May 272013
 

stankyeDiane Levine Stahnke, 62, passed away on May 23, 2013 at home in Orange surrounded by her family.

For the past two years, Diane has fought an inspirational battle with cancer. She was born on April 16, 1951 in New Haven, the daughter of the late Murray and Goldie Cohen Levine.

She leaves behind her husband of thirty years, Carl Stahnke and her children, Dara and Ben Stahnke. She also is survived by her two brothers Joel (Ann) Levine of Laguna Hills, CA, and Allen (Shelly) Levine of Brookfield, CT.

Diane was educated at Lee High School (class of 1969), University of New Haven, and received her Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.

Diane worked in real estate at George Smith and later Coldwell Banker in Milford before finding her life’s passion in her field of social service.

She worked for several years at Jewish Family Services in New Haven, before striking out to open her own social service agency, Positive Services For Kids (P.S. Kids) in 2007.

In her free time, she liked nothing more than walking by the beach in Woodmont or West Haven and collecting pretty seashells, and beach glass from vacations. Diane loved traveling to the warm and sunny places like Mexico, California, and the Southwest, but also most of New England and New York City.

She really loved her family and also her many friends like her tennis gals, her book club buddies, her gym girls and her walking friends. No one who met her ever forgets her enthusiasm for living life to the fullest. Although we will all miss that “fiery redhead”, we are all better people for having known her.

We would like to thank the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven and the angels at Connecticut Hospice for her care.

Funeral services were held at Robert E. Shure Funeral Home, 543 George Street, New Haven SUNDAY MORNING with interment services at The Beth Israel Cemetery, Derby/Milford Rd., Orange.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Conn. Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or to a charity of one’s choice . www.shurefuneralhome.com

May 082013
 
John Lucia

John Lucia

John J. Lucia, age 81, of Orange, beloved husband of Susan Cimmino Lucia, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2013 at Lord Chamberlain Manor with his loving family by his side.

Born on March 2, 1932 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late John E. and Angelina Volpe Lucia.

John grew up in Bridgeport and had been employed by Bridgeport Machines Inc. as a Quality Control Supervisor before his retirement with 40 years of dedicated service.

John had an interest in the field of RC modeling and took great pleasure in building and flying model air planes. He was a past President of the Radio Control Club of CT. John and Sue were avid travelers and enjoyed many vacations with family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife of 58 years, Susan, survivors include his loving children, a son, Glenn Lucia and his wife Jo-Anne of Shelton, a daughter, Diane Cerretta and her husband Daniel Sr., of Stratford, four cherished grandchildren, Daniel Cerretta Jr., Michael Cerretta, Lauren Lucia and Julianne Lucia, a sister Katherine Luciano of Trumbull, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lord Chamberlain Manor for the passionate care and love shown to John and his family.

Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association , P. O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492.

To light a virtual candle, visit www.abriola.com.

May 022013
 
Melissa Jamidar

Melissa Jamidar

Melissa Snow Jamidar of Guilford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved wife of Dr. Priya A. Jamidar. Melissa was born March 8, 1961 in New Britain, daughter of Raymond Charles Snow and Nellie Tarauskas Snow. She was the loving mother of Christopher Jamidar and Tristan Jamidar.

She is survived by her aunts, Julia Strawhince of Orange and Barbara Delaney of Chester. She was predeceased by her brother Jonathan Snow.

Melissa attended Moreland Hill School in Kensington and then New Britain High School. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College in Boston. Worked at the Wadsworth Athenium in Hartford and then in the UCONN media center.

After marriage, she and her husband Dr. Priya Jamidar moved to Los Angeles. She worked at the Getty Conservation Institute and the Los Angeles public library (Pacific Palisades branch). She returned to Connecticut in 2004.

She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed sailing. She was a member of the Pine Orchard Yacht Club , the Guilford Racquet Club and the Sachem’s Head Yacht Club.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St., Guilford on Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Melissa Jamidar Fund, c/o Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St., Guilford, CT 06437.

Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com

May 022013
 
Charles Moran, 77, Former Orange School Teacher, Charitable Man

Charles Moran

Charles E. Moran, age 77, of Branford, passed away on April 29, 2013 in St. Raphael Hospital.

Born in New Haven on June 12, 1935, he was the son of the late Charles E. Moran, Sr. and Margaret E. Connolly Moran.

Charlie was a graduate from Fordham University then continued on to SCSC & Fairfield University where he received his Master’s Degree.

He was a school teacher (Race Brook School) for 38 years for the Orange Board of Education. Charlie was a lifelong resident of New Haven before moving to Branford 15 years ago.

He was a very charitable man, donating his time and money to many worthy organizations. He was a devoted son, always taking care of his mother in her time of need.

He is survived by cousins, including Diane Yarish of Salem, New York, nephews, nieces and a host of friends.

Friends may visit with his family at the BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

His funeral will be Friday at 9:00 AM from the Funeral Home with his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in St. Elizabeth Church on Burban Dr. in Branford.

Interment will follow the Mass in All Saints Cemetery, North Haven. Contributions in Charlie’s memory may be made to The Orchard House, 421 Shore Drive, Branford, CT 06405.

To send a condolence to his family please see: www.beecherandbennett.com.

Apr 272013
 
The late Ed Sheehy

The late Ed Sheehy

Amity Principal Charles Britton sent this e-mail on Saturday, prior to Mr. Sheehy’s funeral service.

On behalf of the entire faculty, staff, students, and administration at Amity Regional High School, I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Sheehy Family and the Woodbridge community.  In Dr. Brady’s message to staff, he said that “First Selectman Edward Maim Sheehy was one of Amity’s strongest and most dependable supporters.  He truly respected the work we all do every day and he recognized the value we provide to the community by educating not only Woodbridge youth but students from our entire district.”  He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Charles Britton

Apr 232013
 
Woodbridge First Selectman Edward Sheehy

Woodbridge First Selectman Edward Sheehy

Edward Maum Sheehy, 73, first selectman of Woodbridge, attorney & loving husband to Eleanor Sanders Sheehy of Woodbridge, entered into eternal rest April 22. He was born April 1, 1940 in New Haven, son of the late Michael & Lorretta O’Neil Sheehy.

He was a graduate of the Assumption School in Ansonia, the Fairfield Preparatory School, Yale University, and the University of Connecticut School of Law, and practiced in the law firm of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter in Southport.

He was first elected to the Woodbridge board of selectmen in 1979, and during his tenure served in many capacities. He served 3 terms as first selectman and was running for his fourth term. He served as the editor in chief of the Connecticut Law Review and past president of the Connecticut Bar Association, the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, and the University of Connecticut Law School Alumni Association.

He was also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and an advocate of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was a life fellow both of the American Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association.

He was appointed by Chief Justice of Connecticut Supreme Court as a member of Civil Commission, Recipient of Career Service Award, Greater Bridgeport Bar Association, Recipient of Connecticut Bar Association John Eldridge Shields Distinguished Professional Service Award, and recipient of Connecticut Defense Lawyers Award for Outstanding and Distinguished Service to the Defense Bar.

In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Mary Rose Sheehy of Woodbridge, three sons, Michael Sanders Sheehy & his wife Lindsay of Wilton, Patrick Goode Sheehy of Woodbridge & John O’Neil Sheehy of West Hartford, two grandchildren Hannah Sheehy & Rory Sheehy of Wilton and several cousins, nieces & nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday April 27 at 10:00 a.m.with friends asked to go directly to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road (Rte. 114) in Woodbridge. Burial will follow in Milfordside Cemetery in Woodbridge.

Friends may call on Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church of Woodbridge.

The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, (www.jenkinskingfh.com) is entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to his church, Our Lady of the Assumption, or to the University of Connecticut Law School Foundation.

Apr 232013
 

thumb3_white_dove_5-1George Doran Lucas, age 89, passed away peacefully at the Westerly Hospital in Westerly, RI. on March 12th, surrounded by his family.

He had lived for five months at the Carriage House in Westerly, preceded by six happy years at the Elms, a retirement residence. Prior to that he lived in Milford, CT. for 56 years, one block away from Gulf Beach.

