Mildred Mallozzi

Mildred C. Mallozzi, born July 16, 1928, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after a brief illness. She was born in Stamford, CT and was one of seven children born to the late Joseph and Frances (Rinelli) Burriesci.
Mildred leaves a legacy of family, faith and tradition. She was a loving mother and grandmother, generous and charitable. She was strong, smart and proud. She valued her heritage, education, honesty and a strong work ethic.
Millie was a lifelong resident of Stamford. She began her work life as a telephone operator and later worked in the cafeteria at Stamford Catholic High School. She was employed at Union Trust Bank and then came full circle back to the telephones as a Telecommunications Administrator for Pitney Bowes in Stamford. Millie took great pride in her work and loved being part of the Pitney Bowes family until her retirement.
Millie was an avid bowler, traveling the country with her team competing in the annual National Women’s Bowling Tournaments. She played in several leagues in Stamford and Norwalk. She loved bocce, card games, casinos and travelling with Tony. Sunday dinners in Danbury each week with her family were a longstanding tradition. One of her greatest joys was sharing her love of Broadway with her granddaughters. They would make a trip to the city to see a show and spend the day. She really loved making those memories with them.
Millie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Anthony “Tony” Mallozzi, in 2012, and is survived by her children, her son Robert Mallozzi. Her beloved daughters Janice Rudisill (John) of Danbury, and Teri Boyzuck of Oswego, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren, her pride and joy Detective John Rudisill (Sara), New Fairfield, CT. Amy Gauvin (James), Bunnell, FL. Sarah Cady (Daniel), Southington, CT. Her great grandchildren, Anthony and Nathan Gauvin and Elizabeth “Little Sarah” Cady. Sister, Helene Beck, of Florida; Sister- in- law, Marilyn Burriesci, of Byron, IL. Including several nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son-in-law, Daniel Boyzuck, and brothers, James Burr, Anthony, Paul and Jack Burriesci. Sister, Josephine Meyers.
Mildred’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her neighbor, friend and helper James Pearson, and her friend and helper Jim Ferrara. For all your help and kindness, we are eternally grateful.
A wake for Mildred will take place on Tuesday, February 18th from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT. A prayer service will begin at 11am. The procession to Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford will immediately follow the prayer service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or to Shriners Hospital at www.lovetotherescue.org.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist Mildred’s family with the arrangements. To leave online messages of condolence please visit the guestbook hosted on www.Cognetta.com.

William Frayer

William W. Frayer passed away on February 8, 2025, at age 80 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his children and his aides in his final days at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY.
Bill was born in Syracuse, NY on September 11, 1944, to Leon Webster (Web) Frayer and Esther (Dodd) Frayer. Raised in Schenectady and Endwell, NY Bill attended Cornell University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1966, a master’s in electrical engineering in 1968, and in 1972 graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College (formerly Cornell University Medical College). He remained at Weill Cornell Medical College where he continued into an internship and residency program in pediatrics and later a fellowship in neonatology. He stayed in New York City after his medical training, splitting his time between New York City and a home in Pound Ridge, NY.
Bill spent his entire career at Weill Cornell/New York Presbyterian Hospital as an associate professor of clinical pediatrics in neonatology. He loved taking care of babies and loved teaching the next generations of doctors. In his 37 years as an attending physician, he trained over 100 fellows, and countless residents and nurse practitioners. Bill hoped to be remembered for his work as a professor.
He had a deep interest in computing and acted as the director of clinical information systems at New York Presbyterian Hospital, helping to make New York Presbyterian one of the first hospitals in the country to move from paper to electronic medical records. This work led to travels around the world, most memorably Japan, France and Australia, to teach other hospitals about how to make the transition to electronic medical records.
Bill’s interests were broad and deep—from programming computers to playing the piano and organ, building and playing harpsichords, collecting stamps, wood working, quilting, needlepoint, making stained glass, teaching himself calligraphy, repairing and selling fountain pens, and collecting what seemed to be every classical music CD ever made—he was a true Renaissance man.
Bill is survived by his two children, Elizabeth, of New York City, and Eric, of Los Angeles, his daughter-in-law Sarah Frayer, three grandchildren, Theodore and Elliott Frayer and Wilhelmina Milnes, his former wife Joyce Frayer, brother-in-law James Hyla, and many nieces and nephews. His sister, Sharon Hyla, predeceased him.
A wake will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12-2pm at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home (104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902) with a prayer service to begin at 2PM at the parlor. Burial will follow.
In remembrance of Bill’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Cornell’s NICU where he spent his career and where his granddaughter was so lovingly cared for. Checks may be made to “Perinatology Fund” and in the memo, “In memory of Dr. Frayer” and mailed to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Attn: Nazera Pasha, 525 East 68th Street, Box 106, New York, NY 10065.

