Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

GREENWICH—Father William F. Carey, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. He was 84 years old.

William Francis Carey Jr. was born on September 27, 1940, in Bridgeport to William and Mary Carey. He was baptized at St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport and received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation there as well. He attended grammar school at Hallen School in Bridgeport and high school at Fairfield Prep.

He attended preparatory seminary at St. Thomas in Bloomfield, Conn., and went on to receive his priestly formation at Mount St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., graduating with a degree in philosophy. He was ordained to the priesthood at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport on May 20, 1967, by Bishop Walter W. Curtis.

Father Carey celebrated his first Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Bridgeport. He went on to serve at St. Mary Parish in Norwalk, St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport, St. Mary Parish in Greenwich, and was pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Greenwich from 2006 to 2010. He also was assigned as faculty member of Immaculate High School in Danbury, where he taught for 14 years. In addition, he was a member of the diocesan priests’ council. Father Carey also served in active duty as Chaplain in the U.S. Army within the Archdiocese for Military Services.

Father Carey’s body will be received by Father William Platt on November 13, 2024 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Ave., Riverside, at 9 am and lie in repose until 11 am. At that time, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will celebrate Father Carey’s funeral Mass. Father James McDevitt will be the homilist. Burial, which will include military honors, will be immediately following at St. Mary Cemetery, 399 North St., Greenwich.

Condolences can be sent to Father Carey’s sister, Maureen Carey, 26 Laurel Woods Road, Woodbury, CT  06798.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Carey and for the consolation of his family.

STAMFORD—Bishop Basil Losten, a leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States who played a crucial role in revitalizing the Church in Ukraine after the collapse of Soviet rule, died on September 15, 2024, at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut. He was 94.

His death was announced by the Eparchy of Stamford, which he led for nearly three decades. Bishop Losten, who served as a priest for 67 years and as a bishop for 53, was instrumental in supporting the resurgence of the Ukrainian Catholic Church following decades of Communist repression.

Basil Harry Losten was born on May 11, 1930, in Chesapeake City, Maryland, the youngest of ten children in a family of Ukrainian immigrants. His parents, Ivan (John) Losten and Julia Petryshyn, operated a dairy farm where young Basil earned the nickname “milkman,” a term of endearment he carried from his time at St. Basil’s Prep School in Stamford, Connecticut, where he graduated in 1949.

Bishop Losten’s path to the priesthood led him to St. Basil’s College Seminary, where he graduated with in 1953 with a B.A. in Philosophy, and later to St. Josaphat Major Seminary in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology in 1957 from The Catholic University of America. He was ordained that same year by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky and soon became known for his dedication to pastoral service, holding various positions in the Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Rising swiftly through the ranks of the Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy, Bishop Losten was named Papal Chamberlain in 1968 and ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in 1971. In 1977, he was appointed Bishop of Stamford, where he would remain until his retirement at age 75 in 2006.

Bishop Losten was a tireless advocate for education and priestly vocations, establishing a diocesan newspaper and supporting numerous publications. His work extended beyond the Stamford Eparchy, reaching into Ukraine, where he was an indefatigable fundraiser for the Church’s post-Soviet revival. His efforts helped rebuild churches, including the Holy Resurrection Sobor in Kyiv, and he channeled millions of dollars toward restoring Ukrainian Catholic institutions that had been suppressed for nearly half a century.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Bishop Losten was deeply involved in Catholic-Jewish dialogue as part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). After his retirement, he continued to support numerous Ukrainian cultural and religious institutions, including the Ukrainian Museum and Library of Stamford and the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv.

Bishop Losten’s episcopal motto, “Fortitude,” encapsulated his lifelong commitment to the Church and his unyielding dedication to his mission. He is survived by his nieces, Michelle, Jan, Anna Jean, and nephews, Michael, Albert, Dr. William, and their families, along with many friends and members of the Ukrainian Catholic faithful.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Seminary for the education of priests.

