John Edward “Jed” Mellick, 44

John Edward “Jed” Mellick died peacefully in New Canaan on June 6, 2024, at the age of 44, surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant ten-month battle with glioblastoma. The youngest of four children in a close-knit family, Jed was beloved by his parents and siblings. From his earliest days, Jed loved movies and shows, music, and all things humorous.  He was intrinsically authentic and had an extraordinary gift for making and nurturing friendships. Innumerable friends – from childhood, college, or from his adult life – all consider Jed irreplaceable. Their best friend.  He was always there, for anything and everything.

Winifred Mary Bishop, 90

Mary Bishop, a beloved figure known for her kindness, generosity, and zest for life, passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on January 7, 1934, in London, UK, she was a child evacuee during World War II, an experience that shaped her resilience and compassion. Mary immigrated to the United States in 1969, initially settling in New York City before making her home in New Canaan in 1982. Mary was the widow of the late Eric Bishop, with whom she shared many years of joyous companionship until his passing. She was the last surviving sibling of two sisters and two brothers, whose memories she cherished deeply.

G. Ann Byrne, 88

Gertrude “Ann” Byrne, 88, a long time resident of New Canaan and Wilton, died Tuesday, June 4th, peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. Born March 12, 1936 in New Rochelle, NY, she was the daughter of the late Thomas E. Kerwin and Gertrude H. Kerwin. Ann graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart of Mary – Park Terrace in 1954, then Marymount Manhattan College in 1958. During college, Ann met the late Yale graduate, Dr. John J. Byrne, falling in love and marrying in 1959. Shortly after marrying, Ann and John moved to Wappingers Falls, New York, where she took on the role and responsibility of caregiver, caring for her sick mother.

Marion Jean Sadler Hazlehurst, 91

In Memory of
Marion Jean Sadler Hazlehurst
1932-2024
Marion Jean Sadler Hazlehurst, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her New Canaan, CT home on May 31, 2024, at the age of 91.  Marion was born on July 31, 1932, in Ames, Iowa, to Harold Wright “Hap” Sadler and Blanche Luella Teisinger Sadler. Marion’s early years were marked by a rich tapestry of experiences that laid the foundation for a life of love, service, and adventure. Her father, Hap, a distinguished professional in the dairy and refrigeration industries, and her mother, Blanche, a dedicated teacher, instilled in Marion values of hard work, resilience, and compassion. Marion’s journey took her from the heartland of America to various corners of the globe, each step shaping her into the remarkable woman she became. From her childhood in Pennsylvania to her adolescence in Maryland, Marion’s life was intertwined with the fabric of history, starting with the tumultuous years of World War II.

Eugene J. Tonkovich, 85

Eugene J. Tonkovich (83), of Palm Beach, Florida and New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on May 23, 2024, with his devoted wife of 54 years, Elfriede (Turk) by his side. Eugene, fondly known as Gene, was born to Anthony and Katherine (Lundy) on December 15, 1940, in New York City. Gene served in the United States Army Medical Corp (Reserve) from 1963-1969. He was a graduate of the Baruch Business School and the MIT (Sloan) Senior Executives Program.  He began his career at Union Carbide. Subsequently, he joined General Cable Corporation, in the Marketing Research Department, rose through the ranks, and ultimately retired as President.  Later, Gene served as Chairman of the Board of Wind Turbine & Energy Cables and President of Hudson Technologies.