Steven Dorso

Steven Dorso, born March 7, 1943, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 81. Steve was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was the only child born to the late Gerald and Harriet (Sucolski) Dorso.
Steve grew up on Long Island in Valley Stream, NY and enjoyed many summers at YMCA Camp Greenkill in Huguenot, NY. Steve attended Valley Stream North High and always looked forward to the many high school reunions where he would reconnect with old friends. After high school, Steve graduated from SUNY Farmingdale, where he majored in Advertising Art & Design and bonded with lifelong friends, including Eileen, whom he married in 1965.
After college, Steve worked as a designer at various advertising agencies in Manhattan. In 1973, he joined Longines Direct Marketing and the Capitol Record Club as Senior Art Director and Creative Director. He then moved with his family to Stamford, CT.
Shortly after, Steve proudly started his own company, Dorso Creative Group, specializing in direct marketing and graphic design. He built the business over the next years with Eileen and his daughter Andrea until his retirement in 2021. Steve commuted into Manhattan from Springdale train station for over 30 years, chatting the whole way with his “train buddies.”
Steve enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years. He was a self-taught woodworker and created many pieces of fine furniture, which are proudly displayed in the homes of his loved ones. Steve was also an avid cyclist and a member of the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club, where he formed many friendships. Among his favorite bike memories are the three rides he did from Stamford to Vermont, accompanied by his sons-in-law, who lovingly referred to him as ‘Dors’.
Vermont was Steve’s happy place…. This is where he loved to cross country ski, snowshoe, hike and spend cherished weekends with friends and family. Steve loved tending to the fire in the wood stove, enjoying the mountain view and watching the grandkids sled down the big hill.
Steve loved to talk with friends, often about cars or politics, and had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He could always be counted on to insert a bad pun, corny joke or break into a tv commercial jingle. Steve’s greatest source of joy and pride was his family, especially his four grandkids.
Steve is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen Dorso (Goss); two daughters and their husbands, Susan Sottile and husband Tom and Andrea Reilly and husband Bob; his beloved grandchildren, Michael and Abigail Sottile and Julia and Peyton Reilly; his brother-in-law, Edward Goss and his wife Scottie; his sister-in-law, Susan Goss; and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert Goss.
The family wishes to extend its appreciation to the professional and caring staff at Benchmark at Stamford for their compassionate care.
Friends and family may attend a celebration of Steve’s life on Saturday, February 22nd, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steven’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or to No Kid Hungry at www.nokidhungry.org/donate.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Dorso family with the arrangements. To leave online messages of condolence, please visit the guestbook hosted on www.Cognetta.com.

