Dr. Leonard Flom, 94, Died; Medical Pioneer, Army Medical Corps Veteran
Leonard Flom – an internationally known ophthalmologist, medical pioneer and inductee in the National Inventors Hall of Fame – died on Tuesday at Norwalk Hospital. He was 94
The son of Polish immigrants Murray and Pauline Flom of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Flom entered New York University at the age of 16 and went on to receive a medical degree from the NYU School of Medicine where he studied ophthalmology and was certified as an ophthalmic surgeon. He then became a first lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Corps and was stationed in Trieste, Italy during the Korean war conflict.
Following his service, Dr. Flom founded a private medical practice and surgical center in Fairfield, Connecticut and served the Fairfield County community for nearly 50 years. Dr. Flom, along with academic colleague Dr. Aaron Safir, conceptualized and ultimately patented their idea for an iris identification system and co-founded IriScan. Today, this biometric is considered to be one of the most accurate in the field of biometric identification. He taught and worked at a number of New York and Connecticut universities and hospitals and remained a member of the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine after retiring from practice. Dr. Flom served on the Ethics Committee of the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, was actively engaged in the activities of the Y’s Men of Westport-Weston and was a regularly featured guest speaker at Camp Invention. His passions included politics, photography, humor, and faith.
Dr. Flom is survived by his wife of 74 years Marilyn Flom, his children Cherie Quain, Jonathan Flom, Sara Goldstein and Rachel Chason, his 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, New York.
Donations in his memory may be made to:
Friends of Sheba Medical Center Tel HaShomer Guild
https://www.israelgives.org//amuta/580018885
Congregation Beth El
https://bethelfairfield.org/
Barbara Lee Soldmann Schadt, 83, Died; “a fiercely independent force”
Barbara Lee Soldmann Schadt, 83, of Vero Beach, FL, Westport, CT and New York, NY passed away peacefully at her home in Vero Beach, Florida on March 4, 2022 with her son by her side. She was a fiercely independent force who will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Barbara was predeceased by her best friend and beloved husband of 62 years, Jim Schadt. She is survived by her children, Lauren Schadt Baker (Charlie) and Andrew Schadt (Kristen), her grandchildren Charlie (Christine), AJ, Caroline and William, her sisters Pat Mollsen (Cliff), Michele Goodman, and their families, brothers-in-law Tom Schadt (Sharon Reitveld) and Jerry Schadt, and many treasured close friends.
Barbara was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. One old friend wrote “She grew up in a time when expectations for women were limited. Women might attend college, meet a nice man, have a family in their 20’s and support their husband’s career. Barbara did all of that, but she always wanted more.” She was the first in her family to attend college and was accepted to Northwestern University on an academic scholarship. Standing in a line at freshman orientation, she met Jim Schadt who would become her best friend, husband and partner in life. They dated all through college, taught swimming at the same country club during the summers, and were married just before their senior year.
Their life took their family to Cincinnati, OH, Westport, CT, Kenilworth, IL and back again to Westport and Rowayton where they lived for over 40 years. Barbara was always engaged in her community, but always felt there was more she could accomplish on her own. In Westport, she served as the President of the Young Women’s League and championed the funding and construction of the Levitt Pavilion which remains a cultural center for Fairfield County. Barbara surprised everyone but her husband when, at the age of 40, she enrolled at the University of Bridgeport Law School. In typical fashion, she excelled in the classroom and led the Law Review. Upon graduation, she joined the firm of Kelley, Drye & Warren in their real estate group. Determined to have a greater impact on her community, she became an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut focusing on environmental protection. Several years later, she was appointed as a Magistrate to the District Court of Connecticut where she served until she retired. On more than one occasion, she was known to bring a gavel to the dinner table. Barbara’s many professional and community accomplishments continue to inspire her family and friends.
Outside of her career, she was also an avid tennis player, skier, and world traveler. She traveled extensively, sharing the experiences with dear friends and family including heli-skiing over one million vertical feet, exploring Hong Kong and Vietnam with girlfriends and sleeping in a tent in the Serengeti. She maintained a wonderful group of adored friends throughout her life, keeping the same holiday traditions, book group and bridge club for over 50 years!
Barbara Soldmann Schadt was a quiet force with a pioneering drive. She set high expectations for herself and expected nothing less from others. She inspired her children, family and friends to reach higher, to think and live independently and to work hard to build a joyful, successful life. While her family and dear friends will miss her every day, she will live on forever in our hearts.
A private family ceremony took place in Vero Beach. A celebration of Barbara’s incredible life will be held this summer in Southport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Westport Young Women’s League, the James P. and Barbara Schadt Swimming Scholarship at Northwestern University or the charity of your choice.
