John Ross Preston, 75, Died; Former Westporter
John Ross Preston, beloved brother, father, and grandfather died on October 5, 2022, at the age of 75.
John was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on January 17, 1947, along with his twin sister, Susan, to Thomas and Harriet Preston. His father was a World War II veteran who participated in the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. John and his five siblings spent their childhood in St. Joseph, Michigan, where John grew up playing tennis, swimming on the swim team and sailing on the lake.
He attended the University of Michigan, where he met his future wife, Janet Huang, at a party. They married in Ann Arbor in 1970.
John left Michigan for a period to attend the Department of Defense's Language Institute, where he studied Spanish. After a posting in Panama, John and Janet drove north, across Central America and Mexico, and back through the United States.
After John graduated from Michigan in 1973 with a BA in History, he and Janet moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he attended Harvard Business School, earning his MBA in 1975.
They spent their early married years in New York City, and as a young family, moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico, before settling in Westport, Connecticut, where they lived for nearly two decades, raising three children and building a vibrant community of lasting friendships. They returned each summer to St. Joseph, Michigan, where John grew up.
Professionally, John had an accomplished career in corporate finance. He spent 21 years at The Seagram Company in New York, culminating in his role as Senior Vice President and Treasurer. In 2004, John and Janet relocated to Miami where he spent 14 years at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits as Vice President of Finance and Administration. He was deeply respected by his colleagues who valued his strong moral compass, dry wit and his commitment to mentorship as much as his skills in strategic, operational and financial planning. Many of John's coworkers would become dear and lifelong friends.
In 2016, after 46 years of marriage, Janet passed away, losing a long and heartbreaking battle with dementia.
In 2020, John moved to Portland, Oregon, in close proximity to his son and daughter-in-law and just a block from his older daughter and her family. He enjoyed family dinners most nights and attended nearly all of his granddaughters' games and activities. During the pandemic, John's other daughter and her family came to live with him. For almost a year, all of John's children and grandchildren lived within a few miles of each other and spent time together daily.
John was an avid golfer and voracious reader. He loved Shakespeare, the classics, American and British history, the history of war – particularly the Civil War and the Revolutionary War – and any biography of Abraham Lincoln. He maintained a lifelong love of speaking Spanish. A true autodidact, he never stopped learning.
In recent years, John and his family returned to summering in Michigan where he made a practice of taking his five granddaughters for ice cream every day.
He loved the holidays, especially Christmas, when he always read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to his children, and eventually his grandchildren. He had a sweet tooth, cultivated by his wife Janet's extraordinary baking, and nourished by his daughters and granddaughters, who followed in her footsteps.
He moved to Wilmette, Illinois, shortly before his passing, where he found an apartment overlooking Lake Michigan – the lake he grew up on.
John is survived by his three children, Regan, Lilly, and Wells; their spouses, Jordan, Nik, and Chrissy; his five granddaughters, Maylin, Marlowe, Daphne, Oona, and June; and three of his siblings, Susan Root, Thomas Preston, and Sarah Linthicum.
A memorial for John will be held on December 3, 2022 in Wilmette, Illinois. Details available here: https://johnr preston.wixsite.com/memo rial
Published by the Miami Herald on Oct. 30, 2022.
Lynn Murray (Lucke) Lutkin, 87, Died; Staples High School Class of ‘52
Lynn Murray (Lucke) Lutkin passed away peacefully on October, 23, 2022. She was born in Flushing, Long Island, NY on November 7, 1934, to Frank Leo Lucke and Marion (Krelwitz) Lucke.
Lynn and her older sister Ann grew up in Wilton CT. After graduating from Staples High School in 1952, Lynn attended and graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Poultney, VT. She later attended the University of Bridgeport and Colorado State University. Lynn married Russell Dieffenbach in 1957, and they had three sons, Russell, Michael and Paul. She later married Maurice Lutkin, combining her three children and his four children onto one family.
Lynn's earlier years were spent in New Jersey and Connecticut, with later moves to Massachusetts, New York, Montana and finally to Colorado in 1973. She also had a one-year sabbatical in New Mexico. Lynn's passion beyond her family was art in all forms. After finishing school at Green Mountain Junior College, she worked at Norcross Greeting Cards and later at Time-Life. Lynn then began her teaching career in art in the Poudre School District upon her move to Fort Collins, CO in 1973. She taught art at various levels and different schools within the district. She was promoted to Art Administrator for the Poudre School District and maintained that position until retiring. During her career, she was named Art Teacher of the Year in 1983 and served as National Chairperson for the Youth Art Month through NAEA.
