Harold Bradley “Brad” Evans, Jr., 88, of Winston-Salem passed away peacefully in the presence of family after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on October 12, 1937, in Watertown, NY, the son of Harold B. Evans, Sr. and Kathleen (Whearty) Evans. A true son of the North Country, he delighted in snowstorms and wintry weather his entire life. Brad graduated from Williston Academy (now Williston Northampton School) in Easthampton, MA in 1955. He went on to study at Yale University (B.A., 1959), delivering birthday cakes to fellow students to help pay his way through school. After graduation, Brad went to the Navy’s Officer Candidate School, receiving his commission in 1960. After serving on the U.S.S. Wasp for two years, he spent three years working in the Navy’s Pentagon War Room (CNO Flag Plot) in Washington, D.C. Brad was very proud of his service to his country, and received a commendation for his role in collecting, compiling, and presenting critical information to admirals and leading Navy Department civilians during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962. He closed his military service as a full Lieutenant in 1964.

Brad was well known for his remarkable work ethic, perhaps best demonstrated by his completion of night law school while still working full time at the Pentagon and then at GEICO as a claims adjuster and bodily injury examiner. After graduating from Georgetown Law in 1966, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. He worked for a few different law firms in Northern Virginia during his career where he received several awards and was elected to two terms on the Virgina State Bar Council. He also served as the President of the Alexandria Bar Association and as Chairman of the Committee to Reduce Litigation Costs and Delays. He was voted by his peers for Best Lawyers in America from 1983 until 2007. In 1998, he was elected as a Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation in recognition of both his integrity and his professional competence. Brad combined his legal skills with a kindhearted spirit, being active in legal aid and often recognized for his pro bono work. He regarded his legal profession as a calling and made lasting friendships with colleagues that continued long after his retirement at age 70.

Brad was especially well known for his abiding love of fishing. He planned and promoted many trips with law partners and other friends to Wachapreague, VA and the Outer Banks in NC. He liked to remark that his most important educational distinction was his triple graduation from the NC State Sport Fishing School in Hatteras, NC, which he attended separately with each of his three sons. One of his proudest moments on the water was watching his eldest reel in a white marlin— which still holds the record as the family’s biggest fish after several decades! Brad also acquired a love of birds from his father and was able to name a great number of species on sight. He maintained a series of bird feeders for many years, waging a long (and often unsuccessful) contest with neighborhood squirrels.

Brad’s devotion to his family was at the core of his being. He was a loving husband and described his beloved Allene to his college classmates as “a lovely, wonderful wife with intelligence, kindness, goodness, and a lively sense of humor.” Their happy marriage was marked by many lovely outings and other wonderful experiences, including travels to Italy, Provence, Oberammergau, as well as other various trips with Reynolda House. Brad’s conversations with his two younger brothers were a true delight to behold, full of jokes, tales of yore, and peals of laughter. He served as a soccer coach for his eldest son and was a faithful fan for his sons’ and grandkids’ sporting events and other endeavors over the years. He was a great encourager of the careers and pursuits of his children and grandchildren. His sons and grandsons will always remember their fishing trips with their beloved Dad and “Pa” on the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and in other lakes and rivers along the eastern seaboard.

Brad was also well known as a devout Catholic and frequently attended daily mass. One of his most striking qualities was his humble regard for his own impressive achievements. He was an unassuming Yale graduate who paired a sharp legal mind with an aversion towards both elitism and boasting. Brad had a high degree of integrity and a strong moral compass but still maintained an unshakeable sense that others should be free to make their own choices. He learned deep lessons from his own struggles with anxiety and perfectionism and liked to remind the troubled or conscience-stricken to “be gentle with yourself.”

