Death Announced of Luigi “Gino” Giansiracusa of Hartford, Old Lyme; Owner/Operator of Luigi’s Restaurant, Loved Spending Summers at Miami Beach in OL

HARTFORD & OLD LYME — Luigi “Gino” Giansiracusa, 85, of Hartford and Old Lyme, beloved husband of 60 years of Ines (Santilli) Giansiracusa, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 31, 1936 in Sortino, Province of Siracusa, Sicily, son of the late Sofio and Lucia (Corsello) Giansiracusa, he had been a resident of Hartford for most of his life …

… Gino was a hard worker, throughout his career he was the owner and operator of H&L Dress Company, Gino Fashions, G.G. Sportswear, and Luigi’s Italian Restaurant …

… Gino loved the beach, it was a place he considered his sanctuary and loved spending his summers at his home at Miami Beach in Old Lyme with his family and friends …

Visit this link to view the full obituary published April 6, in the Hartford Courant.

Death Announced of Robert C. Coleman, Jr., Father of Marisa Hartmann of Old Lyme

Robert C. Coleman, Jr.

PARKVILLE, MD. — A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later in 2021 for Robert C. Coleman, Jr., a resident of Oak Crest Village, who died on April 1, 2021. Born in Indiana, PA he would add, “Jimmy Stewart’s hometown,” as he would introduce himself. Following graduation from the State Teachers College, Indiana, PA, now Indiana University of PA, he enlisted in the Navy and graduated from the Naval Officer Candidate School at Newport, RI. He served almost five years of active duty during the Korean War, aboard the U.S.S. Chickaskia.

While attending a service at Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura, CA, he met wife-to-be, Lou Ann Beacom. They married and came east in 1955. Bob joined the Baltimore County School System that year, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and mainly personnel administrator for thirty-four years.

Family was primary in his life–being involved in the lives of their six children was challenging and rewarding to Bob who was an only child. Camping vacations to multiple state and national parks provided many memories when the children were young. An active lifestyle was important to Bob, enjoying retirement playing golf and bicycling on the North Central Trail.

Religion was a guiding force throughout his life. Prior to Oak Crest, Bob was active at St. Joseph’s Church in Cockeysville where he was a choir member for twenty years and a parish council member. He was also active in the Catholic Community at Oak Crest. Singing enriched his retirement as he sang in barbershop choruses, church choirs and the Oak Crest Chorus.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Lou Ann. Surviving are their two daughters, Julie of Annapolis, MD and Marisa of Old Lyme, CT; four sons, Brian of Jarrettsville, MD, Michael of Cancun, Mexico, Christopher of Del Ray Beach, FL, and Daniel of West Chester, PA and nine grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Crest Benevolent Care Fund, 8800 Walther Blvd., Parkville, MD 21234.

Death Announced of Rachel Wertheimer, 51, of Old Lyme; Daughter of Sheila, Also of OL

OLD LYME — Friday, March 12, 2021, Rachel Wertheimer, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away at the age of 51. Rachel was born Nov. 21, 1969, in Atlanta, Ga., and moved to Waterford in 1971. She graduated from Waterford High in 1988, and remained a lifelong resident of Southeastern Connecticut …

… In recent years she rescued multiple black labs, including her beloved Lilly. Her cat Jake, a gift for her 40th birthday from her mother, was the love of her life …

… Rachel was preceded in death by her father Stanley. She will be dearly missed by her mother Sheila; sister Alyssa Morin; brother-in-law Eric Morin; brother David; nephew Alec; and niece Emma …

Visit this link to view the full obituary published March 31, in The Day.

Death Announced of Bruce Bennett Smith of Old Lyme, Raised Family in OL with Wife Deborah Over Past 36 Years

OLD LYME — Bruce Bennett Smith departed this live in the early hours of Monday, March 22, 2021.

A loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, Bruce is survived and celebrated by his sister Sandy; his wife Deborah; and his children, Cathy, Jennifer, Richard, and Lynn; and grandchildren, Devon, Kenneth, Gabrielle, Evelyn, Vera, and Bennett.

Born in Kentucky, Oct. 6, 1951, Bruce was a traveler who made his home with his wife Deborah in Old Lyme, where over the past 36 years they raised their family …

… In lieu of flowers or gifts donations can be made to the Middlesex Hospital Hospice program, who assisted him and his family throughout his final years …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published March 29, in The Day.

Death Announced of George Moore, Lyme Land Trust Director Emeritus

George Moore

LYME — The death of Lyme Land Trust Director Emeritus George Moore has been announced by Lyme Land Trust Executive Director Kristina White.

In an email sent March 25 to Lyme Land Trust members and friends, White states with “deep regret” that Mr. Moore, “… passed away recently.”

She notes, “He leaves behind his wife, Rosemary, two sons, John and Chris, daughter Joanna and their families. George and Rosemary were planning to move shortly to Chester Village, and Rosemary is living there now.”

Commenting that, “George’s love of Lyme and its people will always be remembered. He gave his time to something he deeply believed in and dedicated his last 17 years to making the Land Trust what it is today.”

White gives a history of Mr. Moore’s involvement in the Lyme Land Trust, explaining, “He was elected to the Land Trust Board as a volunteer Director in 2003. In 2007, he was elected Board President, and in 2013 the Board appointed him as its first Executive Director. Through his vision and effective management, George has helped transform the Lyme Land Trust into one of the most active and successful in the state.”

She says, “Among his many accomplishments – in addition to the day-to-day management of the Land Trust – are:

  • building the Land Trust’s membership to comprise half the households in Lyme; assisting in acquiring numerous preserves, including Chestnut Hill, Walbridge Woodlands, Banningwood and Brockway-Hawthorne;
  • assisting with securing the coveted national accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance;
  • initiating the President’s Circle, composed of the Land Trust’s most generous supporters;
  • arranging for the production of the PBS film on the Land Trust and conservation in Lyme, as well as its sequel, The Rest of the Story (both of which can be viewed at lymelandtrust.org);
  • organizing and managing our highly successful annual fundraiser, a regionally recognized, fun and scenic biking event for all ages and abilities: the Tour de Lyme.”

White concludes, “In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Land Trust, the Board elected George as its first Director Emeritus and named a nine-mile loop in four Preserves, The George and Rosemary Moore Trail, Rosemary having been a great help to George in all of his Land Trust activities.”

There will be a private family service held at a future date.

To send condolences: Rosemary Moore, Chester Village West, Chester, CT 06412.