Greenwich Free Press

Information provided by Lacerenza Funeral Home

Joseph Lawrence D’Andrea, formerly of Perna Lane Riverside, passed away Monday, November 21 at Spring Meadows in Trumbull, one month short of his 94th birthday.
Joe was born in 1922 to the late MaryPerna D’Andrea and Lorenzo D’Andrea of Riverside. Fondly known as “Uncle Joe” by friends and family alike, he spent most of his life in Riverside until moving to Trumbull in 2008 to live with his daughter and son-in-law Laurie and Randall Church.

Joe graduated from Greenwich High School in 1941 then worked at Electrolux until enlisting with the United States Army where he served as a Surgical Technician in Guadalcanal and Saipan during World War II, for which he received the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon.

In 1949, he married Grace Mancusi of Stamford, and together they raised their family in Riverside. They owned and operated Ideal Custom Tailors and Dry Cleaning in Cos Cob for many years. Later, Joe worked as a building superintendent for several corporate offices in Greenwich and Stamford until his retirement.

Joe loved to fish, play bocce, and was a life long expert gardener – renowned for his tomatoes! Mostly he loved his large Italian American family and any time spent with them.

Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife Grace, eight siblings: William Andrea, Louise Ponziani, Catherine Cavaliere, Emma Allegrini, Charles D’Andrea, Louis D’Andrea, Carmela D’Andrea, and Angelina Sarni. He is survived by his children son Joseph and his wife Maureen, daughter Birdie, daughter Laurie and her husband Randall, grandson Joe his wife Jennifer and great granddaughter Stella Grace, grandson Thomas, his sister Nora DeMilia, and many nieces and nephews.

Joe’s last wish was that American Military Personnel serving overseas in areas of conflict and war return safely home.

The family would like to thank the staff at Spring Meadows Trumbull for making dad’s last home a warm caring environment, and Sara Fry from Masonicare Hospice for being our angel when we needed one.

Family and friends may call at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 2:00-6:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:30AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 6 Riverside Avenue, Riverside. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

funeral Irene Martin, 95, of Greenwich, passed away on November 26, 2016. Irene Marie-
Marguerite Deneau Martin was born March 6, 1921 in Manchester, New Hampshire to Joseph and Clarina Grenier Deneau who are both deceased.

She was married to William J. Martin in 1949. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband Bill in 1968. She was also pre-deceased by brother Wilfird Deneau, sister Cecile E. Deneau Pinard, and nephew Donald Deneau. She is survived by her brother Robert V. Deneau. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by many caring friends that she treated like family.

Irene graduated from Central High in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1939. She served in the Woman’s Reserve of the Marine Corps in World War II and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and took classes in Naval Courts and Boards. She was a Greenwich Resident since 1947.

She retired from Bank of America in 1986 after 36 years of service where she began working in 1950 when it was the Greenwich Trust Company. She took many courses in banking throughout her career. She was Vice President in the Private Banking Division which she formed in 1979 when it was then known as The State National Bank of Connecticut.

Throughout her life she served in many volunteer capacities giving freely of her time to The Greenwich Symphony, The Woman’s Club of Greenwich and acted as Treasurer for the Friends of Byram Shubert Library.

Arrangements are being handled by Fred D Knapp and Son, 267 Greenwich Ave in Greenwich. Calling hours will be on Tuesday November 29, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 95 Henry Street, Byram Wednesday November 30, 2016 at 10:00 am. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Greenwich.

Donations can be made in her memory to The Greenwich Symphony, 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 or The Woman’s Club of Greenwich, 89 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.

screen-shot-2016-12-08-at-2-09-35-pm Lifelong resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, Charlene Abdal, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long illness.
Charlene is predeceased by her father, Dave Brown and sister, Linda Brown, maternal grandparents, John and Mervin Mohamed, paternal grandparents, Will and Ella Brown.

Charlene is survived by loving husband, Helio Abdal, who she married on December 19, 1996 in Greenwich.

Charlene is lovingly remembered by her mother, Helen (Mema) Brown, her adoring children, Doug and David Allan and Beverly Foster; seven grandchildren, David, Alexa, and Halle Allan, Miles Allen, James Young; Jada and Steven Nunez, a brother, Paul Fisher, sisters, Estelle Hayes, Donna and Diane Brown.

