Walter J. McNamara, Jr. 76, died at Crystal Coast Hospice House January 28, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Born in Albany, NY, Walter graduated from Albany Academy and Brown University. He served as a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps from 1961 to 1965, leaving the Corps with the rank of Captain. He worked as a pilot for United Airlines from 1965 until 1998, retiring as Captain of 747-400’s. Walter resided in Ridgefield, CT for 32 years and has been happily settled in New Bern, NC for the past 12.

Walter had a fiercely bright intellect, hilarious sense of humor, and stunningly quick wit. He had the rare ability to follow rules while still seeing what needed to be challenged and changed. His intense energy and great desire to right wrongs led him to develop terrific innovations that benefit United Airlines, his longtime hometown in CT, and his family and friends.

Walter started the first recycling center in the state of Connecticut in the 1970’s. His legacy stands today as the Walter J. McNamara, Jr. Recycling Center, which processes tons of recycling for the town of Ridgefield each year. While at United Airlines, Walter was active in the Airline Pilots Association. During a strike, Walter developed the Family Assistance Fund, allowing pilots and other airline employees to help each other through the tough financial times of a strike. This innovation was adopted by other airline unions and remains to this day. In the 1990’s Walter moved to a home on Mamanasco Lake in Ridgefield, which he gutted and renovated almost entirely himself. It was then that he became active in the Mamanasco Lake Improvement Fund, and spent a lot of time working to preserve the quality of the lake. He loved rowing on the lake and appreciating its beauty from his property.

Recent years have seen Walter turn his energy to flying his 1943 Seabee seaplane, traveling with his love, visiting family, and building furniture. Just a few months ago, he completely refurbished his rowboat to give to his grandchildren. Most of all, Walter had two simple and deep loves: his family and flying. He was known to tell people that his two daughters were his biggest accomplishment.

Walter is survived by the woman who has been his love and rock for 15 years, Lorraine Furia of New Bern; his daughter Betsy McNamara, her husband Dan Habib and their sons Isaiah and Samuel Habib of Concord, NH; his daughter Jill McNamara, her husband Ty Bachmann and their sons Drew and Brady Bachmann of Beaufort, SC; his sisters Mary Nathan and her husband Richard of Celebration, FL and Ellie Kazmier and her husband Gerald of Santa Ana, CA; his step-daughters Merri Boswell, her husband Bryon and their sons Pete and Josh of Breinigsville, PA, and Missy Oppizzi, her husband Dave and their sons David, Dean and Daniel of Rye Brook, NY; and, his former wife Jean DesBarres of Amelia Island, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held from from 11AM to 1 PM on Sunday, February 15th at Pollock-Best Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.pollockbest.com. Memorials, in Walter’s name, may be made to CCHC Foundation 1010 Park Ave, New Bern, NC 28562, www.cchcfoundation.org/journey-of-hope.com or Crystal Coast Hospice House 100 Big Rock Weigh, PO Box 640, Newport, NC 28570, www.crystalcoasthospicehouse.org, in appreciation of the wonderful care they provided Walter.

—by the family

Jack Sullivan

Firefighter Capt. John Lawrence (Jack) Sullivan passed away at home, Thursday, January 29th, 2015 at the age of 75.

Born October 4th, 1939, he was the eldest child of the late Postmaster John L. and the late Mary (Sfondrini) Sullivan.

Jack will be remembered as a dedicated veteran of The Ridgefield Fire Dept. He served his country in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army, stationed in Augsburg, Germany from 1957-59.  Jack was a member of The American Legion Post 78.

Between his Army service and his career as a firefighter, Jack worked both for Frank Serfillippi Construction and Nano Marconi Construction.

He was a five year member of the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Dept. before joining the Ridgefield Fire Dept. professionally in 1964.  In 1974 “Sully” became Lieutenant, followed by Captain in 1997. Jack continued to serve proudly, retiring in Dec. 2007, after 43 years of continuous service.

Jack attended school in Ridgefield, a member of the Class of 1957.  Known to most as “the quiet man with the dry wit,” Jack had many hunting, fishing, and drinking friends.  He was hard-working, industrious and extremely proud of the town of Ridgefield and the Ridgefield Fire Dept. His grandfather William E. Sullivan was one of the six founding fathers of the department in 1897.

