Obituaries from the May 30, 2019 Issue

Ahern, Doris Dery

Doris Dery Ahern, age 90 of Milford passed away Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Danbury Hospital. She was the beloved wife of William Anthony Ahern. Born in New Britain, Doris was the daughter of Maurice and Antoinette DuBuc Dery. She retired after 35 years with S.N.E.T. and was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Doris loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, traveling and going to the casino. She is survived by her loving daughters, Carey Schierloh and her husband Ed of Sandy Hook and Maureen Wozniak and her husband Marty of Hamden, grandchildren, Kristin Moser and her husband Justin, Timothy Schierloh and his wife Stephanie, Matt and Dan Schierloh, great-grandchildren, Kyle and Jake Moser and Brady Schierloh. She was also predeceased by her sister, Irene Felty and brother, Paul Dery. Funeral services will be private. To send online condolences, please visit www.redgatehennessy.com.

Beers, Mary Hunter

Mary Hunter Beers, age 71, of Milford, died on Thursday, May 9, 2019. Mary was born in Milford on October 19, 1947 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Julia Osbourne Hunter. Mary was a retired payroll associate and worked at ADP for over 10 years. Mary was a member of the Greater Bridgeport Association of the Deaf, Southwest Deaf Senior Citizens and the CT Association of the Deaf. She was also a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Church in Stratford. Survivors include her children, Laureen Beers Smalley and her husband Tim of Henderson, NV and Harper John Beers of Milford, and grandson, Zylan Smalley. Services will be private. The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit, www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Breck, Helen Granger

Helen Granger Breck, age 87, formerly of Orange and more recently Milford, CT passed away on March 7, 2019, at Wesley Enhanced Living – Main Line in Media, PA.
The daughter of Joseph F. Granger and Helen Cosgrove Granger, she was born August 26, 1931 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Her younger brother, Joseph F. Granger, formerly of Media, PA, recently passed away also.

Helen was the beloved wife of the late Robert W. Breck (2001) whom she was married to for 43 years.

Helen earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and a graduate degree in education from Boston University. She taught in the Milford School District at Meadowside School for over 30 years until her retirement in 1995.

Helen enjoyed a 50 year membership to the Milford Yacht Club where she spent endless hours playing cards, sitting in the sun and being surrounded by all her friends. In recognition of their service on MYC boards and committees, both Helen and her late husband Bob were made honorary members of the Club in 1996.

Helen is survived by a son, Theodore F. Breck (Leslie) of Greenwich, CT; a daughter, Maryellen Ridinger (Robert) of Newtown Square, PA ; and five grandchildren, Sean (Lexi) and James Ridinger, Robert, Thomas and Eleanor Breck, and a great-grandson, Carson Breck Ridinger. She was predeceased by a daughter, Susan Breck.

A Mass in celebration of Helen’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 31 the Holy Infant Church in Orange, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to Macular Degeneration Research.

Brower, Shirley H.

Shirley H. Brower passed away on Monday, April 8, 2019 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. In her final hours she was surrounded by her devoted family telling her how brave she was. Her daughter Cathy Saffioti and her husband Paul, granddaughter Jennifer Kelly and her husband Joe, great-grandchildren Taylor Kelly, Justin Kelly, her grandson Nicholas Saffioti (Danielle) waiting by the phone and her best friend Jean Antisdel. Shirley is also survived by her son David Brower (Theresa), their three children and three grandchildren, her daughter Jeannie Carson (David) and their daughter Katie Carson. She was predeceased by her husband William J. Brower. Her Parents David Sturrock (Jean) and her sister Jean Marie Jones.

Shirley was brave her entire life. She survived the depression working hard on her family’s farm to help her parents. Chopping wood, milking the cows, taking care of the chickens and other livestock. She did what ever job was asked of her to help her parents keep the farm.

Shirley graduated from Laconia High School in Laconia, New Hampshire in 1943 and then off to New York. She graduated from The Powers School on Park Avenue New York City for modeling. After her Modeling career she moved to Boston and lived at the Franklin Square House while working as a secretary in an attorney’s office. It was in Boston where she met the love of her life at a dance and soon after became Mrs. William Brower. Her and her husband were married for 67 years. Once her children were grown, she worked as a secretary for her husband and then worked for Weber Grills demonstrating their grills all across Connecticut.

