The Stamford Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of retired Fire Captain Gerald LaBlanc.  What follows is his published obituary.

Gerald LaBlanc, 87, a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT, passed away on October 2, 2017. Gerald was born on November 17, 1929 in Stamford, CT, to the late Dennis and Dolores Leblanc.

Gerald was born on November 17, 1929 in Stamford, CT, to the late Dennis and Dolores Leblanc.

A devoted father and husband, Gerald is survived by his beloved wife Dolores (Boshka) LaBlanc. He is predeceased by his daughter Lisa and his brothers Robert LeBlanc and Dennis LaBlanc.

Gerald was a Stamford Fire Fighter for many years, rising through the ranks to Captain. He retired after being seriously injured in a major fire due to a chemical explosion. He was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.

Above all, Gerald was a dedicated family man. He cherished his wife and daughter as well as his brothers, brother-in-law and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 6th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Bosak Funeral Home on 453 Shippan Ave, in Stamford. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 7th at 10:30am at Saint Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Ave, in Stamford. The interment will immediately follow mass at St Mary’s Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, in Greenwich, CT.

The Stamford Fire Department would like to congratulate the following members of the Stamford Fire Department on their recent promotions.  Well done!

Captains

• Captain Ryan Kerwin
• Captain Theodore Valenti
• Captain Andrew Perry
• Captain Carl Alton
• Captain Michael McCullagh
• Captain Shawn Sasser
• Captain Joseph Dombrowski
• Captain David Davis
• Captain William O’Connell

Lieutenants

• Lieutenant Brian Teitelbaum
• Lieutenant Donald Lowndes
• Lieutenant Thomas Newman
• Lieutenant Steven Klee
• Lieutenant Theodore Stanek
• Lieutenant David Williamson
• Lieutenant Michael Sloditskie
• Lieutenant Adam Silverstone
• Lieutenant Joseph Maida
• Lieutenant Kevin Connell
• Lieutenant Martin Bucci

Robert Michael Callahan, 89, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on October 19, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. Born in Stamford, CT on April 30, 1927 to Patrick and Mary Harrington Callahan, he was educated at St John’s School and Stamford High School. He was a lifelong Stamford resident before moving to Newtown, CT with his wife Doris, in 2006. Bob was a 1945 graduate of Stamford High School where he was a standout catcher for the SHS baseball team. He took great pride that his senior year team posted a 19-0 record, the only undefeated season for the school. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp to serve his country. Upon returning home, he joined the Stamford Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. After 42 years of service to the City of Stamford, he retired in 1992.

Bob was a 1945 graduate of Stamford High School where he was a standout catcher for the SHS baseball team. He took great pride that his senior year team posted a 19-0 record, the only undefeated season for the school. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp to serve his country. Upon returning home, he joined the Stamford Fire Department where he rose to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. After 42 years of service to the City of Stamford, he retired in 1992. Bob married Doris Ann Sandow on April 14,

Bob married Doris Ann Sandow on April 14, 1951 with whom he spent 60 happy years before her death in 2011. Together they devoted themselves to raising and educating their 6 children in Stamford. Bob’s family meant everything to him. Nothing gave him more pleasure than watching his three sons compete in high school football, hockey and baseball. He was an avid fisherman, enjoying many outings on LI Sound blue fishing with family and friends. He also loved West Point tailgating and following his favorite teams, the NY Yankees and Giants. Bob is survived by five of his six beloved children, Barbara (Barry) Lee of San Anselmo, CA, Beth Callahan of Slingerlands, NY, Timothy (Laura) Callahan of Wilton, CT, Terence (Kelly) Callahan of Franklin, MA, and Robert (Carrie) Callahan of Scarborough, ME as well as his son-in-law, David Cooper of Newtown, CT. He is also survived by 18 loving grandchildren who were the lights of his life: Alexandra and Caroline Lee, Emily (Brendan) Dunn, Lauren and Colleen

