Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

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Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

We specialize in many types of funeral services and offer flexible and competitive pricing. The Nicholas F. Cognetta, Sr. and Naida E.

In addition to wakes, memorial and traditional services, we are the only funeral home in Fairfield County with an onsite crematory. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory of Stamford, CT, has seen many changes since May 15, 1953, when Nicholas F. Cognetta opened their doors for the first time. Today, amidst all of the large funeral home conglomerates, we remain a family-owned and operated funeral home

and crematory. When you call or visit our funeral home, you will find a member of the Cognetta family. Our funeral directors will help you create a ceremony that is meaningful and fully affordable for you and your family. Whether burial and/or cremation, our staff can take care of all the arrangements, relieving you of all unnecessary burdens. We'll always be here for you.

07/16/2025

In loving memory of Nancy J. McTigue
1940 ~ 2025

Nancy McTigue, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully at the age of 85, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Nancy lived a life rich with love, dance, and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, and community. She was the devoted wife of the late Thomas McTigue, whom she loved and cared for deeply. Nancy and Tommy are together again after 20 years.
Other than her family, one of Nancy’s greatest joys, was ballroom dancing, having competed twice in the Harvest Moon Ball at Madison Square Garden.
Her home was more than just a place to live — it was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome. For years, she ran an in-home daycare specifically for the children of teachers. Nancy was also a hairdresser- her home was always open to friends, neighbors, and anyone who stopped by.
Nancy is survived by her children: Laurie Cingari and her partner Mark Barbera, Kevin McTigue and his wife Debbie, and Allison Keating and her husband Tad. Her nine grandchildren called her Meme, DJ Cingari (Casey), Caroline Cingari (Nicole), Elizabeth Sullivan (Jack), Kelly Keating (Jeff Grande), Colleen Keating, Brian Keating, and Katie, Julie, & Annie McTigue as well as her two great-grandchildren and her sisters Marcia Sacco (Greg) and Lois Berlingo (Rocco). Along with the many others who referred to her as Meme.
Her family was the heart of her life, and she took great pride in their accomplishments and the closeness they all shared.
Nancy was a dedicated parishioner of St. John’s Church in Stamford for many years.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 18th, from 8:00am to 9:30am at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A mass of Christian burial will follow the visitation at 10am at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist Church, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT. The interment will immediately follow mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nancy’s memory to St. John’s Church or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Residence at Summer Street and to Hospice of Fairfield County for their compassionate and dedicated care.
To leave an online message of condolence for Nancy’s family please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

07/09/2025

In loving memory of Thomas Van Gessel
1932 ~ 2025

Thomas Van Gessel moved on from a wonderful earthly life on July 6, 2025. Indeed, every day had a positive component for Tom, the ultimate optimist whose rallying cry was “it’s all about attitude”. This outlook allowed a poor Grand Rapids kid to see the opportunity to grow and learn in every one of his jobs. His natural inclination to connect with people and embrace challenges propelled him to success in all of his endeavors, but particularly the music recording business where he flourished with Columbia Record Productions.

Tom was born July 23, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Anthony Van Gessel and Frances (Van Luyn) Van Gessel. The youngest of seven children, he grew up fast to keep up with his siblings. Tom attended Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids where he excelled in basketball and baseball and managed the football team. He started working at age 12 taking on jobs at a gas station, cutting ice for resident ice boxes and catching minnows for the bait store at Blue Lake, setting pins at the local bowling alley, and filling juke boxes for the burgeoning coin operated machine business of his brother Bill.

While attending Grand Rapids Junior College, he met his lovely and loving wife- to-be, Jessica. Their courtship was briefly interrupted by Tom’s enlisting in the Navy and a stint on the USS Arcadia during the Korean War. Post-war, Tom attended the University of Michigan on the GI Bill and developed a lifelong love for U of M, Ann Arbor, and all things related to Michigan sports. There he received a fellowship in psychology, teaching behavioral psych, and finished his degree in business and psychology while working summers at the GM assembly line.

