Birth: Sadie Janice Law

The Law and Costello families welcomed a new family member into the world this past December.

Sadie Janice Law was born to Mason and Lauren Law on December 12, 2022 – weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces.  Sadie ‘s grandparents are Joan and Steve Law of Stratford, Bob Costello, formerly of Stratford now living in South Carolina.A

Obituary: Janet Jacopian

Janet Louise McCune Jacopian, age 83, beloved wife of Gary Jacopian, entered into Heaven on January 27th.

She was the daughter of Matilda and Raymond McCune and lived her entire life in Stratford. She devoted her life to her family which includes her daughters, Laurie Delgado (John) and Sandra Sharp (Scott), her four grandchildren, Jacquelyn Owens (Avery), Caitlin Sharp, Juliana Chen (Daniel), Victoria Delgado, and two great-granddaughters, Averie Owens and Annalise Chen.

Janet and Gary met at Wooster Middle School and were married for 61 years. She graduated from Stratford High School Class of 1957 and Bryant College, and worked for several years at Sikorsky Aircraft. She was active in the Stratford Historical Society and served on many church committees. Janet dedicated her life to supporting her husband and nurturing her family. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family, and cherished hosting weekly Sunday dinners.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday at Pistey Funeral Home in Stratford. Burial will be private. A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sterling House Community Center, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences.

Obituary: Bryan Barry

Bryan Francis Barry, of Stratford, Connecticut, a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend to many passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a protracted battle with cancer at the age of 75.

Bryan was born on November 27, 1947 to the late Francis and Helen Silk Barry of Norwalk, Connecticut. After graduation from J.M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford, Connecticut, he enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1965 at the age of 17 and honorably served four years on the USS Austin. Following the military, Bryan attended New England Technical Institute concentrating on Mechanical Drafting and HVAC Control Systems. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 38 for over thirty years where he became a highly skilled licensed professional journeyman. He was also an instructor for apprentices and a Trustee for the Union for most of his career.  He was an active member of the FDIC Social Club in Stratford, Gaelic American Club in Fairfield, and Port 5 Naval Club in Black Rock.

Bryan had such a deep love and admiration for his family, home, garden, and koi pond. One of his proudest accomplishments in life was to retire at the young age of 55 and spend the winters in Cocoa Beach and Hollywood Beach, Florida with his wife, Pat. He was happiest when his children and grandchildren would come visit and enjoy his retirement together.

Bryan is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (P-Pat) of 54 years, his daughter, Donna Hansen (Dr. Kristopher Hansen) of Stratford, his son, Dr. Bryan W. Barry (Stefanie Dean), his grandchildren, Morgan Hansen (Travis Geraci), William Barry Hansen, his sister, Mary Guiles of Norwalk and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved parents, Bryan was also predeceased by his brother, John Barry.

Funeral services were held at St. James Church.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bryan F. Barry to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development at P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087. Please indicate Bryan F. Barry, the honoree, in the memo line of the check to make a gift online. Visit https://giving.mskcc.org/give Donors may click the box “Make this a memorial gift” and add the fields for honoree Bryan Barry and notification name Patricia Barry of 42 Minor Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615.

To celebrate his life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com

Obituary: Alyssa Clair Collier

Alyssa Clair Collier, age, 35 of Stratford passed away peacefully at Bridgeport Hospital with her devoted parents and uncle Joe Szor by her side on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.  Born in Bridgeport on December 25,1987 with her twin sister Casey, she was the loving daughter of Timothy and Catherine Szor Collier.  Alyssa attended, Assumption School, St. Joseph’s High School and graduated from Sacred Heart University.  She was faced with many challenges from an early age, and was a true fighter till the end, she carried a big personality and huge heart, along with a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humor.  She worked from home as an administrative assistant for her mother’s business, Healthy Education.  Alyssa was an avid reader, loved collecting American Girl Dolls, and going to the mall and movies with her friends.  She enjoyed traveling, having been to Florida, many major US cities and South Africa.  Her greatest passion was for Broadway, enjoying the train ride in and a good lunch beforehand, she had been to many performances, and was a “stage door professional” where she met many of the stars, she was invited to walk on the stage of her favorite play, Wicked to meet the cast. In addition to her parents, Tim and Cathie, she is survived by her twin sister, Casey Collier, whom she took great care of over the years.  She is also survived by her uncle Joe Szor (Pam) and her aunts and uncles; Bill (Dulari), Pat, Jim (Liz), Kathy, Mary Claire (Peter), Jean (Gary) and Susan (Danny) and many adoring cousins and friends. Alyssa will be greatly missed by all. All immediate services will be held privately for family, there will be a Celebration of Life this summer, which will be announced at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Make a Wish Foundation of CT, 56 Commerce Drive, Trumbull, 06611. To offer online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com

