to explore, discover and unite his new and “Old World” families.

John worked in software development at RealWorld Corp. before creating and launching his websites, Netstate.com, and StuffAboutStates.com. These websites showcased his singular ability to provide a reliable history of each of the state’s symbols. His extensive research is respected and appreciated by both students and educators.

A philosopher by nature, John was a man with a curious intellect and wide-ranging interests. His greatest passions were music, trains, gardening and reading. No pursuit, no excitement, however, exceeded his love of family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and nonno who cherished the time he had to spend with those closest to him including his sister, brother-in-law, nieces, nephew and cousins.

John is survived by Sandra, his devoted wife of 44 years, two daughters, Meridith (Benjamin) MacDonald, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Melinda (Jeffrey) Keller, of Huntingdon Valley, PA; two grandchildren, Oliver Seth and Madeline Jane Keller; a sister, Deborah (Robert) Hart, Rye, New Hampshire; several nieces and a nephew; a large extended family and his two beloved spaniels, Belle and Bonnie.

Among his cherished circle of family and friends John Mucci will live in memory as a wise and sensitive soul possessed of a deep and abiding respect of books, music, history and kindness.

The Mucci family will host a celebration of John’s life this summer. They wish to publicly thank the staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, and Pemi-Baker Community Health in Plymouth, New Hampshire, for their outstanding care and caring.

Remembrances may be made to; Dana Farber Cancer Institute c/o Philippe Armand Lymphoma Research Program,450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA, 02215; Pemi-Baker Community Health, 101 Boulder Pt. Dr., Plymouth, NH 03264; or the New Hampshire Humane Society, 1305 Meredith Center Road, Laconia, NH 03246.
— The Family

John Louis Mucci III

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Arthur J. Johnson, 86, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on April 13, 2017. Arthur was born on April 16, 1930 in Bronx, New York to the late Arthur J. and Nora McCullough Johnson.

Arthur was a Jasper, having graduated from Manhattan College with a business degree in 1951. He then worked at NBC for 30+ years, mostly in affiliate sales, and services.

Arthur, affectionately known by many as “the Colonel”, started in the Army reserves and retired as a Colonel, Field Artillery, on April 16, 1990.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 33 years, Winifred Johnson, and his four children, Ellen Tidd (John); Patricia Teske (Chris); Kathleen Johnson; and Arthur Johnson.

Arthur loved his six grandchildren dearly: Betsy Tidd; Andrew Tidd; Katherine Teske; Maggie Teske; Scott Teske and Artie Johnson.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Wiltwyck Cemetery in Kingston, New York.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Army Emergency Relief, www.aerhq.org/donate, 2530 Crystal Drive, Suite 13161, 13th floor, Arlington, VA 22202.  For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneral.com.

— The Advertiser

Arthur J. Johnson

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Barbara Ann Marasco, a mother and grandmother to The Gutierrez Family, died of pneumonia on April 1, 2017 in Stuart, Florida, at the age of 82. Although she and her husband resided in East Hampton, New York, she considered New Canaan to be her second home. Barbara enjoyed her weekends and holidays in New Canaan, spending time with her grandchildren, and cheering for them in the stands at New Canaan High School.

She was born on Aug. 31, 1934, in Teaneck, New Jersey to Harry Seeback and the former Edith Cundy. She grew up in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, and graduated from Ridgefield Park High School, where, at the age of 13, she met Ronald Marasco, who was to be her husband for 63 years. They were married in August 1953.

Although the Marascos reared their six children in Washington Township, New Jersey, it was the house near Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton, which they built in 1979 for weekends and later extended, that became a mecca for their family. It was called Harbor House at first, eventually becoming known simply as Grandma’s House.

Ms. Marasco traveled all over the world with her husband, who worked with international airlines, but she was never happier than in the spring, when she returned to East Hampton from Stuart, her family said, delighted to be back in her garden and able to walk only 100 yards to get to the harbor. She loved the simplicity of East Hampton’s environment, they said. She also volunteered with R.S.V.P., a small organization whose volunteers call older East Hampton Town residents regularly to make sure they are okay.

