Craig Peter Dedman, husband of Barbara O’Brien Dedman, died on September 16, 2016, at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, the culmination of a nine-year battle against cancer.

Born in Middletown, Connecticut on May 6, 1942, son of the late John and Louise Dedman, he grew up in Orange and attended Amity High School, where he excelled at golf, swimming, and football, and developed many lifelong friendships.

He attended the University of Pennsylvania and Southern Connecticut State College, where he was a member of the golf and swimming teams.

He spent most of his advertising career working for SNET Yellow Pages.

Craig was a longtime parishioner of St. Rose of Lima in Meriden, where he served the church and its former school in several capacities, including treasurer and president of the Home and School Association, president of the Parish Council, Eucharistic minister, assistant coach to the CYO basketball team, CCD instructor, and for the last 25 years has been a devoted member of the church choir, the ranks of which comprise many of his and Barbara’s dearest friends. He also gave himself to volunteering on the behalf of individual parishioners and members of the community who were in need.

Craig remained an avid golfer, and loved a good game of cribbage or chess, UConn basketball, Notre Dame football, the writings of Thomas Merton, and all things Irish.

Besides his wife Barbara he is survived by two sons, Peter and his wife Suzanne Sanders of Brooklyn, New York and grand-son Zen; and Timothy and his wife Allison Tuohy of West Orange, New Jersey and grand-daughter Finley. Craig is also survived by his younger brother, Jim and Jim’s wife Laurel Dedman of Waterbury.

In addition, he leaves sisters-in-law Stephania Dedman, Pat (Margaret) O’Brien, Margaret and her husband Robert Gillard, and Linda and her husband Tom Warwick; brothers-in-law and their wives Terry and Pat O’Brien, Jeremiah and Belena O’Brien, Dennis and Kay O’Brien, and Kevin and Judy O’Brien; and more than two dozen nieces and nephews in whom he took great joy and pride. Craig was predeceased by older brothers Jonathan and David, and brother in-law Raymond O’Brien.

Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden on Thursday, September 22, from 4-8 p.m.

The funeral will be held on Friday, September 23 at 9:15 am from the funeral home and at 10am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center Street, Meriden for a Mass of Christian Burial.

Burial will be at Orange Center Cemetery, Route 152, Orange Center Road, Orange, CT.

Should friends desire, contributions in Craig’s memory may be made to SMILOW Cancer Center, Office of Development, Yale New Haven Hospital, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979.

Margaret “Peggy” Scharer-Esposito, 76, of Orange, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 17, 2016 at Masonicare after a courageous battle with cancer and ALS.

Peggy was born in Pittsfield, MA to the late Leo and Maryon Comalli.

She is survived by her beloved sons, John (Mary Beth) Scharer and Peter (Shawnee) Scharer; stepsons, Mark Esposito and his partner Tish Jacobson, and David (Sue) Esposito. Peggy is also survived by her grandchildren, Alex Scharer, Katie Esposito, Anthony Esposito and goddaughter Susan Chapman Hayes. She was predeceased by her husbands, Anthony F. Esposito and Thomas Wallace.

Peggy was a homemaker while her sons were growing up. She volunteered in her son’s activities including being a Cub Scout den mother, being active in the PTA and with their local swim team. After her son’s became adults, she worked for Lord and Taylor as a Sales Associate until she retired. She received the “white rose” designation by Lord and Taylor for her customer service and sales skills.

Peggy was an avid reader, enjoyed opera and was a flower and herb gardener. She always recognized loved ones on their birthday as well as wedding anniversaries. She was famous for calling family members on their birthday and singing the Happy Birthday song. She loved planning special dinners for family and friends birthday parties, and was known for her creative stocking stuffers for her family at Christmas.

Upon retirement she enjoyed studying European history and philosophy. When she moved to her senior living apartment at Silverbrook Estates she presided over the weekly rosary and prayer group.

