Edward Schulte

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Edward “Eddie” Joseph Schulte, 81, a resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Stamford Hospital. Eddie was born on March 11, 1941 in Milford, CT to the late Carl Walter Schulte and Lucia Maria Deaso Schulte.
Eddie grew up in Milford, CT. He was the epitome of a 1950’s teen. He could dance like Elvis, was as popular as the Fonz, and the big brother everyone wanted to have. When he married, he moved to Stamford.
A barber for over 50 years in Stamford, and owner of Ridgeway Barber Shop and Cindy and Eddie’s Barber Shop, Eddie and his wife raised their children in the shops while working full time. His children were his pride and joy. With every accomplishment they achieved, he beamed with pride. He was a beloved father, who always supported his children in their artistic pursuits and passions. He was their biggest fan.

Eddie was an avid golfer and fisherman and could often be found reading one of his many western books in his favorite chair. He loved sports and was a devoted Yankees and Giants fan.
In his later life, when he was unable to work as a barber, he worked as a crossing guard for the city of Stamford. He enjoyed this so much and made many friends, especially the pups that always flocked around him in anticipation of the treats he kept hidden in his pockets.

Having a large, extended family, Eddie was loved and will be missed by many.

Eddie is survived by his former spouse, Cindy Hamel Schulte, his children Rachel Schulte and Eddie J. Schulte, Jr., his siblings, James P. Schulte and his wife Cathleen and Mary M. Russo, his sister-in-law, Arlene M. Schulte as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Eddie is predeceased by his brothers Carl Walter Schulte, Jr., Carl William Schulte and brother-in-law Frank D. Russo.
Family and friends may call on Monday February 6, 2023 at Our Lady Star of The Sea R.C. Church Hall, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in the church proper at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.

Muriel Gian

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Muriel J Gian, gentle woman, quiet light, morning star so strong and bright, gentle mother, peaceful dove taught us wisdom, taught us love passed away peacefully Sunday evening January 22, 2023, with her daughter and grandson at her side at Branford Hospice.
Muriel was 87 years old and was born in Norwalk. She moved to Stamford when she was 16 where she became a lifelong resident.
She was the daughter of the late Marion and Frank Kuslik and the wife of over 50 years to Anthony A Gian. She was also predeceased by her brother Frank Kuslik.
Muriel dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren, she was always there whenever you needed her with warm tea and toast.
Muriel loved going to the casino to play the slot machines. On a family trip to the Grand Canyon, she insisted on stopping at the Las Vegas casinos.
She loved shopping with her friends.
She will be forever missed by her 3 children, Colleen G Lofaro of Milford, Michael Gian of Monroe, and Bobby Gian of Stamford.
Muriel also leaves behind her 3 beloved grandchildren Trey Lofaro of Milford, Gabrielle Lofaro of Milford, and Ashley Gian of Stamford. They will forever miss her scrambled egg breakfasts.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Maurice’s Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 10:00 am.
A private interment burial will be held on Monday.
Thank you to all the compassionate nurses at Branford Hospice.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associate, CT Chapter

Natalie Bottler

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Natalie Bottler, 98, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 16, 2023. She was born in Port Chester, NY on December 25, 1924 to the late Alessio and Lucy Guglielmo Polese.
Natalie was born and raised in Port Chester, NY. She moved to Stamford where she met the love of her life Anthony P. Bottler, who passed away on January 12, 1979.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews. Beside her parents and husband, Natalie was also predeceased by her daughter, Mary Bottler on August 5, 2019 and her sisters, Rose Sandonato and Filomena Samela.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for both Natalie Bottler and her daughter Mary Bottler on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements for the Bottler family.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Rosa Colacurcio