Obituary: Nancy Goodrich

Nancy Goodrich

Anne L. Goodrich (Nancy), a lifelong resident of Stratford, age 94 and beloved wife of the late Robert V. Goodrich passed away peacefully in her home on January 5th, 2023 surrounded by her children. Nancy was born on July 8th, 1928, the daughter of the late Raymond B. and Marie Graham Birge and sister to her late siblings: Marie Minahan, Robert, James, Monsignor George Birge, Janie Greenwood and Ellen Stadtmueller.

Nancy attended Center School, followed by Stratford High School and graduated from Lauralton Hall. In 1949, she graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel College in White Plains, NY, with a degree in Biology. Before starting her family she taught kindergarten and third grade at Stratford’s Stonybrook Elementary School. After raising her children, she pursued her passion for creative writing and poetry and formed a strong interest in the preservation of historical Stratford through the Old Stratford Neighborhood Association. Her loss is greatly felt but thankfully soothed by countless wonderful memories that will be cherished forever by her twelve children: George (Mary), Anne (Arne Fredlund), Mary Jo, Robert, Matthew (Maureen), Jeanne (Kevin Massey) John, Kathryn (Dmitry Svirsky), Edward, Marguerite, Elizabeth (Peter Mavroghenis) and Christine (Robert Caldwell); and 21 devoted grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Nancy had a keen eye for beautiful things and enjoyed the thrill of discovering hidden treasures at antique shops and tag sales. Her sense of adventure took her on countless trips abroad and in the United States. Remaining extended family include her brother in-law John Stadtmueller and sister in-law Jane Birge and her many nieces and nephews. Also brothers and sisters-in-law of both the Goodrich and Birge families who together brought immeasurable delight, love, fun and laughter into her life.

The family will be forever grateful for the care and support of all the doctors, nurses, therapists, clergy and home caregivers who made it possible through their love, warmth and professionalism for Nancy to stay in the comfort of her loving home of 64 years. The family was truly blessed to be able to create an environment that allowed Nancy to live to a grand old age with dignity, joy and peace. Funeral services were held on Monday, at St. James Church.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to St James to “Care of Our Father’s House,” St. James Church 2070 Main St. Stratford, CT 06615, and Sterling House Community Center in memory of Anne L Goodrich. To celebrate her life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com

The Reverend Stanley D. Lord

The Reverend Stanley D. Lord, a friend, trailblazer, coach, community leader, and activist, transitioned from this earth into eternal life on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Reverend Lord, affectionately known as “Coach Lord” or “Rev. Lord”, was born in Yonkers, NY. He was celebrated for his strong faith, unwavering activism, and mentoring programs that supported youth and adults.

Rev. Lord was predeceased by his sister Rosalyn Wheeler and brother Roger Wheeler. He was raised by Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler in New Rochelle, NY. Stanley matriculated through the New Rochelle public school system. As a child, he loved to cook with mommy in the kitchen on Woodbine Avenue. She taught him how to cook the best fried chicken. He was known for this culinary treat by his family and friends.

He was an avid sports fan; in high school, Stanley was a talented athlete. He was a Varsity Football player and an All-American Track Star. He proudly held the lead role in the play Purlie Victorious, written by Ossie Davis and directed the high school gospel choir. Rev. Lord began his Christian walk at Shiloh Baptist Church, New Rochelle, NY, where he served as a Junior Deacon, member of the youth choir and participated in the Christian Education Ministry.