Jack will be sadly missed by his sister Tamia J. Sullivan of Newport, RI, his brother Brian J. Sullivan of Ashland, OR, and his nieces Jessica Lawrence Phillips (husband Larry Phillips & son Major) of Newport, RI, Katherine Daught Jacob ( & fiancé Rustin Ryder) of Weston, CT., Erin Allen Jacob of Newport, RI, and nephew Merritt W.B. Jacob of Brooklyn, NY.

The Sullivan family will receive friends at Kane’s Funeral Home,  25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield, Wed. Feb. 4th from 4 P.M.- 7:00 P.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah St., Ridgefield, Thursday, Feb.5, at 10:15 A.M, and a military interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory to The Ridgefield Fire Dept. “Ambulance Fund” would be greatly appreciated by the Sullivan family.

—by the family

Kenneth Polverari

Kenneth Polverari, 70, of Ridgefield, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on January 16, 2015 after a brief illness.

Ken was born on August 16, 1944 in Danbury, CT to the late Gino Bob Polverari and Alda( Paolini) Polverari.

A lifelong resident of Ridgefield, he attended Ridgefield schools, was a US Navy Veteran and a honorary life member of the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Dept. Ken was a successful small businessman owning and operating Ace Tire Company of Ridgefield since 1975. He made a significant impact on his community and supported Ridgefield in many ways for over 40 years.

His hobbies include hunting and fishing, spending time in his house in Florida and cabin in upstate New York with his family and friends.

Ken made everyone laugh, he always had a good story to tell and his friends and family could always count on him tell it like it is. Most importantly, he will be remembered for his most loving and generous heart and for his love and commitment to his family; especially to his beloved parents.

He was a wonderful father, son, grandfather, and brother. His survivors include his daughters, Kristin Polverari Ryan of South Elgin, IL, Donna Polverari of Ridgefield, CT, and Renee Polverari of Hartford, CT, a sister, Maria Polverari of Oakley California and four cherished grandchildren, Gianna, Gabriella, Jaeden, and Macy who would always light up his life.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Peter Polverari. Friends can honor his precious memory by making donations to Wounded Warrior Project, the Ridgefield Fire Department or the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club. No words can express the profound loss felt by his family and friends. He will be missed but never ever forgotten. He has left us with memories, lots of laughs, and he will live in our hearts forever. “It is not the length of life, but the depths of life.”

Services were private.

Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield was in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

William Dickinson

William B. Dickinson, 78, of Ridgefield, passed away on February 3, 2015 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Mrs. Lee (Sykes) Dickinson.

Mr. Dickinson was born on August 14, 1936 in Summit, New Jersey; a son of the late Clarence and Georgia (Brown) Dickinson.

He had served in the Air National Guard and was a Labor Attorney for Olin Corporation.

A Ridgefield resident for the past 44 years coming from Chicago, Mr. Dickinson was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Ridgefield and also a member of the church vestry. He was a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club and his hobbies included gardening, reading and watching college sports.

In addition to his wife, Lee of 52 years, Mr. Dickinson is survived by two sons; Bruce and his wife, Joanna and Paul and his wife, Liza.

He is also survived by three grandchildren; Elizabeth Paige, Brady and Nathan.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:00 am at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; 351 Main Street, Ridgefield.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Ridgefield, CT.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

Robert I. Manson

Robert I. Manson, whose daughter Dana Powers resides in Ridgefield, died peacefully in his home on February 2. He was 96 years old. Born on May 4, 1918 in Red Bank, NJ, he was the son of Edna and William Manson. Bob grew up on the Navesink River in Red Bank and acquired a love of boating and the water. As a boy he built several boats of his own design; sailboats in the summer and iceboats in the winter. He and his brother Frank made their own water skis and even created trick skis.

Bob attended Amherst College and was an outstanding athlete on the track team. He was a 440-yard sprinter and ran in many collegiate races in Madison Square Garden and the old Boston Garden. Following his graduation from Amherst in 1940 he went into the family monument business in Red Bank. In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy and served as Gunnery Officer on a Destroyer Escort in the Pacific Theater.

