Joyce Greenlee-Haug, 52, of Wilton, died at home from cancer on May 13. She was born in Bethesda, Md., on Aug. 6, 1962.

The daughter of the Rev. M. Blake Greenlee and Dorothy (Richmond) Greenlee, she was married to Norman Haug.

She moved to Wilton from Sudbury, Mass., with her parents in 1973 and graduated from Wilton High School in 1980. She was an award-winning travel agent for American Express and recently worked on-site at Unimin Corp. in New Canaan.

According to her family, Greenlee-Haug had many wonderful trips around the world with her husband and friends. She was generous and loyal and her life was a great blessing to family and friends.

Besides her husband and parents, she is survived by her brother Dr. Paul Greenlee, her nephews Sergei, Alexei, Egor, and Jeremy Greenlee, and her mother-in-law, Gladys Haug, all of Wilton.

She is also survived by her uncle and aunt, Dr. John and Anabel Greenlee of Salt Lake City, and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wilton at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. Memorial donations may be sent to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers MA 01923, or to Wildlife in Crisis, P.O. Box 1246, Weston CT 06883.

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William Paul Middeleer

William Paul Middeleer, son of Charles and Gabrielle Middeleer, died after a brief illness on Sunday, May 17. He was 90 years old.

Middeleer was a long-time Wiltonian, having moved there in 1952 with his bride, Rosemary Earle Middeleer from Darien. The couple was married for sixty-four years.

Known by close friends as Bill and by his grandchildren as ‘Quack Quack,’ he was highly respected in the community both as an investment advisor and a good friend, his family said.

For many years, he served as treasurer for the Wilton Library and was a member and President of the Nutmeg Club, a local investment group. Friends and family depended on him for his sound advice and counsel, his family said.

Born in Brussels, Belgium on May 31, 1924, he moved to Rowayton and later to Darien with his parents and older sister when he was very young. He attended the New Canaan Country School, the Westminster School and Yale University, where he was a member of the Elihu Club.

Middeleer served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was a First Lieutenant, captain and pilot of a B-17 bomber in the 447th Air Corps. Enlisting at age 18, he was the youngest member of his crew of 8 known as ‘Buster’s Gang.’

They successfully flew 35 missions over Germany from Rattlesden in Suffolk, England and were honored after they had completed their missions with membership into ‘The Lucky Bastards Club’ by the local Pub in Rattlesden.

After a short stint as a traveling salesman and aerial photographer of coastal Fairfield County, Bill worked as the Assistant Treasurer at the United Nations under Dag Hammarskjold. Later, he got his license as a stockbroker and worked on Wall Street and later in Rowayton, with Wheat First Securities.

An avid gardener, he worked ‘organically’ before the term was invented. He enjoyed tennis from a young age and was a long-time member of the Wilton Riding Club, where he was known as ‘The Fox’ on the tennis court for his wicked drop shots and well-placed lobs.

Bill was a poet at heart. Among other things, he was a creator of original, anonymous Valentines and enjoyed entertaining friends and family at the dinner table with birthday poems, “sometimes-but-not-always-funny” jokes and original limericks, his family said.

Perhaps as a result of his Belgian heritage, Bill had a long-standing love affair with food and was often at the cutting edge of culinary trends.

He loved Block Island and sunsets over the cove. It was here that he taught his children and grandchildren how to sail, fish and clam. Over the sixty some years that he visited the island, there was always a favorite seagull name George who visited every day for a snack.

Bill is survived by his wife Rosemary, his sister Marie-Anne Evans of Wilton, and his four children, Susan Mleczko of Wilton, William P. Middeleer, Jr. of Newtown, Michael E. Middeleer of Providence, RI and Geoffrey S. Middeleer of Danbury, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A small, private remembrance is being planned by the family at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to any of the following good causes: The Block Island Conservancy (www.biconservancy.org/donate.html), the ASPCA or other animal rescue organization, or the Wilton Public Library (www.wiltonlibrary.org).

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Beatrice Vera Richard, 88, formerly of Wilton, died Monday, December 15, 2014 at Heritage Park Care Center in Carbondale, CO, following a brief illness.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Smith (T. Basil Smith) of Snowmass Village, CO and a granddaughter, Dana Harig of Princeton, NJ. She was preceded in death by her son, Carlos Calado and her brothers Arthur and Ralph Serode.

