Karen Barone

/in /by

Karen Jean Barone, a life-long resident of Greenwich, CT died on May 29th, 2022 at the age of
65. Karen passed away peacefully at Greenwich Hospital after a long illness.

Karen was born on January 29th, 1957 in Greenwich, CT to the late Albert Barone, Sr. and Anna
(Polestra) Barone. She graduated from Greenwich High School in 1975 and from St. Vincent’s
School of Nursing in Bridgeport in 1978. Karen worked as a Registered Nurse in Maternity at
Greenwich Hospital for approximately 35 years. She helped care for babies in the nursery and
prepared many first-time parents to take on the role of raising children by teaching Lamaze
childbirth classes through the Tender Beginnings Program. In her spare time Karen also
crocheted blankets and hats for babies being cared for at the NICU of Greenwich Hospital.
A devoted New York Yankees fan, Karen also enjoyed baking, photography, reading, travelling,
the theater, shopping, caring for others and simply hanging out in downtown Old Greenwich, at
the beaches or near bodies of water. Karen was a longtime member of St. Catherine of Siena
Church in Riverside, and fueled by her passion for volunteering, taught religious education
classes to youth at the Parish for many years.

Karen is survived by her sister Linda Barone of Stamford, CT and her brother Albert Barone, Jr.,
her sister-in-law Diane Barone, her niece Alyssa Barone and her nephew, Alexander Barone, all
of Ellicott City, MD, as well as many first, second and third-generational cousins.
Karen’s family would like to extend heart-felt thanks and extreme gratitude to the professional
staff at Greenwich Hospital for providing care to Karen throughout the years.

The family wishes to especially acknowledge Dr. Alexander Delvecchio, MD, a cardiologist who went well above and beyond the call of duty in providing longtime care and friendship to Karen. Special thanks
also go out to retired oncologist Dr. Dickerman Hollister, MD, who provided invaluable care and
support to Karen through trying times.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Catherine of Siena
Church at 4 Riverside Avenue in Greenwich. The family requests that masks be worn at the
funeral service. Masks will be available. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family requests that donations in her memory be made to the
Greenwich Hospital Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, St. Jude’s Children’s
Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Mira Colucci

/in /by

Mira Joan Colucci passed away peacefully at her home on May 23, 2022. She was 90 years old.

Mira was born on August 25, 1931 to Antoinette and Philip Rex in The Bronx, New York. She graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School and upon graduation worked at New York University in the School of Education. She met her husband Dominick, the love of her life, on a blind date. After marrying they lived in Stamford where they would raise their family.

Mira initially worked as a secretary at a variety of companies, juggling work and family life. In 1973 she began working for the City of Stamford and eventually becoming an Executive Secretary to the Finance Commissioner. For over twenty-five years she enjoyed her work and colleagues, eventually retiring in 1999.

She is survived by her daughter Mildred Lorenti and her husband Marc, and her son Robert and his wife Kathryn. She is also survived by her grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Marc Lorenti Jr., Nicole Lorenti, Stephanie Colucci and Daniel Colucci. In addition, she is survived by a brother Vincent, his wife Ida and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her loving husband Dominick, and her sisters Betty, Rose, Vicky, and Annie.

Mira was a devoted wife and mother. Her family and her faith were her life. Raising her family, she instilled the values that were important to her: hard work, education, honesty, and kindness.

She took great pride and joy in cooking and making her many specialties including lasagna, eggplant, and cheesecake.

She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church for over 60 years. She inspired and helped countess others with her steadfast faith by praying the rosary daily.

The entire family wishes to thank the many healthcare providers and caregivers over the years that allowed her to remain in her home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mira’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Family and friends may offer their sympathy and condolences at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT on Thursday, May 26th from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, May 26th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. The entombment will immediately follow mass at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford.

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

Maria Rieder

/in /by

Maria Francesca Rieder, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away from complications due to pneumonia on Friday, May 20th, 2022. She was born and raised in Stamford, CT to Francesco and the late Maria Teresa (DeNardo) D’Agostino before moving to Shelton to raise her family.

Fran’s greatest love were her four
children, and her granddaughter. Fran’s favorite pastime was sitting at the beach or pool soaking up the sun.

She is survived by her father Francesco D’Agostino of Trumbull; her siblings Pat D’Agostino (Terry) of Stamford, Angela Severo of Trumbull, and Vincenza Long (Bob) of Trumbull; her children James (Tyler) of Norwalk, Jessica (Andrew) of North Branford, Maria-Teresa of Shelton, and Danielle of Stamford; her granddaughter Annie; and the father of her children, William; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Fran was predeceased by her mother Maria Teresa D’Agostino, who passed on May 18, 2022.

Family and friends may offer their sympathy and condolences at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Wednesday, May 25th from 2pm to 6pm. Prayer service to be held at 5pm.

Maria D’Agostino

/in /by

Maria Teresa D’Agostino, a dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Wednesday, May 18, 2022 with her loving family at her side. She was a longtime resident of Stamford, before moving to Trumbull to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She was born in Arena, Italy on December 19, 1937 to the late Vincenzo and Maria Angela (Ida) DeNardo. Teresa was 84 years old at the time of her passing.

