Obituaries & Tributes

Mary Louise Parenti, 96, a longtime resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Louise was born on June 2, 1927, in Newark, DE and was one of three children born to the late Reverend Clarence and Sarah Fox. Louise enjoyed spending time with family and friends (always up for a good game of dominoes or cards). She loved meeting friends at the pool at the Darien YMCA and years later at the pool at the Tully Center. She was active in the First United Methodist Church Women’s Circle and Fellowship Club. Louise enjoyed traveling and reading (including religious books and occasionally indulging in fiction). Louise worked for Murray Space Shoes in New York, then later helped to form the Parenti Molded Shoe Corp. (located in Norwalk, CT) with her late husband, Anthony. Subsequently, she worked at Pitney Bowes Credit Corporation. Louise was preceded in death by her husband of over 30 years, Anthony A. Parenti, and is survived by her sons; Anthony J. Parenti and partner Lina Voira and James Parenti and wife Katie Hu, cherished grandchildren; Anthony A. Parenti, John M. Parenti and Mia E. Parenti, brother; James Fox and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Louise is predeceased by her brother, Clarence Fox. A wake service for Louise will be held from 5PM to 8PM on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A funeral service for Louise will take place at 11:00AM on Friday, April 26th at First United Methodist Church, 42 Cross Road, Stamford, CT 06905. The interment will follow the service at Fairfield Memorial Park in Stamford. To leave a condolence message online please visit www.cognetta.com.

Betty Hayes, 97, long-time former resident of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully in her cherished oceanfront home in Pompano Beach, FL, with close family at her side. Betty was born to John B. and Maria (Boxhorn) Dietl in Siegenfurt, Germany. She immigrated to the US at age 8 when she rejoined her parents after almost as many years’ separation. Once here, she learned English, attended local schools, obtained her GED, and began work as a telephone operator at SNET. She then worked in the catering business for some years, and later joined the Union Trust Company where she had a successful career, ultimately working as a mortgage officer. After retiring from the bank, she served as a loving and compassionate caregiver for decades more. Betty was an active volunteer, especially at the Stamford YMCA, teaching swimming, cardiac rehab, aerobics, and aqua therapy. She was a longtime parishioner of St. John's, and later Saint Benedict’s churches. Betty’s selflessness and dedication to helping everyone she could is perhaps her most striking and unforgettable characteristic. Her willingness to put the needs of others before her own is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy. While Betty accomplished much in her life, she also endured a great deal of sorrow, loss, pain. Through it all, she remained loving, forgiving, and strong, always choosing to live in the present and focus on her blessings. She was generous to a fault with all around her, loved spending time with family and friends, and was committed to making sure everyone was always taken care of. Betty also loved fitness and exercise, especially swimming in the ocean. She also relished soaking up sunshine, caring for animals, getting a bargain, and having clean windows and floors. She was adventuresome and retained her youthful spirit, sharp wit, and flexible, open mind until the end. Betty is survived by her daughter, Diane, brothers John W. (Elizabeth) and Richard, granddaughters Kimberly Larsen and Suzanne Rogers (Steven), great-grandchildren Sienna and Cameron (Rogers), and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends. She was predeceased by her husbands, George W. Bates and James Hayes, sons Robert Bates and Jim Hayes, daughter Susan Larsen, stepdaughter Judy Hayes, and sister, Wilhelmina Polka. Betty leaves a legacy of love and compassion for the many she loved unconditionally, an indelible mark on the lives of all those blessed to know her, and a void as deep as the ocean in the hearts of those who loved her. A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM at Benedict’s R.C. Church, 21 St. Benedict Circle, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s memory to Covenant House International, 461 Eighth Avenue, NY, NY 10001, https://www.covenanthouse.org To leave online condolences please visit http://www.cognetta.com

Trinidad Gutierrez Mateus from Stamford sadly left us on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was born on April 15, 1940, in Puente Nacional, Colombia to parents Alfredo and Concepcion Gutierrez and moved to the United States in 1967. She worked as a nanny and housekeeper for local families before working at St. Joseph's Hospital where she retired after decades of service. In her best years, she thought only of others, and less of herself and her needs. She dedicated her time to family, serving God, and traveling. She has a very large family and was preceded in death by her sisters Amparo Gutierrez, Reinelda Gutierrez, Consuelo Gutierrez, and brothers Norberto Gutierrez and Lucas Gutierrez. Trini is survived by her sisters Maria Giribaldo (Stamford), Abeling Martinez (Stamford) Margarita Gutierrez (Stamford), Sormira Poulter (Oklahoma), Maria Elba Gutierrez (Oklahoma), Beatriz Giller (Oklahoma), and brothers Efrain Gutierrez (Stamford), Nestor Gutierrez (Norwalk), Danilo Gutierrez (Colombia), Dario Gutierrez (Milford), Jonson Gutierrez (Florida), Justo Gutierrez (Colombia) and many nieces, nephews, and God children. Her departure comes as a great shock and deep pain that is felt throughout our entire family and extended circles. She left her kind impression on so many souls. We are left with the memories of her beautiful loving and generous spirit that will live in our hearts forever. Please honor her memory by accompanying us this Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Cognetta Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave from 830 – 1030am. Followed by an 11 am Mass at St Benedict's Church located at 1 St Benedict Circle. If you are inclined to make a contribution, please do so at Ever Loved in lieu of flowers.

