Richard Hannes PhD, 80, Died; Former Westporter, “an intelligent, playful, warm soul that loved his family”
Obituary:
It is with a heavy heart that I write about the passing of my father, Richard Hannes, an intelligent, playful, warm soul that loved his family, enjoyed the company of his friends, appreciated a spirited debate and dazzled academically.
A self-proclaimed royal smart person, he was an actual rocket scientist, holding a PhD in mathematics from the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University, a master's degree in computer science and a master's degree in physics.
Rich began his professional career as a professor at the University of Hartford in the 1970's before contributing his intelligence working on multiple foundational projects that fostered our nations national defense in the 1980's and 1990's as a civilian computer scientist at United Technologies Norden Systems and later on at Sikorsky Aircraft before concluding his career at Verizon Wireless.
His brilliant brain never ceased to dazzle his peers and colleagues. To see him in action was to realize that he had an intellectual super power. He could skim a new computer programming book over a weekend, re-read it over a week's time and apply the subject as if he were well seasoned in the subject that he had just picked up. As an adult I witnessed with wonder my father in action as I could never master the subjects that he could pick up in a week and apply immediately.
As down to Earth as one comes, he rarely went by Dr. He was Rich and he was dad. In his youth he felt at home on a basketball court, mastering a hook shot and shooting with both hands. He has a love for HIS Knicks of 1969 and 1973 and that glory of the past seeded a belief that each new season would be a turnaround season (not so much the Jets). At home at Yankee Stadium old and new, he was readily recognizable wearing his number 7 aging into the mantle of the senior bomber at the stadium playing witness to some of the great games of the turn of the century dynasty Yankees with his son, David.
Richard loved reading, with an affinity for science fiction novels, a fondness that he passed on to his daughter, Sheri. He was a fan of the original Star Trek from the time of its debut and enjoyed a good sci-fi adventure. He was a movie enthusiast with an appreciation for new technologies that matched his interest. With every new generation of large screen TV he wanted one and would come to own one.
Rich was cultured; he enjoyed dining out with his wife, Janie, of 52 years, and appreciated music from the Beetles to the Doors to folk musicians the 1960's that epitomized his young adulthood. He enjoyed live concerts of the Levitt Pavilion with Janie and Barry, his friend of decades, and would frequent the summer plays performed at the Playhouse in Westport Connecticut, where his resided from 1979 until 2018. It was here where he raised their two children, Sheri Hannes Norton and David Hannes to adulthood.
A family man at his core he welcomed back his family both immediate and extended hosting Passover and Thanksgiving reunions annually for 40 years. His favorite days were those the house was full again with the return of his family; Sheri and her husband Tad Norton, grandchildren Erin and Jessie and later on David with his wife Shawn Whitney, grandchildren, Jacob and Jenny.
Rich's story would not be complete if one were not to mentioned that he struggled with his health in his later years, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the outset of the millennium, it would be a shadow that followed him for the duration of his later life. He fought the disease with a brave front, toured the world with his wife while he had the physical capacity to travel. Even as the disease continued to stake claim to his body, his heart continued to evolve into the soft warm soul we would come to know him for. He loved his family, appreciated his friends and spoke his mind right up until the end.
One of the smartest people I have ever met, Richard Hannes, you've been my father, my friend and my go-to life advisor at every phase of my life. You were the first one I thought to consult with whenever I had a problem in life regardless what the issue may have been. You almost always had the answer. I'll always be grateful for having you in my life as a father. It's as if you were hand selected for me. You were my rock. I love you dad. I'll miss you forever. Your recent suffering has come to an end, may you rest in peace.
George Franciscovich, 67, Died; Past RTM Representative, CERT Volunteer, Justice of the Peace
George Franciscovich, 67, passed away at home in Westport, CT, April 17, 2022. Devoted to the love of his life, wife Linda of 33 years, and to his entire family, he was the eldest son of Lynda Bostrom (Donald) and the late George Franciscovich; brother of Robert (Cheryl Linscott), James (Pamela), William (Diane), Gina Seward, John (Barbara), and Daniel (Jillian); brother-in law to Elisabeth Saxe; and uncle to many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Born in Astoria, NY, George was a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University (BS), Albany Law School (JD), and New York University (LLM). A media and commercial attorney, George's career spanned television, radio, digital media, data and technology law. Most recently he was Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Sqad, LLC, New York, NY, and a passionate adjunct faculty instructor of Media Law at Newhouse. Dedicated to the Westport community, he served as a Justice of the Peace and CERT volunteer, and was a past member of the RTM, and Charter Revision Commission.
