Obituaries & Tributes

Helen “Chick” Legato, a lifelong Stamford resident passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. She was born on July 5, 1925 to the late George and Theodosia (Theofanakis) Chalikis. She was a faithful and devoted Greek Orthodox Christian attending both the Annunciation and Church of the Archangels. After graduation from Stamford High School in 1943 she worked as a machinist mate at Yale and Towne. After the war she was trained as a nursing aide at Stamford Hospital and also worked for Conde Nast Publishing Company in Greenwich. In 1947 she married her high school sweetheart, the late Annunzio “Legs” Legato. She was an avid sportswoman, and accomplished bowler and bocce player and loved to entertain all by playing her harmonica, especially during the Christmas holiday. Helen is survived by her son, the Rev. Fr. Patric Legato and wife Evangeline; her daughters, Mary Legato and Elaine Legato-Maar; her sister, Ann Ventsias; grandchildren Theodosia and Michel-Gabrielle; great grandchildren Nicholas, Elissa and Keilani; and several nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Annunzio Legato; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Constantine Chalikis (Irene), Alexander Chalikis (Tula) and Emmanuel Chalikis (Julia); her sister, Evanthia Green; brother-in-law, Constantine Ventsias; granddaughter, Eliana Cruz; and son-in-law Michael Quinones. Pubic visitation will be held at the Church of the Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 10 to 11AM with Helen’s funeral service scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM. A procession to Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford, CT will immediately follow the service. Services will be presided by Rev. Frs. Harry Pappas, Evangelos Evangelides, and Patric Legato. Helen will be truly missed by her family and friends. May her memory be eternal! To leave condolence messages online please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Joseph “Joe” Pastiva, 83, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 14, 2024. He was born on April 30, 1941 in Leechburg, PA to the late Joseph and Anna Pastiva. Joe’s sense of adventure and curiosity led him to serve in the Air Force overseas before becoming an engineer in the private sector. His enthusiasm for celebration was contagious and he loved sharing the joy of special occasions in our lives. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hiking with his dog, fishing, and bird and squirrel watching. Joe is survived by his daughters, Laura Pastiva Santos and her husband Hector, Diane Pastiva Kocot and her husband Chris, his son John Pastiva and his wife Karen and his sister Mary Ann Spiering. As well as his beloved grandchildren, Jaime, Avery, Jake, Aiden, Jason, Ryan and Nick and his cherished cousin and friend, Cathy Bertasso along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Joe is predeceased by his adored wife Joan. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. A mass will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:30am at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s memory to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 12055 Queens Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11424 or online at help.dav.org. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Virginia M. Passaro, 96, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024 at Fairfield County House in Stamford, CT. Born in 1927 in Spanish Harlem, NYC, she was the daughter of the late Maria Volpe Meli and Joseph Meli. As a young girl Virginia loved the settlement houses of those neighborhoods, playing basketball and the usual childhood fun. She used to receive free movie passes due to her father’s business relationships and loved going to the theater. One of her fond memories was lighting the oven for her Jewish neighbors, the Newmans, on the sabbath. The Meli family moved to Stamford, CT on December 6, 1941. Virginia graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1945 and soon after she married her beloved husband, Whitey. Whitey purchased their home in 1948 and Virginia has lived at that same address until her passing. Following high school, she worked for a time at the Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co. where she met ten women there who became lifelong friends and started what they called the “Y and T Club”. They were all involved in each other’s lives, celebrating all of life’s occasions, good and bad, with Virginia being the second to last remaining member. She is predeceased by her husband Francis “Whitey” Passaro; her daughter Jane Ann; brothers Natale Meli, Peter A. Meli and Vincent Meli; and sisters Mary B. Fiore and Theresa (Tess) Angelini. She is survived by her loving son Francis R. Passaro, Jr., and by many loving nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Virginia and Whitey were an exemplary model of a loving, unconditional marriage through good and bad, always family first, but with her husband being captain of the football team (SHS class of 1945) and then a Stamford, CT Firefighter, that family was quite extensive. Friends and family may call from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.on Sunday, July 7th at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8th at The Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06905. The interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT. It is hard to express how our family feels and those of her many friends; people were always attracted to Virginia – not only for her physical beauty, but for the love, compassion and caring she projected to all of us. Her light shines so bright the family is consoled by the fact that she will be showing us the way into that next step of life – and that light is blinding. We know you will be waiting and will clear the way for all of us. Virginia loved receiving flowers BUT donations would also be greatly appreciated and can be made in her name to Fairfield County House, 1 Den Rd., Stamford, CT 06902 or by visiting www.fairfieldcountyhouse. org/support-us To leave a message of condolence online please visit the obituary on www.cognetta.com.

