Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury & Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield

04/04/2026

Albert Corbin Emmens, “Ace”, born October 19, 1942 in the Bronx, New York, died on March 24, 2026. He was a devoted husband to Kathleen (McDonnell) Emmens (d. 2022), loving father to Celeste, Phillip (Rosemary), and Matthew; grandfather to Casey Rose Walters, Finola Catherine Emmens, and Molly Kathleen Emmens; brother to Susan, Christopher, and Matthew; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Albert was loved by countless other family and friends.

After spending his childhood in California and New Jersey, Albert graduated from Newark College of Engineering with a degree in chemical engineering. Soon after graduation, Albert began his career with Union Carbide in West Virginia as a chemical engineer, where he stayed until his retirement in 2001. Albert formed lifelong friendships with co-workers, who were truly family.

Albert and Kathleen moved to Ridgefield, CT with Celeste, Phillip, and Matthew in 1976. Their doors were always open to family and friends. All were welcome. There are so many people in Albert’s life who are grateful for memories of holidays and happy gatherings spent at their home.

Albert enjoyed exploring the stars with his telescope, listening to jazz, taking in a classic movie, spending time on the golf course, and solving the New York Times crossword puzzle every day (always in pen!). Albert was forever a dog lover and faithful companion to pups Friskey, Rex, Honey Bear, Seamus I, Seamus II, and Seamus III. Albert enjoyed seeing the world around him. He spent many fun times with family in Lake George, NY, and traveled to Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, Japan, Alaska, and many other memorable destinations.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A graveside service and interment will follow on Monday afternoon at 1:30 PM at Ridgebury Cemetery, Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

04/04/2026

William Francis “Bill” Somers, a longtime resident of Ridgefield, CT and more recently of Calabash, NC, passed away in the comfort of his home on Thursday, March 26. He was the devoted husband of 62 years to Laurain (Tuttle) Somers.

Bill was born on December 30, 1941, in Norwalk, CT, to John and Edna (Coombs) Somers. He was raised in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1959. Shortly after, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in France and developed an early interest in computer programming using key-punch technology.

Following his military service, Bill settled in Ridgefield, CT, where in 1963 he married the love of his life, Laurain. Together, they built their family home on Blue Ridge Road, next door to Laurain’s parents, and raised their four daughters. They remained there until retirement, when they relocated to Calabash, NC, to enjoy a warmer climate.

Bill’s professional career spanned decades in the evolving field of information technology. He began working for Emery Worldwide in 1968 as a key punch operator and rose to become Director of Information Services by 1983. During his time there, he also enjoyed playing on the company’s men’s softball team. He later founded his own computer consulting business, managing large-scale IBM systems for a variety of clients. He concluded his career with Avon Products before retiring in 2014.

An avid lifelong fisherman, Bill had a deep love for the Long Island Sound. He was the proud captain of his charter fishing boat, Somertime, docked at Captain’s Cove in Black Rock, where he delighted in taking family and friends out on the water. One of his greatest joys was teaching each of his grandchildren how to fish.

Bill was an active member of St. Stephen’s Church in Ridgefield, where he regularly served as an usher at early morning services and volunteered at the annual Nutmeg Festival.

In addition to his beloved wife, Laurain, Bill is survived by his four daughters: Laurain Small and her husband David of Dallas, GA; Pamela Milkowski of Sebring, FL; Brenda Somers Jewell and her husband Robert of Ridgefield, CT; and Victoria Hughes and her husband Christopher of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. He was the proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Nancy Vetare and her husband Richard “Dick” Vetare; and his brother, Jack Somers, all of Norwalk.

Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment with US Air Force funeral honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Hospice - 1414 Physicians Drive; Wilmington, NC 28401, https://lifecare.org/donate/ or the Alzheimer's Association - 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17; Chicago, IL 60601, https://www.alz.org/.

04/04/2026

Bruce J. Daab, 85, of Brookfield, CT, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Maplewood of Stony Hill, Bethel. Mr. Daab was born in New York, NY to C. Charles and Charlotte (Nimphius) Daab. He attended Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York and was a resident of Brewster before relocating to Danbury and then to Brookfield in 1970.

