Obituaries & Tributes

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Current Services for Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory These funeral listings represent services entrusted to our care over the past 15 days.

  • Julia Ursone
    on March 14, 2024 at 4:00 am

    Julia R. (Julie) Ursone, 102, beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, loving sister, cousin and friend, died March 14, 2024. A 77 year resident of Stamford, she was born January 8, 1922 in Providence, RI, to the late Giuseppe and Fortuna Reale Quinterno. Mrs. Ursone graduated from Ring Street School and Central High School. She married her late husband, Louis D. Ursone, in 1947 and has lived in Stamford ever since. An active member of her church community, Mrs. Ursone served as president of both the St. Mary School Parent Association and The Rosary Altar Society and also served on the St. Mary Parish Council. She was a long-time Eucharistic Minister and volunteer at St. Camillus Health Center. In January 2022, in recognition of her service to our country during WWII, and in honor of her 100th birthday, Julie was cited in the Congressional record. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by brothers, Frank Quinterno, Vincent Quinterno and a sister, Anna Bruscini. She is survived by her children, Brigadier General Richard L. Ursone (Ret.) and his wife, Ranae, of San Antonio, Texas; Joseph J. Ursone and his wife, Eugenia, of South Windsor, CT.; Adele Ursone and her husband, George Matteson, of New York, N.Y.; and Louis D. Ursone, Jr. and his wife, Janet, of Stamford. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her long-time, loving caregiver, Juana Cuadros. Friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, March 18, 2024 from 9am to 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Julie’s name to Curtain Call Inc., 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905. Condolences may be expressed online at www.cognetta.com.

  • John Hansen
    on March 10, 2024 at 5:00 am

    John George Hansen, of Darien, passed away on March 10, 2024, at Greenwich Hospital at age 90. He was born in Stamford, CT on February 7, 1934, to the late Hans and Anna Hansen, and was a long-time resident of Darien living in the home he built for his family. John’s beloved wife, Carole, recently passed away just a month prior to him, and he is survived by his daughters; Deena Esteban and husband Lt. Col. Philip Esteban of Woodbridge, VA, Donna Santoro and husband Peter Santoro of Durham, CT, and Sheila Rupp and husband Tom Rupp of Myrtle Beach, SC; and the late Janet Hansen Flandreau; grandchildren John and Richard Esteban, Stephen and Laura Santoro, and Alan and Robert Flandreau; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. John served in the U.S. Army assisting Father Joseph Sheehan. He returned home to marry his wife Carole and start a life together. He worked as a bus driver and as a carpenter building houses with his father. He became an electrician and had long term career at Northeast Utilities that he was very proud of. He was also a business agent for his IBEW union local 420 – proudly representing all his union brothers and sisters. He retired after 47 years of dedicated service. When not at work, John and Carole loved to golf and to volunteer and be active at their beloved parish St. Thomas More in Darien. Most of all John was happy being with his family and helping others. A wake will be held from 3p.m. to 7p.m. on Tuesday, March 19th at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20th at St. Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Rd., Darien, CT 06820. The burial will immediately follow Mass at Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford. To leave a condolence message online please visit www.cognetta.com.

