Vera Nicolopoulos, 91; Former Mitchell’s Seamstress, WWII Survivor
Obituary, The Marblehead Reporter
Vera Nicolopoulos, who survived World War II in Germany, came to America in search of a better life, and raised two children as a single mother, passed away at the Lafayette Nursing Home on June 13, 2021, just short of her 92nd birthday. She was a strong and brave woman who faced adversity with determination and good humor and was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She was born Vera Helene Martha Thomas on June 18, 1929, the only child of Arnhold and Helene Thomas. Her father was a blacksmith who died during the war, circumstances unknown, while on medical leave in Berlin. She and her mother lived in Berlin throughout the war, surviving numerous bombing raids and the Berlin Blockade which led to severe food shortages in the city.
After the war, Vera completed a three-year apprenticeship in dressmaking and emigrated with her four-year-old daughter, Petra, to join her husband in Stamford, Connecticut, where he had accepted a position as an engineer. In an effort to better acclimate to life in the U.S., she sent her daughter back to Berlin to live with her mother so she could go to night school to learn English and eventually get a job working as a pattern maker for Vogue Patterns.
After her first marriage ended and Conde Nast Publications, Vogues parent company, moved to New York City, she worked as a seamstress for several clothing stores, including H. Frankel & Sons in Stamford and Mitchell's in Westport. While she would have had greater job opportunities in New York, she decided that a big city was no place to raise a child.
In 1968, she married Peter Nicolopoulos, who had recently emigrated from Greece, and they later had a son, Christos, when she was 41 years old. She and her second husband lived in Norwalk, Connecticut, and Clearwater, Florida, until their divorce in 1982. She continued to live in Norwalk where she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Darien and the Quartette Club Singers, a traditional German singing group.
In 2014, she and her son moved to Marblehead to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law, and she became a member of Grace Community Church. She lived independently with her son on Summer Street and then with her daughter and son-in-law before entering the Lafayette in 2018.
Vera is survived by her daughter, Petra Langer, and her son, Christos Nicolopoulos, both of Marblehead; her son-in-law, Phil Axten; her two grandchildren, Simon Axten, and his wife, Sarah Benrath, of Bend, Oregon, and Karen Axten, and her partner, Aaron Johnson, of Boston; and four great-grandchildren, Lucy, George, Frederick, and Alistair.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to Grace Community Church, 17 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA 01945. For upcoming service information, or to share a memory or offer online condolences to the family, please visit eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
Dr. Horace Laffaye, 86; Norwalk Hospital Chief of Surgery, Polo Player
Obituary
Horace Albert Laffaye, 86, passed away of natural causes due to complications of late-stage Alzheimer's Disease on May 31, 2021 in Durango, Colorado. He was a long-time resident of Weston, Westport, and Fairfield, Connecticut; and of Wellington, Florida.
After joining a private practice at The Willows in Westport, Dr. Laffaye served as Chief of Surgery at Norwalk Hospital for 22 years until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of several professional organizations, including serving as Past President of the New England Surgical Society and the Surgeons' Travel Club. For several years, he mentored PAs as a professor with the Yale University Physician Assistant Program. Through his practice of medicine, Dr. Laffaye touched many: from setting broken bones and stitching up lacerations, to saving lives with his competent surgical skills.
Lifelong learning was essential to him, and he continuously sought to improve his knowledge. As Chief, Dr. Laffaye organized annual symposia for his colleagues at Norwalk Hospital, where surgeons shared their professional expertise, as well as spent time socializing for long weekends at places like Lake George, New York and Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Because of the many 'type-A' personalities involved, these weekends always included hard-fought competitions for golf and tennis awards, some of which he named after his grandkids: the Martina Cup, Derek's Jug, Grace's Tassie and last, but not least, the Gemini Cup, for the twin boys, Mark and Todd.
Serendipitously, it was during his practice of medicine that Dr. Laffaye encountered a patient who sought treatment for an injury sustained while playing polo. Thus began the re-ignition of a passion within Dr. Laffaye for one of his youthful endeavors back in his native Argentina. For two decades, Dr. Laffaye played polo at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, and at the White Birch Polo Club in Greenwich, as well as matches throughout the Northeast.