Anthony F. Bicchieri, 73, of Warwick Parish, Bermuda passed away suddenly on the morning of Wednesday, June 12, 2024. He was born on September29, 1950 to Anthony L. “Tony Barrie” and Ann Divisione Bicchieri in Lynn, MA. Tony was predeceased by his father, Anthony L. Bicchieri. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marlene (DeLuca) Bicchieri of Bermuda, his daughter, Elizabeth “Beth”, his son, Anthony “Tony, beloved mother, Ann Bicchieri and his sisters, Anne Bicchieri and Jane Jepson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and great nephews. Tony delighted audiences since performing at the age of sixteen at the 1967 World’s Fair in Montreal, Canada. He traveled the seven seas as an accomplished pianist and musical director on board beautiful ocean liners, before making Bermuda his home in 1984. Tony was Bermuda’s very own “Piano Man”, Ambassador and so much more. He was recently honored by Shine Hayward at the Duke Ellington Tribute/International National Jazz Festival Day Event on April 29, 2024, celebrating his 40 year contribution to Bermuda’s music, entertainment and tourism industry. Tony played his last song at Fourways on Saturday, May 25, 2024, his last Masses at St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s on May 26, 2024, and his last rehearsal with St. Anthony’s 2024 First Holy Communion Class on Friday, May 31, 2024. A full Roman Catholic Funeral Mass was celebrated in Bermuda. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 12 noon at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Revere, MA. Please consider making a donation in Tony Bari’s memory to Agape House 441-232-0859, Bermuda School of Music https:/www.musicschool.bm/ or PALS https://pals.bm/donate-now/ To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Iris N. Arenas, 62, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024 at Stamford Hospital. She was born in Ciales, Puerto Rico on April 18, 1962 to Maria E. Otero Hernandez and the late Juan Otero Velez. Iris is survived by her loving son, Andrew F. Arenas of Bridgeport, her mother, Maria E. Otero Hernandez, sisters, Maria J. Otero, Marta (Paul) Robalino of Stamford, Luz D. (Rory) Otero of Norwalk, brothers, Juan A. (Carmen) Otero of Lares, Puerto Rico, Miguel A. Otero and Joseito Otero of Stamford. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved her very much. A memorial service will be celebrated on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Laura Ellen Von Stein, actor, comedian and all-around one-woman entertainer peacefully passed away on May 11, 2024 in Ridgefield, CT after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58 years old. Laura was born on August 31, 1965 in Northbrook, Illinois but grew up in Westport, CT. She graduated Staples High School and was a proud member of the Staples Players. She attended UCONN and graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport where she also received the Sydney Litwalk Performing Arts Scholarship for Drama. Laura’s college studies included classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Laura had been a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Her passion for the theater and her patient waiting at stage doors after a performance helped build her impressive collection of signed Playbills from many Broadway legends. Laura’s wicked sense of humor and comedic celebrity renditions of “Silent Night”, as Ethel Merman and “I am the Walrus”, as Julie Andrews, to name a few, will be greatly missed. An enthusiastic reader, Laura accumulated an impressive library, largely built from her time at the annual Pequot Library book sale. In her words “it’s like Christmas Day”! Her collection of movies highlighted everything Meryl Streep. Her collection of books varied from Shakespeare to Carrie Fischer and to her beloved Edith Warton. The time she spent in England fostered her love of British history and cultivated an unsurpassed, extensive knowledge of all things royal. She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport (and Trumbull), her brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull (and Massachusetts), her nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts as well as many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father, Robert Von Stein in 2019. In addition to her immediate family Laura is survived by her extended family, Roger Wolfe of Westport, Christine O’Leary of New Milford, Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello, Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, as well as multitude of friends from the comedy and theater world. Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage the thespians of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at The Ridgefield Playhouse at 5PM All are welcome. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06877 To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Jeanne-Lois Marschall Santy (Lois), 92, a native of Stamford, CT went home to be with the Lord on April 16, 2024 at Aaron Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Penfield, NY. Her closest family had a chance to say their good-byes shortly before. Lois was born on June 26, 1931 in Stamford. She is predeceased by her husband Theodore (Ted) Santy, and parents, Frederick Marschall, Jr and Louise (Ritchie) Marschall. Lois graduated from Stamford High School in 1949 and earned her R.N. from Stamford Hospital School of Nursing then continued her training at Columbia and University of Connecticut. Lois had a prolific nursing career. She was supervisor of Nursing Services at American Cyanamid/Cytec for 40 years. She was a certified Occupational Health Nurse and served as president of the Stamford Occupational Health Nurses and as vice-president of the Connecticut Association of Health Nurses. She also had several part-time nursing positions including some in post-retirement and had served as president of the Stamford Hospital Alumnae Association. Lois was most well-known from her accomplished career in politics. She served as Stamford’s Deputy Mayor, president of the Stamford Board of Representatives, served two terms on the Republican State Central Committee, vice-chairperson of the Republican Town Committee, and president of the Stamford Young Republicans. She was courted to run as Governor of Connecticut which she turned down. Lois loved her home church, Stamford Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member, had served as a Sunday School teacher, served on the deaconate, and chaired the 225th Anniversary Committee. In 1999, Ted and Lois moved their home from Stamford to Norfolk, CT. where they attended Promised Land Baptist Church, Canaan CT during the warm summer months and spent their winters in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, where they fellowshipped at International Bible Church. Bonaire was truly a home away from home for Ted and Lois where they had many cherished friends which they considered family. Lois is survived by her loving daughter Kimberlee (Santy) Richar, caring son-in-law Jim Richar, loving grandson, Derek James Richar, precious granddaughter Tara (Richar) Stocker, favorite grandson–in–law David Stocker and the most precious joys in her life, adorable great-granddaughters Emma Grace Stocker & Sophie Joy Stocker. She is also survived by “little” brother Frederick (Rick) Marschall of Webster, MA and nieces Stacey (Marschall) Moran and Kellee (Marschall) Tella both of Putnam, CT with many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford with a 12 noon service following, where we will celebrate Lois’s life. Immediately following will be her burial at Roxbury Cemetery, High Ridge Road, Stamford. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Stamford Baptist Church. Please send any donations to: Stamford Baptist Church, 602 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905 (with notation of “In Memory of Lois Santy”).