  • Indra Raghoonanan
    on March 10, 2024 at 5:00 am

    To know this beautiful soul was to love her. Close your eyes and you can see that beautiful smile. Listen closely and hear that vibrant laugh. And the affectionate way she called out to you. If you were one of the blessed individuals to have had Lenore touch your life in anyway, you would know it was an encounter that would never be forgotten and memories to last a lifetime. Lenore is survived by: Sisters: Vera Ragoonanan, Sandra Ragoonanan and Lynda Persad. Brother: Ashley Ragoonanan and Sister-in -Law Cynthia Ragoonanan Her Nieces, Devica Diane Manicchan, Karen, Riane and Trisha. Great Nieces: Elise and Kyra. Nephews: Kevin, Travis, Narvin and Nephew-in Law Tyril Manicchan. Survived by her aunts and cousins. Special Mention to her second family the Stevenson Family: This goes without saying, you was her family. The Stevenson Family is hold near and dear to the Ragoonanan Family. This family has been in Vera, Lenore and Sandra’s life over the years and they have been a blessing to each other. Lenore leaves behind. The Stevenson Family: Nicholas and Julie Stevenson Kids: Jack, Katie, Charlotte and Cole Stevenson. (She loved you all so much) Lenore enjoyed travel, hosting family and friends for holidays and other special occasions, everywhere she was you know you were going to eat well and have an incredible time filled with music laughter and dancing. Lenore lived life to the fullest until the very end. Lenny. We love you. Your life will always be celebrated. The Ragoonanan family would like to thank everyone for all the love and the support that they have received and will continue to receive throughout the coming months ahead

  • Sophie Tournas
    on March 9, 2024 at 5:00 am

    Sophie Tournas, 52, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Sophie was born on August 17, 1971 in Stamford, CT. Sophie is survived by her loving mother, Efi Tournas, her loving husband, Thanasi; her loving children Angela and her husband Yianni Ntaoulas, John Tournas, her absolute pride and joy granddaughter, Tori, and her siblings Peter and his wife Terri Tournas, and Irene and her husband Paul Diamantis. Her very closest friend, Ann Witkowski. She is also survived by her many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Sophie was predeceased by her father Nick Tournas. Sophie had a heart of gold. She was loved by all those who knew her. Her empathy was her greatest gift, she was excited for life. She was the very best grandmother. She was loved by not only her friends and family, but by her many regular customers at Sunset Beach. She would be a listening ear for all, and welcomed every customer with a smile on her face. To know Sophie was to love her. Her loss will be felt by all those who knew her. We ask that you please pray for our family during this impossible time. May our sweet Sophie rest in eternal peace. Family and Friends may call at The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5-8pm, with a Trisagion service beginning at 7pm. A funeral service will take place on the morning of Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905 at 11am. Interment will immediately follow at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Annunciation Church in her name.

  • Joseph Valentine
    on February 13, 2024 at 5:00 am

    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.

  • Carmela Tortorello
    on February 10, 2024 at 5:00 am

    Carmela Tortorello, affectionately known as Auntie or AC passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023. She was 92 years young. Carmela grew up in NJ and spent the last 6 years living with her brother in Westport, CT. She was born in Newark, NJ to Sam and Lucy Tortorello on February 1, 1931. Carmela was raised in Newark and Scotch Plains, where she graduated from Scotch Plains High School in 1948. She worked for Prudential, beginning as a key punch operator, working her way up to the secretary of the President of Prudential. She retired in 1986 and moved to Toms River, NJ, where she spent time traveling and visiting with friends and family. Over the years, Carmela enjoyed reading, singing, dancing, traveling, organizing, collecting Hummel figures and angels, cooking, eating Hors d’oeuvres (especially shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers), and she was an avid Yankee fan. Her New Year’s parties were second to none, always planning a wonderful menu and lots of family fun! Carmela is predeceased by her parents, Sam & Lucy and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou. She is survived by her brother, Vincent, and her nephew and nieces, David (Maryellen), Marylou (Jeff) and Donna (Jim); her great nieces and nephew, Sarah (Jake), Willie (Megan), Ali (Blake), and Jewels; and her five great-great nieces and nephews, Cambridge, Tucker, Dean, Chloe, and Tess; along with many cousins. Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00AM at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT

  • Philip Panzeca
    on October 26, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Professor Philip J. Panzeca, 92, of Ridgefield, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Panzeca and Mary (Montalbano) Panzeca; pre-deceased by his wife Jane (Quinn) Panzeca and siblings Anthony Panzeca (Julie) and Marie LeKanides (John), he was a devoted son, husband, cherished father to his three daughters, role model to his two grandsons, affectionate brother to his two siblings and a caring brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. Philip was proud of the fact he never missed a day of school and graduated from the prestigious Brooklyn Tech High School in 1949. After high school, he enlisted during the Korean War and served in the first Marine division, fifth battalion as Sergeant. Philip received the Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal and was honorably discharged in 1953. Married to Jane in 1955, he resided on Long Island until 1996, thereafter relocating to Florida. He graduated from Hofstra University on the G.I. Bill in 1957, received an M.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in 1970 from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, now known as the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Philip obtained several national science, mathematics and engineering honor society distinctions and was also awarded an Industrial Engineering fellowship through the National Science Foundation. A full professor of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering at Hofstra University for forty years, he remained Professor Emeritus until his death. He was a natural in the classroom and loved teaching his undergraduate and graduate students. At Hofstra University, he served as Computer Science Department Chair for Graduate Studies; Assistant Dean for Computer Studies at the University College for Continuing Education; and In-House Consultant: University Space, Energy and Telecommunication Studies. He was a lifelong teacher in other areas, too, with eager apprentices learning how to ride a bike, put a worm on a hook, swim, pack the trunk of the car, mow the lawn, convert fractions into decimals, drive (“don’t follow too closely”), paint, lay a stone patio, plant a tree, tinker in the garage and all things sports related. The family will always cherish annual lakeside vacations surrounded by relatives in adjoining cabins, as well as the frequent road trips to Florida. Philip enjoyed golf and was a single digit handicap for many years and was thrilled hitting a “hole in one” more than a couple of times. He often cited those years of walking and playing golf for contributing to his later stamina and strength. In addition to golf, Philip was happiest being with family, where he shared the awe and wonder of space shuttle launches, frequent trips to Disney and the comfort of delicious homemade meals followed by card games and puzzles around the dining room table. A resident of Ridgefield since 2016, where he lived with his daughter, Ellen, and grandson Phil, he became a neighborhood fixture sitting on the front porch, waving to dog walkers and people passing by. Throughout the years, he remained an avid sports fan of the Giants, Yankees, and women’s collegiate sports, especially the UCONN women’s basketball team. His love of sports continues as a legacy to those who loved him. Philip is survived by his three daughters: Mary Beth Wright, of Enfield, CT; Ellen Panzeca, of Ridgefield, CT; and Rev. Dr. Jane Cloutier of Stamford, CT. In addition, two grandsons survive him: Matthew Cloutier and Philip Panzeca, II. The family is grateful to the physicians, nurses and office staff who provided compassionate and extraordinary care to Philip as well as providing comfort to the family, with special mention to: Kirsten Hohmann, MD; Evelyn Cusack, MD; Alex Ortega, MD; Brenda Chan, MD and Anne Hyson, MD. Friends, family, former students, colleagues, and the community are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Philip’s life at St. Paul’s on The Green Church in Norwalk, CT at 12PM on Saturday, November 18th. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Prof. Philip J. Panzeca Professional Engineering Review Program Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra University at http://www.hofstra.edu/panzeca; or, contact Hope Motreuil, Director for Annual Giving and Stewardship at: 516-463-6336 or via email, at: mailto:hope.motreuil@hofstra.edu. To offer online condolences and to share memories, please visit: http:///www.cognetta.com.

