Alan Hahn Eugley, 74; Westporter, Longshore Golfer
Obituary
Alan Hahn Eugley passed away on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 in Westport, Connecticut, surrounded by his family at home, following a long and steadfast battle with pancreatic cancer.
A retired banking executive, Alan graduated from Lehigh University with a BS in Economics and an MS in Business Economics. His 45-year career in banking included executive positions at Bankers Trust and Marine Midland Bank. He spent the last twenty years of his career at Fiserv.
Alan had deep roots in New England. He grew up in Winchester, Massachusetts, and spent many summers at his family's cottage in Lincolnville, Maine, where he loved to hike, kayak and swim in Norton Pond. A rock music enthusiast, he played the guitar in college and high school bands, and later, he delighted in his daughter Allison's flute performances and playing guitar with his son Seth. During his retirement, Alan spent every Sunday with his special-needs daughter, Elizabeth. Alan also was involved with his wife Emily's art practice, helping with exhibition installations.
A 27-year resident of Westport, CT, Alan enjoyed boating and golf, and was an active member of Westport's Longshore Men's Golf Association. Known for his jovial and upbeat approach to life, Alan could be found at five o'clock enjoying a martini, whether he was in Connecticut, Maine or Florida.
Alan is survived by his wife Emily Hamilton Laux, his mother Mary Louise, his daughter Allison (Geoff), his son Seth, his daughter Elizabeth, his two sisters Gwen (Rick) and Melissa (Paul). He is also survived by his stepchildren Madeleine and Jack, his niece and nephews Nicolina, Paul and Will, and his two grandchildren Amelia and Brady. He is also survived by his former wife Susan McShane; his wife Karen Treadwell predeceased him.
A memorial will be held in Westport in August. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to STAR, which provides services to special-needs children and adults in Connecticut. An online link to Star is here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/starct/
Michele Biro Deitch, 50; “an incredibly special person who always gave so much more than she received.”
Obituary
Michele Suzanne "Mich" (Biro) Age 50, of Westport, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 8, 2021 after a long battle with breast cancer. Michele was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in 1970 to the late Laszlo Biro and Dolores (Macchiaroli) Biro, currently residing in Sarasota, FL. Michele is survived by her loving husband of 18 years, David Deitch, formerly from Rye Brook, NY, and her adoring boys Joshua (16) and Jonathan (13), along with her constant companion, Vinci, the family's endearing Goldendoodle. She is also survived by her older brother Dr. David Biro (and wife Daniella Vitale) and sisters Lisa Biro Finn (and husband Michael Finn) and Debbie Biro Guarna (and husband Anthony Guarna), along with sisters-in-law Donna Rempell (and husband David Rempell) and Deborah Mansi (and husband Bob Mansi). Michele also leaves behind her adored nieces and nephews Emma and Kaila Finn, Benjamin and Xander Guarna, Daniel and Luca Biro, and Dr. Joshua and Ben Rempell.
Michele was a graduate of Music and Arts in Manhattan (now known as LaGuardia HS) where she studied flute and became an accomplished classical performer. Michele went on to graduate from University of Wisconsin with a degree in Philosophy and completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University before setting up successful OT practices in Manhattan and Westport, CT. She was an expert in working with younger children, developing customized programs to support their unique needs and assist them in overcoming life's obstacles. Michele's empathy, creativity, and incredible competence changed the lives of countless children.
Michele cherished the carefree times growing up at the family's summer home in Seaview on Fire Island, where the only modes of transportation were passenger ferries and old, rusty wagons. Michele and David recreated that magical setting with their own idyllic escape on Chebeague Island off the coast of Portland, Maine with a small bungalow that the family enjoyed among great friends in nature's beautiful garden.
