Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory We specialize in many types of funeral services and offer flexible and competitive pricing. The Nicholas F. Cognetta, Sr. and Naida E.

In addition to wakes, memorial and traditional services, we are the only funeral home in Fairfield County with an onsite crematory. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory of Stamford, CT, has seen many changes since May 15, 1953, when Nicholas F. Cognetta opened their doors for the first time. Today, amidst all of the large funeral home conglomerates, we remain a family-owned and operated funeral home and crematory. When you call or visit our funeral home, you will find a member of the Cognetta family. Our funeral directors will help you create a ceremony that is meaningful and fully affordable for you and your family. Whether burial and/or cremation, our staff can take care of all the arrangements, relieving you of all unnecessary burdens. We'll always be here for you.

Gregg GalloGregg Gallo, 61, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away on March 31, 2026 at Stamford Hospital surrounde...
04/02/2026

Gregg Gallo

Gregg Gallo, 61, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away on March 31, 2026 at Stamford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Stamford on February 14, 1965 to Carl and Roberta (Rossi) Gallo.

Gregg was a lifelong Miami Dolphins and New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed being out on the water fishing and boating. He adored spending time with his family and friends.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Katherine Carpenter, sons, Ryan Gallo and his wife Amy and Justin Gallo, step daughters, Rebecca Santiago and her husband John and Dana Samson. Also surviving is his mother, Roberta Falero and her husband Danny, a sister, Denise Gallo, his aunt, Jean Davis and his uncle Frank Gallo, as well as his grandson, Logan Gallo and step granddaughters, Rylee and Emelia Santiago.

Gregg was predeceased by his father, Carl Gallo and his uncle, Jack Rossi.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Saturday , April 4, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 PM. Interment will be private.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

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Albert A. MucciAlbert A. Mucci, 89, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida, passed a...
04/02/2026

Albert A. Mucci

Albert A. Mucci, 89, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026.

Born in Waterbury on August 23, 1936, he was the son of the late Albert and Mary Beaelli Mucci. He graduated from Wilby High School and went on to serve his country as a veteran of the United States Army, where he was stationed in Texas and involved in the Nike Missile Program.

Albert was the owner and operator of the Tire Shak in Ansonia, Connecticut, for many years before retiring at the age of 52. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built within the community.

He cherished his winters at his Florida home, where he enjoyed golfing and playing bocce with friends. At home, Albert found joy in working in the yard, tending to projects around the house, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol Petrizzi Muccii; his daughters, Denise Sciarretta and her husband, Vincent, of Darien, Connecticut, and Lori Mucci and her husband, Jerry Hines, of Wilton, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Lilly Sciarretta and Lauren Pate and her husband, Joseph; and his great-grandchildren, Mila and Shay Pate.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and the love and devotion he had for his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Greenwich. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery – St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, North Street, Greenwich. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Albert’s memory.

His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be carried in the hearts of all who knew him.

View Albert A. Mucci's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Albert A. MucciAlbert A. Mucci, 89, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida, passed a...
04/02/2026

Albert A. Mucci

Albert A. Mucci, 89, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026.

Born in Waterbury on August 23, 1936, he was the son of the late Albert and Mary Betelli Mucci. He graduated from Wilby High School and went on to serve his country as a veteran of the United States Army, where he was stationed in Texas and involved in the Nike Missile Program.

Albert was the owner and operator of the Tire Shak in Ansonia, Connecticut, for many years before retiring at the age of 52. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built within the community.

He cherished his winters at his Florida home, where he enjoyed golfing and playing bocce with friends. At home, Albert found joy in working in the yard, tending to projects around the house, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol Mucci; his daughters, Denise Sciarretta and her husband, Vincent, of Darien, Connecticut, and Lori Mucci and her husband, Jerry Hines, of Wilton, Connecticut; his grandchildren, Lilly Sciarretta and Lauren Pate and her husband, Joseph; and his great-grandchildren, Mila and Shay Pate.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and the love and devotion he had for his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Greenwich. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery – St. Joseph’s Mausoleum, North Street, Greenwich. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Albert’s memory.

His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for his family will be carried in the hearts of all who knew him.

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Christopher M. PayneChristopher Meyrick Payne, 82, of Stamford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family,...
03/30/2026

Christopher M. Payne

Christopher Meyrick Payne, 82, of Stamford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on March 25, 2026. Meyrick was born in Sawbridgeworth, England, on March 11, 1944, to the late Basil and Betty Cooke Payne.