Shirley continued through her life to help others even when her young family was struggling themselves. Cathy recounts waiting on the porch of their tiny apartment while watching her mother carry food to a near by family in need, packing up boxes filled with food, clothes and toys which were sent to needy families across the southern parts of the US, and Shirley saving money each year to be sure a family in Derby, CT got a Thanksgiving Turkey.

Shirley was always teased about her love for shopping and all though that might be true. It was her way of being sure her children got what they needed, that every Christmas under the tree was filled with exciting presents and that she always was dressed to the nines for any event her husband’s career took them. Shirley did it all with bargain hunting to the max as she had envelopes ear marked for all that was needed.

She will be missed by her grandchildren Jennifer and Nicholas and her great-grandchildren Taylor, and Justin as she was a loving and devoted Mema.

There will be a memorial service at United Methodist Church, 811 East Main Street Branford, CT on May 18 at 11 a.m. Cathy would like to thank the following: CT Hospice staff, Nurses, Doctors and Volunteers for their warmth and kindness. Home Instead Senior Care in Guilford, CT for sending us Jean, Ann and Lindsey (our Angels). To Jackie and Kellen from Patient Care. A special thanks to Jean Antisdel and Terry (Theresa) O’Connor for becoming Shirley’s special friends. Please send a donation in Shirley’s honor to CT Hospice at 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT.

Delio, Gloria E

Gloria E. Delio, age 89 passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at CT Hospice, Branford surrounded by her loving family. Wife of the late Patsy Delio, Gloria was born in Milford on January 2, 1930, daughter of the late Elio and Teodolinda (Mainiero) Giordano.

Gloria loved to knit, crochet and made the best homemade fudge and pastina soup. She enjoyed trips to the casino, monthly lunches with a close group of girlfriends, volunteered at the Orange Community Center and was a regular at Starbucks. As the matriarch of the family, she enjoyed Sunday dinners at her home always whipping up a new dish.

Survivors include a daughter Nancy Pedula, a son Richard Delio, grandchildren Lisa (Fred) Blum, Patrice (Michael) Pedula, Robert Delio, great-grandchildren Freddie and Gabby Blum and daughter-in-law Mary Jane Delio. In addition to her husband, Gloria was predeceased by a son Robert (Wheels) Delio and sister Marie Dammassa. Gloria will be greatly missed by our family and anyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Smith Funeral Home, 135 Broad Street Milford, CT. Interment will be private. For directions and online condolences, please go to www.georgejsmithandson.

Farnam, Margaret Ann

Margaret Ann Farnam, age 90, of Milford, beloved wife of the late John Joseph Farnam, passed away on May 4, 2019. She was the daughter of the late John and Edith (Slaney) Maguire and was born on March 27, 1929 in Milford. Mrs. Farnam was a secretary with the Town of Stratford at both the Police Dept. and Town Hall before her retirement. For many years, she was an active member of the Milford Senior Center and enjoyed volunteering at Milford Hospital. Mrs. Farnam is survived by three devoted children, Mark Farnam of India, Maureen Donovan (Brian) of Pensacola, FL and Constance Zacchia (Richard) of Stratford. She also leaves four grandchildren, Laura Harrison, Emily Donovan, John Zacchia and Megan Zacchia, great-granddaughter, Brynley Harrison, her two sisters, Dorothy Grady of Milford and Ann Warner of Texas and many nieces and nephews. Her brother, John Maguire, Jr. and sisters, Ellen Maguire, Rose Dalton, Edith Goneconto, Catherine Paul, Mary Skudlarek and Virginia Taurick predeceased her. Calling Hours will be on Friday, May 10th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at the GREGORY F. DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 291 BRIDGEPORT AVENUE, MILFORD. Interment to follow at Saint Mary Cemetery, Milford. To share a memory, please go to www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Fox, John P.