Born June 28, 1926 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Serode. After graduating from high school, Bea married and had two children. She worked hard for many years to send her children to college so that they could have a better life. In New Bedford, she was active in the Democratic Party, holding various positions.

In 1991 after the sudden death of her son, Bea moved to Wilton, Connecticut to live with her daughter Pat and son-in-law Basil, helping raise her granddaughter, Dana, who brought her great joy. While in Wilton, she was a member of the Wilton Congregational Church and was active in the Encore Club. She enjoyed playing bridge, going to lunch with friends, bowling, and seeing movies and plays.

In 2011, Bea moved with her family to Colorado.

Bea was a dog lover and an avid reader who read three to four books per week.   Bea will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Road, on May 29 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in Pilgrim Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Wilton Congregational Church.

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Mary Ward Lucci

Mary Ward Lucci, age 66, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at her home in Plymouth, Mass., surrounded by her family, after being diagnosed with cancer in March of 2014.

Mary was born on Sept. 4, 1948 in Corning, N.Y. to her parents, John B. Ward and Ruth (Betty) Ward. She graduated from Wilton High School in 1967 and from Lasell College in 1969. She married Mike Lucci, her high school sweetheart, in 1969.

Mary was a talented artist and decorator and, most of all, a wonderful mother who devoted her life to taking care of her family.

Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Katie Lucci and Chris Mower of Warminster, Pa.; her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter Chris, Melissa and Ava Lucci of Pittsburgh, Pa.; her son and daughter-in-law Rob and Annette Lucci of Plymouth, Mass.; her brother John Ward; and her sister Ginger Ward; as well as several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Mike.

Per Mary’s request, in lieu of a service, donations can be made to Cranberry Hospice. Any checks should be made out to “Cranberry Hospice,” Memo: In Memory of Mary Lucci, and mailed to 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth, MA 02360.

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Robert S. Bruns III, 84, of Clearwater, died on May 19.

Bob was a graduate of Middlebury College. He served as a lieutenant in the Navy in Korea, enjoyed a 30-year career at Perkin Elmer living and working in Wilton, and retired to Venice, Fla., where he was an active volunteer with the Rotary Club and Bon Secours Hospital.

He is survived by his stepmother Alice Ramsey Bruns of Clearwater, his son Robert S. (Paula Schiavone) Bruns IV, his grandchildren, Kathryn (Scott) Bruns Bernard, Benjamin Stewart Bruns and Timothy Joseph Bruns, and also nieces and nephews.

Services are Thursday May 28, 3 p.m., at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 South Belcher Road, Clearwater, Fla. In lieu of flowers, donations should please be made to Venice Nokomis Rotary, P.O. Box 8, Venice FL 34284.

Information: mossfeasterclearwarer.com.

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Stephen J. Messelt

Stephen J. Messelt, 82, died on May 23, 2015 at the Mystic Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mystic, Conn., after a brief, but courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born on June 27, 1933 in New York City, son of the late Edna Projohn Messelt and Carl Ingmar Messelt.

He grew up in Wilton, attending Wilton public schools. In his youth he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and rose to the rank of Eagle Scout. He served in the Armed Forces during the Korean War and upon discharge began a 30-year career in engineering with the Perkin- Elmer Corporation in Norwalk where he held a top-secret security clearance. During his time at Perkin-Elmer, he developed a fire detection apparatus, and an object position predictor for which he holds several patents.

After retiring from Perkin -Elmer, he partnered with his wife in Essex Advertising Group, winning many awards for his innovative approaches and graphic design. After the death of his wife, he moved to Mystic, where he began another business venture, PhotoMyst, LLC, a photography and graphic design company, which showcased his photographic expertise.

Messelt leaves a sister, Sonja Ziluca, of Wilton, nephew Christopher Ziluca and niece Deanna Dominguez. His wife Melanie, of 26 years, predeceased him. He also leaves many friends in the Coast Guard Auxillary and at St. Patrick parish, Mystic, where he was a regular communicant.

“Steve loved the sea, was an avid sailor and enjoyed racing his boat Silent Running, winning many awards with his crew,” his family said. He was a member of the Cedar Point Yacht Club and the Essex Yacht Club. He also volunteered hundreds of hours with the Coast Guard Auxillary, where he served as Vice Flotilla Commander, Operations Officer and held the rank of coxswain. His trawler Myst was used as a Coast Guard Facility. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Wilton Volunteer Fire Department, the Wilton Civil Defense Unit and held a private pilot’s license.

