Dr. Leonard Flom, 94, Died; Medical Pioneer, Army Medical Corps Veteran
Leonard Flom – an internationally known ophthalmologist, medical pioneer and inductee in the National Inventors Hall of Fame – died on Tuesday at Norwalk Hospital. He was 94
The son of Polish immigrants Murray and Pauline Flom of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Flom entered New York University at the age of 16 and went on to receive a medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine where he studied ophthalmology and was certified as an ophthalmic surgeon. He then became a first lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Corps and was stationed in Trieste, Italy during the Korean war conflict.
Following his service, Dr. Flom founded a private medical practice and surgical center in Fairfield, Connecticut and served the Fairfield County community for nearly 50 years. Dr. Flom, along with academic colleague Dr. Aaron Safir, conceptualized and ultimately patented their idea for an iris identification system and co-founded IriScan. Today, this biometric is considered to be one of the most accurate in the field of biometric identification. He taught and worked at a number of New York and Connecticut universities and hospitals and remained a member of the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine after retiring from practice. Dr. Flom served on the Ethics Committee of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, was actively engaged in the activities of the Y’s Men of Westport-Weston and was a regularly featured guest speaker at Camp Invention. His passions included politics, photography, humor, and faith.
Dr. Flom is survived by his wife of 74 years Marilyn Flom, his children Cherie Quain, Jonathan Flom, Sara Goldstein and Rachel Chason, his 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, New York.
Donations in his memory may be made to:
Friends of Sheba Medical Center Tel HaShomer Guild
https://www.israelgives.org//amuta/580018885
Congregation Beth El
https://bethelfairfield.org/
Barbara Lee Soldmann Schadt, 83, Died; “a fiercely independent force”
Barbara Lee Soldmann Schadt, 83, of Vero Beach, FL, Westport, CT and New York, NY passed away peacefully at her home in Vero Beach, Florida on March 4, 2022 with her son by her side. She was a fiercely independent force who will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Barbara was predeceased by her best friend and beloved husband of 62 years, Jim Schadt. She is survived by her children, Lauren Schadt Baker (Charlie) and Andrew Schadt (Kristen), her grandchildren Charlie (Christine), AJ, Caroline and William, her sisters Pat Mollsen (Cliff), Michele Goodman, and their families, brothers-in-law Tom Schadt (Sharon Reitveld) and Jerry Schadt, and many treasured close friends.
Barbara was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. One old friend wrote “She grew up in a time when expectations for women were limited. Women might attend college, meet a nice man, have a family in their 20’s and support their husband’s career. Barbara did all of that, but she always wanted more.” She was the first in her family to attend college and was accepted to Northwestern University on an academic scholarship. Standing in a line at freshman orientation, she met Jim Schadt who would become her best friend, husband and partner in life. They dated all through college, taught swimming at the same country club during the summers, and were married just before their senior year.
Their life took their family to Cincinnati, OH, Westport, CT, Kenilworth, IL and back again to Westport and Rowayton where they lived for over 40 years. Barbara was always engaged in her community, but always felt there was more she could accomplish on her own. In Westport, she served as the President of the Young Women’s League and championed the funding and construction of the Levitt Pavilion which remains a cultural center for Fairfield County. Barbara surprised everyone but her husband when, at the age of 40, she enrolled at the University of Bridgeport Law School. In typical fashion, she excelled in the classroom and led the Law Review. Upon graduation, she joined the firm of Kelley, Drye & Warren in their real estate group. Determined to have a greater impact on her community, she became an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut focusing on environmental protection. Several years later, she was appointed as a Magistrate to the District Court of Connecticut where she served until she retired. On more than one occasion, she was known to bring a gavel to the dinner table. Barbara’s many professional and community accomplishments continue to inspire her family and friends.
Outside of her career, she was also an avid tennis player, skier, and world traveler. She traveled extensively, sharing the experiences with dear friends and family including heli-skiing over one million vertical feet, exploring Hong Kong and Vietnam with girlfriends and sleeping in a tent in the Serengeti. She maintained a wonderful group of adored friends throughout her life, keeping the same holiday traditions, book group and bridge club for over 50 years!
Barbara Soldmann Schadt was a quiet force with a pioneering drive. She set high expectations for herself and expected nothing less from others. She inspired her children, family and friends to reach higher, to think and live independently and to work hard to build a joyful, successful life. While her family and dear friends will miss her every day, she will live on forever in our hearts.
A private family ceremony took place in Vero Beach. A celebration of Barbara’s incredible life will be held this summer in Southport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Westport Young Women’s League, the James P. and Barbara Schadt Swimming Scholarship at Northwestern University or the charity of your choice.
