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WILLIAM (WILL) HENDEL NORTON
4/27/1997 – 1/14/2024
Tragically, Will passed away unexpectedly at home in New Canaan, CT. on January 14th of respiratory complications caused by covid. His parents, Katherine (Katy) and Laurence (Larry) were with him. Will was born April 27th, 1997 in New York City at 23 weeks, weighing 1lb 5 ounces. His first three and a half months were spent in the NICU of New York Weill Cornell Hospital.
Ann Socci Calitri passed away on January 21, 2024, after enduring an arduous four years with Lewy-Body dementia. One of nine siblings, Ann was born and lived most of her life in New Canaan. Her mother and father were from Sette Frati, Italy and she carried on the tradition of an Italian household with her family. She was, in every sense of the word, a matriarch, and devoted her life to the well-being of her family. Ann was a hairdresser early in her working career and later formed A.M. Cleaning Service with her beloved sister, Marie.
April 18, 1929 – January 13, 2024
Leo Emil Karl, Jr. of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 94 on January 13, 2024. A life well lived would be appropriate, but historic legend and pillar of his community says it best in every sense of the word. A devout Catholic, son, husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, godfather, businessman, civic leader, and man of principle, endless wisdom, random facts, determination, modesty, selective and deliberate words, humor, and endless love has left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Leo was born in 1929, on the eve of the Great Depression, to Leo Emil Karl and Rose Leontine Kelley Karl on his father’s birthday, April 18, and thus became his namesake. He was born in the family’s home on Carter Street and would go on to attend the one-room coal-fire heated Little Red Schoolhouse, just a block up the street, where his aunt, Miss Mary Kelley, would be his teacher during those formative years.
Francesca Socci DeCotiis, age 86 of New Canaan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 11, 2024. She was born on October 25, 1937, in Settefrati, Italy. She was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Gaetana Socci. She was pre-deceased by her husband Luigi DeCotiis. Francesca is survived by her three beloved daughters Sara Laria and her husband Saverio (Sam) of New Canaan, Ct., Carmella Gentile of New Canaan Ct., and Louisa LaBrie of Fairfield Ct., her loving grandchildren Louie Laria of New Canaan Ct., Daniel Laria of New Canaan Ct., Angela Gentile of Norwalk Ct., Michael Gentile of New Canaan Ct., Anthony LaBrie of Fairfield Ct., and Dena LaBrie of New York.
March 17, 1927 to January 5, 2024
Virginia lived as she passed, with grace and humility, loved by all who knew her. She always thought of others first, being generous, caring, fun-spirited and loving. With her deep faith and strength of character she faced life with a positive attitude, no matter life’s challenges. Virginia had a strong commitment to her family and children, who will all miss her greatly. Born and raised in Rahway, NJ, to Victor D’Ambrosa and Virginia Cibalerio D’Ambrosa, Virginia grew up the youngest of 6 children. Virginia developed a strong work ethic early on, helping her father write contracts for his construction business. A 1944 graduate of Rahway High School, Virginia began her career during WWII at Newark Army Airbase. In 1946, she became the executive secretary in the credit department of Merck Sharp & Dohme, International, where she met her husband and life-long partner, John Spugani. Marrying in 1954, they raised their family in Rahway. As the children grew, Virginia worked in the Rahway Public Schools: as Head Start school aid, cafeteria manager, and finally, as secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. Virginia returned to the corporate world as an executive secretary at Exxon Corp. in NYC. Upon retirement, Virginia and John moved to Brick, NJ to be near the Jersey Shore. Together they worked at Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck, NJ, where Virginia enjoyed being a specialty chef by sharing favorite family recipes with others.