It is with great sadness that we announce that Richard John Celotto, 71, of Stamford, CT, died peacefully at Stamford Hospital in the early evening of Thursday, June 27, 2024 from acute leukemia. Born at Stamford Hospital on February 18, 1953 and was predeceased by his parents Albert “Buck” Celotto and Elsie (Wason) Celotto, as well as his younger brother Michael. Richard graduated from Stamford Catholic High School in 1971 and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Richard began Judo at the age of 12 and quickly became a star in the sport, winning many awards and trophies, including four state championships in the heavyweight division before he graduated from college. Judo was his lifelong passion. Through the years, many Stamford youth were taught Judo by Sensei Rick. As a Pan American (level B) referee, Rick and nine others formed the “Killer B’s” to teach, help, advise, and critique each other so that they could move up to the international level. It worked because in 1988, he became an international referee (level A) with the International Judo Federation and was known worldwide for his knowledge, skill, and extreme commitment to the sport through his educational seminars and videos; publications; and personal training of young referees. Many have credited him for setting the tone of refereeing as compassionate education.
Sensei Rick attained the level of Hachidan (8th-degree black belt) in 2012. Additionally, he was a member and past chairman of the US Judo Association (USJA) Referee Committee; past member of the USA Judo Referee Commission; head referee for the Nutmeg State Games of Connecticut for the last 15 years; referee examiner for local, regional, and national referees; and he became a USJA Certified Master Rank Examiner in 2024. Additionally, Rick served as the Chief Referee for the annual American/Canadian (AM/CAN) Judo Challenge Cup for numerous years. Among many accolades, Rick received the John Osako award given to given to an outstanding US referee in 2010. In 2022, he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the USA Judo Referee Commission and was recently given the first Leonard LeBlanc Memorial award from the Connecticut Judo Association.
His expert knowledge of Judo, delivered in a professional style that combined gentle humor, modesty, and genuine kindness, earned him respect and fondness from all who knew him. He exemplified the giving aspect of the Judo moral code.
Rick was always very actively involved in all aspects of Judo and refereeing; however, he gave his time freely to the sport. His work life was interesting and varied. He started out working at the YMCA in Darien, CT as aquatic director and fitness director, then as the medical and physical fitness advisory committee chairman in their newly built Health Services Center. Continuing in the health field, he became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMS) and worked with an ambulance crew. Additionally, Rick worked as a security advisor with the International Vault Company in the Bronx and was a private detective with the Stonegate Agency in New York City for many years.
Rick is survived by his brothers, John “Jack” Celotto of Stamford, and Retired Army Colonel Paul Celotto of Riverview Florida. Additionally, he is survived by Paul’s wife Susan; nieces Christine “Vanessa” Celotto, April Celotto, and Katrina “Diane” Celotto Adams (wife of Army Major Dominic F. Adams); great nieces, Katrina Marie and Elizabeth Nicole Adams, and his great nephew, Dominic Paul Adams.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Directly following the Mass, the receiving line will be held at the remembrance gathering from noon to 3:00 pm at the Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford. The interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rick’s memory to either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. For donation addresses, website, phone numbers, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com/obituaries/.
He will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone who was blessed to know him, both within the international Judo world and within his personal circle of friends, family, neighbors, and many others who had the good fortune to interact with him over his lifetime.

Cheryl S. Lockwood, 77, of Stamford passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Born on January 30, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY.
Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, Frank J. Lockwood, Sr. of Stamford, her loving children, Frank J. Lockwood, Jr. and Deborah Pereda, and two grandchildren, Christian and Cameron Pereda.
Cheryl was one of the first women to become a partner at a Wall Street investment banking firm and spent the majority of her life in finance and accounting.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM with a prayer service to be celebrated at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Constance J. (Deluca) Caporizzo, age 89, passed away on July 1, 2024. Born in Greenwich, CT on May 28, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Vita Jean LaBella and Anthony DeLuca. She is survived by her children, Lisa Caporizzo and Todd Caporizzo of Stamford, CT and Cynthia Caporizzo of Arlington, VA. She is also survived by her first cousins Beatrice Rinaldi-Sabia and Mary Lou Rinaldi of Stamford, CT, and many cousins of the LaBella and Deluca families.

Connie attended Saint Catherine of Siena Elementary School in Riverside and graduated from Mother of God Academy in Stamford. After her graduation, she pursued her dream and attended the Fashion Academy in New York City.