Special thanks go out to Stacey Ricca of the ALS Foundation, Dr. Charles Whitaker of the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain who took great care of Peggy after she was diagnosed with ALS and the entire staff at Masonicare.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Peggy’s funeral service on Saturday September 24, 2016 at 10:30am at BEECHER & BENNETT-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 410 Campbell Ave., West Haven.

Visitation will take place from 9:30am until the time of the service. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven.

Memorial donations in Peggy’s name may be made to the ALS Foundation, c/o Stacey Ricca, 4 Oxford Rd., Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460. To share a condolence with Peggy’s family, visit www.beecherandbennett.com.

Donna Pezzullo Petruzziello, 61, of West Haven, passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Smilow Cancer Center in New Haven on September 25, 2016.

Donna was born in New Haven on June 15, 1955 to the late Anthony and Matilda (Furino) Pezzullo. Donna graduated from the New Haven Academy of Business with an Associate Degree.

For the last ten years, she was a waitress at the Athenia II Diner in North Haven. Donna was a devoted mother and loving grandmother, she will be sadly missed.

She is survived by her three children: Anthony (Samantha) Petruzziello of Orange, David Petruzziello and Tara Gravely, both of West Haven. She is also survived by her sister Gail Pezzullo-Burgs (Robert) of Florida. She had nine grandchildren: Travis and Tyler Stephens, Matteao, Lia, Anthony Jr., Angelo and Amelio Petruzziello, and Jeana and Jason Farqueharson.

Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven, on Tuesday, October 4 from 4-7 p.m. There will be a memorial service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Awareness, 60 East 56th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

To leave an online tribute or condolence, visit www.keenanfuneralhome.com.

John LaViola Sr., 87, of Orange, entered into rest on September 29, 2016.

He was the husband of Philomena DeMaio LaViola. Father of John (Maria) LaViola, Jr. and proud grandfather of Alexandra and John LaViola, III. Son of Louis LaViola and Rose Delfino LaViola, he was the brother of Isabelle LaViola Nastri and predeceased by Cosmo LaViola.

An active communicant of Holy Infant Parish, John served as a Eucharistic minister. He was well known in the community as the owner of LaViola Landscaping, a member of the Connecticut Historical Automobile Society, and for his display of antique cars at the Orange Country Fair.

He graduated from Quinnipiac University and was a fourth degree and past grand knight of the Hon. W. Patrick Donlin Assembly 2459 of the Knights of Columbus, Orange. Committed to education and numerous charities, John and his wife Philomena established endowed scholarships at Quinnipiac University and the Foote School.

The hours for visitation will take place on Monday, Oct. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the green.

On Tuesday morning, the procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Infant Church at 10 o’clock. Entombment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the LaViola Family Scholarship Fund c/o Foote School, 50 Loomis Place, New Haven, CT. 06511.

To leave an online remembrance, please visit www.westhavenfuneral.com.

Vivian Petz, 89, passed away on October 2. She was predeceased by husband Michael Petz, a teacher in the Southington School System and daughter, Cynthia Petz, an attorney in MA.

She is survived by a sister Sandra Dietrich, several nieces and nephews, and many good friends. Vivian was born in Pennsylvania on September 8, 1927, daughter of the late Edward R. Berie and Tamie E. (Walters) Berie. She also was predeceased by her brother, Paul Berie.

Vivian graduated from Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA., and obtained her teaching certificate from Penn State University and her Master’s Degree from New Britain College, New Britain, CT. She also took additional credit courses at Central CT State University, in New Britain, CT.

Her teaching career began in PA, Dalmatia school system and Northumberland High School teaching Life Skills and Social Studies. Then she and her family settled in Southington, CT where she taught Home Economics for 36 years at John F. Kennedy Jr. High School.

A member of ADK, Vivian had many wonderful friends from the Southington School System especially Bette Ann, Carol, Barbara, Dale and Ceil. Other dear friends included Dottie and Tammy and Lou. She had an appreciation for the arts and painted in multiple mediums, with a particular eye for landscapes and portraits. Her portrait of her daughter Cynthia was hung in the law office where she began her career at the special request from her friends and fellow attorneys.