The funeral schedule includes the following:

Saturday, September 21
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Viewing – St. Basil Seminary Chapel
5:00 pm Funeral Parastas – St. Basil Seminary Chapel

Sunday, September 22
10:00 am – 8:00 pm Viewing – St. Basil Seminary Chapel
11:00 am Divine Liturgy – St. Basil Seminary Chapel
5:00 pm Funeral Parastas – St. Basil Seminary Chapel

Monday, September 23
11:00 am Funeral Divine Liturgy – St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
Procession to burial site at Holy Spirit Cemetery

St. Basil Seminary
195 Glenbrook Road
Stamford, CT 06902
203-324-4578

St. Andrew Ukrainian Catholic Church/Holy Spirit Cemetery
141 Sarah Wells Trail
Campbell Hall, NY 10916
845-496-4156

STAMFORD—Reverend James E. Breen passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was 98 years of age.

James Edward Breen was a native of New York City and was born on June 6, 1926, in the Bronx to James and Mary O’Hara Breen. Father Breen was a graduate of both NYU with a master’s degree in physical education and Manhattan College with a master’s degree in theology.

In his early days of discernment in 1943, he was accepted into “The Brothers of the Christian Schools,” where he served as Brother James Breen. As a newly formed religious brother, he served and taught at numerous elementary and high schools throughout New York, including Immaculate Conception, Bronx; Holy Name and Cardinal Spellman High School, New York; and LaSalle School in Albany, to name just a few. It was during his time as a Brother that he received his call to the priesthood. In June of 1979, his Provincial stated in his recommendation to the Diocese of Bridgeport, “I recommend him highly for the priesthood. I know he will be a devoted and holy priest.”

He completed his theological studies at Maryknoll Seminary, Maryknoll, New York. Father Breen was ordained on December 6, 1980, by Bishop Walter W. Curtis at St. Augustine Cathedral. His first assignment was as Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in South Norwalk. Afterwards, he had additional assignments to the Cathedral of St. Augustine, Bridgeport; St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton; St. Mary Parish, Stamford; St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury; and Our Lady of Fatima, Wilton up until his retirement in July 2001.

Father Breen’s body will be received on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Saint Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Road, Stamford at 9:30 am and lie in repose until 10:30 am. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am by Monsignor Robert Kinnally. Monsignor William Scheyd will be the homilist. Clergy are asked to bring diocesan vestments.

Condolences can be sent to Craig and Lynn Clausen, 67 Boston Post Road, Townhouse 12, Madison, CT 06443. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Breen and for the consolation of his family.

DANBURY—Deacon Richard P. Kovacs, 81, passed away on August 11, 2024.He was 81 years of age.

Kovacs was born on July 15, 1943 in Danbury to Frank and Lena Kovacs. He was baptized on August 8, 1943, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 12, 1954 at St. Peter Parish in Danbury. He attended Danbury High School.

On August 20,1966, Richard and Carol were married at St. Gregory the Great Parish and they raised two children, Kimberly and Alan, in Danbury. Richard attended Western Connecticut State University where his area of specialization was business management. Richard joined the Connecticut National Guard in 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1967.

On August 31, 1987, Richard was accepted into the diaconate formation program. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate on June 9, 1990, by Bishop Edward M. Egan at St. Augustine Cathedral. Deacon Kovacs was assigned to serve as deacon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Danbury. He served as deacon at St. Joseph Parish in Brookfield, and then Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Joseph and St. Gregory the Great parishes in Danbury. He remained in joyful service until his retirement on his 75^th birthday, July 15, 2018.

Deacon Kovacs’ family has been a staple in the Danbury community for generations. He retired from the Archdiocese of New York as a development associate, and was a former director of development at the Diocese of Bridgeport. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans, Vespucci Lodge, Elks Club, AARP Danbury and Danbury Senior Center. He was a Fourth Degree Knight and Grand Knight of Columbus.

