Nancy T. Sennett Park, 99, Died; Former Westport Public Schools and Famous Artists School Secretary
Nancy T. Sennett Park, 99, of Oak Harbor, Vero Beach, and a long-time resident of Westport, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2022, just a few months before her 100th birthday. Mrs. Park was born June 10, 1922, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She graduated from Bates College with a BA in English. Mrs. Park taught high school English and shorthand/typing in Massachusetts and in Connecticut.
Before moving to Westport, Mrs. Park was the administrative assistant to the Director of Rockefeller Center in New York. In Westport, Mrs. Park was the administrative assistant to Victor Keppler, President of Famous Artists Schools in Westport. She later served as the secretary to the Westport Superintendent of Schools.
Mrs. Park moved to Vero Beach, Florida, in 1977 where she taught at St. Edwards School. She was President of the American Association of University Women in Vero from 1985-1987. She was also chair of AAUW's book/author fundraising for many years. Mrs. Park served as Secretary of the Community Church of Vero Beach, where she was a choir member for 22 years. She loved music, and she performed in a Sweet Adelines Quartet for two decades.
Mrs. Park is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Sennett White (Robin), of Vero Beach, Margaret Sennett Hebert (Tom) of Mansfield, Connecticut, grandson Zachary Hebert (Kyungmi), great grandsons Myles Hebert and Max Hebert, all of Farmington. CT., her sister, Marjorie Terry of Essex, CT and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Eugene William Sennett of Westport, CT, her husband, Carl Groth, of Westport, CT and her husband, Benjamin A. Park of Vero Beach.
James Murray Bates, 97, Died; Former Westporter, WWII Navy Veteran
John Murray Bates, age 97, entered into eternal rest on March 18, 2022.
John was born in Caledonia, Minnesota, on July 22, 1924, to the late John W. Bates & Florence Bates. He was educated in the Caledonia school system, graduating as Salutatorian of his high school class.
After graduation he immediately, joined the United States Navy to proudly serve his country during the height of World War II. He was assigned duty on the USS Caldwell, a Navy destroyer deployed in the Pacific Ocean. On December 12, 1944, his ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze suicide bomber, killing 33 and wounding 40 men on board. If John had been at his usual post on the ship, he would have been one of the 33 men killed.
After the war, John briefly attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, but he soon left the university when ambition and adventure lead him to pursue a long and distinguished career in corporate sales and marketing. In 1947, John met and married Delores Trehus of Spring Grove, Minnesota. John and Delores were married for 68 years until Delores' passing on March 28, 2016.
John was a believer in taking an active role in his community. Upon moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 1997, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches where he was an active member, serving also as the Club's President for multiple terms. During his 19 years as a volunteer, he initiated many programs, mentored young people, and volunteered his time to a wide variety of community endeavors.
John is survived by his two daughters, Lynette Bates, of Charleston, SC, and Joleen Bates Green, of Bridgeport, CT; his grandson, Edward Green (Sheron) of Bridgeport, CT; three grandchildren, Mahogany Green, of Bridgeport, CT, Jamaal Fields-Green of New York, NY, and Aleysia Green of Hartford, CT.
The family wishes to thank the many CNAs and med-techs at Indigo Hall Assisted Living on James Island for their love and care of John over the past 9 months. The family also sends a special thank you to the nurses, social workers and doctors at Amedisys Home Hospice of Charleston for their exceptional support and care. A private family memorial service will be held in Westport, CT, where John and Delores lived for over 25 years prior to their move to Ponte Vedra Beach. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston
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.