Darienite (https://darienite.com/tag/darien-obituaries-2024/page/2)
Longtime Darien resident Macdonald Budd passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2024. He was 92. Mac was born on Feb. 18, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York to Reginald and Margaret Budd.
Rose C. Buch, 86, of Darien passed away peacefully in her home on Oct. 9, surrounded by her family. Born in Stamford on March 14, 1938, Rose was the youngest of four, taking on the nickname of “Babe.” She graduated from Stamford High School and attended the University of Connecticut. A quiet and loving person, Rose was well loved by everyone she met.
Patricia Polhemus, a longtime, 72-year resident of Darien and beloved wife to the late Robert Polhemus, passed away on Oct. 6, 2024. She was 97. Born in Stuart, Florida, Patricia was the daughter of the late Jacob and Alice (Sparks) Aigler. Patricia’s memory will be cherished by her loving children, Richard Polhemus and his wife, Kim, of New Milford, and Barbara Polhemus and her husband, Bill Della Rocco, of Maine; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marianne K. McGovern (née McNulty) on Oct. 18, after an extended illness. Marianne’s family owns the WinePort of Darien and the Rowayton Wine Shop which Marianne and her husband Scott have managed for the past 22 years. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness, and the lasting impact she had on everyone who knew her. Marianne was a dedicated member of the Rowayton community, actively invested in preserving its rich history and culture including her support of the Rowayton Civic Association, Rowayton Elementary School, Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department, and Shakespeare on the Sound.
Rose Irma Gesualdi, of Stamford, and a former longtime resident of Darien, and Boca Raton, Florida, passed away on Oct. 12. She was 83. Rose Irma was born on July 2, 1941, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to Mary (Sis) and Isaac Batten. At age 18, an adventurous Rose traveled to Stamford to visit friends.
David Martin, a beloved husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and dedicated Darien community member, passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 65. His death marks the end of a remarkable life characterized by unwavering devotion to his family, steadfast commitment to public service and a distinguished career in finance. David was a cherished figure in his community, where he served on multiple town boards and volunteered extensively. His contributions were a testament to his deep-rooted belief in civic duty and his passion for improving the lives of those around him. Before transitioning to public service, David enjoyed a successful career in finance, culminating in his retirement from JP Morgan Asset Management.
William Patrick Frank, 83, died at home in Darien. Born in the Bronx, New York, he was the son of Otto and Mary Brennan Frank. He attended All Hallows, Fordham Preparatory School, Georgetown University and Fordham Law School. Bill served as a military intelligence Ccaptain in the U.S. Army in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and earned recognition including Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Joint Service Commendation medals. He was the 23rd associate to join the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom, where he served for over 50 years, including as litigation practice leader and New York Office leader.
Nan Nelson (nee Schmalz) passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2024 at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She was 92. Nan was born on Oct. 1, 1931 in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Marlene Hodges Ettari, 72, passed away at home on Sept. 3, 2024, after a courageous and strong battle with ALS. Born on Feb. 12, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York to two hardworking immigrant parents, Marlene was a force with the world from the day she was born, never shy with her opinions and point of view. She met Paul in New Rochelle when they were set up by both of their parents, and her first impression was that he had great shoulders.
William Joseph Genco, born on Aug. 23, 2024, made his journey home to the Lord on Aug. 30. He is survived by his adoring parents: William and Michelle Genco, and his sister, Emilia; his paternal grandparents, William and Mary Genco; his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Loretta Lifrieri; his aunts and uncles: John (Kaitlin) Genco, Paul Genco, Catherine (Greg) Tevere; and his devoted cousins, Patrick and Giulia. In his short life he brought his entire family great joy and he will always remain in our hearts.
Christian Scott Miller passed away peacefully on Aug. 24, surrounded by family at home in Darien. He was 64. Born Aug. 6, 1960, to Charles Scott and Elinor Backe Miller in New York City, he grew up in Darien.
Barbara L Johnson (nee Thomas) passed away Sunday Aug. 5. She was 85. She was born in Cumberland Maryland and graduated from Fort Hill High School in 1957. She also lived in Northfield, Ohio; Akron, Ohio, and Darien.
Mary Duncan Thompson, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2024, at the age of 65. She was born Mary Hammond Duncan on Dec. 12, 1958, to John Bruce Duncan and Leila Hammond Duncan. She lived a life filled with love, service, and dedication to her family, friends, church, and community.
Priscilla Pope Masselink died on August 12, 2024 at her home in Sorrento, Maine after a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 67. Born on Jan. 31, 1957, she was surrounded by her loving family and embraced virtually in the arms of countless friends from her Maine childhood in Bangor and Sorrento, her college years at Duke University, the Connecticut community in Darien/New Canaan, where she raised her family, and her cherished Florida home in Boca Grande. Priscilla’s lifelong pursuits were to be active and creative, to make a meaningful connection with her friends, to improve the groups she joined (and she joined many), to love deeply and laugh often.
Theresa Kish transitioned to eternal tranquility, rest and peace on her 94th birthday, Aug. 22. She was surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home. She was born Theresa Elizabeth Guenin in 1930 in Atlanta, to Herbert Franklin Guenin Sr. and Veronica Marguerite (Meehan) Guenin. Prior to her family settling in Stamford, Theresa (the youngest of six) lived in New Britain and Noroton Heights, where she attended her beloved Baker School before graduating from Darien High School in 1948.