He attended Western Connecticut University and graduated with a degree in Education. Mr. Daab was a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran and a member of St. Joseph Church of Brookfield.

The owner of the former A-1 Service Center of Danbury, Mr. Daab enjoyed gardening, taking pride in his lawn, golfing and most especially NASCAR. He was both a fan of the NY Giants and New England Patriots.

Bruce is survived by 3 children, a daughter, Mary E. Doris (Kevin), his son, Michael Daab (Michelle), and his son Mark Daab. He had six grandchildren, Derek Pierson(Lisa), Anthony Doris (Elizabeth), Stephanie Doris (fiancée A.J. Singh), Kody Daab (Becky), Hunter Daab and Jordyn Daab as well as nine great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Daab was predeceased by a brother Charles Daab and by a sister, Lois D. Bowman.

Friends will be received in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4 PM to 7 PM.

03/26/2026

Jean Marilyn Losee (April 27, 1925 - March 24, 2026)

Jean Marilyn Losee, 100, completed her earthly journey on March 24, 2026, passing bravely and intentionally, surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was a proud, lifelong resident of Danbury, CT, born to John and Mary (Walsh) Roche on April 27, 1925. She attended Saint Peter's School and graduated from Danbury High School before continuing her education at Saint Vincent's Nursing School in Bridgeport, CT where she became a Registered Nurse. Jean went on to work at Filosa, Danbury Hospital, Glen Hill, and then became a school nurse for 25 years. She retired from Rogers Park Junior High in 1990. She was a faithful member of St. Gregory the Great Church where she had been a Eucharistic Minister.

Jean approached life with boundless appetite. After raising her six children, she took up cross-country skiing, golf, and became a card shark. There were a few things you could always count on from Jean: a Friday trip to the hairdresser, Mass on Sunday, a glass of Riesling in the afternoon, and coaching the UConn Women's Basketball Team from her chair.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Boyd Losee, who passed on July 31, 2015. She will be deeply missed by her six children: Gregory (Ellen), Jeffrey, Barbara Webb, Mary (Tony Pasqualoni), Brian, and Meg Riefberg (Larry) and two cherished sons-in-law, Bill Webb and Dennis Haddad. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Matt (Jen) and Dan (Sarah) Losee; Michael and Mallory Webb; Sean (Steph) and Christian (Ardita) Haddad; Catherine (Logan Vidal) and Taryn Pasqualoni; and Rachel and Leah Riefberg; as well as great-grandchildren Katie, Jake, Connor, Patrick, and Maddie Losee; Jack, Will, Haley, Noah, and Theo Haddad (and another girl on the way). Her nieces Debbie Mamis and Maureen Harrington held a special place in her heart. We will remember her for the strong, capable person she was and for all she gave us.

Friends may call on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9–11 Granville Ave., Danbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Gregory the Great Parish, 85 Great Plain Road, Danbury. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lions Club of Danbury Charities, P.O. Box 461, Danbury, CT 06813, or Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.

03/23/2026

Deborah “Debbie” Bush Copper was called home into the arms of the Lord on March 12, 2026 at UConn Health-Waterbury Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Debbie was born to the late Charles Bush and Kathleen Moore Bush on November 22, 1958 in Danbury, CT. Throughout her schooling, Debbie attended Danbury Public Schools, ultimately graduating from Danbury High School. She then went on to obtain her associates degree from Post College (now Post University). Debbie went on to enjoy a career in medical billing and coding, working over almost 30 years at Danbury Hospital before retiring recently.

Debbie grew up in the church, being spiritually led by her mother and aunts throughout her younger years at New Bethel Church of God in Christ in Danbury, CT. As Debbie grew in the Lord, she would answer the call to ministry and become an evangelist. She served under Michael D. Densmore at Community Tabernacle of Deliverance and later at Resurrection Harvest Faith Church. She was a church girl through and through, rarely missing a Sunday and making sure everyone in her home got up and went as well.