Services will be held in Mystic on June 5. Donations in Messelt’s memory may be made to St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic, CT. The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Kenneth Fitch Youngquist

Kenneth Fitch Youngquist, 88, of Calabash, died Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, Bolivia, N.C.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1927 in Norwalk, a son of the late Adolf and Florence Scribner Youngquist. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WW II, (Jack of many trades) machinist for Curran-Waring Equipment of Norwalk, heavy equipment operator/mechanic, owner/operator of Georgetown Auto & Truck Service in Georgetown. For 14 years he was in partnership with his cousin Alan Scribner.

“Kenneth was an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing and boating alike,” his family said.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Ann Youngquist; son, Paul Youngquist, and wife, Janet, of Antrim, N.H.; sister, Marion Ziem, of Wilton; and two grandchildren, Jaime and Emma Young.

No local services will be announced.

A memorial service will be conducted in Wilton at a later date. Call Paul at 603-547-5051 for further details.

Private online condolences may be sent to the family at brunswickfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of gifts/flowers please send donations to the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane SE, Bolivia, NC. 28422; 910-754-5356.

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Cecilia M. Borglum

Cecilia M. Borglum (née Murphy), 86, wife of David S. Borglum of Wilton, died peacefully at her family home on June 7, 2015.

Born Sept. 18, 1928 in New York City, and raised in Scarsdale, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Esther (O’Reilly) and Henry V. Murphy. Cecilia was one of six children; Francis X. Murphy, Elizabeth Ann Dewey, Rita Murphy, and Bernadette Mullin, all deceased, and Henry V. Murphy II. She attended The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, N.Y. and the College of Notre Dame, Baltimore, Md.

Cecilia worked in New York where she met her life-long love, David Borglum. They married in 1960 and shared a beautiful three-month honeymoon traveling around Europe before settling in the Silvermine community of Wilton.

Cecilia greatly enjoyed her family and kept herself busy with numerous family sporting activities, outings and wonderful vacations. Summers were spent gardening and at the beach with the “ladies group.” She enjoyed annual family camping vacations, attending the theater at the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as a lifelong devotion to the Catholic church.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David Solon Borglum, her six children: Felicia Borglum-Lamond of Wilton and husband Randall Lamond of Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia; Christian Borglum and wife Lori, of Souderton, Pa.; Diane Borglum of Wilton; Andrew Borglum and wife Susan, of Ramsey, N.J.; Thaddeus Borglum of San Diego, Calif., and Justin Borglum of Wilton. Her eight grandchildren are Michael and Elizabeth Lamond, Alexander, Nicholas and Aaron Borglum and Nicole, Zachary and Cassandra Borglum.

Family and friends may join the family from 2 to 6 on Sunday, June 14, at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan. A funeral mass will be held at 11. Monday, June 15, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 229 Danbury Road. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to Our Lady of Fatima (olfwilton.org).

For directions or online condolences please visit hoytfuneralhome.com.

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Nancy Wells

Nancy Wells, a former Wilton resident, died June 7, 2015, at the Watermark, an assisted-living facility in Southbury. She was 92.

She was born in February 1923. She attended Douglas College in New Jersey in the early 40s and later worked for NBC and the BBC.

She and her husband, James T. Wells, were married in 1946. In 1964 they purchased a Cape Cod-style house on Seir Hill Road at the corner of Deepwood Lane, where they raised three children: Jeffrey, Laura and Tony.

She loved show business, plays, films, music. She acted in several plays in New Jersey, including Somserset Maugham’s The Constant Wife, and directed two or three plays at the Wilton Playshop, including Plain and Fancy. She also acted in two or three Wilton Playshop productions, including Toys in the Attic.

She was partners with Connie Bonham in her own Wilton real-estate business, Bonham-Wells, in the late 70s and early 80s.

“She gave me everything — life, love, love of the arts (she turned me on to Peter Tchaikovsky, Ingmar Bergman, Alfred Hitchcock, John Updike, Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin … the list is infinite) and particularly a love of theater,” her son Jeffrey said.” She was the beating heart and balm of our family.”

Nancy is survived by her son Jeffrey Wells, who lives in West Hollywood, Calif., and his children, Jett and Dylan, both of New York City.

She was predeceased by her daughter Laura, who died in 2008 and son Tony, who died in 2009, and her husband James, who died in 2008.

A gathering of Nancy’s family and friends will take place in the Wilton-Georgetown-Redding area on Saturday, June 13. Anyone wishing to attend may contact Jeffrey at gruver1@gmail.com.