The wake will be at St. Gregory the Great Parish, 86 Great Plain Rd. in Danbury, on Friday, August 16, from 4 pm to 8 pm. The funeral will be at St. Gregory the Great on Saturday, August 17 at 10 am. Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will be the celebrant and Father Michael Dunn will be the homilist. Deacons will gather at the church at 9:15 am to pray the Office of the Dead. Vesting is alb and diocesan stole.

Committal will be at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury.

Condolences may be sent to Carol Kovacs, 12 Juniper Ridge Drive, Danbury, CT  06811. Donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Please pray for the repose of Deacon Kovacs’ soul and for the consolation of his family.

DANBURY—Deacon William D. Murphy died on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. He was 82 years of age.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said Deacon Bill will be remembered for his many years of faithful and loving service to St. Gregory the Great Parish, the larger Danbury community, and the Diaconate program of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Murphy and for the consolation of his family,”

On December 13, 1978, William was accepted into the Diaconate Formation Program. He was ordained to the diaconate on June 13, 1981, by Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis at Saint Augustine Cathedral. William was assigned to serve as deacon at Saint Gregory the Great Parish in Danbury, where he remained in joyful service until his retirement on his 75^th birthday, October 2, 2016.

William actively served Saint Gregory the Great Parish where he was assigned and became an integral part of serving his brother deacons in his role on the Diaconate Council dating back to February 2014. He represented deacons in his vicariate and focused on their continuing formation and was appointed as Deacon Advocate of the Tribunal, even in his retirement. William also served as the Director of Catholic Scouting before dedicating himself fully to the Danbury Public Schools and the parishioners he served.

William Murphy was born on October 2, 1941, in Danbury to Josephine and Francis Murphy. He was baptized on October 26, 1941, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on June 6, 1953, at Saint Joseph Church, Danbury. He attended Danbury High School and then joined the United States Marine Corps in 1960 and remained in service to our country until January 1966.

On October 2, 1965, William and Patricia were married at Sacred Heart Church and they raised two children, William and Patricia, in Danbury. William attended Western Connecticut State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree (1968) and master’s degree (1974) in Elementary Education and Administration. William joined the Danbury Public Schools as an Elementary School Teacher.

The wake will be held at Saint Gregory the Great Church, 86 Great Plain Rd., Danbury on Sunday, June 16 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. The funeral will be at Saint Gregory the Great Church, 86 Great Plain Rd., Danbury on Monday, June 17 at 11:00 am. Reverend Michael Dunn will be the celebrant and Deacon Rich Kovacs will be the homilist. Committal will follow at Saint Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury.

“Deacon Gagne is remembered by many as a man of deep faith and a strong commitment to serve others. Please pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

In 1996, Deacon Joe applied to the Permanent Diaconate Program. He was ordained on June 24, 2000, by Most Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport. His first assignment was to Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Norwalk.

On his application to the Diaconate program, Deacon Gagne wrote, “I want to serve others and God. To me, service means helping others without expecting anything in return.”

Deacon Gagne also served at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Stratford and Holy Family in Fairfield. Throughout these parish assignments, he was a member of the Diaconate Council, and was active in Prison Ministry, as well as Parish Bereavement Ministry. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knight of Columbus and a Past Grand Knight of the Father Coleman Council. He served as a caseworker at the Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport.

A graduate of Windham High School, he received a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of CT. While an undergraduate, Joe enrolled in the R.O.T.C. program and was a member of the Scabbard and Blade Military Honor Society and a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Following his military service, Joe became employed as a U.S. Probation and Parole Officer in Kansas City, KS and after continued that role in CT. He would later be assigned as Chief U.S. Pretrial Services Officer for the U.S. District Court of CT.

Throughout his life, Joseph was an active volunteer in his parish and within the community where he was involved with serving as an EMT, as well as a CPR and First Aid Instructor, for the Red Cross.