The couple’s six children, who survive, are Kathy Brown of Stamford, Connecticut, Karyn and Roberto Gutierrez of New Canaan, Connecticut, Karyl and Jeff Carlson of Simsbury, Connecticut, Ron Marasco Jr. of Stamford, Connecticut, Michael Marasco of Valencia, California, and Maria Marasco of Folly Beach, South Carolina Also surviving are nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The family received visitors on Friday, April 12 at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. Ms. Marasco’s life was celebrated at a funeral Mass on Saturday, April 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton, the Rev. Msgr. Donald M. Hanson officiating. Ms. Marasco, who had been a parishioner there for 40 years, was buried at the church cemetery. Seven grandsons were pallbearers at the funeral, and her youngest daughter, Maria Marasco, participated in reading from the Scriptures. Her granddaughters Kristen Gutierrez, and Christine Brown spoke, and her oldest son, Ron, gave a eulogy, speaking of his mother’s love of family and quoting from St. Paul’s soliloquy on love.

Ms. Marasco loved dogs, and was a supporter of the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons. The family therefore suggested memorial donations to ARF, P.O. Box 901, Wainscott, NY 11975.

— The Family

Barbara Ann Marasco

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Marianne Kaiser Dolan, a lifelong resident of New Canaan, died April 14, 2017 at the age of 89.

Marianne was born in 1928 to the late Harry C. and Margaret H. Kaiser and grew up on Richmond Hill Road.  Her father, Harry, served as First Selectman and Firehouse Chief in New Canaan. Her mother volunteered at the Thrift Shop and was a member of the Night Owls Card group. Her Uncle Riley Hogan served as the Treasurer of the New Canaan Firehouse for several decades and was active in management of Mead Park with the Riley Hogan Tennis Tournament named in his honor. Marianne graduated from New Canaan High School in 1946. During High School, she was voted Best Personality, Best Looking and Most Popular, and was an active basketball player. Many in town knew her as “Big Red” due to her brilliant red hair. Both her brothers, Harry, and Edward, served in World War II, landing on Normandy Beach.

Marianne attended New York University as a freshman, but illness forced her home to New Canaan where she worked at Saxe Junior High in the Principal’s office. She went on to attend the Merrill School of Business where she was to meet her husband, John J. Dolan, a lawyer in private practice in New Canaan. Marianne ultimately trained as a Physical Therapist, working at St. Barnabas and Norwalk Hospitals, and with several local New Canaan residents who had contracted polio.

Marianne married John J. Dolan in 1956, following the death of her Father from cancer. The couple divorced in 1983.

In 1969, Marianne joined E. Whitney Mitchell selling real estate in New Canaan. She sold real estate for over 40 years, winning numerous sales awards, and retired from Halstead Realty in 2012. Marianne served on the New Canaan Board of Realtors, the Board of the United Way of New Canaan and was a member of the Junior League.  She was an enthusiastic volunteer at Waveny Care Center for many years. Marianne and her husband were members of Woodway Country Club where she spent many happy summers playing tennis, and sitting at the beach with her children.

Marianne’s key passions in life were her children and travel. She loved her family deeply, and was a steadfast presence in all of their lives. She traveled extensively with her children, and cherished annual family visits to Costa Rica, Colorado, San Francisco and Martha’s Vineyard.

Marianne is predeceased by her former husband, John J. Dolan, Esq. and son John J. Dolan, Jr. She is survived by her children: Meg D. Campbell (Robert) of Wilton,  Marianne K. Dolan of New York City, Peter Dolan (Julie) of Basalt, Colorado and Christopher Dolan (Julie) of San Rafael, California. In addition to her children, Marianne is survived by her seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three nieces.

She was proud of her family, and their love sustained her.  Her strength of character, and her unwavering presence in their lives will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, April 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan.

Private Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan.

Friends may call at the Hoyt Funeral Home Thursday, April 20 from 4:30-7:30 pm.