After the war Bob married Evelyn Tigh and they settled in Red Bank. Tragically, Tigh succumbed to breast cancer shortly after the birth of their son, William. Bob, who found himself the single parent of two-week old Billy, was assisted by Tigh’s sister, Shirley Minton, and her family in Shrewsbury, NJ.In 1960 he married Susan Locklin and they had a daughter, Dana.

In 1975 he married Dorothy Blair who became the first woman mayor of Shrewsbury and after whom Manson Park was named. Bob called himself her “ardent admirer.” He became step-father to her four daughters. Bob and Dorothy traveled extensively, visiting exotic destinations world-wide and particularly enjoyed vacations on the legendary four-masted sailing ship, Sea Cloud.

For the past sixteen years, Audrey Marcoe has been a partner and companion on numerous trips and adventures throughout the world. Audrey and Bob spent 13 happy summers together on Martha’s Vineyard with visiting family. Audrey added joy and laughter to Bob’s final years.

Bob was employed by Johnson & Johnson, health care products for 20 years, rising to divisional vice-president. In 1967 he joined C. R. Bard Inc., a global company developing medical devices, retiring in 1983 as Group Vice-President in charge of their International Division. He volunteered many hours for the Shrewsbury Historical Society and for Christ Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury.

He leaves behind a legacy of proud service in World War II, his favorite double-breasted blue blazer bearing his Scottish family crest, his trade-mark eye-patch, and a fondness for a wee dram of Dewa’s before dinner.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his brother Gilbert, and sisters Ethel, Ruth, and Edna. He is survived by Audrey Marcoe of New York, NY, his brother, Frank of Gulf Breeze, FL; his son, William, of Durham, NC; his daughter Dana and her husband Tom Powers of Ridgefield, CT; stepdaughters Donna Blair of Forsyth, GA; Carrie Blair of Middleburg, VA; Georgia Blair and Robin Blair of Shrewsbury, NJ; grandson, Christian Manson and his wife Krista, of Portland, OR; and granddaughters Katherine and Grace Powers of Ridgefield, CT.

A memorial gathering was held on Tuesday February 10 from 4-6 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shrewsbury Historical Society, P.O. Box 333, Shrewsbury, NJ, 07702

—by the family

Pamela Spence Murray

Pamela Spence Murray, 54, of Manhattan and Bolton Landing NY on Lake George, died very unexpectedly on February 2, 2015 from complications of the flu.

She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Ridgefield CT where she graduated from high school in 1978. Pam was a Political Science major at Barnard College; class of 1982. She began her career in finance while an undergraduate at Barnard as an undergraduate, working at W.P. Stewart and obtaining her brokerage license as an undergraduate. Pam went on to become certified as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

For the past 15 years, Pam ran an independent business: Divorce AdvantEDGE. In this line of work she helped many through difficult times. She was instrumental in helping her clients achieve financial stability. She had a blog at divorceadvantedge.wordpress.com and her tweets on the subject reflected her straightforward approach to solving financial problems. Among her words of wisdom were, “Mediation will always save you money.” Her tweets provided advice on how to sustain one’s financial health during the holidays while in the midst of a divorce.

Pamela was an enthusiastic supporter of Barnard College serving as fund chair for her class, president of her class and as a fundraising volunteer. She also served as Reunion planning chair for her 30th reunion. She was a member of Marble Collegiate Church where she served as an usher and was active in all aspects of church life.

The family’s cottage in the Rainbow Beach Association, Bolton Landing, was an extremely beloved place. She was taken there as a four month old infant and grew to love and cherish Lake George and the RBA community.

Survivors are her mother, Joann Lee Spence, of Ridgefield CT and brother, Jeffrey of Bolton Landing, NY. Her father, James K. Spence, MD predeceased her in 1974.

Other survivors are cousins Larry lee and wife Sarah Richards, of Kirkland, WA; Randy Lee and wife Tanya of N. Billerica, MA; Allison Lee Ropes and husband Jeff of Bedford, NH; Alicia Lee Arnold and husband Peter of Goffstown, NH; and James Stavely and wife Polly of West Chester, PA. And eleven second generation cousins. She also leaves her companion, Thomas Douris of Manhattan.

Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Lake George Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 1250 Bolton Landing, NY 12814 or to the Ministry of Hospitality, Marble Collegiate Church, Fifth Ave. at 29th St. New York, NY 10001.

A Memorial Service followed by a reception will be held at noon on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the First Congregational Church, 103 Main St. Ridgefield. Ct 06877.

—by the family

Jessica (Gray) McLoughlin

Jessica (Gray) McLoughlin, age 31, of Stratford, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in Yale-New Haven Hospital.

She was born in Milford on October 24, 1983 to Timothy Gray, Sr. and Sheryl Brothers of Milford. Jessica was a graduate of Foran High School and received an associate’s degree in Visual Arts from Catherine Gibbs College in Norwalk.

A generous and gifted person, she will be remembered for her graphic design work at Hersam-Acorn newspapers and volunteer work with the Milford JayCees; as well as being an amazing mom, devoted wife and loving daughter.

Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband Thomas Joseph McLoughlin, children David and Lily, brother Timothy Gray Jr. and his wife Clair, stepmother Nancie Gray, stepgrandmother Helen Gray, maternal grandfather and step grandmother Mark and Marge Finck, maternal grandmother Elaine Catapano and a host of extended family.

She is also predeceased by her paternal grandparents John and Mildred Gray. Calling hours are Monday, February 16, 2015 from 4pm to 8pm at the Smith Funeral Home, 135 N Broad St., Milford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated directly in St. Mary’s Church, Gulf St., Milford at 10:30am on Tuesday, February 17th. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.gofundme.com/jessicamcloughlin

To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website www.georgejsmithandson.com

—by the family

Reid Johnson, 51, of Sandy Hook, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away on February 7, 2015.

Reid was born in Coral Gables, FL, the son of Thomas and Jo Ann (Cain) Johnson.

He attended Ridgefield schools and was a graduate of Ridgefield High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Baylor University.

Reid was active in Troop 116, Boy Scouts of America, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in January, 1981. He has been the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 770, Newtown, CT, for several years.

He was a Second Vice-President, Global Consolidation Group, General Reinsurance Corporation.

Reid was an active member of the Ridgefield Baptist Church where he had held the position of trustee for several years. He had a strong faith and the family finds peace and comfort in the knowledge that he is with his Lord and Savior now.

He is survived by his two children, Brandon and Amanda, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Johnson. He is also survived by two sisters: Ruth (Jonathan) Goldenthal and Heather (Jonathan) Blanchard, and three nephews, Alex, David, and Ethan Goldenthal. He is also survived by his former wife, Stephanie Bush. Other survivors include aunts and uncles Carolyn (John) Phares, Jim (Sally) Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson as well as two cousins, Shannon Phares and Mariah Blackwell.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Ridgefield Baptist Church, 325 Danbury Road, Ridgefield. Friends will be received at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Interment will take place in the spring at Maple Shade Cemetery, Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Johnson Children Education Fund: PO Box 459; Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield, is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

Bettye Hughes Turitto, age 95, passed away on December 12, 2014, at her home in Ridgefield, CT.

Born in New York City, on June 5, 1919, Bettye was the daughter of Thomas Lawrence Hughes and Elsie Jack Hughes. She graduated from the Todhunter School, and then began a career in retail. After working at Macy’s for several years, Bettye moved to San Francisco to be a buyer for Ransohoff’s. When she moved back to New York City in 1959, she worked as a buyer for Bergdorf Goodman until her retirement. Bettye was a trailblazer, a successful career woman, who traveled extensively, while a single mother for many years.

Bettye is survived by her daughter, Katherine Greenthal (John), of Niskayuna, NY, her cherished grandchildren Jamie Greenthal (Brooke) of New York City and Kate Greenthal of San Francisco, her nephew Lawrence Hughes of Alberta, Canada, as well as her great grandson, Hudson James Greenthal.

