Dominick Santagata

Veteran Sergeant Dominick Daniel Santagata, born on August 23, 1924, of Woodhaven Queens,
NY, passed away peacefully at age 100, on December 24th, 2024, surrounded by family in his home. A
beloved father, life-partner, and grandfather, “Pop,” will be remembered for his kindness and
courageousness, especially while fighting for our country.
As a young child, he moved to Stamford, CT with his family. He attended and graduated
Stamford high school, being involved in the school band as an avid saxophone player.
At the age of 17, he was enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a Combat Engineer in the
5th Infantry Division. He fought in five major campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland,
Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe.
During his time in the war, he completed 26 river crossings. His final major river crossing was
the Rhine River. Santagata experienced the raw horrors of war and true battleship, but they had a job to
do and they completed that job at a great cost. After returning home, Santagata received an honorable
discharge to honor his heroic actions.
Later on in life, he worked in construction of commercial buildings throughout New York and
Connecticut. He then went on to get married and live a life with his two beautiful children. Furthermore,
Santagata went on to join the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge organization and he enjoyed traveling
throughout the United States to the reunions. On May 8th, 2012, he was awarded the “Chevalier” of the
Legion of Honor, presented by the Ambassador of France.
Santagata is survived by his daughter, Joanne Schwartzenberg, and his grandchildren, Jason
Schwartzenberg, Bonnie Schwartzenberg, Christina Mastropietro, Danielle Santagata, Lauren Santagata,
Renee Santagata, and Samantha Santagata. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren. Santagata
is predeceased by his seven siblings, his wife Helen Santagata, his son Daniel Santagata, and his life
partner Adrienne Hopkins.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Cognetta Funeral Home in Stamford, CT, located at
104 Myrtle Ave, on January 7th, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on

January 8th at 10:30 at the Church of St. Cecilia, located at 1184 Newfield Ave, in Stamford, CT.
Interment services will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, at 25 Camp Ave in Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers,
please kindly make a donation to the Battle of the Bulge Association.

Henry Turner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Henry W. Turner, Jr. on December 23, 2024, at the age of 71.

Born on October 3, 1953, to Henry and Ada Turner, Henry graduated from Port Chester High School in 1972. A lifelong lover of music, he began playing the drums at a young age and joined the high school marching band. One of his most cherished memories from this time was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. After high school, Henry went on to join the Stateliners Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played in the quartet and earned a first-place finish in a competition. It was also during this time that he met the love of his life.

In November 1975, Henry married Ann Sudell, and together they shared 49 beautiful years. Their love was nothing short of magical, and it was evident to all who knew them. You could hardly find one without the other, whether they were spending time at “The Hangout,” watching reruns of their favorite shows, or enjoying a game of backgammon with a Bloody Mary in hand. Their bond was a true inspiration. Together, they raised two daughters, Dena and Melissa, and Henry’s love for his family knew no bounds.

While Henry will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, he was also a treasured friend. His warmth and kindness touched everyone he met. Beyond his passion for music, Henry was an avid bowler, competing in numerous leagues and traveling to Reno with lifelong friends he made at the lanes.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Turner; his daughters, Dena Ritter and her husband Jay, Melissa Hainsworth and her husband Lenny; and his sister, Denise Turner. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ada Turner.

Family and friends are invited to offer their condolences to Henry’s family on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Henry’s name to the Gary Desalvo Memorial Scholarship Fund, which can be accessed via the following link: https://garydesalvomemorial.com/content/?page_id=13

Dominick Santagata

Veteran Sergeant Dominick Daniel Santagata, born on August 23, 1924, of Woodhaven Queens,
NY, passed away peacefully at age 100, on December 24th, 2024, surrounded by family in his home. A
beloved father, life-partner, and grandfather, “Pop,” will be remembered for his kindness and
courageousness, especially while fighting for our country.
As a young child, he moved to Stamford, CT with his family. He attended and graduated
Stamford high school, being involved in the school band as an avid saxophone player.
At the age of 17, he was enlisted in the U.S. Army where he became a Combat Engineer in the
5th Infantry Division. He fought in five major campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland,
Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe.
During his time in the war, he completed 26 river crossings. His final major river crossing was
the Rhine River. Santagata experienced the raw horrors of war and true battleship, but they had a job to
do and they completed that job at a great cost. After returning home, Santagata received an honorable
discharge to honor his heroic actions.
Later on in life, he worked in construction of commercial buildings throughout New York and
Connecticut. He then went on to get married and live a life with his two beautiful children. Furthermore,
Santagata went on to join the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge organization and he enjoyed traveling
throughout the United States to the reunions. On May 8th, 2012, he was awarded the “Chevalier” of the
Legion of Honor, presented by the Ambassador of France.
Santagata is survived by his daughter, Joanne Schwartzenberg, and his grandchildren, Jason
Schwartzenberg, Bonnie Schwartzenberg, Christina Mastropietro, Danielle Santagata, Lauren Santagata,
Renee Santagata, and Samantha Santagata. He is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren. Santagata
is predeceased by his seven siblings, his wife Helen Santagata, his son Daniel Santagata, and his life
partner Adrienne Hopkins.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Cognetta Funeral Home in Stamford, CT, located at
104 Myrtle Ave, on January 7th, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on