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

— The Family

Marianne Kaiser Dolan

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Donald Iklé passed away at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the age of 82. Don was the beloved husband of Joan Kemp Iklé (deceased), father to Melissa Paolini Kay, Elizabeth Iklé Sell, and Stephen lklé; brother to Richard Iklé (deceased) and David Iklé; grandfather to Edward Iklé, Schuyler Iklé, Jack Paolini, Ryan Sell, and Timothy Sell. Don was a graduate of Manhasset High School in Long Island. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and served in the Navy. Don, as an executive recruiter, made a very successful career with Booz Allen Hamilton and Ward Howell International. In recognition of this, he was inducted into the UCONN School of Business Hall of Fame in 1999.

Don and his wife retired to Old Saybrook, Connecticut from Summit, New Jersey, and after her death, he moved to New Canaan to be closer to his family.

He was an avid Yankee fan, and was always active in sports, as goalkeeper for the UCONN soccer team, or later in life, enjoying golf, tennis, fly fishing, cycling or hiking. He loved music, painting and spending time with his family and friends.

He is loved and will be greatly missed. Family will receive friends from 1-4 p.m. Friday April 21 at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan with committal to follow on Saturday April 22 at Riverside Cemetery in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY, 10001, www.alzfdn.org in memory of Don Iklé.

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

— The Advertiser

Donald Ikle

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Sandra Schutte

UPDATED APRIL 20, 2017: Sandra Schutte, age 73, of Ada, MI. and former New Canaan resident of 63 years, passed away Friday, Feb. 17, 2017 at her home in Michigan. Sandra was born on June 27, 1943 in Tampa, FL and was the daughter of the late John Joseph Calitri and Jean Elizabeth Zoppi. She was predeceased by her son Troy M. Schutte and her sister Marlene Saviano.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard T. Schutte, and son, William T. Schutte (Gene M. Davidson) of Grand Rapids, MI., sister Debra Calitri, brothers John Calitri (Ann), David Calitri, Roy Calitri, and Timothy Calitri and many beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Sandra had a catering company for some years, with a patent for her famous pinswirls. She then returned to school and earned her BSN from The University of Bridgeport in 1981 and practiced nursing for many years.

During her career she received many accolades for her outstanding patient care. She had a very kind and loving heart and was very devoted to her family and friends. Friends and family always looked forward to dinners at her home. Her culinary skills were unmatched, spending hours planning her dinners looking for just the right recipe. Sandra also enjoyed the theatre, animals, nature, and vacationing in Hawaii with her family.

UPDATED: A Memorial Service for Sandra Schutte will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church on Cherry Street.

For online condolences please visit mjfuneral.com/notices/Sandra-Schutte

— The Family

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Marie G. Bartolutti age 93, of New Canaan, Connecticut formerly of Stamford, died peacefully Thursday, April 20, 2017 in Norwalk Hospital. Born in Glenside, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1923 she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Evelyn Costanza Massino. Marie was the wife of the late Joseph John Bartolutti, Sr.

Marie is survived by her daughter Pam Libertiny and her husband Attila of South Salem, New York, a brother Joseph Massino of Glenside, Pennsylvania, a sister Phyllis Gallegos of Lutz, Florida., and grandchildren Michelle Libertiny of Stamford, Attila Libertiny and wife Robyn, great grandchildren Alyster and Riane of Wilton, Timea Riina and husband David of Norwalk, Nicholas Libertiny of New York City, Nina Nash of Atlanta, Georgia and Erin Bartolutti of Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to her husband she was pre- deceased by a son Joseph J. Bartolutti Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. in St. Aloysius Church, Cherry St., New Canaan, CT. Interment to follow in Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Stamford. The family will receive friends at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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

— The Advertiser

Marie G. Bartolutti

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Jeffrey William DiRubio, 32, passed away on April 18, 2017. Jeffrey was the loving son of Jeffrey and Joanna DiRubio, and the cherished brother of Jessica, Matthew, Christopher and Nicholas DiRubio.

Jeffrey was born April 4,1985 in Manhasset, New York. He attended New Canaan High School where he was a member of both the track and tennis teams. He graduated from Stetson University in 2007 with a double major in Management Information Systems and Marketing.