Born in Bridgeport, CT. to Gawn Orr Lucas and Daisy Hart Lucas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army AirCorps at the beginning of World War II. He served as an air traffic controller at various airfields in Europe throughout the war.

He married the former Irene Burritt in 1947 and spent his working career in CT. at the Singer Sewing Machine Company and Raybestos Company as a production manager. He welcomed his only child, Bryan Lucas, in 1950. His granddaughters, Valerie and Audrey, arrived in 1988 and 1994.

George enjoyed many hobbies including walking, golf, gardening, softball and bike riding. He and his younger brother Harold were members of the Orange Hills Country Club in Orange, CT. and the Lucas boys frequently partnered together for competitive rounds of golf.

He was a member and former officer of the American Legion Post #34 in Milford, CT. He was known for his outgoing personality and warm regard for friends and neighbors, always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was recognized for his long, daily walks to and around Gulf Beach in Milford, CT. regardless of inclement weather. He would walk for three to six miles a day through his seventies. His neighbors’ fondly dubbed him “the mayor of Milford.”

George is survived by his son Bryan Doran Lucas and daughter-in-law Lynn Gauman of Wakefield, his granddaughter Valerie Gauman Lucas of North Hollywood, CA. and his granddaughter Audrey Gauman Lucas of Wakefield. His beloved wife Irene Burritt Lucas preceded him in death in 2007. His dear brother Harold preceded him in death by one day.

A memorial service will be held at the Woodmont United Church of Christ, 1000 New Haven Avenue, Milford CT 06460, on Saturday, April 27th at 1130 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Saint Andrew Preschool, 15 East Beach Road, Charlestown RI 02813. For guest book and condlonces,averystortifuneralhome.com

Apr 222013
 

Sabra ThomasSabra Joyce Thomas, 81, passed into eternal rest on April 19, 2013 in the arms of her children and husband after a long, valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sabra was born on October 2, 1931 in West Haven , Connecticut the daughter of the late George Hoggan, Sr. and Helen Hayes Hoggan.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Robert J. Thomas and her children, Roberta Thomas Mancuso (Greg), Randy (Kimberly Phelan) and Jodie-lee Thomas (Bryan Golembowski) as well as her five loving grandchildren, Jessica Hallock and Kaitlin, Jenna, Kelly and Robbie Thomas. She was predeceased by her brother, George Hoggan, Jr.

Sabra graduated from West Haven High School in 1949 and Stone Business College in 1951. In her early career, she was employed as the executive assistant to one of the Vice Presidents at the Armstrong Rubber Company in West Haven, Connecticut.

She married the love of her life in 1956 and raised three adoring children. A homemaker and mom for many years, she returned to work in 1972 at Southern Connecticut State University as the administrative assistant to the professors in the College of Counseling and School Psychology where she enjoyed her career until her retirement in 1992.

Sabra was a talented artist, enjoying oil painting, poetry and her camaraderie with her Bridge Group, the Dogwood Dollies with whom she played Bridge for nearly 40 years. She loved hiking and being outdoors and especially the shoreline. She also loved animals.

She was an ardent women’s basketball fan and traveled to see both the UCONN women and The Connecticut Sun on several occasions. She loved travel with her husband, family and close friends, having been to almost every US State and abroad as well. The most important part of Sabra’s life was her family and doing things for them.

The smallest gesture from Sabra spoke volumes to all who knew her. She heaped love and attention on all 5 of her grandchildren any chance she got. She will be missed by many for her beautiful smile and her kindness.

Sabra’s family would like to acknowledge and thank those who helped make her last year as enjoyable as possible, Maria Biondi from the Orange Visiting Nurse Association, Teresa Warren, who was her 24 hour personal care assistant, the Hospice workers from VITAS: Abigal, Laura, Becky and Liz and especially Angela who faithfully stayed by her side and did everything to make her comfortable in her final hours. There are no words to describe this support system.

The family also requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to VITAS Hospice, 1579 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762.

Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. at the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven. The funeral procession will leave from the funeral home Thursday morning at 9:15.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Infant Church, Racebrook Road, Orange at 10:00.

Entombment will be in St. Lawrence Garden Mausoleum. Condolences may be expressed online at www.keenanfuneralhome.com

Apr 212013
 

Screen shot 2013-04-21 at 1.57.11 PMStanley Homiski Sr., 94, passed away on Thursday April 18, 2013 at Backus Hospital after a short illness.

He was born in Bozrah on April 8, 1919 the son of the late Frank and Anna (Boyarchuk) Homiski. He attended NFA and was a retired Norwich Firefighter.

He is survived by sons, Stanley Jr. (Roberta) and Frank (Sherry) Homiski both of Norwich; Grandchildren, Christin Homiski M.D. and her husband Glenn Leger of Colchester, Scott (Rebecca) Homiski of Orange and Frank Homiski IV of Los Angeles, CA; his Great grandchildren, Claudia and Joshua Homiski of Orange and Zachary, Nicholas and Delaney Coons of Norwich. He is also survived by one brother Ambrose Homiski of Norwich and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Elizabeth (Browning) Homiski whom he married on July 5, 1941, she passed away on December 17, 2001, and his beloved granddaughter Dawn Homiski, sister Mary Laudone, brothers, Henry, Frank, Edward and Chester Homiski.

He was an avid fan of UCONN Women’s Basketball, N.Y. Yankees, fly fishing. He loved dogs and cats especially his furry little friend Cubby. He loved to feed the birds and squirrels around his home.

Per his wishes there are no calling hours and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made his memory to the Ct. Humane Society, 169 Old Colchester Rd., Quaker Hill, CT 06375, Center for Hospice Care, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360 or the charity of your choice . Guillot Funeral Home 75 South B. St. Taftville is in charge of arrangements.

Apr 182013
 
Martha

Martha Novicki

Martha Antoinette (Rafalowski) Novicki, 93, of Orange, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, surrounded by her beloved family and her devoted caregiver, Teresa Gumkowski.

Martha was born in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, on November 14, 1919, daughter of Felix and Gladys Rafalowski.

She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Villa Maria College in Erie, Pennsylvania. She went on to work as a social worker in Toledo, Ohio, until her marriage to Dr. Thaddeus Joseph Novicki of New Haven, Connecticut, her husband of 51 years. She was a resident of Orange for 63 years.

She was past President of the Holy Infant Women’s Guild, and the Mothers’ Club of Notre Dame High School in West Haven. She was also a volunteer in the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven.

Martha is predeceased by her parents, Felix and Gladys, and her husband Thaddeus, as well as her brothers, John, Father Leonard, and Ignatius Rafalowski, and her sister, Virginia Bednarski.

She was the much-loved mother of Drs. David and Robert Novicki, both of Orange, Ct, Margaret Novicki of New York City, and Terese Ceruzzi of Southport, Ct. She was the beloved mother-in-law of Lynn Novicki, Eileen Novicki, Louis Ceruzzi and Amadou Ndiaye. She was deeply loved by her seven grandchildren, Theodore, Alexander, Nicholas, and Charles Novicki; Gabrielle and James Ceruzzi; and Thomas Ndiaye, and three great grandchildren, Jackson, Blake and Benjamin.

She is survived by her dear brother-in-law, Henry Novicki of Middletown, and her sisters-in-law, Elinor and Gloria Novicki, and Dorothy Rafalowski.

What family and friends will remember most about Martha was the love, care and generosity that she showered on all. Her strong faith and example of a true Christian inspired everyone she met.

Her family would like to thank Vitas Innovative Hospice Care for their loving support to Martha and to all of us.

Friends and family may call on Friday, April 19 from 8:30-10 am at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford, 06460.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11am at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange, Ct. 06477. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Martha Novicki’s name to the Diocese of Kitwit, c/o Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477, or to Notre Dame High School Scholarship Fund, 24 Ricardo Street, West Haven, CT 06516.

To leave online condolences please visit our website at: www.codywhitefuneralservices.com.