Bettye was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Elsie Hughes, Patricia Clark, and Thomas Hughes, her niece Kate Avery Clark, as well as husbands George Lowen, Samuel Rubin, and Dr. Lewis Turitto.

After retiring, Bettye dedicated herself to philanthropy and assisting those less fortunate than herself. She loved her adopted hometown of Ridgefield, supporting many local organizations, including the food pantry, the library, the animal shelter, to name just a few. In addition, she was especially devoted to The Coalition for the Homeless in New York City and The Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

Bettye was a staunch Democrat and enthusiastic supporter of Democratic candidates, both locally and across the country. And she voiced her opinions freely, never hesitating to pick up the phone and give her opinion to both her local representatives and the President on many an occasion.

Bettye’s family wishes to thank the many kind people who made it possible for Bettye to maintain her independence in her own home in recent years: Tom Giordano, Diane Hassan, Steve Lavatori, Raquel Paiva, Kelly Pinckney, and Edith Stilwell. The Visiting Nurse Service of Ridgefield and the Regional Hospice of Western CT provided extraordinarily tender care and comfort during her final months, with special gratitude to Mary Conte and Joan Thorburn. Finally, Joan & Tia Gayle were with Bettye during her final weeks, day and night, and her family is extremely grateful for their gentleness and grace.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bettye’s life will be held on Saturday February 21, 2015, at 11:30 am, at the South Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring Street, South Salem, NY. All are invited to a reception immediately following the service at Gallo Ristorante, 5 Grove Street, Ridgefield, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in her memory be made to Regional Hospice & Home Care of Western CT, 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury CT 06810, or to a charity of your choice.

—by the family

Barbara Ann Habekost, 78, of Ridgefield, passed away January 24, 2014 with her family by her side at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Daughter of the late William Otto Habekost and Maria Gruber Habekost, Barbara was born and raised in Stamford, CT. She moved to raise her children in Darien and later settled in Ridgefield. Barbara had been battling diabetes and renal failure for decades, but always persevered and never let her illnesses define her. Determined to live her life to the fullest Barbara loved to travel, read, garden, cook and volunteer for various organizations whenever possible. She was always happiest, however, when she was with her grandchildren and loved nothing more than making them smile.

Barbara is survived by her son Peter Zamolsky, his wife Lynda and their three children Alexis, Adam and William, her daughter Barbara Zamolsky and her son Michael Wynne, her daughter Kathie and her two daughters Nichole and Devon, her son Bill and his children Blake and Ashley and her brother Bill Habekost. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends.

A memorial service will be held to honor and celebrate her life early this summer, Barbara’s favorite time of the year at a time to be announced. Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

Lois Dudley passed away on January 14, 2015 at her home in Naples, Florida.  Born on July 22, 1928 in Burgoon, Ohio, Lois was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Murphy. Her husband of over 60 years, Alfred Dudley, predeceased Lois in 2012.  Lois is a former resident of Fremont, Ohio, Greenwich, Connecticut and Ridgefield, Connecticut.  She resided in Naples, Florida for over 20 years.

She is survived by her son, John Dudley of Danbury, Connecticut, spouse of the late Nancy Monahan Dudley, and son Richard Dudley and his wife Bonnie Dudley of Rowayton, Connecticut. Lois is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren including: Christopher and Kathryn Dudley and their daughter, Cameron Jane of Atlanta, Georgia; Erin Dudley Smith and her husband, Gordon Smith and their children Jackson and Grace of Jupiter, Florida; Lauren Dudley Stephens and her husband, Graham Stephens of New York, New York; and Katherine Dudley McGrath and her husband, John McGrath and their son John Jr. of Darien, Connecticut.

Lois was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield, Connecticut and St. John’s in Naples, Florida.  She was an avid golfer at Silver Springs Country Club and Audubon Country Club.  Perhaps her greatest love was gardening which she learned from her mother growing up in Ohio.

A funeral service will be held on February 28 at St Mary’s in Ridgefield at 10:15 a.m.  A burial service will be held in the spring in Ohio when she will be laid to rest with her husband, Alfred and their daughter, Barbara Ann Dudley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in her name to the charity of the donor’s choice. For online condolences, please visit fullernaples.com.