Jeff immediately pursued a career in technology where he excelled in both sales and marketing. Jeff’s supportive personality and sound technical knowledge allowed him to be a strong mentor to many in his field. In 2010, Jeff took a step back from the corporate world to participate in NOLS, National Outdoor Leadership School, where he and his team scaled Nanda Devi to 20,000 feet. NOLS had a profound impact on Jeff, and deepened his love of the outdoors and mountaineering. Throughout his life, Jeff climbed many summits, and recently resided next to his favorite, Mount Rainier, in Seattle.

Those who knew Jeff were embraced by his kind, and gentle nature. He is survived by, and lovingly remembered by his parents, Jeffrey, and Joanna; Grandparents, Janet and Wallace Splawn, his siblings Jessica, Matthew, Christopher and Nicholas, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his dogs Bogie, Franco and Bear. Jeff had a profound love for his siblings, and family by whom he will be greatly missed, and will forever be in their hearts. His family will strive to live in the light that emanated so brightly from all that he was.

A celebration of life, just as Jeff would want, will be held Saturday May 6, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. at his family’s home, located at 18 Main Street, New Canaan, CT.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Jeffrey DiRubio NOLS Scholarship Fund. Nothing would make Jeff happier than being able to give the experience he had to someone in need. (https://www.youcaring.com/JDNOLS).
— The Family

Jeffrey William DiRubio

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A Memorial Service for Sandra Schutte will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, on Cherry Street, in New Canaan.

Schutte, a former 63-year resident of New Canaan, died Feb. 17, 2017 at the age of 73.

For the online obituary visit NCAdvertiser.com.

A Memorial Service for Sandra Schutte will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, on Cherry Street, in New Canaan.

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John Walter (Sean) Sullivan, age 95, of Abingdon, Virginia, died peacefully Sunday morning, April 23, 2017. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, May 4, 1921, he was the son of Patrick Joseph (PJ) and Anna Gilman Sullivan. His wife, Anne, predeceased him in 2000. He is survived by his two daughters, Anne Ward (Richard) of New Canaan, Connecticut, Louise Bagby (Charles) of Hopatcong, New Jersey, two sons, John (Sean) Sullivan, Jr. (Sylvia) of Oak Hill, Virginia, Padraic (PJ) Sullivan of Arlington, Virginia, and four grandchildren, Daniel Ward, Andrew Ward (Jacquelyn), Ethan Sullivan and Elizabeth Sullivan. Private funeral services and internment will be held at the family plot in Forest Hills Memorial Garden, Abingdon, Virginia.

Sean Sullivan was raised in Caribou, Maine. At age 15, he won the Maine Soap Box Derby and competed in the national finals in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Caribou High School and Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. His Harvard Class of 1943 had an accelerated class schedule and graduated as class orator in January of that year in order to go into World War II. As part of the Signal Corps he saw service in England, Belgium, and the Netherlands and was involved in the SIGABA encryption program. Returning home in 1946, he attended The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts and Fordham University in New York City where he completed his Master of Fine Arts in Television Programming.

After marrying his wartime sweetheart, Anne Williams, in 1947, he began working at ABC television while it was still part of NBC as the Blue Network. His more than 35 years there included winning a directing Emmy Award and multiple Emmy nominations. He served as a Director of the Directors Guild of America and was involved in such programs as The US Steel Hour, Khrushchev’s 1960 UN shoe-banging incident, MLK’s 1963 March on Washington, Miss America pageants, Like It Is, Dark Shadows, The Price Is Right, and One Life To Live. He was also very involved in the Montclair Dramatic Club in Montclair, New Jersey, acting and directing in Witness For The Prosecution, The Silver Chord, Inherit The Wind, Visit To A Small Planet, and A Far Country.