After retirement, she continued her passion for teaching by leading art classes at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO and at the senior center in Fort Collins. During her retirement, Lynn loved to travel to different countries, with trips to Africa, the Philippines and many European countries. In 2003 she connected with Don Hallowell, a friend of many years who was her partner until his passing in 2016. Lynn was also active in her retirement by attending classes at the senior center in Fort Collins, as a member of a hiking group, book club and bridge club.
Lynn loved being active and social and always had an event to look forward to.
Lynn is survived by her three sons, Russ (Judy) Lutkin, with their children Kyle Lutkin, Mallory Lutkin and Audrey (John) McAndrews and son Mason; Michael (Karrie) Lutkin, children Andrew Lutkin and Jordan (Ryan) Cody with children Cooper, Wyatt and Liam; and Paul (Tammy) Lutkin, with their children Katalyn Lutkin and Leandra Lutkin. She is also survived by her sister Ann, and step-children Chris, Debbie, Chinery and Beth. We love you Mom and rest in peace. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 1 at 11 AM at Allnutt Funeral Home on 650 W Drake Road in Fort Collins.
Published by Greeley Tribune on Oct. 26, 2022.
Kim Ann Angell Thorstenson, 57, Died; Staples Grad, “tenacity and strength unmatched”
Kimberly 'Kim' Ann Angell Thorstenson- beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend- passed away on October 22, 2022, at the age of 57 in Chattanooga, TN.
Kimberly grew up in Upstate New York, graduated Staples High School in Westport CT, and attended the American School of Paris while living in France. She graduated with honors in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1987, and earned a masters in business administration from University of TN, Chattanooga.
She was a member and former president of the Kappa Alpha Theta Women's Fraternity, and graduated with numerous accolades and honors. Kimberly also excelled in business, and was recognized as one of the top employees during her career working at IBM.
After moving to Signal Mountain in 1994, Kim invested her time and energy into helping those in need, and acted as a leader in her community. Throughout the years, she was an active member and teacher in the Church, a CASA representative for the Chattanooga Juvenile Courthouse, and served on the Signal Mountain Social Services board in Finance and Development. She was invariably and wholeheartedly dedicated to all of those in her life.
Kimberly's tenacity and strength was unmatched, and her brilliance was evident in every activity she participated in. She will be dearly missed, but will always be remembered for the devotion, authenticity, and kindness she consistently radiated, and will live on through the many lives she continues to touch.
Her family includes daughters Noelle Elizabeth Thorstenson, Jenna Claire Thorstenson, and Kaedra Mae Thorstenson, former husband Jon Thorstenson, parents Carol Dee Angell and David Roger Angell, and sisters Janet Angell Frink, Jennifer Angell Shannon, and Karyn Angell.
Memorial services will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church (612 James Blvd, Signal Mountain, TN 37377) on Friday, October 28th at 11:00am with The Reverend Dr. Andy Cornett hosting and The Reverend Margaret Ferguson officiating. A reception will follow at the Chattanoogan Hotel (1201 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN 37402) between 2pm and 5pm to congregate and pay respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kim's name be made to Signal Mountain Social Services at signalmountainsocialservices.org
Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.
Published by Heritage Funeral Homes & Crematory from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, 2022.
Martha Ordeman, 97, Died; “grew up in Westport, CT, where she met the love of her life, Skip, on the steps of the YMCA.”
Martha Ordeman, age 97, passed away on May 29, 2022, with her family by her side. Martha grew up in Westport, CT, where she met the love of her life, Skip, on the steps of the YMCA. She attended the University of Connecticut where she became a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated in 1947. She and Skip were married the same June. They lived most of their early married years in Westport before moving to Dayton in 1963.
While raising five children, Martha still found time to volunteer. She was involved in many organizations such as Dayton Children's Hospital, AFS, Smith Gardens and St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Alter Guild. She was most proud of chairing the group of volunteers from St. Paul's that delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. She was best known for being there to help others in need. Many have enjoyed a meal from Martha delivered on a tray complete with homemade dessert and a flower in a small vase.
She was a competitive person when it came to sports and games. She enjoyed playing golf and bowling throughout her life. She was on the same bowling team, the Alley Cats, for over 50 years. She was a sharp card player. She continued to beat her family in Casino and double solitaire up until her final days. She was also in several bridge groups until 2020 when COVID prevented them from meeting.