Her professional life was diverse. She was employed by the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Office of Religious Education, and as an integral member of the leadership team, developed and hosted the first New England Congress of Religious Education, the first of its kind on the east coast.

Connie worked in the hospitality industry at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC and the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and held other positions in merchandising and human resources. Later in her career, Connie worked for the City of Stamford’s Water Pollution Control Authority as the primary interface among the business community, citizens, and the Water Authority.

Connie was a woman of deep faith and served several terms as the president of the Rosary Altar Society at Sacred Heart Church in Stamford. Through her leadership and vision, she instilled new energy and transformed the Society into a vibrant Catholic community organization. With Society members, she planned and executed many successful parish fundraisers, events, and communion breakfasts, resulting in a significant increase in participation and membership.

All who knew Connie will remember her remarkable creativity, talent, and flair for fashion and design. She was always fashionably dressed and uniquely accessorized for every occasion. She artfully created home decorative floral and holiday pieces, including arrangements, wreaths, and special event decorations. For many years, Connie designed and decorated Stamford’s official Holiday Tree, which graced the lobby of the Government Center and was truly a work of art. She truly had “magic in her hands.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Riverside on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The viewing will be held in the Church vestibule from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. The interment, immediately following the Mass, will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Darien, CT.

Lisa, Cynthia, and Todd wish to thank the staff at River House Adult Day Center, the Fairfield County Hospice House, Friendly Aide Care, and her morning aide, Marika for their exceptional care and compassion and for bringing joy and peace to their mother’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Connie Caporizzo to River House Adult Day Center, 125 River Rd Ext., Cos Cob, CT 06807 or Fairfield County Hospice House, 1 Den Road, Stamford, CT 06902.

You are welcome to add your condolences to this website.

PARKING DIRECTIONS: Parking is available in the lot behind the Vincent O’Connor Center (formerly St. Catherine’s School). Parking lot entrance is located at 8 Riverside Avenue (Children’s Day School). Proceed down the driveway and park in the rear lot. Enter the church through the back entrance. An elevator and stairs will take you to the main church and vestibule.

For those attending the burial at St. John’s Cemetery after the Mass, please exit the parking lot in the same way as you entered. Please remain in line and wait for direction from the funeral coordinator or police escort.

Janet M. Ienner, 80, who was known fondly by her grandchildren as “Titi”, departed peacefully with her family by her side on June 30, 2024. She was born on December 5, 1943 to the late Peter and Sarah (Aitken) Nizolek. Her maternal grandparents immigrated from Scotland and built their family home on Ogden Road in the Belltown-area of Stamford in 1927. Janet attended Stamford public schools and graduated from Stamford High School, Class of ‘61. She was the office manager at McLeod & Dewy Packaging Specialists for more than 35 years until her retirement.

Janet was predeceased by the love of her life, Joseph E. Ienner, whom she had been married for 52 years. She is survived by her devoted son, James E. Ienner and daughter, Stacey N. Pellegrino, as well as her grandchildren, Jenna (and Bobby Costigan), Meredith and John. Also surviving are her brother-in-laws, James and Donald Ienner (Michelle), along with nieces, nephews and great niece and great nephews.

Janet resided in Norwalk over 60 years, in a place she was always proud to call her home. She remained active in the community, but by and large her greatest passion was her family. She was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader and would always be found front and center at all their activities and milestones. Anyone that knew them knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that’s all that ever mattered to her. Her favorite hobbies included watching volleyball games (Brien McMahon’s #1 Fan), walking, cooking and gardening.

For all those who were fortunate to have known and love Janet, you would agree that she was a vibrant and articulate woman with a can-do attitude. She lived by the mantra that you should “never give up”, and she never did. We all can take a lesson from her nobility.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM with a prayer service to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer research in Janet’s name, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797. The Lustgarten Foundation is a designated 501c3. EIN # 31-1611837
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Stephen Lawrence Moor, 70, beloved husband, father, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend, passed away suddenly on June 15th 2024.

