Ronald A. Caruso Died; “the most intelligent, kind, interesting and warm friend one could have.”

Ronald A. Caruso, son of Rocco and Josephine Palermo Caruso, and a long-time resident of Weston, died on August 5, 2022 at Meadow Ridge in Redding following a long illness.

Upon learning the news, a friend wrote to the family, “Life’s greatest moments are achieved with a special friend. Ron was that friend to me. He was the most intelligent, kind, interesting and warm friend one could have.” 

Born in 1937, Ron grew up in Greenwich, where his family operated a successful iron working business and at which he worked as a boy.

After graduation from the College of the Holy Cross, he tried his hand at a variety of careers. With his good looks and engaging manner, he was always a top performer. In time, he found his niche and decided to become a teacher. He was initially employed by the Dover Delaware School System, lured away by the Weston School System, and ended his long teaching career at the Heathcote Elementary School in Scarsdale, NY. He had a creative, somewhat unconventional approach to education, which made him popular with both his students and parents alike. He was respected, even revered, by his peers. One of his former, fourth grade students recently wrote to him, “Mr. Caruso, you were the most influential and important instructor I ever had. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

During his summers and after retirement, Ron traveled extensively throughout the United States, Latin America, Russia, and Europe. Wherever he went, he would venture out on his own to meet and make friends with local people and enjoy unusual and authentic experiences. 

Intrigued with far eastern culture, Ron studied Tai Chi in New York. He made lasting friendships with a diverse array of Tai Chi “brothers” and became so skilled himself that he was considered a master. Pupils would travel from far and wide to attend the Tai Chi classes he taught in the loft of his barn in Weston.

Ron was an avid bridge player, an enthusiastic golfer, and a lifelong learner with a book always at his side. His many accomplished students and extensive list of friends are his lasting legacy.  All who knew him were charmed by his wit, intelligence, and generosity of spirit and they will miss him dearly. 

Ron was pre-deceased by his older brother Frank Caruso and his younger brother Don Caruso.

There will be an informal celebration of his Ron’s life later in the Fall. 

Those willing to perpetuate and honor Ron’s commitment to education may donate monies to the Mercy Learning Center 637 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Thomas Buchanan Hood Jr., 65, Died; Longtime Westporter, Public Servant, Artist, Sailor

Thomas Buchanan Hood Jr., 65, a longtime resident of Westport, CT died on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City.  Thomas was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Buchanan Hood and Janice (Dowdy) Hood. 

Thomas received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (“NJIT”). He later received an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and a Masters of Architecture from NJIT. Thomas had 40+ years of experience in the design, planning & construction of buildings, software engineering, advanced product development, marketing, and consulting. 

Thomas enjoyed being involved in his community. He served two terms as a member of the Westport Flood and Erosion Control Board, and was appointed to the Westport Zoning Board of Appeals in 2018. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston for more than 30 years; he served as a trustee for the church and sang in the church choir.

Thomas’s favorite activities were spending time with his family, painting, cooking, and being near the water. He was an avid sailor and member of both the Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT and the Mantoloking Yacht Club in Mantoloking, NJ.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mary Jane (Pascale) Hood, and their children, Elizabeth (James Ifert) of Philadelphia, PA, Thomas and Meredith, both of Brooklyn, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Hood Benz (Charles) of Mantoloking, NJ, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 6 from 4 - 8 PM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT. A memorial service in his honor will be held on Friday, October 7 at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 49 Weston Rd, Westport, CT.

Memorial contributions can be made to The American Diabetes Association.

Michael Stashower, 96, Died; Former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Community Band Clarinetist

Michael Stashower was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1926 to Joseph and Ty Stashower. He attended Hobart College as part of the US Navy's V-12 Officer Training program and received his BA degree and MBA from Cornell University.

After retiring from a long and successful career in corporate finance, he continued to use his financial expertise as an overseas volunteer with the International Executive Service Corps, and to help with the NYC2012 Olympic bid.