After living 35 years in Alexandria, VA, Brad and his wife moved to Winston-Salem in 2007 to be close to his two oldest sons and grandchildren. For his 50th college reunion, he wrote that his grandkids were his “great joys” and, with his typically playful sense of humor, claimed that they were manifestly of “Presidential timber” despite their tender ages. His unmistakable delight in the stories, games, and enthusiasms of young children was an enduring aspect of his personality. Until Parkinson’s began to take its toll, Brad continued his life of service in Winston-Salem and volunteered for Samaritan Ministries, Catholic Charities, and Crisis Control Ministry. He also served on the board of the Springwell Network and supported the Enrichment Center, the Piedmont Opera, and Reynolda House.

Brad was well loved by his family, former colleagues, and friends. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Allene (Thompson) Evans; three sons, Harold B. “Brad” Evans, III of Winston-Salem, Barrett A. Evans (Jeannie) of Winston-Salem, Rev. Dr. Darryl C. Evans (Lara) of Florence, SC; two brothers, Patrick L. Evans (Kathleen) and Charles W. Evans; four grandchildren, Sam, Karter, Will, and Addie; two nieces (Kate Evans and Karen Thayer); two nephews (Ricky Evans and Kevin McBride); and many grand- and great-grand nephews and nieces.

A Requiem Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on September 16, 2026, at the Holy Family Catholic Church chapel, 4820 Kinnamon Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Burial and a reception on church grounds will follow the Mass.

Brad’s family members would like to express their profound gratitude for the amazing professionalism, diligence, and kindness of the Arbor Acres staff, especially during his final months and days. (To put it in terms you will surely understand, we appreciate you as much as Brad did his twice-daily servings of chocolate ice cream while in your care!)

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Ste 310, Miami, FL 33126; The Enrichment Center, 1006 S. Marshall St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101; or Springwell Network, 3820 N Patterson Ave, Winston Salem, NC 27105.

Robert “Bob” S. Zarchen passed away at his home in Miami, Florida, on September 7, 2026, at the age of 89. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Susan (Neiditch), and his sister, Arlene Norman. Bob is survived by his sons, Louis (Janet) of West Simsbury, CT, and John of Los Angeles, CA, and his grandchildren, Nicky of San Francisco, CA, and Matthew of Arcata, CA.

Born in Hartford, CT, Bob attended Williston Academy and obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University in 1959, where he was also captain of the squash team. He married Susan in 1959.

Following the sudden death of his father, Bob ran the family business, Hartford Tire, on Hudson Street in Hartford. In those days, the business sold and recapped tires, in addition to selling small appliances and bicycles. Hudson Tire became the first Honda motorcycle dealer in Connecticut, selling what was then the ubiquitous Honda 50cc scooter. Bob had one fitted with a baby seat, and following a minor accident while riding with his wife and son Louis, he also became the shortest-duration Honda motorcycle dealer in Connecticut.

Following the sale of Hartford Tire, Bob went to work for Continental Life Insurance Company, achieving numerous sales awards and earning his CLU designation. In the late 1960s, Bob started Tech Tune Up Centers, a chain of auto repair shops located throughout Connecticut and in Springfield, MA.

Bob frequently sought new challenges, and in 1974, he purchased a Luders 24, a classic wooden racing sailboat. The boat was in tough condition, and he had it moved from Maine to the backyard in Connecticut on a large trailer. Bob, with the help of family and friends, spent many months refurbishing the boat. The boat was renamed BLUE, simply because of its navy-blue hull color and the fact that the stern was so narrow it could accommodate only four letters. The family joined the Thames River Yacht Club and spent many enjoyable outings on Long Island Sound.

It was at that point that the sailing bug bit. Bob and Susan purchased an Alajuela 38, an ocean-going sailboat, keeping the name BLUE. They took delivery of the new BLUE in Key Largo and spent the winter cruising the Bahamas. Over the following years, they sailed the far-flung islands of the Caribbean in the winter and north to Connecticut during the summers, traveling many miles offshore and navigating by sextant several times. When returning south, they traveled the Intracoastal Waterway, in the days when one could pull alongside a crab boat and bargain for soft-shell crabs. Bob became proficient in Morse code and obtained his ham radio license, in addition to his 500-ton master’s license.

