Obituaries & Tributes

Nuestro Mario Morales Jaramillo, luchador, carismático, lleno de alegría, quien le encantaba bromear, disfrutar su vida, pasar en familia , darse un whiskey (Double Black Johnnie Walker), coger sol lleno de coca cola, las parrilladas y los mariscos. Si conociste a Mario muy bien sabes que no podia terminar la noche sin asignar apodos. Un año y medio luchando por su vida a querer seguir viviendo juntos en familia como el siempre lo decía. Fue un duro proceso, guardábamos la esperanza de tenerlo por más tiempo, fue un guerrero y lucho hasta lo último. Pero ahora ya está en manos de su barbudo, que mi Sr todo poderoso lo tenga en su santa gloria y descanse en paz . Un dolor inmenso para quienes lo amamos en vida. De parte de su amada esposa , Estela Zavala Hijos: Karla , Ely y Mario Tom Copy link to donate, thank you https://www.gofundme.com/f/cn7pfd-mario-morales?attribution_id=sl:43631bfd-c1ee-452a-b4a9-050317b303b5&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Angela Puzzuoli, a Stamford resident for most of her life after emigrating from Kobelmoor, Germany in the mid 1950's, died Wednesday, March 5th after a long stay at The Villa nursing home in Stamford. She was predeceased by her ex-husband, Phil Puzzuoli, her adult son, Dante Puzzuoli and her brother Louis and sister Anna from Germany. She is survived by her daughter, Diana and youngest son, Dave, and seven adult grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Angela was a talented dress maker in her younger years and a successful real estate agent since the 1980's. In January her family had a small 90th birthday party for her at the nursing home and she was alert and enjoyed it. The family would like to thank the staff at the Villa for the patient and professional care they administered to Angela for almost six years all through the covid crisis and beyond. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A luncheon will follow for friends and family.

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.

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.

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.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Henry W. Turner, Jr. on December 23, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on October 3, 1953, to Henry and Ada Turner, Henry graduated from Port Chester High School in 1972. A lifelong lover of music, he began playing the drums at a young age and joined the high school marching band. One of his most cherished memories from this time was performing in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. After high school, Henry went on to join the Stateliners Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played in the quartet and earned a first-place finish in a competition. It was also during this time that he met the love of his life. In November 1975, Henry married Ann Sudell, and together they shared 49 beautiful years. Their love was nothing short of magical, and it was evident to all who knew them. You could hardly find one without the other, whether they were spending time at "The Hangout," watching reruns of their favorite shows, or enjoying a game of backgammon with a Bloody Mary in hand. Their bond was a true inspiration. Together, they raised two daughters, Dena and Melissa, and Henry’s love for his family knew no bounds. While Henry will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, he was also a treasured friend. His warmth and kindness touched everyone he met. Beyond his passion for music, Henry was an avid bowler, competing in numerous leagues and traveling to Reno with lifelong friends he made at the lanes. Henry is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Turner; his daughters, Dena Ritter and her husband Jay, Melissa Hainsworth and her husband Lenny; and his sister, Denise Turner. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ada Turner. Family and friends are invited to offer their condolences to Henry’s family on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Henry’s name to the Gary Desalvo Memorial Scholarship Fund, which can be accessed via the following link: https://garydesalvomemorial.com/content/?page_id=13

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ann Kane, a lifelong resident of Stamford, who peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Stamford Hospital. She was 87 years old. Ann was born on August 20, 1937, in Stamford to the late John and Anna Walsh, along with her twin brother. Ann grew up on Stamford’s East Side and graduated from Stamford High School. It was during her teenage years that she met the love of her life, John Kane. Together, they built a beautiful life, marrying and raising four children. Their adventures took them around the world, but Ann’s heart always belonged to her home on Shippan Point, where she lived for more than 50 years. The memories made there, filled with family and love, will be cherished forever. Ann will be lovingly remembered for her love of reading, her passion for travel, and her unwavering devotion to family and friends. Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, John, in 2017. She is survived by her four children: Karen (Rich) O’Neill, Robert Kane, Susanne (George) Boccuzzi, and Kevin (Mary) Kane; eight grandchildren: Chris O’Neill (Jennifer), Brian O’Neill (Amanda), Daniel Boccuzzi (Stephanie), and Shannon, Kristen, Lauren, Erin, and Kelly Kane; and three great-granddaughters: Harper, Hailey, and Abigail. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Ken Hitchcock, and her nephew, Joshua Hitchcock, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents and husband Ann was preceded in death by her siblings and her dear daughter-in-law, Tracy. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.” A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. The inurnment will be held privately. To leave a message of condolence, please visit the guestbook at www.cognetta.com.