Peter Royce Cook, 65, Died; Avid Reader, Beloved “Papa”
Peter Royce Cook, of Westport, CT and Boothbay Harbor, ME, passed away suddenly at his home in Boothbay Harbor on March 2, 2022. He was 65 years old.
Peter was born in Portland, Maine on April 6, 1956 to Judith Miller Cook and Phil Cook. He attended Boothbay Region High School where he was a star athlete and excelled in both football and basketball. He then went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono where he played football for the Black Bears. After graduation Peter embarked on an accomplished career as a group insurance executive. He worked for Unum, The Hartford, Aetna and Guardian Life.
After retiring from his illustrious insurance career, he fulfilled lifelong dreams by pursuing positions within the Boothbay community. He worked at Hodgdon Yacht Services, combining his love for the water, boats, his community and its people. His friends called him an “aquatic transportation engineer.” In addition, he proudly served on the board of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and had been responsible for building their capital campaign for the new library addition. His love of the library began when his mother took him to get his first library card. It continued as his children chose their summer reading at the library. An avid reader all his life, he instilled that love in his children.
Peter loved nothing better than spending time with his family at their compound on Appalachee Pond. Among his greatest joys were golfing, watching his children’s athletic accomplishments, spending time on the water on his boat, Heavenly Days, and playing with his grandchildren and grandnieces. He savored and boasted about his wife’s gourmet meals and decadent desserts. He was beloved by all.
If he wasn’t on the course at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Peter was most likely enjoying a cocktail on the dock or entertaining family and friends with a cookout at Appalachee. He enjoyed spinning at JoyRide Studio, practicing yoga, reading any historical book about Winston Churchill, and of course, smoking an occasional Churchill cigar!
Some of Peter’s finer talents were a true showcase of his zest for life and his ability to make those around him feel included, loved, seen and welcomed. He would frequently burst into a Frank Sinatra song, befitting of the moment, or quote his favorite movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Peter had a very determined outlook, some might say he was competitive, but it proved to be one of his best character traits as he doggedly overcame obstacles and constructed a very fulfilling life. He also had a beautiful ability to daydream about how he would spend his latter years with his family, what projects and house renovations he would undertake and where he would travel with his wife, children, and their children. He was the proudest and most affectionate grandfather, and favorite ‘Papa’, with his boisterous laugh and fun loving nature, turning any simple moment into a memorable one.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife Jacqueline, devoted children and grandchildren - daughter Julie Hoadley, her husband Ryan and son Quinn; son Matthew Cook and his wife Carlie; son Jason Cook and his wife Kayla and son Forrest. Peter is also survived by his siblings - Cathlene Parkhurst, Michael Cook, Mary Jane Tracy and their families.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 2 PM at Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport, Connecticut.
Donations in Peter’s name can be made to Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library at bbhlibrary.org/donate/
David Hansell, 79, Died; Air Force Veteran, “what Dave loved most was making people laugh.”
David Hansell, Age 79, passed away peacefully from natural causes in his home in Westport, Connecticut on Thursday, February 10, 2022.
Born on April 9, 1942 and raised in center city Philadelphia, Dave enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from West Catholic High School. From Wyoming to the Philippines, he completed his service honorably and upon discharge entered the Philadelphia Police Department. During this time, he joined the Masonic Temple in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.
While working as a homicide detective, he met his future wife, Susanne, through mutual friends. They married on August 2nd, 1969. Dave transitioned into corporate security and worked for companies like American Express, Sun Oil, J&L Steel, and LTV Steel where he worked until his retirement. Throughout his career, Dave and Susanne moved from Philadelphia to New York and back to greater Philadelphia settling in their much-loved community of Pine Ridge in Media, where he also became involved in the Danish American Club.
The steel industry brought them to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Ohio where they lived for many years in Avon Lake and North Olmsted. In retirement, they moved to the Chicago area to be closer to grandchildren, and it was at this time Dave became active in the American Legion in Mundelein, Illinois.
Dave had many passions throughout his life. He loved a good party and even moonlighted as an emcee at a local catering venue for a time. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed biographies, history, and crime stories. He liked going to the movies and playing video games. He was an avid roller skater and competed in pairs dancing events with his partner Linda for many years.
But what Dave loved most was making people laugh. No matter where he went, he was quick to crack a joke or tell a funny story; his humor did not require punchlines.
Dave is survived by his wife Susanne of 52 years, daughter Jennifer (Christopher) Conn, son David (Nora) Hansell, and grandchildren Zachary, Hannah, Sophie and Sally. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Mary Sue) Hansell and sister-in-law Connie Hansell as well as many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Dave was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. A special thank you to VA Hospital of West Haven, Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, and his nurse Karen for their care and support. There will be a small service for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to West Catholic Preparatory School, 4501 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19139 or the American Legion Post 867, PO Box 603, Mundelein, IL.
