Gregory Cogliano

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Gregory P. Cogliano, 74, of Stamford passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, Connecticut. He was born in Boston, MA on September 21, 1947 to the late Frank C. and Grace Sullivan Cogliano.
Gregory grew up in Canton, MA, graduated from Canton High School, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Suffolk University in Boston, with joint majors in Chemistry and Math. After working as a Chemical Engineer at W. R. Grace in Cambridge, MA, he founded The Polygon Corporation in 1972, a manufacturer of petroleum wax products and emulsions. Many candle-makers in New England were supplied by Polygon. In 1980, Greg and Betsy moved to Bedford, MA, where they raised their two sons. Greg was an avid downhill and cross-country skier, enjoyed cycling and participated in many MS rides. He was very proud of the many fruit trees in his backyard, and for many years had a large vegetable garden. Greg liked working with wood and installed heart pine floors and birch and purpleheart ceilings in the Bedford home. In 2019, Greg and Betsy moved to Stamford, CT to be nearer family as they learned to live with Greg’s dementia.
Gregory is survived by his wife, Betsy Farr Cogliano of Stamford, his sons, Jonathan F. Cogliano and his wife, Katherine Tait of Glastonbury, CT and Frank J. Cogliano and his wife, Megan Pavia of Stamford, as well as his sister, Elaine Russell and her husband Miles of Lincoln, MA and brothers, Franklin Cogliano and his spouse, Ronald Richter of NYC, James Cogliano of Acton, MA and Matthew Cogliano and his wife, Laura McFadden of Somerville, MA. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Carmela, Vincent, and Colette Cogliano, five nephews, and a niece.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. There will be no calling hours and Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gregory’s memory to a charity of your choice or to First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Wanda Dunn

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Wanda J. Dunn, 89, of Darien passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, April 25, 2022. She was born in Itmann, W. Virginia on June 15, 1932 to the late Florio and Giustina Maria Vecellio Pais.
Wanda grew up in the mountains of W. Virginia with her four siblings. After high school, she obtained a degree in secretarial studies. A highlight of her early years was a solo trip on the Andrea Doria to visit family in Italy. Wanda later moved to Richmond, VA, where she worked as an executive secretary. Upon marriage, she relocated to the Northeast, became a mother, and settled in Darien. Wanda eventually resumed secretarial work, first at Scott Associates and finally at Pierson Law Firm. Throughout her later years, Wanda was an avid YMCA member and Italian student.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Dunn, her children, Juliette Dunn and Matthew Dunn, and her grandchildren, Cedric Petion and Justin Petion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 28 at 11:30 am at St. John RC Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien. Interment will be private and there will be no calling hours.
The family requests that donations be made in Wanda’s memory to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County or Wheel It Forward.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the funeral arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Brandi Nicole Williams Lorusso

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Brandi Nicole Williams Lorusso, 45, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. She was born in Torrance, CA on April 20, 1977 to Jimmy Williams and Sharon Williams.
Brandi was blessed with a large and loving family. She married her best friend, Joseph, and together they built an incredible life. A loving mom to her precious son Kirk, she lived a life full of travel, adventure and reveled in new experiences. She was also an avid dog lover. Her multitude of friends and tight family bonds were indicative of her caring and loyal disposition. She loved and was loved by so many and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Brandi is survived by her loving husband, Joseph C. Lorusso, son, Kirk Cameron Johnston II, mother, Sharon Willams-Piggott , stepfather, Ernesto Lorenzo Piggott, sister, Kellie Williams, in-laws, Michael and Lorraine Lorusso, and a host of relatives and friends.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 PM, with a funeral service to be celebrated at 4:30 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Vittorio Capocci

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Vittorio C. Capocci, 85, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Autumn Lake of Norwalk. He was born in Settefrati, Italy on November 4, 1936 to the late Quintilio and Amelia Ciotti Capocci.
Vittorio emigrated to the United States from from Italy on the Julius Caesar into Ellis Island in 1956. He settled in Stamford and raised his family. He enjoyed bowling and playing bocce at Scalzi Park and played for the American National Soccer team in the 1970’s. Sunday dinners with his family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was very important to him. Vittorio will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.
Vittorio is survived by his devoted wife, Maria Farina Capocci of Stamford, his loving children, Claudia Carbonara of Norwalk, Leo Capocci and his wife Gina of Stamford, his sister, Edda Capocci of Stamford and his sister in law , Maria Lia Capocci , of Norwalk. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Ciara Carbonara, Kristin Kirk, Chris Carbonara, Michele Fabre, Nicole Capocci and two great grandchildren, Madisyn Hwang and Sebastian Fabre, as well as his niece and nephew, Amy and Frank Capocci.
Besides his parents, Vittorio was also predeceased by his son in law, Lou Carbonara and his brother, Frank Capocci.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Monday, May 2, 2022 from 8:30-10:00 AM, following 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 St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Vittorio’s memory to a charity of own’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Daniel Caruso