Martha was a woman with many talents. She was a wonderful cook, an experienced seamstress and an avid gardener. She knitted beautiful sweaters for her family and made many cross stitch and embroidered items for family and friends. She was quite the "handy woman". She wallpapered, she painted, she made slipcovers and could fix about anything. She was one of the first among her friends to get a computer. After that she became Skip's secretary, typing many letters and notes for him and helping with all the committees he was on.
Skip and Martha traveled to many places in the U.S. and in other countries but their favorite home away from home was their condo on Sanibel Island. There they created many wonderful family memories. They were avid shellers. In their later years, they enjoyed sitting on the porch, looking out at the gulf and watching the younger family members continue the tradition of shelling.
Martha loved her family more than anything. She was a very caring and supportive wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma. She and Skip attended all their kids' activities and attended as many of the grandkids' activities as possible. She was predeceased by her husband Richard "Skip" Ordeman who died in 2020. They were married 72 years. She is survived, dearly missed and remembered by her children Susan Duncan (Jack), Janet Campbell (Doug), Nancy Downey (John), Linda Miller (Mike), Rick Ordeman (Constance), 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Loving Senior Home Care and the nurses and therapists from Fidelity that gave Martha such wonderful care. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at 1:30 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 33 W. Dixon Ave., Oakwood, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Dakota Center, 33 Barnett Street, Dayton, OH 45402 in Martha's memory. To share a special memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
Colonel Charles H. Gobrecht III, 82, Died; Staples Grad, Air Force Veteran
Charles H. Gobrecht, III
December 7, 1939 - September 26, 2022
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - We celebrate the vibrant and full life of Colonel Charles H. Gobrecht III, who passed away peacefully at home on Hilton Head Island, SC on September 26, 2022, with his loving wife Karen Gobrecht at his side. He was welcomed to Heaven by the Lord and by the spirit of his beloved daughter Heather G. Holcomb, who preceded him is death in 2014.
Charles was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 7, 1939, and graduated from Staples High School in Westport, CT. He was an alumnus of The College of William and Mary and upon graduation in 1962 entered the US Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas. While there, he met and married a fellow lieutenant, Karen Marsh. They were assigned together to Kadena AB on Okinawa and traveled extensively throughout the Far East. Upon return to the US and completion of their master degrees at the University of Colorado, Charles served on the faculty for several years at the US Air Force Academy while Karen joined the faculty of the University of Colorado.
In 1974, Charles entered the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, and was later appointed the Air Force Representative to the US State Department's Senior Seminar in International Affairs. In 1978, he became Air Attache at the American Embassy in London, and in 1986 was the Air Force representative to the 40-nation Conference on Disarmament with rotating postings at the State Department in Washington, the United Nations, and Geneva, Switzerland.
Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1988, Charles followed his passion to enter the sports management business. In 1990 he became Director of Events for ProServ based in Arlington, VA. Two years later Charles became Chief Operating Officer of USA Volleyball, The US Olympic National Governing Body including men's, women's, and beach teams.
In 2005, Charles retired to Hilton Head where he was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church and its Sanctuary Choir. With a deep commitment to the community, Charles held leadership positions in the Military Officers Association of America, the Hilton Head Island Military Veterans Coalition, the Indigo Run Community Owner Association (10 Years), The Golf Club at Indigo Run, the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), and the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head.
Charles enjoyed the game of golf with friends and was known for his relentless exercise routine. He loved to travel. Always curious and ready for the next adventure, Charles lived a very rich life. He was kind, grateful and generous.
Charles will be forever loved and missed by his surviving wife Karen Gobrecht; son, Stephen Van Rensselaer Gobrecht; daughter-in-law, Marsha Hartmetz Gobrecht; son-in-law, Sean Joseph Holcomb; granddaughters, Rachel Elizabeth Gobrecht and Haley Ann Holcomb, and grandson, Ren Alexander Gobrecht.
Memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 2:00pm. Burial at Beaufort National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Charles's memory to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head, P.O. Box 22267,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29925, or the charity of your choice. Islandfuneralhome.com.
Robert “Bob” Weiss Died; “He will be missed by his loving family”
Robert E. Weiss (Bob), 1930 – 2022, died at his home in Westport, CT after an eight-year challenge with Lewy Body Dementia. His family was with him at the time of his passing.