John P. Fox, 78, of Orange, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Yale New Haven Hospital with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 27 years to Nancy A. Fox. John was born in New Haven on July 12, 1940 and was the son of the late John Henry and Mary Babyak Fox. He served his country faithfully in the U.S. Airforce during the Vietnam era. John had worked as an Electrical Foreman with Metro-North Railroad for 36 years, retiring in 2000 and was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. Father of Anne (Michael) Pasqualini, Deborah Fox, John Vincent (Rose) Fox, Susan (Chuck) Fisher, Michael (Janelle) Fox and Kim (Jay) Balocca. Stepfather of Richard (Jane) Kwieraga and John (Stacey) Kwieraga. Grandfather of Susanne and Theresa Pasqualini, John Jr., Nicholas, Lily, Amy Fox, Jack, Ally Balocca, Samantha, Alex, Emma, AJ, and Abbey Kwieraga. Brother of Regina Acampora and the late Barbara Alfano. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The visiting hours will be Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. in the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 11:30. Interment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Road, #200, Framingham, MA 01701www.northhavenfuneral.com.

Liebnick, Dr. Alan H.

Dr. Alan H. Liebnick D.D.S., 61, of Orange, devoted husband of Rose (Dubin) Liebnick, died on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Born in New York City, Jan. 22, 1958, Alan was the son of Selma (Cheskes) Liebnick of Sudbury, MA. and the late Victor Liebnick. Beloved father of Zachary, Olivia and Brandon Liebnick of Orange, CT. Brother of Cantor Marcie Jonas (Jeffrey) of Sudbury, MA. Funeral Services at Cong. Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd., Orange, Wednesday morning at 10:00 o’clock. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Leukemia& Lymphoma Society. A private period of mourning will be observed. The family will greet friends and relatives at Cong. Or Shalom at the Friday night Sabbath Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements in care of Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, New Haven. To sign an online registry book or to leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.shurefuneralhome.com.

Lynch, Carol A.

Carol A. Lynch, age 76 of Milford, passed away May 22, 2019 at Griffin Hospital in Derby. Carol was born in Derby, October 14, 1942, daughter of the late Walter and Stella Ritchie Hyman. She was employed as a machinist for Auto Swage of Shelton for many years until her retirement. She enjoyed going to tag sales, playing slots at the casino and kismet with her sisters. She was happiest when spending time with her family. She is survived by her sons James A. Lynch, and his wife Jennifer, William A. Lynch, and David W. Lynch and his wife Stacy Giangrande, her grandchildren Matthew Lynch and his wife Jennifer, Karla Swinyer and her husband Brad, Sean Lynch, Alec Lynch, Kaitlyn Lynch, Connor Lynch, and Maxine Lynch, her great-grandchildren Michael Lynch, Audrey Lynch, Jonas Swinyer, and Jacob Lynch, her sisters Verna Kusterer and her husband Ken, Betty Lou Pacheco and her husband Rudy, June Leja and her husband Richard, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Sean P. Lynch, and her sister Shirley Connors. Calling hours will be held Friday, May 24, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 135 Broad St, Milford with a service to be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday by Rev. Karl Duetzmann. A reception will be held immediately following the service at 605 Pond Point Ave., Milford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beth-El Center, 90 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT 06460. To leave condolences or for directions, please visit www.georgejsmithandson.com.

Rusanowsky, Paul

Paul Rusanowsky, 88, of Milford, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019. He was married to Marilyn Grace Opas, the love of his life, for 54 years and was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, father-in-law, grandfather and uncle. Paul was the son of Russian immigrants Pavel Daniel and Anna (Gumela) Rusanowsky and was born in his parent’s home in Orange, CT on June 25, 1930. He grew up on the Rusanowsky family farm on Wolf Harbor Rd. in Milford, graduated from Milford High School in 1949 and attended Princeton University.
In 1953, he worked as a reporter for the Ogdensburg Journal in Ogdensburg, NY. He sailed the Great Lakes for the 1956 season as part of the Merchant Marine and then traveled through Europe for 2 years and returned home to work as a reporter for the Bridgeport Telegram. In 1960, he moved to Puerto Rico to work for the San Juan Star as a reporter and later as an editor. In 1964, he married Marilyn Grace Opas, a “New York City Girl”. He then became a writer for the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company and wrote speeches for numerous Puerto Rican governors. In 1983, he moved his wife and two daughters back to the family farm in Milford, CT and worked in the Puerto Rican government office in New York City until he retired in 1996.

