Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury & Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield

08/17/2025

Donald Weber Hale, born February 5, 1931 in Oakfield NY, died at age 94 peacefully with family by his side at his residence in Ridgefield, CT on July 21, 2025.

He is survived by daughter Kaye Malton, sons Donald, Douglas, David, and Gregory, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorriane (nee Carlo), mother Vivian (nee Howell), his father Laverne, his siblings Gordon, Douglas, Joann Colucci (nee Hale), Marcia Campbell (nee Hale), Norman, and Linda Kubala (nee Hale), his great-grandson Trevor Buckwalter, and his daughter-in-law Linda Hale (nee Strasser).

Donald served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953, rising to the rank of Sergeant of Company B of the 42nd Armored Infantry Battalion and received a special commendation in May 1953 for his heroic efforts in running down, leaping aboard and gaining control over a runaway half-track in Baumholder, Germany.

Once back home in Buffalo NY, he devoted his life to his family, friends, and neighbors; always there to offer his services, from haircuts to fixing cars. He built a successful business, Don Hale Material Handling, which he operated from 1973 until his retirement at age 88.

Outside of work and his growing family, Donald was passionate about history. He was an active member of the Buffalo Civil War Roundtable, frequented historical monuments, museums, battlefields and reenactments, and was a voracious reader of all things related to American history.

After relocating to Ridgefield CT in 2021, he began a history club at his senior living residence, which had become an integral and very popular element of their programming. His character was marked by a spirit of generosity, a strong work ethic, and sincere humility. He will be greatly missed by all, whether you knew him for one day or 70 years.

There will be a celebration of remembrance on Wednesday August 20th, 2025 1:30 PM at Ridgefield Station - 55 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donald’s honor to either of the following: The Buffalo History Museum or The American Battlefield Trust.

08/17/2025

Robert “Bob” John Mac Donald, 93, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away in Danbury on August 13, at Regional Hospice.

Born on February 6, 1932, in Lincoln Park, Mich. to Bert and Wilhelmina Mac Donald, Bob moved with his family to Washington, D.C. at nine months old. One of seven children, he grew up just 16 blocks from the Capitol and later moved to Congress Heights.

Bob’s love for sports began young. At six, he started swimming at the local Boys Club, eventually competing and earning numerous medals. He often credited the Boys Club with providing a strong foundation in his life.

He earned a scholarship to St. John’s High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. In his senior year, St. John’s basketball team won The City Championship and Bob earned All City honors as starting center. He also served as second in command in his Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. Bob continued his education at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., where he played both baseball (catcher) and basketball (center).

Bob served in the U.S. Army for two years. He then spent his professional life with IBM in various sales and marketing roles, relocating to Ridgefield, Conn. with his family in 1970. A top performer, Bob earned IBM’s prestigious Golden Circle award multiple times and Hundred Percent Club 28 out of 28 times.

Bob met his future wife, Joan Seyfried, in Washington, D.C.—first spotting her on a streetcar and later running into her at a dance that same night. They married in 1956. Their marriage spanned nearly 65 years until Joan’s passing in 2019. Together they raised three children.

A devoted supporter of Joan’s successful dance studio, Bob was the behind-the-scenes scenery builder and music coordinator.

Bob and Joan were also deeply involved with St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ridgefield, serving as Eucharistic Ministers at mass and for the homebound, and with Bob serving as lector. He and Joan traveled regularly including pilgrimages to Rome and Fatima in Portugal.

Bob, a member of the Ridgefield Men’s Club, was an avid golfer, playing on courses across the country including Myrtle Beach, Palm Springs, and Kauai.

Bob is survived by his children Carrie Pin and husband Gregory Pin of Danbury, CT, who lovingly cared for him during the final four years of his life; Craig Mac Donald and wife Linda (Gray) Mac Donald of Brentwood, NH, and Kyle Potvin and husband Glen Potvin of Vero Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Adam, Erik (Catriona), Karina and Allegra Pin; Dylan (Chase), Maddy and Duncan Mac Donald; and Jack and Jeff Potvin; and niece Anne Fogelsong and husband, Tom.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 27, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, August 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

08/17/2025

Father Naji Kiwan, 52, former pastor of St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church of Danbury from 2014 to 2024 died on Thursday, August 14, 2025 in Youngstowwn, Ohio.

Born in Freidis, Lebanon on December 12, 1972, he was the son of Jalil and Chalabieh (Haddad) Kiwan. Fr. Naji is predeceased by his mother Chalabieh, and survived by his father, Jalil, his brother Michel, and sisters Nisrine and Karine.

