Michael Stashower, 96, Died; Former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Community Band Clarinetist
Michael Stashower was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1926 to Joseph and Ty Stashower. He attended Hobart College as part of the US Navy's V-12 Officer Training program and received his BA degree and MBA from Cornell University.
After retiring from a long and successful career in corporate finance, he continued to use his financial expertise as an overseas volunteer with the International Executive Service Corps, and to help with the NYC2012 Olympic bid.
A resident of Westport for over 50 years, he was actively involved in his community, and was twice elected to the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a past president of the UJA/Federation of Westport-Wilton-Norwalk, Treasurer of Temple Israel, and served on the board of directors of the Council of Jewish Federations and the Jewish Home for the Elderly. He loved sailing, tennis, and playing clarinet with the Westport Community Band.
He is survived by Gloria, his loving wife of nearly 72 years, his children Susan (Paul Milbauer), Debby Missal (Michael) and Jon (Allison) and his grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Temple Israel of Westport.
Mark A. Blake, 61, Died; Westport EMS Crew Chief, Weston Firefighter
Mark A. Blake, age 61, of Stratford, Connecticut, died Tuesday, September 20, 2022, after a valiant battle with COVID-19. Mark, a beloved and loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend, passed peacefully with his family by his side.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 27, 1961, Mark is survived by his devoted wife Eileen, and his two children, Ryan (16) and Liam (13), of whom he was incredibly proud. Mark leaves to cherish his memory: his mother Mary Blake; brother Terry Blake and his wife Tracy Dayton, and their children Jillian and Jackson; and his in-laws Mike and Alexine Henzy, Tim (Kerry), Bill (Wendy), and Catherine (Ryan Eastwood), and their children, his dear nieces and nephews. Mark also had numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly, some of whom were there to greet him when he passed.
Mark was a selfless volunteer for his community. He was honored to be a Life Member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) and the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). He served the WVFD as Vice-President and as a Lieutenant. He was also Chairman of the WVFD Benevolent Committee, the Public Relations Committee, and the Explorer Post, amongst others. During his tenure, Mark established the Child Passenger Safety Program in Weston and the Fairfield County Chapter of Safe Kids. He was a Child Passenger Safety Instructor and one of his greatest joys was working with parents and families to teach them how to safely transport their children. Mark received numerous awards, including Firefighter of the Year, the President and Chief Award, and was recognized for Outstanding Service at the Blue Mass by the Diocese of Bridgeport and the Knights of Columbus. Mark also was a Board Member and President of the Southwest EMS Council and the Vice-President of the Southwest Regional Communications Center.
In addition to his volunteer work, Mark was an EMS Supervisor on the Westport Emergency Medical Service, where, after first serving as a volunteer, he was employed for more than 30 years. While Mark was a decorated member of EMS, his greatest sense of accomplishment was doing what he loved to do – assisting others when they needed it the most.
Mark was a mentor to members of his Fire and EMS families. Mark’s family and friends have found comfort in the incredible stories and tributes shared by so many individuals who Mark aided and inspired over the years.
Mark was very proud of his work during the L’Ambiance Plaza building collapse in 1987, and his involvement with the Red Cross, supporting its response to the 9/11 attacks. Mark instilled his love of, and dedication to, community service in so many others, most significantly his brother and sons who so proudly carry on his legacy.
Mark was a wicked Boston sports fan. Going to the Boston championship Duck Boat parades and Red Sox games at Fenway with his brother and with his sons were among his most cherished memories. A member of the Norwalk Police Emerald Society, Mark took every opportunity to celebrate and share his Irish heritage.
Mark and his family would like to express their gratitude to his angels at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Gaylord Healthcare, who so genuinely cared for him from their heart, helping him to find the silver lining during his battle, and making this journey more bearable. Those individuals know exactly who they are because he was sure to express his appreciation no matter what the circumstances.
Visitation will be at the Harding Funeral Home in Westport, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022.
A Mass will be held at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, where his family has established the Mark A. Blake scholarship to be awarded to a student interested in pursuing a career as a first responder. Donations in Mark’s memory may also be made to the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. The Mass of Christian Burial will livestream on the following platforms:
• St. Matthew Website: http://stmatthewnorwalk.org/
• St. Matthew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMatthewNorwalk/
Westport Police, EMS Mourn Death of Longtime EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake
Press ReleaseThe Westport Police Department and Emergency Medical Services are mourning the death of EMS Crew Chief Mark Blake. Crew Chief Blake passed away on Tuesday, September 20.