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Joan E. Walter

Joan Elizabeth Walter, 82, of Port Orange, Fla., passed away on May 27, 2015 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Maine.

She was born to Ernest H. Bennett and Ethel M. Bennett of Wilton, Conn., and lived there with her sister, Evelyn Bennett (Vast), who predeceased her in 2005, through grade school at the Gilbert and Bennett School in Georgetown, then graduation from Staples High School.

Joan was a descendent of the founding fathers of Wilton and grew up with a hard-work ethic on the Bennett farm. She attended the Congregational Church through young adulthood. This was during a time when Wilton was a rural farm community, not yet a sought-after residential haven.

Her marriage to Anthony J. DePalmer brought her daughter, Michela M. Maloney, into her life. Her second child, Douglas B. Walter was born during her marriage to Donald Jackson. Joan married the love of her life, George F. Walter, who had three children, Thomas Walter, Dana Retherford and Kenneth Walter. Together they forged a family that lasts today. George predeceased Joan in 1989; living far too few years together in Bellport, N.Y.

Joan worked in banking her entire career and rose through the ranks of a then male-dominated industry through dedication, hard work and a quick wit. She became a branch manager in Medford, N.Y., and eventually a commercial lending officer for Barclays Bank in Patchogue, N.Y. She loved what she did and customers loved and respected her in return. After retiring, she eventually sold her home in Bellport and made her primary residence in Port Orange.

Joan’s list of interests would take up more room than is here, those who knew her well, knew that. She could talk to anyone about anything and had a thirst for learning new things that never faded. To say she loved to travel is an understatement. Joan was fortunate enough to be able to visit many countries in Europe, Hong Kong and cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. There was a special place in her heart for Ireland, a destination she visited multiple times. Theater, there are no words to describe her love of Broadway. A tally of the plays she saw, usually with the original cast, is long. She played golf and tennis avidly for many years and was good at both!

Joan was extremely active in the Bellport community. She was a long-term golf commissioner and president of the art association as well as the owner of the Bellport Variety Mart. Joan was a fixture during the Bellport “Artists on the Lane,” sitting behind the registration table and greeting artists with great enthusiasm. She loved Bellport and the Great South Bay, residing there for 37 years. In all things she was classy, funny and smart, a model for many women who crossed her path.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Micki Maloney and husband Dennis of Hope, Maine, and her son, Doug Walter and his partner Lesley of Bellport, N.Y.; as well as her step-children, Tom Walter and partner Caitlyn of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Dana Retherford and husband Michael of Plattsburgh, N.Y. and Port Orange, Fla.,; and Ken Walter and his partner Leslie of Patchogue, N.Y. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Doug Walter of East Patchogue, N.Y.; Jenny Vasquez and husband Hector of Merrick, N.Y.; Justin Walter of Baldwin Harbor, N.Y.; and Bryn Retherford of Astoria, N.Y.; and two great-grandchildren, Giovanni and Gianna Vasquez of Merrick, N.Y.

A memorial celebration of her life will be scheduled in Bellport in late summer. Those wishing to honor her memory may consider a donation to their local animal shelter. Please visit her memorial page at longfuneralhomecamden.com to post condolences, memories, comments and photos. You may also offer contact information on the site.

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Terrence M. Lallak

Terrence M. Lallak, age 73, of Wilton, died peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2015, in the small Weston cottage he shared with his beloved wife, Susan E. Tom. He was an architect and QA/QC mentor at BIG — Bjarke Ingels Group in New York City — where he loved mentoring, collaborating with and learning from the many young, talented architects and designers who are transforming architecture around the world. He also loved New York City, Wisconsin Badger football, the New York Yankees, oil painting, cupcakes and his church community at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield. Before joining BIG, Lallak practiced architecture with Perkins & Will, VOA and Cannon Design in Chicago and New York City.

As an active parishioner at St. Paul’s, Lallak served as a liturgical assistant and lay Eucharistic minister. He was a member of the Welcoming and Hospitality Ministry and the Men’s Group, and he enjoyed preparing and serving meals at San Lucas y San Pablo Episcopal Church in Bridgeport. He also conceived and implemented a rich array of projects for beautifying and improving the use of space at St. Paul’s.