To think of Michele is to think of her intensely caring and empathetic nature, always willing to do anything to support everyone from her closest friends to the receptionist she met one time at her doctor's office. She also loved to travel and explore, whether to distant foreign destinations, across the United States, or in little nooks close to home in Connecticut. Michele was filled with the wonders of nature and the simple joys of being surrounded by people she loved. Everyone who got to know Michele knew she was an incredibly special person who always gave so much more than she received. Michele will live on through us all in the countless memories that we hold so dear.
Services to celebrate and remember Michele's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Temple Israel on 14 Coleytown Road in Westport, CT. The family will receive friends
after the services for a light reception at the temple. The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Michele's exceptional medical team at The Wittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, including a second-to-none support staff and her primary in home care aide, Yolette Jean Francois. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions in honor of Michele to National Public Radio (NPR) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). You can also plant a tree(s) in Israel in Michele's memory at https://www.nationaljewishmemorialwall.com/plant-a-tree. Condolences and your memories of Michele are welcomed and encouraged to be sent to the family at https://memories.net/timeline/michele-birodeitch-44864.
Sarah Bonner-O’Neill, 68; Staples Graduate
Obituary
Sarah Bonner-O'Neill, 68, of St. Simons/ Brunswick, died peacefully the morning of July 8, surrounded by her family.
She was a graduate of Staples High School, Westport, Connecticut, and Tufts University, Boston.
A resident of Glynn County for almost 30 years, she worked with children as an Early Intervention Specialist before dedicating her life full-time to her own children and grandchildren.
Always passionate and (usually) outspoken, but with a sensitive and loving heart, she epitomized being the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Though hindered with medical issues the last few years, she was always someone you could always count on ... no matter what.
She watched over and guided her children and had the enormous joy of being with her 8-1/2 grandchildren (baby Sadie is on the way!), who call her "Gabba."
She will be missed by her adoring husband of 43 years, Tim O'Neill; as well as her children, Chris O'Neill (Jenny Rabbitt) of Boston, Genny O'Neill of Brunswick, Ben O'Neill (Kristen O'Neill) of Brunswick and Kaitlin (O'Neill) Carpenter (Brandon Carpenter) of St. Simons Island; her grandchildren, Xavier and Sadie O'Neill, Madeline and Fenway Westberry, Jack and Charlie O'Neill, and Genevieve, Naomi, and Jude Carpenter.
There will be a gathering to celebrate her incredible life from 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Confederate Station, which is just past Chapman Funeral Home, at 6045 Golden Isles Parkway (Spur 25). Dress is casual.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Starting Point Foundation, P.O. Box 488, Brunswick, GA 31521, a recovery house for which Ben is board chairman.
Nancy Chapa, 77: TWA Flight Attendant, Owner of Pancho Villa’s
Obituary
Nancy June Harman Chapa, 77, of State College, PA, passed away on Wednesday January 1st, 2021 at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Nancy, and her husband, Israel Ibarra Chapa, had made the move to Reno, Nevada in early December 2020 to live out their remaining years. The move also brought them closer to their son, Christian, and his two children. Nancy was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas where her father worked as an attorney and her mother began a career as TWA's first flight attendant and later became a registered nurse.
Nancy attended the University of Kansas where she was a cheerleader for the Jayhawks basketball team and member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She then moved to NYC where, following in her mother's footsteps, she became an international flight attendant for TWA. She began her career in 1966 and retired in 2001. She loved flying internationally and spent most of her career flying to Spain which was her favorite destination. She met her husband, Israel, in Manhattan, New York where he worked as a maitre d' for a local Mexican restaurant, Fonda la Paloma. The restaurant environment would play a pivotal role in their lives. In 1976 they opened Pancho Villa's, a popular Mexican restaurant in Westport, Connecticut. The business afforded them the luxury of raising a family in the nearby town of Wilton.
Pancho Villa's became a fixture in Westport, winning numerous awards, and operating successfully for over 25 years until Israel's retirement in 1995. While employed as a flight attendant, Nancy worked to elevate the restaurant's status and reputation among locals. Whether it was serving and entertaining their loyal customer base, or creative contributions to the restaurant's historical décor, Nancy was instrumental in the success of the business.
