Elizabeth Korfman

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Elizabeth (Betty) Korfman, 94, born on August 4, 1928 to Emma and John Baker of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023 in her residence at Wilton Meadows. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, the late Walter Korfman, a life-long resident of Stamford. Betty proudly received her degree from Charlottetown Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1950. She then moved to the United States and started her career as an RN at United Hospital in Portchester, NY, followed by St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stamford. During this time, Betty met her future husband Walter and they married in 1953. They made their home in North Stamford where they happily raised three daughters. Betty was a truly devoted wife, mother and grandmother, with a great sense of humor. She was kind and enthusiastic, often donating her time to community service, namely, Meals on Wheels. She loved swimming, gardening, family barbeques, beach outings and lobster rolls, while rarely missing a NY Mets game. In the spring and fall we frequented the Stamford Nature Center and Stamford Arboretum, hence her love for animals, birds and the outdoors. Vacationing in Canada to spend time with her family was always a wonderful time for all. Betty continued nursing and offered companionship, for those in need of private duty care, in her free time. She was passionate about celebrating holiday traditions and making festive meals; she will be greatly missed by all during these special times. Betty was especially fond and proud of her seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Betty is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Barbara and Jeff Erdmann of Norwalk, Linda and Bennett Sheppard, of West Hartford, Joan Carruthers and Paul Nebor, of Falls Village; as well as her grandchildren, Thomas, Charlie and Will Erdmann, Samantha and Bradley Sheppard; Ryan Vesciglio, Julianne and Matt Irvine, and one great-granddaughter, Delaney Irvine. Betty endured a gradual, long progression of Parkinson’s Disease in her later years, yet remained remarkably kind, strong and grateful to her loving family and caregivers. As a family, we would like to express a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Wilton Meadows Healthcare and Ridgefield’s Visiting Nurse Association. Betty will remain in our hearts forever and ever. A memorial service to be announced at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral home & Crematory in Stamford In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the Parkinson Foundation, www.parkinson.org To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

John Loglisci

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John Loglisci, a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully at his home on Easter morning, April 9, 2023, with his beloved family by his side. Born in 1935 on the Fourth of July, the son of the late Louis and Lucy Sacco Loglisci. John was 87 years old at the time of his passing after successfully living with cancer for nine-years.
After graduating JM Wright Technical School in Stamford, learning the auto mechanic trade, he briefly worked at an auto shop prior to his obligatory 2-year service in the US Army, stationed in Denver, CO. Called back to Stamford to join the family restaurant business in 1958 he started as a short order cook at the Tastee Freez, later becoming Lucy’s, and finally the iconic JR’s Restaurant and nightclub in the ‘70s. Booking gigs for NY Jazz musicians, and hosting Hollywood celebrities was one of John’s roles and his love of music and singing grew from there. Bartending, catering events and managing the food service at the Stamford Boat Shows were roles he enjoyed. After JR’s closed in 1988, John continued his restaurant career as a consultant, manager and maître d’ at several establishments, including the Italian Center.
John was survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 57 years, Marilynn Manzke Loglisci, their two children, Karin Loglisci and John Loglisci, his wife Cassandra Ellis along with three grandchildren — Bianca (21), Lu (16) and Lydia (16); his siblings, Ralph Loglisci, Annette Cortese and husband Vinny, Anthony Loglisci and wife Carol; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends who John treasured.
John was happiest when cooking his signature dish, lasagna, and he loved to sing Sinatra songs! Throughout he had many singing performances at the restaurant, around town, parties and social events. He loved spending time with family and friends; always out and about, incredibly social, fun, filled with laughter and loved by many. He was truly the “Man about Town.”
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on the afternoon of Sunday, April 16, 2023, from 3 – 6 PM. A mass will take place on Monday, April 17th at 11 AM at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. The inurnment will take place at a later date and will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are encouraged to The Lymphoma Research Foundation by visiting www.lymphoma.org/waystohelp/.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements. Please visit www.cognetta.com should you care to leave an online condolence message for John’s family.

Christina Keane

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Christina A. “Justy” Keane, 87, formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2023 in Goodyear, Arizona. Christina was born in Stamford on September 30, 1935 to the late John J. and Isabel Genovese Carlo.
Justy, as known by close friends and family throughout her life, graduated Stamford High School in 1953 and then pursued a degree in business administration from UCONN graduating in 1957. She then worked for several years as an accountant for J. Michael Cantore, Certified Public Accountants on Bedford Street. Having married her first husband Arthur “Buddy” Gallup, she raised her two boys until they completed school. Later in life she worked for the Greenwich Education Association. Justy was an active parishioner of North Stamford Congregational Church with her second husband Robert.
Justy is survived by her two sons; Jon Gallup, of Stamford and Robert C. Gallup of New Canaan; her two grandchildren, Kristi L. Gallup, of Philadelphia and Casey S. Gallup of Brooklyn, New York; a stepson, Kevin Keane of Washington, DC; two stepdaughters, Carolyn Heyman of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Marianne Keane of Canaan, Connecticut as well as her sister Gail Davidson, of Goodyear, Arizona and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Amber and Alanna Hallaway of Phoenix, Arizona for the loving care provided to Justy in her final years.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 8:30-9:45 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial, to be celebrated at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christina’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Katherine Jeris