Crew Chief Blake was hired in May of 1990 and had a long and rewarding career serving the Westport community. He was a representative for the Southwest EMS Council for over ten years and was most recently the organization’s president. Also, Crew Chief Blake was a certified child safety seat instructor and helped organize numerous car safety seat clinics throughout Fairfield County.
In addition to dutifully serving the town of Westport, Crew Chief Blake was a volunteer with Weston’s fire department and emergency medical services for over thirty years. During his tenure he served as the department’s vice president and obtained the rank of lieutenant. Even in his off time, he wanted to serve.
Those who knew Crew Chief Blake quickly realized that his passion was to help anyway he could. Whether it be organizing a child safety seat clinic, treating a sick patient, or helping at the scene of a fire in Weston, Crew Chief Blake was there. His dedication and passion will most certainly be missed.
Deputy Chief Sam Arciola who oversees Westport EMS said that “Mark was an incredibly dedicated public servant as well as a widely respected EMT and he never hesitated to put the needs of others above his own.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker stated, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Crew Chief Blake. On behalf of the Town, I want to extend my condolences to his friends and family as well as express how appreciative the town is for all his years helping our community.”
For details regarding services please follow this link: https://www.hardingfuneral.com/obituaries/Mark-A.-Blake?obId=25922840#/celebrationWall
Ellen B. Wisser, 92, Died; Moved to Westport in 1960, ”defeated unbeatable odds”
Ellen B. Wisser, age 92 of Norwalk, CT (formerly of Westport) passed away this Friday, September 16, 2022, at Norwalk Hospital. Mrs. Wisser was born in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Samuel and Esther Borenstein. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts along with classmates and friends Grace Kelly and Vince Edwards. She then attended Brooklyn College where she met her future husband and lifetime love, Allen Wisser, who himself attended Brooklyn College after performing with the Broadway show Showboat’s National Tour, having initially attended Julliard. Upon marrying, Ellen and Allen moved to Indianapolis where Allen served in the Army during the Korean War. After the war they returned to Brooklyn, where Ellen taught at James Madison High School while Allen attended Brooklyn Law, and began his lifetime career in real estate.
Ellen and Allen moved their young family to Westport, CT in 1960. Ellen continued commuting to Brooklyn, then began teaching at Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT, teaching English, Speech and Drama, where she also produced and directed the annual school play, influencing the lives of so many teachers and students, some of whom continued to stay in touch for decades. Ellen was a political activist in the Bridgeport and Connecticut Educational Associations, as well as nationally within the National Education Association, where she ran for the NEA Presidency in 1976. She was an advocate of the Women’s Liberation Movement at both local and national levels. Ellen changed careers in her 50’s, attending Bridgeport Law (now the Quinnipiac School of Law), following which she practiced Family and Worker’s Compensation Law until age 88. Ellen recently survived 3 different types of cancer, forcing her retirement, and defeated unbeatable odds, until now.
Mrs. Wisser was predeceased by her beloved husband, Allen Wisser, who succumbed to melanoma in 2008, and is survived by her devoted children, Dr. Jamie R. Wisser and his wife Natalie, Atty. Kerry M. Wisser and his wife Debbie, R. Ilise Gold and her long-time companion Fritz Heilbron, adored grandchildren, Davin Gold, Alanna Dayton and her husband Greg, Evan Wisser and his wife Jessica, Caitlyn Wisser, Ryan Wisser, Leah Wisser and her husband Manuel Reinert, as well as her cherished great grandchildren, Jack, Sam & Beck Dayton, Claire & Penelope Wisser, her sister-in-law Gladys Floch and her husband Dr. Martin Floch, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Wisser was predeceased by her beloved husband Allen Wisser, cherished grandson Tyler Wisser, and dear brother, Marvin Borenstein and his wife Laurie.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM at The Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, with interment following at Temple Israel Cemetery on Richards Avenue in Norwalk. People are asked to begin gathering at the Funeral Home at 12:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Education Foundation – Children’s Fund, (Connecticut Education Foundation – Connecticut Education Association (cea.org).
Raffael “Ralph” Michael Festa, 93, Died; Proud Italian born in Saugatuck
West Lebanon, NH — Raffael "Ralph" Michael Festa of West Lebanon, New Hampshire passed away on September 6, 2022 at the age of 93.