The son of a United Nations diplomat, Meyrick spent much of his youth abroad in Greece, India, and Pakistan, traveling back and forth to attend boarding schools in England. When his family retired to Dartmouth, UK, he was sixteen. He attended Rugby School, then completed an accounting apprenticeship in London before emigrating to the United States, where he graduated from the Tuck School of Business in 1969. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career in finance and later founded his own governance consulting firm, Management Practice, which he led for more than 40 years. He was deeply committed to helping mutual fund directors serve shareholders with integrity and care. In June 2024, he was honored by the industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Meyrick believed fiercely that immigration is what makes America great, a conviction shaped by his own experience building a life in a new country. He made it his mission to help new Americans and young people gain a foothold, whether by offering a first job, setting up an interview or simply finding tasks that needed doing. He often believed in others before they believed in themselves, and never hesitated to lend a hand. A man of quiet elegance and boundless curiosity, he held that the worst thing a person could be was dull—and lived accordingly. He found great joy in music, especially opera, and in attending performances at the Met.

Above all, he believed that angels are everywhere—placed in our lives to bring out the best in us—a role he fulfilled for so many, and will continue to do as an angel himself. The sea was Meyrick’s lifelong sanctuary. As a teenager in England, he ferried groceries from his parents’ shop, Cundells, out to yachts on the River Dart and raced Redwings. As an adult, he captained many beloved boats, crossed the Atlantic multiple times aboard Cunard ocean liners, and cherished quiet launch rides at the Stamford Yacht Club. He gave his family the gift of the world, taking them on unforgettable sailing adventures through England, France, the Pacific Northwest, Croatia, and along Long Island Sound to the coast of Maine. For all his worldly adventures, his family was his true north.

He shared a beautiful marriage and countless voyages with his beloved wife, Donna, navigating life’s waters together. To his daughters, Amanda and Joanna, he was an anchor—a source of unwavering stability and wise counsel. He cared deeply about their happiness and security, instilling a strong work ethic while generously sharing the fruits of his success. He encouraged them to venture beyond the familiar and embrace all the world has to offer. Whether deploying “Dad’s Patented Problem-Solving Flowchart” or offering his signature send-off before a long drive—“10 and 2, no radio!”—his love was constant and deeply felt. Above all, Meyrick cherished his grandchildren. He delighted in passing down his wonderfully eclectic curriculum of life: the strategy of backgammon and chess, the principles of investing, the importance of the Constitution, the value of being ready with your order at a restaurant, and, of course, never letting a few facts get in the way of a good story. Every Christmas Eve, whether gathered together or smiling through a Zoom screen, Grandpa would end the night by reading The Night Before Christmas, his voice carrying the same gentle wonder year after year.

Meyrick is survived by his loving wife, Donna Tatroe of Stamford; his daughters, Amanda Doran and her husband John of Needham, MA, and Joanna Payne and her husband Reed Dyer of Cape Elizabeth, ME; his brothers, Antony Payne and his wife Jeaninne of Encino, CA, and Peter Payne and his wife Lucille of Melbourne, Australia; his three beloved grandchildren, Meyrick Chase Dyer-Payne, Johnny and Sara Doran; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life is being planned. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Meyrick’s memory to Connecticut Legal Services (https://ctlegal.org).

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Leonard FishmanLeonard Fishman, 96, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. Leonard was born in Newark, N...
03/24/2026

Leonard Fishman

Leonard Fishman, 96, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026. Leonard was born in Newark, NJ on July 19, 1929 to the late William and Bessie Newman Fishman.

Lenny grew up, married and raised a family in Brooklyn, living in Williamsburg, Crown Heights, and Marine Park. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and City College of NY. He worked for his family business, Amsterdam Furniture. After earning his degree, he joined Bankers Trust as a systems analyst. In 1979, wanting to be self-employed, he and his wife Roslyn founded Rapid Press printing company in Stamford. Len and Roz moved to Stamford in 1986. Lenny was adventurous. He loved skiing, sailing and playing tennis with his family. Everyone who met him appreciated his gentle demeanor and subtle sense of humor.

Lenny is survived by his daughter Hilary Huaman, her husband Victor and children, Isaac and Lily, and by his son William Fishman and his wife Karen.

Besides his parents and three elder siblings, Lenny is predeceased by his loving wife Roslyn Petker Fishman.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

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Alice Marie CarellaAlice Coppola Carella, born August 10, 1944, passed on March 22, 2026.Alice graduated Stamford Cathol...
03/23/2026

Alice Marie Carella

Alice Coppola Carella, born August 10, 1944, passed on March 22, 2026.