Fr. Naji was ordained into the priesthood by the Most Reverend Youssef Bechara, Archbishop of the Maronite Diocese of Antelias, on June 27, 1998. Fr. Naji served from 1998 to 2003 at Saint George Church in Dekwaneh, Lebanon, and then from 2003-2005 at Mar Abda and Mar Mikhael Bikfaiya.

Fr. Naji Kiwan’s first assignment in the Eparchy of St. Maron was in 2005 as the Vice-Recor of Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary in Washington DC, where he remained until 2007. For a short period of time Fr. Naji served as Assistant Pastor at Saint Anthony of the Desert Church in Fall River, Massachusetts. Fr. Naji served as Administrator of Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Waterbury, Connecticut from 2007 to 2008, until he was assigned Pastor, where he remained until 2011. In

2011 Fr. Naji was assigned Administrator at Saint John Paul II Mission in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and he served as Pastor at Saint Anthony Church in Danbury, CT from 2014 until 2024. As Fr. Naji’s final assignment he spent a short time serving as Parochial Vicar in Saint Anthony Church in Glen Allen, VA.

On Thursday August 21, 2025, there will be a visitation from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with the Ginnaz for Priests at 7:00 pm at Saint Anthony Maronite Church located at 17 Granville Ave, Danbury, CT 06810.

Friday August 22, 2025, there will be a visitation from 9:00 am to 10:15 am, followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am, with a Mercy Meal just after.

Fr. Naji will then be taken to Lebanon to be buried.

08/13/2025

Anne Marie "Nancy" Quain

Nancy peacefully passed away in her sleep on August 11th, at her home in Ridgefield, surrounded by her family and caretakers.

Nancy was born November 10, 1932 to Raymond and May McGee in East Orange, N.J. Nancy was predeceased by her husband James Richard Quain in 1990, and her brother Raymond McGee Jr.

She was a prolific volunteer in the Ridgefield community for many years since she moved to town in 1978. Nancy served as President of the Saint Mary's Widow and Widowers Club at its inception, and was a life-long contributor to Ridgefield Meals on Wheels. Nancy also took part in numerous events hosted by Saint Mary's Parish, too numerous to mention! Nancy thrived on helping others in Ridgefield.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Roseanne Daley (John); her two adopted sons from Ireland, Kevin Quain and Brian Quain; her two grandchildren; Sean (Erin) Daley; and Caitlin (Carmen) Daley, as well as her great grandchildren Timothy, Will and Colleen.

Nancy may be gone, but never forgotten!

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield. Family and friends will be received on Thursday morning prior to the funeral mass from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

To view the livestream of the funeral mass, please click the link provided here, or use the "video play" button below the obituary and funeral service schedule. Nancy Quain Funeral Mass

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield - 25 Gilbert Street; Ridgefield, CT 06877 or online at https://www.mealsonwheelsofridgefield.org/.

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

Lisa A. DePalma, 67 of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. She was the loving wife of Gene DePalma.

Lisa was born on October 26, 1957 in Bridgeport, CT; a daughter of Anthony and Lois (Capuano) DiGiovanni. A longtime resident of Ridgefield, Lisa was a retired medical secretary.

Lisa is survived by her husband of 39 years, Gene, as well as their two sons: Christopher and Kenneth, mother; Lois, and sister; Gioia.

Lisa was a kindhearted, compassionate and thoughtful wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace now along with her father and brother.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Pius X Parish; 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield.

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

08/10/2025

Doris W. Raymond, 85, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. She was the loving wife of Dr. Ronald J. Raymond.

Born in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1940, Doris was the daughter of the late William and Irene (Gibson) Watkins. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where she was a proud member of both the university marching band and orchestra. As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she was honored as the University of Oklahoma’s Indian Princess, a title that reflected both her heritage and the grace with which she carried herself throughout her entire life.

A resident of Ridgefield since 1967, Doris was a retired Licensed Professional Counselor. She was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as a Lantern member of the Cannon Ridge Chapter as well as Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Doris enjoyed genealogy and needlepoint, earning the title of Master Craftsman of the Embroiders’ Guild of America. She was an avid Oklahoma Sooners Football fan and later in life became a devoted follower of UConn women’s basketball. Doris found great joy in nurturing her family and being an active community member. She formed deep, lasting friendships throughout her life and had a meaningful impact on all who knew her.