Bob was born in the Bronx and attended James Monroe High School and New York University. He honorably served in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. Bob retired after many decades as president of F.M. Weiss Realty Company. He was an inveterate collector. His passions included antique cars, toys, stamps, tools of every shape and form, and DIY projects (for himself and unsuspecting neighbors).
He will be missed by his loving family: his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Weiss (Adler); his children, Amy Weiss (John Yankovich), Liz Weiss (Timothy Carruthers), and Marian Cherrone (Jim); his grandchildren, Joshua Carruthers, Simon Carruthers, and Andrea Yankovich; and his many friends.
He was predeceased by his older brother, Murray Weiss, and his parents, Albert and Sophia Weiss.
Arline Gertzoff, 76, Died; RTM Member, “true daughter of Westport”
Arline Patricia Gertzoff, 76, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent's Hospital on September 28th from esophageal cancer. Arline is remembered as a true daughter of Westport, a dedicated, tireless volunteer for many organizations that contribute to the vibrancy of the town.
Arline was born in Norwalk. Her family moved to Westport, establishing a local dry-cleaning business, where she often worked after school. Arline was active in The Staples Players and SSTS, the backstage crews, earning the position of Head of Costumes for several productions, and became SSTS President her senior year. As a teen, she drove a sporty Triumph with a daisy on her antenna to announce her cheerful disposition. Arline was a proud graduate of Staples and Westport schools, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston University in history and education. She taught in New Canaan, and at the International School in Antwerp, Belgium for 25 years, where she was involved with the Model UN.
Arline enjoyed people, the arts, travel, good food and wine, and Belgian chocolate. Students and friends from around the world stayed in touch with her. She returned to Westport in 1979 to help care for her mother and dove into her community activism. She loved Westport and took great pride in its history and contributions. She was filled with local lore and stories, emphatically setting the record straight on Westport history with people newer to town.
For 20 years Arline was a tireless poll worker with the Westport League of Women Voters. Active with Westport's Democratic Town Committee, she co-chaired the Community Outreach Committee. Arline served on the Board of the Democratic Women of Westport, and in 2016 received the DTC Dora Stuttman Campaign Leadership Award. She was a familiar face and trusted cashier at the Library Book Sales, and a longtime member of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNASWCT), often bringing interesting speakers and dialogue to the community.
One of Arline's favorite activities was jUNe Day, an event that for more than 55 years floods the Steinkraus Bridge with colorful flags from around the world and welcomes UN delegates and staff annually to Westport for a day of food, fun and friendship. Serving on the Board of Directors as Membership Chair, Arline was currently Treasurer of UNASWCT, and on the Advisory body for the national UN Association headquartered in Washington DC.
Long-time friend Melody James noted, "Arline earned a seat at the leadership table of our town the old-fashioned way: through volunteerism, pitching in, and showing up. She was a Doer. You could count on her. True in high school; true in 2022." When Arline died, she was serving a third term as an elected District 3 member on Westport's non-partisan Representative Town Meeting (the RTM).
Arline Gertzoff is remembered as a life-time democrat, committed to social justice, with great ability to reach across political divides. Another classmate remarked, "Arline was a connector. She had the ability to connect with different types of people, across age, sex, class, race, religious and nationality lines. She was the thread that joined together a very wide community. A great gift."
Once returning to Westport, Arline became the lead Coordinator for her Staples Class of '64, orchestrating several class reunions. At the 50th Reunion she appeared with her arms full of roses to cast on Long Island Sound for fallen classmates. She was the confidante, the treasurer, the detail master, who tracked marriages, divorces, deaths, births, and career changes. Arline supported her friends and local artists, showing up frequently to their performances and exhibits. She possessed a fierce loyalty to her friends and their accomplishments. Arline was a leading voice to establish the "Laddie Lawrence Track" at Staples High School, dedicated in 2021, challenging the argument that a great teacher and coach could only be honored after they died. She worked tirelessly for her classmate, a beloved coach at Staples, to be honored, by organizing a Letters of Support campaign from around the country.
Her friend Jennifer Johnson called her "a lifetime Westporter, and truly a citizen of the world. She was a...champion of democracy and international understanding." DTC Chair, Mark Friedman said, "Through her work, she strengthened the fabric of our civil society and touched the lives of people in Westport and around the world, creating a family of friends and admirers, imbuing her friendships with insight, wit and love."
Arline was predeceased by her father, Donald, mother, Marion, and her brother, Stewart. She is survived by cousins Steven Gertzoff of Florida, and Ken Bean of Colorado and their families. A Memorial Service is planned for November 12th, at 2:30 pm at the Westport Town Hall.