Bob and Susan permanently relocated to Miami in the mid-1980s, purchasing a condominium in the first high-rise building on Claughton Island, now known as Brickell Key. Susan and Bob sold BLUE and became captain and crew aboard a corporately owned sailboat, Balancing Act. They enjoyed many memorable adventures and formed lifelong friendships with the company’s chairman and his family. Following Balancing Act, Bob became a yacht broker, specializing in large sailboats. He worked for many years at Merrill Stevens and then Sparkman and Stephens. He was very active in the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, becoming a director and serving as president in 1996 and 2016.

Bob and Susan were active supporters of many organizations, including the New World Symphony, Pérez Art Museum Miami, MOCA, ICA, and Fountainhead Arts. Bob always enjoyed Art Basel, and, with the exception of work by a cousin, their art collection featured exclusively artists local to the 305.

Bob was a gentleman and a wonderful husband and father. He was an astute businessman with a penchant for finances. He always loved discovering how things worked and how to fix them, and he rarely shied away from a challenge or an adventure.

The family would like to express special thanks to Junior Joseph and Neysi Morales, who provided compassionate care during both Susan’s and Bob’s final months.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public service. In his memory, the family welcomes memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, to Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, CT (https://cbict.org/), or an arts organization of your choice.

Judd Mott passed away at home in Wilton, Connecticut, on September 11, 2026, age 97.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, he grew up in up in Rockville, Connecticut and graduated from Williston Academy in 1947. He joined the Air National Guard in 1948 and his studies at Yale University were interrupted in his junior year in 1951 when the 103rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron was mobilized for the Korean War. He spent two years on active duty in the Air Force, then returned to graduate from Yale in 1954. Mr. Mott worked in Manhattan for over 30 years as a commodity broker, then sold real estate in the Norwalk-Wilton area.

Mr. Mott and his wife Laurie, who predeceased him in 2020, moved to Wilton from Bronxville, New York in 1959 and lived ever since at the same house on Wolfpit Road. They enjoyed a shared interest in collecting art and early American and Victorian furniture and glassware. Mr. Mott was active in the Wilton American Legion post for over 30 years and served as grand marshal of the 2013 Memorial Day parade.

Mr. Mott is survived by sons Jonathan (Lynn) of Orange, California, Andy of Costilla, New Mexico, and Gregory (Karin) of Middlebury, Vermont, and grandchildren Christopher, Caitlin, Genevieve, Vivian, Alex, Elizabeth.

Graveside service on Monday September 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilton American Legion Post 86 or Wilton Kiwanis.

Paul Martin Blair, 85, died September 9, 2026, in Norwalk, Connecticut, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. A private family service will be held this fall on one his favorite ski runs in the Catskills NY.

Paul was born on October 4, 1940, in Jamaica, Queens NY, to the late Henry and Edna Blair, both first generation immigrants. He spent his childhood and adolescence in Northport Long Island and attended Williston Northampton Prep School in MA, where he graduated in 1959 as a multi-sport athlete. Following high school, he attended Colgate University in Hamilton NY where he played and lettered in lacrosse and wrestling three years in a row. After college, he voluntarily joined the US Marine Corps where he served his time at Camp Legeune NC. He spent his early professional life working on Wall Street where he honed the art of arbitrage working with his father and brother at Henry Blair and Co securities option firm, and Harris Upham. By 1976, he was elected as Vice President of the American Stock Exchange. Soon after the 70’s crash, he turned in suits and briefcase and, with his wife Cynthia, opened Briar Hardware in Briarcliff NY. When they closed the store, he spent the remainder of his working life in security. He lived the early part of his adult life in Westchester County between Chappaqua and Bedford, and his last 15 years in Norwalk CT.

Known by his family as Big Paul, he will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of family and family gatherings, his enjoyment of fast cars and downhill skiing, his love of sports, including any college lacrosse and especially his beloved NY Giants and the old Brooklyn Dodgers, his pride for his children and grandchildren, his turkey carving and egg bunking prowess, and desire for ice box cake on every birthday.