—by the family

Clifford W. Sloat, 84, of Ridgefield passed away on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2015 at his home. He was the husband of Mrs. Geraldine E. (Jones) Sloat.

Clifford was born in September 25, 1930 in Greenwich; a son of the late Leon and Margaret (Clark) Sloat.

He was a resident of Ridgefield for the past 50 years and worked as a TV service and communication repairman.

Clifford was an avid bowler. He also enjoyed NASCAR, skiing and snowmobiling.

In addition to Geraldine, his wife of 64 years, Clifford is survived by three daughters: Beverly (Richard) Atkinson of Ft. Lauderdale; Robin Sloat of Danbury and Cynthia (Dan) Casazza-Rader of Katonah.

Clifford is also survived by four grandchildren: Jennifer Atkinson-McGahey, Matthew Casazza Allison Casazza and Daniel Casazza; two great grandchildren: Abigail McGahey and Audrey Casazza; and by his twin sister, Doris (Sloat) Balk of Northfield, MA and her family.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 11 am at the Ridgefield Baptist Church; 325 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.

There will be no calling hours, interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider taking someone bowling, as it was one of Clifford’s favorite things to do.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

John Karwoski

John Nance Karwoski, 96, died at home Sunday, Feb. 22. Born in Stamford Aug. 13, 1918, John was the son of Polish immigrants John and Mary Pietzo Karwoski. He was the youngest of six children and the first in his family to attend college.

A graduate of Stamford High School where he was an avid baseball and football player, he earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama. His football career was briefly interrupted due to an injury and subsequently he was recruited by the University of Chattanooga. There he became so popular that his caricature was frequently depicted in local newspaper accounts of the games.

John’s football and college career were postponed during World War II when he served in an antiaircraft battery and as a radio instructor. He was awarded the good conduct medal. In 1945, it was back to the gridiron at Chattanooga where he was voted captain. In the same year he was selected as a Little All American. As a career highlight, in John’s last game, he led his team to beat Ole Miss, a formidable rival.

In 1946, John made headlines once again when he married his hometown sweetheart, Eileen Van Tronk. After graduation, John and Eileen returned to Stamford where he worked as a manager at Yale and Towne and then Norma FAG until retirement. John taught English as a second language to numerous immigrants in Stamford and mentored many young people from Poland. In 1959, he moved his family to Ridgefield where he became both a Babe Ruth and Pop Warner coach.

John was an avid golfer and loved woodworking, particularly building model ships and airplanes. He had a true zest for life and as he aged into his 90’s, he was fond of saying he couldn’t possibly be that old because he felt like he was only “50.” A kind and gentle soul, he will be remembered by many for his incredible patience, for driving everyone home after high school parties, cooking pre-game football breakfasts, and backyard barbeques. He was a father figure to many of his children’s friends and a favorite “grandpa” to many of his grandchildren’s friends.

He was a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club and Founder’s Hall.

Along with his wife of 69 years, Eileen, John is survived by his son, Rick and spouse Debbie of Manhattan Beach, Cal.; his daughters Leigh of Baltimore, Maryland, Michele of Raleigh, North Carolina and Gerri Lewis and husband Robert of Ridgefield. He is also survived by three grandchildren and their spouses: Tyson and Claire Lewis, Christian Lewis and Judi Lee of Brooklyn, and Gillian and Damien Sheerin of Ridgefield. He had six great grandchildren, Shelby, Miles, Holden, and Hunter Lewis and Lylah and Dylan Sheerin. A great grandson, Leroy Hayes Lewis, predeceased him. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Kane’s Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Calling hours and viewing are from 12 to 1. A private burial will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to: Founders Hall of Ridgefield, Town of Ridgefield Emergency Fund, or Regional Hospice of Danbury.

—by the family

Ann O. Potter

Ann O. Potter, 81, of Roswell, GA; formerly of The Villages, FL; Sarasota, FL and Ridgefield, CT passed away on February 18, 2015. She was the wife of the late Charles H. Potter.

