Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

Home
United States
Stamford, CT
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.

03/13/2026

Evans Stergianis

Evans Stergianis, 89, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at his home on March 5, 2026. He was born to Ioannis and Sophia Stergianis in a remote mountain region of mainland Greece known as Agrafa, which means “unwritten.”

From an early age, Evans had a deep passion for education. Before he was old enough to attend school, he would walk to the village school in hopes of being allowed inside, only to be turned away by those who knew he was underage. During World War II, when he was finally old enough to attend, communist partisans murdered the school’s teacher. Two years later the school reopened, and once enrolled, he quickly caught up, thriving as a gifted student with a particular aptitude for mathematics. One of his favorite memories from high school was solving a problem related to the nine-point circle.

At age 18, Evans moved to Toronto to join his brothers. Determined to learn English, he studied the dictionary and the Bible from front to back, developing an impressive vocabulary. He later settled in Chicago, where he married his beloved wife, Roula Mesoloras Stergianis.

Together they raised two daughters, Sophia (Hartch) and Susanna (Wickham), instilling in them his love of learning and a deep faith in the Greek Orthodox Church. Evans took great pride in his daughters’ educational paths: Susanna attended Northwestern University, and Sophia attended the University of Chicago, later earning her J.D. from the University of Michigan and her M.B.A. from New York University.

Evans later moved to Stamford to watch his granddaughters grow up. Nothing gave him greater joy than seeing them flourish. He was especially pleased to see them succeed academically: Phoebe Hartch, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Daphne Hartch, currently a junior at Johns Hopkins University.

Among Evans’ happiest memories were a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his wife and fellow church members in 2013, as well as a visit to the monasteries of Mount Athos in 2015. Largely self-taught in many subjects, Evans loved learning throughout his life. One of his favorite sayings came from Pericles’ Funeral Oration, as recorded by Thucydides: “We cultivate refinement without extravagance and knowledge without effeminacy.” He was also a skilled and enthusiastic card player.

Evans is survived by his loving wife, Roula; his daughters, Sophia and her husband Tim, and Susanna and her husband Chris; and his cherished granddaughters, Phoebe and Daphne.

In addition to his parents, Evans was predeceased by his beloved siblings Mary, Panagiotis, Pantelis, and Vasiliki.

A funeral service will take place at The Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Putnam Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Evans’ memory to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago, where he proudly served on the parish council for many years, and to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

View Evans Stergianis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/10/2026

Carmina Lombardi

Carmina Lombardi, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 7, 2026, at her home in Stamford, CT. She was born in Minturno, Italy on December 11, 1933, to the late Antonio and Rosa Conte Tuccinardi. Carmina was 92 years old at the time of her passing.

Her heart belonged to both Italy and the United States. Italy was the country where she was born and raised, and Connecticut was the place where she lovingly built her home and raised her family.

Above all else, Carmina lived for her family, her close relatives, and friends. Carmina and her beloved husband of 69 years, Gaetano, shared the best love story that anyone could write. In addition to the love of her life, she cherished her children, Maria and Frank, her daughter-in-law Lisa, and her granddaughters, Arianna and Brielle. They were the center of her world. She treasured her Italian roots, visiting regularly to reconnect with relatives and to share these experiences with her children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories for generations. She was also a beloved friend to many, nurturing relationships that brought warmth, laughter, and support to those around her.

Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Carmina’s life was marked by infinite generosity; she gave freely to those in need, and her home was always a place of peace and welcome. Memories are the treasures of our hearts, and she will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Gaetano Lombardi; her daughter, Maria Lombardi; her son, Frank Lombardi and his wife, Lisa; her granddaughters, Arianna and Brielle Lombardi; and her brother, Loris Tuccinardi. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Mario Tuccinardi and Lina Ciuffo.

Family and friends are invited to attend a wake at the Nicolas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 14th, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut. Entombment will take place privately in Italy.

Carmina’s life will forever stand as a symbol of great and infinite love — un grande amore infinito. Sempre nei nostri cuori.

View Carmina Lombardi's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/07/2026

Paul Peter Pavia, III

Paul Peter Pavia, III, 60, a lifelong Stamford resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 4, 2026. Paul was born June 15, 1965 in Stamford, CT to the late Paul P. Pavia Jr. and Carol M. Desimone Pavia.