Born in Ft. Wayne, Ind., to the late Frank and Irene Becker Lallak, he grew up in his parents’ small drugstore, in the shadow of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. He graduated from Ft. Wayne Central Catholic High School and Purdue University. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and served both organizations as an officer and committee chair of the Chicago and New York City chapters.

In addition to his wife, Lallak is survived by his children, Mark C. Lallak Sr. and his wife, Laurie of South Natick, Mass., and Jennifer Lallak Meyer and her husband, Stewart of Cary, Ill. He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Mark C. Lallak Jr. of South Natick and Madison Meyer of Cary; and his brother-in-law, Paul R. Tom, Esq. of Tulsa, Okla. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, the Rev. F. Thomas Lallak of Auburn, Ind.

“He was a fine man, kind and gentle, who will be missed by all who knew him,” his family said.

Friends are invited to greet his family on Friday, June 19, from 4 to 8, at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road in Fairfield Center. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11 directly at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Road in Fairfield with the Rev. Judith L. Rhodes officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for use in their ministries.

To send an online condolence, please visit shaughnesseybanks.com.

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Margaret Mary Selinger

Margaret Mary Selinger died Thursday, June 18, 2015. Born June 28, 1926 in Mineola, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Loretta O’Connell, the only girl in a family of four children. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband, Joseph Jerome “Jerry” Selinger (in 2008); and her brothers, Gerald and Robert.

She is survived by her four children and affectionately known as “Mimi” to her 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, Joseph Jerome Jr. his wife, Noreen, of Stonington, Conn., and their daughters, Meghan and husband, Rob Winslow, (and their daughter Addison), Annie and husband, Rob Simmons, Nora and Marjorie; Stephen Richard Selinger, his wife, Inna, of Southlake, Texas and their children, Katherine, Elizabeth and Joseph; Thomas Gerald Selinger, his wife, Annette, of Keswick, Virginia and their daughter, Emily; daughter, Mary Beth Wagner, her husband, Eric, of Troy, Virginia and their children, Molly Montabert, husband, Cyril (and their daughter Lauren), Kathryn and fiancé, Kevin Ehlmann, Eric and his wife, Katelyn (and their son Eric III), Elisabeth and Amanda.

Her brother, Richard O’Connell of Amelia Island, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Ann Henegan of Marco Island, Fla., survive her, along with many nieces and nephews.

Margaret Mary O’Connell Selinger grew up in Rockville Center, on Long Island, N.Y., where she attended South Side High School. Her high school yearbook described her as cute with a personality and loquaciousness that made her very popular with both boys and girls.

From high school, “MM” went to Mount St. Vincent College in Riverdale, N.Y., where she graduated in 1948 with a degree in economics. Her most noted employment was as an administrative assistant to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Trygve Lei.

Margaret Mary married her one and only love, Joseph Jerome Selinger, “Jerry,” on May 12, 1951 at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Center, N.Y. After a brief stay in New York City, she and Jerry moved with their two sons to Connecticut where another son and daughter soon joined the family.

While living in Wilton, Conn., Margaret Mary was very active in the YGOP and was a delegate to the Republican convention in support of Barry Goldwater. She was also active in her church, Our Lady of Fatima, and served as president of the Rosary Society. She taught school for 10 years at St. Thomas in Norwalk, Conn.

After 43 years in Connecticut, her husband retired from Merrill Lynch. With their four children well established, the Selingers moved to Charlottesville, Va., in 1988 where their daughter, Mary Beth Wagner and son, Tom Selinger resided, along with six of their 13 grandchildren. “MM” quickly became active in local organizations including Newcomers, Women’s Club of Charlottesville, Shelter for Help in Emergency, volunteer activities at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church and the Charlottesville Republican Women’s League.

“MM” was blessed with a good intellect and heart. She appreciated the gifts God bestowed upon her and used them for God’s glory and that of His loved ones. She lived by, and taught her children, the adage, “I felt sorry for myself when I had no shoes, until I saw someone who had no feet.” She had a well-deserved nickname of “Happy Etta.” She had great devotion to her Creator, the Blessed Mother, family, friends, and her country. She will be sorely missed; yet comforting to know she has been reunited with Dad.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to all the wonderful and caring nurses and staff at the Martha Jefferson House.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Martha Jefferson Hospital or St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 401 Alderman Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Condolences may be offered to the family at teaguefuneralhome.com.

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Georgienna M. Young

Georgienna M. Young, 81, of Skaneateles, N.Y., died on June 25, 2015.