Born to parents Salvatore Festa and Rose Nuzzo on January 18, 1929 in Saugatuck, (Westport) Connecticut. Ralph was very proud of his Italian heritage and very large family. He is predeceased by 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 yrs Claire Smith Festa. They were married in Greenwich, Connecticut at St. Mary's Church. His children Michael Festa, wife Mitzi Festa, Kathleen (Kathy/Katie) Festa Mnichowski, Debbie Festa Baldassare husband Frank Baldassare and John Festa wife Julie Festa. Ralph and Claire have 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Ralph served in the Army for 4 years and then worked at Condec Diesel Corporation in Old Greenwich, Connecticut for 40 yrs. He loved gardening and was once best in show for his beautiful roses which were his pride and joy. Ralph was a wonderful cook and loved to make Italian dishes he learned from his beloved mother. Ralph and Claire vacationed and then retired to New Hampshire where Claire his wife continues to reside.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday September 10, 2022 from 3-5pm at the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home 11 1/2 School St Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
Mary “Tookie” Banning Died; Former Westporter
Mary "Tookie" Banning passed away peacefully on August 26th. A sweet southern girl from Morristown Tennessee, Mary thrived on nurturing her family, friends, and relationships. She paid attention, remembering the details of other's successes and tribulations, and was always asking for updates on the latest events in their lives.
The daughter of George "Buck" James and Ruth White James, she was always "Tookie" to everyone. She met the love of her life, Clarence "Sonny" Banning, at the University of Tennessee. The couple settled in Sonny's hometown, Memphis, and had two lovely children: Mary Katherine and James Winthrop. The family moved to Westport Connecticut where Sonny worked for IBM, and where Tookie stayed after her husband's death until moving back to Memphis in the late 1980s.
Tookie is survived by her daughter and husband, Katherine Banning Lintz and Richard Lintz, two grandchildren, Allison Banning Mangin and James Christopher Lintz, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren. The Banning family has also always stayed close to Sonny's sister's family, the late Mary Ann and Tom Frazier, their five sons, wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00am, Saturday, September 17th, with a lunch and walk in the Botanical Gardens following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to The Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital: Neurosciences (www.foundationbarnesjewish.org), Equipping Servants International (www.esionline.org), or a charity of your choice.
Judy A. Edmonds (Copp), 78, Died; Former Westport News Typesetter
Judy A. Edmonds (Copp), age 78, of Fairfield, formerly of Westport, beloved wife of the late Robert J. Edmonds, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Born in Nantucket, MA, and raised in Candia, NH, the daughter of the late Charles and Genefrede Lewis. She had been a Fairfield resident for over 30 years. She was a graduate of Manchester High School and received her nursing degree and worked at Mass General Hospital. Judy later worked as a typesetter for the Westport News, worked for HBO, and later as an assistant account executive at Hub International Northeast.
Judy loved gardening, knitting, cooking and entertaining her wide circle of friends. She belonged to a knitting club as well as a ladies golf league. Above all else, her greatest joy was spending time with her cherished grandchildren. Survivors include her children and their families, Paul Copp and his wife, Anna Cui, and their daughter, Claire, of Chicago, IL; and Lynn Copp and her son, Miles McPherson, of Salt Lake City, UT; and also several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Schlund and Roger Lewis.
Friends may greet Judy's family on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A prayer service will conclude the visitation. Interment will be Private in Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a gift to the Fairfield Fire Fighter's Charitable Foundation ( https://fffcf.org ).
Margaret “Peggy” Cerulo, 70, Died; Former Assumption Church Teacher
Margaret (Peggy) Cerulo passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 4, 2022 at the age of 70. She was born in Brooklyn (Greenpoint), NY to Mary and Robert Kramer. She was a longtime resident of Norwalk and Bridgeport.
Peggy is survived by her loving husband, Ralph, of 46 years along with her children, grandchildren, several wonderful siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.
Peggy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma. Her husband meant the world to her. She is lovingly remembered by her son Ralph III and wife Lauren of Red Hook, NY and daughter Allison and husband Ryan Karas of Monroe, CT. Her heart belonged to her six grandchildren: Jillian, Caleb, Emily, Riley, Ryan Jr., and Tyler.
Peggy loved children. She was a teacher at Assumption School in Westport and St. Theresa School in Trumbull where she retired from in 2013 to babysit her granddaughter.
Peggy enjoyed vacationing at the beach and her trips to the casino along with spending time with her family. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Swim Across the Sound, c/o St. Vincent's Medical Center, 2800 Main St. Bridgeport, CT 06606.
Friends and family are invited to attend her funeral services on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main St., Trumbull, CT. Interment will be private. Friends may call on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.mullinsfh.com.