Traveling frequently to remain close to friends overseas, he and Linda also opened their Westport home as a welcoming gathering place. An avid classic car enthusiast, George was a longtime member of the Austin Healey Club, and a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School. A gifted photographer, he captured the beauty of nature and architecture through his lens.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in George's memory to The George Franciscovich Scholarship Fund at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Gifts may be made to Syracuse University designated to The George Franciscovich Scholarship Fund, and sent to Syracuse University, 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13244, or contact Ed Gorham, ejgorham@syr.edu, (315)-443-4926.
Saul Pollack, 85, Died; Former Staples Wrestling, Football Coach, PE Teacher
Saul Pollack, age 85, of Wilton, CT, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. Saul was born in Bridgeport, CT and was the only son of Harry and Betty Pollack. Saul grew up in Fairfield and attended High School at Roger Ludlowe. He spent his summers at the Fairfield beaches working as a lifeguard and teaching swimming. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Springfield College in 1960 and a Master's Degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1961.
After completing his education, Saul moved to Westport, CT where he taught Physical Education while joining the Army Reserves at that time as well.
During the 1960's and 70's Saul was the head coach of the Staples High School wrestling team, building a program that won several Fairfield County and State of Connecticut championships. He was also an assistant coach for the Staples football team.
While teaching in the Westport School system, Saul met first grade teacher, Anne Gardner who he married in 1965. Saul and Anne moved to Wilton, CT where they had three children: Scott, Kira and David.
In 1978, Saul left teaching and took over his father's package store, Harry's Wine and Liquor, originally opened in 1941. He spent the next 33 years expanding the business that his father had created. It was and remains a vital part of the fabric of the Fairfield community. Saul retired in 2011. In retirement, Saul enjoyed playing golf, vacationing on Cape Cod and Sanibel Island, and visiting with his children and grandchildren.
Saul is survived by his wife, Anne of Wilton, CT, his sons, Scott (Millie) Pollack of Fairfield, CT, David (Alex) Pollack of Fishers Island, NY, his daughter Kira (Douglas) Friedman of New York, NY and his grandchildren; Mia, Anthony, Arlo, and Izzy Pollack, and Edie Friedman.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield. Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice, https://regionalhospicect.org/ or to The Wilton Singers, https://www.wiltonsingers.org/.
Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa Roberts, 88, Died; Former Westporter, Beloved Oma
ROBERTS, Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa (nee von TAKATS) December 9, 1933 – April 24, 2022
Born December 9, 1933, Batavia, Indonesia, to parents, Bertalan Jorsef Erno von Takats and Juliana Maria Regina Takats (nee van der Vlies). Elizabeth or Boske, to her friends, began her life in Indonesia where she and her older sister, Phineke, played and attended school.
Her carefree childhood was interrupted by WWII and after spending 3 years in a Japanese Concentration Camp, the von Takats family moved back to the Netherlands where Elizabeth attended a trade school to become a seamstress. In 1953, Elizabeth moved to Ottawa and lived at Carleton University with close friends.
Upon graduating, Elizabeth became a teacher while moonlighting as a seamstress for the diplomats and dignitaries in our nation's capital. Her curious spirit brought her to Toronto where she met and ultimately married John GM Roberts. The newlyweds' journey brought them to New York City where on February 13, 1963, Elizabeth gave birth to Margaret Sophia Roberts. Life in the "Big Apple" transitioned to a Transatlantic return to the Netherlands and it was here that Frederick John Roberts was born on July 9, 1966. Elizabeth's energy was focused on family, and after a few years in Holland, the Roberts family moved to a small house in Westport, Connecticut. Eventually, they moved to Canada, where the Roberts family rented a house in Newmarket before finally purchasing their home in Stouffville.