If you knew Debbie, you knew her deep love for the game of basketball. Debbie came up playing and inspired her siblings to get involved in the sport as well. That love continued throughout her life, coaching and cheering on her daughter, nephews, and nieces as they competed on the court as well. UConn Women’s Basketball and the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun were her favorite teams and if she wasn’t watching the games on television and yelling at the screen, she was doing her best to be in the arena making sure the players heard her from her seat.

Debbie was a strong-willed woman that was able to face challenges with her head held high and a strong desire to push through. Her time here with us was marked by the laughs, tears, and “tough love” she was known for. She will be missed greatly by all those that had come to know and love her. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Kathleen Bush, her sister Rosemarie Bush, and her niece Charmara Bush.

To cherish her memories, Debbie leaves two daughters, Marlena Copper of New Haven and Quanesha Copper of Waterbury; six grandchildren Sethfon, Dante, and Jemel Copper of Waterbury, Markel Copper of Manchester, Iyanna James Woodson of East Hartford, and Arryah Copper of Waterbury; four siblings Hattie Bush of Danbury, Nathaniel Bush of New Britain, Jeffrey Bush of Watertown, and Patricia Bush James of Manchester; two nephews Charles Bush of Danbury and Charneil Bush of Waterbury; three nieces Shannon Bush of Meriden, Taylor James Woodson of East Hartford, and Katriel Bush of New York City; five grandnieces and nephews Jaden Bush of Waterbury, Saige, Shai, Sevyn, and Sergeo Woodson of East Hartford; and two aunts Annette Bush of Danbury and Ethel Moore Newsome of Danbury.

A funeral service in celebration of Debbie's life will take place on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Walnut Hill Community Church; 156 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel. Interment will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. Family and friends will be recevied on Monday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Walnut Hill Community Church.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury is in care of arrangements.

03/23/2026

Martin Samuel Wagner, age 89, of Redding, formerly of Wilton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by family. Marty was born on July 31, 1936, in New York City, to Irving and Mae (Freeland) Wagner.

Marty graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1954 and went on to attend Queens College, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He then attended Columbia Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1961.

Following law school, Marty moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a Trial Attorney for the United States Department of Justice from 1962 to 1966, handling civil litigation. He later returned to New York City and became an Associate at the law firm of Jacobs, Persinger and Parker from 1966 to 1972.

In 1972, Marty joined Xerox Corporation, where he built an accomplished and respected career that spanned more than three decades. Beginning as staff counsel, he steadily rose through the ranks and ultimately served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of the corporation. Over his 31 years with Xerox, Marty was known for his sharp legal mind, sound judgment, and unwavering integrity. He retired in 2003.

Earlier in life, Marty was an avid runner and maintained an active lifestyle for many years. After retiring, Marty and his beloved wife, Mary, enjoyed traveling and spending time in places they loved. They spent many summers in Martha’s Vineyard and winters in Sarasota, creating cherished memories together.

Retirement also gave Marty the opportunity to spend more time with his family, particularly his grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He loved watching them grow and cherished the time they spent together.

Those who knew Marty understood that he carried himself with a seriousness that reflected his strong sense of responsibility and character. Yet beneath that seriousness was a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could appear at just the right moment and leave everyone laughing—even in his later years.

Marty was also known for his signature sense of style. For much of his career he wore a traditional three-piece suit to the office each day, long after vests had fallen out of fashion. It was simply part of who he was. When Xerox introduced “Casual Friday,” Marty embraced the change in his own way—by leaving off the vest, which was his version of dressing down. In time he did eventually adopt true business casual attire, but his polished and classic style remained one of his trademarks.

Among the many friendships Marty cherished was his membership in the Fairfield Financial Fund, a social club formed with a close-knit group of friends that began as an investment venture and evolved into a lifelong bond. The members even ordered matching purple windbreakers embroidered with nicknames. While others chose playful monikers like “Tootsie” or “Bunny,” Marty’s simply read “Mr. Wagner,” a fitting tribute to the thoughtful, steady presence and voice of reason he was among his friends.