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Rosa Colacurcio, age 89, devoted wife of Vito Colacurcio for over 68 years, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in Stamford, CT. Born in San Michele di Serino, Italy to the late Carlantonio Cimminiello and Ermelinda Luciano, she was one of six children.
Rosa immigrated to the United States with a devotion to raise a family and established her place in the neighborhood as a homemaker. Her generosity towards St. Mary’s Parish and St. Benedict’s Church ranged from donations and regular service attendance, to support of holiday dinners, bingo night and the annual fair. Later in life, her community support expanded beyond Stamford’s borders to Hollywood, FL.
Rosa’s many joys included cooking, watching soaps, and caring for her children and grandchildren. There was no question that she became the sole Matriarch of the family and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Vito Colacurcio of Stamford; two children, Anna Thomas (Matthew) of Stamford and Felice Colacurcio (Georgia) of Stamford; son in law, Brian Downey of Des Moines, WA; her seven grandchildren, Annamaria Downey Gueco (Jose), Sean Downey, Liam Downey, Racquel Colacurcio, Callie-Rose Thomas, Veronica Colacurcio, Tiffani Colacurcio, her great grandchildren Lucia Gueco, Catalina Gueco and Julia Gueco, and her sister Evelyn Romano, as well as many other relatives around the world. She was predeceased by her daughter Callista Downey, grandson Cody Thomas, and siblings Maria Venezia, Eunelda Vigorita, Eva DeMaio and Constantinople Cimminiello.
A mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of Stamford Parish, 566 Elm St., Stamford, CT 06902. Entombment to follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum in Darien, CT. There will be no calling hours. Flowers may be delivered to 56 Soundview Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.
Please visit www.cognetta.com to leave online condolence messages for Rosa’s family.

Addolorata Pellicci

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ADDOLORATA PELLICCI, 88, of Stamford, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 surrounded by her family.
Born in Settefrati, Provincia di Frosinone, Italia on October 19, 1934, Addolorata was the daughter of the late Maria Piselli and the late Emilio Vitti. She met and married her beloved husband of fifty-eight years, the late Antonio Pellicci and emigrated to Stamford in 1973. Until her retirement, Addolorata was a long time employee in the cafeteria of Stamford Public Schools, a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart RC Church and a devoted member of La Madonna di Canneto. She enjoyed making the best homemade pasta, cooking for her family, and gardening. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, who will miss her dearly.
Addolorata is survived by her children, Vincenzo and his wife Rosa Pellicci of Toronto, Canada, Luigi and his wife Anna Maria Pellicci of Stamford, Maria and her husband Dino Sforza of Westport and Rita and her husband Michael Crocco of Trumbull. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, and twenty-six great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Domenica Frattaroli, her brothers, Luciano Vitti and Innocenzo Vitti, and by her great grandson Lucas Michael Lopez.
A Funeral Procession will be leaving The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 at 10:00AM on Saturday, January 14th for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at The Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905 at 10:30AM. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Mausoleum, Darien. Friends may call at the funeral home, Friday, January 13th, from 4:00-7:30 PM. The family requests that flowers be omitted and that donations can be made in Addolorata’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd S #4b, Southington, CT 06897. To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

Joseph Hinckley

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Roy Bamford

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Roy Beck Bamford, 64, formerly of Stamford, currently of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Roy was born in Stamford on April 2, 1958 to the late John and Catherine Watt Bamford.
Roy is survived by his wife, Donna Rich Bamford, of Norwalk, his daughter Nicole Bamford and her fiancé Michael Rich, of Wilton, his aunt Elizabeth Ledingham, of Vero Beach, FL, his mother-in-law Helaine Carrano, and his brother & sister-in-law Mark & Fran Rich, of Stamford. Several nieces, nephews & cousins also survive.
Besides his parents, Roy is predeceased by his sister Doris Shay and father-in-law Richard Rich.
Roy was born and raised in Stamford, CT and graduated from the J.M. Wright Technical School, Electrical Class. He worked as an electrician for the past 40 years, the last 20 at Darien Electric.
He met his wife Donna at the prime age of 18 and took her to his senior prom. They married 7 years later and would be celebrating their 40th Anniversary this June.
Roy & Donna have one daughter together, Nicole. If you know Roy, you know that she was the light of his life. He could be found doting over her many accomplishments, adventurous nature (which she inherited from him), and the wonderful friendship they had. He considered her a Best Friend, “my pal”.
Roy lived a life full of many passions: Classic Rock, German Shepherds, Deep Sea Fishing, Travel, Coffee, and Reading (particularly of the Military genre). He was also known for his strong values. He believed in hard work, dedication, kindness, intellectual curiosity and creating relationships that could last forever. He had many life-long friends, loyal customers, and was remembered by every animal he ever met, especially his German Shepherds, Bear & Bentley.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM at The First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT, with The Rev. Dr. David R. Van Dyke officiating. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, K9s for Warriors, and Tunnel to Towers.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