Joseph H. Gagne was born on March 25, 1942, in Williamantic, to Joseph and Blanche Gagne. He was baptized at Saint Mary Catholic Church, Williamantic, and received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation there.

Deacon Gagne and his wife, Roberta, were married on July 30, 1966, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Williamantic, and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They have three grown children; Peter, Timothy, and John.

Deacon Joseph’s body will be received at St. Pius X Church on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 3:30 pm and will lie in repose from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Tuesday, April 23rd, at 10:00 am

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano will celebrate the funeral Mass. Father Richard Murphy will be the Homilist.

Deacons will gather at 9:30 am to pray Morning Prayer from the Office of the Dead. Interment with military honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797 or to The Salesian Missions, 2 Le Fevres Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801.

Condolences can be sent to:
Roberta Gagne
23 Pell Meadow Drive
Fairfield, CT 06824

TRUMBULL—Dr. Thomas Henry Hicks passed away peacefully at his Trumbull home on March 9, 2024. He was 90.

Tom was born in Ridgewood, N.Y. on May 30, 1932 to Jeremiah and Rose. In Queens, Tom attended St. Aloysius Elementary School and Trinity High School, and received a BA in Philosophy from Cathedral College in Douglaston, N.Y.. He also received a BA in Sacred Theology from Catholic University of America in Washington and attended Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Lloyd Harbor, N.Y., where he was ordained a priest. Tom later returned to Queens and obtained his PhD at St. John’s University.

BRIDGEPORT—William “Bill” Hoey, Sr., 66, Chief Mission Integration Officer at St. Vincent’s Medical Center/Hartford Health, and former Catholic Charities leader in the Diocese of Bridgeport, passed away at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Hospital in Bridgeport, on Friday February 16.

“Bill’s death is a loss for his family, our diocese, for St. Vincent’s and the larger community,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “He was a good man, and a man who put faith into action to serve others. Many people throughout Fairfield County have received compassionate care as a result of Bill’s advocacy, and innovative approach to behavioral health and community services. He is remembered by those of us who worked with him as a man of great faith who had the ability to connect with others and get things done for people in need. May he rest in the Lord’s peace.”

William Jennings, Senior Vice President and Fairfield Region President of Hartford Healthcare, said that employees were deeply saddened to learn of Bill Hoey’s passing.

“Bill was one of those rare individuals whose very presence made a lasting impression on our people, our organization and our community. He cared deeply about the underprivileged, and drew on his faith and his boundless compassion to find ways to serve. In so doing, he helped us all to be better stewards of our mission, and carry on the 120-year-old tradition of St. Vincent’s founders, the Daughters of Charity.”

Bill Hoey, MAHCM, LCSW, was responsible for overseeing all mission services and activities for St. Vincent’s Medical Center with continued responsibility for the Pastoral Care Department and the Parish Nurse Program. Hoey helped establish the Hope Dispensary of Greater Bridgeport through his work with the Primary Care Action Group, a collaboration of area health service organizations. He served on the National Advisory Council for the Dispensary of Hope, a national not-for-profit enterprise which provides uninsured patients with access to life-saving medication.

“Bill was a man of faith, which led him to grow strong ties to the community of Bridgeport. Throughout his time at St. Vincent’s, he was able to play a pivotal role in many efforts including the House of Hope, Swim Across the Sound, and the Hope Dispensary while also volunteering in programs such as the Medical Mission at Home,” Jennings said. “Bill’s sense of mission, and his profound Catholic faith, give us hope and courage to carry on his light — to continue the good works which he led, and of which he was a part.”

While serving as a vice president at Catholic Charities, Bill Hoey oversaw all aspects of the multi-program Catholic Family Services agency. He was instrumental in developing a $7 million dollar housing project at the Thomas Merton campus, a reorganization of mental health services resulting in a productive working relationship with St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services, and an early childhood consultation project providing clinical assessment for at-risk children in Head Start and school readiness programs. He also implemented a community outreach and prison ministry program, which provides formal representation to immigrants, and a program of clergy and victim assistance counseling for victims of sexual abuse. After leaving Catholic Charities, Bill Hoey worked closely with Bishop Caggiano and diocesan leaders on a number of collaborative programs. He also served as a valued and long-time member of the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board.