Even in his later years, Marty’s dry wit remained firmly intact. During a recent meeting with several staff members at his assisted living community, a social worker began by telling him how well liked he was “despite his best efforts.” Without missing a beat, Marty replied, “I guess I’ll have to try harder.” The quick response perfectly captured the blend of seriousness and humor that defined him and endeared him to so many throughout his life.

Marty was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Mary, and by his parents, Irving and Mae Wagner.

He is survived by his children, Kelly (Gels) and Neil Wagner; his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Molly, and Logan Gels, and Martin and Emma Wagner; his nieces and nephews—Karen, Jack, David, JG, Noel, and John; and by the many friends whose lives he touched over the years.

Marty will be remembered for his intelligence, integrity, quiet strength, and perfectly timed humor. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and Pop-Pop, and a loyal friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

There will be no services. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of RVNA Hospice for the kindness and care they provided during Marty’s final weeks.

03/23/2026

Gaetano Bucciero, 91, passed away peacefully on March 18th, 2026 following a courageous battle with cancer. He fought his many illnesses until the end with the tenacity and indomitable spirit he carried through his entire life, surrounded by the family he loved and who cherished him dearly.

Gaetano was the son of the late Pietro & Sofia Bucciero, and is predeceased by his brothers Frank (Rose) Bucciero and Pasquale (Filomena) Bucciero. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Maria; his beloved children, Sofia Sanchez, Jo Bucciero, Francesco (Janet) Bucciero, and Michael (Christine) Bucciero; his brother Dominick (Maria) Bucciero, ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Born in 1934, Gaetano grew up and spent his early life in the small town of Recale, Italy, where he met and married his wife, Maria, served in the military, worked as a construction foreman, built a home, and started a family. After immigrating to New York in 1969, Gaetano and his wife and children made their new home in the Bronx and later in Yonkers, where they lived until moving to Ridgefield, CT in 2003.

A skilled tradesman, Gaetano worked in and around New York City for nearly thirty years. Throughout his life, even in post retirement, he had a passion for renovating his home and more importantly, the homes of his family. Right up until the end, he could be seen with his hands clenched behind his back walking around the ‘job site’ inspecting his work. If someone else did the work, they better have been good or we would have heard about it.

Gaetano loved taking espresso with a biscotti after dinner (and after lunch), doing sudoku with a pen (even the hard ones), meticulously perfecting his lawn and garden, playing Scopa, watching the Yankees and his grandchildren play baseball, vacationing with his family, and supervising the annual Bucciero tomato sauce making tradition each August. He will be remembered for his fierce independence, his quiet strength, his epic stories, and his devotion to the family he loved so much.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Mausoleum – Ferncliff Cemetery; Hartsdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gaetano’s memory may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation: https://themmrf.org

03/23/2026

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the sudden passing of Douglas W. Campbell on December 26, 2025, the beloved son of the late Martha and David Campbell of Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Throughout his 55-year journey, Doug touched countless lives with his generous heart, sense of humor, and vibrant spirit. He was deeply devoted to his wife, family, and friends – a man who could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel seen. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a love for new experiences, he delighted in sharing his wisdom with those around him. A true New Englander, Doug took immense pride in doing things the right way.

Doug graduated from Ridgefield High School, honorably served six years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter rescue swimmer during Desert Storm, and later graduated magna cm laude with a double major from Boston University. He went on to help launch and lead two successful software businesses in Cambridge, MA and Hartford, CT. Like his parents, he devoted himself to community service, always striving to leave things better than he found them.

Doug was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. His beautiful spirit lives on in the peace, strength and inspiration he leaves behind for all who had the privilege and honor of knowing him.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife Monika, of nearly 10 years, his mother-in-law Magdalena, brother-in-law Peter and his wife Katarina and their children – nephews Peter and Dominik, brother-in-law Tibor and his daughter, niece Nevena; Doug’s sister Heather, his sister Betsy and her husband Dave Imbrogno and their children – nieces Alex, Caroline, Katie, and nephew Louis.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held March 21, 2026 at 11:00AM at the First Congregational Church, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877. For those unable to attend and wish to stream the service, see below Zoom instructions. Reception will follow at the church in Lund Hall from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. We invite all who knew and loved Doug to join us in honoring his memory. Cremation has taken place and his interment will be held privately.