Sarey Frankel Bernstein, 85, Died; Westport News Writer, Creative Mind
Sarey Frankel Bernstein died on August 30, at 85 years of age, at her home in Stamford, CT. Sarey was born on December 2, 1935, to Lillian Bunis Frankel and Harold Frankel of Stamford, CT.
Sarey is survived by her husband, Attorney Samuel J. Bernstein; her son, Rabbi and Attorney Harold Frankel Bernstein (Darona Bernstein, spouse); daughter, Cathy Bernstein (Bud Freund, spouse); her grandchildren, Leora Hauptman (Yaakov Hauptman, spouse), Frances Nagel (Joshua Nagel, spouse), Robert Bernstein, Hannah Freund and Charlotte Freund; as well as her three great-grandchildren, Ezra, Lilly, and Donny Hauptman. She is also survived by her first cousins, Lewis Cherniack and Susan Cherniack Wise; her nephew, Henry (Hank) Mantell; and nieces, Patti Mantell Broad and Lis Mantell.
Sarey, a long-time resident of Stamford, was the granddaughter of Hyman and Sarah Frankel of Stamford. Her grandfather, Hyman Frankel, was the founder of H. Frankel and Sons, Clothiers. Her grandfather was also a founding member of the 100-year-old Jewish Center of Stamford.
Sarey was an alumna of Low-Heywood School of Stamford, CT, where she was the Editor of Hey-Day, the school newspaper, and a member of the Drama and Glee Clubs. Sarey Bernstein also attended Connecticut College for Women in New London, CT and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Journalism from Bridgeport University, Bridgeport, CT. Sarey was a former theater critic and the Public Relations Director of The Oceanic Society, a Stamford and California based environmental non-profit. She went onto become a feature writer for The Westport News and its affiliates in Darien, Fairfield, and Norwalk, as well as a contributing feature writer to The Stamford Advocate. She was also a member of Women-In-Communications (W.I.C.S.), the Fairfield Division of Presswomen, and The Outer Critics Circle. Sarey was also a member of B'nai Brith and Agudath Shalom Synagogue in Stamford, CT (since 1955).
Sarey was an avid reader and loved to paint in watercolors. She was very creative, and she and her husband, Samuel, enjoyed many years together taking trips to the theater, concerts, and museums. Sarey grew up in the Shippan neighborhood of Stamford and loved to spend time by the ocean in one of her favorite spots in Newport, Rhode Island, and at the Stamford Yacht Club in Shippan. She also loved amusing her family with funny stories and poems.
Above all else, Sarey treasured her relationship with her five grandchildren and sharing in their achievements. Contributions in her memory can be made to: The Library of New Canaan, CT, Children's Department.
Mary Jane Springman, 79, Died; Former Westport Teacher
Mary Jane Springman, wife of Joseph W. Springman for 56 years, was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to William Shea and Ruth (Wisnousky) Shea on November 14, 1943. After her parents' deaths in 1952, she was raised by her father's sisters, Alice Johnson of Pasadena, CA, and Marguerite Sommer of Haverford, PA.
Mary Jane attended St. Elizabeth's school in Altadena, CA, Harriton High School in Rosemont, PA, Immaculata College in Malvern, PA, receiving her BA from the Pennsylvania State University in State College in 1965. In 1988 she received an MA in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford.
Before her marriage she taught English in Westport, CT, for a year, then as the wife of a submarine officer, she moved several times, most notably to Pearl Harbor and Mare Island Navy bases.
After returning to Connecticut, she was the co-author of two books, East Granby, the Evolution of a Connecticut Town and Images of America: Simsbury. She served on the board of the Simsbury Historical Society, where she republished Clavin Fisher's A Spy at Ticonderoga and calendars of historic photos, and on the board of the Simsbury Free Library, editing its newsletter and researching and writing historical articles for many issues.
She served as the president of the Greater Hartford branch of the American Association of University Women where she made lasting friends. In addition to her two much-appreciated private book clubs, since 1997 she facilitated the Simsbury Senior Center's book club.
She and Joe enjoyed traveling, sometimes taking their children and grandchildren along. Her family was the major focus of Mary Jane's life. In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her two sons: Brian, his wife Toni and their children Sean, Kyle and Emilia of Charlotte, NC, and Andrew, his wife Kimberly and their son Christopher of Harrisburg, NC, and son Benjamin and his wife Christina of New Ipswich, NH. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Patricia Shea Mei, and her husband, Tony, of Novato, CA, and their children and grandchildren. Interment in Simsbury Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to the charity or cause of your choice. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Mary Jane's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.