The house was small, but the yard was not, and Elizabeth used her green thumb to transform the yard into a beautiful garden. Her other passion was for her grandchildren. Being an Oma was a badge of honour, and she would always find time to transform into a Spice Girl or a Jedi knight for her grandchildren.
Like her garden, Heather Elizabeth Drudge, Emma Juliana Drudge, Cameron Duncan Roberts, and Luke Alexander Roberts all grew from Oma's love. Her care, attention and nurturing were unlimited. As the years progressed, Elizabeth continued working in her garden and occasionally volunteered at various events around Stouffville. Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa Roberts (nee von Takats) died surrounded by her family on April 24, 2022. She is survived by her husband, John GM Roberts; Margaret Drudge, Heather Drudge, Emma Drudge, Fred Roberts, Christine Roberts, Cameron Roberts, and Luke Roberts.
Wynne Jillson Abrams, 69, Died; “Her sense of humor and laugh remain with us.”
Wynne Jillson Abrams died April 7th 2022 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Randy of Westport and daughter, Maddie Abrams of Bridgeport.
Born on February 4th 1953 in Port Chester, NY she attended Princeton, NJ schools, graduating from Smith College in 1974. She joined Morgan Stanley’s Merger & Acquisitions Group as an analyst led by legendary investment banker Robert Greenhill. This led to her decision to pursue an MBA at Stanford University, awarded in 1978. Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. offered her a job in the Oil and Gas Group. Following her tour there, she was one of the first women assigned to the International Financial Management group, a high-profile department that provided access to the international capital markets and developed sophisticated financial products for the bank’s clients. There she worked with the top American corporations such as Ford, Mobil and Chrysler. With the fall of the Glass-Steagall Act and investment banking restrictions, Wynne was then tasked with setting up the bank’s US domestic debt underwriting operations. In her final assignment, she worked in a newly formed group, Global Risk Assessment, traveling to JP Morgan offices worldwide to create an integrated reporting system that gave management its first real time overview of its global risk exposures.
Wynne decided in 1992 to devote herself to raising Maddie and by 1996 found herself in Westport. At Christ and Holy Trinity Church she found a community which fitted her views and outlook. She started teaching in its Sunday School which led to heading the program and later leading CHT’s Youth Ministry. A strong believer in the role of community in Westport, she found the Westport Woman’s Club an ideal vehicle to accomplish this. She was a strong capable Board Officer serving most recently as Financial Vice President and chair of the Investment and Finance Committees. As a longtime member of the Yankee Doodle Fair management team, she enjoyed applying her financial skills and keen eye for cost control to optimize the success of WWC’s signature annual fundraiser.
Wynne loved her large extended family - her mother, step mother, three sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews and their families and so enjoyed the marvelous trips and vacations they took together. With many friends across multiple venues – bridge groups, the WWC, Bible study – and much community service from social justice to homelessness. Wynne was loving and supportive with everyone she knew, getting the job done, effectively, quietly and with no ego. Her sense of humor and laugh remain with us. She will be missed.
There will be a memorial service for her at Christ and Holy Trinity Church on April 19th at 1100. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to the Westport Woman’s Club 44 Imperial Avenue Westport, Ct 06880 in her name.
Michael Anthony Caputo, 73, Died; Staples Class of 1967, “hard working, kind and loving husband and friend”
Michael Anthony Caputo, Jr., 73, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully in the comforts of his home while holding hands with his heartbroken wife and loving caregiver, Rose (Rubino) Caputo on April 8, 2022. Born in New London, CT to the late Michael Caputo, Sr. and Ann Caputo, Michael grew up in Westport, where he graduated from Staples High School in 1967. He was drafted in 1968 and served 14 months in Korea in the DMZ, where he was a Specialist in Artillery and Special Weapons.
He met his wife when they were just 15 years old, when his wife moved to Westport and lived on the same street. They were immediately best friends and enjoyed each others company and the rest is history. They wed October 1970 and lived a wonderful and adventurous life of traveling to many tropical islands such as Hawaii, many islands in the Caribbean, several cruises and even traveled to Europe more than once. But their home away from home became Vail Village in Colorado, where they both enjoyed many vacations spring skiing.