Bob is survived by five of his six beloved children, Barbara (Barry) Lee of San Anselmo, CA, Beth Callahan of Slingerlands, NY, Timothy (Laura) Callahan of Wilton, CT, Terence (Kelly) Callahan of Franklin, MA, and Robert (Carrie) Callahan of Scarborough, ME as well as his son-in-law, David Cooper of Newtown, CT. He is also survived by 18 loving grandchildren who were the lights of his life: Alexandra and Caroline Lee, Emily (Brendan) Dunn, Lauren and Colleen Rarich, Siobhan, Ian and Colin Cooper, Connor, Caitlin and Owen Callahan, Christopher, Cara, Michael and Mary Callahan, Jack, Katie and Sarah Callahan. Besides his wife, Bob was predeceased in 2014 by his beloved daughter, Robin, who was completely devoted to both he and Doris while they lived in Newtown. He is also predeceased by his brothers, John, Neil and Eugene and his sister, Margaret.

Besides his wife, Bob was predeceased in 2014 by his beloved daughter, Robin, who was completely devoted to both he and Doris while they lived in Newtown. He is also predeceased by his brothers, John, Neil and Eugene and his sister, Margaret. Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 23,

Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 23, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrate Bob’s life at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave., Stamford on Monday, October 24, 2016. Burial to immediately follow at St John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Americares at 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, Ct 06902. To send the family an online condolence, please visit, www.leopgallagherstamford.com

We were recently notified that retired Firefighter George F Heinlein passed away back in 2011,  In an effort to properly recognize his service to the City of Stamford, we are posting his obituary from back then.

George F. Heinlein of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 2, 2011. Born and raised in Stamford, he was the son of Albert and Sarah (Isbell) Heinlein. George was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served as a firefighter with the City of Stamford for 30 years. George is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Doris (Naring) and his four children, Janice Breed and her husband, Richard Fisher of Gloucester, Mass., Albert G. Heinlein of Bridgeport, Paula D. Mulhern and her husband, Edward of Bethel, and Ginger A. Heinlein of Danbury. He also leaves behind a granddaughter, Kristina Jordan and her husband, Jacob, and a nephew, George Barron and his wife, Donna of Stamford. Services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Praxair Cancer Center, Outpatient Infusion Center, Danbury Hospital, 24 Hospital Ave., Danbury, CT 06810.

On September 3rd, 2016, Engine Co. #6 was dispatched, along with a paramedic ambulance from Stamford EMS, to a residence on Glenbrook Road for a report of an 86-year-old male who was unconscious and not breathing. Members initiated medical care, including CPR, oxygen and ventilations. They applied the AED which indicated no shock advised. Members continued CPR. On arrival of the ambulance, members applied the LUCAS device to continue chest compressions. Shortly thereafter, the patient regained a palpable pulse and spontaneous respirations. The firefighters accompanied the patient to the Stamford Hospital. On arrival at the Stamford Hospital emergency department, the patient was relatively stable.

The Police and Firemen’s Insurance Association’s Meritorious Service Award has be given to the members of Engine Co. #6, Group #2 for the successful cardiac arrest resuscitation of the patient.

The PFIA Meritorious Service Award is granted to members of represented police and fire departments who save a life with minimal potential for personal harm.

The members of the company that morning were:

• Captain Shaun Tripodi
• Firefighter Richard Walsh
• Firefighter Kevin Campbell
• Prob. Firefighter Keven O’Brien

The Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association (SPFFA) will host its free annual fire safety Halloween party, featuring Sparky the Fire Dog. The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 30^th at the Sheraton Hotel in Stamford (700 Main St.).

There’s only treats, no tricks, at this party, which will feature a magic show, costume characters, face painting, balloon sculptures, music, toys, games, pizza and cake. Kids will receive junior fire helmets and are invited to arrive in costume. Free garage parking is available for attendees.