In 1957, Tom, now married with a son, graduated into a dismal economy but was fortunate to circle back to his older brother’s juke box business which had recently added a record store. Younger brother Tom knew the most popular music to stock. Interacting with music salesmen, Tom got his big break when he was recruited for a job with Capitol Records. Success at Capitol led to an oﬀer from Columbia Records which would eventually tap Tom for marketing their national production and distribution services to independent music producers ranging from a “garage band” promoter who suddenly landed his client on the Billboard charts to Barry Gordy at Motown Records. This resulted in an incredible accumulation of lifelong relationships with some of the most colorful personalities in the music business.

It was 1968, and Tom took his family of five from Southfield, MI to Stamford, CT from where he commuted daily into Manhattan for his new job with Columbia. Tom rode the wave of technology changes from LPs & 45s to 8-Tracks, cassettes, and CD/DVDs throughout his career. There were many glamorous aspects of the business such as rubbing elbows with music celebrities but Tom always kept his eye on what mattered…serving the customer.

While living in CT, Tom, Jess and kids embraced the Northeast and enjoyed numerous years skiing in VT and summer trips to Maine, Cape Cod, and the Jersey Shore. A crackling fire on cold VT winter nights and lobsters by the seashore were some of Tom’s simple yet treasured pleasures.

The technology of streaming ultimately put an end to the mass production of music and information recordings. The timing for retirement was right, and Tom and Jess moved onto their beloved role as grandparents with traveling and local volunteering rounding out their very full lives. A “wonderful” journey, Tom would call it.

Tom leaves behind his three children, David Van Gessel (Frances), Douglas Van Gessel (Arline), Ann Loughran (Peter), and his seven grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Jessica, and his siblings, Bill Van Gessel, Eunice (Van Gessel) Mitus, Ed Van Gessel, Fran Van Gessel, Jerry Van Gessel, and Robert Van Gessel. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Stamford, CT on July 19, 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Bartlett Arboretum or Stamford Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care.

07/01/2025

In Loving Memory of George Rotunno
1928 ~ 2025

George Rotunno, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on June 30, 2025. He was a resident of Norwalk for the past 25 years; prior to that he was a long-time resident of Stamford. He was born on January 18, 1928, in Stamford, CT. George is survived by his loving family and will be dearly missed.
George was the son of the late Carmine and Maria (Amorosa) Rotunno. He was predeceased by his wife Lee, and daughter, Sharon Kluchnick of Milford, CT, his brother Robert Rotunno, and sister Rose Frangione.
George is survived by his three beloved daughters: Linda Wieland (Carl) of Norwalk, Roberta DeCicco (Stephen) of Norwalk, Maria McMorris (David) of Trumbull, and his son-in-law Peter Kluchnick of Milford, CT. He will be especially missed by his eight grandchildren: Peter John Kluchnick (Jennifer), Michael Kluchnick, Kathryn Cedor (Jason), Carly Hanson (Robert), Lindsey Kugler (Mark), Kevin DeCicco, Caitlin McMorris and Annie McMorris, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters, Louise Lemone and Gloria Strong.
George proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning home and getting married in 1950 he then started his family. George founded Rotunno Construction and retired when he was 90 years old.
George made an effort to live every day to the fullest, embracing every moment with curiosity and joy. A witty and generous soul, he lit up every room with his warmth and humor. A lifelong lover of books, puzzles, and poker, always eager to challenge his mind and bring people together through games and laughter. George also enjoyed golf, and taking in the beauty through long strolls at Cove Island Beach. Above all, he was a devoted family man whose love and presence will be deeply missed.
His family would like to extend special thanks to his caregivers: Colin, Akua and Beana for their extraordinary care, companionship, and kindness. In addition, his family would also like to express a special thank you to Dr. Antonios Katsigiannis for exceptional care and family support.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT, on Thursday July 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A Christian burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.
To leave condolences online please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

06/24/2025

In loving memory of Gerald N. Mucciolo
1939 ~ 2025

Gerald N. Mucciolo, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of June 18, 2025. Gerry was born in the Bronx, NY to the late Angelo and Filomena (Mongo) Mucciolo on January 21, 1939. He was 86 years old at the time of his passing.