Her art work was displayed along with friend and fellow artist Lenny in the public library in Orange, CT. Vivian had a lifelong love of learning and traveled extensively enjoying many cultures and countries around the world.

She was an avid reader, loved history, old movies, bird watching, flowers especially lilacs, opera and classical music, fried oysters and lobster.

She kept active even after cancer surgery, sharing good times bowling with Captain Bailey, Emily and Erica. She will be remembered for her generosity, resilience, determination to do things on her own terms and sense of humor even in difficult times regarding her own health.

At Vivian’s request there are no calling hours. Burial will be in St Thomas Cemetery in Southington. CT. Visit www.dellavecchia.com for online tributes.

Donations in her memory may be made to Christian Appalachian Project, PO Box 55911, Lexington, KY, 40555.http://www.fbamc-ky.org/index.html.

The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Jane Mary (Whitman) McKeon, 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Agrace HospiceCare on October 28, 2016.

Jane spent most of her time caring for and spending time with her large family. She loved unconditionally and with her whole heart.

Her contagious laugh made her someone people wanted to be around. Jane had a passion for reading, she could always be found curled up with a book.

Jane also loved to travel the world and was lucky enough to get to do that with her soulmate. In their 40 years of traveling together, Steve and Jane experienced things from riding a camel in Egypt to kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland.

Jane was a loving wife, a strong mother, a caring sister, a loyal daughter, a fun aunt, and most of all an incredible friend to all. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Jane is survived by her loving husband of over 50 years, Stephen “Steve” McKeon; daughters, Kerry (Troy) Olson, Kathy McKeon, Kristine (Michael) Sutter, Kimberly (Robert) Schiro, Kelly (John) Longseth; and son, Stephen (Jacque) McKeon, Jr.; NaDean Huolihan and Erin Whitman, who hold a special place in Jane’s heart; mother-in-law, Ellen McKeon of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Martha (Joseph) Gagliardi of Windsor Locks, CT and Mary (David) Connelley of Wichita, KS; and brothers, Ralph (Jill) Whitman of Orange, CT, Richard Whitman of Key West, FL , Mark (Barbara) Whitman of Highland Lakes, NJ, and Jeffrey (Stephanie) Whitman of Hollywood, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Catherine Whitman, her father-in-law, Samuel McKeon and her brother, Paul Whitman.

Jane was blessed with and also survived by many grandchildren; Jessica, Stephanie, Alyssa, Justine, Kaitlin, Kali, Jennifer, Jordan, Chelsea, Mason, Madelyn, Michael, Nina, Sadie, Emma, Francesca, Samantha, Kristopher, Brayden and Cora; and two great-granddaughters; Genevieve and Natalie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main Street, Verona, with Father William Vernon presiding.

A visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday November 1, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona.

A luncheon will follow Mass on Wednesday at The Legend at Bergamont, in Oregon, WI.

A special thanks to Stoughton Hospital, Ingleside Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility and Agrace HospiceCare for their loving care of Jane and their kind and caring assistance to the family.

To view and sign this guestbook, visit ryanfuneralservice.com

Betty (Buddy) J. Branchini, 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, in New Haven.

Born in New Haven, CT on March 9, 1921, Betty, lived in CT her whole life. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Adriana DiLorenzo of New Haven, who immigrated from Naples, Italy.

Buddy, as she was known by her family and friends, enjoyed many activities. She was a dedicated jigsaw puzzler, using 500-1500 pieces. Her completed puzzles ranged from the simple to the complex: Monet’s “The Water-Lily Pond,” a Jackson Pollock or a simple New York skyline. A puzzle was always on her kitchen or dining room table; it became a family activity.