“Stamford Professional Fire Fighters look forward every year to this opportunity to share the fun and excitement of the Halloween season with community youth and at the same time, offer kids lessons about the importance of being safe from the dangers of fires. The more we can impress upon our children the real threat of fires and how to protect against them, the safer and more prepared Stamford and surrounding communities will be,” said SPFFA President Brendan Keatley.

Sparky the Fire Dog will make an appearance along with uniformed firefighters. Sparky helps educate and inform children about fire safety and pre-planning, including the importance of families practicing escape routes in case of a fire, and properly using and regularly changing batteries in life-saving smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Stamford Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of retired Firefighter Lou Moavero.

Lou, a lifetime Stamford resident, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Stamford, Hospital from Lung Cancer and complications from a stroke.

Lou was 79 and was born in Stamford on August 30, 1937 to the late Louis Moavero and Catherine Stramandanoli.

Lou was  graduate of Wright Tech and worked as a printer for 13 years at The Advocate before joining The Stamford Fire Dept. where he spent 34 years, most of which was served at Wood Wide Station as driver of Engine 5.

Lou thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years and could often be seen patroling West Beach during the summer and the shores of the Dominican Repulic during the winter.  He was an avid boater and water skier and Yankee fan, but his greatest love was spending time with his family.

He leaves behind two sons, Richie Moavero and his wife Joanne, and Randy Moavero and Gigi.  He also leaves behind 4 Grandchildren; Tracy, Nicole, Samantha and RJ Moavero, and his former wife Arlene Moavero.

Callings hours are Monday, November 21, 2016 from 4-8PM at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will take place in private.

Michael F. Piacenza passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2016 at age 92. Born and raised in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Leonard and Assunta Dagilia Piacenza.

Michael was a World War II veteran, having served for the U.S. Army, and a firefighter for the city of Stamford for 37 years. Michael was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He is survived by his son, Michael Piacenza and his wife Laurel of Derby; son Robert Piacenza and his wife Janet of Norwalk; four grandchildren, Shannon, Erin, Laura, Jamie Piacenza; great granddaughter, Jori Piacenza; sisters in law, Theresa Piacenza, Ann Lind and Ginny Molinaro; devoted caretaker George Boadu, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife, Theresa Salatino Piacenza, three brothers, Louis, Angelo, Adam Piacenza, and a sister, Rosemarie Roberto.

Family and friends may call at The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM Interment will be at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday at 10:30AM. A memorial talk will be given at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 891 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Michael’s name to the Stamford Firefighters Local 786 Burn Foundation: 629 Main Street, Stamford, CT 06901.

For online condolences please visit www.Cognetta.com

Nikodem J Kowaleski Jr died peacefully at home on January 9, 2017. He was 90.

He was the son of the late Nikodem Sr and Weronika Domalewski Kowalewski.

A lifelong resident of Stamford, CT, he graduated from Stamford High School and Fordham University. He served in the US Army during the Korean War receiving both the Purple Heart and the Korean Service Medal. He was honorably discharged.

He was a Stamford firefighter for over 36 years who achieved the rank of Captain. He loved music and singing. He was a member of various choirs including the Serendipity Choral. His highest honor was singing a solo for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome. He was a blood donor who gave over 25 gallons to the American Red Cross. He was also an avid golfer.

He is survived by his children, Timothy  Kowaleski, TinaMarie Thomas and Suzanne Kowaleski and his grandson Nickolas Kowaleski.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and John and his sister Frances.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday February 4th at Holy Name 0f Jesus Church, 325 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 25 Camp Ave., Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Beltown Fire Dept., 8 Dorlen Rd., Stamford, CT.

Family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to the Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue in Stamford. If you would like to leave an expression of sympathy for the family online, please sign the guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or visit the funeral home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome to share memories of Nikodem with his family.

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Fire Captain Albert Rich. 

Albert Rich, 79, of West Haven and formerly of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born in Stamford on July 22, 1938 to the late Anthony Rich, Sr. and Concetta Candelmo Rich.