Gerry was born and raised in the Bronx and a graduate of the Mt. Saint Michael Academy. He earned his undergraduate degree at Iona and a subsequent MBA years later. He started his career as a financial planner at Pan Am, in close proximity to airplanes and travelling, which he loved. Later in life he realized his long-held dream of flying small aircraft which brought him so much joy. From Pan Am he moved to Pitney Bowes, where he spent the remainder of his career and made many life-long friendships.

The youngest of five siblings, Gerry had a rich family life. His older siblings were like bonus parents because of the large age gap between them. One of his other passions was cars, and everything he learned about fixing and maintaining them came from his older brothers. He got his first car when he was 16 years old and became an expert himself after many years of owning and fixing his vehicles. This culminated in the purchase of his dream car, a 1960 red Austin Healy convertible. His meticulous and painstaking restoration brought it back to like-new condition, and he reveled in participating in the various Austin Healy shows and meet-ups.

Gerry and his late wife Gina raised their family in Darien, CT. Gerry and Gina were married for over forty years, a marriage that was filled with love, humor, and the beauty of family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Gerry and Gina’s relationship was an example for all of what a caring and supportive marriage looks like, and the importance of family.

He and his wife were active members of the Suburbanite Club. This brought them together with new neighbors through gourmet food and dinner parties. Always an avid sportsman, Gerry loved playing in all of the local softball leagues and also enjoyed tennis with Gina. His love of sports, and his natural abilities, led him to coach little league softball teams which was very fulfilling for him. Gerry and Gina were always first on the dance floor. He had a great love of music, from the Doo W*p of the fifties to blasting Santana, Chicago, and The Police songs to wake us up on Saturday mornings! He loved it all.

Travel was a big part of the Mucciolo family life, from those early days of flying gratis on Pan Am, to a highlight trip later in life to meet distant relatives in Italy. And Gerry always loved being on the water, row boating as a child in the local waterways, and eventually getting his own sailboat. He loved sharing the sailing experience with numerous family members and friends.

Gerry was preceded in death by his wife, Gina Mucciolo (Simonelli), in 2008 and his son, Jeffery W. Mucciolo, in 2018, and is survived by his loving daughters Kathy and Laurie Mucciolo. Also; daughter-in-Law Helen Mucciolo, grand-daughters Gabrielle and Julianna Mucciolo, beloved brother-in-law Raymond Simonelli and sister-in-law Elaine Gervasio, along with their children and grandchildren, as well as many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family & friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10 am to 1:30 pm. A prayer service will take place at 12:30 pm. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to The Darien Little League https://dybs.sportngin.com/page/show/8070178-donate

To leave online condolences you may visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

05/23/2025

In Loving Memory of Salvatore J. "Chip" Cingari
1946 ~ 2025

Salvatore J. “Chip” Cingari, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Chip was born in Stamford on July 31, 1946 to the late Dominick P. and Adeline Latte Cingari.
Chip attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Stamford High School in 1964. He began his career in the grocery business before he could even ride a bike, working for his grandfather Salvatore Sr., sweeping floors, separating and cleaning bottles, and stocking shelves in the family’s first store located in the Shippan section of Stamford. Drafted into the Army in 1966, Chip served in Germany with the 3rd Missile Battalion, Nike Missile Hercules Unit, achieving the rank of Specialist 5, with Top Secret clearance. Honorably discharged in 1968, Chip rejoined the family business, married his high school sweetheart Nancy Halama in 1969, and managed the nonperishable side of the business, which has grown to include the 12 stores which make up the Cingari Family ShopRites.
Chip had a passion for volunteering and helping others, and gave much to the community. He served the Connecticut Food Association as a member of the Board of Directors for over 30 years and was selected as the first inductee in the CFA Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Stamford Italian Center, where he served on the Board of Directors for over 15 years. He also served in a variety of leadership roles at St Leo’s Church for over three decades and supported Al’s Angels in their food drives. Chip was an integral part of the growth and development of local non-profit Kids Helping Kids and served on the Board of Directors.
More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren. Chip is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy Halama Cingari, his son Dominick Cingari and his wife Lisa Evanko Cingari, his daughter Jennifer Cingari Christie and her husband Jason, his brother Joseph J. Cingari and his wife Jane Lyons Cingari and his sister Donna J. Cingari Ormond and her husband Thomas. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Salvatore, Sofia, Avery, Madison and Miles, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 10:30 AM and proceed to St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Chip’s memory to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or online at ww.t2t.org/donate.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