After his playing days ended, Horace combined his love of history and passion for polo by reinventing himself as a scholar and author. Known for his steel-trap memory for the minutiae of tournaments long-past, eventually he authored or edited nine books and innumerable articles on polo in both Spanish and English, adding significantly to the historical record of the sport. In 2010 Horace served as a Daniels Fellow at the National Sporting Museum and Library in Middleburg, Virginia, research which led to the publication of his work, Polo in the United States: A History.
Whether on the sidelines of a practice or in the grandstands of a major final, Horace loved to share engaging stories of players and horses from the earliest days of polo to the more recent past.
Upon his retirement to Wellington, Florida Horace gave his time and talents to assist the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame in myriad ways, from helping the organization add to their collections of books, art and memorabilia, to serving on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Nominating Committee for the Hall of Fame.
Throughout his life, Horace appreciated the friends he made worldwide from the game of polo. He was as comfortable conversing with CEOs and Ambassadors as he was with grooms and other staff. He bonded with people through their shared love of the game.
In addition to his enthusiasm for polo, Horace pursued various outlets for his competitive nature. Some of his fondest memories came from the golf course, the unique challenges of the game and the opportunities for socializing with friends. In his youth, he both played and refereed rugby, and he met his future wife after a match at a rugby club.
Also, Horace was honored with a lifetime membership to the Sports Car Club of America, having competed in rallies for decades when he first arrived in the United States. During his final years, his caregivers chuckled with great fondness at his exclamations from the passenger seat, "You drive like Fangio," one of his Argentine car-racing idols.
Dad was predeceased by members of his beloved family: his wife Martha; sister María Teresa and brother Roberto; and of course his parents, all of whom he recalled strongly in his final years. He is survived by his daughter Gisele Laffaye Pansze and her husband Trent of Durango, Colorado and their children; his former daughter-in-law Ann Kovarik Laffaye of Phoenix and son Patrick of Norwalk and their sons; his loving companion in his later years, Mary Boykin of Palm Beach; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families in Argentina.
After Martha's passing, when Horace gathered his family for an Alaskan cruise, he remarked, "After I die, my grandkids won't remember that I was a surgeon or an author. But they will remember that I took them to Alaska." He was that kind of gentleman: generous, thoughtful, gracious. And even toward the end, his wicked sense of humor and his contagious laughter would emerge at unexpected moments.
Please join his family for a celebration of Horace's remarkable life on Saturday, July 24th at noon at the Greenwich Polo Club, One Hurlingham Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut 06831.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Horace's honor for Alzheimer's research and support programs to Memory Matters, PO Box 22330, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
Melvin Saul Silverstein, 95; Staples High School Guidance Counselor, Army Air Force Veteran
Melvin (Mike) Saul Silverstein, 95, of Worcester, MA, formerly of Norwalk and Hartford CT, passed away on May 18, 2021. He was the husband of the late Florence Heath Silverstein for 68 years.
Born in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Samuel and Dora Kosofsky Silverstein. An award-winning educator, prized friend and co-worker, he took on diverse roles in education and in his communities and was a longtime advocate for the less fortunate. Mr. Silverstein grew up in Hartford, the youngest son of immigrant parents from eastern Europe. He attended Hartford public schools and worked with his siblings at the family-operated People's Dairy, a milk processing and delivery company.
Only 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in October 1943 training to serve as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator just as World War II ended. He was awarded the WW II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in May 1946. Mr. Silverstein attended Hillyer College (now the University of Hartford), where he met his wife Florence. They married in 1948. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 and obtained his Masters of Education in 1956.
He became a teacher and counselor for Glastonbury (CT) High School, then in September 1960 moved from East Hartford to Norwalk, CT where he joined the guidance staff of Darien High School. During the summer of 1966 he led a group of 22 students to Israel on a service project under the auspices of the New York City-based 92nd Street Y. In 1967 he took on a guidance role at Staples High School (Westport, CT) and dramatically expanded it. Over two decades he became a fixture in Westport education - active in career counseling, adult education and work/study programs. He also volunteered at the Hope Center in Bridgeport, CT. Simultaneously, he was an energetic member of Temple Shalom in Norwalk becoming principal of the religious school. In 1978 he was named the outstanding counselor in the state of Connecticut by the Connecticut School Counselor Assn.