George Iatrou

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George J. Iatrou, 81, a long-time resident of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 2, 2023. He was born in Logganikos (Sparta), Greece on January 12, 1941, to the late Ioannis and Eleni Iatrou. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law Efstathios Kalogeropoulos and more recently, his brother Konstantinos Iatrou, who passed away on December 6, 2022, both in Greece.

George was the beloved husband of over 52 years to Sofia Iatrou; loving father (father-in-law) of Helen Vlahakis (husband Chris Vlahakis), Ourania Pissanidis (husband Ioannis Pissanidis) and John Iatrou (fiancée Jennifer Butruch); and loving grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Peter Vlahakis, Pauline Vlahakis, Niko Pissanidis and Gia Pissanidis. They affectionately called him Papouki and he was their everything. George was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of his fifth grandchild this month which will be his namesake. He is also survived by two sisters, Panagiota Christopoulos and Despoina Kalogeropoulos (both of Greece), a brother-in-law Konstantinos Christopoulos and sister-in-law Eleni Iatrou (both of Greece), aunts, uncles, cousins, several nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

George served as an Evzone in the Greek National Army. He proudly served as a four stripe Captain in the Greek Royal Guard under King Paul II and King Constantine II. He was chosen by the army to visit the United States to promote Hellenic tourism at Stop & Shop’s new international division. He loved the United States so much that he chose to stay and pursue the American dream.

In 1970, George returned to Greece where he met the love of his life Sofia. They married on September 13, 1970, after meeting just 13 days earlier. They both returned to the United States to start their new life together one rich in love, devotion, and family. George worked as a foreman at US Polymeric, owned a couple of successful donut shops, and worked at Pitney Bowes before retiring in 2001 to spend time with his wife and grandchildren. He was an industrious man and always took pride in everything he did.

George was a hard-working family man who generously expressed his love for family and friends through a life of rigorous service to them. He was a loving, caring, selfless, strong and charitable man. He was well respected in his community and loved by all who knew him. In his spare time, he loved to tend to his garden with his wife, especially his fig trees. He also loved to grill and enjoy many fun memorable meals with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his warm smile, strong embrace and his heart of gold. He was a devout member of both the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation and the Church of the Archangels. George instilled in his children and grandchildren a deep reverence for God and the Orthodox faith, as well as a love and sense of pride in the Greek culture.

The family is thankful to all of George’s physicians and nurses in Stamford and Norwalk, and all those at Stamford Hospital who worked tirelessly to provide him with compassionate care in the last couple of weeks of his life tending to his needs faithfully. Their tender care is appreciated and recognized.
George will be tremendously missed and forever live in the hearts of his family, friends, and by all those who knew and loved him. Eternal be his memory.

His family welcomes all relatives and friends for calling hours on Monday, January 9th from 9am-10am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 1230 Newfield Avenue, in Stamford. A funeral service will follow at 10am, with Rev. Fr. Evangelos Evangelidis officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at St. John Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, in Darien.

The family requests that any donations in George’s memory be made to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. The family has entrusted George’s final arrangements to Nicholas Cognetta Funeral Home.

