Donald Sargeant

Donald W. Sargeant, 79, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Midstate Hospital in Meriden. He was born on October 25, 1945, in Greenwich, CT, to the late George R. and Della Rash Sargeant.
Don grew up in Greenwich and, after graduating from Greenwich High School and beginning his career as an electrician with IBEW Local 3 (formerly Local 501), he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps for the Vietnam War. He met his wife, Sandra, while stationed in South Carolina. After his service, they settled in Connecticut, spent some time in western Pennsylvania, and eventually returned to Connecticut for their final years.
Don was a member of Acacia Lodge No. 85, where he served as Grand Master and also served the Grand Lodge of CT as Associate Grand Marshal. He belonged to many other service organizations, where he enjoyed many long-lasting friendships.
Don is predeceased by his wife, Sandra, and his brother, Robert Sargeant.
He is survived by his loving children, Leslie Maloney of Stamford, and Matthew Sargeant and his wife Christine of Fairfield, as well as five grandchildren: Michael and Jared Maloney, and Elizabeth, Caroline, and Andrew Sargeant. Also surviving are his nephews and niece, Scott Sargeant and his wife Jennifer, Brian Sargeant, Elise Sargeant, and a sister-in-law, Mary Carol Campbell.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM. Interment will be held privately.
The family requests that donations be made in Donald’s memory to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, or to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Godfrey Gelineau

Godfrey “Garf” Gelineau, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Godfrey was born in Herkimer, NY, on July 23, 1949 to Avis and Godfrey Gelineau, Sr. He served in the Army and met his future wife, Martha Ruiz upon his return. He worked as a Chemist at Cytec for many years. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Paul Gelineau, brother in-law Richard Quinn and sister-in-law Luz Ruiz.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Gelineau, and his children Nicole Gelineau (Eric), Godfrey Gelineau III, Jennifer Johnson (Jonathan), Phillip Gelineau (Megan), and Katiana Buggy (Aaron). He is also survived by his grandchildren Dominique, Godfrey (IV), Noah, Maya, Nicholas, Mason, Cooper, and Oliver. Godfrey is also survived by his siblings Marian Quinn and Ronald Gelineau (Patrice).
A visitation with viewing will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 19th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 279 Atlantic Street, 279 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT 06901. The inurnment with military honors will follow Mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien.
To leave messages of condolences online, visit www.cognetta.com.

Pasqualle Sparagna

Pasqualle “Pat” Sparagna, 82, a lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Pat was born in Bridgeport, CT on March 1, 1943 to the late Francesco and Antonette Orsaia Sparagna.
Pat graduated from Wright Technical School in 1961 and attended the University of Connecticut. He served in the Army National Guard for 4 years. He went on to build a successful career in the waste management industry, becoming the proud owner of Industrial Disposal Services. Pat was a man of his word and was respected for his hard work, integrity, and was the definition of a true gentleman. Above all, his greatest enjoyment in life was that of husband, father, and Papa. He cherished spending time with his wife of 58 years,Vicki. Whether it was traveling, going out for breakfast, shopping, playing Triominos or watching Wheel of Fortune, it didn’t matter as long as they were together. His children and grandchildren will never forget the countless memories filled with laughter, wisdom, and love. He was a true family man and was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Pat is survived by his loving wife Victoria “Vicki” (Curto) Sparagna; his children Frank and his wife Malee Sparagna, Patrick Sparagna, Kelly Scorza and Toni Ginty; grandchildren Vanessa and Francesca Sparagna, Victoria, Amanda, and Gabriella Scorza, and Nicholas Ginty. He is also survived by his sister Mary and her husband Guy DeBlasi, sister Theresa Bongo, brother-in-law Ted Curto, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Apart from his parents, Pat is predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Theodore and Lillian Curto, son-in-law Nicholas Scorza, and brother-in-law Dominic Bongo III.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place privately.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Pat’s memory to Inclusion-Body Myositis Research, c/o Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073 Chicago, Illinois 60607 or online at www.mda.org/disease/inclusion-body-myositis.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Dr. Richard Banfield