Born in Hartford, Conn. on July 16, 1957, Bill was a graduate of Xavier High School and obtained a Bachelor’s in Sociology at St. Anselm College. After earning a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, he finished his education with a Master’s in Healthcare Management in Theology from The Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Mo. He worked as a social worker for the State of Connecticut for several years moving on to work at The Shirley Frank Foundation where he met his wife, Joan.

Bill always made time for family, spending most Saturdays exploring all around Connecticut with his beloved wife Joan. He was an avid Boston sports fan and could always be found at Fenway Park watching the Boston Red Sox a couple times a year. If he wasn’t at Fenway he would be visiting his son Bill Jr., who resides in the Boston area. Bill was a kind, caring, selfless, and spiritual man whose positive impact will always be remembered as we are all grateful for the ways he contributed to our lives.

A longtime Northford resident, Bill was the amazing husband of Joan (Calabrese) Hoey and loving father of William Edward Hoey, Jr of Northford, Conn. He is also survived by his brothers: Matthew T. Hoey III of Guilford, Conn., David Hoey of Old Saybrook, Conn., Joseph Hoey of Madison, Wisc., and Daniel Hoey of Vero Beach, Fla. He was predeceased by his father Matthew Thomas Hoey Jr. and mother Mary Jo (Quigley) Hoey.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, February 23 from 4–8 pm at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford on Saturday, February 24 at 11 am. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704 Hagerstown , MD 21741; https://www.cancer.org/

To send condolences to the family, visit: https://www.guilfordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=30794451

FAIRFIELD—Fairfield University and Fairfield College Preparatory School (Fairfield Prep) mourn the loss of Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., who passed away today at the Campion Center in Weston, Mass. He was 81.

Father Allen was a beloved figure on campus, integral to the life and spirit of the University and Fairfield Prep community for over 40 years. Before retiring in 2020, Father  Allen served our community most recently as the University’s Alumni chaplain and special assistant to the president, Mark R. Nemec PhD.

Father Allen’s many roles at Fairfield University included moderating the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit honor society, serving as a residence hall floor Jesuit, Campus Ministry trip chaperone, Alumni chaplain and Glee Club chaplain. He also served as executive assistant to former Fairfield University Presidents Rev. Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J., and Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

“Father Charlie Allen was a much-loved figure on our campus, and in our broader community, and a great friend to so very many of us,” said President Nemec. “If there was anyone who could be said to have embodied the spirit of our University—who knew and loved the town of Fairfield and understood the role that our University and Fairfield Prep play in the life of our region and beyond—it was Father Allen.”

A native of Boston, raised in Jamaica Plain, Mass., Father Allen’s Jesuit service began in 1959 at the age of 17, where his work took him across five continents, to Mexico, Italy, Egypt, France, Spain, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, among many other countries. He was ordained in 1973, and four years later began serving as an administrator and teacher at Fairfield Prep, including as Prep’s head of school.

“Father Charlie Allen made an indelible mark on Fairfield Prep. Serving as an administrator beginning in 1977, and later as headmaster from 1985-1989, Father Allen built up the great Ignatian brotherhood with his signature humor and affection for all,” said Fairfield Prep President Christian Cashman, AP ’15, ’23. “He remained a close advisor and friend to Prep for decades and his legacy will live on for years to come. We pray in thanksgiving for his remarkable life and Jesuit ministry.”

In his capacity as Alumni chaplain, Father Allen officiated at hundreds of wedding ceremonies, baptisms, funerals and Masses. He also served as a spiritual mentor and friend to a host of non-profit and civic organizations throughout the Bridgeport and Fairfield area, notably in his role as chaplain to the Town of Fairfield’s Police and Fire Departments.