05/16/2025

In loving memory of Godfrey Gelineau, Jr.
1949 ~ 2025

Godfrey "Garf" Gelineau, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on May 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Godfrey was born in Herkimer, NY, on July 23, 1949 to Avis and Godfrey Gelineau, Sr. He served in the Army and met his future wife, Martha Ruiz upon his return. He worked as a Chemist at Cytec for many years. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Paul Gelineau, brother in-law Richard Quinn and sister-in-law Luz Ruiz.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Gelineau, and his children Nicole Gelineau (Eric), Godfrey Gelineau III, Jennifer Johnson (Jonathan), Phillip Gelineau (Megan), and Katiana Buggy (Aaron). He is also survived by his grandchildren Dominique, Godfrey (IV), Noah, Maya, Nicholas, Mason, Cooper, and Oliver. Godfrey is also survived by his siblings Marian Quinn and Ronald Gelineau (Patrice).
A visitation with viewing will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, May 19th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 279 Atlantic Street, 279 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT 06901. The inurnment with military honors will follow Mass at St. John Cemetery in Darien.
To leave messages of condolences online, visit www.cognetta.com.

04/28/2025

In Loving Memory of Dr. Richard Sterling Banfield, Jr.
1924 ~ 2025

Dr. Richard Sterling Banfield, Jr., 101, of Stamford passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Joan Hunt Banfield. He was born in Austin, Minnesota on April 8, 1924, the only child of Richard and Sarah Banfield. After graduating from high school in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1942, Dick went East to attend Amherst College. He interrupted his college studies to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps, where he reached the rank of Second Lieutenant. When World War II ended, he returned to Amherst, graduating in 1946. He earned an M.D. degree from Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons in 1951. The following year he and Joan were married. After completing a residency in obstetrics & gynecology at Columbia and Yale, he opened a private practice in Stamford in 1957. He continued to serve the women of the Stamford area until his retirement in 1992, capping off his career as Chief of Obstetrics at Stamford Hospital.
Dick was passionate about his career choice and was a pioneer of the de-medicalization of childbirth. He was instrumental in making it possible for Connecticut fathers to be with their wives during delivery. He was an advocate of natural childbirth and breastfeeding. And he believed strongly in integrating midwives into the care of expectant mothers; in fact, he had a midwife join his own practice.
Dick and Joan settled in New Canaan in 1959, where they raised their children. Dick was always a lover of life, and in retirement he pursued a wide range of interests. He was an avid golfer, racquetball player, and bridge player. He and Joan traveled extensively, both abroad and within the United States. In 2014 the couple moved to the Edgehill Community in Stamford. At Edgehill, he tried his hand at acting, playing the role of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III in “Love Letters” several times. And he was a passionate fan of both the UConn “Lady” Huskies and the New York Mets.
Dick loved bringing people together. His family remembers fondly the special three-generation vacations he provided in New Hampshire. And his daily morning emails to a list of more than 200 recipients provided an eagerly anticipated dose of humor, wisdom, and intellectual stimulation that deepened the sense of community among residents of Edgehill.
Dick is survived by his four children, Susan (Alvin) Beck, Dean (Christine) Banfield, Barbara (Rebecca) Banfield, and Carol (James) Foley; his five grandchildren, Nathan (Jasmine) Banfield, Margaret Banfield, William Banfield, Patrick Foley, and Sarah (Damien) Foley; his step-grandson Alvin Beck, Jr.; and his two cherished great-granddaughters, Thelma Banfield and Margot Angel-Foley. The family is deeply grateful to Leota Austin, Dominique Joseph, and Colleen Dawkins for the devoted care they provided for Dick.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, May 2, from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home at 104 Myrtle Avenue in Stamford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the La Leche League of Connecticut.