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

Antonio Gelonesi

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Antonio Gelonesi, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 1st, 2023.
Antonio was born November 6th,1960, in Cirella, Reggio Calabria, Italy, to the late Nicola and Assunta Tarantino Gelonesi.
Antonio came to this country in 1970 at the age of 9 where he resided in Stamford until his passing. He attended Stamford public schools and graduated from Westhill High School in 1979.
Antonio’s passion was taking care of his yard and his flower and vegetable garden. Those that walked by would stop to admire his landscaping and compliment him on his meticulous work.
Antonio is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Carla Cannata Gelonesi, his children whom he loved and was extremely proud of, Ofc. Nicholas A. Gelonesi, USN Sailor Stefania T. Gelonesi, and his mother-in-law Assunta Cannata, whom he adored and respected. Several nieces and nephews. A great-niece and three great-nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT. Interment will immediately follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT.
Friends and family may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT on Friday, January 6th, from 4-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org/donate or the Lustgarten Foundation at www.lustgarten.org/donate.
To leave online condolences please visit www.cognetta.com.

Domenick Ciuffo

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Domenick F. Ciuffo, 85 years old, passed away at his home with his loved ones by his side on Monday, January 2, 2023. Dom was born in Stamford, CT on February 20, 1937 and was the oldest of three sons born to the late Anthony and Assunta LeTizia Ciuffo.
A Stamford native, Dom came from humble beginnings growing up in the South End. To help contribute to his family he began working as a caddie at the nearby Innis Arden Country Club. It was there that his love for the game of golf was forged. He attended Stamford public schools and Stamford High School, where he met and eventually married his wife, Lucy Rose Rubino. The couple settled in Stamford where they would start their lives together and raise their family. Dom was the owner/operator of Deville Coiffures beauty salon in Darien for 50 years before his retirement.
Dom was an easy-going man who was blessed with patience for people and situations. He had an understanding demeanor and a calm way about him. Although he had a stubborn side to him, he was slow to anger and judgement and always accepting and respectful of others and their differing points of view.
He was an avid follower of the NY Yankees and NY football Giants and enjoyed watching PGA matches on his couch with a cocktail in hand. But when it came to sports, he absolutely loved to play the game of golf. It was in his blood, and it served as his escape from the mundane. The members of his regular foursome were like brothers to him, and Sunday mornings at Hubbard Heights were truly his happy place. He loved to play different courses, talking about his latest round, or reliving tight matches he played in and the shots he made or missed. He also enjoyed many rounds of golf played in Vero Beach, FL where he spent a lot of time over the years.
Above all else, Dom’s greatest roles in life were that of a devoted husband, a caring and patient father, and as “Poppie Dom” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was just a gentle and easy man to spend time with and to be around. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him and will live on forever in their hearts and minds.
Dom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Lucy Rose Rubino Ciuffo, and is survived by his children, Anthony Ciuffo, Suzanne Cingari (Thomas, Sr.), John M. Ciuffo (George Nunno) and Luci A. Santora (Leonard). Dom was blessed with ten grandchildren, Christine (Kelly), Thomas, Jr. (Jenna), Daniel, Matthew (Jeana), John (Alex), Anthony, Jr. (Lisa), John (Sydney), William (Shannon), Madeline and Lucy Rose, and his six great grandchildren, Harper, James, Sammy, Annie, Arya and Simon. Dom loved to root on his grandchildren at their various activities and was very proud of their accomplishments and achievements, and he absolutely adored his great grandchildren.
He also leaves behind his companion of 22 years Annette “Penny” Rich, his brother Anthony Ciuffo (Jeanne), sister-in-law Martha Ciuffo and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Dom was preceded in death by his brother Michael Ciuffo.
In keeping with Dom’s wishes there will be no calling hours and his inurnment will be held privately.
To leave online condolences please visit www.cognetta.com.