Teresa, as she was lovingly known to her friends and family, was ten years old when she and her brother arrived in the United States. At eighteen, she went to Calabria, Italy where she met and married her beloved husband Frank in 1956. They returned to Stamford, CT to raise their four children. She was a devout Catholic that attended mass regularly. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she took pride in organizing the yearly ceremonial mass for the feast of St. Michael. This tradition was started over 50 years ago at Sacred Heart church in Stamford and continues to this day.

Teresa’s greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was an avid cook and loved having her family gathered around a table serving a large meal. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets and scarves for everyone.

Teresa was known for her witty personality and silly sense of humor. She took great pride in her colorful storytelling that made everyone around her laugh when she got every detail incorrect. Her grandchildren will always remember her twisted versions of fairy tales and nursery rhymes that they can never repeat to their own children.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Francesco D’Agostino; her children, Pat D’Agostino and wife Terry, Maria Francesca Rieder, Angela Maria Severo and Vincenza Long and husband Robert; nine grandchildren, Jenna Marie Nowakowski (Michael), Charles James Severo (Lindsey), James Francis Rieder, Jessica Lynn Rieder (Andrew), Matthew Frank Severo (Amanda), Katelynn Anne Long (Tyler), Maria Teresa Rieder, Danielle Michael Rieder and Robert Vincent Long; five great grandchildren, Devon Matthew Nowakowski, Roman James Severo, Sydney Rose Nowakowski, Leo Charles Severo, Annie Leona Gargiulo and soon to arrive baby girl Severo; and Teresa’s brother Frank DeNardo and his wife Donna. In addition to her parents Teresa was preceded in death by her brother Gerome (Jimmy) DeNardo.

Family and friends may offer their sympathy and condolences at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT on Sunday, May 22nd from 2pm to 6pm. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 23rd at 10:30am at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. The entombment will immediately follow mass at St. John R.C. cemetery in Darien.

For the safety and consideration of all those who plan on attending the wake and service please be sure to bring a face covering.

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

Neil Scollick

/in /by

Neil Montgomery Scollick, 83, of New Canaan, CT passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2022, at Norwalk Hospital. Neil was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of David and Jane Scollick and was a very loving and devoted husband to his wife Alison Scollick for nearly 60 years. While Neil was a resident of New Canaan, CT he also resided for many years in Pound Ridge, NY and Stamford, CT.

Neil worked for over 30 years for Pfizer within both R&D and Global Manufacturing. Having joined Pfizer in Sandwich, UK in 1966 as a chemist, his work took him to Groton, CT and for many years New York, NY. Neil also moved for several overseas assignments that included the UK, Ireland, and later Belgium. Neil earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Ph.D. in Chemistry, from Edinburgh University. Neil was an avid golfer, long time member of Winged Foot Golf Club and lover of Labrador retrievers.

In addition to his wife Alison, Neil is survived by his daughter Caroline J. Holzer, and son-in-law Phil M. Holzer, of Skillman, NJ, a granddaughter, Claire A. Holzer and his sister in Edinburgh, Margaret Morgan. The family will be holding a private interment. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (https://www.guidingeyes.org/).

Clara Frias

/in /by

On Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Stamford, CT our beloved Clara Irene Frias, affectionately known as Guela Can, was called home to the Lord. Clara was an Angel to all. With her amazing cooking and big heart, she always felt like home. Born in the Dominican Republic, Clara was the eldest of ten children. She worked in a famous Factory, where her career succeeded. Above all, she was a caregiver, nurturer, confidant, and maternal figure to many. Her presence was always felt, you could sense the energy of love, when she walked into a room. With a smile on her face, she always told the best stories. Clara is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one sibling.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 9 am to 11 am at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home. Located at 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902. Burial to follow at the St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT. The Repass will be held in Stamford, CT.

El domingo 15 de mayo de 2022 en Stamford, CT nuestra querida Clara Irene Frías, cariñosamente conocida como Guela Can, fue llamada a casa con el Señor. Clara era un ángel para todos. Con su increíble comida y su gran corazón, siempre se sentía unos como en casa. Nacida en la República Dominicana, Clara era la mayor de diez hijos. Trabajó en una Fábrica , donde triunfó su carrera. Por encima de todo, fue una cuidadora, nutridora, confidente y figura maternal para muchos. Su presencia siempre se sentía, se podía percibir la energía del amor, cuando entraba en una habitación. Con una sonrisa en la cara, siempre contaba las mejores historias. A Clara le sobreviven dos hijos, nueve nietos, dieciséis bisnietos y una hermana.

Se invita a la familia y a los amigos a una reunión de celebración de la vida el viernes 20 de mayo de 2022 de 9 a 11 de la mañana en la Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home. Ubicada en 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902. El entierro seguirá en el Cementerio de St. John en Darien, CT. Repass en Stamford, CT.

