Obituaries From The Sept. 20, 2018 Issue

Bell, Roderick James Chisholm

Roderick James Chisholm Bell, age 73, of Orange entered into rest on September 6th, 2018, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was the devoted husband of the late Annie (Chisholm) Bell. Mr. Bell was born in Saltcoats, Scotland, son of the late Henry and Jenny Bell and was a longtime resident of Orange. He was a salesman with Plimpton & Hills plumbing supplies for over 40 years. In his off time he enjoyed taking care of his yard and flowers and spending time with his family. Mr. Bell is the beloved father of Scott Bell of Orange and Wayne Bell of Milford and loving grandfather of Daniel Bell, Andrew Bell, Krystal Bell, and Brittney Bell and great grandfather of Athena and Sophia Manzano. Friends may call on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.

Chapman, Mary Blanche

Mary Blanche Chapman, 94, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at home. She was born on July 6, 1924 in Raven Run, PA to the late Ralph and Mildred Ebener.

Blanche proudly served her country in the United States Navy and later became a Public Accountant and worked with her husband in their family accounting practice. She loved traveling, crossword puzzles, and she was an avid reader. Blanche also enjoyed a great social life and playing Poker and Bingo. She will be missed by her family and her many friends.

Blanche is survived by her children, Austin G. (Kathleen) Chapman III, and Ralph E. (Linda Deck) Chapman; her grandchildren, Michelle (Robert Luhrs) Chapman, and Justin (Shayla Ferraro) Chapman; her great-grandchildren, Hayden and Bennett Luhrs, and Harper Chapman; and her nieces and nephews, MaryAnn Wilhelm, Susan Blaschak Mironov, Anthony Blaschak, and Daniel Blaschak. Blanche was predeceased by her siblings, Carolyn Tiede, Ruth Ebener, Jean Blaschak and Doris Gehart.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 21 Robert Treat Pkwy, Milford, CT. Interment will follow at King’s Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street Milford, CT 06460. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Ferguson, William F.

William F. “Bill” Ferguson 86, of Orange, beloved husband of the late Eileen Murphy Ferguson passed away on September 13, 2018. Loving father of Patrick J. “PJ” (Jeniene) Ferguson of Hamden, William J. (Carmel) Ferguson of Darien and John (Lisa Fedick) Ferguson, Michael E. (Maureen) Ferguson and Elizabeth (Timothy) Deane all of Orange. Grandfather of Moira, Kaleigh, Connor, Morgan, Patrick, Liam, Brendan, Murphy, Mairead Mac and Nyjahwahn. Brother of Patricia Ferguson of New Hampshire and Raymond Ferguson of Branford. Bill was born in New Haven on September 21, 1931, son of the late William O. and Agnes Whelan Ferguson. Bill was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School and Boston University. Prior to his retirement Bill was the owner of All Sports Hockey Equipment of Orange, Monroe Industries and Skate World Roller Skating Rink along with his late wife Eileen. Bill served his country faithfully in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. The Ferguson family would like to thank the staff at Maplewood at Orange for the special care shown to their father during his time of illness.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd. West Haven MONDAY morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Infant Church at 10:00. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Orange Center Cemetery. Friends may call SUNDAY from 3 p.m. to 7 pm.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 322 8th Ave 7th floor New York, NY 10001. Sign Bill’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.

Hofmiller, Matthew T.

Matthew T. Hofmiller, age 66, of Milford passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 in the West Haven Veteran’s Hospital. He was born on October 22, 1951 in Hartford to the late Raymond and Helen Granitin Hofmiller. After graduating from Bullard Havens in 1969, he proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Upon concluding his military service, he worked for Raybestos, Bridgeport Machine and Moore Tool & Die. Before retiring, he was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft for 26 years as a machinist. An active member of the community, he was a member of the Sikorsky Retirement “25 Year Club”, an avid sports enthusiast, a history buff and enjoyed playing horseshoes. Most of all, he will be remembered for his devotion to his family. A loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle, he is survived by his daughters Tina McSweeney and her husband John of Waxhaw, NC, and Heather Phaneuf of Naugatuck, son Matthew T. Hofmiller, Jr and his wife Irina of Bedford, NY, brothers Robert Hofmiller and his wife Elaine, Joseph Hofmiller and Douglas Ruscoe and his wife Agnes, sisters Sandy Ruscoe, Carole Negron and her husband Raymond, and Nancy Lacko, his sister-in-law Kitty Hofmiller, grandchildren Johnny, Megan, Jimmy, Ryan and Danny, along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Raymond Hofmiller and sister Jane Ruscoe. Calling hours are Friday, September 14, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St., Milford. A funeral service will be held during the visitation at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home with full military honors to follow the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancercare for Veterans, 275 Seventh Ave., NY, NY 10001 or to American Cancer Society, 1075 Chase Pkwy #4, Waterbury, CT 06708. To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website at www.georgejsmithandson.com.