Paul attended JM Wright Technical School where he met the love of his life, Kelly. He graduated from University of New Haven. He served as a Stamford Police Officer, including time working on the Bomb Squad retiring after 30 years. Paul’s current jobs included Head of Security for Greenwich Hospitality and was a Subject Matter Expert for Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services (12 years). Paul was also a beloved coach for the Stamford High-Westhill co-op boys ice hockey team for many years.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kelly A. Chambers Pavia, of Stamford, his children Kayla Pavia and fiancée Zachary Smith, of California and Jake Pavia, of Stamford, brother Anthony Pavia (Wendy), of South Carolina, father-in-law, Frank J. Chambers, Sr., brother-in-law Frank J. Chambers, Jr., sister-in-law Cathy-Lu Ortega (Kevin), brother-in-law Michael Chambers (Kathy) and brothers-in-law Tom Perretta and Bob Schriefer, as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paul was also predeceased by his sisters Roseanne Schriefer and Susan Perretta, mother-in-law Mitzi Chambers and sister-in-law Lisa Chambers.

A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Friday, March 13th, at 10:20 AM and proceed to Sacred Heart RC Church 37 Schuyler Ave., in Stamford for a mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, March 12th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Paul’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350 Chicago, IL 60606 or online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/pulfibfou/info/today.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

View Paul Peter Pavia, III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Mary Margaret Karlin

View Mary Margaret Karlin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/02/2026

Thomas Gerard Lynam

Thomas Gerard Lynam, 75, of Norwalk, CT, passed away on February 27, 2026.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda (nee D’Acunto) Lynam, his daughters Jennifer Bendett (Wilton), Laura Lynam (Norwalk), and Susan Lynam (Norwalk), his brother Edward Lynam (Stamford), sister Sheila Lynam, son in law Lee Bendett, and grandchildren Conor Bendett, Kate Bendett, Declan Bendett, Mark Lynam and Lucy Lynam, who were the joys of his life. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jacqueline D’Acunto Graham, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents James and Julia (nee Jordan) and sister Mary Sinclair.

Born on June 5, 1950, in Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland he spent his younger years in Birmingham, England and Tullamore before moving to Stamford in 1959. He attended St. John’s Parochial School, King School and later graduated from Stamford Catholic High School in 1968. He was a lifelong parishioner and former altar boy at the Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist, where his mother had devoted many years of her life.

Thomas worked as soon as he could beginning as a paper boy for the Stamford Advocate followed by various jobs including caddying at Wee Burn, painting fences at Cummings, turning off the lights at Scalzi Park, delivering cars at Avis, and changing the light bulbs at St. Joe’s Hospital.

He became a U.S. citizen in 1970, and after he and Southern Connecticut University mutually parted ways he was soon drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War. During one of his leaves, he married Linda and welcomed baby Jennifer. They would continue their family with Laura and Susan, while both finishing their college degrees, where he graduated from UConn.

Later he would deliver fruit baskets for Rogerio’s and bartend at The Blue Note, The Moosehead, and The Post where he was affectionately called “Doc” by many. “Tommy” was a master joke teller, quick with a witty line, delivered with a glimmer in his eye and a knowing smirk.

His career in medicine began at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ER tech and continued later when he attended Yale School of Medicine Physician Associates Program graduating in 1989. Thomas worked in the ER of Bridgeport Hospital for nearly 30 years and most recently with Liberation House. In true Tom Lynam form, his daughter had to call to inform them he’d be missing work, for the only acceptable reason he would allow being that he was dead.

He was a faithful Yale Football fan, and a highlight of his life was getting a coveted parking spot inside the Bowl. You could find him every Fall with his buddies near gate 24. He continued to cheer for the Giants despite their record, as well as the Yankees, Knicks, and Celtics. Tom loved texting with Declan about the latest sports news and was in awe of his ability to remember sports stats. He was a rabid fan of UConn basketball and spent years ardently following the Big East.

But, he was the biggest fan of us, cheering “Let’s go baby” starting with his girls on the softball fields and stages to his grandchildren on the fields and courts. One of his proudest moments was when Conor played Taps at the Wilton Veterans Day Remembrance in 2017.

For the last 25 years, Thomas’s biggest enjoyment was his week in Saratoga for the horse races where the grandkids all learned the thrill of victory and the agony of Grandad’s eternal defeats. He took particular pride in Kate’s handicapping prowess that began at age 4.

The best part of his day though was coming home and seeing Mark and Lucy. Whether it was shooting hoops on the patio, showing them how to take care of the yard, or giving the best whisker kisses and hugs, he loved every minute with them.

Above all else, Thomas loved Linda. He once said “I shrink in her glow.”

