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The Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT (2026)

03/12/2026

NEWTOWN - George Laurence “Larry” McGowan, 82, died on February 28, 2026. A man of integrity and long-standing friendships, Larry leaves behind a legacy of professional achievement and a family who loved him dearly.

Born on November 27, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY to George Laurence and Grace Harding McGowan, Larry grew up with a foundation of faith and education.

He attended St. John’s Preparatory School (Brooklyn, NY) and Garden City (NY) High School before graduating from Niagara University.

After graduation, Larry completed his ROTC training and became a first lieutenant in the United States Army.
Following additional specialized training, he was stationed in Vilseck, Germany, on the Czech border, where he led a missile unit for most of his military service. He was immensely proud of his time spent in the military and spoke of it often.

Upon returning to civilian life, Larry dedicated his professional career to Real Estate Development and Construction. His work left a tangible mark across the Northeast, and he remained committed to it, actively engaging in projects until his courageous battle with pulmonary disease led him to retire two years ago. He was known by colleagues for his expertise and his commitment to the projects that shaped the local landscape.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry was a husband, loyal friend, and cherished family member. He is survived by his wife, Brigid Mary Hutchinson McGowan; his sister, Kathleen McGowan Metz of Longboat Key, FL and Sharon, CT; his nephews, James Thornton Metz (Victoria) and Robert Harding Metz (Robin); and his nieces, Alicia Harding Metz, Lauren Harding Simons, Kathryn Metz Helm (Lloyd), and Margaret Thornton Metz.
Larry was a proud great-uncle to nine grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Larry also shared a close and affectionate bond with Aldina Vazão Kennedy and Ana Monica Vazão. He valued lifelong friendships, particularly those formed during his years at Garden City High School and found immense joy in nurturing those connections, especially through their annual golf outings he so enjoyed organizing and attending.

A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on June 6, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in Amenia, NY. The interment at Calvary Cemetery will be at a later date.

03/09/2026

LAKEVILLE - David Munro Vickers, 80, passed away on February 22, 2026, after a brief illness. He was the loving partner of Diane Landucci, with whom he shared more than 20 years in Lakeville, Connecticut.

David was born on October 15, 1945, in Queens, New York, the son of John Marter Vickers and Ethlyn Marie Munro Vickers. He served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

David later moved with his family to Lakeville, Connecticut, where he went on to hold positions at LeBonnes Market, Noble Horizons, Hotchkiss and Lime Rock Park.

One of David’s great passions was baking cookies and cakes for his many friends in the community. He also had a lifelong tenderness for wildlife and quietly enjoyed caring for the many creatures around him. With birdseed and other treats left outside for squirrels, birds, chipmunks, and the occasional turkey or deer, no visitor ever left his yard hungry.

He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the UConn Huskies.

In addition to Ms. Landucci, he is survived by his son, Grant Vickers of Lakeville; his nephews, Damon Vickers of Martha’s Vineyard and Jeremiah Brimlow Vickers of New York City.

David will be remembered for his quiet kindness, his generosity toward both people and animals, and the warmth he brought to those around him.

03/09/2026

LAKEVILLE - Larry Power passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026.

Larry was born at St. Vincent’s Hospital in NYC in 1939.

He had a successful public relations firm for over 35 years in NYC.

After retiring, he chaired the Sharon Land Trust board for many years. He always said one of the most important things he ever did was saving the Twin Oaks Field from development.

He is survived by his husband Lea Davies of 44 years.

Donations in his memory can be sent to East Mountain House in Lakeville in honor of Keavy Bedell or the Sharon Hospital Primary Care Project in honor of Doctor Jonathan Joseph.

02/16/2026

LAKEVILLE - Carolyn G. McCarthy, 88, a long time resident of Indian Mountain Road, passed away peacefully at home on February 7, 2026.

She was born on September 8, 1937, in Hollis, NY. She was the youngest daughter of the late William James and Ruth Anderson Gedge of Indian Mountain Road.

Carolyn's first job out of high school was at the Time and Life building in Manhattan, NY. In 1956, she went on to work for Capital Airlines until they disbanded.