Mr. Silverstein is survived by his children; Lucy Tannen of Framingham, MA, Jeffrey Silverstein of Blackstone, MA, Timothy Silverstein and his wife, Sally of Norwalk, CT, Melanie Rosenbaum and her husband, Bruce of Thorndike, MA. He also leaves grandchildren; Caroline Savitzky (fiance' Mark-Anthony Delgado) of Arlington, MA, Alex Savitzky (fiance' Sandy Duplantis) of Marlboro, MA, Kate Silverstein (fiance' Chris Skall) of Somerville, MA, Ben Silverstein of Whitinsville, MA, Lindsay Navarro and her husband Matthew of La Grange, IL, Michael Silverstein of Norwalk, CT, Joseph Rosenbaum (fiance' Sydney Holewa) of Boston, MA, and Daniel Rosenbaum of Somerville MA; and great grandchildren; Devin Smith, Paige, Jordan and Zoey Savitzky, Jonathan and Nicole Navarro, and Madilyn and Salma Delgado-Savitzky. Melvin is also survived by his brother Nathan Silverstein of Branford, CT and his cousin Marilyn Benson of Bloomfield, CT along with many nieces and nephews. Melvin was predeceased by his brother Irving and his twin sister Evelyn Fain.
A memorial service will be held late in June in Hartford, CT followed by a social gathering to share memories and thoughts about Mr. Silverstein. Those wishing to attend should contact Jeff Silverstein at 774-270-0769.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Alzheimer's Association, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Hartford, or the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, MA. Online condolences may be left at https://www.ricefuneralhome.com/listings .
A. Robert Zeff, 87; Prominent Attorney, Avid Detroit Tigers Fan
ObituaryA. Robert Zeff (born Avram Abbot Zeff), 87, died of a life well spent on June 6, 2021, while watching a basketball game at home in Westport, Connecticut.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Feb 2, 1934, the 15th generation of his family born in Israel, Bob grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he played high school baseball well enough to pitch at the University of Michigan and for the Tigers Farm Team until bad knees forced him to make other career plans. He remained an avid baseball fan for a lifetime of rarely missed Detroit Tigers games.
Bob graduated from the University of Detroit Law School at 22 and was among the youngest applicants to ever pass the Michigan bar exam in 1957. Zeff began trial practice immediately in his ailing father's law firm and the name Zeff & Zeff PC still exists 65 years later. Although Bob was initially a "pink-faced young lawyer trying to retain his father's clients," by the early 60's Bob had successfully built the firm's practice in handling catastrophic personal injury cases. When million dollar verdicts first began, Bob became a national leader in 7 figure recoveries.
He was proudest of a series of press injury cases that changed the industrial codes in Detroit's plants. Newsweek covered him among the "Top 20 Personal Injury Trial Attorneys" and his closing arguments to juries were events that drew spectators from all parts of the courthouse. The Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education featured cassettes of his 'Million Dollar Arguments' and he authored the chapter on closing arguments in ICLE's "Michigan Civil Procedure During Trial." Bob's reputation was aptly captured by a Detroit News columnist who observed "Defense attorneys cringe when Zeff enters the courtroom." In 1975 Bob was inducted into the Inner Circle, a group limited to 100 of the best trial lawyers in the United States.
Zeff was once featured in a Detroit News spread covering a handful of the Most Eligible Bachelors in the city, then later married Susan Jane Kroll from South Carolina, who hadn't seen the article. They celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on June 2nd, 2021. Bob was privately a frequent high praiser of Susan in matters of the heart, golf, and business, often followed by the humorous disclaimer "don't tell her I said that." Bob's interests and experiences warranted a book he often promised to write. He was widely world traveled with extraordinarily colorful experiences.
Bob owned a jai alai fronton in Connecticut with related pursuits in Spain, where he became a fan of Salvador Dali and began assembling a museum quality Dali collection -- the tip of an iceberg of fine art he and Susan collected. Bob traveled to South America and had Indiana Jones-type jungle adventures complete with artifacts and arrows flying. Bob was once surprised to find himself seated at a table with the President of Indonesia at a state dinner there discussing international business. Bob was an unrepentant golfer for many years and reached his golf pinnacle on a scramble team that won a nearly $40,000 pot at a charity tournament for the Boca Raton Regional Hospital. His pace of play in golf, as in Bob's private life, was deliberate. He was a reliable late arrival for virtually all scheduled events, a practice Susan was unable to dent over 3 decades of marriage. Bob had imposing, 'family member' dogs all his adult years that were fiercely devoted to him and Susan but gentle enough to take a daily Brazil nut from his lips at breakfast. He lived life fully.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife Susan of Boca Raton, Florida, and his niece Sandra (Mark) Gold, the daughter of Bob's beloved older sister Nita "Billie" (Moe) Barak who predeceased him, and Sandra's children. He was also predeceased by his father Louis Zeff and his mother, Bertha Friedman Zeff.
