Patricia Benoit

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Patricia Ann Benoit, formerly Patricia Clifford, 76, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 8, 2023. She was born on April 18, 1946 in Stamford, CT to Albert and Katherine Simonelli. She attended Stamford Public Schools and married Steven Clifford, with whom she had four children.

For 15 years and until she retired, Pat worked at Grade A Market in a job that she loved and that allowed her to make friends with her customers, who she’s still held relationships with many years after she retired. She loved watching General Hospital, playing word games on her phone to keep her brain sharp and texting everyone, always with many, many emojis!

Patricia is survived by her children, Lisa Clifford, Cathy Giordano (Joseph) and Steven Clifford, all of Stamford and Lori Corrente of West Palm Beach, Florida. She also leaves behind the true loves of her life, her 3 grandchildren, Alyssa Walters and Joseph Giordano both of Stamford, and Nicky Corrente of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Patricia is predeceased by her son Scott Michael Clifford, her Parents, and her Sisters Mildred Simonelli and Josephine Simonelli.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation in Patricia’s name be made to the COPD Foundation at https://www.copdfoundation.org/Ways-to-Give/Donate/Donate-Now.aspx

Robin Midha

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Gary Memale

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Gary J. Memale, a Stamford native, and a devoted husband, father, brother and friend passed away at Stamford Hospital on Sunday, February 5, 2023 with his family beside him. He was born in Stamford on March 15, 1951 to the late Joseph and Lillian Cyboski Memale. In addition to his parents, Gary was also predeceased by his son, Matthew. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.
A kid from the Cove, Gary graduated from “The School on the Hill”, Stamford High School, in 1969. Following his graduation, he proudly enlisted in the Army National Guard where he was stationed at Fort Dix “The Home of the Ultimate Weapon” in NJ during peace time. After serving, Gary began his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. He was a dedicated mailman and hard working employee who made many friends and acquaintances working in Stamford, Greenwich and Sarasota, FL post offices. In 1981 he met his match for life, Jo-Ann, and bonded over their mutual interests – travel and sports. In 1984 he married his beautiful wife, and a year later they relocated to Sarasota, FL. Following the birth of their children, they returned home to Stamford to raise their family. Over the years he traveled up and down the East Coast visiting many places and states with Jo and the kids. After 45 years Gary retired from the Postal Service and began enjoying his much deserved vacation.
To have known Gary is to have loved him. A man with such a tough bravado. Gary would win you over in a matter of minutes, after the sting of his sarcasm wore off. He enjoyed his time with family, whether it was at home watching Jeopardy!, on vacation tanning by the pool, or visiting his sister on the farm. He was a dedicated father, always making sure to be there for his son’s games and his daughter’s performances. Gary was a devoted NY Yankee and Giant fan, who cheered on his teams with gusto. If one of those teams was playing – Gary was watching. Cooking was his passion and he was known for being great at it. In retirement, he liked spending his days whipping up new recipes for his family to try. If Gary had a soundtrack to his life – it would consist of Billy Joel songs. He listened to him when he cooked, drove and falling to sleep. So it was only fitting that he passed away doing the same.
Gary is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Jo-Ann Gunzy Memale; his children Alexandra and Hunter; his sister Jodi Mitchell (Robert); nieces and nephew Samantha, Allison, Dennis and Heather; sisters-in-law Sally Kennedy (Peter) and Cheryl Winters; many friends and extended family.
Friends and family may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Saturday, February 11th from 1PM to 4PM. A prayer service will take place during visitation at 3PM. The interment will be private.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com.

