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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.
George M. Maranis, age 91, long time resident of New Canaan, CT, died peacefully on March 3, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by his family. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 23, 1934, the only child of the late Nicholas George Maranis and Cleopatra Sarmaniote Maranis. George graduated from Boston Latin School in 1951, and went on to Harvard University where he graduated with a degree in economics in 1955. He then enlisted in the US Army where he proudly served his country for two years. After his discharge he matriculated at Columbia University, where he received his MBA degree.
Michael Moriel Aldrich, 74, husband of the late Marie C. Aldrich of Stamford, Connecticut and the late Mary D. Aldrich of New Canaan, CT passed away on Friday, February 21 in his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Born on September 10, 1950, in Charleston, West Virginia, Mike was the son of the late Edwin Moriel Aldrich and Marge Ann Taylor Aldrich Mullin. He spent his childhood in Rochester, Michigan before attending Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Mike is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point- a “proud and true” member of the class of ‘72. His education at West Point instilled in him a commitment to service, leadership, and discipline- qualities that he brought into every chapter of his life.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Turner Brode, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who passed away at the age of 88 on February 25, 2025. Joan was born on September 1, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Elizabeth and John Turner. She was a force to be reckoned with from an early age and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Nursing. Settling in Philadelphia and working as a Pediatric Nurse, it was there that she met and married the one and only love of her life, Edward Brode and together they raised a wonderful family in Orchard Park, NY and Summit, NJ before settling in New Canaan, CT for the last 30 years. After losing her husband to cancer in 1995, Joan set out to live her life to the fullest.
Norman A. “Norm” Jensen, 84, passed away on February 13, 2025.
Born on April 8, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Norm had a lifelong passion for creativity and exploration. After graduating high school, he served in the Navy, an experience that shaped his discipline and appreciation for the world around him. Following his service, he pursued his artistic talents at the New York School of Visual Arts, where he refined his skills and deepened his love for creative expression. He worked as a graphic artist for many years and, being the free spirit he was, spent the last half of his life working freelance and caretaking many properties in Fairfield County. A true artist at heart, Norm found joy in painting, ceramics, and photography. He was a longtime member of The Carriage Barn, Silvermine Arts Center, and the Rowayton Arts Center. He continued his education in recent years at Norwalk Community College. His work often reflected his fascination with Indigenous and Egyptian cultures, themes that resonated deeply with him throughout his life. He also connected deeply with his Norwegian roots. Whether capturing the beauty of nature through his lens or bringing visions to life on canvas, he embraced every opportunity to create.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Norm was known for his lighthearted spirit and active lifestyle.