She began banking in White Plains, NY where she met her husband Edward James McCarthy. They started their family and relocated to Pleasant Valley, NY. She then returned to banking in Poughkeepsie, NY and later pursued real estate.

Carolyn was very creative and enjoyed home making, gardening, sewing, knitting, cooking and baking. Her Christmas cookies were always remarkable. She had a pioneer spirit and embraced the toil of yard chores. She was very independent and at 87 she still shoveled the driveway in the winter, mowed the grass, trimmed the bushes, raked the leaves and dragged the brush. She took pride in the manicure of the grounds where she resided.

Carolyn was a wonderful mother who had an enormous heart. She loved all animals, wild or tame. She will be dearly missed by her family and the people that knew her.

She is predeceased by her husband Edward McCarthy Sr. and her brother Dr. Stafford Gedge of MN.

She is survived by her son, Edward (Anne) McCarthy of Greenfield, MA and grandsons James and Theodore, son Sean McCarthy of Oak Hill, NY, sister Nancy Dougherty of SC, nieces Lynn Warner, Debra Phillips, Susan Nelson, Christine Richards and nephews William, James and Robert Gedge.

A private service will be held at a later date.

02/16/2026

SHARON - Tilden W. Southack Jr. a longtime resident of Sharon, CT passed February 13th, 2026 peacefully, hand in hand with the person he cared about most, Karlee McGhee and a couple of his employees/friends.

He was born May 25th, 1950, the son of Jean (Bunny) Southack and Tilden Southack, and brother to Barbara (Bobby) Southack and Sally Southack.

Tilden graduated high school from Wooster School of Danbury and earned a college degree in business and economics from Colorado State University. Tilden told stories of being the manager of a varsity football team and hockey team during his time at Wooster.

After his immediate family had passed or moved on, Tilden continued to run his family farm, Whitetail Farm in Sharon. He poured his blood, sweat and tears into every last inch of soil there and cared for his Angus cattle and Percheron horses and a handful of cats with the help of Karlee McGhee, Wayne McGhee, Scott Garay, Charles Parmalee, and Prestyn Handlowich as well as some high school boys as Tilden called them.

Tilden also enjoyed anything that could go fast, whether that was a motorcycle or a corvette that he had fixed up to make 10x more horsepower than it did before. Just as much he loved to tell stories about it to the people he held close. He was like a muscle car, he might yell and scream at you, but he would've given you all he had. He wasn’t an easy person to read/understand, and he kept to himself about most things but if he allowed you to grow close to him and he said “Thank you” you were a lucky person.

He is survived by his chosen family Karlee McGhee and Wayne McGhee and three nephews Eric Muller, Bogart Muller, and James DiGanzi.

There will be calling hours on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00am until 12:00pm. Burial will be held in the spring at Sharon East Side Cemetery.

02/09/2026

SHARON- Lucille C. Nelson, 93, of Sharon Valley passed away February 1, 2026 at Sharon Hospital after a short illness. Her loving family was at her side. She was the wife of the late Edwin O. Nelson.

Lucille was born November 28, 1932, in Vergennes, Vermont, the daughter of the late Eldred Cunningham Sr. and Lilah LaRose Cunningham.

She graduated from Vergennes High School in 1950.

In 1953, Lucille married Eddie Nelson while he was home on medical leave from the United States Army where he was actively serving during the Korean Conflict. The young couple moved to Connecticut in 1960.

In 1970 they bought their home in Sharon where Lucille would reside for the next 55 years.

Lucille began her career at The Hotchkiss School in 1966. Over the years, she held many positions within the school, including work in the mailroom and serving as secretary to the Head Master. From 1987 until her retirement in 2006, she served as the Gifts Manager in the Alumni and Development Office, where she was responsible for processing gifts to the school. In recognition of her dedication and service, Lucille received the Independent School Support Staff Distinguished Service Award in 1992 from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) of Washington, D.C. She was deeply devoted to The Hotchkiss School and treasured her school “family.”

Outside of work, Lucille was an avid gardener with a true green thumb. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, staying active through walking and exercise, and especially looked forward to her Monday night dinners with friends. Most of all, Lucille treasured time spent with her family, which brought her the greatest joy.

