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.

  • 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.

  • Anne Pettus
    on March 14, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Anne Mish Pettus, age 98, slipped away peacefully on March 14, 2023, in the comfort of her home at Sunrise of Stamford. She was not alone, which was very important to her. Anne was born on November 23, 1924, in Jersey City, New Jersey and moved to Stamford, as a preschooler where her father, Peter Shawinsky was a deacon and choir master for the Ukrainian church. Her mother Anastasia Korda Shawinsky was a loving mother of five, Anne being the youngest of siblings Joseph, Peter, Teresa and Rose Shawinsky. Anne married her teenage sweetheart, John Mish, upon his return from WWII in 1945. They were married for 60 years before he predeceased her. In 2006 she married Robert Pettus of (Rowayton, CT) who passed away in 2015. Anne is best known for her love of people and her caring nature. She had an exciting and successful career in the Western Union telegraph office during the war, and later also as a Cracker Jack sales representative for Visa credit cards. However, her number one job was always that of a loving caregiver. First, while just a teenager during the Great Depression, she helped to raise her nephew, then tended to two ailing parents, raised two children, spread love and joy to her two grandchildren and cared for her two beloved husbands. She loved the beach and spent many happy hours beachcombing and collecting sea glass on Long Island Sound and shells on Sanibel Island, Florida. Anne spent the last years of her life at Sunrise of Stamford, where she was an ambassador for new residents. She is survived by her two children, John B. Mish, Jr. of New Milford, Connecticut, and Laurie Anne Manos of Harpswell, Maine and her two grandsons, Nicholas John Manos and Andreas George Manos. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, April 1, 2023, a funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. in St Mary’s Catholic Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to St. Mary’s Church in Stamford, or to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

  • Anne Pettus
    on March 14, 2023 at 4:00 am

    Anne Mish Pettus, age 98, slipped away peacefully on March 14, 2023, in the comfort of her home at Sunrise of Stamford. She was not alone, which was very important to her. Anne was born on November 23, 1924, in Jersey City, New Jersey and moved to Stamford, as a preschooler where her father, Peter Shawinsky was a deacon and choir master for the Ukrainian church. Her mother Anastasia Korda Shawinsky was a loving mother of five, Anne being the youngest of siblings Joseph, Peter, Teresa and Rose Shawinsky. Anne married her teenage sweetheart, John Mish, upon his return from WWII in 1945. They were married for 60 years before he predeceased her. In 2006 she married Robert Pettus of (Rowayton, CT) who passed away in 2015. Anne is best known for her love of people and her caring nature. She had an exciting and successful career in the Western Union telegraph office during the war, and later also as a Cracker Jack sales representative for Visa credit cards. However, her number one job was always that of a loving caregiver. First, while just a teenager during the Great Depression, she helped to raise her nephew, then tended to two ailing parents, raised two children, spread love and joy to her two grandchildren and cared for her two beloved husbands. She loved the beach and spent many happy hours beachcombing and collecting sea glass on Long Island Sound and shells on Sanibel Island, Florida. Anne spent the last years of her life at Sunrise of Stamford, where she was an ambassador for new residents. She is survived by her two children, John B. Mish, Jr. of New Milford, Connecticut, and Laurie Anne Manos of Harpswell, Maine and her two grandsons, Nicholas John Manos and Andreas George Manos. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, April 1, 2023, a funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. in St Mary’s Catholic Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to St. Mary’s Church in Stamford, or to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

  • Adeline Hogan
    on December 11, 2022 at 5:00 am

    Adeline “Lee” Hogan, 86 years old, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, December 11, 2022, with her family by her side. Born on July 9th, 1936, in Stamford, CT, Lee was the oldest of five daughters born to Salvatore “Bibs” and Helen Milano. Lee graduated from Stamford High School in 1955 and was first employed at Pitney Bowes in Stamford. She went on to work as a receptionist for Haims and Company before finishing her working career at Sunrise Assisted Living in Stamford. On February 7th, 1959, she married the love of her life, Daniel F. Hogan. She embarked on a 63-year journey, raising three children, forging lasting and meaningful friendships, and doting over her eight grandchildren. Her grandkids were truly her greatest joy. She and Dan were present for every event in their lives, no matter how big or small, with unconditional love and support. Besides unwavering love, their greatest gift was their annual beach vacation spent on the shores of Long Beach Island, NJ. For 30 years it provided a lifetime’s worth of memories that only a vacation filled with sun, sand, ocean, games, family, friends, and of course Nana’s home cooked meals out on the deck overlooking the ocean could bring. Her love of cooking is a legacy passed on to her children and grandchildren. Some of the happiest nights were grandkid sleepovers where Nana would teach them how to make homemade meatballs and her world-famous Anisette cookies. Her cooking legacy was cemented through the Christmas Eve feasts she prepared for family and friends at her beautifully decorated home for over 45 years. Her love of music was also evident any time you walked into her home. On any given day she could be heard playing Sinatra, Rod Stewart, The Beatles, Willie Nelson and everyone in between. Often times breaking into a dance with her beloved husband, Dan. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Daniel F. Hogan, Sr., her three sons Brian (MaryJane Benke), Daniel (Maureen McNamara), and Kevin (Mary Beth Welch), and her eight grandchildren Hannah, Olivia, Darby, Bailey, Danny, Kasey, John, and Jordan. She is also survived by her four sisters, Carly Niewinski, MaryAnne Carlucci, Barbara Milano, and Sally Macaluso, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brothers-in-law Anthony Carlucci and Henry Niewinski, and her nephew Peter Carlucci. She will be sorely missed by anyone who ever knew her. The Hogan Family would like to give special thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Stamford Health System that cared for and nurtured mom as she navigated through difficult times. Their professionalism and dedication cannot be overstated. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held shortly after the New Year. An official announcement will be forthcoming. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Hogan family during these difficult times. To leave a message of condolence online please visit www.cognetta.com.