A retirement parade in honor of Father Allen that took place during the challenging spring of 2020, drew a cavalcade of nearly 600 carloads of well-wishers—friends, families, former students, town residents, and first responders—who travelled to our campus to thank him for his service over four decades, to the University, Prep, and the greater Fairfield and Bridgeport communities.

In 2021, Father Allen was honored by Fairfield University’s Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality with the Rev. James M. Bowler, S.J., Award for his lifetime of service exemplifying the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. On that special occasion, the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, shared this reflection on Father Allen’s impact: “One of Father Allen’s greatest gifts is the ability to preach with clarity, simplicity and conviction. His ability to break open the Word of God and apply it to the challenges of modern life has inspired and enriched countless people in many parishes throughout the Diocese. His humor is unsurpassed, allowing him the unique ability to find humor in life and connect that in a deeply meaningful way to the joy of the Gospel.”

Among recent honors bestowed upon Father Allen, this fall, the new dining facility of the Thomas Merton Family Center, a program of Catholic Charities serving Bridgeport, Conn., was named the Father Charles H. Allen, S.J. Dining Hall.

Father Allen earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in philosophy from Boston College, and additional master’s degrees from Gregorian in Rome, Italy (theology), Brown University (mathematics), and Columbia University (educational administration).

A private funeral Mass for Father Allen will be livestreamed on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10 am.

A memorial Mass, open to all, will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield, Conn. A reception on the campus of Fairfield University will immediately follow.

Obituary of Michael F. Basso

Michael F. Basso, age 89, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of the late Therese (Terri) Davey Basso, passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Born in Bridgeport, on December 23, 1933, he was a son of the late Michael J. and Ann Mayernick Basso. A 1954 graduate of Warren Harding High School and a proud U.S. Army Veteran. He was a retired Senior Systems Analyst for IBM with over 40 years of committed service.

Mike had 24 years of service as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was the first Grand Knight of Council 12615 at St. Charles Parish. He was a Faithful Navigator at Assembly 107, District Deputy and an organizer of the Blue Mass along with the Diocese of Bridgeport. He was a dedicated parishioner and a member of the Parish council, financial committee & an usher. He was an avid Giants, Yankee, & UConn Basketball fan. He enjoyed organizing trips to Mohegan and Atlantic City with his family and friends. But above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and Papa, who always put the needs of his family first. He was described by many as the most thoughtful, kind and giving man. His smile lit up every room and he always had a “God Bless” for all. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his two loving children, Michael V. Basso of Bridgeport and Michele Basso Cennamo and her husband Jack of Trumbull, two cherished grandchildren, Jeff Cennamo and Nikki Taylor and her husband Joe, an adored great grandson, Grayson Taylor and a brother, Stephen Basso and his wife Diane. His memory will also be cherished by his extended family, the Delaney and Davey families, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Dolores Basso Cortello and husband Sam and his brother, Lawrence Basso and wife Joan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1255 East Main St., Bridgeport. Interment with military honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the St. Charles Borromeo Church, 391 Ogden St., Bridgeport, CT 06608, Swim Across the Sound at www.swimacrossthesound.org or the College Fund for his great grandson, through the funeral director. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.

Mary Frances Lako, age 80, passed peacefully among her loved ones on October 27, 2023. A longtime resident of Trumbull, Connecticut, Mary was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her reunion with her late husband Steve in heaven will be joyous after a long, well-lived, and loving life together.

The daughter of Betty May Malmquist Noble and Ralph H. Noble, Jr., Mary was born in Bridgeport, CT on February 1, 1943 and graduated from Notre Dame High School, Fairfield, CT. A 35-year volunteer with Trumbull EMS, she worked at Avco-Lycoming before marriage, at J.C. Penney’s in Trumbull, and in the communication department at the Catholic Center for the Diocese of Bridgeport.