Paul is predeceased by both his parents and two of his three brothers, Peter Blair ’57 formerly Warren NY and his brother John formerly of New Haven CT. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Mulbury Blair; their four sons, Bryan Blair and wife Kelly Mofield of Chappaqua NY, Chris Blair and his wife Tracy of Southlake TX, Peter Blair and his wife Paola of Norwalk CT, and Paul Blair and his wife Jamie of Atkinson NH; his 13 grandchildren, Tilden, Graham, Schuyler, Seamus, Marcus, Henry, Lily, Joseph, Sean, Charlie, Maddy, Presley and Oliver; numerous grand nieces and nephews from the Gabriel, McClenachan, Mulbury, Pawlowski and Palmer families; his brother Jimmy Blair of Lafayette LA; and his nephews Matthew, David, Eric and Nate Blair. The family asks that donations in memory of Big Paul be made to your own favorite charity and that you raise a glass in his memory every time the NY Giants score, admitting that “we love them, but they don’t make it easy.”

Richard Edwin Bennett, Sr. beloved husband of Denise Bennett, died peacefully surrounded by family on May 10, 2026.

There are many words that describe Richard Bennett, Sr.: Naturalist, Adventurer, Explorer, Geologist, Business leader, Swimmer, Fisherman, Music lover, Reader, Thinker, Commander (Howitzer Unit), Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Poppy.

Richard was born in Arlington, Massachusetts. Even as a small child he was enthralled by Mother Nature. She became his first love. “I can hardly bear the thought of being indoors for even an hour or two,” he would later declare. As a young man he wrote an essay affirming how mesmerized he was by the “tranquil beauty of the green forests, landscapes, still lakes and running brooks” near his home. It could be said that fishing became his second love. While some people might see a fishing rod as a “nicely shaven piece of wood,” he wrote, he regarded a well-made rod as “signifying everything true and fine about the hobby of fishing.” So passionate was he about the sport that, in winter, he and a college friend would sometimes fly a small plane to the bitter reaches of Northern Maine to ice fish and camp out on a frozen lake.

Until recently Richard spent all his summers on the coast of Maine. There he transferred his fondness of nature to his children and grandchildren. He taught them to swim, fish, and body surf the tidal waves (although no one could match his prowess.) He was clearly the master of the art. The children became skilled at fishing off the rocks. One in particular. The “Big Rock”, which they dubbed as “Daddy’s Rock.” Richard was a fun-loving father. Denise remembers when the children and grandchildren were small, gently putting them to bed with prayers and lullabies. Then Richard would arrive with a full-throated rendition of “Rockin’ Robin,” while bouncing the children up and down on the bed to a cacophony of giggles. It remains unclear if Denise joined in the giggling.

Richard’s love of all things Nature led to his profession as a geologist, specializing in oil and gas exploration. He attended Williston Academy and then on to the University of Maine, Harvard University, and the University of Texas with degrees in geology. As researcher and exploration manager in the field, he worked in the oil and gas industry first with Shell Oil Company, then Cockrell Oil Corporation and eventually forming his own company, Bennett Petroleum Corporation. He made significant contributions to the industry including innovative techniques and discovery of oil fields both on and off shore. Unsurprisingly, Richard was well regarded as a generous employer, sharing the company’s successes with his employees.

But, for the most part, he kept his accomplishments to himself. Most knew him as a humble man of strong faith, good humor and goodwill. His delight was in knowing that his children and grandchildren have become devoted to their families and fine citizens, contributing to society in meaningful ways.

Richard’s well-lived, well-loved life is an example for all who had the privilege of knowing him. As his daughter-in-law, Hillory, says of him, “He loved big.” The family wishes to thank Allen Dejel, who kept him spry well into his 90s, Karin Salazar who continues to fill the family with joy, and especially Fr. James Fox for his friendship and compassion during Richard’s final illness.

Richard was predeceased by his parents Helen and Edwin Bennett and his cousin, Shirley (Arthur) Lindsay.