Ronald Robert Schlack, 77, Died; Westport Downshifters Member, US Air Force Veteran
Ronald Robert Schlack, 77 a resident of Norwalk, C.T. and formerly of Westport, CT died February 23, 2022.
Born on September 22, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harold and Lillian Schlack.
He lived in Westport for both his and his sons' childhoods before moving to Norwalk, C.T., where he and his beloved wife Joanna resided.
After attending Staples High School in Westport, C.T. he joined the U.S. Air Force. He then worked as an Electrician for nearly 40 years and served as a teacher for incoming apprentices for many years.
His hobbies included skiing and snowmobiling in his younger years, woodworking, glass working and antique automobile restoration during retirement. He was a member of the Norwalk Woodcraft Club and Downshifters of Westport.
He and his wife Joanna enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing golf, traveling in Europe as well as spending time in the Florida Keys
He was predeceased by his son Kevin Schlack as well as his brother Allen Schlack. He is survived by his wife Joanna of Norwalk, C.T., his son David, his wife Beth and his grandson Jake of Wilton, C.T. His stepson Damian Elias, his wife Megan and his granddaughter Mairead of Norwalk, C.T.
Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice
Elizabeth Izzo Petretta, 85, Died; “she had a gift of growing a beautiful flower from a tiny weed”
Elizabeth Izzo Petretta, a lifelong resident of Westport, CT passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2022 at the age of 85.
She was born on December 20, 1936 in Caserta, Italy to Luigi and Maria Izzo. In the 1950's, she moved with her family to Westport, CT where she later married her beloved husband, Rocco Petretta.
With Elizabeth's support, Rocco's Restaurant was established in 1975 in Westport where she worked for many years. She also enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, sewing, and crocheting. She especially loved spending time in her garden as she had a gift of growing a beautiful flower from a tiny weed. She loved to take care of others and always with a smile. Her faith was extremely important as she was a lifelong parishioner and volunteer at Assumption Church. She was her happiest when she was with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Rocco and her daughters, Emily (Vinny) Engongoro and Michelle Hankey and her grandchildren, Christopher Engongoro, Chloe and Olivia Hankey, her six siblings: Angelina (Joseph) Carusone, Verona, Italy; Josephine Bertoldo, Meriden, CT; Antonia Prentice, Monroe, CT; Anthony (Margie) Izzo, Tar Heel, NC; Jospeh Izzo, Westport, CT; Ann Izzo, Westport, CT and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com
Judy Brown Stroup, 78, Died; Former Westporter, World Traveler
Judy Brown Stroup passed away in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Judy was born on March 4, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama to Doris Bailey Brown and Captain James Couch Brown while they were stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. Judy attended Decatur City Schools and graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1961. While in high school, Judy was selected to the J.P. Allen Teen Board, which ignited her passion for sophisticated fashion. Following high school, Judy attended the University of Georgia where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority and the Angel Flight Drill Squad.
After leaving the University of Georgia, Judy began working for Western Electric and then McCann Erickson. Following her time with McCann Erickson, she worked for Alitalia Airlines and organized numerous international trips for her fellow Atlantans. Her time at Alitalia is what sparked her love of travel. In 1966, Judy married Wesley Stroup, her high school sweetheart, and throughout their life together, they made numerous trips to all corners of the globe. Whether they were entertaining clients at Super Bowls and other sporting events or traveling with friends, they saw it all.
After the birth of their first child, Judy decided to leave the corporate world to focus on her most important role of being the best mom. In 1980, Wes' job moved the family to Pittsburgh, PA, where she formed a new circle of lifelong friends. Following several years in Pittsburgh, the family moved to Westport, CT and then to Manhattan, NY. Wes had always promised Judy that he would get her back to her beloved Atlanta, so when he retired, they moved back home in 2000.
Back in Atlanta, Judy remained active in the community as a member of the Tri Delta Sorority Alumni group, the Woman's Auxiliary of Piedmont Hospital, and the Auxiliary Volunteers at Northside Hospital. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, going to new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 48 years.
Judy has left us with wonderful memories as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and warmhearted friend. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile. Surviving are her children, son James Stroup (Kathy) of Dunwoody, GA, daughter Virginia Carper (Jon) of Sandy Springs, GA, brother Dr. Samuel Brown (Linda) of Milton, GA, grandchildren James and Bailey Carper and Wesley Stroup, and loving companion Jim McLellan.