Stanley attended Kansas University where he was a Division I Scholarship Athlete. As an active campus leader, he served as the Vice President of the Black Student Union, United Campus Ministry, Baptist Student Union, and a residence hall assistant. Rev. Lord completed his undergraduate degree at lona College, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1985. He attended His Excellence Theological Seminary, Newburgh, NY, earning a Theology Degree in 1995.

In 1987, Stanley moved to Connecticut and accepted a full-time Track Coach position at Stamford High School. His passion for track led him to establish the Lord Striders and emerged as one of the nation’s leading youth coaches in Track & Field. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious East Region Coach of The Year of the USAF which is the USA Track & Field governing body. As founder of the Lord Striders, he single-handedly secured more than a million dollars in scholarships for over 250 athletes who attend colleges throughout the country. As coach, his mantra was “by all means get it done”.

Rev. Lord’s faith was unwavering. He was one of Connecticut’s revered preachers. His fervent worship and dynamic preaching distinguished him as a leader in his conference. During his time at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, from November 1987 to the present, Rev. Lord has served as Assistant to the Pastor, Dean of Bible Institute, and served on the budget committee. He was the organizer and director of the Seasoned Adult Ministry (SAM). Rev. Lord established activities and social events for the senior church and community members. Rev. Lord also served as president of the Men’s Ministry Christian Men in Action (CMIA) and had established a Men’s Bible Study, “Men in the Word,” and the Youth Christian Education Ministry.

Stanley D. Lord was a civil rights activist who championed voting rights and was a fierce fighter for racial justice. He was a generous and thoughtful leader who led the Greater Bridgeport NAACP to be at the center of the movement for change in the City of Bridgeport. In his role as NAACP President of his local chapter, Rev. Lord was one of Bridgeport’s strongest voices for police accountability who demanded change in our local departments long plagued with racism, misconduct, abuse, and corruption. After George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Reverend Lord served on the Bridgeport Advisory Task Force on Public Safety, which passed strong recommendations for non-law enforcement approaches to public safety, police union contract reforms, and budget transparency, among many others.

Rev. Lord leaves to cherish his precious memory: his loving mother, Rev. Dr. Mary Chris-Largie (husband Patrick Largie) of Panama; his twin brother, Rev. Dr. Stuart C. Lord (Adderly Grant- Lord) of Lafayette, CO; two additional brothers, Kamanie Woods, of Atlanta, GA; Bruce K. Lord (Sheryl K. Lord) of Yonkers, NY; three sisters, Dr. Cindy Chambless (Micheal Chambless) of Pomona, NY; MaryAnn Faulk of Queens, NY; Vickie Lockhart of Long Island, NY; a godson Floyd Lawrence (Pastor Roberta Lawrence) of Bridgeport, CT; a godsister, Samra Coote of Peachtree Corners, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins,

As we celebrate Rev. Lord’s life, let us renew our commitment to his vision “when we stand together in common cause and common purpose, we can do great things.”

Memorial Events:

December 13th

Service

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church

29 Grove St, Stamford, CT

 

Obituary: Paul V. Buchanan

Paul V. Buchanan – Husband of Wendy Reid Buchanan passed away Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Paul was born September 29th, 1957, in Bridgeport, CT, son of the late William and Anastasia Becker Buchanan.

Paul was a very proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was happiest when spending time with wife, his sons, family and friends.

Survivors in addition to his wife, include his two sons Gary and Justin Buchanan. Susan Schulman, Robert and wife Robin Buchanan, Irene Buchanan and Glenn Buchanan. In-laws Barbara and James Stinson and sister-in-law Stephanie Reid. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by brothers William and Gary Buchanan and brother-in-law Martin Schulman.

Friends may attend a Celebration of life Sunday, July 10th, 2022, at Noon, at the Stratford United Methodist church, 2600 Main St, Stratford, CT.

Memorial Contributions in Memory of Paul may be made to Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615.

Obituary: Joan M. Fedak

Joan M. Marshall Fedak, age 85, of Stratford, beloved wife of the late, John N. Fedak, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2022 in Bridgeport Hospital, with her loving family by her side.