Herbert H. Watson, Jr., a Bethel resident for 60+ years, died peacefully at Stamford Hospital on November 19 after a brief illness. He was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn of 56 years and is survived by his 3 sons (all Bethel High School graduates) and their families: Rick of Stamford, CT (wife Laura and daughters Caitrin and Taylor), Ken of Fort Walton Beach, FL (wife Nancy and daughter Shawna) and Jeff of Newtown and Stamford, CT (wife Cory, daughter Alexandra and son Ben). Herb’s calling in life was that of volunteering. After growing up in Norwalk, CT, he enlisted in the US Army at age 18 and fought in Korea. After the war, he and Carolyn married and moved to Bethel in 1960. While a young father, he served as Cub Scout Leader (Pack 51), Boy Scout Leader (Troop 167), Little League Baseball coach and Youth Soccer coach. He and Carolyn were faithful fans at the many Bethel High School and Southern Ct State College sporting events in which their sons participated. Herb gave over 17 gallons of blood at Red Cross blood drives. He ran the Norwalk Industrial Recreation League for many years during his 43-year career as a manager of safety at Nash Engineering in Norwalk. He also served in various capacities at his church (Danbury Church of Christ). In his retirement years Herb cared tirelessly for Carolyn as she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease. After her passing in 2012, Herb took up writing and penned many short memoirs about his life for his family and friends to enjoy. In 2016 he moved to Reynolds Ridge Senior Housing in Bethel and served on the resident advisory board there. At Reynolds Ridge he also met his dear friend and companion Ursula Alling. Herb moved to Brighton Gardens senior community in Stamford in October of this year to be nearer to his family. There he was able to welcome his sons and their families to a large and joyous gathering several weeks prior to his illness and passing. Internment with military honors will take place at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport, Ct at 11 am on Friday December 13. A luncheon and memorial gathering will follow directly at Towne Parlor (upstairs), 112 Bedford St in Stamford, CT. (A parking lot is available on Spring Street)

Daniel N. Santagata, a Stamford resident, and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Thursday, November 7, 2024, with his wife and family at his side. Danny was born on April 17, 1953, to Dominick Santagata and the late Helen Moker Santagata. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing. Danny was retired from Metro North Railroad where he had worked for many years as a Buildings and Bridges Foreman.  He was also an extremely talented and well-known mechanic for both automobiles and motorcycles. At 17, Danny was the First Place Winner of the 1973 International Motorcycle Show in New York.  His full restoration and paint work for his 1955 Chevy Nomad was featured in the Chevy Nomad Association Magazine and won him a First Place and a People’s Choice award. However, it was his artistic genius that he was most known for. In Stamford it is considered an honor to have one of Danny’s signature paint jobs on your bike. Danny is survived by his wife Kim, of 12 years, and his five daughters Christina Mastropietro, and Danielle, Lauren, Renee and Samantha Santagata. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren; his sister JoAnne Schwartzenberg, and her children, Jason and Bonnie. Since retiring, Danny and Kim loved to travel in their RV, and never left home without their two wheels where they were at their happiest! To leave online condolences please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Mario Ottaviano, 91, passed away peacefully with his loving family around him on October 27, 2024. Mario was born on June 5, 1933, in Stamford, Connecticut. He grew up on Wright Street and lived in Stamford for fifty-seven years. His parents, Giovanni Ottaviano and Elena Boccuzzi, emigrated from San Mango sul Calore, Italy before he was born. Mario’s father died when he was seventeen leaving him to provide for his mother and sister. After graduating from both JM Wright Technical School and Stamford High School, Mario attended and graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. A wizard with electronics, he started his own business and for twenty-seven years, owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company. He received a BS in Business from the University of Connecticut and later acquired a Connecticut real estate broker’s license as well as a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia’s Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree. A natural entrepreneur, Mario founded and operated the commercial real estate firm Ottaviano Associates that owned properties around Stamford. He also partnered with Michael Tehrani to form Ottaviano and Tehrani Real Estate Development & Management where they owned and maintained properties in Stamford and in Bristol, CT. Mario’s business acumen and astute knowledge of engineering, architecture, and electronics as well as his creativity with design, made him a visionary developer and builder. He could also fix anything. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes. An avid boater, Mario and his beloved wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for thirty years where they hosted countless family events including many July 4th parties that featured Mario’s famous custom fireworks. A life enthusiast with many interests including squash, handball, skiing, square-dancing, and attending theater performances, Mario loved to bike with his children and grandchildren. Neighbors could spot him on his motorized trike with its license plate: The Road King. A lifelong Beatles and Willie Nelson fan, he was an excellent musician and played both the guitar and ukulele. He also had a green thumb in the garden and loved canning and labeling his roasted garlic and peppers “Mario’s Own.” One of his favorite things to do was take photos and videos of his family and friends and turn them into movies for all to enjoy. His technical prowess editing in Windows Movie Maker was second to none, and he loved dabbling in graphic design. A modern-day Renaissance Man, Mario was also a ringleader in planning vacations, and loved ones fondly remember the ski trips to Vermont and summers spent on Fire Island. For the last eighteen years, Mario was a dynamic member of the Westport Y’s Men’s Club and established an extensive circle of friends. There, he spearheaded the Cooking Club and was a member of the Hiker’s Club, and the Classical Music Society, among others. Mario was a man of great integrity, compassion, and kindness, an outstanding father, and a father-figure to many. Family and friends frequently sought his wisdom and advice on all subjects including health and medicine. He touched the lives of virtually everyone who knew him and he was widely loved in return. His family meant everything to him and came above all else. He is pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti and is survived by his wife of 66 years Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano and their four devoted children: Susan Ottaviano of New York City, John Ottaviano (Cindy Swisher Ottaviano) of Stamford, CT, Christy Ottaviano (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, CT, and David Ottaviano (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque, NM, and seven grandchildren: Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe, and Antonia Ottaviano. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on November 30th, 10:30am at Harbor Lights restaurant, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk, CT. All family and friends are welcome. Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on the Cognetta Funeral Home website at www.cognetta.com. The interment will be handled privately.