Ivanovich, David L. Sr.

David L. Ivanovich Sr., age 74, of Milford, CT and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, beloved husband of Ellen Morey Ivanovich, passed away on September 2, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born in Bridgeport on March 4, 1944 to the late Louis and Stephanie Drank Ivanovich, and has been a life long area resident. He was the long-time proprietor of Dave’s Mobil and Dave’s Automotive in Stratford. Dave was an officer of the St. Catherine Club, whose constant fund raising efforts helped the St. Catherine of Siena School, and an avid supporter of St Joseph High School where his children both graduated. A graduate of Bullard Havens Technical School, Dave was an ASE Certified Master Mechanic and a mentor for many young mechanics in the area. He was also a proud member of the Rosebud Athletic Association. He had an abundant love for his family and too many friends to count. Dave and Ellen loved to travel to fields and gyms across the state watching their grandchildren compete in their various sports. A genuine man with an enormous heart and a strong will which stayed with him until the end, he was beloved by everyone who knew him. His enthusiastic, if disgruntled, support for the Dallas Cowboys was legendary. David and Ellen had a true love for the water, as they chose to live on the beach for the last 20 years. They loved providing a sanctuary of entertainment for all family and friends. His family would like to thank Dr. Baehring and his team, including Shay at Smilow, and Dr. Hal Tara for their guidance and support. A special thanks goes to CT Hospice for their wonderful care this past year and to the extraordinary caregivers at Bishop Wicke. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife of 55 years, include his devoted children, Tracey Picarazzi and her husband Guido of Trumbull and David L. Ivanovich Jr. and his wife Debra of Milford, his cherished grandchildren, Guido III and Dante Picarazzi, and Abigail and Lilia Ivanovich, his devoted brother Thomas Ivanovich and his wife Andrea of Trumbull, and his sister, Robin Hainsworth and her husband Thomas of Florida, William and Marilyn Morey, Kevin and Karen Morey, of Trumbull and Paul and Kathie Larosa of Rocky Hill, devoted brothers and sisters in law, as well as several nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 7th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. meeting directly at St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Road, Huntington. Interment will follow in Nichols Farm Burial Ground, Trumbull. Friends may greet Dave’s family on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in memory of Dave to: Glioblastoma Research Cause through Smilow www.givetoynhh.org/donate For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com.

Moeller, Thomas

Thomas A. Moeller, age 70, of Orange passed away on August 29, 2018 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. For the past 49 years, he was the loving husband of Janice Richter Moeller. Tom was born in Waterbury, son of the late Alfred and Mary O’Keefe Moeller. He is also survived by his children Megan (Rob) Schumann of Orange and their children Evan and Ryan, and Christopher Thomas (Abbey) Moeller of Charlotte, North Carolina and their children Austin and Kaitlynn. In addition, he is survived by his niece Dana (Paul) Doscher, nephews Jeff (Melody) Moeller, and Nick Moeller. He was predeceased by his brother, John Moeller. Tom’s family is deeply appreciative of the outstanding care provided by his Yale New Haven Health care team.

A celebration of his life is being planned by his family. West Haven Funeral Home at the Green is entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and additional information, please visit our website at www.westhavenfuneral.com.

Opalinski, Gertrud

Gertrud Opalinski, of Milford, beloved wife of the late Jerzy A. Opalinski, passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2018. Born in Germany on January 26, 1932, she was the only daughter of the late Willie and Johanna Flessa. Survivors include her daughter, Janet Barrille of Milford, several nieces, nephews and cousins. At Gertrud’s request, there are no calling hours and interment will be private. Gertrud had a great love of animals, books, and the beach. So, when you can love an animal in need, find a book you’d like to read or come upon an amazing beach day – enjoy every minute – and please know she will be smiling down on you! Should friends desire, a memorial contribution may be sent to the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610 foundation@bpthosp.org.

Pistey, Catherine A.

Catherine A. Pistey, age 80, of Milford, wife of the late Arthur W. Pistey, died on Monday, August 27, 2018 after a long illness.