Lucille is survived by her children, Eric (Cindy) Nelson, Diane N.(Peter) Selino and Scott (Bianca) Nelson of Sharon and by her brother David Cunningham of Vergennes, VT. She has 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her children, Lynn, Michael and Jon Nelson; and her grandson Mark Selino; and her siblings, Eldred Cunningham Jr., Leonard Cunningham (her twin brother), Rosalene Casey, Beverly Peck, and Richard Cunningham.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Ellsworth Cemetery in Sharon, with a reception following in the spring. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Volunteer Ambulance, P.O. Box 357, Sharon, CT 06069.

02/04/2026

FALLS VILLAGE - Michael English passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026.

Michael was born in Queens, NY on October 19, 1961 to Anita and Thomas English. Michael was in a hurry and he arrived a bit early with his red hair, big bright blue eyes, and a bit of a temper. He was the 6th of 9 children.

Michael spent his life trying to see where he fit in and was very happy living in Falls Village, CT.

He had a big heart, an infectious laugh, and was happiest when cooking for others. He enjoyed working at Snack Shack and The Boathouse. He loved Thanksgiving and feeding all those who came together for community dinners at Pilgrim House.

He had two passions: the NY Yankees and playing golf. If he was watching Yankees baseball, he would block out everything and everyone and cheer them on. As far as golf goes, he probably wasn't as good as he told everyone he was. He had the gift of gab.

You would think he kissed the Blarney Stone. Michael liked to tell stories with and without his (fake) Irish Brogue.

Michael was predeceased by his parents Anita & Thomas, and his brothers Brian & Stephen.

He is survived by his siblings Kenneth, Maureen, Patricia Siantos (Apostolos), Donna Fanning (Mike), Christopher (Claudia), and Philip as well as 16 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring and Michael's final resting place will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.

02/04/2026

SHARON- Zane Moss, age 90, of Sharon, CT passed away peacefully as his home on January 27, 2026. He was the loving husband of Vicki Moss.

Zane was born November 5, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Albert Moss and Tillie Moss (Sinderman.)

He graduated from James Madison High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Upon returning home from his miliary service , Zane married Rochelle Leventhal and owned and operated a bakery in Brooklyn, NY. He later owned Broadway TV Center, an appliance and repair shop.

Zane married Vicki in 1986 and began the next chapter of his life opening and operating Zane Moss Antiques, where they travelled the country selling Old English antiques. It was a wildly successful venture which allowed Zane to tap into his creative talents.

Zane is survived by 3 children, Amy, Bari and Adam, 6 grandchildren, Eliza, Zoe, Sophie, Stella, Isaac and Rex, 2 great grandchildren Adeline and Annabelle, three step children, Jill, Stephanie and Michael and two step grandchildren Timothy and Alexandra.

01/25/2026

MILLERTON, NY - James (Jimmy) Cookingham, 51, a lifelong local resident, passed away on January 19, 2026.

James was born on April 17, 1972 in Sharon, CT, the son of Robert Cookingham and the late Joanne Cookingham.

He attended Webutuck Central School.

Jimmy was an avid farmer since a very young age at Daisi-Hill & eventually had joint ownership of Daisey Hill Farm in Millerton, NY with his wife Jessica. He took great pride in growing pumpkins and sweet corn.

He was very outdoorsy and besides farming, loved to ride four wheelers, fish, and deer hunt. He also loved to make a roaring bonfire.

He was a farmer, friend, husband, father, son & brother. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by father, Robert Cookingham, wife Jessica (Ball) Cookingham, daughters, Hailey Cookingham-Loiodice (Matt), Taylor Ellis-Tanner (Jimmy) and sister Brenda Valyou. As well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by mother, Joanne (Palmer) Cookingham.

His daughter, Hailey, will always keep his legacy alive by their father-daughter antics, such as their handshake, nicknames and making “quacking noises” at each other.

Services/Memorials will be held at a later date.

01/25/2026

WINDHAM — George Martin Fischer, 70, of Windham, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026.