She was an avid bird-watcher and bird-lover, one who enjoyed reading and collecting bird anthologies. She also enjoyed reading modern fiction and her favorite authors were Nicholas Sparks and Janet Evanovich.

During baseball season, Betty would never miss the Mets games on television. Conversant with the names and statistics of the team, she impressed her family with her knowledge of the sport.

At the age of 90, she bought herself an iPad and learned how to email in order to correspond with her family and friends. She also had her own cellphone, with which she learned to take photos of the wild turkeys and deer in her backyard.

Buddy was an excellent cook; everything was made from scratch, ranging from traditional recipes to testing new ones and even inventing some of her own. If she could have lived her life again, she would have gone to culinary school.

Betty spent many years working in the shoe department at Malley’s. She often received recognition for her outstanding customer care and service.

For more than 30 years, she volunteered her time at the Barn Sale in Hamden, a charitable, non-profit agency. She worked alongside her sister Ann Klimczak, the manager, and enjoyed a special circle of “Barn-lady” friends.

Betty is survived by her two daughters: Marie García-Abrines, Professor Emerita of SCSU of New Haven and Alberta (Ralph) Gagliardi of Vero Beach, Florida. Her grandchildren are Robert (Sara) Gagliardi, Jill (Joseph) Smith, Gina (Robert) DeFiore, Mark (Penny) Gagliardi, Linda (John) Isaacs and Alicia (Paolo) Romanacci. Her great-grandchildren are: Jarrod, Jenna, Brianna, Bryan, Masen, Olivia, Nicholas and Beck.

While Betty lived most of her life in Hamden, CT, at the age of 90, she moved to Orange, CT to be close to her family.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 3, at 10:00 a.m., in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.

Olive P. Scranton, 94, passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2016, in New London. She was the wife of the late Charles M. Scranton.

Olive was born on June 29, 1922, in New Haven to the late Carl A. and Lucille B. Peterson.

Olive grew up in Orange and graduated from Stone College. She was active in the Eastern Star and an active and faithful member of St. Michael’s Church. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her family, and living in the country.

Olive worked as the secretary of the First Congregational Church for many years, retiring in 1994. She was a member and past Matron of Ephraim-Kirby Chapter O.E.S of Litchfield and past Grand Warder of the Connecticut O.E.S.

She is survived by her four children, Olivia J. Connors of Waterford, Charles M. (Marge) Scranton Jr. of Westerly, Judith R. Scranton of New London, and Mary S. Daalhuyzen of Sharon; five grandchildren, Michael A. Connors, Jennifer L. Scranton, Rachel S. Kurczy, M. Van Daalhuyzen and Anneka J. Daalhuyzen.

The family would like to thank Bacon and Hinkley and Beechwood Nursing Homes for the exceptional care and love they showed to their mother.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 25 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759. Burial will follow in Cornwall Cemetery, Route 4, Cornwall, CT 06753.

Kindly visit www.rowefuneralhome.net to send the family an online condolence.

Geraldine Hazel Mattia, 77, of Orange passed away on November 14, 2016 at Yale-New Haven Hospital (St. Raphael Campus) after a valiant battle with COPD.

She was the daughter of the late Americus and Irene Aceto of East Haven, CT. Born in Meriden on October 10, 1939, Geraldine was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, New Haven, and earned a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

Just after graduating, she was a teacher in the Cheshire and North Haven school systems and, after raising a family, at St. Louis School in West Haven. Geraldine was active for many years in the Westville Garden Club and the Mothers Circle of Orange, and she was a founder of the Connecticut Rose Society and active in the group since 1980.

She also was a long-time volunteer at WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce), West Haven’s pantry for people in need.Geraldine is survived by her husband of 55 years, John Paul Mattia Sr., and by her son John Paul Mattia Jr., Ph.D., of Santa Monica, CA and daughter Jill Irene Mattia, Ph.D., of North Bethesda, MD.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, November 25, at 11 a.m. at the Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road, Orange and to a reception with her family after the Mass in the church hall.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be sent to WHEAT at 674 Washington Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 (or wheatpantry.org).

The family is being compassionately cared for by the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com 

John Joseph Pierce, 74, of Orange, beloved husband of 46 years to Linda Kregel Pierce, passed away peacefully, on November 18, 2016. Born on November 24, 1941 in Fort Monroe, VA, he was the son of the late Harold and Catherine Kelly Pierce.

Mary Naydine Simonds, 95, of Orange, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2016.

She was born in Plymouth, IN on August 12th, 1921 to the late Edward Bagley and Mary (Young) Bagley. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Philip H. Simonds. She is survived by her four children: John (Niko) Simonds of White Plains, NY, Naydine “Susie” (Stuart) Shenk of Galax, VA, Karen (Bruce) Bonfiglio of Morriston, FL and Beth Dale of Orange, CT.

Mary also is survived by ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her brothers Franklin Bagley, Elwood Russell and sister Beth White and survived by her brother Charles Bagley. She served in the US Naval Reserve, also known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), where she met her husband in April of 1943 while both were stationed in Washington D.C. They were married two months later at the Washington National Cathedral. She served in the WAVES from 1942 to 1944.

After raising her four children she was employed as a secretary/bookkeeper by a stockbroker in New Haven. When her husband retired they moved to Galax, VA where they enjoyed living in the Blue Ridge Mountain area for 14 years before moving back to CT in 1992. While living in Galax she was very involved in establishing their local Hospice center.

She was a talented artist and enjoyed watercolor painting. She was an avid gardener with a green thumb, tending to beautiful outdoor plants as well as a large number of orchids that she was quite proud of. She was an excellent cook and baker and loved to share her baked goods with many happy recipients.

The family will have private services, however memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice of CT, 1579 Straits Tpke., Unit 1E, Middlebury, CT 06762.

James ‘Denny’ Sutton, 69, of Redding, passed peacefully surrounded by his beloved family.

The three things that were most important to Denny were his service to his country, the love he had for his family, and his passion for life.

As a youth, Denny was an avid stock car racer. At 20 years old, he volunteered his service to his country as a Recon Marine in Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart medal.

After his service, he lived his life following his passion for adventure. He summited Mt. Rainier. He was a skydiver and rock climber. He spent a year and a half driving a VW bus from Germany to South Africa, and throughout his life he took every opportunity to seize the moment.

The adventure he was most proud of was being a dedicated, loving husband and father. He always said that being a father and marrying Noreen were the best things he ever did. He supported his family as a successful business owner of J. Dennis Sutton Plumbing & Heating, Inc. He persevered against all odds and continued to fight the battle of his life against his failing health for 15 years until he knew his family would be ok.

Denny is survived by his wife of 25 years, Noreen Morrow Sutton, his sons Dr. W. Keith Sutton of San Anselmo, CA, US Marine JD Sutton Jr. of Denver, CO, M. Jake Sutton of UMASS Dartmouth, and T. Matt Sutton of Lyndon State College. Denny is also survived by his two grandchildren, Molly and Elliott Sutton, his four sisters, Cheryl Adams of Barre, MA, Jody Sutton-St. Clair of Warwick, NY, Tracey Sutton of West Haven, CT, Suzanne Sutton of Orange, CT, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Denny was the son of the late Bill Sutton and is also leaves by his loving, devoted mother, Betty Sutton of Norwalk, CT, who was by his side through out his life, through his sickness, and comforted him at his bedside at his passing.

Services for Dennis Sutton will be held on Sunday, December 18th at 2pm at First Church of Christ Congregational in Redding, CT. All are welcome.

Condolences may be sent to 43 Old Stage Coach Rd, Redding, CT 06896. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Dennis’ sons’ college fund.