Born on May 20, 1934 in Truxton, N.Y., she was the daughter of Charles and Hessel Murray. She graduated from Truxton High School and Cortland State University with a degree in education

Married for 61 years to Kenneth E. Young, she was the mother of five children and grandmother of 12. Known to many as Gina, she and her husband built a dairy farm they acquired in 1960 into a thriving enterprise now known as Twin Birch Dairy.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother, who lavished her love on her family and friends. Known for her beauty, grace and generous spirit, she loved to bake, garden and keep a welcoming home. She loved the simple things in life — sitting on her porch watching the comings-and-goings of the farm, deer grazing in the field and her flowers growing.

Gina loved to travel, play golf and bridge and go to the theater. She was a pillar of the Owasco Reformed Church and was active in Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services (SAVES), Meals on Wheels and other organizations.

She is survived by her five children: Dirk Young (Karen) of Skaneateles, N.Y.; Dariel Curren (William) of Roxbury, Conn.; Georgia Davala (George) of Wilton, Conn.; Kenneth Young II of Skaneateles, N.Y.; and Lisa McGlynn (Steve) of Skaneateles, N.Y.

In addition, she is survived by 12 grandchildren and her brother Daniel Murray of Seneca Falls. She is pre-deceased by her parents and two siblings: Charles Murray Jr. and Barbara Kinney

Calling hours will be held at the Owasco Reformed Church on Monday, June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. The memorial service will be held at the Owasco Reformed Church on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Owasco Reformed Church or SAVES. To send condolences visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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Stephen James Cunniff

Stephen James Cunniff, 83, of Hilton Head Island, passed away on June 26, 2015 after a brief illness.

Stephen was born in Holyoke, Mass. on Oct. 28, 1931, son of Rear Admiral James Francis Cunniff, and Helen Mary (Lawrence) Cunniff.

He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He worked as a top regional sales manager in the paperboard industry for 32 years, retiring from International Paper.

Steve was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, with a special passion for lacrosse, which he played in college. He was one of the founding members and President of the Wilton Lacrosse Association, and President of the Wilton Little League, both in Wilton, Conn. He enjoyed music and travel. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, and an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Hilton Head, serving as an usher. He was a member of the Dolphin Head Golf Club.

Steve is survived by his wife Elizabeth Jane Cunniff, and four children (from a former marriage): Michael James Cunniff, and wife Mary Lynn Cunniff of Tampa, Fla., Mary Kate Cunniff of Oakland, Calif., Timothy Ian Cunniff, of Chatham, Mass., granddaughters: Skyler and Isabella Cunniff of Chatham, Mass., and Christopher Edward Cunniff, and wife Lynn Cunniff of Charlotte, N.C., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother David Lawrence Cunniff.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association.

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory, theislandfuneralhome.com.

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Geraldine A. Hauck

Geraldine Agnes Hauck (Hickey), beloved wife of the late William J. Hauck and mother of five devoted sons, died peacefully at her home in Wilton on Sunday, June 28.

A long-time Wilton resident, she was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 3, 1919, the fifth of nine children of the late Hannah and Lawrence Hickey. She was in her 95th year. Geraldine enjoyed being a homemaker, and was a devout Catholic and active parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton.

“She will always be remembered for her soft heart, warm smile, eagerness to help anyone needing it, and of course, her phenomenal home-made pies,” her family said.

She is survived by brothers Lawrence Hickey (and Lorna) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; John Hickey (and Fran) of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Edward Hickey of Las Vegas, Nev., as well as her five sons, four of whom remain in Connecticut: Thomas (Jan) of Southbury; John of Torrington; Gerry of Ridgefield; and Paul (Shannon) of Newtown. Her youngest son, Richard (Leslie), resides in Center Harbor, N.H. She also leaves nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge, with its deepest appreciation, the care and comfort extended to her by friends and caregivers, particularly Southmayd Home in Waterbury, The Watermark in Southbury, the VITAS organization and the Ridgefield VNA.

They would also like to extend their gratitude to Sweetness Gaji and Iveta Braunova, whose grace and attentiveness will never be forgotten.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bouton Funeral Home in Georgetown.

She will also be remembered in a Mass on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 in Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton.

A burial is planned at Hillside Cemetery in Wilton immediately following; all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VITAS organization or the Ridgefield VNA.

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Former Wilton teacher Norah K. Alston died Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Danbury Hospital. She was born Norah Kathleen Atkinson in Monroe, Iowa, on Sept. 11, 1919 to Reginald Graham Atkinson and Daisy Geraldine Garrett.