George was born in Velbert, Germany, to Elisabeth and Franz Fischer, and later grew up in New Jersey, the eldest of three brothers. He attended college in New York City before returning home to learn the mason’s craft under his father’s guidance. That early training became the foundation of a life defined by skill, integrity, and pride in building things that last. George went on to own his own masonry company before transitioning into corporate sales in the commercial brick industry. In that role, he worked closely with architects and builders, helping construct iconic buildings across cities throughout the Northeast—landmarks he would often point out during family travels.

On August 23, 1980, George married the love of his life, Gail Susanne Miner. Married for 45 years, they built a life rooted in devotion, hard work, and shared purpose. Together, they built their first home in Lakeville, CT, and later lovingly restored and fully remodeled two historic homes, one in Newport, NY—where they raised their daughters—and one in Windham, CT. Together, they brought new life to old spaces with the same care George brought to everything he touched.

Above all else, George was—by every meaning of the word—an extraordinary father. He was the proud and joyful father of his two daughters, and those who knew him best often said they had never seen a man express such pure, unwavering delight in his children. His pride was constant, his love unmistakable, and his devotion absolute. Over the years, George also became a second father to many, offering wisdom and steady guidance through stories, humor, and an ever-watchful presence that was calm and steady, but never judgmental.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; his daughters, Stefanie (and her fiancé, Thomas Moulton) and Victoria; his brother, Robert; and his nephew, Nicholas. He was predeceased by his brother, William.

A memorial service will be held at Salisbury Congregational Church on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends are invited afterward to a reception at The Interlaken from 2:00–5:00 p.m. to celebrate George’s life. If you are able to attend the reception, please R.S.V.P. to his daughter, Stefanie, at Stefanie.Dianna.Fischer@gmail.com by February 20. If you have stories you would like shared during the service (which his family warmly invites), or photos you would like included at the reception, please email Stefanie at the address above.

Although flowers are appreciated, donations in George’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

01/22/2026

SAILSBURY - Herbert Raymond Franson, 94, passed away on January 18, 2026. He was the loving husband of Evelyn Hansen Franson. Better known as Ray, within his family, and Herb elsewhere.

He was born on February 11, 1931 in Brooklyn, N.Y. When he was three years old, he emigrated to Sweden with his mother, Amy (Larson), father Carl Herbert and sister, Ruth. He was nurtured by members of his extended family. Being owners and managers of manufacturing plants in rural Sweden, they gave this curious “nuts and bolts kind of guy” access to machinery where he could satisfy his needs to repair and build parts for his kid-style projects. At 18 he returned to relatives in Marlborough, CT who encouraged him to continue high school. He met classmate Evelyn, his English tutor and future wife, at East Hampton High School and they graduated in the class of 1949.

He joined the US Navy and served in the Mediterranean aboard the USS Midway and, during the Korean conflict, aboard the USS Pine Island. Upon discharge he attended Porter School of Machine and Tool Design under the GI Bill. He then apprenticed as a tool and die maker for Pratt Whitney Aircraft, then worked for Stirling Engineering, culminating as a mold engineer with Becton Dickinson, Canaan, CT; much closer to his home on Twin Lakes. At B-D he was involved in molding technology and traveled to plants worldwide overseeing production of syringes used to deliver vaccines.

Along the way, he renovated and constructed three homes in Marlborough and Salisbury, CT and in Rangeley, ME.

Ray and Evelyn retired to Rangeley in 1992 after living at Twin Lakes for 25 years. He joined the Rangeley Congregational Church just in time to coordinate renovation of the church’s old barn into a community center. This led to the position of “clerk of the works” when the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association renovated and enlarged their clubhouse in Oquossoc. RRG&SA honored his dedication with a Lifetime Membership. He also volunteered driving the RRHAT van and coordinated meal deliveries for the Housing Development. He served on various boards of the church chairing Buildings and Grounds for many years. In his eighties, Ray turned to designing and building scratch built wood models including the Drottningholm (on which he had emigrated), the USS Midway and the steamship Rangeley to mention a few.