Nancy often referred to Israel as "my Mexican", and their marriage lasted nearly 52 years! Nancy is survived by her sister Judy, beloved husband Israel, daughter Nicole, son Christian, and three grandchildren: David, Sebastian, and Samantha.
A celebration of life service will be held for Nancy on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at 12:30pm at Greenland's Lodge, 3462 Birmingham Pike, Alexandria, PA 16611. For any additional information on the service, or interest in attending, please email Nicole and Christian at the following email address – "nancyjchapa@gmail.com."
Wally Meyer, 91; “Wally was a special Westporter” says First Selectman Jim Marpe
Obituary 
He was born August 12, 1929 in Mount Vernon, New York. He graduated from High School in Rochester, NY. Not having “bone Spurs” he enlisted in the army for 3 years and was posted to the 25th Division in Korea as a Squad Leader. Served in Korea from August 1951 to May 1952. Finished army obligation in Germany and traveled extensively in Europe. He attended the Coronation in London and Bastille Day in Paris.
He used the GI Bill to attend Union College and graduated in 1957. Joined IBM for 20 years, then left to establish Westport Marketing, Inc. as a computer leasing company.
Wally served Westport with 12 years on the RTM and 4 years as a selectman. He was founder of Project Return and served as Treasurer for 12 years. Then joined the board of Mid-Fairfield Aids Project in Norwalk and served as Treasurer for 25 years. He was past president of the Westport Rotary and a Justice of the Peace for 18 years.
Survived by Mother Earth he hopes and by his loving wife, Joan Beauvais and by his stepsons James Meyer of Trumbull, CT, William Lloyd of Westport, CT, David Lloyd of Canton, CT, Douglas Lloyd of Sacramento, CA and Bob Beauvais of Grapevine, TX.
Preceding him in death, his sons, John Meyer and Kevin Meyer and Stepdaughter, Susan Lloyd.
Wally Meyer was a strong Globalist and he believed that someday the world will have a single government.
“For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity” quote by William Penn.
There will be no services held per Wally’s wishes.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Susan Fund, 458 Newtown Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851 or donate online at thesusanfund.org
First Selectman Jim Marpe issued a statement on Meyer’s death: It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Wally Meyer, former Westport Second Selectman and longtime member of the RTM. He served with my predecessor, Marty Hauhuth from 1985 to 1989. Wally was also an active participant in making Westport a better place by helping found Project Return and through his many years of service and leadership with the Westport Rotary club. Wally was a special Westporter — always willing to share his opinion, but also willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by all who knew him.
My deepest condolences to his many friends and to his family.
Dr. Lawrence S. Friedman, 69; “A friend to many people from different walks of life”
Obituary
Brilliant, kind hearted and generous of spirit, Dr. Lawrence S. Friedman was both a pillar of our San Diego community and a friend to many people from different walks of life. We lost Dr. Friedman, aged sixty-nine, on June 21, 2021.
He was an accomplished physician: Dr. Friedman joined UCSD Medical School in 1994 as a professor of pediatrics and medicine and since 2014 he was the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. As associate dean, Dr. Friedman managed oversight of ambulatory quality, safety and primary care, managed care, occupational medicine and telemedicine.
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Dr. Friedman dedicated his life to provide care to those most at risk of missing out on it: He oversaw a comprehensive program for teenagers and young adults infected with HIV, as well as provided preventive and primary care for HIV-positive patients. He co-founded a mobile van collaborative, which continues to provide free health care to homeless and runaway youth. He also founded the UCSD Clinical Telemedicine Program and traveled broadly to promote it, ensuring specialty consultation both statewide and internationally to those unable to access quality care in their local environments. His forward-thinking and compassionate work additionally included medical oversight of a charter high school and adolescent psychiatric facility. He oversaw two adolescent medicine clinics and was actively engaged in training the next generation of medical students, residents, and fellows to follow in his footsteps.