Alice graduated Stamford Catholic High School in 1962. She was employed by General Re Insurance & GE Capital until 2015 when she retired. She loved working with people that were like her family.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Lorie Brown and Janet Mendela and son-in-law Tom, her beloved grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Brown, and her three grand fur babies, Tanner, Lena & Lucy. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Audrey Carella and brother-in-law, Edward Carella, and many nieces, nephews & cousins. She was pre-deceased by her dearest husband Louis Carella, mother and father, Alice and Sinibaldo Coppola, brothers Joseph, Ralph, Anthony, Alfred, Rocco and Mario Coppola, sisters Philamena Tarascio; Margaret Brondo & Nancy Considine; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

She met her husband Louis and had two beautiful daughters, Lorie and Janet, whom she loved more than life itself and did everything she could for them. She loved her daily phone calls when they couldn’t be together and their silly times spent together. Lorie, Janet and her son-in-law Tom, stayed with her in the hardest times and did all they could possibly do to make her comfortable.

After 32 years of marriage, Lou’s early passing, ended her life as she knew it. They were soul mates and very much in love. They drove all over the USA 7 times - taking their best friends and some relatives at one time or another.

They had two beautiful grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Brown. She loved them to the moon and back and was very proud of their achievements and looked forward to spending time together, whether it be watching TV or going out to eat!!

After retiring, she enjoyed spending time with her best friend of 60 years, Jackie Murphy. They met for coffee everyday come rain or shine, with their coffee friends, too many to mention at Donut Delight. Her favorite pastime was TV, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles on her iPhone. She made the best Lasagna and meatballs ever, enjoyed cooking holiday meals and loved spending time with her fur grandbabies.

A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Friday, March 27th, at 10:10 AM and proceed to St. Bridget of Ireland RC Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Ave., in Stamford for a mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow mass at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, March 26th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Bennett Cancer Center or St. Bridget of Ireland Church.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

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03/21/2026

Dorothy Candito

Dorothy, a lifelong resident of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on March 19, 2026. She was born in Stamford on January 23, 1947, to Thomas and Antoinette Uva.

Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Valentino “Val” Candito, and her brother, Joe Uva. She is survived by her loving children, Phil Candito and Valerie Candito Paris; her cherished grandchildren, Katherine Paris, Matthew Paris, and Philip Candito; and her sister, Patty Mardi.

Dorothy spent the happiest days of her life with her husband, Val, until his passing in 2002. She found her greatest joy in her children and especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and treasured every moment spent with them. She also loved spending time at the beach, where she found peace and happiness.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Thursday, March 26 from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM at Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien.

Ann Marie HollendonnerAnn Marie Hollendonner, 67, of Stamford passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, after a courageo...
03/20/2026

Ann Marie Hollendonner

Ann Marie Hollendonner, 67, of Stamford passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia. Ann Marie was born in Brooklyn, NY on June 15, 1958, to the late Salvatore and Joan Bufalo Cascio.

Ann is survived by her sons Christian Hollendonner and Nicholas Hollendonner along with Christian's wife Bridget Hollendonner and their two children, James and Josie Hollendonner. Ann is also survived by her brother Michael Cascio and his wife Anna Cascio, and her brother John Cascio. Additionally, she is survived by Stacy Cascio Chiapetta and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.

Ann was a graduate of Stamford Catholic High School and Gibbs College. After college she pursued a career in data processing within the market research field and held a Vice President position at her company.

Ann grew up in Stamford and raised her family there, where she had established roots in her formative years and grew to be an active member of the community. She had many friends and family in the area whom she valued spending time with. Ann was a lover of music and sports and instilled in her sons a deep appreciation for the passion and discipline required for both. She was also a lover of dogs and rarely met a four-legged friend she didn’t want to spoil.

Though aphasia eventually quieted her voice, it never diminished Ann Marie’s vibrant spirit. She was the definition of resilience for her family, proving that the greatest love doesn’t require words. Her life served as a powerful testament that strength and compassion transcend speech. In honor of Ann Marie, we celebrate a woman who truly embodied kindness and love. Her life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family and a unique ability to connect with everyone she met.

A celebration of Ann Marie’s life will be held at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave, Stamford, CT 06902, on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Oaklawn Avenue, Stamford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ann Marie’s memory to the National Aphasia Association.

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Doris G. CaseyDoris (Gostomski) Casey, 90, a lifelong resident of Stamford, died peacefully March 14, 2026 at Nathaniel ...
03/16/2026

Doris G. Casey

Doris (Gostomski) Casey, 90, a lifelong resident of Stamford, died peacefully March 14, 2026 at Nathaniel Witherell Nursing Home in Greenwich. She was born in Stamford on July 16, 1935, the younger daughter of the late Violet and George Gostomski.