Dorothy (Dottie) Loften, 94, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Dorothy was born in Stamford on March 14, 1930, daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Wood Greene. Dottie was a devout Christian who found joy in playing the organ at her church for more than 30 years. In addition to her musical talents, Dottie was an avid gardener and spent countless hours tending to her garden. She also worked for St. Joseph's Hospital in Stamford for over 20 years. Above all, she deeply loved her family and dedicated her life to caring for those around her. Her warmth and kindness touched the hearts of all who knew her. Dorothy is survived by her loving grandchildren, Kristina Danehower and her husband Dave of Round Pond, ME. Megan Duffy and her husband, John of Stamford, CT and Michael Vaughan and his fiancé Allison Kozma of Stamford, CT. Great-grandchildren Anya Vaughan-Wood of Brooklyn, NY and John and Kiera Duffy of Stamford, CT; along with her son-in-law Richard Vaughan of Stratford, CT. Besides her parents, Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband Dudley Loften, Jr., and their daughter Cathy Vaughan. Dorothy's family would like to thank the staff and caregivers from Waveny Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County for their compassionate and loving care. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00AM. A procession will follow to Long Ridge Union Cemetery, Erskine Road, Stamford, where a burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dorothy Loften to the American Cancer Society. To leave an online condolence please visit www.Cognetta.com

Jane Ann Braccia, 79, formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2024 at Sarasota Hospice House in Sarasota, FL. Jane was born in Stamford CT on May 4, 1944, daughter of the late John and Greta Carlson White. Jane graduated Stamford High School and Katherine Gibbs Business School. She worked for the City of Stamford Zoning Board and then MRP Advertising in Accounting where she retired after 30 years. She married John Braccia and resided in Stamford, CT. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in Siesta Key Fl in November 2019. Her love was painting animal portraits and beach scenery. She enjoyed her bowling, golfing and Siesta Harbor friends. She loved the water, boating, kayaking and playing rummikub. Jane is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, John Braccia of Siesta Key , Fl., her three daughters: June Braccia of Siesta Key, FL, Joyce Braccia and her two boys, Reno and Jacob of Norwalk CT, Judie (Braccia) Lanzo and her husband Frank of Norwalk CT, her grandson Brenden Lanzo, her sister, Joan Grande and her husband Guy, brother in-law and sister in-law Frank and Phyllis Noto and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christina Burial will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jane’s memory to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center, C/O Stamford Hospital, One Hospital Plaza, Stamford, CT 06902. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Jeanne-Lois Marschall Santy (Lois), 92, a native of Stamford, CT went home to be with the Lord on April 16, 2024 at Aaron Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Penfield, NY. Her closest family had a chance to say their good-byes shortly before. Lois was born on June 26, 1931 in Stamford. She is predeceased by her husband Theodore (Ted) Santy, and parents, Frederick Marschall, Jr and Louise (Ritchie) Marschall. Lois graduated from Stamford High School in 1949 and earned her R.N. from Stamford Hospital School of Nursing then continued her training at Columbia and University of Connecticut. Lois had a prolific nursing career. She was supervisor of Nursing Services at American Cyanamid/Cytec for 40 years. She was a certified Occupational Health Nurse and served as president of the Stamford Occupational Health Nurses and as vice-president of the Connecticut Association of Health Nurses. She also had several part-time nursing positions including some in post-retirement and had served as president of the Stamford Hospital Alumnae Association. Lois was most well-known from her accomplished career in politics. She served as Stamford’s Deputy Mayor, president of the Stamford Board of Representatives, served two terms on the Republican State Central Committee, vice-chairperson of the Republican Town Committee, and president of the Stamford Young Republicans. She was courted to run as Governor of Connecticut which she turned down. Lois loved her home church, Stamford Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member, had served as a Sunday School teacher, served on the deaconate, and chaired the 225th Anniversary Committee. In 1999, Ted and Lois moved their home from Stamford to Norfolk, CT. where they attended Promised Land Baptist Church, Canaan CT during the warm summer months and spent their winters in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, where they fellowshipped at International Bible Church. Bonaire was truly a home away from home for Ted and Lois where they had many cherished friends which they considered family. Lois is survived by her loving daughter Kimberlee (Santy) Richar, caring son-in-law Jim Richar, loving grandson, Derek James Richar, precious granddaughter Tara (Richar) Stocker, favorite grandson–in–law David Stocker and the most precious joys in her life, adorable great-granddaughters Emma Grace Stocker & Sophie Joy Stocker. She is also survived by “little” brother Frederick (Rick) Marschall of Webster, MA and nieces Stacey (Marschall) Moran and Kellee (Marschall) Tella both of Putnam, CT with many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Calling hours are Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford with a 12 noon service following, where we will celebrate Lois’s life. Immediately following will be her burial at Roxbury Cemetery, High Ridge Road, Stamford. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Stamford Baptist Church. Please send any donations to: Stamford Baptist Church, 602 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905 (with notation of “In Memory of Lois Santy”).

