Calliope “Popi” Demakos, 97, of Stamford, CT passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2023 surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Skoura, Sparta, Greece on October 18, 1925, to the late Peter and Demetra Kanaras Tsafoulias-Lines.
At 28 years old, she immigrated to America with her two-year-old daughter to reunite with her husband Peter who had gone earlier in hopes of a better life searching for the American Dream. Peter & Popi continued to build their family, welcoming two more children. She was a wonderful homemaker but also worked very hard outside the home. Throughout the years she was employed Norma Hoffman, Clairol and Baldwin. Popi, along with her siblings lived and raised their children on the same street near Cove Island Beach. To this day all remain extremely close and continue the traditions held close to their hearts. Nothing beats Sunday dinner at Yiayia’s or even better weekend sleepovers. She instilled not only the love of family but the importance of faith and God. For over 65 years Popi was an active member of the Church of the Archangels and the Ladies Philoptochos, a philanthropic organization. Her dedication and service to her church was endless. Popi was a gentle soul full of kindness and compassion with a heart of gold. All who knew her were truly blessed.
Popi is survived by her daughters Pauline Galuris, of Stamford, Stella Stangel (Errikos) and her son George Demakos, of Trumbull. Her four grandchildren, Joy Galuris, Dean (Ellen), Galuris, Peter Galuris and Kaitlin Demakos, including six great grandchildren, Grace, Samantha, George, and Jake Galuris, Brianna and Landon Simao and two siblings Helen Chochos and George (Angie) Lines, as well as numerous beloved nieces/great-nieces, nephews/great-nephews.
Besides her parents, Popi is predeceased by her loving husband Peter Demakos, her sisters, Stalla Limberis, Paula Condos, Freda Bitzonis, and her son-in-law George Galuris.
Popi was the warmest of souls and the true Matriarch of our family. She will be missed beyond measure. May her memory be eternal.
Family and friends may call at Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford, Street, Stamford, CT on Friday, July 28 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with a funeral service taking place at 11:30 AM. Father Nicholas Dassouras will be officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Woodland Place, Stamford, CT. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Popi’s name to Church of the Archangels or to the Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905 or to a charity of one’s choice.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Susan Ann (Miller) Passero, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, July 23, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Susan lived in Stratford at the time of her passing, but was nearly a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT. Susan was born on March 10, 1948, to the late Arthur and Dorothy (Parker) Miller and was one of four siblings. She was 75 years old at the time of her passing.

Susan and her husband were High School sweethearts and she waited patiently for him while he served in Vietnam. The early years of their marriage were spent in Delaware and she often reminisced about that time as it is where she started her family, with the birth of her first daughter. Her friends will tell you Susan was very loyal and she maintained a number lifelong friendships that will grieve her as family. Susan loved children and animals and spent much of her career working for pediatricians, and later veterinarians. She often brought home animals that needed extra help and many families are grateful to her for her love and care. She loved to read and shared that passion with her daughter, who grew up to work in publishing. Susan loved being a Wife and Mother but nothing lit up her face more that her grandchildren whom she loved above all else.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Frank Passero; daughter Kimberley Monahan and husband Brian; her precious grandchildren, Padraig and Finnigan; sisters Lynn Miller and Patricia Grimaldi; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Susan is preceded in death by a beloved infant daughter, Shannon Leigh, and by her brother Robert (Bobby) Miller.

The funeral services for Susan will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s memory may be made to T.A.I.L.S of Westport or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

To leave messages of condolence online, please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Richard Haslun Wenz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at his home on the morning of July 17, 2023, with his family at his side. Born on December 13, 1948, in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Frank Joseph Wenz and Lillian Louise Haslun. Richard was 74 years old at the time of his passing.

Richard enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and was proud of his service. Upon his return he went on to build a successful career, working for several telecommunications companies over the course of his prime working years, most recently retiring from Verizon. Above all, Richard loved spending time with and being in the company of family and friends.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Janice Stark Wenz, his three daughters, Suzanne Wenz, Carolyn Wenz and Jessica McKenna, his two granddaughters, Sofia and Samantha Wenz-Bazan and his stepson, James Curry. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his stepson, William Curry.

In accordance with Richard’s wishes his funeral services will be held privately. His family will announce a memorial service at a later date.

Funeral arrangements were provided by the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory. To leave online condolences please visit www.cognetta.com.

George J. “Jeff” Galgano , 72 , of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 11 at Midstate Medical Center. George was “easy like Sunday morning” he was meticulous and careful, and never rushed. His energy was contagious and he could always be found listening to live music with percussion instruments in hand, out in the yard watering his garden, or walking around the neighborhood with his beloved wife Lynn and their dog Bella.

George was both an avid downhill skier and water skier who spent over 40 years boating around the lakes in CT., and skiing the mountains of VT. He was always the one to go along with any plans that involved fun, mischief, music, and laughter. He was an active participant in life and tried to get everyone else around him to join the fun. He is greatly missed.

He was born in Bridgeport on October 10, 1950 to the late George and Agnes Roth Galgano.
George is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn Correia Galgano, his loving children, Sarah Bridgers and her husband, Peter, Meghan Crutchley and Michael Galgano and his wife, Chelsea, all of Stamford. Also surviving are his sisters, Jane Landry and her husband, Mark of Fairfield, Barbara Duesenbery and her husband, Roger of Fairfield and a sister in law, Louise Galgano of FL, as well his grandchildren, Benjamin and Owen Bridgers and Luke and Lily Galgano and nieces and nephews, Chrissy and Gregory Galgano and partner Christian Gabriel, Alison Darling and her husband, Trevor, Katie Bartush and her husband, Scott, Christopher and Matthew Landry. Besides his parents, George was also predeceased by his brother, Gregory Galgano.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home; Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Friday July 14th from 4:00-8:00 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to donate to Hartford HealthCare at Home, Hospice, 1290 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT. 06109

Dominick Peluso, 90, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Dominick was born in Stamford on January 17, 1933 to the late Albert and Catherine Pia Peluso.
Dominick served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he worked for many years as a carpenter for the brotherhood of Carpenters Union 326. After his retirement from the union, Dominick worked for the Darien Police Department Traffic Division.
Dominick is survived by his loving wife Antoinette Paolini Peluso, his three children; Dom, Donna and Allison as well as his three grandchildren; Mike Varone, Mary Varone and Jackson Rothman.
A graveside service will be held on Monday July 17, 2023 at Fairfield Memorial Park, 230 Oaklwan Avenue, Stamford, CT at 10:30 AM. There will be no calling hours. 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 Dominick’s memory to the ASPCA, ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-692 or online at www.aspca.org/ways-to-give.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.