Joan was born in Bridgeport on October 2, 1936 to the late George and Mary Marshall. Joan was a lifelong resident of Bridgeport and Stratford where she also worked, married, and raised her family.

Joan was married to the late John N. Fedak for 48 years. They both were active and popular in their local communities and in all their children’s activities. Joan prided herself on her values around work and she always held full-time employment whilst raising her six children.

Joan held various roles over the years such as an administrative position at E&F Construction. She worked many years at Conco Medical. Her last and most beloved role was as Dietitian Assistant at St. Vincent’s Hospital where she worked up until she retired at 80 years old. Joan met and worked with many wonderful people throughout her life, and some have become lifelong friends. Joan was passionate about her pets, gardening and spending quality time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include Joan’s beloved children, Lynn Wellington, John Fedak and his wife, Andrea, Janice Genetti and her partner, Jeff Elliff, Laura Elliff and her husband, John, Julie Fedak and her wife, Gemma Cheney, and Peter Fedak and his wife, Shera Lynn, 13 cherished grandchildren: Ryan and Sarah Wellington (DiBari), Nichole, Ashley, and Zachary Fedak, Joseph and Julia Genetti, Danielle and Jenna Quintiliano, Madison and Emma Fedak and Bowen Fedak, two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Luke, four siblings, James Marshall and his wife, Angela, Nancy Platt and her husband, Cliff, Susan Marshall, Ellen Marshall and her husband, Bob, close family friend, Lorraine Zartarian along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main Street, Stratford. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may contribute to Joan’s favorite charity, ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC, 20090. To celebrate her life, please visit us at www.galellofuneralhome.com

Obituary: Andrew N. Glad

Andrew N. Glad, age 69, of Stratford, the beloved husband of Karla (Ahlberg) Glad, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022. Born in Bridgeport on May 2, 1952, to the late Nicholas and Valerie (Shostack) Glad, he was a lifelong Stratford resident and Lordship boy at heart. A graduate of Stratford High School, class of 1970, Andy went on to the University of Bridgeport where he also briefly taught his lifelong passion of graphic design. Andy started his own graphic design business where he supported clients throughout the area for 45 years. He won numerous awards for his artistic and philanthropic work, including the prestigious Lighthouse Award from the Stratford Community Fund. He was a founding member of the Stratford Arts Guild, and involved, among numerous other groups, in the Stratford Jaycees, Stratford Red Cross, Stratford Sister Cities and Sterling House Community Center. Andy was an avid music lover and was a member of various bands in his youth as a bass guitar player. However, his favorite roles were father and grandpa. In addition to his beloved wife of 46 years, Karla, Andy is survived by his son, Carl Glad, and his wife Amy of Stratford, his daughter Haylee Herman, and her husband Jonathan of Norwalk, his cherished grandchildren Anderson and Caroline Glad, along with a large extended family. Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, May 3 from 4-7 pm in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The ALS Association Connecticut Chapter. For more information or to make an online condolence, please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com

Rosemary Elizabeth Martin Hayduk

Rosemary Elizabeth Martin Hayduk of Stratford, CT left us during the early hours of March 17. She died peacefully at home in the presence of loving family members. Rosemary leaves behind her husband Lani and his children and grandchildren; her son Jeremy and his wife Jaime, grandchildren Mia, Leo, and Bianca; son Geoffrey and his wife Allison, granddaughters Mollie and Andi; and daughter Torey and husband Troy, grandson Nathaniel.

Forever optimistic, always on the move, loving life to the fullest, Rosemary will be missed by all the people she has collected over her lifetime. Her interests and accomplishments are many: actor, singer, educator, middle school counselor, organizer, President of the Connecticut Delegation of Stratfords of the World international organization and Stratford Sister Cities chorus, and best of all – a devoted and dedicated mother, an affectionate and adoring “Grammy”, and an enthusiastic loving wife.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, May 5, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. An online recording of the evening will be available later for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation in Rosemary’s memory to the DTC Theater would be deeply appreciated.