Jac Venza, a shoemaker’s son who almost single-handedly delivered to the proverbial “vast wasteland” that was American television in the 1960s and ’70s an oasis of cultural programming, including “Great Performances” and “Live From Lincoln Center,” died on Tuesday at his home in Lyme, Conn. He was 97.
His death was confirmed by his spouse, Daniel D. Routhier.
Visit this link to read the full obituary published May 31, 2024 in The New York Times.
Richard J. Leary, 92, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024 surrounded by family. He was the beloved husband of the late Winifred M. Leary. He was born on November 12, 1931. He and his sister Judith were raised by a single Mom, Elizabeth (Deegan) Leary, in Waterbury, CT. They lived in a large and loving multigenerational household with his grandmother “Muzzy” and many aunts and uncles. He had a special relationship with his many cousins and their families that lasted a lifetime.
Dick met the love of his life (and cutest waitress) Winnie while vacationing in Hampton Beach, NH with his buddies. A wedding soon followed as did many blessings. By their 8th wedding anniversary they had 7 children and their family was complete a few years later when they welcomed their 8th child. They moved to Meriden,CT to accommodate their family of 10 and lived there for 50 years. Dick and Winnie’s 65 years of marriage built on a foundation of strong faith and love, served as a beautiful example for their children and anyone who witnessed their journey together.
Dick is survived by his 8 children: Kathy Gentilozzi (Mark), Stephen Leary (Mary), Mark Leary, Marty Braun (Peter), Martha Quaratella (Joe), Susan Beaudoin (Rich), Dennis Leary (Kristin) and Jennifer Kelley (Mike).
Dick and Winnie’s legacy of love and kindness grew with the birth of each of their 29 grandchildren: Kristina, Andrew (Kati), Sara, Michael (Courtney), Paul, Jack, Nick, Haley, Erin, Sam, Cooper, Catie, Lauren, Jake, Elizabeth (Derek), Nathan, Austin, Benjamin, Clayton, Dylan, Hannah, Grace, Luke, Rose, Eli, Kaleigh, Sydney, Colleen, Liam and 2 great grandchildren, Wellie and Mozi Leary. Dick aka Papa, delighted in engaging with his grandchildren bringing smiles and laughter with his infamous “corn on the cob” and “thumb trick”. Each felt loved and special.
Dick began his banking career in the mailroom at Colonial Bank in Waterbury. He was known for his strong work ethic, professionalism and care for his customers and fellow colleagues. He retired from Central Bank in Meriden as Senior Vice President but came out of retirement to work part time at Castle Bank where he was able to contribute with his extensive banking knowledge and local relationships. He retired (again) in 2001 and cherished the friendships he made over the years.
An active household did not prevent Dick from contributing his time and talent to his church and community. He was a lector, eucharistic minister and Trustee at St. Joseph’s Church in Meriden. Dick and Winnie were awarded the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation in recognition of their service to the Hartford Archdiocese and community. Dick served as President of the Meriden YMCA, Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. He was Campaign Chairman for the Meriden-Wallingford United Way, Chaired the Special Gifts Division at The Meriden-Wallingford Hospital and was a board member/volunteer of numerous additional organizations including the Franciscan Life Center and The Curtis Home.
Dick had an adventurous spirit and was always “up for anything”. He and Winnie traveled extensively both abroad and across the US, visiting their large family. Dick was an avid theater goer, a movie buff, and loved cheering on his NY Yankees and Giants. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed photography. He was a lifelong learner and not easily intimidated by new technology. He was an early Mac computer owner, had an iPhone and Instagram account and more apps and passwords than most millennials (much to the chagrin of his IT Team aka: grandchildren). An annual family vacation to Cape Cod with his children and grandchildren was a highlight every year.
Dick loved unconditionally and expressed his gratitude often. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm and welcoming presence wherever he went. All of life’s blessings were sweeter with his best girl, Winnie, by his side. Dick was truly “one of the all-time greats” and we will miss him dearly.