Deeply loved by her entire family, Doris is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Ronald J. Raymond, as well as their sons: Dr. Ronald Raymond, his wife, Dr. Stacy Raymond, and Dr. Randall Raymond and his wife, Dr. Kelly Raymond. Doris is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Andrew, Mark, Amber, and Ashley Raymond.

A private funeral service was held by the family on August 2nd.

08/10/2025

William Gentles, 76, of Danbury, died peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Bill was born on September 11, 1948 in New York City; a son of the late Thomas and Marie (Nagle) Gentles. He graduated from Monsignor McClancy High School in Elmhurst, NY and enlisted in the US Army. Bill served in the Army during the Vietman War and was honorably discharged in 1969. A resident of Danbury for over 40 years, Bill was a retired cargo handler for Amtrak.

He is survived by his son, William as well as his grandchildren, Emma and Thomas. In addition, he is survived by his sisters: Lilliam Tomanelli (Dominic), Florence Rubino, Betty Gentile (John) as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Gentles and his sisters, Mary Maher Ottoshavette and Theresa Sheehan.

Bill's family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation for their care. He was lucky to have been cared for by all that are good and kind in this world. A special thank you to the staff of Apple Blossom for their love and understanding; his family will always remember and be grateful for all that was done for him.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM in Saint Peter Church; 121 Main Street, Danbury. Interment with US Army funeral honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, New Fairfield. Family and friends will be received prior to the mass on Monday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home; 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury.

07/29/2025

Vincey Z. Lanigan, 96, of Danbury, wife of the late Maurice J. Lanigan, died on Friday, July 25,2025 at Havencare at Filosa, Danbury.

Mrs. Lanigan was born in Bridgeport, CT, July 30,1928 a daughter of John and Caroline (Volek) Zilinek. She attended the Easton-Redding School District and graduated from Danbury High School with the Class of 1946.

A bookkeeper, she was employed over the years with Main-Hurdman & Cranston, John W. Leahy Fuel Oil Company and City Trust Bank.

A resident of Danbury since 1952 coming from Redding, she was a member of St. Peter Church of Danbury.

Mrs. Lanigan enjoyed gardening, reading and jig saw puzzles.

She is survived by two daughters, Karen Lanigan and Maureen Boles and by three nephews, Michael, Billy and Tommy.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Lanigan was predeceased by her brothers, Ambrose, Tony, Stevie, Nicholas and Charles and by a sister, Lily.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 29,2025 at 10;30 a.m. in St. Peter Church, 121 Main St., Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

There will be no calling hours.

07/29/2025

Dolores Capone, 94, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Robert A. Capone.

A funeral service will be offered on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary's Cemetery; 110 North Street, Ridgefield. There will be no calling hours.

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

07/29/2025

Kay Lois Cornell Ables, 89 of Ridgefield, died peacefully in her home on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Kay was born in Amityville, NY, the third child of the late William and Myrtle Cornell. From New York, her parents moved to East Hartford, CT where she met her husband, the late Lewis Jerry Ables. Together they moved to New York City before settling in Ridgefield in 1968 to raise their family.

Kay was extremely active in Ridgefield. Her career in community service began in 1971 when she joined the Ridgefield Women’s Club and later became the president. In the 1980’s Kay and her friend started the program R.U.O.K.? This program brings peace of mind with daily phone calls to check on homebound residents and those who simply live alone. It still operates in Ridgefield today.

As a lifelong learner and avid reader, she turned her volunteer efforts to The Keeler Tavern Museum, where she led two major projects, the Hartman Collection of glass plate negatives and the 19th Century diaries of Anna Resseguie, daughter of the Keeler Tavern’s Innkeeper. The Anna Ressiguie project turned Anna’s diaries into a book, A View From the Inn.

Kay was involved with the Ridgefield Archives Committee, which later became the Ridgefield Historical Society. She worked tirelessly in preserving the 18th Century David Scott House, was a member of the Ridgefield 300th Anniversary Committee and the Museum in the Streets project which provides a walking historic trail through Ridgefield.

Kay received the Ridgefield Old Timers’ Community Service Award in 2003, was named Citizen of the Year in 2005 by the Ridgefield Rotary Club and became the town’s second Town Historian in 2006. In her spare time, Kay loved to travel. She explored the world with her friends taking European riverboat trips, exploring castles and learning about people, history (of course) and horticulture in other parts of the world. When not in Europe she cherished visiting friends in other parts of the country. Kay was a member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Ridgefield and part of the “Older Than Dirt” breakfast group.

