Patricia Viesti

/in /by

Patricia Ann Viesti, 86, formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Patricia was born in Stamford on July 26, 1937 to the late Patsy and Jennie DeCostanzo Sciglimpaglia.
Patricia graduated J.M. Wright Technicial School in Stamford and worked as a hairdresser at The Vogue, after which she became a teacher’s aide, working for the New Canaan Public School system. Patricia also worked at Marketing Corporation of America, PERG Research and cooked at the Brandford Community Kitchen. She was a member of the Ridgefield Women’s Club and was married to Ronald Viesti, Sr. for 61 years.
Patricia is survived by her son; Ronald Viesti, Jr. of Branford, her daughters; Lisa Viesti and her husband Greg Michie of Norwalk and Lynn Viesti Berube and her husband Peter of Milford, her sister-in-law Deborah Fratino and her husband Daniel of Westport, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Patricia is predeceased by her husband; Ronald Viesti, Sr., her sister Joanne Sibilio and her brother William Sciglimpaglia.
A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 10:30 AM and proceed to Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Ave, Stamford, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Patricia’s memory to; Closer to Free, c/o Yale Cancer Center; 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510 or to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd, Branford, CT 06405 or to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Spyros Lecouras

/in /by

Spyros Lecouras, 73, formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Spyros was born in Stamford, CT on April 15, 1950 to the late Charles and Catherine Lecouras.
Spyros was a graduate of Stamford High School, Temple University for undergraduate, and received his MBA from UConn. He lived in Stamford for 55 years and moved to Beacon Falls 18 years ago to be with the love of his life, Sally. He was a proud member of the Church of Archangels in Stamford and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Waterbury.
Spyros is survived by his devoted wife, Sally Curtin of Beacon Falls, his children Charles Lecouras of Stamford and Elizabeth Lecouras and her husband Justin Miller, of Westport. He is also survived by his brother, George T. Lecouras and sister, Margaret Lecouras Fornaciari, as well as his nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother, Peter Lecouras, and his niece, Tara Lecouras.
Growing up in Stamford, he was active in his Church and played many years for the Church of the Archangels basketball team and received awards for his perfect attendance at Sunday School.
Family and friends may call on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, CT from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Dr. Harry Pappas officiating. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford, CT.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Spyros’ name to either the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, CT or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brook, New York, 10573 or online at www.lls.org/ways-help/donation.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

William Dazzo

/in /by

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of William “Billy” Dazzo, 57 formerly of Stamford, CT. He died on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, surrounded by loving family members.
Billy was the son of Angela Marie “Angel” Cognetta Dazzo and the late Jacob “Jack” Dazzo.
Billy was born on March 1, 1966. He was a graduate of Fairfield Preparatory School and attended Delhi University. He started and ran a successful landscaping business, with his great friend Chris Lemone. He was married to Lisa Marie on November 13, 1993, and went on to have 2 children, son Michael and daughter Lydia.
Billy loved the outdoors. Nothing brought more joy than a round of golf with Michael or snorkeling with Lydia. He often spent time with friends on camping and hiking trips.
Billy is survived by his wife, Lisa Marie Wachowski Dazzo, his children, Michael Jacob Dazzo and his fiancée Carly Sepe, Lydia Ann Dazzo, his mother Angel Dazzo and his sister Lauren Marie Dazzo Abate and her husband Anthony. His aunts and uncles; Marie Tallone and her husband Lino, Michelle Gallo and her husband Joseph as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
In addition to his father, Billy is predeceased by his grandparents, Michael Cognetta and Rose Sacco Cognetta, as well as his best friend Chris Lemone.
A funeral procession will leave Nicholas F Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford on Monday October 9, 2023 at 10:15 AM and proceed to St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Rd in Stamford for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Internment will take place at St. John Cemetery in Darien at a later date. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday October 8, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Billy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06489.
To leave an online condolence please visit www.cognetta.com.

Shaun Zaro

/in /by

Shaun Gene Zaro, 55, a lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 5, 2023 after a long hard fought battle with kidney disease. He was born in Stamford on May 20, 1968 to Margaret and the late Roy Zaro.
He had a big heart and a wicked sense of humor. He was a kidney donor. He was part of the search and rescue on September 11th. He had a passion for football and played for the Connecticut Stallions. He was a beloved youth football coach and mentor. He was a proud local business owner and entrepreneur. Shaun loved all things dangerous and adventurous. Most of all, he loved his family and friends and they loved him.
Besides his mother, Shaun is also survived by his devoted wife, Rebecca L. Zaro, his loving sons, Tyler Zaro (fiancé Amanda), and Cody Zaro (wife Danielle) and his grandson CJ, and his sister, Kelli Zaro, his nephew, Anthony Tamburro, his nieces, Alex and Ella Bacher and his beloved godchildren.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Mausoleum, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Shaun’s memory to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidneyfund.org.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Joanne Verderosa

/in /by

Joanne C. Verderosa (76) passed away peacefully on October 2 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Dominic and Margaret Moschella.