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Daniel Louis Caruso, 90, a lifetime resident of Stamford and recently of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022.
Daniel was born on January 19, 1932 in Norwalk, CT, son of the late Anthony and Carolyn (Katy) Palarino Caruso. He attended Norwalk schools, was drafted into the US Armed Forces and served during the Korean War. Daniel held a variety of jobs after returning to Norwalk, and eventually attended Hairdressing School. He married his wife, Josephine Gambino Caruso, on December 9, 1968. During the 1970’s he and his wife owned a salon in Stamford called “La Boutique – Salon of Beauty” on Shippan Avenue. Dan later accepted a position with the City of Stamford in the Department of Public Works as a Buyer, where he remained until his retirement in 1991.
Dan is survived by his wife, Josephine “Jo” (Gambino) Caruso, and their daughter, Debra (Romaniello) Bova and her husband, Taylor, of Stratford. Daniel is also survived by his cherished grandson, Philip Joseph “PJ” Bova and his wife, Meghan; his beloved granddaughter, Samantha (Bova) Guere, Esq. and her husband, Ryan; and his treasured grandson, William David Bova and his wife, Ashliann. Daniel’s grandchildren were the light of his life and the focus of his final decades. He never missed an opportunity to be a part of their lives and rarely, if ever, missed one of their school, sport or life events! He was always ready to show off a photo of his grandchildren to any and all, and he was often seen wearing their photo proudly on a sweatshirt! Daniel was a persistent mentor to each grandchild and made sure to convey his lessons for a successful life with regularity. Not a day went by where he did not call each of his grandchildren to see that they were okay and to ask if there was anything they needed!
Dan is also survived by nieces, Rose (Gambino) Colangelo of Stamford and her husband, Lenny; Michele (Gambino) McEwen of North Carolina and her husband, Gary and Joey (Gambino) Smith of Norwalk and her husband, Chris.
Daniel is predeceased by a brother, Anthony Caruso, and a brother-in-law, Philip J. Gambino.
There will be no calling hours at the family’s request. However, a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford on Monday, May 2nd at 11:00 AM. The interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, though Daniel loved them, the family asks that you make a donation in Daniel’s name to the animal charity of your choice as Daniel loved animals. Two top recommendations are: www.bestfriends.org or www.aspca.org.
For online condolences, please visit www.Cognetta.com.

Jose Grandas Diaz

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In loving memory of Jose N Yesid Grandas Diaz (59 years), was born on June 22nd, 1962 in Velez Santander, Colombia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 18th, 2022 at home. Loving father of Carlos and Yeimy Grandas Hernandez, predeceased by parents Carlos and Temilda Grandas, and survived by his siblings Gladys, Carlos H, Aida, Dolly, Luz Marlen, and Fernando Grandas.
His battle with serious medical issues in recent months showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Jose came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. He loved dogs, walking at the beach, and spending quality time with his grandchildren.
He had a zest for life that no one could measure. He was happy, kind, generous, compassionate, and supportive. Jose deeply loved his family including all his beautiful extended families, cousins, nieces, and friends.
Arrangements are being graciously attended to by The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory for Saturday at 9am to 12PM on April 23rd, 2022., A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s RC Church, Stamford, CT at 12:30PM

Remzije Berisha

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Steve Katsetos

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Steve (Stavros) Katsetos of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving daughters on April 19th.
He was born in Krokeai, Greece, on November 14th, 1926 and immigrated to the United States in 1956 where he quickly established his life in Stamford. He married his wife, Freda (Gunard) Katsetos, (who predeceased him) and had 4 beautiful girls. He established the Atlantic Pizza House in 1960, which was a landmark to Stamford natives. The Atlantic Pizza House was a true family business, with relatives from Greece and Steve’s daughters working right by his side.
He had so many interests and was very active, but he was best known as an avid fisherman, who also loved gardening, cooking, football, and most of all his family. Steve divided his time between Stamford, Clearwater, Florida, and Greece, but no matter where he was, he made instant friends and was always surrounded by people who loved him. His big heart and generous nature also shined through his philanthropic acts and gifts to St. Basil’s Academy, the Krokeai Society, Church of the Archangels, Church of the Annunciation, the Laconian Society in Florida, and to many individuals in need.
His family will always hold deep in their hearts his life of the party smile and his dance moves. He never missed an opportunity to get on the dance floor with his family surrounding him smiling from ear to ear. He also never missed an opportunity to spread his wisdom, and everyone is all the better for it.
Steve is survived by his loving children, Paula Katsetos (Tassos) of Poughkeepsie, NY, Denise Aivalis (Nikolaos) of Stamford, Georgette Katsetos (Nick) of Stamford, Freda Katsetos-Stanton (Jim) of Stamford, his grandchildren Stavros (Melissa), Antony (Suzanne), Alexi (Kelcie), Katie (Lambros), Dean (Stefanie), Steve (Audra), Jennifer (Dan), Stephanie (Connor), Natalie, Elizabeth, and Steven, and thirteen beautiful great-grandchildren with one on the way, as well as his many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Freda Gunard and his wife Mary Kottis.
The family is especially grateful for Family Care Plus Home Care for all of their services and especially for the excellent care provided by Yaw Anim Junior.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 20th from 6-8pm at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 21st at 11am at the Church of the Archangels. The interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Saint Basil Academy, 79 St. Basil’s Road, Garrison, New York, 10524 or to The Renovation Fund of St. Nicholas Church in his “xorio” (birthplace) in Greece, c/o Paula Katsetos, 88 Third Street, Stamford, CT 06905.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com.