Kay was a loving wife to her husband Jerry for over 30 years before his death in 1993. Those who knew them knew that Jerry had been in a life altering car accident in 1969, leaving him handicapped and unable to operate a motor vehicle. Kay not only took care of her husband who continued to work but raised her two children and maintained their home. Her love for gardening was recognized when she earned the title “Master Gardener” through UConn. She planted beautiful gardens around her home, was an avid bird watcher and thoroughly enjoyed sharing her passion for the outdoors with her friends and family. With birds chirping, flowers in bloom and probably a squirrel in her patio feeder, she passed in exactly the place she wanted to be.

Kay leaves behind a daughter Susan Ables Walker and her husband Michael Walker of Duxbury, Massachusetts and a son David Ables of Jericho, Vermont. Kay also leaves behind grandchildren Emily Walker Partain and her husband Tristan of Duxbury, MA, Garrett Lewis Walker and his wife Megan of Boston, MA, Sara Walker of Charlotte, NC and Trent Walker of Nashville, TN. Kay’s ultimate pride was her great-granddaughter and namesake, Lillian Kay Partain.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral service in celebration of Kay's life will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her honor to either the Ridgefield Historical Society or the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center.

07/24/2025

Nárcissza “Ciszka” Vilma Paula Erzsébet Ludányi Layton, (91) of Ridgefield, died peacefully on July 13, 2025.

Nárcissza was born in Budapest, Hungary on September 18, 1933; the daughter of the late Antal and Erzsébet (Prileszky) Ludányi. Despite being the only girl, as the oldest of five, she was the leader of the pack and kept her brothers in line. When the Russians invaded towards the end of WWII, her family fled Hungary and settled in a refugee camp for Displaced Persons in Austria where they would reside for 3 years. While her family awaited an opportunity to emigrate, Nárcissza attended school in Germany, which involved a hike through the mountains each day. The family was issued an invitation to immigrate to the US in 1949, with the Catholic Church as their sponsor. Nárcissza finished her high school education in Virginia where the family had been situated and then moved to New York City when a cousin was kind enough to invite her to stay. After a couple of years working at various jobs, she earned a full scholarship to Elmhurst College and received her Bachelors of Science with a double major in Chemistry and Math.

Following college, Nárcissza got a job as a chemist at Coulter Counter Industries, and it was in this role that she met Howard Layton, one of their sales reps. Nárcissza and Howard married in 1962 in Cartaret, NJ and founded a company together, Interlab, that would define much of the rest of their lives. Through that marriage, Nárcissza become a stepmother to Howard’s two daughters (Peta and Leslie), and had three daughters of her own, (Muffin, Panni, and Paulette). When her brother Tony and his wife Madeline passed away in an automobile accident, Nárcissza and Howard adopted their infant son, Antal, and the family grew to six.

Interlab, which had started in a basement apartment, grew to a manufacturing company of 70 people, moving from Pleasantville, NY, to Danbury, CT, with Nárcissza running the firm as President and Chief Financial Officer. The family likewise relocated from NY to CT and eventually made their home in New Fairfield. Nárcissza and Howard separated in 1985 but continued to run the company together until it shuttered its doors in 2014. The following year she moved to Ridgefield to be close to two of her daughters.

Nárcissza was a member and sometimes council member of the Hungarian Communion of Friends and took great pride in the Hungarian culture and her heritage, which she instilled in her children. She was also a proud American, grateful for all the gifts her adopted country had bestowed upon her and her family, and followed politics passionately. She went out of her way to hire immigrants at Interlab and assisted them however she could in obtaining their permanent citizenship. She had a curious mind and enjoyed gardening, swimming, art, and reading.

Nárcissza is survived by her children: Narcissa-Christine: Lyons “Muffin” (Mike), Antal Ludányi (Denise), Alice “Panni” Layton, Paulette Layton; her grandchildren: Raymond Eugeni (Kate), Christopher George (Grace), Cooper Lyons, and Freddy Lyons; her great grandchildren: Max and Jackson Eugeni; her siblings, András Ludányi (Márika), and Paul Ludányi (Theresa), her sisters-in-law Renate Ludányi and Julie “Panni” Ludányi, as well as several nieces, great nephews, great nieces, and extended family in Hungary.

In addition to her parents, Nárcissza was predeceased by her brothers, Tamás and Tony Ludányi, her sister-in-law Madeline Ludányi; her step daughters Peta Layton and Leslie George, and her former husband, Howard Layton.

Family and friends will be received on July 25th from 4 pm to 7 pm at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A celebration of life will take place the following day.