Ray leaves his wife of 72 years, Evelyn (Hansen), his sister, Astrid F. Harrison of Cromwell, CT, brother, Carl B. Franson of Lime Rock, CT, son Kenneth and wife Christine of Wolfeboro, NH and Rangeley, ME, daughter, Jean F. Bell and husband Rick of Salisbury, CT. Grandchildren Kayla J. (Bell) Johnson and husband Brett of Salisbury, CT and Cody J. Franson, wife Maria and great granddaughter Francesca Evelyn Franson of Rangeley, ME.

In lieu of flowers, monetary remembrances may be made to the Rangeley Congregational Church, PO Box 218, Rangeley, ME, 04970.

01/19/2026

CORNWALL - Alex North of Great Hill Road in Cornwall slipped away from his physical form on January 8th, 2026.

Alex was a wonderful man who lived his life with a tenacious spirit and a full heart. He was always willing to lend a hand to people in need and developed supportive relationships with several elders in the area whom he regularly helped with tasks that they could no longer perform on their own. A life-long learner, he developed a love of farming & machinery at an early age. He showed his studiousness and physical skills and achieved his Tang Soo Do Blackbelt degree. Though he was challenged from birth with a rare condition, he lived life to its fullest and embraced every challenge. An exceptional skier, he was a bit of a daredevil and pushed himself to the limit for the exhilaration. Everything he would attempt to do he would give it his all.

With the unwavering support of his devoted parents, he defied expectations time and time again. He spent countless hours working alongside his father, Mark, often helping him on emergency calls to Kent School. Alex enjoyed working with his Dad on their shared collection of antique cars and machinery. As a result he developed a mechanical talent that few could match. Together they brought old machines back to life—restoring a ’67 Chevy truck, reviving a 1929 Studebaker “Doodle Bug,” which he often displayed at the CT Antique Machinery’s Festivals where he was a lifetime member for all his work staffing the events. He kept his John Deere Gator running through all kinds of weather to care for the Gracey Family's herd of cows in Coltsfoot Valley. His greatest passion, though, was operating heavy equipment. He took pride in restoring a ’49 Ford 8N tractor, which he used for mowing and brush hogging the family’s North Kent pasture, and the maintenance of his Kubota backhoe which he relied on for landscaping work both in town and the surrounding areas.

Alex was a dedicated farmer who cared deeply for all animals. He raised several cows of his own in addition to lending a hand to many farmers in town. He bottle-fed his beloved “ Little Man”, and nursed back to health after a broken leg as a calf. Little Man grew into a 2,000‑pound “Ferdinand”, a testament to Alex’s patience and compassion.

Apprenticing with some of Cornwall’s finest: Debra Tyler, Chris Hopkins, Jonathan Kirschner, Dan Gracey and Ken Gladding. He loved lending a hand during the haying season, an intense time of hot weather and hard work. Another testament to his strength and work ethic. He had strong bonds with many of the young local farming talent including Jed & Angus of the Gracey family, Tommy Eucalitto, Patrick Beal and Jon Old —friends who shared his love of reviving the once thriving agricultural community in Cornwall. Together they built a tight-knit support system, one that meant the world to Alex. Despite the challenges he faced, he lived a rich and meaningful life surrounded by people who admired his strength, humor, and determination.

As he aged, Alex’s life was fraught with medical procedures and interventions. His health presented constant obstacles, yet he faced every one of them with remarkable courage, incredible tenacity and the best attitude he could muster.

Alex is survived by his loving parents, Mark and Alicia, his brother, Ben and wife Molly, his Uncle Chris and Aunt Lynn Harrington, cousins Colby & Chase; his Aunt Jen & Uncle Mike Sherman, cousins Kora, Marlie and Kassandra, as well as his Grandparents Skip & Susan North, Dianne Conboy and the rest of his ever-expanding clan across the globe will miss him beyond measure.

He was a gift to his family and to the entire community with his can-do spirit and friendly nature traits that we need in this world now more than ever!

A service in his honor will be held at the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, located at 8 Bolton Hill Road in Cornwall Village, on Saturday, January 17th at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

All who loved Alex are welcome to gather to celebrate his extraordinary life.

The Kenny Funeral Home

03/12/2026

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