She is survived by her son Michael and his son Garrett; as well as her son Jeremy and his wife Debbie, their two daughters, Heather Mitchell and Kristen, and one great-grandson, Vincent.             

Norah led a full life in which she was an English and speech teacher, drama club adviser and senior show director. She received much of her education in England and graduated with a master of arts from NYU.

During WW II she was in the army as part of the ambulance corps in London during the Battle of Britain.  Later she directed and performed shows for the troops.

She traveled across most of Europe, America and Mexico. During the summer of 1972 she fulfilled her  dream of traveling to Greece and seeing the Greek theater.  Upon retiring, she took a trip around the world, seeing much of the Far East and visiting with several of the foreign exchange students she had known in Wilton.

“Norah will be significantly missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing her,” her family said.

Due to her wishes no services will be held.

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John Frederick Amport

John Frederick Amport, 69, of Madison, Conn., formerly of Wilton, died July 10, 2015, after a long illness.

He was born Jan. 30, 1946, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of John (Jack) Amport and Lillian Lamberg Amport. Raised in Essex Fells, N.J., he spent many happy hours on the local skating pond playing ice hockey and was eventually inducted into the West Essex High School Hall of Fame as a championship goalie.

After four years in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War, Amport graduated from the University of Connecticut and began his career with IBM, which led him to the computer leasing business. His real talent for design and home renovation led him to restore three antique homes with his wife Meredith in Madison, Wilton and Killingworth. A summer resident of Madison since childhood, he was able to realize his dream to live there full-time after retirement. He was a former member of the Madison Country Club and Madison Beach Club.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Meredith; a daughter Caroline Piper and her husband Nathanael Piper of Exeter, N.H.; a son John Christian Amport and his wife Stephanie Buia Amport of Madison; and three grandchildren. He also leaves two sisters, Karin Peterson of Madison, and Judy Cook of Wilton.

There will be no services. A gathering of family and friends is planned for September.

Donations may be made to The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. in Branford.

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Edward L. Wasikowski

Edward L. Wasikowski, 55, of Seymour, died July 13, 2015, in his home. He was the  husband of Debbie Levesque Wasikowski

Born in Derby on Aug. 20, 1959, he was the son of Irene Jadach Wasikowski of Derby and the late Joseph Wasikowski. A graduate of Derby High School, he was an All-State pitcher, who helped lead the Red Raiders to win the 1977 state championship. He received a scholarship to play Division I baseball and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston.

Wasikowski was employed as an account executive for American Copy in Waterbury. At the time of his death he was serving on the Seymour Board of Finance and was former chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners. He was a coach for Seymour Pop Warner Football, Little League Baseball and girls’ softball. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Michael’s Church in Derby.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by a son, Edward J. Wasikowski of Seymour, a daughter, Carissa N. Wasikowski of Seymour, a brother, Joseph M. Wasikowski III (Jean) of Huddleston, Va., a sister, Lucille D’Aiuto of Eastham, Mass., mother- and father-in-law, Janet and Gerard Levesque of Oxford, sisters-in-law, Michele Semosky (Daniel) of Newtown and Nicole Morris (Robert) of Wilton and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday July 17, from 4 to 8 in the chapel of the Spinelli-Ricciuti/Bednar-Osiecki Funeral Home, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.

On Saturday, family and friends are invited to a funeral at 10 at St. Michael’s Church in Derby for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in the family plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made directly to “Debbie Wasikowski” as they will be used to help defray the costs of Carissa Wasikowski’s continuing education. To send an act of sympathy, please visit spinelliricciutifh.com.

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Theodore Bikel

Longtime Wilton resident Theodore Bikel died of natural causes at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 21, at the age of 91.

Bikel, who referred to himself as “a general practitioner in the world of the arts,” was known for his versatility.

He was a world-renowned actor, as well as a folksinger, guitarist, author, lecturer, raconteur, activist and arts advocate.

Bikel was born in Vienna, Austria, in May 1924, to Miriam and Josef Bikel, who were Jewish immigrants from Bukovina in Central Europe.

Following the Nazi occupation of Austria in 1938, Bikel and his parents fled to Palestine.

Bikel — who was fluent in Hebrew, Yiddish and German with a “respectable command of English and French,” according to bikel.com — had planned to study and teach comparative linguistics.

However, he was more drawn to theater and joined the Habimah Theatre as an apprentice actor in 1943.

