Richard Hannes PhD, 80, Died; Former Westporter, “an intelligent, playful, warm soul that loved his family”
Obituary:
It is with a heavy heart that I write about the passing of my father, Richard Hannes, an intelligent, playful, warm soul that loved his family, enjoyed the company of his friends, appreciated a spirited debate and dazzled academically.
A self-proclaimed royal smart person, he was an actual rocket scientist, holding a PhD in mathematics from the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University, a master's degree in computer science and a master's degree in physics.
Rich began his professional career as a professor at the University of Hartford in the 1970's before contributing his intelligence working on multiple foundational projects that fostered our nations national defense in the 1980's and 1990's as a civilian computer scientist at United Technologies Norden Systems and later on at Sikorsky Aircraft before concluding his career at Verizon Wireless.
His brilliant brain never ceased to dazzle his peers and colleagues. To see him in action was to realize that he had an intellectual super power. He could skim a new computer programming book over a weekend, re-read it over a week's time and apply the subject as if he were well seasoned in the subject that he had just picked up. As an adult I witnessed with wonder my father in action as I could never master the subjects that he could pick up in a week and apply immediately.
As down to Earth as one comes, he rarely went by Dr. He was Rich and he was dad. In his youth he felt at home on a basketball court, mastering a hook shot and shooting with both hands. He has a love for HIS Knicks of 1969 and 1973 and that glory of the past seeded a belief that each new season would be a turnaround season (not so much the Jets). At home at Yankee Stadium old and new, he was readily recognizable wearing his number 7 aging into the mantle of the senior bomber at the stadium playing witness to some of the great games of the turn of the century dynasty Yankees with his son, David.
Richard loved reading, with an affinity for science fiction novels, a fondness that he passed on to his daughter, Sheri. He was a fan of the original Star Trek from the time of its debut and enjoyed a good sci-fi adventure. He was a movie enthusiast with an appreciation for new technologies that matched his interest. With every new generation of large screen TV he wanted one and would come to own one.
Rich was cultured; he enjoyed dining out with his wife, Janie, of 52 years, and appreciated music from the Beetles to the Doors to folk musicians the 1960's that epitomized his young adulthood. He enjoyed live concerts of the Levitt Pavilion with Janie and Barry, his friend of decades, and would frequent the summer plays performed at the Playhouse in Westport Connecticut, where his resided from 1979 until 2018. It was here where he raised their two children, Sheri Hannes Norton and David Hannes to adulthood.
A family man at his core he welcomed back his family both immediate and extended hosting Passover and Thanksgiving reunions annually for 40 years. His favorite days were those the house was full again with the return of his family; Sheri and her husband Tad Norton, grandchildren Erin and Jessie and later on David with his wife Shawn Whitney, grandchildren, Jacob and Jenny.
Rich's story would not be complete if one were not to mentioned that he struggled with his health in his later years, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the outset of the millennium, it would be a shadow that followed him for the duration of his later life. He fought the disease with a brave front, toured the world with his wife while he had the physical capacity to travel. Even as the disease continued to stake claim to his body, his heart continued to evolve into the soft warm soul we would come to know him for. He loved his family, appreciated his friends and spoke his mind right up until the end.
One of the smartest people I have ever met, Richard Hannes, you've been my father, my friend and my go-to life advisor at every phase of my life. You were the first one I thought to consult with whenever I had a problem in life regardless what the issue may have been. You almost always had the answer. I'll always be grateful for having you in my life as a father. It's as if you were hand selected for me. You were my rock. I love you dad. I'll miss you forever. Your recent suffering has come to an end, may you rest in peace.
George Franciscovich, 67, Died; Past RTM Representative, CERT Volunteer, Justice of the Peace
George Franciscovich, 67, passed away at home in Westport, CT, April 17, 2022. Devoted to the love of his life, wife Linda of 33 years, and to his entire family, he was the eldest son of Lynda Bostrom (Donald) and the late George Franciscovich; brother of Robert (Cheryl Linscott), James (Pamela), William (Diane), Gina Seward, John (Barbara), and Daniel (Jillian); brother-in law to Elisabeth Saxe; and uncle to many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Born in Astoria, NY, George was a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University (BS), Albany Law School (JD), and New York University (LLM). A media and commercial attorney, George's career spanned television, radio, digital media, data and technology law. Most recently he was Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Sqad, LLC, New York, NY, and a passionate adjunct faculty instructor of Media Law at Newhouse. Dedicated to the Westport community, he served as a Justice of the Peace and CERT volunteer, and was a past member of the RTM, and Charter Revision Commission.