Funeral Services celebrating her life will be conducted on Tuesday, the 1st of March at two o'clock in the afternoon at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs. The Rite of Committal will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Atlanta Humane Society in memory of Judy Brown Stroup.
Janis T. Folsom, 97, Died; Saugatuck, Staples Staffer, Westporter for 70 Years
Janis T Folsom, age 97, a Westport resident for 70 years, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2022.
She was predeceased by her husband, John C Folsom and a son Peter- Rufus Folsom. She is survived by her sons John C Folsom, William T Folsom, Timothy T Folsom (Laurie); her daughters Jean F Kerwin (Michael) and Susan H Folsom; Her grandchildren Matthew (Megan), John (Ashley), Peter (Sabrina), Stephen (Jessica), Dana (Johnny), Christopher (Jackie), Maggie (Luke) and Kearstyn; her sisters Judy T Warren and Jacqueline T Wogan; her brother William H Thaxter; her five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long term caregiver Venetia Johnson.
Janis was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing, playing tennis, and picnics at Compo Beach. She was a member of the Westport Garden Club, Westport Historical Society and Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Janis worked for the Westport School system, first at Saugatuck Elementary school and then at Staples High School.
A memorial service will be held on April 30, 2022 at 1:00 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
Gladys Eva McCubbin, 93, Died; World Traveler, Former Westporter
Gladys Eva McCubbin, 93, of Charlottesville, Va., died on Sunday, February 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving children.
She was born on January 19, 1929, in Calgary, Canada, to the late Fred and Grace Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas John McCubbin. They were married for almost 60 years which were filled with a life of love and adventure that took them around the world.
Gladys is survived by her children, daughter, Cheryl Norman and her husband, Clarke, of Charlottesville; daughter, Karen Bradbury and her fiancé, Mark Barrere, of Wilton, Conn.; son, Brent McCubbin and his wife, Allison, of Bend, Ore.; daughter Lisa Gibson and husband, Ian, of Reno, Nev.; 13 grandchildren, Virginia Burke (Bryan Murphy), Kristina Wolverton (Mike), Karla Dofflemyer (Andy), Robert Schwartz, Martin Norman, Jackie Magnusson (Jeff), Ryan LaPak and fiancée, Kelly, Connor McCubbin (Abby), Cooper McCubbin, Chris Scotty, Mike Scotty, Ross Gibson, and Cailey Gibson; plus eight great-grandchildren.
Gladys was a loving and supportive wife and mother who embraced her husband's opportunity to travel the world for his job at Exxon Mobil. The one criteria was that every move had to bring her closer to warmer weather than Calgary. They lived in New York City, Westport, Conn., London & Kent, England, Tripoli, Libya and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. They enjoyed travel with family & friends to the Far East, Europe, Australia & New Zealand and many other interesting locales. John and Gladys retired to Florida and Cape Cod and spent many years entertaining family and friends.
Gladys was a very caring person, intuitively reaching out to those who needed love and support, whether she knew them or not. She was a self-taught, very talented interior designer who took great pride in organizing and displaying the many collectibles from her travels. She enjoyed spending time in her garden and maintained a sense of whimsy and wonder at the world to the end. Above anything, her family and friends were her greatest joy.
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, American Stroke Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Avenue, Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202, or Scripps Research, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
Marianne Tarqueno, 83, Died; Former Westporter with Love for Compo and Gardening
Marianne Tarqueno passed away peacefully at age 83 on February 2,2022.
Formerly of Westport Ct for the past 54 years. Marianne and her husband Joseph Tarqueno raised their three children there.
Marianne and her family enjoyed times spent at Compo Beach during the summer as well as boating on Long Island sound. She also enjoyed gardening.
Marianne had impeccable taste and was admired by her loving family. She dedicated herself to her loving husband of 64 years, her children and grandchildren who adored and admired her.
She was predeceased by her parents; Benjamin Kulakowski and Balbina Kulakowski, her sister Audrey Autuori Jack and her beloved son David Tarqueno.
She is survived by her adoring husband Joseph Tarqueno of Boca Raton,Fl; daughter Lisa Crawford of Ridgefield Ct, and son Peter Tarqueno of Carmel, CA. Also a sister; Donna Fischer of Zurich, Switzerland.
"Mamere" as she was lovingly known by her two grandchildren; Christine Crawford of North Branford, Ct and Cole Crawford of New Haven ,Ct.As well as several nieces and nephews.
Marianne will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed by many friends and family.
In lieu of flowers; memorial contributions may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research www.michaeljfox.org/donate
Service to take place Thursday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. at St Luke's Church, 49 North Turkey Hill Rd, Westport Ct.