Albert was a former Captain and Fire Marshall with the Stamford Fire Department for twenty years before retiring in 1988. He was also a property manager for New England Land. He was a US Army veteran having served with the National Guard of CT. Anyone who knew him knows he was an extremely hard-working, vibrant, generous and loving person who had a zest for living life to the fullest! He touched everyone’s life he met, while leaving a lasting impression.

He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty eight years, Patricia Yaeger Rich, his loving children, Albert Rich, Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Craig Rich and his wife Victoria and Kimberly Corelli and her husband Anthony, his grandchildren, Tyler, Ashley, Nick, CJ, Christian, Kyle, Anthony Albert and Giuliana. Also surviving are his sisters, Gloria Lanzaro, Theresa Carlucci, Nancy Costanzo and his brothers, Joseph Rich, Sr. and William Rich, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford at 10:10 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Albert’s memory to the Stamford Firefighters Burn Foundation Local 786, Stamford Headquarters, 2nd Floor, 629 Main Street, Stamford, CT 06901 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

The Stamford Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of retired Fire Captain Gerald LaBlanc.  What follows is his published obituary.

Gerald LaBlanc, 87, a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT, passed away on October 2, 2017. Gerald was born on November 17, 1929 in Stamford, CT, to the late Dennis and Dolores Leblanc.

Gerald was born on November 17, 1929 in Stamford, CT, to the late Dennis and Dolores Leblanc.

A devoted father and husband, Gerald is survived by his beloved wife Dolores (Boshka) LaBlanc. He is predeceased by his daughter Lisa and his brothers Robert LeBlanc and Dennis LaBlanc.

Gerald was a Stamford Fire Fighter for many years, rising through the ranks to Captain. He retired after being seriously injured in a major fire due to a chemical explosion. He was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed woodworking as a hobby.

Above all, Gerald was a dedicated family man. He cherished his wife and daughter as well as his brothers, brother-in-law and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 6th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm at Bosak Funeral Home on 453 Shippan Ave, in Stamford. A Mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 7th at 10:30am at Saint Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Ave, in Stamford. The interment will immediately follow mass at St Mary’s Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, in Greenwich, CT.

The Stamford Fire Department would like to congratulate the following members of the Stamford Fire Department on their recent promotions.  Well done!

Captains

• Captain Ryan Kerwin
• Captain Theodore Valenti
• Captain Andrew Perry
• Captain Carl Alton
• Captain Michael McCullagh
• Captain Shawn Sasser
• Captain Joseph Dombrowski
• Captain David Davis
• Captain William O’Connell

Lieutenants

• Lieutenant Brian Teitelbaum
• Lieutenant Donald Lowndes
• Lieutenant Thomas Newman
• Lieutenant Steven Klee
• Lieutenant Theodore Stanek
• Lieutenant David Williamson
• Lieutenant Michael Sloditskie
• Lieutenant Adam Silverstone
• Lieutenant Joseph Maida
• Lieutenant Kevin Connell
• Lieutenant Martin Bucci

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Deputy Chief Thomas A. Petrone. Chief Petrone was 94 and passed away at home in Stratford on April 29. Born April 5, 1924 in Stamford to George and Mary Petrone, he was married for 61 years to the late Dorothy Lynch Petrone. Tom served as a medic in the army during WWII.

He was a Stamford firefighter and retired as Deputy Chief after 42 years on the job. He was a proud member of Local 786, the Hubbard Heights Has-beens and the Stillwater Indians. He was a loyal Giants fan and loved country music, playing his harmonica and the slots at Mohegan Sun.

He is survived by his children, Diane Lupinacci of Stratford, Karen (Dale) Brunner of South Carolina and Thomas Jr. (Cheryl) of Norwalk, grandchildren Dana (Stan) Cackowski of Trumbull, Jenna Lupinacci of Stratford, Kristen (Brad) Bishop of Iowa and Jaimie Brunner of South Carolina, great-grandchildren Melanie and Hailey Cackowski, Dayton and Colton Bishop. He was also survived by his sister Marilyn (Paul) Parinello of Florida and was predeceased by his brother Ralph Petrone. A memorial service will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Pl., Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Constellation Hospice, 240 Indian River Rd., Orange, CT 06477. For more information or to make an online condolence, please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Stamford Firefighter George Thomas Searles Sr.