Joseph “Peppino” Zinicola, 98 of Stamford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024. He was born in Santa Maria Infante, Minturno, Italy on July 18th, 1925 to Benny Zinicola and Vincenza Valente. Joseph entered the Naval College at Venice in 1943 in the Royal Italian Navy. He was captured by the German forces after the Italian Armistice and was then transferred through several prison camps in central Europe before escaping back to Venice. During this time, he served on a firefighting vessel in Venice, while also smuggling weapons to partisans fighting the Nazi occupiers. He was discharged from the Italian Navy in 1948, and took up work as a truck driver helping to rebuild his country. He also spent much time riding his motorbike up and down the Italian coast. He immigrated to the United States after he married the love of his life, Josephine Mallozzi Zinicola, on August 18, 1952, in Minturno, Italy. He worked a variety of jobs in Brooklyn before moving to Stamford in 1955. He worked for the Stamford Housing Authority for nearly 30 years as a boiler mechanic, where he took pride in providing heat at the Myano Lane buildings and Southfield Village. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Maurice Church and the oldest living member of the Minturnese Club. He loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, fixing just about anything in his workshop and was a lover of dogs. He is survived by his loving sons, Anthony (Lily) and Joseph (Norma), as well as his four grandchildren, Sophia, Joshua, Christina, and Michael. Also surviving is a nephew, John Zinicola (Anna), niece Maria Zinicola, and great nieces and nephews, Paul, Patricia Anthony, AnnMarie, and Susy. In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Josephine Mallozzi Zinicola, his siblings, Nicola, Caterina, and Antonio Zinicola, his sister-in-law Assunta Mallozzi Zinicola, and mother-in-law, Antonia Trionfo Mallozzi. A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9:15 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM at St. Maurice RC Church,358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford. Entombment will follow at ST. John’s Mausoleum, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 3:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joseph's memory to Lucky Dog Refuge CT, 36 Pulaski St, Stamford, CT 0690 To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Joseph Peter Valentine, Jr., 76 of Darien, CT passed away on February 13th. Born in Stamford, CT on May 21, 1947 to the late Joseph and Grace (Scalise) Valentine. Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia (Barosky) Valentine, his brother Bobby Valentine (Junko) of Stamford, his children, Tricia of Norwalk, Joe (Kim) of Lafayette Hill, PA, Anthony (Jennifer) of Avon, Brian (Lisa) of Greenwich, his grandchildren, Samantha, Jessica, Jake, Connor, and Alissa, his brothers-in-law, Stanley Barosky (d. Angela) and Robert Barosky (Lori). Joe is also survived by several nephews and extended family. Joe grew up in Stamford, where he attended J.M. Wright Technical School. He was the star catcher on the baseball team and the king of his senior prom. After graduating as a Tool and Die Maker, he served six years as part of the National Guard-Battery C 2nd Battalion 192nd Division. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Patricia, they settled in Darien to start a family. He then opened his own business, Joe Valentine Machine Company. Joe worked there with his wife for 47 years. Joe was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 41 in Stamford. When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, attending sporting events, school plays, and dance recitals. His motto was always family first. He enjoyed many vacations spent with family and friends. When he wasn’t napping on his favorite couch with remote in hand, he enjoyed watching baseball, Blue Bloods or Law and Order. He was a Mets season ticket holder for more than 20 years but wasn’t a true fan until his brother became the manager. Joe will be remembered for his kindness and generosity along with his willingness to help others. One of his greatest attributes was making friendships that would last a lifetime. Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, February 20th from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 21st at 10:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church, 1986 Post Rd, in Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers the family asks you donate to either St. Jude’s or Shriners Hospital. To leave a condolence message online please visit www.cognetta.com.