Elmer Stannard, 89, Died; Purple Heart Recipient, Staples High Graduate
Elmer E. Stannard, 89 of Wilton, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2022 surrounded by family members.
He was born in Ridgefield, CT to Helen Minnerly Stannard and Elmer Wilton Stannard. Upon graduating from Staples High School in Westport, Elmer joined the United States Marine Corps where he fought in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. After service, he went on to work for his father as a plumber and eventually took over the business Stannard Plumbing & Heating in 1985. In his free time he was an accomplished skeet shooter who won numerous competitions.
Elmer is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Nan Pat Carusone Stannard, his daughter Debbie Cowic and husband Brian, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 1 niece and 2 nephews.
A Funeral Service will take place for Elmer on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church St. Georgetown (Wilton) CT 06829. Interment will immediately follow at Hillside Cemetery, Wilton. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate . To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.boutonfuneralhome.com
Ronald A. Caruso Died; “the most intelligent, kind, interesting and warm friend one could have.”
Ronald A. Caruso, son of Rocco and Josephine Palermo Caruso, and a long-time resident of Weston, died on August 5, 2022 at Meadow Ridge in Redding following a long illness.
Upon learning the news, a friend wrote to the family, “Life’s greatest moments are achieved with a special friend. Ron was that friend to me. He was the most intelligent, kind, interesting and warm friend one could have.”
Born in 1937, Ron grew up in Greenwich, where his family operated a successful iron working business and at which he worked as a boy.
After graduation from the College of the Holy Cross, he tried his hand at a variety of careers. With his good looks and engaging manner, he was always a top performer. In time, he found his niche and decided to become a teacher. He was initially employed by the Dover Delaware School System, lured away by the Weston School System, and ended his long teaching career at the Heathcote Elementary School in Scarsdale, NY. He had a creative, somewhat unconventional approach to education, which made him popular with both his students and parents alike. He was respected, even revered, by his peers. One of his former, fourth grade students recently wrote to him, “Mr. Caruso, you were the most influential and important instructor I ever had. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
During his summers and after retirement, Ron traveled extensively throughout the United States, Latin America, Russia, and Europe. Wherever he went, he would venture out on his own to meet and make friends with local people and enjoy unusual and authentic experiences.
Intrigued with far eastern culture, Ron studied Tai Chi in New York. He made lasting friendships with a diverse array of Tai Chi “brothers” and became so skilled himself that he was considered a master. Pupils would travel from far and wide to attend the Tai Chi classes he taught in the loft of his barn in Weston.
Ron was an avid bridge player, an enthusiastic golfer, and a lifelong learner with a book always at his side. His many accomplished students and extensive list of friends are his lasting legacy. All who knew him were charmed by his wit, intelligence, and generosity of spirit and they will miss him dearly.
Ron was pre-deceased by his older brother Frank Caruso and his younger brother Don Caruso.
There will be an informal celebration of his Ron’s life later in the Fall.
Those willing to perpetuate and honor Ron’s commitment to education may donate monies to the Mercy Learning Center 637 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Thomas Buchanan Hood Jr., 65, Died; Longtime Westporter, Public Servant, Artist, Sailor
Thomas Buchanan Hood Jr., 65, a longtime resident of Westport, CT died on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City. Thomas was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Buchanan Hood and Janice (Dowdy) Hood.
Thomas received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (“NJIT”). He later received an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and a Masters of Architecture from NJIT. Thomas had 40+ years of experience in the design, planning & construction of buildings, software engineering, advanced product development, marketing, and consulting.
Thomas enjoyed being involved in his community. He served two terms as a member of the Westport Flood and Erosion Control Board, and was appointed to the Westport Zoning Board of Appeals in 2018. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston for more than 30 years; he served as a trustee for the church and sang in the church choir.
Thomas’s favorite activities were spending time with his family, painting, cooking, and being near the water. He was an avid sailor and member of both the Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT and the Mantoloking Yacht Club in Mantoloking, NJ.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mary Jane (Pascale) Hood, and their children, Elizabeth (James Ifert) of Philadelphia, PA, Thomas and Meredith, both of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Hood Benz (Charles) of Mantoloking, NJ, and extended family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6 from 4 - 8 PM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A memorial service in his honor will be held on Friday, October 7 at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 49 Weston Rd, Westport, CT.
Memorial contributions can be made to The American Diabetes Association.