Michael worked as an Auto Body Technician for over 40 years with the same company. He enjoyed auto racing, skiing, fishing, boating and sailing, among other interests. He was a member of the South Norwalk Boat Club up until his illness and made some wonderful friendships there. He also had a great love of animals and always had pets, but at the height of the pandemic, they adopted a rescue by the name of Lucy who became his sidekick. Lucy never left his side, whether it was just working in the yard, driving to the corner store or visiting a friend, Lucy was always with him and they were inseparable.
Upon his retirement he fulfilled a lifelong dream of his, becoming an artist. He became very skilled in the art of stained glass and a master craftsman in woodcarving. He was self-taught and was particularly fascinated with the beauty of eagles and carved many with great detail.
He wanted no calling hours or funeral, but to just be remembered as a hard working, kind and loving husband and friend. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to either Lustgarten Foundation 415 Crossways Park D, Woodbury, NY 11797 www.lustgarten.org/donate or Looking Glass Animal Rescue PO Box 1175, Ridgefield, CT 06877, www.lgarinc.org/donate
To leave a condolence or to sign our online guestbook, please visit www.magnerfuneralhome.com
Dr. Victor Edward Oliver, 83, Died; Former Westporter, Dentist
Dr. Victor Edward Oliver Jr., 83, formerly of Westport CT, passed away peacefully at home on April 5th, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Victor was born on May 14th, 1938 to the late Victor Edward Oliver Senior and Irene Oliver of Pawtucket, RI. Victor leaves behind his wife of 59 years Pauline Oliver.
After Victor graduated from Providence College in 1959, he went on to study dentistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry in New Jersey. He went on to serve as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force in Albany Georgia for two years. Following his service, Victor and Pauline then settled in Westport, CT, opening his home dental office in 1968, where he practiced for 50 years. In Vic and Polly’s time in Westport they went on to raise their two daughters, Kimberly Oliver Vallieres and her husband Jim Vallieres of West Hartford CT, Robin Oliver Ross and her husband Sean Ross of Holly Springs NC. Between the two of them they gave Victor a house full of love and laughter with 5 grandchildren, Sean Heintz, Emma Heintz, Olivia Heintz and her fiancé Jonathan Davis, Audrey Ross, and Jack Ross.
Victor was an avid tennis and racquetball player. Vic and Polly loved vacationing in Florida and their weekend trips to Nantucket. He will be remembered for his gentle dental care and his dedication to his patients. He was a kind and generous man that always made time to help anyone in need. He was known for being a quiet reserved man unless you happen to be sitting in his dental chair where he was the most talkative, trying to make you at ease.
Graveside Services will be held at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane Middletown, CT 06457 on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 10:00 am. Those who wish may make donations in Victor’s name to the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 370036, West Hartford, CT 06137 where Victor for many years enjoyed watching his daughter Kim play violin.
Ben Philip Esselink, 81, Died; “never satisfied to merely be present”
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved Bernard Philip Esselink, of Westport, CT passed away on Saturday, February 5 at the age of 81.
Ben, as he was known by his friends, was a loving and generous husband, father, and grandfather who was shaped by a life spent all over the globe. Ben was exceptional in connecting with and making others feel valued, whether family, friends, or complete strangers, no matter how different from himself. His balance of humor, authenticity, and willingness to serve others was an incredible gift to all of us who loved him.
He was born to Dutch parents, Hendrik and Catharina Esselink, in Indonesia. Educated there, he later earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from Delft University in the Netherlands. After graduation he worked for the United Nations in Thailand before moving to Singapore and a career with Colgate Palmolive. He would spend the remainder of his career with them, working in Australia, California, South Carolina, and New York.
Ben was known for his love of sailing and was an active member of the Connecticut Orchid Society. He was also a man of faith, committed to his Church and regularly involved in his local Gideons chapter. He was never satisfied to merely be present, but engaged in his passions with enthusiasm and loyalty to those who were there alongside him.