Bob was a member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Southfield, Michigan, and Palm Beach Orthodox Synagogue in Florida. He was an avid supporter of Israeli causes and a generous benefactor of Hebrew University, where the Zeffs established the Susan and A. Robert Zeff Graduate Scholarship Endowment Fund for law school students in perpetuity. Donations in Bob's memory should be directed to the Division of Hematologic Neoplasia, Dana Farber Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.
Arrangements are being handled by Ira Kaufman Chapel and interment will be in a private ceremony at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.
Alan Chalk, 89; Former Staples High School English Teacher, Veteran
ObituaryAlan George Chalk, age 89, passed away in his home surrounded by love and family, on Monday, May 31st, 2021.
Alan was born in 1931 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He met his beloved wife Norma LaFlamme of Ludlow, Massachusetts and they married 70 years ago. Alan joined the Navy during the Korean War and did 2 world tours. In 1952, his experiences traveling in Japan and meeting the people touched him deeply and a lifelong journey commenced.
He received his teaching degree at Wesleyan University and attended the University of Iowa PHD Program. He moved to Fairfield in 1961 where he lived the rest of his life. His first teaching position was at Staples High School in Westport developing an innovative creative writing program. He became the Chairman of the English Department at Weston High School in 1972. He was voted Teacher of the Year in 1989. He retired from Weston High School in 1991.
He began a new career as consultant, writer, and teacher specializing in postwar and contemporary Japanese literature and film and developed an extensive library. He developed the curriculum for the first Center for Japanese Study Abroad magnet school in Norwalk. He traveled extensively but Japan remained closest to his heart, and he led tours both with students and teachers, as well as family sharing his knowledge and love of Japan. He wrote novels, short stories and poetry, many inspired by his travels in Japan.
He was a master teacher, writer, wood sculptor and photographer and also found the time to raise five children with Norma, remodeling the house, and creating beautiful gardens.
In his own words, "I exist in a style of anonymity and I ask a thousand questions. I find that I ask questions I don't have the answer to and this may be the key to effective teaching. I am always learning. Every day."
He loved teaching and deeply cared about his students and staff which is reflected in the letters from students and parents thanking him for his inspiration and caring during pivotal times in their lives; letters from teachers whom he helped to become master teachers themselves, the articles, awards and acknowledgements grateful for the impact he made on so many lives.
A plaque on his wall which was a gift, is a good way to summarize.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
He is survived by his beloved family; daughters Lynn and Karen, sons Brian, Gary, David, son-in-law Scott, daughter-in-law Laura, grandchildren, Jesse, Danielle, Gabrielle, Billy, Maya, Sammy, Nicole and her family Jeff, Tenley, Caiden Blaiotta; great-grandchildren Lyla and Jude. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Norma who was an integral part of his accomplishments and to whom he gives much of the credit. Also Dan Magida, a former student from Staples over 50 years ago, who was one of his best friends.
Contributions in his memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity Fairfield County, where his wife was a longtime volunteer. https://www.habitatcfc.org/
Ronald Melino, 91; American Airlines Executive, Westporter
Harding Funeral Home ObituaryRonald Joseph Melino - June 28, 1929 to May 22, 2021. Born and raised on Jackson Avenue in the South Bronx, NYC, transplanted himself and his family to Westport, CT in 1967. Loved the excitement, diversity and complexity of NYC - the "Capital of the World" as he would often say. Studied biology at City College and a proud longtime employee of American Airlines having worked his way up from the La Guardia Airport terminal to the company’s executive offices at the Chrysler Building in Manhattan.
A true original to his core, naturally charismatic, and never shy, he lived life on his own terms. Loved beach walks, tennis with pals at the Westport Tennis Club and Longshore, workouts and saunas at the Westport YMCA, reading, train travel to San Francisco, and above all else his grandchildren.