Mrs. Potter was born on January 13, 1934 in Waterbury, CT; the daughter of Raymond and Alice (Donahue) O’Neil. She attended Waterbury schools and graduated from Waterbury Catholic High School. She graduated from Cornell University in 1955 with a B.S. in Home Economics and she received her M.S. in Education from Western Connecticut State University.

She taught 2nd grade in Ridgefield at Barlow Mountain Elementary School in the 1970s. When she relocated to Sarasota in 1977 she continued to teach before retiring in 1999.

Mrs. Potter was a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church of The Villages, FL and she was a former member of Incarnation Church of Sarasota, FL and of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Ridgefield, CT. While living in The Villages, FL, she cofounded the Sumter Singles Club. She loved to travel, especially with her grandchildren.

Mrs. Potter is survived by her four children: Charles “Bruce” (Elizabeth) Potter of Alpharetta, GA; David (Melissa) Potter of Wilmington, DE; Geoffrey L. Potter of Chambersburg, PA and Carole (Richard) Lessley of Roswell, GA.

In addition to her children, Mrs. Potter is survived by six grandchildren: Katherine (Tyler) Misel, Charles Potter, Christopher Potter, Andrew Lessley, Mary Potter and Sarah Lessley.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, as well as a brother; Eugene O’Neill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:15 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

Interment will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.

Genoveva Franco Howland, 78, of Ridgefield, passed away at home on February 21, 2015 at the Wilton Greens at Cannondale, in Wilton, Connecticut.

Genoveva, known as Veva to her friends and family was born on December 11, 1936 in Panama; a daughter of the late Judith Franco.

She attended school in Panama, before moving to Manhattan as a young woman, where she met and married her husband, the late Thielo Grey Howland, before moving to Ridgefield in 1983.

Veva, along with Thielo, was a seasoned world traveler, including boating excursions in the Caribbean, alpine skiing though the mountains of Spain, and multi-city European tours – there was hardly a place that they had not visited. Veva was also an avid gardener, and enjoyed tending to her gardens at her home on Doubleday Lane. She was a fantastic cook, and a wonderful host who took much pleasure in entertaining.

Veva is survived by a son, Richard Franco Howland, and his fiancee Lauren, of Ridgefield, CT.

She is also survived by the children of her late husband: John Howland and his wife Naomi, of Claremont, CA, Deborah Howland of Crawford, CO, and Andrew Howland and his wife Michele Berdy, of Carmel, NY. In addition, Veva is survived by seven grandchildren, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Veva is survived by one sister, Sarah Glattstein, of Madrid, Spain. She was predeceased by three sisters: Elvira Vilma, and Charlotte

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 12 noon at Bernard’s; 20 West Lane, Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Genoveva Franco Howland to the Alzheimer’s Association.

—by the family

Leonard Smith

Leonard Richard “Smick” Smith, 83, of Sarasota, formerly of Ridgefield, CT and Norristown, PA, passed peacefully at the Tidewell Hospice, Sarasota, Florida on February 26, 2015.

He was predeceased by his bride of 53 years, Bethanne Worth Smith whom he met while both were in high school.

Mr. Smith is survived by two daughters: Deborah Smith Delaney of Sarasota, Florida and Cynthia Smith Thiel of Huntington, Connecticut, eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

A highly decorated patriot who retired after an illustrious career in the United States Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Smith served in the Vietnam War, flew United States Air Force Presidential Support in the early 70’s, worked for NASA, and, when retired, flew the Executive Board of Mobil Oil.

In lieu of flowers, donations are to be sent to: That Others May Live Foundation, a foundation to benefit Air Force Search and Rescue Team members(www.thatothersmaylive.org)

Funeral services will be private.

Arrangements by All Veterans-All Families Funerals & Cremations (941) 377-1060.

—by the family

Samuel McCleery,

Samuel Derek McCleery of Newtown CT, formerly of Ridgefield, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 26, 2015.

Mr. McCleery was born in Bangor, Northern Ireland, and immigrated with his wife, Iris M. McCleery, to America in 1953.

Derek was the senior Vice President of Gulf+Western Industries until his retirement at age 50. Derek continued to work as a consultant in ad valorem taxation. He was the founder and president of the Institute of Property Taxation. Mr. McCleery had been very active in many community organizations, including The Boys and Girls Club, The Community Center, Board of Tax Review, Historical Society, and St. Stephen’s Church.