A resident of Westport for over 50 years, he was actively involved in his community, and was twice elected to the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a past president of the UJA/Federation of Westport-Wilton-Norwalk, Treasurer of Temple Israel, and served on the board of directors of the Council of Jewish Federations and the Jewish Home for the Elderly. He loved sailing, tennis, and playing clarinet with the Westport Community Band.

He is survived by Gloria, his loving wife of nearly 72 years, his children Susan (Paul Milbauer), Debby Missal (Michael) and Jon (Allison) and his grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Temple Israel of Westport.

Mark A. Blake, 61, Died; Westport EMS Crew Chief, Weston Firefighter

Mark A. Blake, age 61, of Stratford, Connecticut, died Tuesday, September 20, 2022, after a valiant battle with COVID-19. Mark, a beloved and loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend, passed peacefully with his family by his side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 27, 1961, Mark is survived by his devoted wife Eileen, and his two children, Ryan (16) and Liam (13), of whom he was incredibly proud. Mark leaves to cherish his memory: his mother Mary Blake; brother Terry Blake and his wife Tracy Dayton, and their children Jillian and Jackson; and his in-laws Mike and Alexine Henzy, Tim (Kerry), Bill (Wendy), and Catherine (Ryan Eastwood), and their children, his dear nieces and nephews. Mark also had numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly, some of whom were there to greet him when he passed.

Mark was a selfless volunteer for his community. He was honored to be a Life Member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) and the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). He served the WVFD as Vice-President and as a Lieutenant. He was also Chairman of the WVFD Benevolent Committee, the Public Relations Committee, and the Explorer Post, amongst others. During his tenure, Mark established the Child Passenger Safety Program in Weston and the Fairfield County Chapter of Safe Kids. He was a Child Passenger Safety Instructor and one of his greatest joys was working with parents and families to teach them how to safely transport their children. Mark received numerous awards, including Firefighter of the Year, the President and Chief Award, and was recognized for Outstanding Service at the Blue Mass by the Diocese of Bridgeport and the Knights of Columbus. Mark also was a Board Member and President of the Southwest EMS Council and the Vice-President of the Southwest Regional Communications Center.

In addition to his volunteer work, Mark was an EMS Supervisor on the Westport Emergency Medical Service, where, after first serving as a volunteer, he was employed for more than 30 years. While Mark was a decorated member of EMS, his greatest sense of accomplishment was doing what he loved to do – assisting others when they needed it the most.

Mark was a mentor to members of his Fire and EMS families. Mark’s family and friends have found comfort in the incredible stories and tributes shared by so many individuals who Mark aided and inspired over the years.

Mark was very proud of his work during the L’Ambiance Plaza building collapse in 1987, and his involvement with the Red Cross, supporting its response to the 9/11 attacks. Mark instilled his love of, and dedication to, community service in so many others, most significantly his brother and sons who so proudly carry on his legacy.

Mark was a wicked Boston sports fan. Going to the Boston championship Duck Boat parades and Red Sox games at Fenway with his brother and with his sons were among his most cherished memories. A member of the Norwalk Police Emerald Society, Mark took every opportunity to celebrate and share his Irish heritage.

Mark and his family would like to express their gratitude to his angels at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Gaylord Healthcare, who so genuinely cared for him from their heart, helping him to find the silver lining during his battle, and making this journey more bearable. Those individuals know exactly who they are because he was sure to express his appreciation no matter what the circumstances.

Visitation will be at the Harding Funeral Home in Westport, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022.

A Mass will be held at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, where his family has established the Mark A. Blake scholarship to be awarded to a student interested in pursuing a career as a first responder. Donations in Mark’s memory may also be made to the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. The Mass of Christian Burial will livestream on the following platforms:

• St. Matthew Website: http://stmatthewnorwalk.org/

• St. Matthew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMatthewNorwalk/