Charles Stahl

Charles “Chip” Robert Stahl passed away on April 21, 2025, at 67 years of age. He was the loving husband of Mary Jane for 46 wonderful years. Originally from Norwalk, CT, he lived most of his life in Stamford, CT.

Earlier in life he played in a softball league and was actively involved in Stamford Youth Hockey where he coached his two sons. He also refereed hockey games for many years. He loved being in the great outdoors where he could be seen with his family camping, hunting, fishing or just watching the stars at night.

He also enjoyed trying new activities such as brewing beer and working on model rockets. He especially enjoyed it when he discovered a new activity that his family could join him in. His latest adventures brought him and Mary Jane to Scotland for three vacations. He recently retired from the Town of Darien Police Department as an Animal Control Officer, and was the owner of Animal Wildlife Solutions.

Chip was predeceased by his parents, and he leaves behind his daughter, Laura Tingley (Thomas); his sons Eric Stahl (Brittany) and Jerremy Stahl (Jessica); his sister Becky Parker (John); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Sara, Dominique, Cederic, AnèLeah and Shayna; two great-grandchildren, Everlee and Kiera; and many nephews, nieces and friends who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends may visit Chip’s family on Saturday, April 26th, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A service and memories will be shared during the visitation. Let’s all send him off with a wee dram of scotch.

To leave a note of condolence for Chips family please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Gary Morgan

Gary C. Morgan Sr., a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at the age of 57. Gary is survived by his loving son Gary C. Morgan, Jr., his brother Jason Morgan, his nieces and Goddaughters Alexis Margaret Morgan and Alyssa Margaret Morgan along with his former spouse and longtime friend Tracey Morgan Downey, all of Stamford.

Gary was born on January 2, 1968, son of the late Gary and Margaret Vorvis Morgan. Gary graduated from Westhill High School, Class of 1986 and later attended J M Wright Technical School, dedicating his life to being a Licensed Electrician for close to 40 years. 9 of those years working at Vital Electrical Services.
Gary was known for his unwavering dependability, always someone others could count on without question; his sharp wit, quick comebacks, and unforgettable humor that brightened any room; and his hardworking nature, tackling every task with commitment, precision, and an eye for perfection. He was strong-willed and never afraid to stand his ground. He was compassionate and resilient, facing every obstacle life threw his way with unbelievable strength. Gary took great pride in donating his time to coaching youth sports, finding joy in the connections he built while coaching Babe Ruth baseball, Church of the Archangels and Stamford Youth basketball, and, in recent years, the Stamford Spartans Youth football program.

His greatest joy in his life was his son Gary. He cherished every moment they shared—whether it was spending time together, rooting for the Cowboys, sharing his love for collecting, going to events and shows, and so much more. Not only did he never miss a single game or practice Gary Jr. played in, from youth leagues to adult leagues, but he was also right by his side, coaching and guiding him through each sport. Gary embodied what it meant to be a devoted and hands-on father. He took pride in being a supportive and loving father, never missing an opportunity to tell his son how proud he was. Their bond was built on unconditional love and countless unforgettable memories. His legacy lives on through his son, who continues to carry forward the values and strength he learned from his father.

Gary will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends may visit at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905 on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. The Trisagion service will take place prior to the funeral service at 3:30PM with the service beginning at 4:00PM, offered by the Rev. Father Harry Pappas.

Paul Pitman

Paul A. Pitman, 82, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Paul was born in Stamford on January 21, 1943 to the late Arnold and Marion Slade Pitman.
Paul was a master carpenter for 50 years. He never had to advertise or promote himself. He kept very busy with all his referrals because of his impeccable work. He was also an artist. He did beautiful paintings. Paul loved his whole family. Paul and his wife had a special rare bond. He was an avid NASCAR fan, Yankee, fan, and Kansas City Chiefs fan. But everyone will remember his great sense of humor, kindness, and his strong faith in the Lord.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Linda Pitman, his stepson John Anzalone and his wife Wendy, of Naples, FL and stepdaughter Deborah Esposito and her husband Tony or Seymour, CT. His beloved grandchildren, Nicole D’Agostino and her husband Nick of Naugatuck, CT, Tommaso Esposito of Seymour, CT, Nicholas Anzalone of Tampa, FL., his nieces Janyce Velotti and her husband Fred of Tennessee, Lynn Caraglior and her husband Jay of Kentucky, his nephews Michael Velotti and Christopher Velotti of Tennessee also survive.
Besides his parents, Paul is predeceased by his sister Barbara Maroldi.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Stanwich Congregational Church, 202 Taconic Road, Greenwich, CT. Interment will take place privately.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Paul’s memory to the Stamford EMS Service, 684 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford, CT 06902.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Yale New Haven Hospital LVAD team, Cardiac 5th Floor staff and Constellation Home Care.

Richard Bruce

Richard “Dick” Bruce, 83, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. Born on June 2, 1941, in Flushing, NY, he was the beloved son of the late John D. and Anne M. (McGrath) Bruce and was preceded in death by his beloved David Bruce and his cherished wife, Nancy C. (Vitale) Bruce, in 2001.
A dedicated educator and coach, Dick spent more than three decades teaching and coaching sports at Stamford High School, where he built lasting connections with students, colleagues, and the broader community. Former students greeted him warmly with “Yo, Bruce!”—a testament to his enduring impact.
His bond with his daughter, Eileen, was admired by all, especially through their shared love of Stamford High School basketball. A passionate golfer, Dick enjoyed years on the green with fellow retired teachers, the “HAS BEENS,” and proudly celebrated a hole-in-one.
An advocate for educators and individuals with disabilities, he supported ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) of Stamford and was an engaged member of the Retired Teachers Association. Above all, he was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and mentor, whose quiet strength and kindness shaped the lives of those he loved.
Dick is survived by his beloved daughter, Eileen of Stamford; his brother, William of Cortlandt Manor, NY; his sister-in-law, Vivian Vitale (Rocky Brown) of Westford, MA; and his sister-in-law, Janet Bruce of El Cerrito, CA.
He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: John Bruce (Lisa) and daughter Alma of San Francisco, CA; Doug Bruce (Olga) and daughters Yasmine and Natalie of Old Greenwich, CT; Jim Bruce (Carolina) and daughters Noely and Nicky of Stamford, CT; Bryan Brown (Veronica) and children Robby and Casey of Hopedale, MA; Laura Venters (Michael) and children Daniel, Chelsea, and Aidan of Elkton, MD; and Blair Brown (Christian Dalomba) of Chelmsford, MA.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET at Saint Cecilia Church, located at 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Dick’s memory, to ARI of Stamford: https://www.arict.org/donate or American Brain Tumor Association: https://www.abta.org/ways-to-donate/
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Dick Bruce’s legacy lives on in every student he taught, every coach he mentored, every family member he supported, and every life he touched with kindness and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Michael DeMarco, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael A. DeMarco Jr. on April 16, 2025. Michael was born in Wareham, MA on May 31,1944. Michael was a “Springdale kid” and the son of Michael and Louise (Pontanello) DeMarco.
Graduated J. M. Wright Technical School, he became a licensed electrician and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3. Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1967, served in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He returned home to Stamford where he began his lifelong career as a highly skilled licensed electrician. Michael took great pride in helping his girls with science fair projects, learning how to ride bikes, and teaching them how to drive.
Having a love of beagles, Corvettes and motorcycles, Michael owned and operated Harley Davidson of Norwalk and enjoyed many a long Sunday drive on his latest Harley. Michael also enjoyed keeping up on the latest college football games and religiously followed UConn girls’ basketball. He was an avid reader of all things health related and kept up with the latest construction equipment trends.
He is survived by his loving daughters Danielle (Christopher) Carter, Kelly (George) Laccona, granddaughters Olivia Laccona and Maeve Carter, brother Robert DeMarco (Frances), sister Kathy (Bob) Inzitari, former spouse Laura DeMarco and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at The Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT at 10:30AM, Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at St. Johns RC Cemetery, Darien, CT.

Joseph Baske

Joseph (Joe) Anthony Baske (July 11, 1968 – April 13, 2025) has passed away at the age of 56. Joe grew up in Weston, CT and obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut. He was currently pursuing his doctorate at ULM.
Joe was a social studies teacher for 27 years at Greenwich High School. Many would describe him as the heart and soul of the building. His smile, laughter, and love of life infiltrated the halls and classrooms.
In addition to teaching, Joe presented workshops focused on how to facilitate resilience and engagement in the resistant learner by cultivating gratitude, compassion, and pride. This was his passion project.
It was at GHS that Joe met his wife of 22 years, Michelle. Joe proposed within 10 months of dating and they were married a few short months later. Their love, respect, and appreciation of one another ran strong and was felt by all that knew them. Joe always prioritized Michelle’s well-being and happiness above all else.
Together they had two children, Joseph and Genevieve. Joe would say being a dad was the greatest gift ever bestowed upon him. As a dad, he was committed to teaching social responsibility, with a generous side of goofiness. At the end of each day he would tell them, “I love you forever and I’m glad you’re my son/daughter.”
Beyond his passion for family and teaching, Joe loved playing basketball, held an unwavering belief in the New York Knicks and had an unexpected love of rap music.
He also had a love for classic cars. It’s bittersweet that he died from multiple blood clots in his lungs while attending a car show.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph E. Baske and Mary C. Baske. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, Joseph and Genevieve; his brother, John (Whitney) Baske; his sister, Michele Baske; his in-laws, William and Nancy Grella; his sister-in-law, Erica (Peter) Angelopoulos; his nieces and nephew, Emma Baske (Jeremy) Woods, Meghan Baske, Johnny Angelopoulos, and Antonia Angelopoulos; and his best friend/brother, Kenric Gubner.
Calling hours for Joe will be held Monday, April 21, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Cognetta Funeral home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT. A burial will follow at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made “In Memory of Joe Baske” to the Greenwich Scholarship Association, PO Box 4627, Greenwich, CT 06831.

Steven Dorso

Steven Dorso, born March 7, 1943, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 81. Steve was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was the only child born to the late Gerald and Harriet (Sucolski) Dorso.
Steve grew up on Long Island in Valley Stream, NY and enjoyed many summers at YMCA Camp Greenkill in Huguenot, NY. Steve attended Valley Stream North High and always looked forward to the many high school reunions where he would reconnect with old friends. After high school, Steve graduated from SUNY Farmingdale, where he majored in Advertising Art & Design and bonded with lifelong friends, including Eileen, whom he married in 1965.
After college, Steve worked as a designer at various advertising agencies in Manhattan. In 1973, he joined Longines Direct Marketing and the Capitol Record Club as Senior Art Director and Creative Director. He then moved with his family to Stamford, CT.
Shortly after, Steve proudly started his own company, Dorso Creative Group, specializing in direct marketing and graphic design. He built the business over the next years with Eileen and his daughter Andrea until his retirement in 2021. Steve commuted into Manhattan from Springdale train station for over 30 years, chatting the whole way with his “train buddies.”
Steve enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years. He was a self-taught woodworker and created many pieces of fine furniture, which are proudly displayed in the homes of his loved ones. Steve was also an avid cyclist and a member of the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club, where he formed many friendships. Among his favorite bike memories are the three rides he did from Stamford to Vermont, accompanied by his sons-in-law, who lovingly referred to him as ‘Dors’.
Vermont was Steve’s happy place…. This is where he loved to cross country ski, snowshoe, hike and spend cherished weekends with friends and family. Steve loved tending to the fire in the wood stove, enjoying the mountain view and watching the grandkids sled down the big hill.
Steve loved to talk with friends, often about cars or politics, and had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He could always be counted on to insert a bad pun, corny joke or break into a tv commercial jingle. Steve’s greatest source of joy and pride was his family, especially his four grandkids.
Steve is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen Dorso (Goss); two daughters and their husbands, Susan Sottile and husband Tom and Andrea Reilly and husband Bob; his beloved grandchildren, Michael and Abigail Sottile and Julia and Peyton Reilly; his brother-in-law, Edward Goss and his wife Scottie; his sister-in-law, Susan Goss; and many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert Goss.
The family wishes to extend its appreciation to the professional and caring staff at Benchmark at Stamford for their compassionate care.
Friends and family may attend a celebration of Steve’s life on Saturday, February 22nd, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Steven’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or to No Kid Hungry at www.nokidhungry.org/donate.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Dorso family with the arrangements. To leave online messages of condolence, please visit the guestbook hosted on www.Cognetta.com.

William Frayer

William W. Frayer passed away on February 8, 2025, at age 80 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his children and his aides in his final days at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY.
Bill was born in Syracuse, NY on September 11, 1944, to Leon Webster (Web) Frayer and Esther (Dodd) Frayer. Raised in Schenectady and Endwell, NY Bill attended Cornell University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1966, a master’s in electrical engineering in 1968, and in 1972 graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College (formerly Cornell University Medical College). He remained at Weill Cornell Medical College where he continued into an internship and residency program in pediatrics and later a fellowship in neonatology. He stayed in New York City after his medical training, splitting his time between New York City and a home in Pound Ridge, NY.
Bill spent his entire career at Weill Cornell/New York Presbyterian Hospital as an associate professor of clinical pediatrics in neonatology. He loved taking care of babies and loved teaching the next generations of doctors. In his 37 years as an attending physician, he trained over 100 fellows, and countless residents and nurse practitioners. Bill hoped to be remembered for his work as a professor.
He had a deep interest in computing and acted as the director of clinical information systems at New York Presbyterian Hospital, helping to make New York Presbyterian one of the first hospitals in the country to move from paper to electronic medical records. This work led to travels around the world, most memorably Japan, France and Australia, to teach other hospitals about how to make the transition to electronic medical records.
Bill’s interests were broad and deep—from programming computers to playing the piano and organ, building and playing harpsichords, collecting stamps, wood working, quilting, needlepoint, making stained glass, teaching himself calligraphy, repairing and selling fountain pens, and collecting what seemed to be every classical music CD ever made—he was a true Renaissance man.
Bill is survived by his two children, Elizabeth, of New York City, and Eric, of Los Angeles, his daughter-in-law Sarah Frayer, three grandchildren, Theodore and Elliott Frayer and Wilhelmina Milnes, his former wife Joyce Frayer, brother-in-law James Hyla, and many nieces and nephews. His sister, Sharon Hyla, predeceased him.
A wake will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 12-2pm at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home (104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902) with a prayer service to begin at 2PM at the parlor. Burial will follow.
In remembrance of Bill’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Cornell’s NICU where he spent his career and where his granddaughter was so lovingly cared for. Checks may be made to “Perinatology Fund” and in the memo, “In memory of Dr. Frayer” and mailed to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Attn: Nazera Pasha, 525 East 68th Street, Box 106, New York, NY 10065.

Sonya Corrente

Sonya Corrente, born October 22, 1941, passed away peacefully at her home on March 4, 2025, with her beloved family by her side. Sonya was born in Stamford, CT to the late Charles and Olga (Boshko) Bialczak.
Sonya was a beautiful person inside and out. Her radiant smile and sparkling blue eyes lit up every room she entered. Sonya was known for her kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality.
Sonya lived life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an excellent cook and a gifted needlepointer. A 50-year tradition that Sonya and Frank cherished were the trips they took to Saratoga, NY. She also enjoyed an “occasional” trip to the casino.
Although Sonya is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.
Sonya will be dearly missed by her husband, Frank R. Corrente. Together they celebrated a remarkable 54 years of marriage. Sonya’s love extended to her daughters Tracey Murphy (Doug) and Alyse McEwen (Doug), and her son Christopher Corrente. She was adored by and affectionately known as “Greeka” to her grandchildren Amy Rowan (Gabe), Matthew McEwen, Peter and Jeffery Murphy, and Blake Corrente, and her great-grandchildren Eli, Dylan, and Margot. Sonya was predeceased by her sister, Barbra Bialczak.
Sonya’s family would like to extend many thanks to her Hospice team who lovingly cared for her during her final days.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on March 22, 2025 at 10:30 am at St. John R.C. Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT. The inurnment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers donations in Sonya’s name may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Waveny, 22 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06987.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements. To leave online condolences visit the guestbook hosted on www.Cognetta.com.

Mary Ann Blake

Mary Ann Blake, born April 12, 1930, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Saturday, March 29, 2025 at her home. Mary Ann was born in New York, NY to the late James Patrick and Anne (Sullivan) Blake. She was 94 years old at the time of her passing.
Mary Ann lived in the Cove section of Stamford and worked as a secretary at Pitney Bowes. She was a former, long-time parishioner of St. Mary Church, where she participated in the Rosary Society, as well as the Auxiliary Club at St. John Church. She volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she enjoyed caring for the patients, offering companionship and lending an open ear.
Mary Ann leaves behind her cousin, Michael Buckley and his family, her devoted healthcare aid, Nadine, and friends and acquaintances from her residence.
According to her wishes, a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, in Stamford, CT. She will be interred in her family plot following mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements. To leave online condolences visit the guestbook hosted on www.Cognetta.com.