Steve was born on April 01, 1954 and grew up in the Bronx borough of New York. His parents, Frank and Theresa were immigrants from Romania. It was because of his parents’ cultural background and their resolve to make a better life for themselves and their children in their newly adopted country that Steve developed into the man he was.
Steve attended Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx. It was there that he not only developed his love of learning, but also his love of sports. As a three sport athlete, Steve was the quarterback for the elite New York City Allstars Team in both baseball and football for two years in a row. Recognized in many national publications as an All-American Quarterback, Steve was recruited by many outstanding universities in the country. The legendary Ohio State football coach, Woody Hayes, came to Steve’s home to recruit him for their nationally recognized team. Becoming one of the first life-defining decisions of his life, Steve turned him down, prioritizing his education to football fame. He accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend Northwestern University playing Football and walking on to the Baseball team.

Helping Steve make this difficult decision to attend Northwestern was Mr. Ivan Combe founder of Combe, Inc., and himself an alumnus of the university. Mr. Combe was an instrumental force in convincing Steve of the benefits of attending such a prestigious academic university. Mr. Combe followed Steve’s collegiate career and saw in him the potential to become a valuable part of his expanding business. Steve was recruited to join Combe, Inc. where he worked for over 40 years.

Possessing a fluency in German, Steve was selected to be the person to lead the international expansion for the company, starting their German division.
It was in Germany that Steve became acquainted with the German American football team, the Dusseldorf Panthers and eventually became their head coach in his spare time. The Panthers went on to become the German champions for two years in a row.

Steve was later offered an opportunity to become the announcer for the European American football league but decided to come back to the United States. While back in the United States, Steve was selected to broadcast the Super Bowl throughout Germany because of his fluency with the language and his knowledge of and passion for the sport.

When Steve returned to the United States, he made the decision to continue his education. He moved back to Chicago and earned his masters’ degree at the prestigious University of Chicago. This proved to be the best decision of his life as it was there that he met his dearest friend and future wife, Carolyn Prazenka. During their 26+ years of marriage, they were blessed with three beautiful children. Katarina lives in New York City working in sales, following her father’s professional background. Andreas lives in New Canaan and is currently finishing his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Quinnipiac University after working in the automotive industry. Olivia recently graduated from Northwestern University and has begun her career in Data Analytics Consulting.

Steve was known for many things but mostly for his great sense of humor, his strong values, morals and ethics, his strong faith, and his generosity. From the old neighborhood guys, to his college teammates, and to his professional colleagues, Steve was always the same – a great friend to all.

Steve was a member of the United Methodist Church of New Canaan for 20 years, serving on numerous committees and as a trustee. You never had to ask Steve to help out, he just showed up all the time, for everyone; teaching the Youth how to use tools for their mission work; cleaning up from a flooded basement; running the Men’s fellowship, landscaping and fixing anything and everything. He guided the church through the Pandemic, hours and hours of planning and cleaning. One Christmas Eve, he and his family pulled up, popped the SUV trunk. and hauled out two 8’ patio heaters so we could worship outdoors. He loved his church family and would do anything for every single member. His generosity was tireless.

Steve was involved in Boy Scouts as a leader of Andreas’ Cub Scout Pack 7 and continuing as Charter Organization Representative for the Boy Scouts. Steve also loved spending Saturday mornings with his tennis and paddle tennis friends. Often insisting his children go play when he couldn’t so they could share the joy he had playing with that special group of friends.

Steve is survived by his wife Carolyn (Prazenka), their three children whom he adored, Katarina (25), Andreas (24), and Olivia (22), his sister, Helga, his dear sister and brother in-laws, Barbara Moor, Matthew Prazenka, Diane Prazenka and Jose Martinez as well as his many nieces and nephews: Amy Gaylord, Alyssa Rivenburg, Victoria Rodriguez, Eric O’Neal, Brian O’Neal, Merrill Mauser, Aaron Prazenka, Anthony Franzen, Alexander Orozco, Brandon Orozco, Nicole Lozano, Ethan Cloonan, and his beloved mother-in-law, Jessica Agin and many grand nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Frank Moor and niece Lynda DiLena.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20 at the Cognetta Funeral Home in Stamford from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21 at the United Methodist Church of New Cannan beginning at 11:00 am which will also be live streamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cardinal Hayes High School Football Program at 650 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451 in Steve’s name.

To view live stream please visit Here use copy and paste:
https://events.locallive.tv/events/149601 (https://events.locallive.tv/events/149601)

or by visiting the United Methodist church of New Canaan website

www.umcofnewcanaan.org to access the hyperlink