At peace and resting with his beloved bride Maureen (née Hurley) of 55 years (Sept 22, 1931 to Nov 18, 2011) at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Survived by his brother Eugene Melino, and his children Stephen Melino (Margie), Frances Zahler (Gary), Barbara Deecken (George), and James Melino (Ilana), his grandchildren Alexsis Adams, Christina Deecken, Cody Zahler, Christian Zahler, Avery Chung-Melino, Rachel Melino, Emily Zahler, and Katey Melino, great grandson Isaiah, and beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption Cemetery in the coming weeks at a date and time to be determined by the family.
Christine Carusone, 73; Norwalk Hospital ICU Nurse
Christine M. Carusone: December 11, 1947 - May 24, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that on May 24, 2021, Christine Marie Carusone (Chris, Aunt Chris) was called back to the house of our lord and savior. Chris was born on December 11, 1947 to Constantine and Sophie Carusone in Norwalk, CT and lived at 2 Mills St., Westport, CT until her passing.
She was preceded by her brothers Robert Anthony Carusone and Peter Gary Carusone. Chris spent her entire life in the service of the community as an ICU nurse with Norwalk Hospital, where she received numerous letters of appreciation and a life saving accommodation from the mayor of Milford for her tireless efforts in saving the lives of two Milford police detectives. She retired from her position in May of 2017.
Chris loved traveling and spending quiet time at her house in Vermont. Chris cherished her family above everything else, never failing to reach out to them in their time of need. Christine is survived by her loving sisters-in-law Donna Carusone and Suzanne Taylor, her nieces Lindsay Carusone and Amy Tracy, her nephews Brian Carusone, James Carusone, Robert Tracy, Robert Carusone, great-nephews Dominic Carusone and Liam Carlson, and great-niece Althea Carlson along with countless friends.
Visitation will be held at The Harding Funeral Home located at 210 Post Rd. East on Thursday, May 27th (today) between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Services will be held at St. Luke's Church located at 49 Turkey Hill North on Friday, May 28, 2021 starting at 11 a.m. followed by the interment which will be held at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Outward Bound, and Malta house of Norwalk.
Joseph Banyard Jr., 94 - Veteran, Westporter, Norwalk High Class of 1944
Obituary from Harding Funeral HomeJoseph Banyard, Jr., 94, of Westport, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Joe was born at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, CT on June 8, 1926 to Joseph and Anna Banyard. He grew up attending local schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1944.
After graduation Joe enlisted in The Army Air Corp. He was being trained as an airplane and engine mechanic and was in a program to become a flight engineer. The war ended, as did the program. He completed his service in Italy as a guard in The Army of Occupation.
After his service he attended The University of Bridgeport, graduating in 1951 with a BS degree in accounting. He worked in public accounting at firms in the Norwalk/Bridgeport area for 12 years until passing the examination to become a CPA. He took a job with Navy Audit which was later reorganized as the Defense Contract Audit Agency. He was now a federal employee and soon later became a Cost Analyst for the federal government which he did for 23 years. He spent a large portion of his career working at Sikorsky. He retired on September 20, 1986.
Joe was married to Elenore DePalmer on September 12, 1953. They later divorced but remained close friends throughout his entire life. Elenore still lives in the house they built together while they were married. Joe is also survived by a sister, Ann Marie Newbauer (Henry) of Waterbury, CT, a nephew Thomas Newbauer of Danbury, CT and 4 nieces, Janet Peatt (Woodrow, Sr) of Ridgefield, CT, Lee Berryhill and Leslie and Joanne Aiken as well as his great nephew Captain Woodrow J. Peatt, Jr., USAF, stationed in GA. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Norma Aiken (Frank) and nephew Michael Aiken.
Joe will be remembered by his niece as a great listener, story teller and poetry reciter by memory. He was a member of St. Luke’s Parish in Westport, CT for 30 years, a devoted Roman Catholic who often attended mass daily. During his lifetime he was an avid MG mechanic and learned how to repair them and keep them running. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and reading about history.
Friends are invited to attend a funeral on Thursday May 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM meeting directly at St. Luke Church 49 Turkey Hill Road North, Westport, CT. The Harding Funeral Home in Westport CT is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com