Peter Royce Cook, 65, Died; Avid Reader, Beloved “Papa”
Peter Royce Cook, of Westport, CT and Boothbay Harbor, ME, passed away suddenly at his home in Boothbay Harbor on March 2, 2022. He was 65 years old.
Peter was born in Portland, Maine on April 6, 1956 to Judith Miller Cook and Phil Cook. He attended Boothbay Region High School where he was a star athlete and excelled in both football and basketball. He then went on to attend the University of Maine at Orono where he played football for the Black Bears. After graduation Peter embarked on an accomplished career as a group insurance executive. He worked for Unum, The Hartford, Aetna and Guardian Life.
After retiring from his illustrious insurance career, he fulfilled lifelong dreams by pursuing positions within the Boothbay community. He worked at Hodgdon Yacht Services, combining his love for the water, boats, his community and its people. His friends called him an “aquatic transportation engineer.” In addition, he proudly served on the board of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library and had been responsible for building their capital campaign for the new library addition. His love of the library began when his mother took him to get his first library card. It continued as his children chose their summer reading at the library. An avid reader all his life, he instilled that love in his children.
Peter loved nothing better than spending time with his family at their compound on Appalachee Pond. Among his greatest joys were golfing, watching his children’s athletic accomplishments, spending time on the water on his boat, Heavenly Days, and playing with his grandchildren and grandnieces. He savored and boasted about his wife’s gourmet meals and decadent desserts. He was beloved by all.
If he wasn’t on the course at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Peter was most likely enjoying a cocktail on the dock or entertaining family and friends with a cookout at Appalachee. He enjoyed spinning at JoyRide Studio, practicing yoga, reading any historical book about Winston Churchill, and of course, smoking an occasional Churchill cigar!
Some of Peter’s finer talents were a true showcase of his zest for life and his ability to make those around him feel included, loved, seen and welcomed. He would frequently burst into a Frank Sinatra song, befitting of the moment, or quote his favorite movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Peter had a very determined outlook, some might say he was competitive, but it proved to be one of his best character traits as he doggedly overcame obstacles and constructed a very fulfilling life. He also had a beautiful ability to daydream about how he would spend his latter years with his family, what projects and house renovations he would undertake and where he would travel with his wife, children, and their children. He was the proudest and most affectionate grandfather, and favorite ‘Papa’, with his boisterous laugh and fun loving nature, turning any simple moment into a memorable one.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife Jacqueline, devoted children and grandchildren - daughter Julie Hoadley, her husband Ryan and son Quinn; son Matthew Cook and his wife Carlie; son Jason Cook and his wife Kayla and son Forrest. Peter is also survived by his siblings - Cathlene Parkhurst, Michael Cook, Mary Jane Tracy and their families.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 2 PM at Green’s Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport, Connecticut.
Donations in Peter’s name can be made to Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library at bbhlibrary.org/donate/
David Hansell, 79, Died; Air Force Veteran, “what Dave loved most was making people laugh.”
David Hansell, Age 79, passed away peacefully from natural causes in his home in Westport, Connecticut on Thursday, February 10, 2022.
Born on April 9, 1942 and raised in center city Philadelphia, Dave enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from West Catholic High School. From Wyoming to the Philippines, he completed his service honorably and upon discharge entered the Philadelphia Police Department. During this time, he joined the Masonic Temple in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.
While working as a homicide detective, he met his future wife, Susanne, through mutual friends. They married on August 2nd, 1969. Dave transitioned into corporate security and worked for companies like American Express, Sun Oil, J&L Steel, and LTV Steel where he worked until his retirement. Throughout his career, Dave and Susanne moved from Philadelphia to New York and back to greater Philadelphia settling in their much-loved community of Pine Ridge in Media, where he also became involved in the Danish American Club.
The steel industry brought them to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Ohio where they lived for many years in Avon Lake and North Olmsted. In retirement, they moved to the Chicago area to be closer to grandchildren, and it was at this time Dave became active in the American Legion in Mundelein, Illinois.
Dave had many passions throughout his life. He loved a good party and even moonlighted as an emcee at a local catering venue for a time. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed biographies, history, and crime stories. He liked going to the movies and playing video games. He was an avid roller skater and competed in pairs dancing events with his partner Linda for many years.
But what Dave loved most was making people laugh. No matter where he went, he was quick to crack a joke or tell a funny story; his humor did not require punchlines.
Dave is survived by his wife Susanne of 52 years, daughter Jennifer (Christopher) Conn, son David (Nora) Hansell, and grandchildren Zachary, Hannah, Sophie and Sally. He is also survived by his brother Ray (Mary Sue) Hansell and sister-in-law Connie Hansell as well as many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Dave was a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. A special thank you to VA Hospital of West Haven, Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, and his nurse Karen for their care and support. There will be a small service for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to West Catholic Preparatory School, 4501 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19139 or the American Legion Post 867, PO Box 603, Mundelein, IL.