Filippo Colosimo

Filippo “Franco” Colosimo, 89, of Stamford passed away on January 25, 2025. Filippo was born in Petrona, Italy on December 14, 1935 to the late Pietro Colosimo and Caterina Rocca Colosimo.
Born and rised in Calabria, Italy, Filippo was a proud farmer and onetime businessman, owning a petrol station in Borticello, Italy until 1993, when he and his beloved wife and children moved to Stamford, Connecticut. While he may have left Italy, Italy never left him. His home was complete with a vast immaculate garden lined with fig trees and filled with Italian specialties. Known for his smile, warmth, kindness and generosity, Filippo was the first to welcome you for food, wine, and conversation and had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special and welcome. He was a humble man, but so proud of his son and daughter, whom he loved unconditionally. He was Grandfather “Nonno” to five grandchildren, who were the love of his life from the moment they were born and he epitomized the role of grandfather demonstrating great love, compassion, patience, and guidance to them all.
Filippo is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Maria Scalzo Colosimo, children Franco Colosimo and Katia Colosimo Soltes (Andrew “AJ”), as well as his five grandchildren, Andrew, Philip, Beatrice, Penelope, and Thomas. He is further survived by his sister Rosa Colosimo and bothers Domenico and Vincenzo all of Calabria, Italy, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Filippo was predeceased by his sister Giuseppina and brother Luciano.
Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, from 4 PM to 8 PM on Friday, January 31, 2025. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 10 AM at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, in Stamford. Interment will immediately follow mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Colosimo’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Grace Preschool and Kindergarden, 635 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford, CT 06906 or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org/donate.
To leave condolence messages online, please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Evelyn Veight

Evelyn Heidi Veight, 79, of Stamford, passed away on January 20, 2025. Born on February 12, 1945 in Bremerhaven, Germany she was the daughter of the late Harry and Edith Veight.

Evelyn was a committed mother to Matthew Pirro and a beloved grandmother to one granddaughter, Emily. She had a passion for reading, cherished time at the beach, and was deeply committed to living a healthy lifestyle. She will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and tireless advocacy for what she loved.

In keeping with Evelyn’s wishes, the family will hold a private ceremony to honor her life and scatter her ashes at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the March of Dimes, a cause close to her heart.

Evelyn’s love and light will continue to shine through her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her son Matthew, granddaughter Emily, and her brothers Peter, Harry, and Herb.

If you would like to leave an expression of sympathy for the family online, please sign the guestbook at www.cognetta.com

Michelle Cortese

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michelle Regina Cortese (Lanuk), a loving wife, sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and step-mother. Michelle passed on January 13, 2025, in Stamford Hospital following a long battle with cancer.

Born in Port Chester on March 10, 1952, Michelle was the daughter of Michael P. Lanuk, Sr. and Regina Lanuk, and a sister to Paul Lanuk, Renee Kopesky, Yvonne Howland, Michael Lanuk, Jr. She lived in Port Chester until 1974, when she moved to Stamford, Connecticut and pursued a career at The Fidelity Trust Company.

It was during her time working at Fidelity that she met Gary J. Cortese, Sr., the love of her life, at a company Christmas party in 1975. Gary describes their meeting as if a beam of light shone unto her, making her stand out amongst all the attendees. Two years later, they were married on October 23.

In their marriage, she became a step-mother to five children; a part of her life that she described to be challenging but very rewarding due to the love she had for them. Her step-children went on to make her not only a grandmother of thirteen, but also a great-grandmother of thirteen. Family was at the center of Michelle’s universe.

Michelle found great happiness in spending time with her husband, whether it was taking walks with him as they held hands or working out with him at the CT Fitness Lab with their dear friend Paul Landi. In addition, Michelle enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas where they stayed at the Palazzo and were VIP guests of Michael Bublé and Boyz II Men.

She also had a love for all things Chanel, as she was a fashionista in every sense. Whether she was buying top of the line perfumes or new satin robes from Vickies, Michelle had an eye for the finer things and loved her luxurious lifestyle. She loved feeding her deer apples in the back of her and Gary’s home in Weston, and she enjoyed her London Fog teas from Starbucks.

Her guilty pleasures included watching New Jersey Housewives and crossword puzzles. Packing her home with loved ones for holidays and preparing massive Italian feasts meant the world to her, as did running down who made the “Nice List” while giving everyone their gifts.

