Alan Chalk, 89; Former Staples High School English Teacher, Veteran
Obituary
Alan George Chalk, age 89, passed away in his home surrounded by love and family, on Monday, May 31st, 2021.
Alan was born in 1931 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He met his beloved wife Norma LaFlamme of Ludlow, Massachusetts and they married 70 years ago. Alan joined the Navy during the Korean War and did 2 world tours. In 1952, his experiences traveling in Japan and meeting the people touched him deeply and a lifelong journey commenced.
He received his teaching degree at Wesleyan University and attended the University of Iowa PHD Program. He moved to Fairfield in 1961 where he lived the rest of his life. His first teaching position was at Staples High School in Westport developing an innovative creative writing program. He became the Chairman of the English Department at Weston High School in 1972. He was voted Teacher of the Year in 1989. He retired from Weston High School in 1991.
He began a new career as consultant, writer, and teacher specializing in postwar and contemporary Japanese literature and film and developed an extensive library. He developed the curriculum for the first Center for Japanese Study Abroad magnet school in Norwalk. He traveled extensively but Japan remained closest to his heart, and he led tours both with students and teachers, as well as family sharing his knowledge and love of Japan. He wrote novels, short stories and poetry, many inspired by his travels in Japan.
He was a master teacher, writer, wood sculptor and photographer and also found the time to raise five children with Norma, remodeling the house, and creating beautiful gardens.
In his own words, "I exist in a style of anonymity and I ask a thousand questions. I find that I ask questions I don't have the answer to and this may be the key to effective teaching. I am always learning. Every day."
He loved teaching and deeply cared about his students and staff which is reflected in the letters from students and parents thanking him for his inspiration and caring during pivotal times in their lives; letters from teachers whom he helped to become master teachers themselves, the articles, awards and acknowledgements grateful for the impact he made on so many lives.
A plaque on his wall which was a gift, is a good way to summarize.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
He is survived by his beloved family; daughters Lynn and Karen, sons Brian, Gary, David, son-in-law Scott, daughter-in-law Laura, grandchildren, Jesse, Danielle, Gabrielle, Billy, Maya, Sammy, Nicole and her family Jeff, Tenley, Caiden Blaiotta; great-grandchildren Lyla and Jude. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Norma who was an integral part of his accomplishments and to whom he gives much of the credit. Also Dan Magida, a former student from Staples over 50 years ago, who was one of his best friends.
Contributions in his memory can be made to Habitat for Humanity Fairfield County, where his wife was a longtime volunteer. https://www.habitatcfc.org/
Ronald Melino, 91; American Airlines Executive, Westporter
Harding Funeral Home Obituary
Ronald Joseph Melino - June 28, 1929 to May 22, 2021. Born and raised on Jackson Avenue in the South Bronx, NYC, transplanted himself and his family to Westport, CT in 1967. Loved the excitement, diversity and complexity of NYC - the "Capital of the World" as he would often say. Studied biology at City College and a proud longtime employee of American Airlines having worked his way up from the La Guardia Airport terminal to the company’s executive offices at the Chrysler Building in Manhattan.
A true original to his core, naturally charismatic, and never shy, he lived life on his own terms. Loved beach walks, tennis with pals at the Westport Tennis Club and Longshore, workouts and saunas at the Westport YMCA, reading, train travel to San Francisco, and above all else his grandchildren.
At peace and resting with his beloved bride Maureen (née Hurley) of 55 years (Sept 22, 1931 to Nov 18, 2011) at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Survived by his brother Eugene Melino, and his children Stephen Melino (Margie), Frances Zahler (Gary), Barbara Deecken (George), and James Melino (Ilana), his grandchildren Alexsis Adams, Christina Deecken, Cody Zahler, Christian Zahler, Avery Chung-Melino, Rachel Melino, Emily Zahler, and Katey Melino, great grandson Isaiah, and beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption Cemetery in the coming weeks at a date and time to be determined by the family.
Christine Carusone, 73; Norwalk Hospital ICU Nurse
Christine M. Carusone: December 11, 1947 - May 24, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that on May 24, 2021, Christine Marie Carusone (Chris, Aunt Chris) was called back to the house of our lord and savior. Chris was born on December 11, 1947 to Constantine and Sophie Carusone in Norwalk, CT and lived at 2 Mills St., Westport, CT until her passing.
She was preceded by her brothers Robert Anthony Carusone and Peter Gary Carusone. Chris spent her entire life in the service of the community as an ICU nurse with Norwalk Hospital, where she received numerous letters of appreciation and a life saving accommodation from the mayor of Milford for her tireless efforts in saving the lives of two Milford police detectives. She retired from her position in May of 2017.
Chris loved traveling and spending quiet time at her house in Vermont. Chris cherished her family above everything else, never failing to reach out to them in their time of need. Christine is survived by her loving sisters-in-law Donna Carusone and Suzanne Taylor, her nieces Lindsay Carusone and Amy Tracy, her nephews Brian Carusone, James Carusone, Robert Tracy, Robert Carusone, great-nephews Dominic Carusone and Liam Carlson, and great-niece Althea Carlson along with countless friends.
Visitation will be held at The Harding Funeral Home located at 210 Post Rd. East on Thursday, May 27th (today) between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Services will be held at St. Luke's Church located at 49 Turkey Hill North on Friday, May 28, 2021 starting at 11 a.m. followed by the interment which will be held at Assumption Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to Outward Bound, and Malta house of Norwalk.
Joseph Banyard Jr., 94 - Veteran, Westporter, Norwalk High Class of 1944
Obituary from Harding Funeral Home
Joseph Banyard, Jr., 94, of Westport, CT passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Joe was born at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, CT on June 8, 1926 to Joseph and Anna Banyard. He grew up attending local schools and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1944.
After graduation Joe enlisted in The Army Air Corp. He was being trained as an airplane and engine mechanic and was in a program to become a flight engineer. The war ended, as did the program. He completed his service in Italy as a guard in The Army of Occupation.
After his service he attended The University of Bridgeport, graduating in 1951 with a BS degree in accounting. He worked in public accounting at firms in the Norwalk/Bridgeport area for 12 years until passing the examination to become a CPA. He took a job with Navy Audit which was later reorganized as the Defense Contract Audit Agency. He was now a federal employee and soon later became a Cost Analyst for the federal government which he did for 23 years. He spent a large portion of his career working at Sikorsky. He retired on September 20, 1986.
Joe was married to Elenore DePalmer on September 12, 1953. They later divorced but remained close friends throughout his entire life. Elenore still lives in the house they built together while they were married. Joe is also survived by a sister, Ann Marie Newbauer (Henry) of Waterbury, CT, a nephew Thomas Newbauer of Danbury, CT and 4 nieces, Janet Peatt (Woodrow, Sr) of Ridgefield, CT, Lee Berryhill and Leslie and Joanne Aiken as well as his great nephew Captain Woodrow J. Peatt, Jr., USAF, stationed in GA. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Norma Aiken (Frank) and nephew Michael Aiken.
Joe will be remembered by his niece as a great listener, story teller and poetry reciter by memory. He was a member of St. Luke’s Parish in Westport, CT for 30 years, a devoted Roman Catholic who often attended mass daily. During his lifetime he was an avid MG mechanic and learned how to repair them and keep them running. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and reading about history.
Friends are invited to attend a funeral on Thursday May 27, 2021 at 2:00 PM meeting directly at St. Luke Church 49 Turkey Hill Road North, Westport, CT. The Harding Funeral Home in Westport CT is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com