Thomas started each day reading the obituaries just to make sure he wasn’t in it. He appreciated the storytelling of a well written one. We hope this does him justice.

Visitation will take place on Sunday March 15th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT . Burial will be private.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

View Thomas Gerard Lynam's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/01/2026

Michael Edward Kolenberg

Michael Edward Kolenberg, 65, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Greenwich on April 18, 1960, to the late John J. and Mary Cole Kolenberg.

Michael, lovingly known as Mike, fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. While his family is heartbroken by his loss, they find comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and free from pain.

Mike’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife and steadfast caretaker, Laura Bitker Kolenberg. Their marriage was built on deep love, loyalty, and partnership. He was a proud and adoring father to his only daughter, Nicole Crook, and was proud to call Ryan Crook his son-in-law. Becoming a grandfather to Ashton Crook filled his heart in a way words cannot fully capture. Time with Ashton brought him pure happiness. He also found comfort and companionship in Murphy, the family dog he loved dearly.

Mike showed his love in the countless quiet ways he cared for others. He was often the first to show up with a home cooked meal for a friend, family member, or neighbor in need. After every snowstorm, he made his rounds with the snowblower, clearing driveways and sidewalks simply to make life easier for those around him. Having spent years driving across the Northeast for work, he knew the roads by heart and was always ready with directions. Friends and family relied on him like a trusted guide.

He found true happiness on the water. Boating was one of his greatest passions, and he formed lifelong friendships over the years at Halloween Yacht Club and Seaview House Marina. Whether helping someone dock, navigate the Long Island Sound, or gain confidence at the helm, Mike was patient, steady, and eager to share what he knew. The Sound was his peaceful place and the setting for countless memories with family and friends.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Laura Bitker Kolenberg; his daughter, Nicole Crook and her husband Ryan Crook; and his beloved grandson, Ashton Crook. He is also survived by his siblings, John Kolenberg; Bob (Michelle) Kolenberg; Tom (Olga) Kolenberg; Larry (Laura) Kolenberg; and Annie Kolenberg Cross; along with many nieces and nephews who grew up knowing they could always count on Uncle Mike.

Michael is predeceased by his parents, John J. and Mary Cole Kolenberg.

A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:55 AM and proceed to St. Cecilia RC Church, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or to the Stamford Hospital Foundation for Rehabilitation Services.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

View Michael Edward Kolenberg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/27/2026

Afroditi Giannouklas

Afroditi Giannouklas, a devoted mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on February 26, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her daughters, Paula Giannouklas and her husband, Michael Karukas, and Georgia Cottrell and her fiancé, Gary Stock; and by her cherished grandchildren, Christiana and Richard Cottrell III. She is also survived by her brother, Nicholas, and his wife, Christina, along with their son George Stamatopoulos, all residing in Sparta, Greece; as well as her nephew Taki and his wife Aleka, and many dear nieces, nephews, and their families.

Born in the small village of Riviotissa in the Sparta region of Greece, Afroditi affectionately known as “Freda,“ was the daughter of George and Georgia Stamatopoulos. In 1966, at the age of 29, she immigrated to the United States after marrying her husband, Christos Giannouklas. After his passing, she found herself raising two teenage daughters on her own. With unwavering determination, she worked tirelessly to provide for them, ensuring they received good educations and built successful careers.

Afroditi worked at Clairol before becoming well known for cooking Greek specialty dishes in several Greek restaurants across Stamford, including the Government Center. She treated every workplace as if it were her own. Food was her love language, and she never lost her passion for serving others. Her warm smile greeted her customers every day, and her work brought her purpose and joy. She continued working until the age of 82, when her health no longer allowed her to do what she loved.

Her other great passion was her garden. She took enormous pride in growing vegetables, and when she wasn’t with her loved ones, she could always be found tending to her plants. Over her 59 years in Stamford, residents came to know and recognize her friendly, familiar face. She will long be remembered for her generous spirit and for her famous rice pudding. Though many have tried to follow her recipe, no one has ever been able to duplicate it.

Afroditi was selfless in every way. No matter what challenges she faced, she wore a smile. She taught her children that with hard work, humility, and perseverance, anything is possible. Her pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments was immeasurable, and her face lit up whenever she spoke about, or spent time with the grandchildren she adored with all her heart.

Within the Greek community, she built friendships that became lifelong bonds she deeply cherished. Family was the center of her world, and everything she did was for them. She touched countless lives along her journey, leaving an indelible mark on every heart she encountered. Her legacy continues in all who loved her.