For info or online guestbook: www.Magnerfuneralhome.com

Joseph DeRose, of Woodbridge passed away on December 17, 2016 surrounded by his family. Devoted husband of the late Jean DeRose. He is survived by his loving children JoAnne (Frank) DeCusati of Woodbridge, James (Dawn) DeRose and Jacqueline (Michael) Esposito all of Orange, his cherished grandchildren Andrea (Kevin) Warhola, Jennifer (Joseph) Craft, Sara DeRose, Stephanie, Jessica and Nicholas Esposito, and his beloved great granddaughter Madison Jean.

He is also survived by his brother Rocco DeRose of West Haven. He was predeceased by his sister Josephine Bassetti.

Known for his love of dogs, he leaves behind his faithful friend Bruschi. Joseph was the owner and operator of J. DeRose & Son Plumbing & Heating prior to his retirement. He also spent time as an instructor at Platt Tech.

Joseph was a WWII Navy Veteran, he loved his cameras, the New York Yankees and above all his family.

The hours for visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. His funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Infant Church at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Peters Cemetery.

For online condolences please visit our website at www.westhavenfuneral.com.

Cesare (Chaz) Tomei, 92, passed away peacefully at Connecticut Hospice in Branford on December 20, 2016.

He was born in Lucca, Italy on July 10, 1924 to the late Filomena Angelini Tomei and Mario Tomei and came to the United States in 1932.

Chaz retired from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1988 after a 35-year career as an Electrical Design Engineer. For 20 years, he spent winters in Deerfield Beach, Florida and was a lifelong golfer, horse racing enthusiast, stamp collector, bocce player, dancer and investor.

He lived in Orange CT and was a committed member of the Holy Infant Church in Orange. With a positive attitude and bright outlook on life, Chaz was liked and will be missed by all who knew him.

Chaz is survived by his wife, Josephine (Musco) Tomei, his sons David (Laurie) Tomei; Jeffrey (Susan) Tomei and daughter Linda Galluzzo. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Michelle (Scott) Sokolowski, Stephanie (Rico) Lodovico, and Marina, Matthew and Julia Tomei and great-grandchildren Colton and Brielle Sokolowski.

Funeral services took place at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange on Saturday morning, Dec. 24 at 9 with a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial followed in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. Sign Chaz’s guest book online at www.iovanne.com 

Mary Samaras Vasilas, 93, of Orange, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Mary was pre-deceased by her beloved husband George Michael Vasilas in 2005 after 56 years of marriage.

Born in Danbury on September 10, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Anastas and Despina Samaras. Mary grew up in New Haven and raised her family in West Haven and then Orange.

Mary had a career in business finance, working for the New Haven Railroad and the New Haven Register. In her later years, she worked part-time in the business office of Macy’s Department Store.

Mary had a lifelong passion for reading, gardening, cooking and knitting and was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees. She embraced her Greek heritage with her love of its music and dancing and had a lifelong commitment to her church and faith.

She was affectionately known as “Yiayia” to her 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren whom she truly adored. Her home was always filled with love and laughter and she leaves behind a legacy of wonderful memories for her family to cherish and always remember her by.

Mary is survived by her six loving daughters, Denise (John) Wiedemann, Evelyn (Richard) Principe, Zmara (Donald) Knoll, Anita Stock, Penny Vasilas and Tina (Richard) Duffy; her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth (Michael) Oliveras, Rebecca (Jason) Hayden, Lisa Knoll, Steven (Adrienne) Principe, Stacey (Kevin) Chadderton, Eric (Ann) Wiedemann, Jason Knoll, Jeffrey (Lisa) Wiedemann, Alexander Stock and Katherine (Greg) Fabso; and her adorable great grandchildren.

She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Mary was pre-deceased by her only sister, Zmara Passa. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Alina’s Elder Care LLC for the compassionate caregivers that enabled our mother to live in her home during the last year of her life.

The family is grateful for the caring services provided by the Orange VNA, Hospice at Home and CT Hospice of Branford.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 1 p.m. at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven, CT.

Friends and family may call on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 N. Broad St., Milford. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477.