Cathy was born in Bridgeport to the late Fingal and Helen (Porado) Johnson. She retired from Photographic Research Organization where she had been employed for over 30 years.
Her joy in life was time spent with her family. Cathy also loved her church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she had many friends.

Survivors include her two beloved daughters, Dawn DuBoys and Wendy Williams and her husband, James, all of Milford; three loving grandchildren, Casey Williams, Corey Lotko and Tyler DuBoys; one sister, Joan Kranak of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Johnson and son-in-law, Steven DuBoys.

At Cathy’s request, all services will be private. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions in her memory to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 283 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, CT 06460. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences online.

Rush, Jeanette L.

Jeanette Lee Rush, age 70, a lifelong Milford resident, passed away in her home on Thursday, August 30, 2018. She was born on January 22, 1948 to the late LeRoy and Vivian Johnson French. A devoted mother, grandmother and foster care provider, she is survived by her children Pamela Eckenrode, David, Lorie, Jodi, James and Santos (Miranda) Rush. Grandchildren Jacob Eckenrode, Nicole (Becky) and Austin Rush, Anthony, Michael and Kaytlin Assad, Justin Cornell, baby Mokili and sister Royanne (Duane) Golash. Besides her parents, she is predeceased by her loving husband Donald C. Rush and sister Carol Sweeney. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Smith Funeral Home, 135 Broad St., Milford. Interment will be private. To leave condolences or for directions, please visit our website at georgejsmithandson.com.

Servadio, Rino J.

Rino John Servadio, 77, of Milford, beloved husband of Jane Sullivan Servadio, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2018. Born on December 24, 1940 in Bridgeport, CT, he was the son of the late Julius and Ida Biagiarelli Servadio.

Rino grew up in Bridgeport and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for the United States Postal Service and retired from the Bridgeport office after over 30 years of employment. He was the best guy in the world and will be greatly missed.
Rino is survived by his wife, Jane; sister, Florence Saad; niece and nephew, Lisa (Alex) Fedorka, and Gregory (Michele) Saad; and several great- nieces and nephews. Rino was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Howard Saad.

All services will be private. The family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.

Sidarweck, William Sr.

William Sidarweck Sr., age 67 of Milford, beloved husband of the late Corinne Sidarweck and Kathy Jacobi died peacefully on Tuesday September 4, 2018. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late John and Mary Sidarweck. A resident of Milford since 1991, he was a graduate of Sacred Heart University with a degree in Psychology and received his master’s in Psychology from the University of Bridgeport. William was a school psychologist for the Bridgeport School System and was on the Board of Directors of Bridges in Milford. He was a basketball coach for Assumption School in Fairfield and a referee for Bridgeport, locally at the Shehan Center for many years.

Survivors include his children William Sidarweck and his wife Stephanie of SC., Christopher Sidarweck and his wife Penny of Milford, Sarah Sidarweck of Milford, grandchildren Jason, Audrey, Gianna, John, Evelyn, Molly and Jackson, stepchildren Leo, Shannon, David and Maria, step grandchildren Vanessa and Jason.

Calling hours will take place on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main St. Bridgeport. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the Commerce Hill Funeral Home followed by interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. If desired, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of ones choice in memory of William. For online condolences, to light a virtual candle and get directions visit us at commercehillfh.com.

Wanosky, Jerold M.

Jerold (Jerry) Wanosky passed on August 27, 2018. He was 76 years old. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Robin of Woburn, MA; son, Eric (Courtney) and granddaughter, Sofia, all of New Providence, NJ. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, brother (Chuck), and first wife (Patricia).

Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Stamford High School. He earned a B.S. degree in Biochemistry from the University of Connecticut. He earned a Master’s Degree in Science Education and Biology from Fairfield and Southern Connecticut Universities. He also received a certificate of advanced study in Administration from Southern Connecticut University.

Jerry was a retired teacher and school administrator. He was a science teacher at Rippowam High School in Stamford. He then served as the science department head and assistant principal at Westhill High School. In 1988, he was appointed Principal of Turn of River Middle School. He later became principal of West Shore Middle School and Jonathan Law High School in Milford, CT. Upon his retirement, he was appointed director of the student teacher program at Quinnipiac University. Jerry also served in the Connecticut National Guard from 1964-1970.

Jerry served on several Milford boards and commissions. They include the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Board of Education as Chairperson, Board of Aldermen, and the Police Commission.

At Jerry’s request, no services will be held. The family is being compassionately cared for by the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.