Annino Antonelli

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Annino “Nino” Antonelli ,70, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 3, 2023. He was born on October 6, 1952, in his beloved home of Settefrati, Italy to the late Loreto and Marianna Pompa Antonelli.
Nino came from Italy in 1968 at the age of 14. He graduated from Darien High School. Nino was first employed as a teller at State National Bank, he graduated from Willams College, MA and worked his way up to VP Commercial Loan Officer. His most recent position was VP Commercial Loan Officer with First County Bank. Nino was a very active in the community, he was a member the Knights of Columbus-4th Degree, UNICO, Stamford Chapter, The Exchange Club, The Umbrella Club, City of Stamford Multicultural Committee, Stamford Zoning Board of Appeals as well as a former member of Republican and Democratic Committees. Nino was very active in the local Italian Community helping countless families. He was a member of the Minturnese and Settefratese Social Club. He also belonged to CIAO (Council of Italian-American Organization) as well as COMITES, in which he represented Italians living in Connecticut and New York, and proudly served on this committee for 24 years. Nino loved to travel especially to his hometown of Settefrati, and throughout Italy; but mostly loved being with his family and friends, whether it be in the U.S. or in Settefrati.
Nino is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marylena Mastroluca Antonelli of Stamford, his cherished children, John Paul Antonelli and his wife Laura and Marc Antonelli. Also surviving are his siblings, Marie Albero and her husband Frank, Matilde Romeo and John Antonelli and his wife Maria Giovanna, several loving nieces, nephews and his most beloved cousin, Giulio Pompa and his wife Antoinette. He is also survived by his loving Mother-in-Law, Maria Mastroluca and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Nino also leaves a true family of friends and colleagues from his many associations, especially from First County Bank.
In addition to his parents, Nino was predeceased by his brother, Michael Antonelli, and his brother-in-law Benjamin Romeo.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM. A funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 9:45AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford at 10:30AM. Interment will be held in Settefrati, Italy at a later date. Nino’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff of Greenwich/Yale NH Hospital and Constellation Home Health Services for their impeccable and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Nino’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org or Our Lady of Grace Schools, 635 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford, CT 06906
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Rose Burke

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Rose Ferrajina Burke, 67, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, February 3, 2023. Rose was born in Stamford on January 12, 1956 to the late Vincenzo “Jimmy” and Santa Prograno Ferrajina.
Rose was loved by all. She was good-hearted with a beautiful soul. Kind and generous to everyone. Rose was a loving wife, sister, and friend. She adored her nieces, nephews, and their children. Rose left an everlasting impression on everyone she met and will always hold a place in their heart. She was truly compassionate and selfless. Rose will be eternally missed.
Rose is survived by her loving husband, John Burke, her siblings Marie Blackman, and her husband Barry, Sally Ferrajina Sciarretta, her sisters-in-laws Peggy Burke and Ann Annesley and her husband Sean and her brother-in-law Robert Grottolo. Her adoring nieces and nephews; Bianca and Matt Riha, their children Troy and Shay, Stephanie and Dennis Smith, and their children, Peyton, Chad and Kyle, Dom and Giulia Sciarretta, and their children Marco and Esther, Dr. Christopher and Viola Sciarretta, and their children Tullio and Massimo, Alexis and Justin Cook, Bianca Grottolo, Sarah Annesley, Michael Annesley, Betsy Burke and several Aunts and Uncles along with many cousins.
Besides her parents, Rose is predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Roseanne and Jack Burke, her twin sister Elizabeth Grottolo and brother-in-law Michael Burke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at St. Maurice R.C. Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, in Stamford, CT. There will be no calling hours and the interment will be private.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Michael Fusco, Dr. Dominic Roca, the entire Stamford Hospital staff, especially the wonderful caring nurses on the 6th floor.
In lieu flowers, donations may be made in Rose’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Michael Pataky

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Michael A. Pataky, 70, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Stamford Hospital. He was born on November 7, 1952 in Stamford to the late Michael J. Pataky, Jr. and Edith Cappellieri Pataky.
Michael was employed at NEC/Nitsuko Co. as a Market Director of Telephone Interconnect Systems. In his younger years, Mike enjoyed playing softball, tennis and bowling. He was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and loved to travel abroad, on cruises, and to Superbowls. He especially loved trips to casinos far and wide. He enjoyed good food, sharing meals, spending time with family and friends, and having a good cigar with a good bourbon.
He is survived by his devoted sisters, Janis A. Pataky and Karen Pataky of Stamford and his fur nephew Jimmy Kibble. Also surviving is one aunt, Nancy Robotti Cappellieri, and many cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 22, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Maurice RC Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT. Calling hours will be for one hour starting at 9:00 AM before the mass at the church. Interment will be at Fairfield Memorial Park, Stamford at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Michael’s memory to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County located in Stamford, CT.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Maria Lopez

