Ronald Robert Schlack, 77, Died; Westport Downshifters Member, US Air Force Veteran
Ronald Robert Schlack, 77 a resident of Norwalk, C.T. and formerly of Westport, CT died February 23, 2022.
Born on September 22, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harold and Lillian Schlack.
He lived in Westport for both his and his sons' childhoods before moving to Norwalk, C.T., where he and his beloved wife Joanna resided.
After attending Staples High School in Westport, C.T. he joined the U.S. Air Force. He then worked as an Electrician for nearly 40 years and served as a teacher for incoming apprentices for many years.
His hobbies included skiing and snowmobiling in his younger years, woodworking, glass working and antique automobile restoration during retirement. He was a member of the Norwalk Woodcraft Club and Downshifters of Westport.
He and his wife Joanna enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing golf, traveling in Europe as well as spending time in the Florida Keys
He was predeceased by his son Kevin Schlack as well as his brother Allen Schlack. He is survived by his wife Joanna of Norwalk, C.T., his son David, his wife Beth and his grandson Jake of Wilton, C.T. His stepson Damian Elias, his wife Megan and his granddaughter Mairead of Norwalk, C.T.
Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice
Elizabeth Izzo Petretta, 85, Died; “she had a gift of growing a beautiful flower from a tiny weed”
Elizabeth Izzo Petretta, a lifelong resident of Westport, CT passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2022 at the age of 85.
She was born on December 20, 1936 in Caserta, Italy to Luigi and Maria Izzo. In the 1950's, she moved with her family to Westport, CT where she later married her beloved husband, Rocco Petretta.
With Elizabeth's support, Rocco's Restaurant was established in 1975 in Westport where she worked for many years. She also enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, sewing, and crocheting. She especially loved spending time in her garden as she had a gift of growing a beautiful flower from a tiny weed. She loved to take care of others and always with a smile. Her faith was extremely important as she was a lifelong parishioner and volunteer at Assumption Church. She was her happiest when she was with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Rocco and her daughters, Emily (Vinny) Engongoro and Michelle Hankey and her grandchildren, Christopher Engongoro, Chloe and Olivia Hankey, her six siblings: Angelina (Joseph) Carusone, Verona, Italy; Josephine Bertoldo, Meriden, CT; Antonia Prentice, Monroe, CT; Anthony (Margie) Izzo, Tar Heel, NC; Jospeh Izzo, Westport, CT; Ann Izzo, Westport, CT and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com
Judy Brown Stroup, 78, Died; Former Westporter, World Traveler
Judy Brown Stroup passed away in Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Judy was born on March 4, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama to Doris Bailey Brown and Captain James Couch Brown while they were stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base. Judy attended Decatur City Schools and graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1961. While in high school, Judy was selected to the J.P. Allen Teen Board, which ignited her passion for sophisticated fashion. Following high school, Judy attended the University of Georgia where she was a member of the Tri Delta sorority and the Angel Flight Drill Squad.
After leaving the University of Georgia, Judy began working for Western Electric and then McCann Erickson. Following her time with McCann Erickson, she worked for Alitalia Airlines and organized numerous international trips for her fellow Atlantans. Her time at Alitalia is what sparked her love of travel. In 1966, Judy married Wesley Stroup, her high school sweetheart, and throughout their life together, they made numerous trips to all corners of the globe. Whether they were entertaining clients at Super Bowls and other sporting events or traveling with friends, they saw it all.
After the birth of their first child, Judy decided to leave the corporate world to focus on her most important role of being the best mom. In 1980, Wes' job moved the family to Pittsburgh, PA, where she formed a new circle of lifelong friends. Following several years in Pittsburgh, the family moved to Westport, CT and then to Manhattan, NY. Wes had always promised Judy that he would get her back to her beloved Atlanta, so when he retired, they moved back home in 2000.
Back in Atlanta, Judy remained active in the community as a member of the Tri Delta Sorority Alumni group, the Woman's Auxiliary of Piedmont Hospital, and the Auxiliary Volunteers at Northside Hospital. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, going to new restaurants, and spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 48 years.
Judy has left us with wonderful memories as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and warmhearted friend. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile. Surviving are her children, son James Stroup (Kathy) of Dunwoody, GA, daughter Virginia Carper (Jon) of Sandy Springs, GA, brother Dr. Samuel Brown (Linda) of Milton, GA, grandchildren James and Bailey Carper and Wesley Stroup, and loving companion Jim McLellan.
Funeral Services celebrating her life will be conducted on Tuesday, the 1st of March at two o'clock in the afternoon at H.M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs. The Rite of Committal will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Atlanta Humane Society in memory of Judy Brown Stroup.
Janis T. Folsom, 97, Died; Saugatuck, Staples Staffer, Westporter for 70 Years
Janis T Folsom, age 97, a Westport resident for 70 years, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2022.
She was predeceased by her husband, John C Folsom and a son Peter- Rufus Folsom. She is survived by her sons John C Folsom, William T Folsom, Timothy T Folsom (Laurie); her daughters Jean F Kerwin (Michael) and Susan H Folsom; Her grandchildren Matthew (Megan), John (Ashley), Peter (Sabrina), Stephen (Jessica), Dana (Johnny), Christopher (Jackie), Maggie (Luke) and Kearstyn; her sisters Judy T Warren and Jacqueline T Wogan; her brother William H Thaxter; her five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long term caregiver Venetia Johnson.
Janis was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing, playing tennis, and picnics at Compo Beach. She was a member of the Westport Garden Club, Westport Historical Society and Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Janis worked for the Westport School system, first at Saugatuck Elementary school and then at Staples High School.
A memorial service will be held on April 30, 2022 at 1:00 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church
In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.