04/23/2025

In Loving Memory of Charles "Chip" Stahl
1958 ~ 2025

Charles “Chip” Robert Stahl passed away on April 21, 2025, at 67 years of age. He was the loving husband of Mary Jane for 46 wonderful years. Originally from Norwalk, CT, he lived most of his life in Stamford, CT.
Earlier in life he played in a softball league and was actively involved in Stamford Youth Hockey where he coached his two sons. He also refereed hockey games for many years. He loved being in the great outdoors where he could be seen with his family camping, hunting, fishing or just watching the stars at night.
He also enjoyed trying new activities such as brewing beer and working on model rockets. He especially enjoyed it when he discovered a new activity that his family could join him in. His latest adventures brought him and Mary Jane to Scotland for three vacations. He recently retired from the Town of Darien Police Department as an Animal Control Officer, and was the owner of Animal Wildlife Solutions.
Chip was predeceased by his parents, and he leaves behind his daughter, Laura Tingley (Thomas); his sons Eric Stahl (Brittany) and Jerremy Stahl (Jessica); his sister Becky Parker (John); six grandchildren, Nicholas, Sara, Dominique, Cederic, AnèLeah and Shayna; two great-grandchildren, Everlee and Kiera; and many nephews, nieces and friends who will miss him dearly.
Family and friends may visit Chip’s family on Saturday, April 26th, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, in Stamford. A service and memories will be shared during the visitation. Let’s all send him off with a wee dram of scotch.
To leave a note of condolence for Chips family please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

04/22/2025

In Loving Memory of Gary C. Morgan, Sr.
1968 ~ 2025

Gary C. Morgan Sr., a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at the age of 57. Gary is survived by his loving son Gary C. Morgan, Jr., his brother Jason Morgan, his nieces and Goddaughters Alexis Margaret Morgan and Alyssa Margaret Morgan along with his former spouse and longtime friend Tracey Morgan Downey, all of Stamford.
Gary was born on January 2, 1968, son of the late Gary and Margaret Vorvis Morgan. Gary graduated from Westhill High School, Class of 1986 and later attended J M Wright Technical School, dedicating his life to being a Licensed Electrician for close to 40 years. 9 of those years working at Vital Electrical Services.
Gary was known for his unwavering dependability, always someone others could count on without question; his sharp wit, quick comebacks, and unforgettable humor that brightened any room; and his hardworking nature, tackling every task with commitment, precision, and an eye for perfection. He was strong-willed and never afraid to stand his ground. He was compassionate and resilient, facing every obstacle life threw his way with unbelievable strength. Gary took great pride in donating his time to coaching youth sports, finding joy in the connections he built while coaching Babe Ruth baseball, Church of the Archangels and Stamford Youth basketball, and, in recent years, the Stamford Spartans Youth football program.
His greatest joy in his life was his son Gary. He cherished every moment they shared—whether it was spending time together, rooting for the Cowboys, sharing his love for collecting, going to events and shows, and so much more. Not only did he never miss a single game or practice Gary Jr. played in, from youth leagues to adult leagues, but he was also right by his side, coaching and guiding him through each sport. Gary embodied what it meant to be a devoted and hands-on father. He took pride in being a supportive and loving father, never missing an opportunity to tell his son how proud he was. Their bond was built on unconditional love and countless unforgettable memories. His legacy lives on through his son, who continues to carry forward the values and strength he learned from his father.
Gary will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends may visit at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford St, Stamford, CT 06905 on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM. The Trisagion service will take place prior to the funeral service at 3:30PM with the service beginning at 4:00PM, offered by the Rev. Father Harry Pappas.