Because Doug loved nature – especially trees – a collaborative mixed media "Tree of Love" piece of art will be created in his memory. (See photo example here: Tree of Love Frosted Pearls by Cami Levin) If you feel moved to participate, please bring a small, non-perishable item (2 inches or smaller) that symbolizes your connection to Doug or reflects his spirit. Examples include but are not limited to: a small stone, shell, feather, charm, trinket, fabric snippet, miniature photo or a brief handwritten note with a meaningful word, quote, nickname, memory or blessing. Items will be permanently incorporated in the artwork and preserved in resin, so they will not be returned. Your contribution will become part of this lasting tribute – permanently woven into a shared and enduring expression of the love that surrounds Doug and the life he lived. Envelopes and note cards will be provided at the church reception to pass along your item/note to Doug’s family. If you are unable to attend in person and wish to participate, please reach out by email to coordinate with Heather at: clancampbellking@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in Doug’s loving memory to the Elizabeth Park Conservancy to help preserve its historic gardens in Hartford and West Hartford, CT (http://www.elizabethparkct.org) or The Headstrong Project, a non-profit organization providing mental health care for veterans, service members and their families (http://www.theheadstrongproject.com).

“Where there is loss there is always an even greater presence of love.”

03/23/2026

Monique Le Coz, born on January 21, 1932, in Damville, France, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida. She was the youngest daughter of Louise Aline Chastre and Gabriel Rabaron.

Tragically, at the tender age of four, her father died in a auto accident, leaving her mother to raise their four daughters and son while also managing their grain store. During World War 11, as a young teenager, Monique witnessed numerous historic events, including the Allied bombing campaign in Northern France.

In the mid-1950s, Monique found joy in watching television with her neighbors, Roger Le Coz and his family. Through Roger, she met the love of her life, Robert. They married on December 21, 1957, and spent 64 wonderful years together. Robert secured an engineering position with Baird Atomic in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In January 1961, Monique, Robert, and their two toddler sons embarked on a new journey to the United States.

Monique resided in Massachusetts and New York state before settling in Danbury, Connecticut, in the mid-1960s. She made Danbury her home until September 2022 when she relocated to North Venice, Florida. Monique cherished numerous family camping trips with her husband and children to various destinations, including the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Montreal in Quebec, and the Montreal Expo in 1967. They also had the pleasure of visiting the New York World’s Fair and Niagara Falls. Monique cherished nature walks with her husband and family, even embarking on hikes along the Appalachian Trail together. Later in life, she delighted in family trips to Disneyland Park, Walt Disney World, Las Vegas, and the California coast.

Monique worked as a translator for Simplicity Patterns in New York City and at the Famous Artist School of Wilton, Connecticut. She also held sales associate positions at Reeds Department Store and as an Avon representative in Danbury, Connecticut.

Active in her community, Monique attended numerous town planning meetings. Additionally, she taught French as a Continuing Education teacher in New Fairfield, Connecticut. Monique possessed a remarkable talent for piano playing, particularly her favorite piece, “The Blue Danube.” She was also an accomplished artist, often illustrating note scales and characters in her piano music books. Monique had a sweet tooth and loved indulging in chocolate, croissants, French bread, cheese, and butter. She also cherished wine, lobster, shrimp, flowers, and birds.

In the 1970s, Monique was an early adopter of recycling, often taking her children with her to recycle facilities. Composting was also a common practice within her family. In her later years, Monique found solace in French cinema and opera. Her favorite opera was Carmen. Whenever someone visited Monique, they could always count on finding a stash of Milano cookies or Ferrero chocolates. Monique maintained close connections with her extensive family in France throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sisters, Jacqueline, Cécile, and Marguerite. She leaves behind a brother, Gabriel, lovingly known as Gaby and his wife, Thérèse.