Dr. Richard Sterling Banfield, Jr., 101, of Stamford passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Joan Hunt Banfield. He was born in Austin, Minnesota on April 8, 1924, the only child of Richard and Sarah Banfield. After graduating from high school in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1942, Dick went East to attend Amherst College. He interrupted his college studies to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps, where he reached the rank of Second Lieutenant. When World War II ended, he returned to Amherst, graduating in 1946. He earned an M.D. degree from Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons in 1951. The following year he and Joan were married. After completing a residency in obstetrics & gynecology at Columbia and Yale, he opened a private practice in Stamford in 1957. He continued to serve the women of the Stamford area until his retirement in 1992, capping off his career as Chief of Obstetrics at Stamford Hospital.
Dick was passionate about his career choice and was a pioneer of the de-medicalization of childbirth. He was instrumental in making it possible for Connecticut fathers to be with their wives during delivery. He was an advocate of natural childbirth and breastfeeding. And he believed strongly in integrating midwives into the care of expectant mothers; in fact, he had a midwife join his own practice.
Dick and Joan settled in New Canaan in 1959, where they raised their children. Dick was always a lover of life, and in retirement he pursued a wide range of interests. He was an avid golfer, racquetball player, and bridge player. He and Joan traveled extensively, both abroad and within the United States. In 2014 the couple moved to the Edgehill Community in Stamford. At Edgehill, he tried his hand at acting, playing the role of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III in “Love Letters” several times. And he was a passionate fan of both the UConn “Lady” Huskies and the New York Mets.
Dick loved bringing people together. His family remembers fondly the special three-generation vacations he provided in New Hampshire. And his daily morning emails to a list of more than 200 recipients provided an eagerly anticipated dose of humor, wisdom, and intellectual stimulation that deepened the sense of community among residents of Edgehill.
Dick is survived by his four children, Susan (Alvin) Beck, Dean (Christine) Banfield, Barbara (Rebecca) Banfield, and Carol (James) Foley; his five grandchildren, Nathan (Jasmine) Banfield, Margaret Banfield, William Banfield, Patrick Foley, and Sarah (Damien) Foley; his step-grandson Alvin Beck, Jr.; and his two cherished great-granddaughters, Thelma Banfield and Margot Angel-Foley. The family is deeply grateful to Leota Austin, Dominique Joseph, and Colleen Dawkins for the devoted care they provided for Dick.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 2, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home at 104 Myrtle Avenue in Stamford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the La Leche League of Connecticut.

Charles Stahl

Charles “Chip” Robert Stahl passed away on April 21, 2025, at 67 years of age. He was the loving husband of Mary Jane for 46 wonderful years. Originally from Norwalk, CT, he lived most of his life in Stamford, CT.

Earlier in life he played in a softball league and was actively involved in Stamford Youth Hockey where he coached his two sons. He also refereed hockey games for many years. He loved being in the great outdoors where he could be seen with his family camping, hunting, fishing or just watching the stars at night.

He also enjoyed trying new activities such as brewing beer and working on model rockets. He especially enjoyed it when he discovered a new activity that his family could join him in. His latest adventures brought him and Mary Jane to Scotland for three vacations. He recently retired from the Town of Darien Police Department as an Animal Control Officer, and was the owner of Animal Wildlife Solutions.

Chip was predeceased by his parents, and he leaves behind his daughter, Laura Tingley (Thomas); his sons Eric Stahl (Brittany) and Jerremy Stahl (Jessica); his sister Becky Parker (John); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Sara, Dominique, Cederic, AnèLeah and Shayna; two great-grandchildren, Everlee and Kiera; and many nephews, nieces and friends who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends may visit Chip’s family on Saturday, April 26th, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A service and memories will be shared during the visitation. Let’s all send him off with a wee dram of scotch.