The son of an artist, Larry was also an active and generous supporter of all things creative: as well as being an avid art collector himself, he was on the Boards of both the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Photographic Arts. Furthermore, he ensured his mother's Holocaust sculpture had a permanent installation in a former synagogue in Germany.
His creativity in the medical profession also knew no bounds, as he authored more than 50 publications, including original research, book chapters, review articles, monographs, and medical society position statements.
In recent years, on top of his role at UCSD, he was co-chair of the University Health System Consortium Ambulatory Care steering committee; served as a member of the Pay for Performance Implementation Advisory Task Force at the National Quality Forum; and was a member of the Agency for Health Care Research Study Section on Health Care Technology and Decision Science.
Board-certified in internal medicine, Dr. Friedman completed his residency and fellowship training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Prior to UCSD, he practiced internal and adolescent medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Friedman is survived by his sister, Margie Friedman; brother, Gerry Friedman; and nephew, Kenny Friedman (fianc, Jillian Lipstone). He is predeceased by his parents, Steffi and Al Friedman of Westport, CT. He also leaves behind many friends, colleagues, and the innumerable lives he helped to save, who will continue to honor his memory in the years to come.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly suggest a donation. Checks may be made payable to: Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego with "Lawrence S. Friedman Fund" in the memo section and mailed to 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123.For credit card donations, please visit, http://jcfsandiego.org/go/creditcard. Using the drop-down menu for 'Designation of Funds' and select the Lawrence S. Friedman Fund.
Barbara Rosen, 75; Veteran Teacher, Beloved Mother and Grandmother
Obituary
A retired school teacher, Barbara Rosen taught nearly one thousand students during her 38-years in the Fort Lee, NJ school system. Yet her greatest lesson came well into retirement when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer: that strength comes not just from within but from those loved ones who surround you. She died on June 22, 2021.
Born October 24, 1945, in Mount Vernon, NY, Barbara Gail Schaeffer was the first child of Janice Taussig Schaeffer and Israel Richard Schaeffer. Barbara and her sister, Lori Schaeffer Cohen, spent most of their childhood in Washington Heights, NY, with their mom.
At age 18 during her freshman year at Farleigh Dickinson University, she met Howard Rosen, the love of her life. While Barbara would go on to receive a Master’s Degree from William Paterson University, Howard and Barbara married on January 6, 1968. The couple spent 53 years together, traveling to six continents (roughly 40 countries), going to the theater, dining out, playing golf and ultimately retiring to Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Friends would say it was never Barbara or Howard, it was always Barbara and Howard.
Although Howard was her soulmate, Barbara had three other loves: her daughter, Barrie Rosen, son-in-law, Frank Rosen, and grandson, Dylan Rosen. Barbara’s love for her family radiated in her smile and laughter, and she would take pride in sharing stories about the kids, as she called them. This love empowered Barbara in her six-year battle against cancer, and the fortitude and determination she exhibited awed even the most cynical doctors.
A private funeral will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Chapel at the Sanctuary of Abraham & Sarah Mausoleum in Paramus, NJ. Barbara is survived by her husband, Howard; sister, Lori; daughter, Barrie; grandson, Dylan. In lieu of food and flowers, the family requests in memoriam donations to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, OCRAhope.org.
Herman Edward Smith, 84; Staples Class of ‘55, World Traveler
Herman Edward Smith, 84, entered into heavenly rest on June 17, 2021.
Herman resided in The Villages, Florida for nearly 20 years, but called Danbury and Westport, CT home. He was the 2nd of 4 generations of Westport residents, where his father started a business in the 1940’s. Herman was educated in the Westport school system from kindergarten through his graduation from Staples High School in 1955. He then attended the Engineering Institute of Bridgeport. He was also honorably discharged from the United States Air Force and served in the National Guard.
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Herman was in management at United Parcel Services, working in the South New England District for over 30 years, having retired in 1995.