Carol (Brookshire) Romersa Wright 1938-2024, of Greenwich CT passed away peacefully at a youthful 85 years on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in her home in Stamford, CT. Carol Susan was born to Joseph Wortham Brookshire and Ola Ellen (Palmer) Brookshire on April 25, 1938 in the Altadena Precinct of Pasadena, California. She moved to Old Greenwich with her family in 1967, and lived in Greenwich for over forty years. After she moved to Connecticut she delivered meals for Meals on Wheels and volunteered for the Welcome Wagon of Greenwich, and Community Answers. Carol also started a number of businesses including "The Fashion Cottage," a mobile women's clothing boutique, and "Mailboxes Etc.," a mailing and shipping service. Carol's most successful business venture was in Real Estate, where, in 1984 she and three colleagues founded the Real Estate firm Greater Greenwich Properties. The accomplishment she was most proud of was the founding of the non-profit "Greater Opportunities for Adults with Learning Disabilities" (The GOALD Group). This social group embarks on outings to various places such as Washington, DC, and fun places such as apple orchards and amusement parks. Carol was an avid golfer, and also enjoyed playing tennis, reading, traveling, cooking, watching the news and movies, playing mahjong, and caring for her dogs, which were always key members of her family. Carol loved entertaining her friends and relatives, including her grandchildren and nieces and nephews whom she adored. Carol has said the best way to preserve her legacy is to stay informed regarding current affairs and vote in every election. Carol was a member of the Innis Arden Golf Club, the Albertson Memorial Church in Old Greenwich, the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, and the Dingletown Community Church in Greenwich. Carol lit up every room that she was in, and will be missed by everyone that had an opportunity to meet her. A caring and devoted wife and mother, she was predeceased by her husbands Rudy Romersa (1988), and Paul "Wayne" Wright (2021), her son Phillip Stewart Romersa (2022) and her sister Joan Alice Shideler (2013). She is survived by her son, Peter John Romersa, and stepchildren Abi, Theo, and Sam, and her grandchildren, Calum, Ann, and Lucy Macphee, and Joseph and Sarah Wright. She is also survived by her nieces Kristan Evans and Kimberly Kalaydjian, and nephew James Almo Tenerani. There will be a memorial celebration of Carol's life at the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich, CT later this year in July. Contact the church office for more specific details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol's name to GOALD, Greater Opportunities for Adults with Learning Disabilities, PO Box 363, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Joseph Peter Valentine, Jr., 76 of Darien, CT passed away on February 13th. Born in Stamford, CT on May 21, 1947 to the late Joseph and Grace (Scalise) Valentine. Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia (Barosky) Valentine, his brother Bobby Valentine (Junko) of Stamford, his children, Tricia of Norwalk, Joe (Kim) of Lafayette Hill, PA, Anthony (Jennifer) of Avon, Brian (Lisa) of Greenwich, his grandchildren, Samantha, Jessica, Jake, Connor, and Alissa, his brothers-in-law, Stanley Barosky (d. Angela) and Robert Barosky (Lori). Joe is also survived by several nephews and extended family. Joe grew up in Stamford, where he attended J.M. Wright Technical School. He was the star catcher on the baseball team and the king of his senior prom. After graduating as a Tool and Die Maker, he served six years as part of the National Guard-Battery C 2nd Battalion 192nd Division. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Patricia, they settled in Darien to start a family. He then opened his own business, Joe Valentine Machine Company. Joe worked there with his wife for 47 years. Joe was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 41 in Stamford. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending sporting events, school plays, and dance recitals. His motto was always family first. He enjoyed many vacations spent with family and friends. When he wasn’t napping on his favorite couch with remote in hand, he enjoyed watching baseball, Blue Bloods or Law and Order. He was a Mets season ticket holder for more than 20 years but wasn’t a true fan until his brother became the manager. Joe will be remembered for his kindness and generosity along with his willingness to help others. One of his greatest attributes was making friendships that would last a lifetime. Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, February 20th from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 21st at 10:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 1986 Post Rd, in Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers the family asks you donate to either St. Jude’s or Shriners Hospital. To leave a condolence message online please visit www.cognetta.com.