After retiring from ABC, Sean returned to his first love, acting. A role in Don Juan in Hell brought him to the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia, in the late 1980’s. Seeing the many possibilities in the arts community around the Barter, Sean and his wife, Anne, sold their home of over 30 years in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and moved to Abingdon. He became active in mentoring young people in writing and enjoyed attending the College for Older Adults as well as participating in various Barter Theater productions. He also continued his lifelong practice of writing plays and poetry. Health setbacks in recent years resulted in his spending the past several years with his daughter Anne’s family in New Canaan, Connecticut. He loved the theater, language, philosophy, and the arts. His family and friends miss him greatly. A Celebration of Life reception will be scheduled in the future. In lieu of flowers, he would have appreciated a donation to the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Virginia.  For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

— The Advertiser

John Walter (Sean) Sullivan

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Paul W. Gattuso, Jr, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the age of 65. Paul was born on July 3, 1951 in Hartford, Conn. to the late Paul W. and Rose D’ Agostino Gattuso.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Smith-Gattuso, whom he knew for 47 years, and was married to for 30 years this year, which is also their 30th wedding anniversary.

Gattuso was employed as an assistant manager for STA Transportation in Wilton, Conn. He was also a member of the St. Lawrence Club in Cos Cob, Conn.

Gattuso is also survived by his two sisters: Mary Ann Bria her husband Rick, and two nieces, Amanda and Gina. Along with his sister, Linda Bolster, and niece Lisa Umana, and nephew, Jimmy Bolster. He is also predeceased by Rose and Paul Gattuso Sr.

Gattuso Jr.’s favorite pastime was supporting his team in New Canaan Men’s Softball League, where he enjoyed watching his friends play. Paul’s favorite time was vacationing with Karen by going to Old Orchard Beach, Maine where he enjoyed riding the waves.

A Memorial Visitation in Paul’s memory will be held at Hoyt Funeral home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, Connecticut on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory can be made to American Lung Association or the American Heart Association. For online condolences and directions to the Funeral Home please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.

— The Advertiser

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Boris Pogacnik, an architect and longtime resident of New Canaan, passed away April 1 in New York City, surrounded by his family. He was 75-years-old and had been battling cancer.

Boris was born in 1942 in Kranj, Slovenia to Leopoldina and Ludvik Pogacnik, he received a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Ljubljana University, and went on to earn Master of Arts in Architecture and Urban Planning from Columbia University in New York City. While at Columbia, he was the recipient of the prestigious William Kinnes Fellows Memorial Traveling Fellowship for architectural research abroad.

Boris began his career in New York City with the nationally prominent architectural firm Ulrich Franzen Associates, and later worked with Edward Barnes and Eliot Noyes Associates. In 1982, he founded his own firm in New Canaan, Boris Pogacnik Architects, to provide architectural, planning, and interior design services to corporations, municipalities, institutions, developers and private clients. He practiced for over 50 years, and was a member of American Institute of Architects.

Throughout his long career, Boris designed an impressive and varied portfolio of commercial, institutional, and residential projects. Noteworthy among them are the Consulate and the United Nations Mission for the Republic of Slovenia in New York City, expansion of Hong Kong International Airport’s Cargo Terminal, U.S. headquarters for LBS Bank, luxury hotels for Hyatt Hotels and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Europe, bank branches for the Bank of New Canaan, renovation plans for St. Cyril’s Church in New York City, as well as other commercial bank buildings, corporate headquarters, retail properties, and many private residences. His work can be found throughout New York City, New England, Europe, and Asia, and has been featured in numerous professional trade publications and magazines in the U.S. and abroad.

Boris was a valuable part of the New Canaan community for over 40 years. He was a member, and Centennial President of Rotary International, as well as a member of the New Canaan Historical Commission, New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, New Canaan Men’s Club, Lake Club, Columbia University Alumni Club and New Canaan Poinsettia Club. He also served as trustee of the New Canaan Society for the Arts.

Boris enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid skier and tennis player, and loved classical music. He was respected for his professionalism, and well liked for his generosity, sincerity and kindness. He was loved in the community, and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Tatjana, sons Tom and John, daughter-in-law Mariola, granddaughters Sofia and Yana, stepsister Sasha, and several nephews and nieces.

The interment was private. Service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in New Canaan, followed by a reception at the church’s Stapleton Hall. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Waveny LifeCare Network or a charity of your choice.

— The Family

Boris Pogacnik

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