Traveling frequently to remain close to friends overseas, he and Linda also opened their Westport home as a welcoming gathering place. An avid classic car enthusiast, George was a longtime member of the Austin Healey Club, and a graduate of the Skip Barber Racing School. A gifted photographer, he captured the beauty of nature and architecture through his lens.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in George's memory to The George Franciscovich Scholarship Fund at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Gifts may be made to Syracuse University designated to The George Franciscovich Scholarship Fund, and sent to Syracuse University, 640 Skytop Road, 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13244, or contact Ed Gorham, ejgorham@syr.edu, (315)-443-4926.
Saul Pollack, 85, Died; Former Staples Wrestling, Football Coach, PE Teacher
Saul Pollack, age 85, of Wilton, CT, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT. Saul was born in Bridgeport, CT and was the only son of Harry and Betty Pollack. Saul grew up in Fairfield and attended High School at Roger Ludlowe. He spent his summers at the Fairfield beaches working as a lifeguard and teaching swimming. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Springfield College in 1960 and a Master's Degree from the University of Bridgeport in 1961.
After completing his education, Saul moved to Westport, CT where he taught Physical Education while joining the Army Reserves at that time as well.
During the 1960's and 70's Saul was the head coach of the Staples High School wrestling team, building a program that won several Fairfield County and State of Connecticut championships. He was also an assistant coach for the Staples football team.
While teaching in the Westport School system, Saul met first grade teacher, Anne Gardner who he married in 1965. Saul and Anne moved to Wilton, CT where they had three children: Scott, Kira and David.
In 1978, Saul left teaching and took over his father's package store, Harry's Wine and Liquor, originally opened in 1941. He spent the next 33 years expanding the business that his father had created. It was and remains a vital part of the fabric of the Fairfield community. Saul retired in 2011. In retirement, Saul enjoyed playing golf, vacationing on Cape Cod and Sanibel Island, and visiting with his children and grandchildren.
Saul is survived by his wife, Anne of Wilton, CT, his sons, Scott (Millie) Pollack of Fairfield, CT, David (Alex) Pollack of Fishers Island, NY, his daughter Kira (Douglas) Friedman of New York, NY and his grandchildren; Mia, Anthony, Arlo, and Izzy Pollack, and Edie Friedman.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield. Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice, https://regionalhospicect.org/ or to The Wilton Singers, https://www.wiltonsingers.org/.
Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa Roberts, 88, Died; Former Westporter, Beloved Oma
ROBERTS, Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa (nee von TAKATS) December 9, 1933 – April 24, 2022
Born December 9, 1933, Batavia, Indonesia, to parents, Bertalan Jorsef Erno von Takats and Juliana Maria Regina Takats (nee van der Vlies). Elizabeth or Boske, to her friends, began her life in Indonesia where she and her older sister, Phineke, played and attended school.
Her carefree childhood was interrupted by WWII and after spending 3 years in a Japanese Concentration Camp, the von Takats family moved back to the Netherlands where Elizabeth attended a trade school to become a seamstress. In 1953, Elizabeth moved to Ottawa and lived at Carleton University with close friends.
Upon graduating, Elizabeth became a teacher while moonlighting as a seamstress for the diplomats and dignitaries in our nation's capital. Her curious spirit brought her to Toronto where she met and ultimately married John GM Roberts. The newlyweds' journey brought them to New York City where on February 13, 1963, Elizabeth gave birth to Margaret Sophia Roberts. Life in the "Big Apple" transitioned to a Transatlantic return to the Netherlands and it was here that Frederick John Roberts was born on July 9, 1966. Elizabeth's energy was focused on family, and after a few years in Holland, the Roberts family moved to a small house in Westport, Connecticut. Eventually, they moved to Canada, where the Roberts family rented a house in Newmarket before finally purchasing their home in Stouffville.
The house was small, but the yard was not, and Elizabeth used her green thumb to transform the yard into a beautiful garden. Her other passion was for her grandchildren. Being an Oma was a badge of honour, and she would always find time to transform into a Spice Girl or a Jedi knight for her grandchildren.
Like her garden, Heather Elizabeth Drudge, Emma Juliana Drudge, Cameron Duncan Roberts, and Luke Alexander Roberts all grew from Oma's love. Her care, attention and nurturing were unlimited. As the years progressed, Elizabeth continued working in her garden and occasionally volunteered at various events around Stouffville. Elizabeth Wilhelmina Louisa Roberts (nee von Takats) died surrounded by her family on April 24, 2022. She is survived by her husband, John GM Roberts; Margaret Drudge, Heather Drudge, Emma Drudge, Fred Roberts, Christine Roberts, Cameron Roberts, and Luke Roberts.