In 1944, Bikel co-founded the Israeli Chamber Theatre, and in 1946, he entered London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and graduated with honors two years later.

Actor

In London, Bikel performed in Sir Laurence Oliver’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire and won acclaim playing the Russian Colonel in Peter Ustinov’s The Love of Four Colonels.

Known for creating the role of Baron von Trapp in the original Broadway production of The Sound of Music, Bikel’s roster of memorable Broadway performances also include:

• Tonight in Samarkand.

• The Rope Dancers.

• The Lark.

He starred in a number of other plays nationwide, according to bikel.com. In 1967, he began touring as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof — a role he played more than 2,000 times.

Bikel was twice nominated for Broadway’s Tony Award and had more than 150 roles in movies and television series, according to IMDB.com, including:

• The African Queen (1951).

• The Enemy Below (1957).

• The Defiant Ones (1958).

• The Blue Angel (1959).

• My Fair Lady (1964).

For his role as Sheriff Max Muller in The Defiant Ones, Bikel received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, as well as a Laurel Awards nomination for top male supporting performance.

In April 2005, Bikel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Performance.

Folksinger

Bikel became a United States citizen in 1961. That same year, he founded the Newport Folk Festival. As a folksinger, Bikel maintained an active concert schedule throughout the country and abroad, according to bikel.com.

He sang folk songs in nearly 20 languages, all the while accompanying himself on guitar, mandolin, balalaika and harmonica.

As a folksinger, Bikel recorded a number of albums and performed on college campuses and in concert halls nationwide. He even performed at a benefit show at the Norwalk Jewish Community Center in 1981.

Activist and advocate

Bikel was active in the civil rights movement for many years, and was elected a delegate to the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago.

Bikel also served as:

• Senior vice president of the American Jewish Congress.

• President of the Actors’ Equity Association (1973-1982).

• Member of the National Council on the Arts (1977-1982).

• Vice president of the International Federation of Actors (1981-1991).

• Board member of Amnesty International USA.

At the time of his death, Bikel had been the president of the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (4A’s) for more than years.

Family and Wilton

Bikel lived on Honey Hill Road in Wilton for many years with his second wife, Rita Weinberg Call, with whom he had two sons, until 2011.

While living in Wilton, Bikel often entertained here and nearby. He and his wife helped open the Wilton Arts Council’s Arts Festival ’79 by hosting a music- and art-filled preview gala at their home in 1979.

Bikel starred in Jeffrey Sweat’s The Value of Names as part of the Westport Arts Center’s Plays-in-Progress series in 1988. And he performed at the Jewish Home for the Elderly of Fairfield County in Fairfield.

Bikel and Call divorced in 2008 and their Wilton home was sold three years later.

According to a 2012 Wilton Library press release, a “treasure trove of books” from the Bikel household helped supply the library’s 2012 Gigantic Book Sale fund-raiser.

Bikel is survived by his fourth wife, Aimee Ginsburg, sons Robert and Daniel, stepsons Zeev and Noam Ginsburg, and three grandchildren.

According to bikel.com, Bikel’s wish was that donations go to either The Actors Fund (actorsfund.org) or Mazon (mazon.org).

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Joseph R. Lametta, Sr., of Norwalk, husband of Katherine Italiano Lametta, died on Tuesday, July 14, at Norwalk Hospital. He was 89.

Born in Norwalk, on July 8, 1926, he was the son of the late Antonio and Carmella Piccarella Lametta and had been a lifelong Norwalk resident.

He was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Marine Corp. Along with his brother, James, he was the co-owner of Lametta Brothers Masonry Contractors.

After his discharge from the Marines in 1947, he started playing basketball locally with the Spring Hill Tigers Basketball Team. In the 1950’s and 60’s many teams would try to sign the tall, high-scoring Lametta.

A staunch supporter of the military and veterans, he was a member of the American Legion and a fixture in the Norwalk Memorial Day Parade along with his late brother Jimmy.

In addition to his wife Katherine, Lametta is survived by three children, Joseph R. Lametta, Jr. (wife Wendy) of Wilton; son Ronald of Newtown and daughter Patricia Goldbach (husband Kurt) of Newtown; four grandchildren, Matthew, Christine, Amy and Sara; three sisters: Connie Williams, Louise Scianna and Rose Burke and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, July 20, at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church, Norwalk. Interment followed in St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. Arrangements were by Collins Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

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