She also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, a special uncle, aunts, cousins, and many friends who mourn her loss.

Charlene was born in Greenwich, on December 8, 1952, and attended Hamilton Avenue and Greenwich High School.

Charlene is most notably known for her work in the Town of Greenwich where she worked for 34 years, starting out as a clerk and making her way up to the executive assistant where she worked in that capacity for 34 years for 11 first selectmen.

Charlene was well known and respected in the Town of Greenwich. When she retired in 2009, First Selectman, Peter Tesei, referred to Charlene as the “fourth selectman.”

“She is the institutional knowledge of everything that has gone on. She had a front-row seat to the town’s leadership,” Tesei said. Under her first, first selectman boss, the late William Lewis, she became “the gatekeeper to the first selectman’s office”.

First selectman from 1995 to 1999, Tom Ragland, said Charlene was “just the heartbeat of Greenwich”. First selectman, John Margenot who Charlene had a long and very special relationship with, as he held the office from 1985 to 1995 said “the fact that she worked for so many first selectmen, I think is remarkable.”

Paula Belmont, who worked with Charlene for almost 29 years, said, “She’s like family. She’s taught me everything. It won’t be the same.” When Charlene was not working, she spent lots of time with her sisters, Donna and Diane.

Charlene loved to cook, sew, complete crossword puzzles, but her absolute favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandchildren. If you asked her, she would say, complaining, but loving every minute, that two of them Jada and Stephen lived with their “Mama”. Charlene loved Christmas, which was evident by the hundreds of santas she displayed during the holiday season, as she hosted her family and friends – another one of her favorite things to do. With Charlene’s passing, it won’t be the same for many who loved her.
Friends and Family may call at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch St. Greenwich, 203-869-1513, on Thursday December 8, 2016 from 4-8pm.

A funeral service will be held on Friday December 9, 2016, at the First Baptist Church, 10 Northfield St. Greenwich, CT 06830 at 10am. Interment will be private. To send the family an online condolence please visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com

Frances L. Mackey

Frances L. Mackey died peacefully at her home on December 20th, surrounded by her loving family. She was 97 years old.

She was born on September 27, 1919 in the Bronx, NY to Frank and B. Louise (Bess) Hodson. After marrying her husband, John J. Mackey, they moved to Larchmont, NY, where they began their family.

In 1960 they moved to Old Greenwich, which was where she called home until her final days.

She worked for the NY Telephone Co. for 25 years and was a founding member of the Pioneer Club. She loved her many trips to various casinos, especially Foxwoods and those in Las Vegas. Many a time she accompanied her family and friends on these trips and was known as everyone’s “good luck charm.”

For many years, Fran spent weekends and summer vacations at “Mackey’s Tree Farm” in Honesdale, PA, where she made many close friends. Fran was also a long time parishioner of St. Clement of Rome Parish in Stamford.

Her greatest pride and joy was her family and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with them. To this day, every table in her home is covered with family photos so that she could always hold everyone close, no matter how much distance separated them.

She is survived by her children, Joan Locke of Brookfield, CT, Jean Gorman of Hobe Sound, FL, Jackie and Peter Pennella of Riverside, CT, John Mackey Jr. of Long Beach, LI, and Jerry and Colleen Mackey of Jupiter, FL. She treasured each one of her grandchildren, Kristine Koproski (Craig), Kim Feighery (Tim), Jeanne Rooney (Bill), Sandra Downey (Scott), Craig Locke, Peter Pennella III (Jackie), Mark Gorman, Sean Mackey (Gwen), Kelly Mackey, Tierney Mackey, Shannon Mackey, and Kelsey Mackey. Fran was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren: Jake, Ryan and Brady Koproski, Ashley and Kaitlyn Feighery, Kayla Rooney, Noah and Amelia Downey, Aubree and Jordan Locke, PJ and Carter Pennella, Morgan and Emmerson Mackey, Zyyah and Journey Mackey and Jackson Hale. She is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 63 years, John J. Mackey and her son-in-law Ed Locke.