Michelle will be remembered for her unselfishness, the way she would “give the shirt off her back,” and her strength –literally and figuratively, since she was able to move a car on her own in a fitness challenge. She will be remembered as the life of the party and the way her bright eyes and perfect smile lit up any room she entered. Above all, she will be remembered for the unconditional love she touched the lives of so many with, most importantly her husband Gary.

She was strong, dedicated, and had a positive and uplifting attitude. She supported various organizations in her community, including Weston Volunteer EMS, the Weston Volunteer Fire Dept., Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Arthritis Foundation, Dana Farber Cancer Foundation, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and Samaritan’s Purse.

She is survived by her husband Gary, her mother Regina, her step-children Gary J. Cortese, Jr. and his wife Valarie, John Cortese and his wife Susan, Marianne Burriesci and her husband Joseph, Peter Cortese, Stephen Cortese and his wife Marie-Laure, and her many grand and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Rose Marie DeVito (Cortese) and her husband Jack, her nephew John DeVito III and his wife Maria, niece Dayna Gartland, nephews Walter Kopesky, Robert Howland, Jr., Daniel Howland, Michael Lanuk III, her niece Alexis Johannessen, and her great nieces and nephews. Michelle is predeceased by her father, Michael P. Lanuk, Sr., who passed in 2000 and her niece Tiffany Kopesky who passed in 1993.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, and from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, January 24, at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home in Stamford at 104 Myrtle Avenue. A prayer service will be held at 12 p.m. following visitation on Friday, entombment will immediately follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Danbury, 71 Lake Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Weston Volunteer EMS in memory of Michelle Cortese for their compassionate care when their services were needed: https://www.westonems.com/donate.html

Andrew Perniciaro

Andrew “Andy” Joseph Perniciaro, Jr., born on March 18, 1956, passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on January 14, 2025, at the age of 68. Andy was born and raised in Stamford and was one of six children born to the late Andrew and Marilyn (Young) Perniciaro.
Andy proudly served his country for 4 years in the United States Navy. During this time, he was stationed in various parts of the world, serving with honor and distinction. After being discharged from the Navy, Andy continued his commitment to public service by joining the Stamford Police Department. For 34 years, he served the community with integrity, bravery, and a deep sense of duty.
Andy is survived by his two daughters, Leah Perniciaro-Blair and husband Richard and Nicole Primeau and husband Edward; his beloved granddaughter, Emery Blair; his former spouse, Kim Perniciaro; siblings, Sharon Baio (Jim), Patricia Beauregard, Virginia Wilk (Steve), Marilyn Perniciaro LeBlanc (Wayne) and Josephine Cushman (Mark); and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Andy’s family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He will be remembered for his devotion to God, vibrant personality, sense of humor, and contagious laugh. He will be deeply missed.
Friends and family may offer their condolences on Monday, January 20th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday, January 21st at St. Bridget of Ireland R.C. Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. The inurnment with military honors will immediately follow mass at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Perniciaro family with their arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.Cognetta.com.

James Hogan

James J. Hogan Sr, born on August 2, 1928, passed away peacefully at the Stamford Hospital, surrounded by his family, on January 13, 2025, at the age of 96.
James, or Jim/Jimmy to his family and friends, was born and raised in Stamford and apart from a brief time in Newbern, NC, he spent his entire life here. He was the beloved son of John and Margaret (Burdwick) Hogan.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jim’s extraordinary life was marked by resilience, love, and generosity.
James was a member of the Stamford Fire Department, retiring after forty years. His service included being awarded the Medal of Valor for rescuing an infant from a burning building in 1964. James was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve for four years. He was an avid sports fan, rooting for the NY Mets, UConn Girls Basketball and the New England Patriots. He was active in Stamford’s Little League as a coach and mentor. You could also always find him at the field watching his children or his grandchildren playing ball. He was their #1 fan. He also loved a good, heated political conversation from time to time.
James is survived by his children, Valerie Anderson of Indiana, Doug Hogan (Susanna) of Florida, Diane Carriero (Phil) of Stamford and Jim Hogan (PJ) of Stamford. Grandchildren, Lauren Anderson of Virginia, Abby and Kate Hogan of Stamford, and Brian Hogan of Florida. James is also survived by his brother, Michael (Lois) of California, his nieces and nephews, John Hogan (Barbara) of Ohio, Annie Bohara (Tony) of Pennsylvania, Melanie Durkee (Christina) of Florida, Rose Hogan of Washington and Max Hogan of California. He is also survived by several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Besides his parents, James was predeceased by his loving wife, Marianne (LaChapelle), his brother, John, sister-in-law, Phyllis, his nephew, Peter, and his son-in-law, Bill.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Friends and family may call from 9:00am to 11:00am at Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. Service will begin at 11:00am. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’ name to The Stamford Hospital Foundation, 3001 Summer St, 2nd Fl, Stamford, CT 06905-4321. Stamford Hospital Foundation – Fairfield County, CT – Stamford Health.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Hogan family with their arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.Cognetta.com .