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Edward Schulte

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Edward “Eddie” Joseph Schulte, 81, a resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Stamford Hospital. Eddie was born on March 11, 1941 in Milford, CT to the late Carl Walter Schulte and Lucia Maria Deaso Schulte.
Eddie grew up in Milford, CT. He was the epitome of a 1950’s teen. He could dance like Elvis, was as popular as the Fonz, and the big brother everyone wanted to have. When he married, he moved to Stamford.
A barber for over 50 years in Stamford, and owner of Ridgeway Barber Shop and Cindy and Eddie’s Barber Shop, Eddie and his wife raised their children in the shops while working full time. His children were his pride and joy. With every accomplishment they achieved, he beamed with pride. He was a beloved father, who always supported his children in their artistic pursuits and passions. He was their biggest fan.

Eddie was an avid golfer and fisherman and could often be found reading one of his many western books in his favorite chair. He loved sports and was a devoted Yankees and Giants fan.
In his later life, when he was unable to work as a barber, he worked as a crossing guard for the city of Stamford. He enjoyed this so much and made many friends, especially the pups that always flocked around him in anticipation of the treats he kept hidden in his pockets.

Having a large, extended family, Eddie was loved and will be missed by many.

Eddie is survived by his former spouse, Cindy Hamel Schulte, his children Rachel Schulte and Eddie J. Schulte, Jr., his siblings, James P. Schulte and his wife Cathleen and Mary M. Russo, his sister-in-law, Arlene M. Schulte as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Eddie is predeceased by his brothers Carl Walter Schulte, Jr., Carl William Schulte and brother-in-law Frank D. Russo.
Family and friends may call on Monday February 6, 2023 at Our Lady Star of The Sea R.C. Church Hall, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in the church proper at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.

Muriel Gian

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Muriel J Gian, gentle woman, quiet light, morning star so strong and bright, gentle mother, peaceful dove taught us wisdom, taught us love passed away peacefully Sunday evening January 22, 2023, with her daughter and grandson at her side at Branford Hospice.
Muriel was 87 years old and was born in Norwalk. She moved to Stamford when she was 16 where she became a lifelong resident.
She was the daughter of the late Marion and Frank Kuslik and the wife of over 50 years to Anthony A Gian. She was also predeceased by her brother Frank Kuslik.
Muriel dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren, she was always there whenever you needed her with warm tea and toast.
Muriel loved going to the casino to play the slot machines. On a family trip to the Grand Canyon, she insisted on stopping at the Las Vegas casinos.
She loved shopping with her friends.
She will be forever missed by her 3 children, Colleen G Lofaro of Milford, Michael Gian of Monroe, and Bobby Gian of Stamford.
Muriel also leaves behind her 3 beloved grandchildren Trey Lofaro of Milford, Gabrielle Lofaro of Milford, and Ashley Gian of Stamford. They will forever miss her scrambled egg breakfasts.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Maurice’s Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 10:00 am.
A private interment burial will be held on Monday.
Thank you to all the compassionate nurses at Branford Hospice.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associate, CT Chapter

Natalie Bottler

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Natalie Bottler, 98, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 16, 2023. She was born in Port Chester, NY on December 25, 1924 to the late Alessio and Lucy Guglielmo Polese.
Natalie was born and raised in Port Chester, NY. She moved to Stamford where she met the love of her life Anthony P. Bottler, who passed away on January 12, 1979.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews. Beside her parents and husband, Natalie was also predeceased by her daughter, Mary Bottler on August 5, 2019 and her sisters, Rose Sandonato and Filomena Samela.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for both Natalie Bottler and her daughter Mary Bottler on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements for the Bottler family.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com