The Mackey family would like to thank all of the caregivers who provided Fran with love, comfort and friendship including Peguy, Shirley, Davetta, Marie, Linda, Fred, and Ruth.

Services will be held at Coxe and Graziano funeral home on Thursday, Dec. 22 from 4:00-8:00 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Dec 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fran’s name to Greenwich Hospital Home Hospice, 500 W. Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830 or St. Clement of Rome Church, 535 Fairfield Ave, Stamford, CT 06902.

Information provided by Castiglione Funeral Home in Greenwich.

Robert E. Horton Jr., died Saturday night, December 17, at Greenwich Hospital. He was 98.

He went peacefully in his sleep, though he fought death at every step. Fidgety and irritable to the end, he demanded to be set free from his failing body. His family accommodated his wishes as best it could.

Bob was a proud veteran of WWII, where he served in the US Army Corps of Engineers in both European and Pacific theaters. He left the Army as a captain. He won and lost many battles on Madison Avenue as well, selling advertising pages for such publications as Mademoiselle, Holiday, This Week, Psychology Today, and the Ladies Home Journal.
He enjoyed sailing, and would take annual cruises along the Connecticut coast with his wife, Patricia, who predeceased him in December 2003. And he spent countless hours, years even, on the Riverside Yacht Club tennis courts, punishing himself and his oldest son.

To many who knew him, Bob often seemed mad about something. But those of us who loved him knew that was just his way of being in the world. He could be completely charming and accessible one minute, then brooding the next. Such is life.

Bob and Pat built a retirement home in Ivoryton in 1984, but soon grew restless and moved farther east to Cape Cod. They tried to winter in Florida, but did not like being members of the “AARP caravan.”

He was a skilled wood carver and the creator of many meticulously detailed miniatures. He particularly liked designing New England fishing villages. Perhaps his favorite depicted Riverside Yacht Club’s signature rock and flagpole.

The pull of grandchildren drew them back to Greenwich. Grandpa Bob took great joy in his four grandchildren: Clifford, Justin, Laura, and Molly. They can recite verbatim his favorite stories. Just ask them. His eyes would brighten whenever he heard about their latest endeavors, and he relished their visits with him when they returned to Greenwich.
During his last years, Robert had a generous and loving caregiver in his daughter Gail. While always a very fit man, Robert’s last year was very difficult; he required much of Gail’s time, attention, and patience. Gail’s two brothers, Robert III and Michael, and daughers-in-law, Barbara and Kim, will be eternally grateful for her hard duty.
Bob started his long life on the 4th of July 1918 in Brooklyn, NY. In his death, he will lay once again next to his wife in Putnam Cemetery. There will be a private ceremony; a U.S. Army Honor Guard will salute him.

In addition to family members already mentioned, Bob is survived by his sister, Renie Blair, of Greenwich, and brother, William, of Albuquerque. Two sisters in California, Betty Martin and Marjorie Malcolm, predeceased him.

Bob went through a protracted period in which he repeatedly asked his eldest son to write his obituary. When asked why he needed an obit in waiting, he replied, “Because I want to edit it.” That was Robert E. Horton Jr., always needing the last word. For online condolences please visit www.castiglionefh.com

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Emil Smeriglio, lifetime resident of Greenwich and a Chickahominy legend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2016. He was 91.

Emil was born March 24, 1925 to the late Thomas and Louise (Berlingo) Smeriglio of Byram. He attended Greenwich schools and in 1943 enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served his country during WWII as a gunners mate aboard the USS Springfield. After returning from the war, Emil met and married his beloved wife, Johanna Angotto.

Emil owned his own garbage route before becoming a large equipment operator for the Town of Greenwich transfer station. An accomplished opera singer, he sang leading roles in many Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and performed off Broadway with the West Chester Opera Company.

Emil’s booming baritone voice was also heard at many local events, church choirs, weddings, and as a singing waiter at Manero’s Steak House.

Emil was deeply involved in the local Greenwich community. He was Commander and Chief of the VFW Post 29, a justice of the peace, a member of the RTC, and a Redman. He was a past PTA president of Hamilton Avenue School where he was the driving force behind the traffic safety lights and signs at the intersection of St. Roch’s Place. He and his wife were the founding members of Harvest Time Church. His greatest passions were his family, his faith, his country, his community and Italian food. He enjoyed reading, hunting, square dancing, gardening and fishing. During the holidays could be found around town as a professional Santa Claus. Emil is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Johanna; his brother, Louis Smeriglio; his sister, Carmella Smeriglio Vincoli; and his son-in-law, Anthony Santana.

He is survived by two brothers: Thomas (Marge) Smeriglio of Cos Cob and Leo (Janet) Smeriglio of NH. He leaves behind his four devoted children and their spouses: Louise and Michael Cogan, Charlene and Doyle Passmore, Roxanne and Marc Kuppersmith, and Thomas and Susan Smeriglio.

He was the proud grandfather of eight adoring grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who love their “Poppie Emil.” He also leaves behind cousins, nephews and nieces.

To honor Emil’s life, family and friends will gather on Thursday Jan 5th between 4-8pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, 203-869-5968.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 6th at 10:00 am at Harvest Time Church, 1388 King Street, Greenwich, followed by internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club. For more information or to place an online condolence please visit www.coxeandgraziano.com.

Gregory Armeno

Gregory A. Armeno, 93 of Greenwich, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Greenwich Hospital.

Mr. Armeno was born in San File, Italy on May 25, 1923. He immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old and lived with his father on Willow Street in Port Chester, NY.

Gregory often spoke dearly of his childhood memories growing up on Willow Street, which he lovingly referred to as “the best little street in the USA.”

He attended Port Chester High School before enlisting to serve in WW II for the United States Army. He proudly served his country for three years, most of which he was stationed in India and was honorably discharged in 1945.

Mr. Armeno was introduced to his soon-to-be-wife Jennie DiLeo by her younger brother Pat, and they were married on April 25, 1948.

Gregory was a devoted husband to Jennie for 68 years and adoring father to Linda, the light of his life.

For 29 years, Gregory was the Assistant Manager of Westchester Country Club and later worked at Pitney Bowes for 12 years until his retirement. Upon retirement Mr. Armeno devoted much of his time to being the most attentive and loving grandfather to his two granddaughters, and was a very active and proud member of the Port Chester Chapter of the VFW.

He is survived by his wife Jennie Armeno of Greenwich, his daughter Linda A. Christiansen (husband Peter) granddaughters Jennifer C. Butler (husband Barron) and Jordan L. Christiansen, and one great-granddaughter, his “princess” Carolina Christiansen Butler, all of Greenwich. He is also survived by a nephew, nieces and several cousins.

Gregory’s family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to the caring staff members at Greenwich Woods who went above and beyond their duties in caring for him during the last months of his life.

To honor his life friends may call on Wednesday January 4 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at the Greenwich location of Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home 134 Hamilton Ave in Greenwich.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 5 10:00am at Holy Rosary Church, Don Bosco Place, Port Chester, NY. Followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Chester.

In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Armeno’s name may be made to VFW or Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School.

Carmine DeVita, of Cos Cob, passed away Friday January 6. He was 90.

Born in Rose Italy, February 10, 1926 to Eugenio and Angelina, Carmine was the first of his family to immigrate to the United States, paving the way for his parents and brothers to join him. Carmine was a master craftsman, who’s stone work can be seen throughout commercial and educational buildings in Greenwich and Stamford.

His children will always remember the skating pond he built in the back yard one winter, the various stone and brick fireplace he built for family, and his love of making wine. He had a voracious appetite, and who loved his wife’s cooking above all else. In his retirement, Carmine enjoyed splitting his time between Naples, FL and Cos Cob.

Carmine was a kind, generous, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always put the needs of others before himself. He is survived by his beloved wife Ida; his devoted children, Angie DeVita Frey (George), Roe Dillon (Patrick), Joseph (Claudia); his loving grandchildren, Christina, George, Robert, Leia, CJ, Angela, Patrick, Sean; and his cherished great-grandchild Fred. He is also survived by his dear brothers Anthony, Joseph and Ennio.

To honor his life family and friends will gather Monday January 8 from 5:00-9:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Home 134 Hamilton Ave. Greenwich (203) 869-5968. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday January 9 at 11:00am at St. Agnes Church in Greenwich.

Krystle Lynn Stahl aka “Chubba” of Apex, NC was born October 14, 1985 in Greenwich to Toni Zygmont and Patrick Stahl Sr. She passed away peacefully at her home in Apex on December 27, 2016.

Krystle graduated from Greenwich High School, Norwalk Community College and attended the University of Connecticut. She followed her mother’s path and was a preschool teacher for many years. She had a passion to help others and would do anything for those in need. She will forever be remembered for her giving spirit.

Krystle is survived by; her mother-Toni Lynn Zygmont (Leslie Jenkins) of Apex NC, father-Patrick (Rosa) Stahl Sr of Greenwich CT, brother-Patrick Stahl Jr (Laura Sanchez) of Norwalk CT, aunts-Laurie (Mario) Romeo of Port Chester NY, Jeannette Stahl of Kansas, Edith Stahl of Branford CT, Leona Zygmont (pre-deceased), uncles-James Zygmont of Bridgeport CT, Glenn Zygmont of Bridgeport CT, Michael (Sandra) Stahl of Colorado, Robert Stahl of Virginia, and William (Jean) Stahl of Virginia, Timothy Stahl (pre-deceased), a host of devoted cousins, nephew Jacob Stahl, and her fiancé Vincent Toscano of Raleigh NC.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Fred D. Knapp and Son Funeral Home, 267 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich from 4:00-7:00 pm. on Tuesday January 10, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 11, 2017 beginning at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, 178 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich. Burial will be private.

Geraldine McKenna

Geraldine McKenna, of Greenwich, passed away on Friday, January 6. She was 65.

Born in New Rochelle, NY to Thomas and Gertrude McKenna, Geraldine studied at Westchester Community College and worked for many years as the Assistant to the Manager at the Stanwich Club, in Greenwich.

She is survived by her loving sister Maureen Repaci (Charles), dear brother Kieran (Leeann); and cherished nephew Daniel. To honor her life, family and friends will gather Thursday January 12 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home of Greenwich, 134 Hamilton Ave in Greenwich.

A prayer service will be held Friday January 13 at 10:30am at the funeral home. Committal will be private. For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com.

Frank D. Spadaro, 63, of Greenwich, passed away on January 14, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Frank was born in Port Chester, NY on July 14, 1953 to Frank and Ann Spadaro. Known as a caregiver, Frank’s enjoyment in life came from helping others and surrounding himself with friends and family.

Frank is survived by his sisters, Lynn Chupek and Karen Magliulo, his mother, Ann Spadaro, five nieces and nephews, Carol Magluilo, Megan Roman, Michael Chupek, Lori Magliulo, and Shane Magliulo, and five grandnieces and grandnephews, Terrell Magliulo, Annalyse Roman, Efrain Roman, Charlie Boddie and Bryson Boddie. Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank Spadaro.

To honor Frank’s life, family and friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave, Greenwich, CT.

Funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Church in Greenwich, CT. For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com

Patricia (Pat) McGee

Information provided by Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home

Patricia (Pat) McGee, a long-time resident of Greenwich, passed away suddenly on January 11. She was 69 years old.

Pat was born in Brooklyn, NY, to John and Martha Pollock. With her husband Daniel, she moved to Flushing, NY, where they raised their family before moving to Greenwich.

Pat will be remembered as a kind, supportive, protective and giving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her bold sense of humor kept everyone laughing, and her Brooklyn moxie gave her tremendous strength in the face of adversity. Pat enjoyed spending leisure time at the casino, treating her family to shows and long weekends away. She also loved traveling, crafts, cooking, and celebrating life with her family and friends.

Pat and Daniel were together in love since they were fourteen years old. They celebrated 52 years in a dedicated marriage to each other until Daniel’s passing in December 2015. They will live together forever in the hearts of their children.

Pat is survived by her devoted children Janice McGee, Lynn Castagna (Giuseppe), and Kevin McGee (Tammy). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Alexander McGee; Daniela Castagna; Madison, Justin, Reid and Brody McGee; step-granddaughters Silvia, Gemma, and Christina; and step great-granddaughter Kadence. The family is honoring Pat’s wish to forego wake and funeral services.

John “Jack” G. Walker Jr., of Greenwich, departed this January 17 at Cassena Care, Norwalk, where he was a resident since March 2016.

Born in Port Chester, NY to the late John G and Alice Walker, he served in the US Navy from 1949-1953, from which he was Honorably Discharged.

He married the love of his life, Joan K. Jensen on November 27, 1954.

He worked many years for Delia Pontiac, Honda and Isuzu in Greenwich and Stamford.

John loved to play softball and was an avid golfer for most of his life.

He is survived by his son, John F. Walker daughter in law Pia Walker, and granddaughter, Lauren Walker-Nazir and her husband Terry, grandson Jason Walker, and great grandson Castiel Nazir, whom he all loved very much.

To honor his life, family and friends will gather at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave. Greenwich on Saturday January 21 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A prayer service will take place at 3:30pm. Committal is private.

Legendary actress Mary Tyler Moore died at the age of 80 at Greenwich Hospital on Wednesday. Her death, reported by multiple sources, was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest caused by pneumonia.

Moore, a resident of Greenwich, leaves behind husband of 33 years, Dr. S. Robert Levine. Previously, she was married from 1962 to 1981 to her second husband, Grant Tinker, an award-winning television producer. The couple launched MTM Productions, creating television programs including The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, Hill Street Blues, Cheers and Remington Steel. Moore’s first husband was Dick Meeker who she married at the age of 18. They were married from 1955 to 1961.

First Selectman Peter Tesei released a statement released Wednesday afternoon, expressing his sadness to learn of the death of the longtime Greenwich resident.

“I grew up watching her on TV,” he said. “She was an iconic cultural and entertainment figure, especially for women as a single professional woman working in the then male-dominated field of journalism.”

Tesei noted that Moore made significant contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and to animal welfare.

Broadway Barks event, July 2014. Photo: Leslie Yager

Along with Bernadette Peters, Moore established Broadway Barks*, an event that has the goal of lowering the euthanasia list for animals in New York and make the city a more humane place for animals.

Tesei said, “On behalf of the Town of Greenwich, I extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Dr. Robert Levine.”

The woman who turned the world on with her smile will be most remembered for her role in the progressive and influential television series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which ran from 1970 to 1977.

Featuring a beret-tossing Mary Richards, the program follows the victories and pitfalls of a young single woman embarking on a career in in Minneapolis, though it might have been any city. Employed as an associate producer in the lowest ranking Minneapolis TV station’s newsroom, Moore’s character successfully navigates office politics and sexism with a dose of humor and collegiality, eventually garnering a promotion to news producer.

A memorable moment took place during the season three premiere, when Moore’s character learns her predecessor, a man, had earned more than her. She asks for a raise and gets one, but it’s still not as much as the man made.

Moore will also be remembered for her role on the Dick Van Dyke show, which ran from 1961 to 1966. Moore played the role of an equally vivacious and spunky woman, Laura Petrie, who was a stay-at-home mother whose husband Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke), was the head writer of a variety show produced in Manhattan.

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Sal DiBlasi

Salvatore John Di Blasi of Port Chester passed away peacefully on January 30, 2017 after a courageous battle, with his family at his side.

He was born in Palermo, Sicily to Ignazio and Rosalia (Bruno) DiBlasi.

Salvatore came to America in 1980. He was a former proprietor of Chicken Joe’s in Cos Cob and had been employed as a chef at DeCicco’s in Harrison, NY.

Beloved husband of Lucia (Marini) devoted father of Daniela and Salvatore Di Blasi, Marisa and her husband Robert Rojas ; cherished grandfather of Angelina Marie Rojas; He is survived by his mother Rosalia and was dear brother to Silvestre, Pietro, Francesca, Rosario, Benedetta, Caterina, Rosalia and Carmelo DiBlasi. He will also be sorely missed by his loving brothers and sisters in law (the Marini Family).

To honor his life friends may call at the Greenwich location of Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home 134 Hamilton Ave on Thursday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00pm to 9:00 pm.

Funeral Mass Friday 10:00 am at Corpus Christi Church in Port Chester. Committal will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, PA.