Wake services will be held at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT, on Sunday, March 1st, from 4 PM to 7 PM, with a Trisagion service beginning at 6:30 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 2nd at 10 AM at the Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Our hearts are forever changed by the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother. She was our pillar of strength and unconditional love. Her smile could light up any room, and her generous spirit made everyone feel welcome and cherished. She taught us that kindness costs nothing, that hard work builds a meaningful life, and that family is everything. Though the void she leaves is immeasurable, we find comfort in the countless memories she gifted us.

Mom, your love will guide us always. You will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten. We will continue to make you proud. Until we meet again.

View Afroditi Giannouklas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Sister Rosvilde Zarrello POSC

Sister Rosvilde (nee Rosina) Zarrello, POSC, a member of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, entered into eternity on February 22, 2026 surrounded by her loving community of religious sisters. Born on November 25, 1938 in San Marco Argentano, Province of Cosenza, Italy to Francesco Zarrello and Maria Innocenza Perrone, she is predeceased by her sisters Gilda Luigina, Elvira

Maria, and Anna Maria and as well as her brothers Pasquale and Luigi, all residents of Canada. Sister Rosvilde is survived by her sister, Rita, as well as many nieces and nephews from Ontario, Canada who visited her often.

Sister Rosvilde entered religious life in Rome on October 13, 1956 and while there studied canon law and moral theology. She took her congregation’s habit on July 25, 1957 and made her temporary vows on September 28, 1958. On September 12, 1964, she made her final profession of vows. Sister Rosvilde initially worked as a nursing assistant at Santa Margherita Home for the Elderly in Rome. In 1962, she was employed at Avellino Hospital in Campania, Italy, where she also earned her full nursing credentials.

In 1968, Sister Rosvilde was transferred by her congregation to their growing missions in the United States, where the sisters provided educational instruction to the children of working families. Initially assigned to their convent in Riverdale, Maryland, her congregation subsequently assigned Sister Rosvilde to Our Lady of Grace Convent and its Preschool and Kindergarten in Stamford, Connecticut. Starting in 1968, she lovingly taught generations of three-year-old students until her retirement in 2013.

Family and friends may call at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut 06902 on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 9:30am to 10:30am. A Mass of the Resurrection will immediately follow at 10:30am. Entombment will be at St. John Cemetery, Hoyt Street, Darien at the Mausoleum of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

View Sister Rosvilde Zarrello POSC's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Dorothy E. Holub

Dorothy E. Holub, 73, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Dorothy was born on April 12, 1952, daughter of the late Frank and Violet Muldoon Holub, Sr.

Dorothy was a former employee of Clairol for over 25 years. She worked hard and provided for her family, whom she greatly loved spending time with, along with her beloved pets.

Dorothy is survived by her sister Karen Haight and her husband Gil of Stamford, her brother John Holub and his wife Connie of Virginia, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews.

Besides her parents Dorothy was predeceased by her siblings Frank Holub, Jr. and Carol Ann Rosa

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Joseph Koposta and Anne Flemming, along with all the Hospice Nurses at Regional Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Dorothy E. Holub to a charity of one’s choice.

View Dorothy E. Holub's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/25/2026

Costas (Gus) Tzoannopoulos

Costas Tzoannopoulos (“Gus”), a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather aged 90, peacefully fell asleep to the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on February 22, 2026, at Stamford Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents and brother John Tzoannopoulos. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Kalli Tzoannopoulos; his son, Chris Tzoannopoulos; his daughter, Eugenia Tzoannopoulos; his son-in-law, Igor Laba; and his cherished grandson, Alexander Laba, along with a nephew, nieces, and their families. Costas was born on October 8, 1935, in the small mountain village of Goumero in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese, Greece, to Christos Tzoannopoulos and Evyenia Anastospoulou.

Hard work became a part of his life at a very young age. After the passing of his father when Costas was just 12 years old, he took on the burden of the duties left by his father onto himself to help his family stand and survive with dignity. A child himself, he helped care for his mother and younger brother, a responsibility that shaped his strength and character for the rest of his life. Through the support of an uncle, Costas left his village to attend high school in Athens. After graduating, he worked in various bakeries and pastry shops before immigrating to the United States at the age of 24 in search of opportunity. Arriving with little money and without speaking the language, Costas relied on his outgoing and warm personality to build friendships that became lifelong bonds. Together with fellow Greek immigrants, he navigated difficult early years, sharing work, meals, and a sense of hope for the future. Costas was a generous man and would share his meals and anything he had with those he loved; even when he didn’t have much.