Arthur Lavery

/in /by

Arthur P. Lavery, “Scottie” 88, of Stamford passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on May 13, 2022. He was born in Cleland, Scotland on October 31, 1933 to the late Charles and Annie McFarlane Lavery.
Arthur completed one year of college studying Art. He emigrated to the US in 1951-1952. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corp, where he worked on jet engines. He played starting center forward for the US Marine Corp International Soccer Team. He married Josephine Pennella (Tina), the love of his life in 1956, then formed a 50 year partnership with Ralph in Lavery & Bucci Painting Co. Arthur was a meticulous skilled Artisan.
Arthur was multi-talented and had a wonderful singing voice and had performed in musicals, such as Anything Goes, among others. Art and Tina loved to dance, play pool, gamble and gather with friends. He attended the Scottish games annually and family vacations. In later years, Art enjoyed finding tag sale treasures, spending weekends reading the NY Times and walking on the beach.
Arthur is survived by his loving children, Arthur Patrick Lavery, Jr. and Debbie of Greenwich, Cynthia Lavery-Valenti and her husband Bill of Stamford, and Jonathan Lavery and his wife Tracy of Stamford, as well as his grandchildren, Samantha Valenti, Jake Lavery and Matthew Valenti, along with many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Arthur was also predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Josephine (Tina) (Pennella) Lavery in 2018 and three sisters and five brothers.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Bridget’s of Ireland RC Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Putnam Avenue, Greenwich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Arthur’s memory to World Central Kitchen wck.org/donations
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Patricia Palkimas

/in /by

Patricia Ann (Patti) Palkimas, 77, a dear wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on Friday May 6th 2022, with her loving family by her side. Daughter of Pat and Sue Mollo, Patricia was a lifelong resident of Stamford.

She was a graduate of Stamford Catholic high School and earned her BFA from the New York school of Interior Design. Art, theatre, and opera were her passions and she touched all with her style and grace.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years Peter Palkimas, daughter Lori Ann Smith, granddaughter Lilah Smith, and stepson Julius Smith, as well as her brother Robert Mollo and wife Beth, brother-in-law Michael Palkimas and wife Judy, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Pat and Sue Mollo of Stamford, and her son-in-law Jeffrey Smith.

A mass of Christian burial for Patricia will be held on Wednesday, May 18th at 10:30 am at the Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT. The interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford. There will no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patricia’s name can be made to The Franciscan Bread For the Poor at www.stfrancisbreadline.org or to Doctors Without Borders at www.donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.

To leave messages of condolence for Patricia’s family please visit Cognetta.com.

Amelia Hanzlik

/in /by

Amelia “Mimi” Sessa Hanzlik, a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT. passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on May 7, 2022. She was born in Stamford, CT. on December 16, 1932 to the late Nicholas Rocco and Nettie Lucia Sessa.
Mimi was always first and foremost known for her abundant Love and Protection of Family and Friends. Always willing to help someone in need or distress. Being that person that you can go and talk to about what troubles you and usually being able to come up with a suggestion or the solution that you would need to solve your problem. She had a smile that would light up a room the second she walked in with personality, elegance, and grace. Coming from a Classical musical background Mimi enjoyed the Arts. Being a founding member of the State Opera Assoc. and Pink Tent Festival of Arts, she would work countless hours striving to make the Classics stand out in front and not become a fading Art. The best way to describe Mimi was “Class Personified”. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Mimi is survived by her loving sons, Nicholas F. Hanzlik, Sr. and his wife Sandi, Stanley J. Hanzlik, Jr., and his wife Kim, as well as her grandchildren, Nicholas F. Hanzlik, Jr. and his wife Melissa, Brendan Hanzlik, Monica Ortiz, Shawn Hanzlik, Lisette Ortiz, Kevin Hanzlik, Kristi Ortiz and her husband Elvin and Trisha Rodriguez and her husband Luis. Also surviving are her great grandchildren, Logan Rodriguez, and Siena and Stella Hanzlik, her brother, Dr. Frank A. Sessa and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 18, 2022, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien, CT. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Amelia’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Donald Zezima

/in /by

Donald R. Zezima, 72, of South Salem, NY and a former resident of Stamford passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 9, 2022. He was born in Stamford on February 4, 1950 to the late Joseph and Frances Egan Zezima.
Donald was employed at Pitney Bowes for 35 years, prior to his retirement in 2005. He was an avid golfer, softball player and paddle tennis player. He loved his wife and family and the time he spent with them and also his friends on vacations at Vero Beach and Waters Edge. He enjoyed the lunches at the Knights with the boys. Go Jets and Mets!
Donald is survived by his loving wife, Terri Lynn Frangione Zezima, of South Salem, NY, his mother in law, Sylvia Frangione of Norwalk, his nephew, Peter Zezima and family of Stratford and his sister in law, Connie Zezima of Stamford. Also surviving are several sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as many cousins.
Besides his parents, Donald was also predeceased by his brother, Joseph Zezima, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, May 12, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Donald’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com