Ben was predeceased by his wife Helena Tjeenk Willink, daughter Karien, and brother Bert, and is survived by his sons Rik and Frank, grandchildren Saskia, Philip, Marik, Bjorn, Claudia, and Andreas, and other family members including nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his wife Jean McGilvray Watson, who he counted himself blessed to have met and married later in life. Family was especially important to Ben, and his dedication and love for all of them was evident throughout his life.
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Bernard will be held at South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT, April 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 174, Westport, CT 06880. The Connecticut Orchid Society, P.O. Box 198, Farmington, CT 06034-0198 or The South Church Memorial Fund – South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Condolences for the family may be left online at http://www.hardingfuneral.com.
Nancy T. Sennett Park, 99, Died; Former Westport Public Schools and Famous Artists School Secretary
Nancy T. Sennett Park, 99, of Oak Harbor, Vero Beach, and a long-time resident of Westport, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022, just a few months before her 100th birthday. Mrs. Park was born June 10, 1922, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She graduated from Bates College with a BA in English. Mrs. Park taught high school English and shorthand/typing in Massachusetts and in Connecticut.
Before moving to Westport, Mrs. Park was the administrative assistant to the Director of Rockefeller Center in New York. In Westport, Mrs. Park was the administrative assistant to Victor Keppler, President of Famous Artists Schools in Westport. She later served as the secretary to the Westport Superintendent of Schools.
Mrs. Park moved to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1977 where she taught at St. Edwards School. She was President of the American Association of University Women in Vero from 1985-1987. She was also chair of AAUW's book/author fundraising for many years. Mrs. Park served as Secretary of the Community Church of Vero Beach, where she was a choir member for 22 years. She loved music, and she performed in a Sweet Adelines Quartet for two decades.
Mrs. Park is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Sennett White (Robin), of Vero Beach, Margaret Sennett Hebert (Tom) of Mansfield, Connecticut, grandson Zachary Hebert (Kyungmi), great grandsons Myles Hebert and Max Hebert, all of Farmington. CT., her sister, Marjorie Terry of Essex, CT and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene William Sennett of Westport, CT, her husband, Carl Groth, of Westport, CT and her husband, Benjamin A. Park of Vero Beach.
James Murray Bates, 97, Died; Former Westporter, WWII Navy Veteran
John Murray Bates, age 97, entered into eternal rest on March 18, 2022.
John was born in Caledonia, Minnesota, on July 22, 1924, to the late John W. Bates & Florence Bates. He was educated in the Caledonia school system, graduating as Salutatorian of his high school class.
After graduation he immediately, joined the United States Navy to proudly serve his country during the height of World War II. He was assigned duty on the USS Caldwell, a Navy destroyer deployed in the Pacific Ocean. On December 12, 1944, his ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze suicide bomber, killing 33 and wounding 40 men on board. If John had been at his usual post on the ship, he would have been one of the 33 men killed.
After the war, John briefly attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, but he soon left the university when ambition and adventure lead him to pursue a long and distinguished career in corporate sales and marketing. In 1947, John met and married Delores Trehus of Spring Grove, Minnesota. John and Delores were married for 68 years until Delores' passing on March 28, 2016.
John was a believer in taking an active role in his community. Upon moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 1997, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches where he was an active member, serving also as the Club's President for multiple terms. During his 19 years as a volunteer, he initiated many programs, mentored young people, and volunteered his time to a wide variety of community endeavors.
John is survived by his two daughters, Lynette Bates, of Charleston, SC, and Joleen Bates Green, of Bridgeport, CT; his grandson, Edward Green (Sheron) of Bridgeport, CT; three grandchildren, Mahogany Green, of Bridgeport, CT, Jamaal Fields-Green of New York, NY, and Aleysia Green of Hartford, CT.
The family wishes to thank the many CNAs and med-techs at Indigo Hall Assisted Living on James Island for their love and care of John over the past 9 months. The family also sends a special thank you to the nurses, social workers and doctors at Amedisys Home Hospice of Charleston for their exceptional support and care. A private family memorial service will be held in Westport, CT, where John and Delores lived for over 25 years prior to their move to Ponte Vedra Beach. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston