Death Announced of Stephen Owen Monson, Father of Kimberly Monson of Lyme

Stephen Owen Monson

STONINGTON, CT—Stephen Owen Monson, 76, of Stonington, CT passed away on December 11, 2024, after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his daughter Kimberly Monson, granddaughters Elisabeth Monson Viera and Renee Monson Viera, son in law Michael Viera, honorary son and apprentice Chris O’Grady, his two sisters, Julia Launer and Dale Naehr, nephews, Joe and Greg Naehr and nieces Katie Launer-Felty and Krislyn Launer.

Stephen’s greatest loves were his work in carpentry, his daughter, his granddaughters, horseshoes, beer and the German Club. He was very proud of being a Veteran and his service as a Sonarman in the Navy. Stephen had a child-like enthusiasm, was terminally optimistic and never met a parade or fireworks display he didn’t like. To many he was quiet, but with those that paid attention he had an understated wit that was both quick and hilarious. He was stubborn and fiery; he fought to the end and will be genuinely missed by those who took the time to get to know him.

A short gravesite service will be held on Friday January 3rd, 11 am at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT with a potluck gathering of friends and family at the Social Society Frohsinn directly after.

Essex Savings Bank Awarded Three Gold Medals in Commercial Record’s Annual ‘CR’s Best’ Reader’s Poll


ESSEX/OLD LYME —Essex Savings Bank has been awarded three gold medals in the Commercial Record’s 17th annual “CR’s Best” readers’ poll. The awards are in these categories: Best Commercial Lending in Banking, Best Community Bank in Banking, and Best Financing in Commercial Real Estate.

One of Essex Savings Bank’s six offices is located in Old Lyme.

The survey,  which includes dozens of Connecticut institutions related to banking and real estate, focuses on loyalty and satisfaction. The organizer of the contest, The Commercial Record, has provided Connecticut real estate and financial news since its founding in 1882. 

Essex Savings Bank President and CEO Diane Arnold notes that the bank is humbled and honored to receive such high praise from its community. She adds, “We’re tremendously proud to receive this recognition from  our customers. The Commercial Record is a well-respected publication in the Connecticut financial and real estate industry, and we thank them for organizing this contest. We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service in 2025.”  

Essex Savings Bank is an FDIC-insured, state-chartered, mutual savings bank established in 1851. The Bank serves the Connecticut River Valley and shoreline with six offices in the area. The remaining offices, excluding the Old Lyme one, are in Essex (2), Chester,  Madison, and Old Saybrook. Together the offices provide a full complement of personal and business banking. 

Financial, estate, insurance, and retirement planning are offered throughout the state by the Bank’s Trust Division, Essex Trust, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Essex Financial Services, Inc., a Registered  Investment Advisor.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Dec. 30, 2024 by Essex Savings Bank.

Happy New Year!

OLD LYME—We wish all our readers, advertisers and friends a very Happy New Year 2025!

We hope it brings you and yours peace, prosperity, good health and much happiness.

Thank you so much for all your support this past year and we look forward to serving you with even stronger coverage of the towns of Lyme and Old Lyme in the coming year.