Firefighter Searles was 84 year old, formerly of Stamford and more recently of Shelton.  He passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018.

Born February 5, 1934, George was a graduate of Stamford High School and went on to join the U.S. Navy in 1953 serving during the Korean War on the USS McGowan. Following his Navy tour, George went on to a 37 year career with the Stamford Fire Department where he served his hometown community.

George was a giving man. Someone you could always count on. Family was the key to his life. His wife, children and grandchildren were his most important priorities. Always with the quick-witted response, his one-line zingers were amazing and his overall priceless sense of humor – he was just larger than life. A gentle soul and a gentle giant. An avid sports fan (Go Patriots!), fisherman, chess player, history buff and master craftsman in woodworking (having built many winning cars for the Pinewood Derby Races.) He always was a man of service and dedication in anything he set his mind to. He will be so greatly missed.

George was pre-deceased by his parents Kenneth and Margaret Searles of Stamford. Also pre-deceased by his son George Thomas Searles Jr. (Tommy) as well as his siblings Dorothy Novakowski, William, Robert, John and Ken Searles.

Survivors include his loving wife Frances Casciari Searles (of 58 years); his son John Searles and wife Bonnie of Shelton; his daughter Mary Searles Allegrini and her husband Michael of Shelton and George’s grandchildren, Kyle, Hayley, Trevor, Tory (Searles), Jenna (Allegrini) and great grandson Michael Bennett Searles.

He will be greatly remembered by everyone who knew him, especially his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of George’s life will take place on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10 a.m.; St. Joseph’s Church, 50 Fairmont Place, Shelton, CT. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms, Route 110, Monroe, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in George’s name to The Connecticut Hospice of Branford, CT.

It is with deep regret that the City of Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Firefighter John Robert Labati.  

Firefighter Labati, 88, of Stamford, CT passed away peacefully at Greenwich Hospital on September 20th, surrounded by his family. John, one month shy of this 89th birthday, was the beloved husband of 61 years to the late Carole Labati, who passed away on May 25th of this year.

He was born in New York City on October 18, 1929 to the late John and Margaret Ochelli Labati. After graduating from Greenwich High School, where he was a track star, John served two tours of duty in the U. S. Army. In the mid-1950’s, he went to work at Conde Nast Publications in Greenwich. It was there, at a company picnic, that he met the love of his life and future wife, Carole. Shortly after getting married in 1957, John joined the Stamford Fire Department where he worked until his retirement in 1993.

John was a master craftsman and enjoyed spending time in his workshop building furniture and repairing cars; a man who could fix anything! In Rhode Island, John always loved working outdoors and when work was done, John and Carole would be found relaxing on their back deck with family. He always looked forward to his annual Autumn trips with his wife and close friends.

John is survived by his four children, Donna Thigpen and husband Bernard of Stamford; John Jr. of Jersey City, NJ; James and wife Janet and daughter Maria – John and Carole’s beloved granddaughter – of Sandy Hook, CT; Richard and wife Betty of Stamford and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Florence Balocca, Jean Labati, Marian Marino, as well as his brother, Richard Labati. The family would like to extend special thanks to Nelly de la Cruz (Minnie) for her care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford followed by interment at St. John Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, Darien.

Donations in John’s memory can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

The Edward Lawrence Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.

It is with deep regret, that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of Retired Firefighter Walter Lohotsky.

Firefighter Lohotosky, of Stamford Connecticut, passed away in peace on Sunday September 23 at the age of 92. Walt was born in New York City and was raised in Banksville Connecticut, then the hinterlands of Greenwich, complete with a two-room schoolhouse and plenty of swimming holes. At age 18 he found himself in the Pacific aboard the USS Earl V. Johnson, watched torpedoes pass under his ship, and fondly remembered the conclusion of the war from Leyte Gulf in the Philippines.