Richard is survived by his wife Denise Wilcoxson Bennett; Children: Sandra Walker (Patrick), Houston, TX; Richard E. Bennett, II. (Hillory), Colorado Springs, CO; Victoria Cowan (Casey), Denver. Grandchildren: Austin Walker (Raychel), Kelly Walker, Stephen Walker (Caroline) and Catherine Walker, Hannah and Travis Bennett, Ethan and Savannah Cowan. Great-grandchildren: Henry, William and Charles Walker; Thomas Walker. Sister-in-Law: Lisa Sims (Randy), Seattle, WA. Nephews: Will Patrick Sims, Montrose, CO and Tanner Sims (Melinda), Seattle, WA. Great-niece and -nephew: Clara and Robin Sims. Cousins: Scott Lindsay (Karen Morgan), Falmouth, MA; Susan Lindsay, Arlington, MA Funeral: Tuesday, May 19th, 11:00 a.m., Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2626 E. Seventh Ave Parkway, Denver, CO 80206, Ph. 303.322.7706. Reception to follow at the family home. Memorials: Contributions in Richard’s memory would be gratefully accepted by Good Shepherd Catholic Church, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, 2015 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80205 303.298.1970.

Lewis Rabinovitz Esq, age 90 of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully, September 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 14, 1935, in Hartford, the beloved son of the late Benjamin and Sarah Rabinovitz.

He was the devoted husband of Patricia Kubick Rabinovitz, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage filled with love, companionship, devotion, and mutual care. Lewis was also a loving father and grandfather who cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his children Julie Rabinovitz (Jeremy) and Amy Guttman (Rob), and stepchildren Matthew Burelle (Connie), Jonathan Burelle (Zoe), and Elizabeth Derenzo (Jay); his grandchildren, Abby, Max, Zach, Simon, Tatiana, Michael, Nicholas, Paige, Tyler, Gregory, Andrew, Brooke, Cameron, and Lauren; and his adored “grand-puppies,” who brought him so much joy. He also leaves behind his brothers, Stephen Rabinovitz (Judi) and Harold Rabinovitz ’68.

Lewis lived a remarkable life shaped by intellectual curiosity, professional achievement, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. A graduate of Williston Academy in 1953, he went on to Yale College, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in 1957. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1960 and began a legal career in Hartford that spanned more than 60 years. He ultimately completed his career at Pullman & Comley, where he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Throughout his life, Lewis believed strongly in giving back to his community and helping those less fortunate. He was the first recipient of the Youth Leadership Award of the Greater Hartford Jewish Federation, a past president and life officer of the Mandell Jewish Community Center, and a longtime board member of the Greater Hartford Jewish Foundation. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Williston Northampton School and was a past member of the Young Leadership Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal. He helped lead an interfaith pilgrimage to Israel, reflecting his lifelong commitment to building understanding and strengthening connections among communities.

Lewis’s childhood was deeply shaped by the Holocaust, and the experiences of his family helped instill in him a lasting devotion to the security and welfare of the State of Israel. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to the continuity of Jewish life and to ensuring that Jewish institutions would remain strong and vibrant for generations to come.

Above all, Lewis valued the people in his life. He took great pride in his family and found tremendous joy in the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and “grand-puppies.”

The family is deeply grateful to Benjamin Adu Asare for his extraordinary care, compassion, and friendship over the past two years. His dedication went far beyond caregiving, and he became a dear friend to Lew. His kindness, love, and friendship will always be remembered.

Lewis will be remembered for his accomplished mind, his strong principles, his generosity toward others, and, most importantly, the love he had for his family and community. His was a life of purpose and service, and the impact he made on the people and institutions he cared about will continue for generations.

A funeral will be held on Thursday, September 10, at 11:00am, with Rabbi James Rosen officiating, in the chapel of the Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford. Interment will follow at the Beth El Cemetery, 51 Jackson Street, Avon. Following interment, the family will receive friends, for Shiva and a meal of condolence, back at the Beth El Temple, social hall. The family will also receive friends on Friday, from 1-3:00pm at the McAuley Retirement Community, 275 Steele Rd., Bldg. B, (aka 19th hole) in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your charity of choice. Funeral arrangements provided by Hebrew Funeral Associates, West Hartford.