Doris attended Stamford High School and married Walter S. Casey of Greenwich in Stamford, CT on May 30, 1959. She initially worked as a secretary at Dorr-Oliver but later became a homemaker to focus on her family.

In addition to her parents, Doris was predeceased by her husband, Walter S. Casey; her sister, Victoria Herman: her brother-in-law John Herman and her niece, Tama Herman Parrish.

She is survived by her daughter, Maureen (Casey) Lucier; her granddaughter, Samantha Lucier; her nieces, Vicki Druehl (William III); Carol Giacomo; Mary Theresa Giacomo and Lynn Giacomo (James McMurray); and her nephews, John Herman Jr. (Kate), and Judge William J. Giacomo (Cara).

The family would like to thank the staff at Nathaniel Witherell for their care and attention and ask that in lieu of flowers, donations please be sent to the nursing home, 70 Parsonage Rd., Greenwich, CT. 06830.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien, CT. There will be no calling hours.

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Robert A. PinelliRobert Anthony “Bob” Pinelli (1933 - 2026) passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 92, a...
03/16/2026

Robert A. Pinelli

Robert Anthony “Bob” Pinelli (1933 - 2026) passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 92, at his home in Mashpee, Massachusetts.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Ann Pinelli; his son Robert J. (Lisa Steers) Pinelli; his grandchildren Brandon and Tristan Pinelli; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Michael, and mother, Antoinette; his brother, Vincent, and his brother’s wife, Angela; and his brother Ralph. Bob is also predeceased by his sister-in-law Frances Giuliani; his brother-in-law Joseph Giuliani, Joseph’s wife Rose Marie Giuliani, and Joseph’s son Mark Giuliani; and his brother-in-law Alfred Giuliani.

Bob was an amazing man who from humble beginnings in the Bronx created a career for himself and a comfortable life for his wife and son by virtue of his financial savvy, work ethic, and sense of responsibility. He was a self-made, self-employed TV and radio repairman who worked 6 days a week to provide for his family from the small Bronx repair shop he co-owned with his brother Vincent. He was exceptionally handy and handled many common and not-so-common repairs and upgrades to his home, vehicles, and hobbyist projects. He had a particular aptitude for electrical work and a penchant for retrofitting household appliances with indicator lights he felt were lacking. He was also generous with his time and expertise and helped friends and family alike with television repairs and electrical installations when they were needed.

Bob served 10 honorable years in the New York Army National Guard in the Bronx as a Radio Section Chief while simultaneously working at his TV repair business. He married Barbara Ann Giuliani in 1965 after a long and tenacious courtship, settling in the Westchester County suburb of Harrison, NY. It was in the modest split-level home they bought there that they raised their son, Robert J., and realized their version of the American Dream. Astronomy and science were particular interests of Bob’s; he avidly consumed magazines in those genres, and he owned a Celestron telescope which he liked to pull out from time to time to show guests the wonders of the heavens. Saturn’s rings were always a favorite. Bob shared his passion for discovery of the natural world and technology with his son, who excelled in math and science as a result, eventually sending him off to college and on to a successful adult life and engineering career.

Bob was not one for open sentimentality or maudlin words, except with Barbara Ann, to whom he effusively professed his love daily - but no one in his family would ever doubt his love and affection. He was proud of his son, proud of his grandchildren, and proud of the legacy he created. For better or worse he passed along to his son his sense of humor and inability to take himself too seriously. He was an affable, mild-mannered man who liked to laugh and was always eager to share his wisdom with you – whether it was wise or not, and whether you wanted it or not. But he was always good-natured and never let a philosophical disagreement stand in the way of friendships or being bygones.

Later in life he developed a taste for vodka martinis, attributable to the mildly corrupting influence of his brother-in-law Joe, and no holiday family gathering would be complete without hoisting one to health and happiness. He had an unfortunate fondness for gold lamé tape, which he applied injudiciously and often to the dismay of his wife, but this foible was eclipsed tenfold by his many admirable qualities. His kindness, generosity, frugality, and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten. His long, fulfilling, successful, and independent-to-the-end life is about as much as anyone could ask for.

Please join our family in raising a toast to a true one-of-a-kind: Bob Pinelli.

A wake service will be held at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home in Stamford, Connecticut on March 20, 2026 between 4 PM and 8 PM. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic church in Stamford, Connecticut on March 21, 2026 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html) in his memory.

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Carolyn Toreso MasonCarolyn Toreso Mason, 72, a lifelong resident of Stamford, Connecticut, born on May 14, 1953, passed...
03/16/2026

Carolyn Toreso Mason

Carolyn Toreso Mason, 72, a lifelong resident of Stamford, Connecticut, born on May 14, 1953, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on March 14, 2026.