04/16/2025

In Loving Memory of Joseph Anthony Baske
1968 ~ 2025

Joseph (Joe) Anthony Baske (July 11, 1968 – April 13, 2025) has passed away at the age of 56. Joe grew up in Weston, CT and obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut. He was currently pursuing his doctorate at ULM.
Joe was a social studies teacher for 27 years at Greenwich High School. Many would describe him as the heart and soul of the building. His smile, laughter, and love of life infiltrated the halls and classrooms.
In addition to teaching, Joe presented workshops focused on how to facilitate resilience and engagement in the resistant learner by cultivating gratitude, compassion, and pride. This was his passion project.
It was at GHS that Joe met his wife of 22 years, Michelle. Joe proposed within 10 months of dating and they were married a few short months later. Their love, respect, and appreciation of one another ran strong and was felt by all that knew them. Joe always prioritized Michelle’s well-being and happiness above all else.
Together they had two children, Joseph and Genevieve. Joe would say being a dad was the greatest gift ever bestowed upon him. As a dad, he was committed to teaching social responsibility, with a generous side of goofiness. At the end of each day he would tell them, “I love you forever and I’m glad you’re my son/daughter.”
Beyond his passion for family and teaching, Joe loved playing basketball, held an unwavering belief in the New York Knicks and had an unexpected love of rap music.
He also had a love for classic cars. It’s bittersweet that he died from multiple blood clots in his lungs while attending a car show.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph E. Baske and Mary C. Baske. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, Joseph and Genevieve; his brother, John (Whitney) Baske; his sister, Michele Baske; his in-laws, William and Nancy Grella; his sister-in-law, Erica (Peter) Angelopoulos; his nieces and nephew, Emma Baske (Jeremy) Woods, Meghan Baske, Johnny Angelopoulos, and Antonia Angelopoulos; and his best friend/brother, Kenric Gubner.
Calling hours for Joe will be held Monday, April 21, 2025 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Cognetta Funeral home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT. A mass of Christian burial will occur Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Maurice Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT. A burial will follow at Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made “In Memory of Joe Baske” to the Greenwich Scholarship Association, PO Box 4627, Greenwich, CT 06831.

04/08/2025

In Loving Memory of Marian DeLavalle Jordan
1935 ~ 2025

Marian DeLavalle Jordan of Stamford passed peacefully on April 6, 2025. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

Marian was born on February 26, 1935, to the late Jean and Louis DeLavalle. A lifelong and proud resident of Stamford, Connecticut, she graduated from Stamford High School in 1953, becoming the first of three generations in her family to attend the school.

A determined trailblazer, Marian pursued her passion for business by completing multiple courses at Norwalk Community College before earning her degree from Merrill Business School. Encouraged by her mother to follow her dreams, Marian went on to build a remarkable 50-year career at Pitney Bowes in Stamford. Her dedication and pioneering spirit culminated in a historic achievement: she became the first woman appointed to the Pitney Bowes Legal Counsel Board—an accomplishment that broke barriers and remained a source of great pride throughout her life.

A lover of ballroom dance, in 1956 Marian had the opportunity to dance at Madison Square Garden for the Harvest Moon Ball and later went on to win first place in the Tango when she danced on Channel 4 TV program “Step This Way”.

Marian is survived by her niece and nephew, Dana Griffin of Newtown and Terry Griffin of Stamford, two great-nieces, Ashley Griffin of Stamford and Alexa Griffin (Michael Milsap) of Newtown, as well as numerous cousins and dear friends. Marian is predeceased by her loving husband, Robert Jordan, and her wonderful sister, Barbara Griffin.

Marian’s family would like to extend many thanks to Visiting Angels and Regional Hospice who lovingly helped care for her in her final days.

A wake will be held Friday, April 11, 2025, from 3-5p at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home (104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902). A mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:30am, at St. Gabriel R.C. Church (948 Newfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06905) with the interment to immediately follow mass at St. John’s RC Cemetery in Darien.

03/18/2025

In Loving Memory of Peter J. Loughran, Sr.
1934 ~ 2025

Peter Joseph Loughran, Sr. (aka, Pete, Dad, Coach, and Grandpa or Poppy), ninety-one, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed from this life to the next life on March 16, 2025, peacefully and of natural causes. Born on January 11, 1934, in Stamford, Pete was the son of Patrick and Mary Ellen Loughran (née Mallon). He spent the last weeks of his life here on earth surrounded by Barbara, his loving wife of sixty-three years, his six children, and his eighteen grandchildren.