January 8th at 10:30 at the Church of St. Cecilia, located at 1184 Newfield Ave, in Stamford, CT.
Interment services will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, at 25 Camp Ave in Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers,
please kindly make a donation to the Battle of the Bulge Association.

Henry Turner

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Henry W. Turner, Jr. on December 23, 2024, at the age of 71.

Born on October 3, 1953, to Henry and Ada Turner, Henry graduated from Port Chester High School in 1972. A lifelong lover of music, he began playing the drums at a young age and joined the high school marching band. One of his most cherished memories from this time was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. After high school, Henry went on to join the Stateliners Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played in the quartet and earned a first-place finish in a competition. It was also during this time that he met the love of his life.

In November 1975, Henry married Ann Sudell, and together they shared 49 beautiful years. Their love was nothing short of magical, and it was evident to all who knew them. You could hardly find one without the other, whether they were spending time at “The Hangout,” watching reruns of their favorite shows, or enjoying a game of backgammon with a Bloody Mary in hand. Their bond was a true inspiration. Together, they raised two daughters, Dena and Melissa, and Henry’s love for his family knew no bounds.

While Henry will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, he was also a treasured friend. His warmth and kindness touched everyone he met. Beyond his passion for music, Henry was an avid bowler, competing in numerous leagues and traveling to Reno with lifelong friends he made at the lanes.

Henry is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Turner; his daughters, Dena Ritter and her husband Jay, Melissa Hainsworth and her husband Lenny; and his sister, Denise Turner. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ada Turner.

Family and friends are invited to offer their condolences to Henry’s family on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Henry’s name to the Gary Desalvo Memorial Scholarship Fund, which can be accessed via the following link: https://garydesalvomemorial.com/content/?page_id=13

Bob West, PhD

Bob West, PhD, 93, of Sarasota, Florida, previously of Stamford, Connecticut peacefully passed away on December 25, 2024 surrounded by family at Tidewell Hospice Home in Sarasota. Born in Ellenville, New York on March 7, 1931, he was the son of the late Harry and Elsie May Wicentowsky.
Bob was a consulting Pharmacologist-Toxicologist and Principal of Food, Drug Chemical Services. He was the author of numerous publications and presentations in pharmacology, toxicology, and scientific communications and regulatory affairs. Bob was also past president of the Drug Information Association and a member of several other scientific organizations. He was a lecturer and seminar leader for universities and appeared as an expert witness in medical-legal cases. As a consultant, his clients included domestic and foreign Fortune 1000 drug, device, diagnostic and biochemical firms. He also served on the Scientific Advisory Board of several biomedical firms.
He is survived by his three daughters, Lauren Jerome (fiancé Roger Kyle) of Carmel, IN, Elizabeth Smith (husband David) of Rocky Hill, CT, and Sharon West of Alexandria, VA and his three stepsons, Gary Gruber (wife Nancy, deceased) of New Canaan, CT, Seth Gruber (wife Dawn) of SC and Edward Gruber (dearly departed wife, Grace) of Monroe, CT. Bob also leaves behind six grandchildren, Emma, Jeff, Sarah, Caitlyn, Hannah, and Allison.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his devoted wife Jacqueline C. West and his brothers, Stan and Joe West.
A graveside service will be held Monday, December 30, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Beth El Cemetery, 350 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, 633 Third Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017 or by selecting brain and neural sciences from the Use My Donation to Support drop down at https://donate.weizmann-usa.org/. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home and Crematory in Stamford, CT is handling the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please visit cognetta.com.
The family would also like to express our endless gratitude to those who cared for Dad (and us) including the team at Barclay assisted living; Dr Scott Elsbree; Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital; and Tidewell Hospice House of Sarasota.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Christos Valiotis