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Katherine Jeris, age 94, passed away from complications of pneumonia at Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut on April 1, 2023. She was born February 5, 1929, in Framingham, Massachusetts, the daughter of Stratis and Marianthy Jeris, originally from Plomari, Lesvos, Greece. In June of 1994, she married Kosta Vzivzis, who preceded her in death in 2002.
She graduated Boston University with an associate degree in business, and worked for Brockton Wholesale Beverage, now Horizon Beverage. Katherine lived most of her life in Massachusetts, primarily in Brockton. Katherine was an avid gardener, bowler, traveler, and devout Greek Orthodox Christian. She had a flair for baking, was an active member of the Brockton Annunciation Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society and volunteered for the Brockton Public Schools, teaching children to read. She also cared for her mother, throughout her life until her passing in 1992. Ten years ago, Katherine moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family.
Katherine is survived by her brother John Jeris (Helen) of Yonkers, NY, niece Joanne Jeris of Norwalk, CT, nephew Paul Jeris (Leslie) of Pleasantville, NY, their daughters Rebecca and Emily, Katherine’s goddaughter E Robin Litts of Wethersfield, CT, goddaughter Paula Zevitas of Mattapoisett, MA, and countless cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.
A Celebration of her life will be held on April 22, 2023, 1:00pm, at Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, located at 1527 Bedford Street in Stamford, CT. A burial is set for April 24, 2023, 11:30am, at Melrose Cemetery in Brockton MA. All are invited to attend.
Donations can be made in Katherine’s name to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Brockton, MA, Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Mary May

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Mary Alice May, 90, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Stamford on June 11, 1932 to the late William J. and Mary Alice Dennihan May.
Mary Alice worked as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Stamford, for over 44 years. Mary Alice always loved being with her family and friends. In earlier years, she also loved to travel with her family and friends. She was a kind hearted woman and will truly be missed by all of us.
Mary is survived by her brother, Owen W. May and his wife Rosemary, of Florida, her nephew Timothy May, of Florida, her niece Deborah Giangrande and her husband Stephen, of Essex, CT, her great niece Sara Shepherd, her husband Kevin, great great nephew, Mac of Essex, CT her great nephew, Stephen Thomas Giangrande and his wife Colleen, of Deep River, CT. Mary’s extended family, Eleanor Gagnon, Carolyn, Rita, Rosemary, Margie, Willie and Angelo, also survive.
Besides her parents, Mary is predeceased by her sister-in-law Sara May and her nephew John May.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia RC Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT. There will be no calling hours. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Goldie Holbert

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Goldie F. Holbert, 93, of Stamford, CT died peacefully in her home on April 5th 2023. Goldie was born in Gad, West Virginia and was one of 3 girls (she was the baby – – she loved to remind her sisters of that fact). Goldie grew up on a farm in WVA and loved to tell stories about hoeing corn, milking cows and riding her beloved horses; and of course how she had to walk 2 ½ miles to and from the bus stop every day.
Goldie graduated from High School at 16 and moved to the big city of Charleston, WV to attend business school. Once completed, she secured a bookkeeping position at Union Carbide where she met her husband to be.
Goldie settled down as a homemaker in WVA once she had children. Union Carbide offered a promotion to her husband which prompted a move to CT – – a big change for the little farm girl from WVA. Once in CT Goldie continued her role as homemaker but eventually started working at various bookkeeping positions throughout businesses in Fairfield County. She retired in 2001 from Financial Accounting Standards Board.
Once Goldie retired she spent her time gardening, shopping (especially for bargains), traveling with her kids and their families but her biggest joy was being with her grandchildren: picking them up at school, babysitting, attending their sporting events, cooking holiday dinners for them and making their favorite desserts.
Goldie is survived by her two children and their spouses: Ron and Kathi Holbert & Karen and Frank Wainwright all of Stamford, CT. Goldie is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Kenny Holbert of Denver, Co, Kristi Menzies and her husband Robert Menzies of Londonderry, VT, Timothy “TJ” Wainwright and Amanda “Mandy” Wainwright both of Stamford, CT. Lastly Gavin Robert Menzies, Kristi and Robert’s son – – her great grandson whom brought a huge smile to her face whenever he visited. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins whom fondly remember the good times they shared.
Anybody who knew Goldie knows she was a feisty one – – she and her spunk will be missed.
There will be no calling hours or services.