He was the husband of the late Iris McCleery. Mr. McCleery is survived by son Ian Michael McCleery, and daughters Sharron (Steve) Lavatori, Siobhan (Chris) Santini, and Stephanie (Robb) Heering, and by eight grandchildren Jeff Lavatori, Brandon, Michael, and Morgan Santini, and Robb Jr., Kyle, Derek, and Connor Heering.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield with the Rev. Whitney Altopp, Rector officiating.

Entombment will take place in the Crypt of St. Stephen’s Church at the direction of the family.

There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 6 Washington Square, P.O. Box 334, Newtown, CT 06470. Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, is in charge of arrangements.

—by the family

Antoinette “Toni” Francine LaBella, age 69, passed away on March 2, 2015 in Naples, Florida. Antoinette was raised in Ridgefield, CT by her parents, Mario Frulla and Anna Frulla. She graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1963. During her life in Naples, Toni enjoyed flowers, the beach, sunsets, and spending quality time with her friends and family.  Antoinette was preceded in death by her loving husband of 27 years, Richard D. LaBella. She is survived by her daughters, Tracy (Marc) DeBeradinis and Jennifer (John) Montoni, and five grandsons, Cole, Max, John-Carter, Teddy, and Nico. She will be missed dearly.

—by the family

Earl A. Robertson

Earl Albert Robertson, 93, of Hyannis, MA, formerly of Ridgefield, CT, died peacefully on March 8, 2015 at Windsor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Yarmouth, MA, after an extended illness.

Earl was born and raised in Brockton, MA and was a 1939 graduate of Brockton High School. He attended Northeastern University prior to his military career. During WWII, he served in the Army Air Corps, 380th Bomb Group (October 1942 – November 1945) in the Pacific theater. He flew 42 missions as a Flight Officer on the B-24 bomber, earning the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters and 8 battle stars. Following the war, Earl joined Northeast Airlines, where he installed and managed one of the nation’s earliest computerized reservation systems. He continued his professional career focused on data processing for the commercial airline industry (Teleregister, Bunker-Ramo and Raytheon). He was an active member of various professional airline associations including the Wings Club in Manhattan. He enjoyed golf, gardening, cooking and travel.

Earl was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Claire Dorothy (Hebert) in 1982. He was the beloved father of seven children: Claire “Bonnie” Jeanne Forbes of Yarmouthport, MA; Bruce Earl Robertson of Marblehead, MA; Mary Louise “Marylou” Poignand of Chatham, MA; David Charles Robertson of Buffalo, NY; Paul Francis Robertson of Encinitas, CA; James Edward “Jimmy” Robertson of Hyannis, MA; and Carol Robertson Mackenzie of Parker, CO. He leaves a legacy of 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on May 1, 10:15 am, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ridgefield, CT.

—by the family

John Barry Koren; known to many as “Barry”, 76, of Ridgefield; passed away on March 12, 2015 at the Danbury Hospital. He was the loving husband of Susan (Morgan) Koren.

Barry was born in New York, NY on September 3, 1938; a son of the late John and Virginia (Burney) Koren. He grew up in the Bronx and later lived in Astoria, Queens which was where he met his wife, Susan. He would walk over the Triboro Bridge on summer evenings to meet her at the Astoria pool.

He served in the US Army and he worked as a Lamp Mechanic specifically dealing with antiques.

He was an Auxiliary Police Officer in Astoria, Queens years ago and he had a true love of boating and deep sea fishing.

Barry is survived by his wife, Susan of 54 and a half years. He is also survived by his son, Jerry Koren and his wife Linda as well as two sisters: Arlene and Rosemarie.

In addition to his wife, son and sisters, Barry is survived by a grandson; Keith.

He was also predeceased by a son, John Barry Jr.

Friends will be received on Monday, March 16, 2015 from 5 to 8 pm at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 pm in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue – ROAR; 45 South Street, Ridgefield.

The family would like the thank Ridgefield Fire Department, Police Department and EMT’s for the wonderful care given.