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Peter Mason; her sister, Mary Ann Sposi, and her husband, Danny; and her sisters-in-laws, Claudia Mason Cummings Rivard and her husband, Jerry, and Patty Mason-Martin and her husband, Jack. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Thomas Toreso.

Carolyn also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, including Tracey, Daniel, Christine and Kimberly, as well as several great-nieces and nephews—Gary, Austin, Jessica, Cameron, Brennan, and Gwen—whom she loved dearly.

Carolyn attended Stamford Catholic High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree from Western Connecticut State Teachers College. She had a tremendous love for children. In 1978, she and her partner, Martha Fullilove, opened Creative Care Child Center, a nursery school that Carolyn proudly operated for 42 years, nurturing and caring for more than 1,500 children in the Stamford community. Teaching and caring for children was not only her career but her true passion and the source of great joy in her life.

Family was the heart of Carolyn’s life. She was a caring and devoted person, always there for those she loved. She enjoyed learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and spending time doing puzzles. Her cooking was done with great love, and she was especially known for her family-favorite antipasto and her delicious blue cheese dip.

Carolyn will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the enduring love she shared with her family and the many lives she touched.

A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM and proceed to St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:30 AM. Entombment will take place at St. John’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Camp Avenue, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

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Evans StergianisEvans Stergianis, 89, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at his home on March 5, 2026. He was born to I...
03/13/2026

Evans Stergianis

Evans Stergianis, 89, of Stamford, passed away peacefully at his home on March 5, 2026. He was born to Ioannis and Sophia Stergianis in a remote mountain region of mainland Greece known as Agrafa, which means “unwritten.”

From an early age, Evans had a deep passion for education. Before he was old enough to attend school, he would walk to the village school in hopes of being allowed inside, only to be turned away by those who knew he was underage. During World War II, when he was finally old enough to attend, communist partisans murdered the school’s teacher. Two years later the school reopened, and once enrolled, he quickly caught up, thriving as a gifted student with a particular aptitude for mathematics. One of his favorite memories from high school was solving a problem related to the nine-point circle.

At age 18, Evans moved to Toronto to join his brothers. Determined to learn English, he studied the dictionary and the Bible from front to back, developing an impressive vocabulary. He later settled in Chicago, where he married his beloved wife, Roula Mesoloras Stergianis.

Together they raised two daughters, Sophia (Hartch) and Susanna (Wickham), instilling in them his love of learning and a deep faith in the Greek Orthodox Church. Evans took great pride in his daughters’ educational paths: Susanna attended Northwestern University, and Sophia attended the University of Chicago, later earning her J.D. from the University of Michigan and her M.B.A. from New York University.

Evans later moved to Stamford to watch his granddaughters grow up. Nothing gave him greater joy than seeing them flourish. He was especially pleased to see them succeed academically: Phoebe Hartch, a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Daphne Hartch, currently a junior at Johns Hopkins University.

Among Evans’ happiest memories were a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his wife and fellow church members in 2013, as well as a visit to the monasteries of Mount Athos in 2015. Largely self-taught in many subjects, Evans loved learning throughout his life. One of his favorite sayings came from Pericles’ Funeral Oration, as recorded by Thucydides: “We cultivate refinement without extravagance and knowledge without effeminacy.” He was also a skilled and enthusiastic card player.

Evans is survived by his loving wife, Roula; his daughters, Sophia and her husband Tim, and Susanna and her husband Chris; and his cherished granddaughters, Phoebe and Daphne.

In addition to his parents, Evans was predeceased by his beloved siblings Mary, Panagiotis, Pantelis, and Vasiliki.

A funeral service will take place at The Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT, on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Putnam Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Evans’ memory to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago, where he proudly served on the parish council for many years, and to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.

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104 Myrtle Avenue
Stamford, CT
06902

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Our Story

The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory of Stamford, CT, has seen many changes since May 15, 1953, when Nicholas F. Cognetta, Sr. and Naida E. Cognetta first opened their doors for business. But some things have remained the same like the commitment to the Stamford community and the pride that comes with serving families during a difficult time. Today, amidst all of the large funeral home conglomerates and corporate take overs of area funeral homes, Cognetta remains a family-owned and operated funeral home and crematory. When you call or visit our funeral home, you will find a member of the Cognetta family. Our funeral directors will help you arrange a ceremony that is both meaningful and affordable for you and your family. Whether you are planning/arranging a burial and/or a cremation, our staff can manage the arrangement process, relieving you of all unnecessary burdens. We'll always be here for you.