Carmela Tortorello, affectionately known as Auntie or AC passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023. She was 92 years young. Carmela grew up in NJ and spent the last 6 years living with her brother in Westport, CT. She was born in Newark, NJ to Sam and Lucy Tortorello on February 1, 1931. Carmela was raised in Newark and Scotch Plains, where she graduated from Scotch Plains High School in 1948. She worked for Prudential, beginning as a key punch operator, working her way up to the secretary of the President of Prudential. She retired in 1986 and moved to Toms River, NJ, where she spent time traveling and visiting with friends and family. Over the years, Carmela enjoyed reading, singing, dancing, traveling, organizing, collecting Hummel figures and angels, cooking, eating Hors d’oeuvres (especially shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers), and she was an avid Yankee fan. Her New Year’s parties were second to none, always planning a wonderful menu and lots of family fun! Carmela is predeceased by her parents, Sam & Lucy and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou. She is survived by her brother, Vincent, and her nephew and nieces, David (Maryellen), Marylou (Jeff) and Donna (Jim); her great nieces and nephew, Sarah (Jake), Willie (Megan), Ali (Blake), and Jewels; and her five great-great nieces and nephews, Cambridge, Tucker, Dean, Chloe, and Tess; along with many cousins. Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:00AM at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport, CT

Professor Philip J. Panzeca, 92, of Ridgefield, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Panzeca and Mary (Montalbano) Panzeca; pre-deceased by his wife Jane (Quinn) Panzeca and siblings Anthony Panzeca (Julie) and Marie LeKanides (John), he was a devoted son, husband, cherished father to his three daughters, role model to his two grandsons, affectionate brother to his two siblings and a caring brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. Philip was proud of the fact he never missed a day of school and graduated from the prestigious Brooklyn Tech High School in 1949. After high school, he enlisted during the Korean War and served in the first Marine division, fifth battalion as Sergeant. Philip received the Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal and was honorably discharged in 1953. Married to Jane in 1955, he resided on Long Island until 1996, thereafter relocating to Florida. He graduated from Hofstra University on the G.I. Bill in 1957, received an M.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in 1970 from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, now known as the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Philip obtained several national science, mathematics and engineering honor society distinctions and was also awarded an Industrial Engineering fellowship through the National Science Foundation. A full professor of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering at Hofstra University for forty years, he remained Professor Emeritus until his death. He was a natural in the classroom and loved teaching his undergraduate and graduate students. At Hofstra University, he served as Computer Science Department Chair for Graduate Studies; Assistant Dean for Computer Studies at the University College for Continuing Education; and In-House Consultant: University Space, Energy and Telecommunication Studies. He was a lifelong teacher in other areas, too, with eager apprentices learning how to ride a bike, put a worm on a hook, swim, pack the trunk of the car, mow the lawn, convert fractions into decimals, drive (“don’t follow too closely”), paint, lay a stone patio, plant a tree, tinker in the garage and all things sports related. The family will always cherish annual lakeside vacations surrounded by relatives in adjoining cabins, as well as the frequent road trips to Florida. Philip enjoyed golf and was a single digit handicap for many years and was thrilled hitting a “hole in one” more than a couple of times. He often cited those years of walking and playing golf for contributing to his later stamina and strength. In addition to golf, Philip was happiest being with family, where he shared the awe and wonder of space shuttle launches, frequent trips to Disney and the comfort of delicious homemade meals followed by card games and puzzles around the dining room table. A resident of Ridgefield since 2016, where he lived with his daughter, Ellen, and grandson Phil, he became a neighborhood fixture sitting on the front porch, waving to dog walkers and people passing by. Throughout the years, he remained an avid sports fan of the Giants, Yankees, and women’s collegiate sports, especially the UCONN women’s basketball team. His love of sports continues as a legacy to those who loved him. Philip is survived by his three daughters: Mary Beth Wright, of Enfield, CT; Ellen Panzeca, of Ridgefield, CT; and Rev. Dr. Jane Cloutier of Stamford, CT. In addition, two grandsons survive him: Matthew Cloutier and Philip Panzeca, II. The family is grateful to the physicians, nurses and office staff who provided compassionate and extraordinary care to Philip as well as providing comfort to the family, with special mention to: Kirsten Hohmann, MD; Evelyn Cusack, MD; Alex Ortega, MD; Brenda Chan, MD and Anne Hyson, MD. Friends, family, former students, colleagues, and the community are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Philip’s life at St. Paul’s on The Green Church in Norwalk, CT at 12PM on Saturday, November 18th. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Prof. Philip J. Panzeca Professional Engineering Review Program Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra University at http://www.hofstra.edu/panzeca; or, contact Hope Motreuil, Director for Annual Giving and Stewardship at: 516-463-6336 or via email, at: mailto:hope.motreuil@hofstra.edu. To offer online condolences and to share memories, please visit: http:///www.cognetta.com.