She was a devoted parishioner of St. Stephen’s Church in Trumbull, CT. In high school Mary met the love of her life, Steven Michael Lako, and they married the summer of 1965. Over their 55 years of marriage, they built a beautiful home, family, and circle of close friends. Their loving relationship was an inspiration to everyone they knew.

Together they raised their daughter, Jennifer Irene Laux (Steven), and son Dr. Steven Laszlo Lako (Amy), and showered love and attention on their grandchildren, Emma Mae Lako, Anna Leigh Lako, Lillian Grace Lako, Connor Noble Laux, and Michael Patrick Laux. Mary also leaves behind her beloved siblings Sharon Noble Eaton, Ralph H. Noble III (Lucia), Kathleen “Kate” Noble (Tom) and Elizabeth “Beth” Pinckney (Clarence), sister-in-law Susan Lako Dial (Bill), twin brothers-in-law Ronald “Ronnie” Lako (Mary) and Donald “Donnie” Lako (Pamela), her many nieces and nephews, cousins and dear, longtime friends. She was devoted to all of them and a constant, loving presence in their lives.

Mary enjoyed an active lifestyle, making wonderful memories on multi-generational family vacations, travel and boating excursions with family and friends, visits to her daughter’s and son’s homes in Pennsylvania and Georgia, and to her grandchildren’s high school and college events. From Long Island Sound and the Virgin Islands, to Europe and Ireland, to the big skies of Montana, Mary lived a life filled with adventure, love, and friendship.

She called her home the “party house” and hosted large holiday gatherings for family and friends. She taught her children and grandchildren to appreciate family traditions, home-cooked food, and many life lessons. She always encouraged them “to make good memories” and they did. They were her joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in St. Stephen Church, 6948 Main St., Trumbull, interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Relief Services in memory of Mary are graciously accepted.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.abriola.com.

Deacon Daniel Ianniello passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023. He was 82 years of age.

“It is with sadness I must inform you of the death of Deacon Daniel Ianniello. Among his many achievements, he became an integral part of the formation of ordained deacons in his service on the Diaconate Council. We are deeply grateful for his faithful service and example. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Ianniello and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

Daniel Ianniello was born on August 25, 1941, in Bridgeport to Mary and Daniel L. Ianniello. He was baptized on September 28, 1941, at Holy Rosary Church and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 14, 1950, at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, both in Bridgeport. He attended Saint Charles Elementary School and then Fairfield Preparatory School where he graduated in 1959.

On September 30, 1961, Daniel and Ilene were married at Saint Charles Borromeo Church and they raised three children in Trumbull. Daniel attended the University of Bridgeport where he earned a bachelor’s degree (1963) and master’s degree (1967) in Mechanical Engineering. Daniel joined Sikorsky Aircraft in 1963 as an Analytical Design Engineer and was awarded a US Patent for his design of the attachment of helicopter rotor blades.

On July 31, 1985, Daniel was accepted into the Diaconate Formation Program. He was ordained to the diaconate on December 17, 1988, by Most Reverend Edward Egan at Saint Augustine Cathedral. Daniel was assigned on that same date to serve as deacon at Holy Rosary Parish in Bridgeport. After serving there for 8 years, Daniel was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Fairfield, where he remained until his retirement on his 75th birthday, August 25, 2016.

Daniel actively served the parishes where he was assigned and became an integral part of the formation of newly ordained deacons in his role on the Diaconate Council dating back to December 2005. He represented deacons in his deanery and focused on their continuing education and was appointed as Deacon Advocate of the Tribunal, even in his retirement. Daniel was an active member of the Fairfield Interfaith Clergy Association, the Fairfield Holocaust Memorial Committee and UNICO, a national organization of Italian men dedicated to the charitable works within the community.

Deacon Daniel and his late wife, Ilene, served as the chaircouple for the Marriage Enrichment Ministry for the Diocese of Bridgeport, and Ilene was a founding President of the Deacon’s Wives Ministries that supports many ministries including providing the opportunity for inner-city children to travel to New York City to see a Broadway Play.