Nancy Gruber

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Nancy Black Gruber, 64, of New Canaan, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born on March 28, 1958 in Cincinnati, OH to the late Donald K. and Elizabeth Kautz Black.
After graduating from New Canaan High School in 1976, Nancy received her bachelor degree in economics from Skidmore College in 1980. She started her distinguished career in banking with the Bank of New York. As Senior Vice President for Union Trust she developed a successful Private Banking Group before becoming Vice President for JPMorgan Chase Private Banking Group. A resident of New Canaan for over 55 years her volunteer activities included Walter Schalk School of Dance, Junior League of Stamford, New Canaan Historical Society, and New Canaan Library. A member of Stanwich Church since 1998 she was Historian, bookstore chairman, small group leader, and editor of the second edition “Light in the Back Country.” She loved motorcycling and sailing with her husband.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Dr Gary S. Gruber and her daughter Emma Elizabeth Gruber, both of New Canaan as well as her sister Sally Dordelman of Pennsylvania.
A Memorial Service will be held in Nancy’s memory on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Stanwich Church, 202 Taconic Road, Greenwich, CT. The family will receive friends and loved ones following the service, in the Church Reception Hall. Interment was held privately.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Gruber family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nancy’s memory to the New Canaan Community Foundation c/o Friends of Bristow Fund Bird Sanctuary, 111 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 or online at www.bristowpark.com/support-us.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Dolores Violette

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Dolores Violette, 90, a lifelong Stamford resident who grew up in the Waterside area, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022 at Stamford Hospital. Dolores was born in Stamford on October 7, 1931 to the late Charles and Ella (Zaccardo) Claps.
Dolores attended both Ryle and St. John’s school eventually graduating in 1949 from Sacred Heart Academy where she received an award for perfect attendance. After high school she attended The Short Secretarial School which prepared her for her career as an Executive Secretary. Dolores worked in several locations over the years in this role, but valued her years working in New York City where she met her husband Robert and started their life together. Dolores and Robert lived in the Bronx for several years before returning to live in Stamford where she remained for the rest of her life. She was a woman who loved life and enjoyed all that it had to offer including travelling and her beloved New York Yankees. Dolores never met a stranger and loved nothing more than speaking to others and learning about their lives. She adored her family and especially her three grandchildren of whom she was very proud. Dolores adored sitting in her pool in the summer months and having cook-outs with family and friends. She was a fantastic cook who loved throwing a party. She was a lifelong pet owner and enjoyed the company of her dogs and cats. She had created some beautiful needlepoint work over the years and was exceptionally proud of one project of the Last Supper which hung on the wall in her home. She enjoyed trips into Manhattan to shop and attended many Broadway shows. Dolores loved a good joke and found a reason to laugh in any situation. Her laughter and sense of humor will be terribly missed by her loved ones.
Dolores was a past president and long time member of the Father Myron V. Miller Columbiettes-Auxillary 5833. She also volunteered for many years for Stamford Hospital where she completed over 35oo volunteer hours in the Emergency Room and at the Bennet Cancer Center
Dolores is survived by her husband Robert Violette, her daughter Michele Corrow and her partner Brian Martin, her grandchildren: Tyler Corrow, Storm Corrow and Hunter Corrow. Dolores is also survived by her sisters Eleanore Gagnon and Margaret Claps and her nieces Rita Curtis and Carolyn Gagnon and her grand-niece Rosemary Callejas.
Besides her parents, Dolores is predeceased by her son Michael Robert Violette.
A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday April 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM and proceed to St. Cecilia R.C. Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.
Memorial contributions can be made in Dolores’ name to Red Leash Rescue at 172 Dannell Drive, Stamford, CT 06905.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.