We’d like to thank two very special people, Terry Ann and Jackie, who supported Dick and his family.
Dick’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 23rd from 5-7pm at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St, Meriden, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24th at 11am at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Holy Angels Church, South Meriden. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 250 Gypsy Lane, Meriden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 Allen Ave, Meriden, CT 06451.
For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com
OLD LYME—Thomas Patrick Smith, 59, of Old Lyme passed away May 6, 2024. Born in New London Sept. 8, 1964, to Lynn and Charles Smith, Tom lived a life filled with diverse interests and a kind, gentle spirit.
… After graduating from Old Lyme High School in 1982, he followed his passion for graphic design …
In 1985, he welcomed his son, Patrick … While in Boston he was blessed with two more sons, Morgan and Greyson.
Eventually, Tom returned to his roots in Old Lyme …
Tom is survived by his father, Charles; his brothers, Charles Jr. and wife Carolyn, Timothy and wife Kimberley; his three sons, Patrick, Morgan, and Greyson …
A private graveside interment will be held June 8, for the family …
Visit this link to read the full obituary published by The Day on May 19, 2024.
HINGHAM, MA—Richard Hopkins Miller Jr. of Hingham, MA, a man admired for his unwavering spirit, dedication to family and professional success, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, at the age of sixty-two. He fought a short but valiant battle with kidney cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love and accomplishment.
Rick was born on January 25, 1962 in Hartford, CT and was a graduate of Conard High School in West Hartford, CT. He was a proud Boston College Eagle (1984), where he met his wife, Jennifer; and was a devoted father to Amanda and Richard.
His storied career in the insurance business began at Industrial Risk Insurers and Alexander & Alexander in New York, before flourishing at AON for the past 20 years. Rick’s exceptional leadership at AON, culminating in his role as U.S. Property Leader, was characterized by his rare blend of sharp business acumen and his uncanny ability to forge genuine connections. Never one to seek the spotlight, he used his position to empower others, celebrate their successes and treated everyone with respect, from CEOs to interns.
An avid golfer with a single-digit handicap, Rick found joy, camaraderie and friendship at the Boston Golf Club, his “happy place.” It was there that he enjoyed countless hours in the company of friends that he adored and who loved him beyond measure.
A true outdoorsman, Rick, Jen and their children loved exploring the walking trails near his Hingham, MA home with their beloved dog, where his sibling passions, hiking and birds, could be enjoyed boundlessly.
Rick was a Renaissance man – a history buff, an enthusiastic gardener and an accomplished skier.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 36 years Jennifer; his wonderful children, Amanda and Richard; his Australian Shepherd, Ollie; his mother, Mary Gilmore Miller; sister, Cynthia Miller Aird and her husband, Stephen of Old Lyme, CT; and many nieces and nephews.
It is with great sadness he says good-bye to his wide circle of friends and colleagues, all who mourn his loss deeply. In the words he often shared, “Keep the Faith.”
A Memorial Mass to Celebrate Rick’s Life and spirit will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to support the Brigham Cancer Fund/Brigham and Women’s Hospital in memory of Rick Miller and/or the First Tee as a tribute gift in memory of Rick Miller.
OLD LYME—Mary Janet Davis, 81, of Old Lyme, died Saturday, April 20, 2024, with her family by her side.
Mrs. Davis was born Aug. 9, 1942, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the daughter of Frederick and Antoinette McPhee …
Mrs. Davis is survived by her loving husband Roger; son Butch Gorman and his wife Lori; daughters, Wendy and Tammy Gorman, Sandy Percak, Kristin Davis with partner Daniel Coffee. She had 14 grandchildren and multiple great-grandchildren …
Calling hours will be held from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme. A service will be held at 6:30 p.m. following the calling hours …
Visit this link to read the full obituary published by The Day on Apr. 23, 2024.