Paul is survived by his wife, Marilyn Rusanowsky; daughters, Nina Barrett (John) of Milford and Tanya Michaelson (Marc) of Orange; his grandchildren, Patrick and Joshua Barrett and Amelie and Phineas Michaelson; his brother, Daniel Rusanowsky (Helen) of Milford and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Pavel Daniel and Anna Rusanowsky and three of his brothers, Peter, Alexander and Nicholas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Woodmont United Church of Christ, 1000 New Haven Ave., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Milford Land Conservation Trust at www.milfordlandtrust.com. Interment will be private.

Sipos, William J.

William J. Sipos, age 85, beloved husband of Susan Brown Sipos, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2019 with his loving family by his side. Bill was a longtime resident of Trumbull, most recently residing in Milford. Born on January 9, 1934 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Gabor and Elizabeth Jaszai Sipos. A U.S. Army Veteran who served with the 562nd Combat Engineers at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Upon release of service, Bill was a painting contractor for 50 years and was the owner of Bill Sipos and Son Painting. He was an avid coin collector, loved watching the UCONN Lady Huskies, the New York Jets, enjoyed attending the Danbury Stock Car races and loved a good road trip. Above all things, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, who called him by his preferred nickname, “Ampie.” The memories they shared will always live in their hearts. In addition to his beloved wife, Susan, of 59 years, survivors include three loving children, William J. Sipos, Jr. and his wife Kathy, Carol Sipos and her fiancé Kimberly Carlin and Joanne Thompson and her husband Scott, four cherished grandchildren, William J. III and Kelly Sipos and Jayme and Nicole Thompson, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Gabor Sipos, Helen Tomczyk and Elizabeth Soltis. We wish to thank Dr. Jacqueline Satchell and the West Haven VA for their care and compassion. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.

Staurovsky, Elizabeth L.

Elizabeth Louise Staurovsky, age 89, of Milford, beloved wife of the late John M. Staurovsky, died on Wednesday, May 15th, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth was born in Milford on February 2, 1930 to the late Joseph and Julia Pal Novak. Elizabeth was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She worked at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Pond Point Nursing Home and retired from Milford Hospital. She was a member of the Saint Mary’s Parish Nurses Association as well as the Saint Mary’s choir. Elizabeth enjoyed traveling with her husband both overseas and to his naval reunions. Survivors include her children: Robert (Cathy) of Stratford, Stephen (Robyn) of Milford, Joseph (Pam) of Shelton, James (Lori) of Milford and Susan of West Hartford, six grandchildren: Stephen (Crystal), Nicholas, Shaye, McKenna (Mark), Caitlyn and Sebastian, one great-grandson, Logan, sister-in-law, Carolyn Drotar and several nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was predeceased by her seven siblings, Margaret, Ann, Louis, Joseph, Steve, John and Robert. Friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated following the calling hours at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the Redeemer Church, 325 Oronoque Road, Milford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.

Wedereit, Marianne Sachnik

Marianne Sachnik Wedereit, 94, of Milford, CT, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019. She was the beloved wife of the late Hans Wedereit. Born in Gleiwitz-Silesia, Germany on November 17, 1924 she was the daughter of the late Theodor and Maria Sachnik. She and her husband were owners of Wedereit’s Delicatessen in Bridgeport until their retirement in 1986.

She was a good and loving mother and grandmother, always sacrificing for her children. She faced many hardships in her life, but she always displayed extraordinary courage and kindness to others. Her pride and joy was her granddaughter, Christine whom she loved and adored.

She is survived by her daughters, Monika and her husband Anson Noe and Sylvia and her husband Nicholas Matiuck, her granddaughter Christine and her husband John Georg and her two great-grandchildren Charlotte and Matthew Georg.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Burial will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders or the American Humane Society. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.