Christos (Chris), 89, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Christos was born in Koniditsa, Sparta, Greece to the late Panagiotis and Anastasia (Ganas) Valiotis.
Chris emigrated as a young man in his twenties from Greece to Montreal, Canada, where he met the love of his life, Elefteria (Elle) Papadogiannis. Chris and Elle enjoyed the early years of their marriage in the beautiful city of Montreal before they moved to Connecticut in 1967. They settled in Stamford, Connecticut where they raised their three children close to their extended family and Greek community. His children and their cousins fondly remember him packing them all into his big old convertible every summer and driving them to the beach with the top down for family beach weekends. Many days were spent at Cove Island Park, where Chris engaged in his favorite past-time, fishing, while the entire family made memories that will be cherished forever.
Chris had a beautiful relationship with his oldest daughter, Tasia, and her husband, Craig, who frequently visited him and joined him for long walks at the beach. They shared in his love of gardening, cooking, and home projects. They provided a tremendous amount of support to him in his later years.
Chris was a man of many talents, from carpentry to his love of astronomy, cooking and gardening. Paying homage to his Greek ancestors, he could look up into the sky and tell you what constellations were formed above at any given moment. He was a quiet philosopher, humble but brilliant in mind and soul.
Chris and Elle cultivated the most beautiful gardens that captured the eyes of many passersby. They often competed for the title of the biggest green thumb, but all who knew them knew that they planted their garden together. Chris always planted more vegetables than needed, shared his harvest with friends from church and sent his children to leave packages on the neighbors’ doorsteps. His garden was affectionately called the village garden because there was enough to feed the entire neighborhood. Chris shared his love of gardening with his daughter, Kandianna, showing up with a van full of plants when she bought her first home. To this day, she always feels close to her parents when working in the yard and watching their plants grow.
Chris loved to watch hockey with his son, Peter, and stayed true to his favorite team, the Montreal Canadians. He passed on his love of sports to his son, Peter, and granddaughters, Erismia and Alexandra. He would wake Peter up for 4:00 a.m. practices and would cheer him on during his hockey and baseball games. He loved watching his granddaughters play soccer and enjoyed spending time with his family in Michigan. His granddaughters affectionately called him Pop Chris, and they treasured his stories from when he was a boy in Greece.
Chris worked as a supervisor at Pitney Bowes for over 30 years while also running his successful landscaping business. He worked tirelessly, always putting his family first, but somehow, he was always present for the ones he loved. He never forgot a birthday and called his nieces and nephews with birthday greetings each year. He was the one in the family who always sent cards with sweet notes, often misspelled but written phonetically in his unique Greek way.
Christos was predeceased by his beloved wife Elefteria, his parents, and his brothers, Dimitris and Yiannis. He is survived by his daughters, Tasia Valiotis-Currier and husband, Craig, of Windham, CT, Kandianna Valiotis and partner, Stephen Repass of Coventry, CT, his son, Peter Valiotis, wife Efthimia, of Troy, MI, and beloved granddaughters, Erismia Valiotis, Alexandra Valiotis and Samantha Ouellette. He is also survived by many members of his extended family, including his brother and sisters-in-law and loving nieces and nephews.
Chris was a thoughtful and loving man who adored his children and community, loved God and his church, and lived his life with such love, generosity, acceptance and grace. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living in South Windsor and Douglas Manor in Windham for their loving care of Chris in the past few years.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien, CT. Friends and family may call at the church at 9:00 a.m. before the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of Chris to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Ways To Give | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Stamford or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Online Donations – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Alice Guerrlich