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.

Margaret Mary Glynn Hull, 95, of Freedom Village in Lake Forest CA (Formerly of North Haven, and Hamden, CT) died on November 20, 2016 after a short illness.

Mother of Kathie Esquino (Enrique) of Lake Forest, CA and Robert Hull, Jr. (Nadine) of Orange, CT. Grandmother to Christian Esquino (Tiffany), Michael Esquino, Meredith Mastrangelo (Alan) and Margaret Boyle (Kristopher). Pre-deceased by husband Robert Hull, Sr.,daughter Barbara Ann Hull, brothers Joseph Glynn, Thomas Glynn and John Burns.

Margaret Glynn was born in New Haven, of Immigrant parents from Ireland and England. She worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company, and married in 1943. She then became a housewife, mother, and faithful member of the St. Therese’s Church community in North Haven.

She loved attending sporting events, concerts, and dance recitals, and watching her children, grandchildren, and eventually her great grandchildren perform.

A dog lover, she always had dog treats in her pocket, in order to “Make a friend,” wherever she went. She had also been an Avid New York Yankees, Giants, UCONN Women’s Basketball, and Notre Dame Fan.

After both her children had graduated, she went to work with the American Automobile Association (AAA), in their membership department. She later lived at The Hamden Commons Building 8, from 1999 until 2011, when she then moved to California, so that her daughter could help her stay in her own apartment.

There will be a mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 12:00 Noon, at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave, North Haven, CT. With burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery immediately following.

In Lieu of flowers, please Donate to: The Animal Haven, Inc. 89 Mill Road, North Haven, CT 06473.

Thomas H. Miller, 60, a lifelong resident of Milford, died peacefully January 2, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was the son of Evelyn Miller and the late David H. Miller.

He is survived by his loving wife Elisa; sister Jeryl Horrocks and her husband Edward and brother David Miller and his wife Kathy, all of Milford. He is also survived by his brother Karl Miller and his wife Pamela of Orange; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tom enjoyed life and had many passions. His greatest passion in life was flying. Tom’s love for flying began at an early age and grew into a successful career in aviation. He started his career as a pilot while working full-time as an attorney and joined what is now Gama Aviation in 1985, becoming Director of Operations in 1996. He also volunteered his time and skills as a helicopter pilot for Eagle One Rescue and assisted in many rescue operations, including Hurricane Katrina.

He also enjoyed volunteering as a train engineer at the Railroad Museum of New England. He had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles. Tom was a generous man who was always willing to help others. His smile and good sense of humor would brighten up a room.

Tom had many friends and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His passing has left a great void in our lives but he will always be in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church, 70 Gulf St, Milford CT. There will be no calling hours and a private burial will be held. Flowers are welcome, donations may be sent to Eagle One, PO Box 616, Southport, CT 06890-0616.

Peter Anastasion, born August 5, 1921 in New Haven, Connecticut was called to heaven Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital.

After serving his country proudly as a Corporal in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, Peter returned home to earn an Accounting Degree from the University of Connecticut. A devoted, lifetime member of Saint Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church, Peter received the Archdiocesan Medal of St. Paul, the highest honor bestowed to a layperson by the Greek Orthodox Archdioceses of America.

Peter was a well-known lover of classical music and a talented violinist for 40 years. Peter is predeceased by his parents Damianos and Carrie Anastasion, and his brother, William Anastasion.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Maria Pappas Anastasion, and their two loving children Carrie (Timothy) Simoulis and Damon (Jodi) Anastasion. He also served as a cherished Papou to his grandchildren Eleni and her fiancé Daniel, and Stephanie and her significant other Elliot, and a kind hearted Uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (480 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477). Calling hours will take place at the church between 4-8 p.m. on Sunday,January 8th.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 9th at 10 a.m., followed by interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Building or Endowment Funds. Arrangements in care of the Celentano Funeral Home, New Haven. www.celentanofuneralhome.com