Upon returning home, he married his beloved Mary and enjoyed a 62-year marriage.  He proudly served as a member of Stamford Fire Rescue for 42 years, starting his post on the day that the Connecticut Turnpike opened in January 1958. He operated the largest piece of fire apparatus the City owned, and received multiple commendations over the years. He also worked for the Town of Darien until he was 85, and could be counted on to operate any truck or excavator that came his way.

He inherited a green thumb and handyman spirit from his parents Tessie and Theodore, and always grew a large vegetable garden, when was not repairing some implement. He was likewise predeceased by his sister Sophie and brothers Peter and Nicholas.

He will be fondly remembered by his children Michelle, her husband Gary and daughter Jacqueline, and by his son Walter, his wife Patricia, and children Kathryn and Brian.

The family further thanks the staff of The Nathaniel Witherell for their kind care and compassion.

The family will be receiving the condolences and sympathy of friends and family on the evening of Wednesday, September 26th from 6pm to 8pm at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. A funeral service will be take place on the morning of FRIDAY, September 28th at 10am at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 24 Wenzel Terrace, Stamford, CT 06902. The interment with military honors will immediately follow the service at St. Mary R.C. Cemetery in Greenwich, CT.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 24 Wenzel Terrace, Stamford, CT 06902.

The family has entrusted the final arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue in Stamford, CT. If you care to leave a message of condolence for the family online you may visit the guestbooks on www.bosakfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome.

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Stamford Fire Lieutenant Jeremiah (Jerry) Ormond. Lieutenant Ormond served the Fire Department for 22 years.  We are grateful for his dedicated service. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Ormond’s family during this difficult time. The following is his published obituary.

“We’ve lost a true Irishman.” Jeremiah Joseph Ormond III passed away at home after a brief illness on November 2, 2018 at the age of 64. He was one of five children born to Bridget Cassidy Ormond and the late Jeremiah Joseph Ormond II. He was married to his loving wife of 37 years, Jeanne McAuliffe Ormond and is survived by his son Jeremiah Joseph Ormond IV and his wife Gemma. He was known as Poppy to the joy of his life, his granddaughter Kadence Riley Ormond. He is survived by his sisters, Bridget Kopek (Ron), Moira Bryson (Drew), Tara O’Brien (Tommy) and one brother, Thomas M. Ormond (Donna) of Stamford, his brother in laws Mark McAuliffe (Diane) of Wilmington, NC and Paul Gaffney of Wayne, PA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother in law, Patrick McAuliffe (Lenore) and his sister in law, Sheila McAuliffe Gaffney.

He was born and raised in Stamford, CT. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy after serving on the USS Forestal. He returned home and was employed by The Stamford Fire Department for 22 years, during his tenure as a firefighter, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant working in the 911 center and spent five years as a Deputy Fire Marshall. After retirement he was a licensed home improvement contractor, he enjoyed renovating his homes over the years.

Prior to his career as a firefighter, he was a volunteer firefighter with the Turn of River and Glenbrook Fire Departments and a volunteer at Long Ridge Fire Department after his retirement. He was also active in the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs holding the office of secretary. He was a member of the Ponus Yacht Club and The Elks Club. He was a very devoted hockey dad, always giving his son every opportunity to achieve his goals. He enjoyed playing the guitar and watching his beloved NY Giants and NY Mets. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his beloved labs at Cove Island Park. He is remembered as a friend always willing to help others. “He stood for his beliefs, communicated them at times in opinionated/unorthodox ways – but we all loved him for it”.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford, CT (203)-359-9999. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at St Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Rd., Stamford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stamford Firefighters Burn Foundation, 629 Main Street, Stamford, CT 06901. To send on-line condolences to the Ormond family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of retired Firefighter Sean Elumba. He was born on December 12, 1944, and was 74 years old. Firefighter Elumba was hired by the Stamford Fire Department on December 14, 1970 and served the citizens of Stamford for just over 32 years. He retired on November 28, 2003.