  • Malcolm McNiven
    on October 19, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Malcolm A. McNiven, 93, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully in his home on October 19th, 2023. Malcolm was born in Oceanside, NY to William and Hazel McNiven on December 8, 1929 and older brother William II. He spent most of his childhood in Long Beach, NY which he always described with happy memories. He attended Denison University where he studied psychology and met his wife, Elaine Vellacott. They were married June 12, 1954. After graduating from Denison, Malcolm earned his Master’s Degree at Ohio University and his PhD at Penn State University in Experimental Psychology. He began his career as a teacher with Penn State and then with the University of Maryland teaching military personnel overseas based in Europe. He later served as Adjunct Associate Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Visiting Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology. He transitioned to corporate Market Research when he accepted a position with The Dupont Co. in 1957. There he pioneered groundbreaking advertising research that was foundational to the rest of his career. He went on to lead Marketing departments for The Coca Cola Company, Pillsbury, IMS International, and Bank of America. He returned to academia in 1988 as the Director of the Center for Marketing Studies at the University of Georgia, where he retired in 1998. Malcolm was active in many professional organizations. He was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, served as Director of the Association of National Advertisers and The Audit Bureau of Circulation, and as a Trustee of the Marketing Science Institute. His text, How Much to Spend for Advertising, for which he was both editor and author, remained for years an often-cited work in the field. He is noted in Who’s Who as a Marketing Educator. He also dedicated himself to Denison University serving on the Board of Trustees and other roles for decades, earning the title of life Trustee. Throughout his life, he enjoyed sailing with his family and friends, playing with his dog Polo, and working on classic sports cars such as his favorite TR3. Malcolm is survived by his wife Elaine, and children Geoff McNiven, Sue Reville and Jane Thompson, and grandchildren Sean, Scott and Maggie Reville and Eric Thompson. Memorials may be given to First Congregational Church of Greenwich.

  • Richard Strizver
    on May 26, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Richard M. Strizver, age 78, passed away at Stamford Hospital after a full, productive life. He was the beloved husband of Meg Strizver. Richard was born on October 7th in Brooklyn, NY to Leonard Roy and Gertrude (Zehngut) Strizver. Richard was a passionate and fearless founder of Frame & Save (1975), and the founder of Creative Framing (1996). Richard especially enjoyed the opportunity to connect with his customers, often on a personal level. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his sons Erik (and his wife, Kristin), Jason (and his wife, Lisa), Sam, his grandchildren Claire, Emily, Katelyn, Alexander and Matthew, as well as his sister Ilene Strizver, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A celebration of Richard's life will take place on Friday, June 16, 2023, from 4pm to 6pm, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT.

  • Betty Vitti
    on May 4, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Betty Arancia Vitti, a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida and formerly of Stamford and Trumbull, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 4, 2023. She was born on March 3, 1936, to the late Joseph and Sally (Arena) Arancia. Betty attended Stamford schools and graduated from Stamford High School in 1953. She then graduated from J.M. Wright Tech in 1955 with a degree in Beauty Culture. Betty was married to retired Stamford Fire Chief Joseph J. Vitti Sr. on September 2, 1957, until his passing in 2005. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her in-laws, Charles and Helen Vitti, her sister Marie Gavel, and daughter-in-law Christine Vitti. While in Stamford, Betty was an active member of St. Mary Church, volunteering tirelessly at the feast each year. In Trumbull, Betty continued her church activism as a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena and in Boynton Beach as a parishioner of St. Thomas More. Betty is survived by her 4 children, retired Stamford Fire Captain Joe Jr. (Maria), Mickey (Lynn), Richie (Nicole), and Ronnie (Lainey). Affectionately known as Nana, she was the biggest cheerleader to her 8 grandchildren, Michael Jr., Joseph III, Zachary, Sara, Ellie, Jake, Stephanie and Nicholas and her great-grandsons, Jay, Anthony IV, and Noah. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides raising her 4 boys, Betty enjoyed knitting, cooking, camping, hosting family and friends for holidays and other special occasions, everywhere she resided. A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 104 Myrtle Avenue in Stamford, on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 10:45AM for a mass of Christian burial at 11AM at St. Mary Church, 566 Elm Street, in Stamford. Visitation at the funeral home will be held prior to mass from 9AM to 10:30AM. The inurnment will follow mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien. In lieu of flowers, Betty had requested that donations to be made to the Stamford Burn Foundation, 629 Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902. To leave messages of condolence online, please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.