Alice S. Guerrlich, 95, a former resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Brightview on Canaan in Norwalk. She was born in Stamford on May 17, 1929 to the late George H. Stadel, Jr. and Alice Fox Stadel.
Alice met the love of her life, John at 11 years old at a Dance Class @ Stamford Yacht Club. They were married in 1953 and never looked back. Together they shared a rare and beautiful partnership of 75 years. She was a swimming instructor from the age of 18, before retiring at age 83 from the YMCA for over 60 years. She loved all things nature and was an avid bird watcher. She and her husband, John sang in the choir of both St. Mary’s and St. Gabriel’s parishes and loved traveling extensively with her husband throughout Europe and the US.
Alice was a steadfast and loving mother and loved by all who knew her.
Alice is survived by her loving children, Alice Chapell and (Rob) of Trumbull, John T. Guerrlich and (Robin) of MI, Anne Napolitano and (Rick) of Stamford and Mary Ellen Guerrlich of Norwalk, sisters, Anne Burke of RI, Helen Stadel of Stamford, brothers, George H. Stadel III and Bill Stadel, both of Stamford. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Jordan and Zack Napolitano, James, David and Kevin McKee, Kelly Baldino (Tony), Brian Chapell and Joshua Guerrlich and four great grandchildren, Emma McKee, Anthony and Jack Baldino and Sophie McKee., as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Alice was also predeceased by her husband, John P. Guerrlich , son, Peter Guerrlich and sister, Mary Louise Vogel.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Gabriel RC Church, 914 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx,NY
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Prakasa Ponipireddy

Ann Kane

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ann Kane, a lifelong resident of Stamford, who peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Stamford Hospital. She was 87 years old. Ann was born on August 20, 1937, in Stamford to the late John and Anna Walsh, along with her twin brother.
Ann grew up on Stamford’s East Side and graduated from Stamford High School. It was during her teenage years that she met the love of her life, John Kane. Together, they built a beautiful life, marrying and raising four children. Their adventures took them around the world, but Ann’s heart always belonged to her home on Shippan Point, where she lived for more than 50 years. The memories made there, filled with family and love, will be cherished forever. Ann will be lovingly remembered for her love of reading, her passion for travel, and her unwavering devotion to family and friends.
Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, John, in 2017. She is survived by her four children: Karen (Rich) O’Neill, Robert Kane, Susanne (George) Boccuzzi, and Kevin (Mary) Kane; eight grandchildren: Chris O’Neill (Jennifer), Brian O’Neill (Amanda), Daniel Boccuzzi (Stephanie), and Shannon, Kristen, Lauren, Erin, and Kelly Kane; and three great-granddaughters: Harper, Hailey, and Abigail. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Ken Hitchcock, and her nephew, Joshua Hitchcock, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents and husband Ann was preceded in death by her siblings and her dear daughter-in-law, Tracy.
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. The inurnment will be held privately.
To leave a message of condolence, please visit the guestbook at www.cognetta.com.

Herbert Watson

Herbert H. Watson, Jr., a Bethel resident for 60+ years, died peacefully at Stamford Hospital on
November 19 after a brief illness. He was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his wife,
Carolyn of 56 years and is survived by his 3 sons (all Bethel High School graduates) and their
families: Rick of Stamford, CT (wife Laura and daughters Caitrin and Taylor), Ken of Fort Walton
Beach, FL (wife Nancy and daughter Shawna) and Jeff of Newtown and Stamford, CT (wife
Cory, daughter Alexandra and son Ben).
Herb’s calling in life was that of volunteering. After growing up in Norwalk, CT, he enlisted in the
US Army at age 18 and fought in Korea. After the war, he and Carolyn married and moved to
Bethel in 1960. While a young father, he served as Cub Scout Leader (Pack 51), Boy Scout
Leader (Troop 167), Little League Baseball coach and Youth Soccer coach. He and Carolyn
were faithful fans at the many Bethel High School and Southern Ct State College sporting
events in which their sons participated.
Herb gave over 17 gallons of blood at Red Cross blood drives. He ran the Norwalk Industrial
Recreation League for many years during his 43-year career as a manager of safety at Nash
Engineering in Norwalk. He also served in various capacities at his church (Danbury Church of
Christ).
In his retirement years Herb cared tirelessly for Carolyn as she struggled with Alzheimer’s
disease. After her passing in 2012, Herb took up writing and penned many short memoirs
about his life for his family and friends to enjoy. In 2016 he moved to Reynolds Ridge Senior
Housing in Bethel and served on the resident advisory board there. At Reynolds Ridge he also
met his dear friend and companion Ursula Alling.
Herb moved to Brighton Gardens senior community in Stamford in October of this year to be
nearer to his family. There he was able to welcome his sons and their families to a large and
joyous gathering several weeks prior to his illness and passing.
Internment with military honors will take place at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Ct at 11
am on Friday December 13. A luncheon and memorial gathering will follow directly at Towne
Parlor (upstairs), 112 Bedford St in Stamford, CT. (A parking lot is available on Spring Street)