Services are as follows:

16 JANUARY 2019
Calling hours 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Prayer Service: 6:00pm

SPADACCINO AND LEO P. GALLAGHER & SON
Community Funeral Home
315 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, Connecticut 06468

It is with deep regret that the Stamford Fire Department announces the passing of former Fire Commissioner William Spencer (Bill) Callion Jr..

Fire Commissioner Callion transitioned on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Stamford Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14, 1945 in Madison, Arkansas to Williams S. Callion, Sr. and Myrtle Banks Callion. He was married to Melvina Burris Callion of Stamford, CT. Deacon Callion completed his Bachelor of Science Degree at Southern Illinois University and earned an MBA Degree from Pace University and continued his education at the Kennedy School of Harvard and Kellogg School of Northwestern University.

Deacon Callion retired as the Director of the Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare for the City of Stamford and previously for the IBM Corporation after 34 years of service, and currently served as Administrative Director of FREEDOM. Deacon Callion is known not only for his corporate/institutional work, but also for his dedicated commitment to serving the community.

His legacy will be treasured by his wife Melvina Burris Callion; two sons, William S. Callion, III (Sara) and Wesley Callion; three grandchildren, Tiffany Callion, Bethany Wilkinson and Nicholas Callion, three sisters, one brother, and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Deacon Callion was preceded in death by his daughter Melanie B. Callion.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. followed by a service of celebration at 11:00 a.m. at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT with Rev. Dr. Robert W. Perry officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien, CT. Services entrusted to Graves Medley Funeral Services.

It is with great sadness that the Stamford Fire Department and the Van Houten family, announce the passing of Samuel Francis Van Houten. “Sammy” was born in Stamford on May 3, 1957 and passed away suddenly on March 28, 2019 at age 61.

Losing his own father at a young age shaped him into the wonderful man he was, taking responsibility to care for his own family with such love. That love and care extended to his sisters, their families, as well as his brother firefighters.

Sam honorably served the City of Stamford for 34 years as both an EMT and a firefighter at Stations 2,4,6, and 7. Trained by his father, Sam was also a highly skilled licensed electrician. When Sam did a job for anyone, he was fair, honest, and took pride in his work.

Nothing gave Sam more joy than spending time with his wife Jody, and his sons Matt and Nick. He looked forward to spending time at the Cape and savored reeling in the “big one” while fishing with his boys. He loved attending music festivals with his wife, especially if Matt was performing. Sam took pride in watching Nick blossom into a skilled tradesman, as passed on through the generations. He and Jody created many memories with their children through involvement in the church, wrestling tournaments, music performances and college. Sam was a wonderful cook and expressed his love to anyone that would join him for his legendary chili or Cajun gumbo.

Sam enjoyed theatre, dinners out with friends and family, and most of all, dancing with his bride. He enjoyed serving all guests a sampling of the best bourbons and beer. At the end of the day, his favorite expression was “woo hoo!”. He spread joy wherever he was and touched every life in a special way.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 30 years, Jody Van Houten, his beloved sons – Nicholas and Matthew Van Houten, his sisters – Diana Redfield (Bruce), Annette Cocco (Albert), Susan Mercer, Virginia Reilly, and Linda Lyons, sisters-in-law Cheryl Finger (Joel) and Karen McCloskey (Brian), mother-in-law Katherine Roelke, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Emma (Sellars) Van Houten.

Services will be held the morning of Saturday, April 6th, 10:30 a.m., St. John’s Lutheran Church at 884 Newfield Ave. in Stamford, CT. There will be a celebration of Sam’s life immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stamford Firefighters Local 786 Burn Foundation, 629 Main Street in Stamford, CT 06901.