The wake will be held on Monday, November 13, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road in Fairfield. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 14 at 10:00AM, also at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The celebrant will be Reverend Victor Martin and the homilist will be Deacon Joseph Gagne.

BRIDGEPORT—Deacon Michael Saranich, Jr. passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023. He was 83 years of age.

“Deacon Saranich was a man of great faith who served his Church and his country. His life and ministry were guided by his love for the Eucharist along with his love for his family and parish community. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon Saranich and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in making the announcement.

Michael Saranich Jr. was born on July 13, 1940, in Bridgeport to Michael and Loretta Saranich. He was baptized on August 4, 1940, at Saint Michael the Archangel Church and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 29, 1949. He attended Saint Anthony Grammar School in Fairfield and Roger Ludlow High School where he graduated in 1958.

Following High School, Michael enlisted into the US Air Force with assignments as an Interceptor Technician and Radar Operator for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He spent four years on duty at radar sites on the northern border of the United States.

Michael returned home to Connecticut in 1962 and attended college at the Bridgeport Engineering Institute where he earned a degree in engineering. That same year he met his wife, Arlene, and they were married on May 22, 1965, at Saint Charles Church, Bridgeport. They moved to Stratford, raised three children, and were parishioners at Holy Name of Jesus Parish.

In 1998, Michael was accepted to the Diaconate Formation Program. He was ordained to the diaconate on June 22, 2002, by Most Reverend William E. Lori at Saint Augustine Cathedral. His parish assignment was Holy Name of Jesus in Stratford. In addition, following his ordination, Deacon Michael entered Sacred Heart University in pursuit of a master’s degree. In May 2005, he received an MA in Religious Studies. His master’s Thesis was titled “The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.”

Deacon Michael retired from the diaconate on his 75th birthday, July 13, 2015.

The wake will be at Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, on Thursday, October 12, from 4 to 7 pm. The funeral will be at Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford on Friday, October 13, at 10:30 am. Monsignor Martin Ryan will be the celebrant. Deacons will gather at Our Lady of Grace at 10 am, to pray Office of the Dead. Vesting is Alb and diocesan stole. Committal will be at State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457 at 1 pm.

BRIDGEPORT—Reverend John Punnakunnel passed away in Indian on September 27, 2023, at the age of 94.

“Father John will be remembered by many in our diocese as a joyful priest who was always on the go, visiting the sick in hospitals and nursing homes and graciously serving the faithful in our parishes. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father John and for the consolation of his family,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

Born in India to a Syro-Malabar Catholic family, Father Punnakunnel entered the Salesian Order as a religious brother and served as a teacher for 20 years. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Vellorei, Tamilnadu, India, in 1979. Three of his four brothers were ordained priests in the Salesian order.

Father Punnakunnel underwent all of his academic and ecclesiastical studies in India. His first appointment in the Diocese of Bridgeport was as parochial Vicar of Holy Rosary Parish, Bridgeport, in 1995. He later served as Parochial Vicar at St. Augustine Cathedral Parish, and as a Chaplain at Bridgeport Hospital. He retired in 2012, but continued to serve in parishes for a number of years before returning to India, when his health declined.

When he was interviewed by Fairfield County Catholic in 2012, Father John said he always held these words of St. Pope John Paul II close to his heart: “Know that you are not alone, separated, abandoned or useless. You have been called by Christ and are his living and transparent image.”

The Syro-Malabar Church is the second largest of the Eastern Rite Churches in communion with Rome. The Catholic faith in India traces its origins to the missionary work of the Apostle Thomas. The faith has continued to flourish in that country through the centuries, particularly in Kerala, and Catholics in that area are popularly referred to as “Thomas Christians.”

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, September 29 at St. Sebastian Church in Koodaranji, Kerala, India.