Monique is survived by four children: Yannick (Donna), who resides in Halfmoon, NY; Christian (Marie), who lives in Essex Junction, VT; Monica (Christian), who resides in Paris, France; and Yolande (Brian), who resides in Sarasota, FL. Monique was a devoted and loving grandmother to Marissa, Caraline, Jacqueline, and Nicolette. They affectionately called her “P’tite Ma.”

A graveside funeral service and interment will be held at St. Peter Cemetery in Danbury, Connecticut on Monday, March 30 at 1 PM. Reverend Matthew Loman of Saint Gregory the Great Church will offer the committal prayers. Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

03/23/2026

Lee Carol Isenberg Saltz, 81, of Newtown, wife of George James Saltz, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026.

Lee was born on June 13, 1944, and spent her childhood in Newton, MA, daughter of the late Thelma and Abe Isenberg. Before moving to Newtown, Lee was a Ridgefield resident for 45 years.

Lee graduated from Boston University in 1967 with a degree in education. In 1979, after working in an elementary school for several years, she joined her husband in the fuel business, and together they created New England Self-Serve, Inc., a corporation that operated gasoline stations throughout the state of Connecticut. Lee was the ever-present, smiling face that greeted customers at the A-1 Gas Station in Ridgefield that she ran until 1986. She was a mentor and confidant to many of her employees over the years, some of them even affectionately referring to her as “Mom”. She touched the lives of many teenagers and young adults starting out in the workforce, guiding them and helping them become capable, confident professionals. Their children Greg and Erica joined the family business, and in 2002 they shifted the focus from the kiosk-style gasoline franchises into NESS Automotive, a full service truck upfitting facility in Danbury, CT.

Lee was an incredibly involved mother to her children, present at every school function and attending many swim meets and hockey games through their youth.

She also contributed significantly to Parkinson’s research. After her Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 1997, she became an an active participant in countless studies and clinical trials. She never let her diagnosis define her.

In addition to being a successful business owner and vibrant member of the Ridgefield community, Lee was a brilliant, feisty woman with impeccable fashion, sharp wit, and an abiding love of chocolate milkshakes. She also enjoyed the occasional motorcycle ride.

Lee is survived by George, her husband of over fifty-five years. She was the beloved mother of Erica (Saltz) Cuddeback and Greg Saltz, grandmother to Trevor Cuddeback and Fiona Saltz, and mother-in-law to Craig Cuddeback and Rebecca (Dimyan) Saltz. She also leaves behind many family members, as well as a vast number of friends that became part of her chosen family.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 1pm-4 pm at Kane Funeral Home located at 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

03/17/2026

03/12/2026

Eugene Donald Ferenz Jr., lovingly known as “Donny,” passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Donny was born on February 24, 1962, in Yonkers, New York, the son of Joan (Parent) Ferenz and Eugene “Gene” Donald Ferenz Sr. He later made his home in Connecticut and spent most of his life as a resident of Danbury and Bethel.

Donny graduated from Henry Abbott Technical High School, where he studied in the plumbing and heating field. Over the years he also worked as a personal trainer, a profession that reflected his passion for fitness.

Donny truly loved warm weather and anything that brought him close to the beach. He found joy in spending time by the ocean, where he often searched for shark teeth and other beach treasures. Many of the items he collected were turned into creative beach-themed artwork and projects.

He also took great pride in his vehicles, especially his Jeep, and was known for customizing them in unique ways so they stood out—much like Donny himself. His creativity, individuality, and attention to detail were part of everything he did.

Above all, Donny was a devoted family man who took pride in being a father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Donny had a huge heart and lived life with a positive attitude that touched everyone who knew him.

Donny is survived by his four children: Vanessa Ferenz and her fiancé, Erick Quezada; Christina Ferenz; Anthony Ferenz and his wife, Zoila; and Dominic Ferenz and his wife, Carolyn. He is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Vita Marie, Liana, Rosalie, Angelo, Vincenzo, and Dominic Jr.

In addition, Donny is survived by his father, Eugene “Gene” Ferenz Sr.; his sister, Gayle Guyton; his former spouse, Vita Ferenz; and many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.

He was predeceased by his mother, Joan Ferenz.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury. Donny’s family will share remembrances at 7:30 PM. Interment will take place privately.