To leave a note of condolence for Chips family please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Lillian O’Neil

Lillian O’Neil passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 1, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. Lillian was born on September 23, 1922, in Stamford to Charles and Antoinette Symon. She attended Rogers School and graduated from Stamford High School.
She met her husband, George Francis O’Neil in 1941 and they married in 1943 in Chicago, IL during the beginning of WWII. Lillian returned to her parent’s home while he was deployed overseas and worked at the Stamford Advocate where she would keep on top of the daily news reports from the battle zones. When the war ended, Lillian and George were reunited and made their home in Stamford where they raised their children and lived out the rest of their lives. Lillian worked as an executive secretary for several companies in Stamford as well as through Manpower where she was named secretary of the year. She was an enthusiastic artist who studied under George Sutherland and Ann Salthouse through the Stamford Senior Center. Her work was often displayed at local art shows where she won several awards.
Lillian was a loving mother and grandmother not only to her own family but her children’s and grandchildren’s friends as well, simply known as “Grams”. Lillian was predeceased by her husband George and by 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Lillian was the mother of 4, grandmother of 10, great grandmother of 24 and a great great grandmother of 1. Lillian is survived by her children, George and Kathleen O’Neil of Braselton, Ga and their five children, Michael (Katy), Kelly (Matt), Shannon (Billy), Kevin (Christy), Kyle (Kristin); James and Joyce O’Neil of Milford and James Jr. (Katie), Jonathan (Cynthia) ; Kathleen and Thomas Sukley of Standish, ME; MaryBeth and Gregg Demetros of Stamford and their children, Jennifer (Kyle), Brian, and Megan (Mario). She is also survived by great grandchildren, Ronan, Jonas, Jeffrey (Jennifer), Christopher (Vianney), Stephanie, Lauren (Kayla), Drew (Ryleigh), Dylan, Davis, Sydney (Brady), Jackson, James, Jacob (Abbie), Jennifer, Brady, Dylan, Aubree, Brooke, Chloe, Liliana, Emilia, Nico, Hunter and Winnie. Also, great great granddaughter Cadence.
Finally, a most heartfelt thank you from all our family to the staff, aides and dear friends at Benchmark at Stamford for giving Lillian a joyful and wonderful year at their facility. And, to the caring nursing staff on the 6th floor at Stamford Hospital who helped guide her through her last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lillian’s memory to Benchmark at Stamford’s One Company Fund at: benchmarkseniorliving.com/donations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Cecilia Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford at 10:30 AM. There will be no calling hours and Interment will be held privately.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Linda Fiorito

Linda S. Fiorito, 70, a former resident of Stamford, passed away suddenly
on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Linda was born in Stamford on January 7,
1955, daughter of the late Wallace and Maria Farina Stewart.

Linda was an operating room nurse at Yale New Haven for 30+ years, who dedicated her life to caring for others, she was so passionate, and nursing was more than a job, it was her calling. Linda worked as a nurse until her sudden passing. Beyond nursing, she enjoyed nothing more than being a devoted grandmother to her two granddaughters, gardening, cooking, making her homemade sauce, and being with her beloved dog Zara.

Linda is survived by her loving daughters, Elise and Victoria Fiorito both of
Milford, her cherished granddaughters Stassi and Alexandra Arvanitakis.
She’s also survived by her Sister Cora Martino and her husband Gino, her
twin sister Patricia Stewart of Stamford, her brother Robert Stewart, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home &
Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Wednesday, May 7, 2025
from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, with a prayer service to be held at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Linda to Milton Hershey School which holds a special place in her heart.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com

Linda Fiorito

Linda S. Fiorito, 70, a former resident of Stamford, passed away suddenly
on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Linda was born in Stamford on January 7,
1955, daughter of the late Wallace and Maria Farina Stewart.

Linda was an operating room nurse at Yale New Haven for 30+ years, who dedicated her life to caring for others, she was so passionate, and nursing was more than a job, it was her calling. Linda worked as a nurse until her sudden passing. Beyond nursing, she enjoyed nothing more than being a devoted grandmother to her two granddaughters, gardening, cooking, making her homemade sauce, and being with her beloved dog Zara.