Pete was a graduate of Stamford High School, where, among other things, he was a standout on the baseball and basketball teams. A college graduate of St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland, he went on to complete his graduate studies in history, education and administration at Fairfield University. Pete served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

A man of myriad talents, jobs, and interests, at his core Pete was a teacher and coach. He taught Latin and history in Stamford area schools for more than thirty years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he continued his calling as a substitute teacher. During his years of teaching, he coached basketball, baseball, and soccer, as well as youth basketball teams. Pete was also a long-time referee and umpire in Fairfield County sports leagues for basketball, baseball, soccer, and volleyball. For many summers while he was teaching, he owned and operated the St. Mary’s and Knollwood day camps. Adding to his long resume, Pete represented clients as a real estate broker for many years, including after his so-called retirement.
Pete was an athlete and, as an outstanding baseball pitcher, drew interest from the Dodgers and Tigers organizations. During his university days and for many years thereafter, Pete played baseball in the Stamford Twilight League, and he also pitched for the Port Chester All Stars team. He and his brother Michael were proud battery mates with the Knights of Columbus team. In his retirement years, Pete became an enthusiastic golfer and worked as a ranger at the Sterling Farms golf course in Stamford. He was inducted into the Stamford Old Timers Athletic Association Honor Roll for his athletic successes and his commitment to youth sports as a coach and an official.

Pete was a dedicated Catholic who truly lived the Gospel. He loved and respected all people, regardless of their station in life. He was a member of the St. Augustine Knights of Columbus Stamford and the Stamford Ancient Order of Hibernians. In addition, Pete was an avid gardener and keeper of fruit trees, often comparing his harvests with those of his father-in-law and his children who followed in his gardening footsteps.

Of all his jobs, achievements, and interests, by far Pete’s greatest pride and highest joy, what he truly lived for, were his six children and eighteen grandchildren. He took tremendous pride in the lives of his children and grandchildren, and, in his magical, selfless way, he would make every one of them feel unique and incredibly special with each interaction. His love was (and is) indivisible and ongoing.

Pete is survived by his wife, Barbara Drenckhahn; Rosemary and Stephen Samoskevich and their children, Helen and Luke; Peter and Ann Van Gessel and their children, Brendan, Margaret, and Kathleen; John and Amanda Wolf and their children, Brooke, Mackenzie, and Jake; Barbara Loughran and her children, Sean and Daniel McLoughlin; Terrence and Deborah Meck and their children, Katherine, Ryan, Kelly, and Andrew; Dr. Timothy and Dr. Diane Turcot and their children, Gabriella, Audrey, Charles, and Justin; and his cousin Jimmy Mallon, a great many nieces and nephews, and beloved in-laws. He is predeceased by his sister, Catherine, and brothers Patrick, John, James, and Michael.

Pete’s wake will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter J. Loughran’s name may be directed to the Stamford Hospital Foundation, 3001 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06905, or by visiting www.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org, and the Stamford Ancient Order of Hibernians, 186 Greyrock Place, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, www.stamfordaoh.com

Address

104 Myrtle Avenue
Stamford, CT
06902

Website

http://www.cognetta.com/

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Our Story

The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory of Stamford, CT, has seen many changes since May 15, 1953, when Nicholas F. Cognetta, Sr. and Naida E. Cognetta first opened their doors for business. But some things have remained the same like the commitment to the Stamford community and the pride that comes with serving families during a difficult time. Today, amidst all of the large funeral home conglomerates and corporate take overs of area funeral homes, Cognetta remains a family-owned and operated funeral home and crematory. When you call or visit our funeral home, you will find a member of the Cognetta family. Our funeral directors will help you arrange a ceremony that is both meaningful and affordable for you and your family. Whether you are planning/arranging a burial and/or a cremation, our staff can manage the arrangement process, relieving you of all unnecessary burdens. We'll always be here for you.