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David Stephen Benko, 70

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March 27, 1954 – March 21, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Stephen Benko, age 70, on March 21, 2025, after a long illness. Born and raised in New Canaan, Dave was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Madeleine Benko, and his brother, Stephen (Sue), Dave is survived by his sister, Elaine (Mark), of Wilton; his sons, Stephen (Kim), David Jr. (Mary), and Ryan (Michelle); his stepdaughter, Emilie Kay, of Seattle; his grandchildren, Rose, Miles, and Mia to whom is was known as PaKo and Pop Pop; as well as eight nieces and nephews who he loved like his own. A proud New Canaan High School graduate, Dave was a standout three-sport athlete, earning the nickname “KO” for his legendary achievements in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, Dave was known for his hard-nosed style, he struck fear in the hearts of any reciever coming across the middle of the field.  In 1971 Dave set a record that still stands to this day—a remarkable 10 single-season interceptions.

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Les Sheppard, 84

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Leslie Davis Sheppard, 84, of New Canaan, CT, passed away on March 7, 2025, after a brief illness. Leslie (Les) was a global pioneer in direct marketing as the Chairman & CEO of Wunderman International in London, and as General Manager, Direct, UK for Ogilvy & Mather in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Upon returning from London, he continued his distinguished career in Boston, Naples, FL, Pasadena, Ca and New Canaan, CT focusing on direct marketing and consulting until his death. Les was born in East Orange, NJ, to the late Merrill Davis Sheppard and Dorothy Helen Richards on November 12, 1940. He grew up in Roselle Park and graduated from John Jay High School.

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Anne Sullivan Ward, 74

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Anne Sullivan Ward, 74, of New Canaan, CT, died peacefully on March 8 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard S. Ward; her two sons Daniel S. Ward and Andrew A. Ward; her two stepsons John S. Ward and Brian A. Ward; and 8 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Louise S. Bagby of NJ and her brother Jack Sullivan of VA and two nephews. Anne was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, and graduated from the Glen Ridge School system in 1968. While she was at Glen Ridge High School, she spent a term in France as an American Field Service Exchange Student.

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James Carty, 80

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, James H. Carty, affectionately known as “Rico,” on Sunday, March 9th. Born on June 12, 1944, in Cambridge, MA, Rico was the son of the late Thomas J. Carty and Agnes Carty. He attended the Fessenden Day School and later graduated from the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional athlete, excelling as a pitcher in baseball and a quarterback in football. Rico continued his academic journey at the College of the Holy Cross before studying International Relations at the London School of Economics. Additionally he served in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

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Darwin Lathrop Gillett IV, 81

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Darwin Lathrop Gillett IV, better known as “Dar” by family and friends, was born on March 17th, 1943 in Mineola, New York to Grace Marie Gillett and Darwin Lathrop Gillett III. He passed away peacefully on the morning of January 19th, 2025 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire. He was 81 years old. Darwin was a lover of music. He served as manager of the Yale Glee Club World Tour in the summer of 1965 after his graduation.