Linda is survived by her loving daughters, Elise and Victoria Fiorito both of
Milford, her cherished granddaughters Stassi and Alexandra Arvanitakis.
She’s also survived by her Sister Cora Martino and her husband Gino, her
twin sister Patricia Stewart of Stamford, her brother Robert Stewart, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home &
Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Wednesday, May 7, 2025
from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, with a prayer service to be held at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Linda to Milton Hershey School which holds a special place in her heart.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com

Lillian O’Neil

Lillian O’Neil passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 1, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. Lillian was born on September 23, 1922, in Stamford to Charles and Antoinette Symon. She attended Rogers School and graduated from Stamford High School.
She met her husband, George Francis O’Neil in 1941 and they married in 1943 in Chicago, IL during the beginning of WWII. Lillian returned to her parent’s home while he was deployed overseas and worked at the Stamford Advocate where she would keep on top of the daily news reports from the battle zones. When the war ended, Lillian and George were reunited and made their home in Stamford where they raised their children and lived out the rest of their lives. Lillian worked as an executive secretary for several companies in Stamford as well as through Manpower where she was named secretary of the year. She was an enthusiastic artist who studied under George Sutherland and Ann Salthouse through the Stamford Senior Center. Her work was often displayed at local art shows where she won several awards.
Lillian was a loving mother and grandmother not only to her own family but her children’s and grandchildren’s friends as well, simply known as “Grams”. Lillian was predeceased by her husband George and by 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Lillian was the mother of 4, grandmother of 10, great grandmother of 24 and a great great grandmother of 1. Lillian is survived by her children, George and Kathleen O’Neil of Braselton, Ga and their five children, Michael (Katy), Kelly (Matt), Shannon (Billy), Kevin (Christy), Kyle (Kristin); James and Joyce O’Neil of Milford and James Jr. (Katie), Jonathan (Cynthia) ; Kathleen and Thomas Sukley of Standish, ME; MaryBeth and Gregg Demetros of Stamford and their children, Jennifer (Kyle), Brian, and Megan (Mario). She is also survived by great grandchildren, Ronan, Jonas, Jeffrey (Jennifer), Christopher (Vianney), Stephanie, Lauren (Kayla), Drew (Ryleigh), Dylan, Davis, Sydney (Brady), Jackson, James, Jacob (Abbie), Jennifer, Brady, Dylan, Aubree, Brooke, Chloe, Liliana, Emilia, Nico, Hunter and Winnie. Also, great great granddaughter Cadence.
Finally, a most heartfelt thank you from all our family to the staff, aides and dear friends at Benchmark at Stamford for giving Lillian a joyful and wonderful year at their facility. And, to the caring nursing staff on the 6th floor at Stamford Hospital who helped guide her through her last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lillian’s memory to Benchmark at Stamford’s One Company Fund at: benchmarkseniorliving.com/donations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at St. Cecilia Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford at 10:30 AM. There will be no calling hours and Interment will be held privately.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Pasqualle Sparagna

Pasqualle “Pat” Sparagna, 82, a lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Pat was born in Bridgeport, CT on March 1, 1943 to the late Francesco and Antonette Orsaia Sparagna.
Pat graduated from Wright Technical School in 1961 and attended the University of Connecticut. He served in the Army National Guard for 4 years. He went on to build a successful career in the waste management industry, becoming the proud owner of Industrial Disposal Services. Pat was a man of his word and was respected for his hard work, integrity, and was the definition of a true gentleman. Above all, his greatest enjoyment in life was that of husband, father, and Papa. He cherished spending time with his wife of 58 years,Vicki. Whether it was traveling, going out for breakfast, shopping, playing Triominos or watching Wheel of Fortune, it didn’t matter as long as they were together. His children and grandchildren will never forget the countless memories filled with laughter, wisdom, and love. He was a true family man and was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Pat is survived by his loving wife Victoria “Vicki” (Curto) Sparagna; his children Frank and his wife Malee Sparagna, Patrick Sparagna, Kelly Scorza and Toni Ginty; grandchildren Vanessa and Francesca Sparagna, Victoria, Amanda, and Gabriella Scorza, and Nicholas Ginty. He is also survived by his sister Mary and her husband Guy DeBlasi, sister Theresa Bongo, brother-in-law Ted Curto, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Apart from his parents, Pat is predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Theodore and Lillian Curto, son-in-law Nicholas Scorza, and brother-in-law Dominic Bongo III.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place privately.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Pat’s memory to Inclusion-Body Myositis Research, c/o Muscular Dystrophy Association, 1016 W Jackson Blvd #1073 Chicago, Illinois 60607 or online at www.mda.org/disease/inclusion-body-myositis.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.