George H. Burtch, 86, passed away early Monday morning, September 7, 2026, in Watertown, New York.

He was born, February 12, 1940, in the town of LeRay, NY, son of Clarence H. and Ethel E. Burns Burtch. He graduated from Alexandria Central High School and attended both Williston Academy and St. Lawrence University.

He was a real estate broker for many years and was also president of Putnam and Kellett, Inc. Insurance Agency.

George was past president of the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, Past president of the Alexandria Bay Rotary Club, served two terms as trustee for the Village of Alexandria Bay, an honorary member of the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, a member of the Clayton Fire Department, volunteered at the Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, and a member of the American Correctional Association Union.

Marriages to Jill Eggleton, Nancy Wimmer and Donna Eggleston, all ended in divorce.

He is survived by a son, Robert G. (Jennifer Simpson), Alexandria Bay, three daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” Burtch, Rochester, NY, Elaine “Lainey” (Dave) Scott, Ranson, WV, and Ellen (Tim) Connors, Oak Island, NC, five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Jessie Monica.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, September 9th from 5-8pm at the Costello Funeral Home, Alexandria Bay. The funeral will be held Thursday, September 10th, at 11am at the funeral home with Rev. Jeff McIlrath, officiating. Burial will follow at Barnes Settlement Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in George’s name to the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, 54 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or the Alexandria Bay Fire Department, 110 Walton St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

Charles “Charlie” Williams Fairbrother passed away on August 23, 2026, in Mystic, Connecticut, at the age of 81. Charlie was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, on December 27, 1944, to Billings and Margaret Fairbrother. He grew up in Stonington, Connecticut, alongside his older brother, Dean.

He attended high school at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts, earned his bachelor’s degree at Bethany College in West Virginia, and completed his master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island. In 1971, Charlie married Elizabeth Groton of Stonington. Together, they raised their two sons, Chaz and John, in Canterbury, Connecticut. Charlie dedicated his professional life to education, spending the majority of his career teaching middle school history and geography in the Plainfield Public School System. Deeply involved in the Canterbury community, he served as a volunteer firefighter, coached Little League baseball for his sons, led as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, and later served as president of the Canterbury Historical Society.

Following the tragic passing of Elizabeth in 2002, Charlie remained active in both his teaching career and community life. He was a dedicated member of the Wadawanuck Yacht Club in Stonington, serving on numerous committees and leading as President of the Tennis Committee. In 2003, Charlie married Jane Simmons Kennedy. He retired from teaching in 2006, after which he and Jane settled in Ledyard, Connecticut, enjoying their retirement years in the Stonington area they both loved so dearly.

Charlie is survived by his son, Chaz Fairbrother; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Marlene Fairbrother; his two cherished grandchildren, Makenna and Davis Fairbrother; his brother and sister-in-law, Dean ’62 and Judith Fairbrother; and his cousin, Prudence Meehan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Billings and Margaret Fairbrother; his first wife, Elizabeth Groton Fairbrother; and his second wife, Jane Simmons Kennedy Fairbrother.

Services for Charlie will be held on Saturday, September 26th at 3pm, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 27 Church Street, Stonington, CT, 06378. A private burial will take place at another time, and no formal reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s honor to the American Cancer Society.

Michael Stuart Smernoff, 79, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Born on March 9, 1947, Michael lived a life marked by dedication, love, and an easy-going nature that endeared him to all who knew him.

Michael’s academic journey began at The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he graduated as Valedictorian. He continued his education at Yale University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and an MBA from Rutgers University, laying the foundation for a successful career. He worked with Wometco Enterprises in Coral Gables, Florida, before serving as Comptroller and Vice President of Operations at the Tallahassee Democrat. Later, he became Financial Director at Tri-Eagle Sales until his retirement in 2013. At which time, Michael decided he wasn’t quite ready for the full relaxation of retirement, so he became a substitute teacher with Leon County Schools.

A devoted family man, Michael is survived by his loving wife Leslie Smernoff; his daughters Jessica Smernoff-Rose (Singing Arrow) and Megan Smernoff; his twin grandsons Brendan and Gabriel; and his brother Richard Smernoff. He was predeceased by his parents, Arnold Louis Smernoff and Goldie Belsky Smernoff.

Michael’s passions extended beyond his professional life. An avid animal lover, he cherished the companionship of his three dogs-Goldie, Georgia, and Lulu-and his cat London. His love for travel took him to breathtaking destinations such as Alaska, Croatia, Ireland, and along the Danube River. A sports enthusiast through and through, Michael was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and cheered for numerous NCAA and NFL teams including UGA, FSU, UM, the New England Patriots, and the New York Giants. A talented pianist with an ear for classical music, he often played pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach from memory.

Michael’s warmth and dedication left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.

Richard (Dick) Dann passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, after a short illness. He was born in NYC on March 1, 1941, to Edward and Edith Gearing Dann. He grew up in several places, Taunton, Springfield and Pittsfield, Mass. Dick, as a teenager, went to Williston Northampton School, then on to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Mass. where he received his engineering degree. He also attended ROTC while in college, then joined the army for active duty as a second lieutenant. Proudly, he served as commanding officer for the 83 Ordinance Company. After discharge, Dick joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford. In 1973, he was employed by Penton Publishing in Cleveland, Ohio, as the Assistant Editor of Machine Design Magazine and resided in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife and two sons. In 1988, Dick returned to CT, where he worked at Integrated Custom Software. Dick and Charlene then raised their family in Glastonbury. Close to retirement, Cromwell became their home, where Dick was employed by Cyber Research.

Music was his great love. As a child, he fondly remembered walking around the piano singing with his cousins, as his grandma Gearing played. In college, he started organ lessons and played at several church services. He was the choir director for the United Church of Christ in Columbia, CT, for several years. In 1970, he joined a barbershop chorus, The Silk City Chorus, where he was a member of a quartet. His quartet sang for The Mountain Laurel Chapter of Sweet Adelines and that is where he met the love of his life, Sweet Adeline, Charlene. During their married life, Dick continued singing both in barbershop and church choirs. He always harmonized with his cousins at family events, which was a welcome tradition. After retirement, he also continued organ lessons with Dr. Angela Salcedo, which he loved. He was very knowledgeable about choral music and joined The New England Chamber Choir for a few years. For 38 years, until his death, Dick sang in the Chancel Choir at First Church of Glastonbury. In 2001, he was particularly proud to be chair of the organ committee, being responsible for the purchase of the magnificent Schoenstein Organ.

In their retirement years, Dick and Charlene traveled to see their sons in Maryland and Georgia. They traveled yearly to Florida and Lakeside, Ohio, capturing many moments together of ocean views and sunsets at Lake Erie. When not traveling, they were employed by CDS within Costco, serving samples and having delightful conversations with customers. This job was a special joy to both of them!

Dick was a kind, loving, and gentle husband, father, grandfather, uncle, leaving his wife of 52 years, Charlene Lanza Dann; two sons, Geoffrey Dann and his wife Tracy of Lilburn, Georgia and Anthony Dann and his partner Amanda Lang of Riverdale, Maryland; and three grandchildren, Specialist Logan Dann, Maya Dann and Parker Dann. He was predeceased by his three loving cousins, Thomas Gearing, Alida Vasso, and Dorothy Frieler. He will be fondly missed by his family, nieces and nephews, friends and choir members.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the staff of Water’s Edge Health Care in Middletown. Dick was given excellent care by Sandra, Keanadre, Alexis, Carl, Tyler and Aleshia, plus others not known.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Church of Christ, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT on February 21 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the Music Program at First Church, Glastonbury.