Joanne was a beloved sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Nardella (Michael) of Leland , North Carolina, Paula Chnowski (James) of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Linda Murphy ( Peter) of Norwalk, Connecticut, a brother, William Moschella (Tracey) of North Carolina and many nieces , nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She leaves a loving, devoted companion, Ersen Arseven, of Nyack, New York with whom she shared many wonderful years. They made beautiful memories traveling.

Joanne was a loving and compassionate nurse for 54 years at which time she was employed by Stamford Hospital, Dr. Leonard Vinnick of Stamford and Dr. Robert Stark of Greenwich. When she retired she devoted time engaging in her favorite hobbies including volunteering at the Darien Thrift Shop. Over the years she enjoyed sailing and spending time by the water.

Contributions may be made in Joanne’s name to a favorite charity.

Services will be private.

Geraldine Woodhall

/in /by

Geraldine J. “Gerry” Woodhall, 90, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 28, 2023. She was born on December 28, 1932 in Queens Village, NY to the late Edward P. and Blanche Morris Walters.

Gerry expressed her love joyfully to her children, family and friends. She opened her heart and was a confidante to many. Quick to a smile, always asking about your life, never complained and was always the last to leave every gathering. Gerry was employed by Stamford Hospital for 22 years as a Unit Coordinator in Telemetry, loved the fast-faced experience, and the lifelong friendships she nurtured there. Deeply close to her heart, were the friends and extended family at ARI of CT who have been part of Mark’s life for more than 50 years. Gerry left with grace and generosity to all around and was engaged until her last final peaceful moments. She would have liked to have stayed at the party a bit longer.

Gerry is survived by her loving children, Lynn Woodhall, Kathy Apruzzese and her husband Michael, Mark Woodhall and Geoffrey “Woody” Woodhall, and his wife Wendy, as well as her grandchildren, Michael Apruzzese and his husband Ed, Andrew Apruzzese and his wife Frances and Kate Woodhall. Also surviving are her sisters, Corinne Gumkowski, Audrey Carella, Kathleen Camara and Delores Scappatura and her sister-in-law Marilyn Walters and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Gerry was predeceased by her brothers, Edward P. Walters, Ronald G. Walters, and her sister Marilyn J. Hearing and her former husband, William “Bill” J. Woodhall.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private and will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. There will be no calling hours.

The family requests that donations be made in Gerry’s memory to ARI of CT, 174 Richmond Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 https://www.arict.org/

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Geraldine Woodhall

/in /by

Geraldine J. “Gerry” Woodhall, 90, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 28, 2023. She was born on December 28, 1932 in Queens Village, NY to the late Edward P. and Blanche Morris Walters.

Gerry expressed her love joyfully to her children, family and friends. She opened her heart and was a confidante to many. Quick to a smile, always asking about your life, never complained and was always the last to leave every gathering. Gerry was employed by Stamford Hospital for 22 years as a Unit Coordinator in Telemetry, loved the fast-faced experience, and the lifelong friendships she nurtured there. Deeply close to her heart, were the friends and extended family at ARI of CT who have been part of Mark’s life for more than 50 years. Gerry left with grace and generosity to all around and was engaged until her last final peaceful moments. She would have liked to have stayed at the party a bit longer.

Gerry is survived by her loving children, Lynn Woodhall, Kathy Apruzzese and her husband Michael, Mark Woodhall and Geoffrey “Woody” Woodhall, and his wife Wendy, as well as her grandchildren, Michael Apruzzese and his husband Ed, Andrew Apruzzese and his wife Frances and Kate Woodhall. Also surviving are her sisters, Corinne Gumkowski, Audrey Carella, Kathleen Camara and Delores Scappatura and her sister-in-law Marilyn Walters and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Gerry was predeceased by her brothers, Edward P. Walters, Ronald G. Walters, and her sister Marilyn J. Hearing and her former husband, William “Bill” J. Woodhall.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private and will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. There will be no calling hours.