In 1971, Costas returned to Greece, his old village, where he met the love of his life, Kalli. Their love story was one of courage and devotion. They married in Greece, and she then left with him to begin their life together in America. They were married in December 1972 and started their family in 1973 with the birth of their son Chris, followed two years later by their daughter Eugenia. A tireless provider, Costas worked several jobs a day throughout his life to support his family. He worked in many restaurants across Stamford, Connecticut, always treating each workplace as if it were his own. In 1980, he fulfilled a dream by owning and operating a cafeteria inside an office building, pouring his heart into serving customers and building relationships. After the building relocated, he continued working in restaurants and pizza shops, never losing his passion for serving others.

For the last 25 years, Stamford residents knew his familiar face as the cashier at his family’s deli, Giovana’s Deli. Costas loved going to work each day. It made his day to be able to connect with customers. Customers loved him so. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and was grateful for their business and it showed with every interaction. Many will remember his famous “have a happy day” and many philosophical conversations and quotes he developed along his tough journey on this earth. Working brought him purpose and joy, and he continued until shortly after turning 90 — only stepping away when his health no longer allowed him to do what he loved. Until his last breath, his goal was to get back to the deli to work. Most of his life was work, but he did also find joy in the small things. In his younger years, Costas enjoyed fishing for snappers, playing poker, spending time at the kafenio with friends, watching soccer, Greek films and shows, and listening to Greek music. He was the life of the party at weddings or another social event. You would find him on the dance floor to the very end. Above all, he loved his family deeply. There was nothing more important than his family. Everything he did was for his family. His face would light up whenever he spoke about his children and grandson, whom he loved with all his heart. In Greek he would say “I would die for my kids” - Τα παιδάκια μου! πεθαίνω για τα παιδάκια μου. Costas was selfless, generous, and kind. He had an energy and a sparkle that was infectious. No matter what challenges he faced, he carried a warm smile and an unwavering sense of positivity. He taught his children that hard work, humility, and perseverance could make anything possible, and he took immense pride in all they accomplished. He touched so many people on his journey on earth. He was one of a kind and left an imprint on everyone he crossed paths with. His legacy lives on through each and every one of us.

Wake services will be held at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM, with a Trisagion service beginning at 3:30 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 2nd at 11 AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905. The interment will follow the service at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Our hearts are forever changed by the loss of our beloved father. To us, he was more than a husband, father, and grandfather; he was our constant source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love. His smile could light up any room, and his gentle spirit made everyone feel welcome and safe. He taught us through example that kindness costs nothing, hard work builds a meaningful life, and family is everything. Though we feel an immeasurable void, we find comfort in the countless memories he gave us; the laughter, the lessons, and the quiet moments that shaped who we are. We will honor him by carrying forward his positivity, his generosity, and all that he stood for.

Dad, your love will guide us always. You will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten. We will continue to make you proud. Until we meet again!

To leave an online message of condolence please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

View Costas (Gus) Tzoannopoulos's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/24/2026

Luisa Antonia Velasquez DeMatute

Luisa Antonia, a woman of grace, elegance, and boundless love, passed away peacefully of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as the orchids she loved.

Her story began in the lush, quiet village of Caripito, Venezuela, born to her cherished mother, Blasina Velázquez. It was in the warmth of her homeland that she met the love of her life, Manuel Jose Matute. Together, they embarked on a journey of devotion that spanned 53 beautiful years, a testament to a love that was one of a kind, and of their time.

Luisa was a woman who found poetry in the everyday. She possessed magic hands that showed in her cooking, that would become the center of our family. She carried herself with an effortless sophistication, dressing with impeccable elegance everyday.

In her later years, Luisa brought her light to Connecticut, where she lived with her daughter, Jacqueline. This time was a precious gift, allowing her to weave her life into the hearts of her grandchildren. She loved them deeply, although her heart always remained in Venezuela, with her newphews, her brother and friends.

Her spirit is carried by those who loved her daughter; Jacqueline Matute Potsklan, her son in law Steve Potsklan and her granddaughters Chloe Potsklan and Emma Potsklan.

Interment will be private and there will be no calling hours.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.

View Luisa Antonia Velasquez DeMatute's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

104 Myrtle Avenue
Stamford, CT
06902

Website

http://www.cognetta.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Stamford?

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.

Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

03/13/2026

03/10/2026

03/07/2026

03/03/2026

03/02/2026

03/01/2026

02/27/2026

02/26/2026

02/26/2026

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story