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Michael J. McDonagh, 81

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July 15th, 1943 – April 5th, 2025

With profound sadness and unwavering faith, we announce the passing to heaven of Michael Joseph McDonagh, 39-year New Canaan Resident, on Saturday April 5th, 2025, with his wife of 56 years, Jeanne, by his side. His legacy will live on through his loving family; his wife Jeanne, his son; Sean Michael McDonagh (Laura) of Pittsford, NY, his three daughters; Michelle McDonagh Baxter (David) of Princeton, NJ, Christine McDonagh Conroy of Pelham, NY, and Katie McDonagh Small (Jonathan) of New Canaan, CT, and his nine adoring grandchildren, who he lovingly referred to as the littlest pickles; William, Brook, May, Bernadette ”Bea”, Ava, Michael, Jack, Blake, and Duke. Michael was born on July 15th, 1943, in the Riverdale section of the Bronx to proud parents Anne and Michael J McDonagh from county Mayo, Ireland. Michael was their fourth child of five and their first son, and grew up alongside his three older sisters, Mary, Anne, and Bernadette, and his younger brother, William “Billy”.  As a young man, Michael worked in his father’s Irish pub on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, learning the value of hard work, honing his people skills and discovering his love of community. He graduated from Cardinal Farley Military Academy in 1962.

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John George Gatti, 86

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John George Gatti, 86, a resident of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully in New York, NY, on March 30, 2025, after a long illness. He is survived by his children Stefanie Gatti, Teresa (John) Piontkowski and Joseph John Gatti, and grandchildren John (Jack) George Piontkowski and Tessa Carolina Piontkowski.  His beloved wife Jeannette (Civetta) Gatti predeceased him. John was a native of the Bronx, NY, where he and his wife Jeannette met and raised their family until they moved to New Canaan, CT, in 1993.  John was a longtime building contractor in New York City, through which he enhanced brownstones and improved the cityscape, among other things.  An avid golfer and card player, he had many cherished friends, including especially those at Wykagyl Country Club, the New York Athletic Club, and the Huckleberry Indians, of which he was a member of each for over fifty years. 

John graduated from Salesian High School and attended Villanova University and New York University earning a Bachelor of Science.  He received the Villanova Alumni Medal in 1991 and remained an enthusiastic Wildcat.  He was a generous, supportive and attentive father, grandfather and friend. 

A wake will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, CT 06840.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11:00 am at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY, followed by interment.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Mattone Institute for Real Estate Law at St. John’s Law School.  Checks should be made payable to St.

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Nancy Helle

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A spark of joy left the world when Nancy Jane Schuleen Helle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many, passed away on January 25, 2025. Surrounded by the love of her family, she died peacefully in her sleep, leaving a legacy of friendship, music, and caring. An eternal optimist, Nancy was known for her love of pink and red, high fashion, Broadway and Cole Porter music, and a clever turn of phrase. Born in 1933, in West Chester, PA, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Ernest “Red” Schuleen and Beulah “Ruth” Jones, and a devoted human to her wire-haired terrier Snips, whom she adored. Nancy grew up along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA, first in Holtwood, where she attended the two room schoolhouse built especially for employees of the Holtwood Dam where her father worked, then later in Safe Harbor, PA, where her father served as General Manager of the Safe Harbor Dam.

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Ingrid O’Reilly, 77

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October 2, 1947 – January 20, 2025

Ingrid Elaine O’Reilly (Jones), 77, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2025, surrounded by her three children. She was born on October 2, 1947 in New Canann, Connecticut. Ingrid was a strong woman of warmth and grace, whose kindness and infectious laughter touched the lives of everyone she met. Known for her engaging conversations, she often spoke with immense pride about her greatest accomplishment – her children and grandchildren. They were the center of her world, and she cherished every moment with them.

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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.