The family requests that donations be made in Gerry’s memory to ARI of CT, 174 Richmond Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 https://www.arict.org/

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Francisco Parra

/in /by

Francisco Ivan Parra, 54, of Elmsford, NY, passed away from a subarachnoid hemorrhage on September 27, 2023. Francisco was born on November 19, 1968, to Florentino Parra and Delia Corro in Pimientillo, Nayarit, Mexico. He often spoke fondly of his love for his home country and was proud of his heritage. In his early 20s, Francisco boldly decided to come to the United States, where he pursued his very own version of the American Dream. It was here he developed his love of the Yankees, baseball, and American music, such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Rod Stewart, George Harrison, Bananarama, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan.
Francisco was a longtime resident of New York, and he embraced the Empire State as his new home. It was here where Francisco often enjoyed sightseeing and eating at the state’s best Mexican cuisine restaurants. After living in the U.S. for a few years, Francisco started his landscaping business in Westchester County. He spent over 30 years working on lawn care for his devoted clients and developed life-long friendships with many of them.
Francisco went on to have two children, Cecilia “Cece” Parra and Ivan Parra. In addition to his children, he is also survived by his young granddaughter, Evelyn Moore. Francisco is also survived by his siblings, Gabriel Parra, Victor Parra, Paul Parra, Cecilia Parra, Aurora Parra, Jairo Parra, and Daisy Parra.
Francisco was a remarkable father and grandfather. He was a loving human with the biggest heart, allowing him to love others deeply with every fiber of his being. He enjoyed making others laugh and smile with his jovial personality. He will always be remembered lovingly in the hearts of his family, clients, and friends.
Services will be held at Nicholas Cognetta Funeral Home on October 4, 2023, from 4 – 8 PM. Francisco’s children invite all family, friends, and clients to come and say their last goodbyes to our beloved father.

Edward Moavero, Jr.

/in /by

Edward V. Moavero Jr, 81, Passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital Sunday, September 24, 2023 withhis family by his side. Born in Stamford on February 2, 1942, to the late Edward V. Moavero Sr and Jenny Rekose Moavero. Ed spent 60 beautiful years married to his loving wife Joanne.
His real joy in life was spending time with family, attending sporting events of both his children and grandchildren, but most of all enjoyed cooking, always looking forward to his Italian Sunday Lunch. By trade, Ed was a mason, later retiring with the BAC Local 1 CT as a Business Agent where he passionately advocated for his members. His heart was bigger than life and always went the extra mile to help anyone in need. Ed loved to garden, work around the house and thoroughly enjoyed sitting by the pool watching everyone swim.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Joanne B. Conners Moavero, his loving children, Edward Moavero (Hayal), Tracy Rogalski (Wayne) and Dawn Moavero. Along with his cherished grandchildren, Matthew and Amanda Rogalski, Christina Salios (Travis), Jason and Ayse Moavero.
Ed was predeceased by his loving son Marc Moavero and his adored German Sheppard’s Jake and Mac.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 AM, following a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edward’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Marianna Amato

/in /by

Marianna Pauline Amato, 91, of Ridgefield, and a former resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

She was born in Stamford on April 28, 1932 to the late Joseph and Theresa (Umile) Ferrero. Marianna was an accomplished dancer on roller skates and graduated from Stamford High School in 1950. She also played softball for the Rose Buds and was fondly known as one of their “outstanding players.” Shortly upon her graduation, Marianna was engaged to her high school sweetheart, Louis, and they married in 1951. Marianna attended modeling school at Grace Downs Models, Inc. in New York City and was called for her first assignment when she found out she was pregnant with her first daughter, Nancy. Her second daughter, MaryLou, was born two years later, completing their family of four. She enjoyed living in Stamford surrounded by her extended family before moving to Ridgefield in 1964.

Marianna was a bank teller at Union Trust Bank where she worked for 26 years before retiring in 1994 to become a full time grandmother.

Her real joy in life was spending time with her family especially her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up and she would attend every sporting and school event that she was able. Her grandsons affectionately called her “Mema,” which was her favorite name to answer to. Her grandchildren fondly remember trips with her to Marcus Dairy for milkshakes and banana splits, spending holidays with her and her delicious baking including butterfly cookies, cheesecake, struffoli and her famous stuffed artichokes. She passed on her love of knitting, playing the piano and feeding a crowd to her daughters and grandchildren. She would light up when holding a baby, snuggling a beloved family pet or getting an unexpected visit from a grandchild.

Marianna enjoyed dining out, visiting the casino and playing cards, especially rummy cube. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and part of the family. She loved to drink “orangeade,” fry up a zucchini flower, and spoil her grandchildren.

Marianna overcame many obstacles and health challenges in her life and she was an inspiration to the end.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center for their exceptional and loving care of Marianna over the last few months. They also would like to extend their appreciation to RVNAhealth for their kindness and contribution to her comfort.

Marianna was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 28 years Louis Albert Amato and her brother and sister in law, Louis and Marion Ferrero.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy Valine and her husband Rick of Warren, CT, and MaryLou Volpe and her husband Richard of Sturbridge, MA; her grandchildren: Jessica Baker and her husband Christian, David Valine, Christopher Valine and Amanda Volpe; her two great grandchildren, Norah Baker and Jack Baker and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Mary of Stamford Parish 566 Elm Street Stamford at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 29, 2023. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Darien. There will be no calling hours.

To leave condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.