Joseph Wiegman

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Diana Palmer

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Diana Louise Palmer, 86, of Westport, born to Nicholas Pellegrino and Elvira Iaizzi Pellegrino on December 29, 1936 in Norwalk, Diana died peacefully in her home with her children by her side on April 4, 2023. Diana was the younger of two children. Her brother, John, predeceased her. She grew up in New Canaan and Stamford and lived in Darien for over 50 years. Diana was a dedicated mother of five children. Diana graduated from Mother of God Academy in Stamford and attended Our Lady of Good Counsel College in White Plains. Diana was a Catholic woman of prayer and loved her family. Diana really enjoyed life including cruises and the occasional trip to Mohegan Sun. She was an avid reader, knitter and enjoyed watching movies. Those who knew her knew not to call during The Price is Right.
Diana worked as a switchboard operator and later worked for Georgia Pacific, General Reinsurance and Norelco in accounting roles. She worked for the former Coppola Shop in Stamford. To support her family, she worked in various domestic positions throughout the years.
Diana is survived by her children, Frank A. Palmer and Deborah A. Palmer of Stamford, Alison Palmer Gaston of West Haven, and April L. Richter and her husband, Albert, of Westport. Her beloved son, Stephen M. Palmer, predeceased her. Diana is also survived by four grandchildren, Ash Richter of Nashville, Tennessee, Nicholas Richter of Westport, and Nicole Gaston and Alex Gaston of West Haven.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien.
The family would like to thank the staff of Stamford Hospital for their loving and attentive care during her stay there.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Diana’s memory to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

John Leydon

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John “Jack” Francis Xavier Leydon Sr., 87, passed away at Stamford Hospital on Saturday March 25, 2023.

Jack was the youngest of five children born to Mary Ellen and Joseph Leydon. He was born in a home on Shippan Avenue Extension in the shadow of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on January 9, 1936, grew up in the Cove section of Stamford and served as an altar boy at St. Mary’s.

Jack graduated from Cove School in 1947 which was then led by Principal K.T. Murphy after whom the school is now named; St. John’s Junior High School in 1950; Stamford High School in 1954; and, American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1958 receiving a bachelor’s degree in economics. He received a masters degree and a 6th year certificate from Fairfield University in 1963 and 1965, respectively.

Jack was employed as an educator in Stamford for 37 years. Beginning in 1959 he taught at Stamford Catholic High School; in 1961 he transferred to Rippowam High School where he was a teacher, guidance counselor, Assistant Principal and Vice Principal; and, after the closing of Rippowam in 1983, he began his duties as Vice Principal of Westhill High School which he held until his retirement in 1996.

Jack was a leading member of Stamford High School’s football team during its glory era. He played both ways as a lineman, was a starter as a junior and senior and in his senior year he served as a co-captain. The team was C.I.A.C. state champion each of his junior and senior years. His coach in high school was the legendary Paul Kuczo. After high school, Jack was awarded a four-year athletic scholarship for his football abilities and started for four years on American International College’s team. After college, Jack started for Stamford’s Golden Bear semi-professional team. At Catholic High School Jack was a line coach under Bob Lynch. During this time, he coached Dick Swatland, who went on to become a captain of Notre Dame’s team. At Rippowam, Jack served as a line coach under Allen Shanen. The team was the undefeated county and state champion in 1965. During this time, Bobby Valentine was a leading player on the team.

Jack married the former Barbara Kozicki on June 18, 1960 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Stamford. The couple had three children: John Jr. and his wife Stacey and their children Mary, John III, James and Anne all of Stamford and Brenden and his wife Angela and their son Brenden of Stamford. He was predeceased by their son Terence and is survived by Terence’s daughters Kathy and Michelle and Michelle’s son Joey. He is also survived by his sister Rita of Stamford. He was predeceased by his siblings Joseph Leydon, Marion Troy and Loretta Leydon.

Jack was also an active community member. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians and Glenbrook Athletic Club. He was a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1968 to 1978 and served as its chairman for half of those years. Jack was active in Stamford Democratic politics and was also elected to multiple terms as a Constable – – often receiving the highest vote total for that position.

Jack spent his last days at St. Camillus Health Center adjacent to St. Mary’s Church thus closing a circle and last chapter of a life devoted to God, family and hometown.

Burial was private. The family asks that you remember Jack fondly and say a prayer on his behalf.

The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT is honored to assist the Leydon Family with the arrangements.

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

Mary Bafundi

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Mary E. Bafundi, 103, formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Fall River, MA on October 18, 1919 to the late Stanley and Mary Ellen Lizze Perrone.
Mary was a member of the St. Mary’s Senior Group in Stamford and was a very active member of the Grace Evangelical Church, in Stamford for over 40 years.
Mary is survived by her children, Harold L. Bafundi, Jr. and his wife Verna, of Spofford, NH, Carolyn Livolsi and her husband Sebastian of East Setauket, NY, and Maryellen Vita of Milford, CT, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Mary is predeceased by her loving husband Harry L. Bafundi, as well as her son-in-law Peter Vita.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT, TOMORROW, Wednesday April 5, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. A service will be held at the funeral home at 11:30 AM, with Pastor Scott Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at St. John RC Cemetery, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s memory to Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community, 1 Jefferson Ferry Dr., South Setauket, NY 11720.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.