He was predeceased by his parents, John Herman Smith and Jane Thomasina (Dinkins), and sister, Jane “Patsy” Patricia Williams (Smith).
Herman was a devoted husband to and survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Frances (Reid), and proud father to three children: Mark (The Villages, FL), Susan (New Haven, CT), and Scott (Westport, CT) and his wife, Jane (Pertillar). He was grandfather to Brandon (Philadelphia, PA) and affectionately known as “Afi” by his twin grandsons, Jacob and Joshua (Westport, CT), on whom he doted and were the lights of his life.
He is also survived by his cousins Catherine Hasben Middleton (Orangeburg, SC), Almedia “Bea” Dinkins Nelson (Raleigh, NC) and John Borie Dinkins (Mint Hill, NC); and in-laws Lloyd Mayfield and his wife, Joyce (Reid) (The Villages, FL) and Charlene Tyson (Pertillar) (The Villages, FL).
Herman was an original member of the Gents and a long time member of the African American Club at The Villages. He enjoyed his time with the Frogs and Flakes, and the ROMEOs with his neighbors on Lawson Loop.
He was also a collector of baseball hats, an avid golfer and a world traveler. He and Mary Fran were blessed to have travelled to over 25 countries together, including visiting all 7 continents. Though his favorite spots and activities in the entire world were his gardens in Westport, boating on Candlewood Lake, golfing at the Villages, watching the ocean at Daytona Beach Shores and making memories at Disney with the family.
He will be missed terribly. The family will celebrate his enduring legacy by establishing a scholarship in his name to advance the education and talents of promising youth. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that contributions are made to that scholarship once it is established or donations are made to another charity that fittingly honors Herman’s kind spirit, generous soul, and full life.
A memorial service is planned for July 10, 2021, at 11am, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, Florida. A celebration of Herman’s life will also be held in Connecticut in September to allow his and Mary Fran’s many friends and extended family from the Nutmeg state to join in remembrance.
Peter Zarges, 74; Staples Graduate, Coleytown Volunteer Fire Co. Firefighter
Peter D Zarges passed away peacefully at home May 19th. Peter was born May 10,1947 in Norwalk, CT to Albert and Rachel (Saunders) Zarges.
After graduating from Staples High School, Westport, CT he joined the US Navy. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk off the coast of Viet Nam and North Korea during the Pueblo crisis.
Peter began his 40year career with the various ATT companies in 1970, starting with Southern New England Telephone and moving to Southwestern Bell.
Peter’s life-long commitment to the fire service started at Coleytown Volunteer Engine Company No.6, Westport Fire Department. He continued with Klein Volunteer Fire Department as firefighter. Throughout the years he served as Lieutenant, Captain, District Chief and Fire Marshall. Peter was also an advisor to Exploring Post 31.
Peter is survived by his wife of 49yrs Janet, his two children and their spouses; Liz and Kelcey Trotty and Robert and Corey Zarges; his grandchild Jace Trotty; and his brother and sister-in-law David and Debbie Zarges and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Fisher House.
Layla K. Malon, 7; “Layla possessed a sweetness that truly captivated people.”
Obituary, Lesko & Polke Funeral HomeLayla Kim Ngân Malon, age 7, of Westport, passed away on June 17, 2021.
Born in Danbury, she was the beloved daughter of Eric Malon of Westport and the late Tracy Do. Layla was a student at Coleytown Elementary school.
Layla possessed a sweetness that truly captivated people. She brought smiles, laughter, and happiness to all around her. She loved and admired her big sissy Alexis, and was her Daddy’s little girl. Layla found great delight in her collection of stuff animals, "Stuffies".
In addition to her father, she will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Alexis, as well as, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and endearing family members.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. Her committal service will take place on Friday at 1030 AM in Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
The Malon family requests contributions in Layla's memory to: Mental Health Connecticut (www.MHCONN.org) 61 South Main Street (suite 100) West Hartford, CT 06107. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com