Hilda Cook

Hilda Cook, a longtime resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Wilton Meadows Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Cannondale, Connecticut. She was 92 years old.

Hilda was born on February 13, 1932, in Garfield, New Jersey, to Joseph and Anna (Daniel) Hovan. Following studies at Eastern Academy, Fairleigh Dickinson Junior College, and New York University, Hilda worked at Passaic General Hospital, eventually serving as the director of public relations before leaving to raise a
family.

In 1958, Hilda married Milan (Kucharik) Cook, and together they had three sons, David, Jeremy, and Jonathan. A devoted mother and community member, Hilda was deeply involved in volunteer work throughout Fairfield County in the fields of education, the arts, and historic preservation. An avid pianist and church organist in her youth, she was a frequent concertgoer and a longtime supporter of the Stamford Symphony. She also served as the director of operations and finance at the Greenwich Health Association (later part of Greenwich Hospital) and as a board member of the Connecticut Geriatrics Society. In 2013, Hilda co-founded The Memory Cafe of Stamford, a welcoming space for individuals with memory loss or in the early stages of dementia, providing opportunities for mutual support among their families and caregivers. With several other devoted volunteers, Hilda continued to organize Memory Cafe events until 2024.

Hilda was predeceased by her husband Milan in 1982; her son Jonathan in 1965; and her siblings Helen and Joseph. She is survived by her sons David and Jeremy, who were by her side at Wilton Meadows. She is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren.

Honoring Hilda’s wishes, memorial arrangements will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hilda’s memory may be made to a volunteer organization that focuses on
improving lives, easing pain, and bringing joy to people in your community.

Carole Claps

Carole Ann Claps, 76, a longtime resident of Darien, CT and former resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. Carole was born in Stamford on December 21, 1948, the daughter of the late Louis and Josephine Barone Claps. A graduate of Sacred Heart University, Carole was a vibrant member of the greater Fairfield County arts scene for more than 50 years; she was one of the founding artists of the Sterling Barn Theatre (now Curtain Call Kweskin The atre), where she performed and directed regularly. She directed at many of the other stages throughout Fairfield County over the years and performed on them as well. As a professional actress, her appearances included work with the Music Theatre of Connecticut and The Darien Dinner Theatre. During her many years as a publicist for the Westport Country Playhouse, she worked with a veritable “who’s who” of the coun try’s most famous artists, winning them over with her larger-than-life personality. In addition to her creative endeavors, for more than 20 years, Carole lent her leader ship and planning skills in serving on the board of directors of both the Darien Arts Center and Curtain Call. Carole is survived by her daughter, Tara Claps, and her grandson, Louis Lehm an. She is also survived by her brothers, Joseph Claps and his wife Janice, and Louis Claps and his wife Ilene; her sister, LuAnn Claps; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Besides her parents, Carole was predeceased by her sister, Penny Claps, her beloved aunts, and many wonderful friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Curtain Call’s Dress ing Room Theatre, Sterling Farms Complex, 1349 New field Avenue, Stamford, CT. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Carole’s name to the American Heart Associa tion, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, M