A private mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport. The Mass will be available for viewing by live-stream by visiting (http://www.AssumptionWestport.org).
Charles J. Kashetta, Sr., 95
He is survived by his sons Charles, Jr., Michael, Thomas (Sarah), and daughter-in-law Deirdre. He was predeceased by his son William. Grandchildren David, Daniel, Madison, Matthew, Olivia, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at a later date at the South Florida National Cemetery.
Donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans dav.org or the Westport VFW Post 399.
Judith Robbins, 75
At Judy’s request all services will be privately held. Memorial contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405
Diane W. Cussimano, 75
Diane’s ashes were scattered by airplane over the Long Island Sound on July 18.
A special thank you and deep appreciation to Tina, caregiver at Griswold Home Care, whose kind and attentive care over the years was quite remarkable.
Contributions in memory of Diane may be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
Brian L. Thomas, 74
Brian loved fishing and sailing so much that he built his own sail for his catamaran. He was extremely handy around the house having built a dormer and extra bathroom on his Little Falls residence.
Brian also coached baseball and soccer for his children and belonged to a softball team run by the Jaycees in the 1970s. He also supported his youngest son in his love of hockey.
Private services were held at Brian’s request.
Contributions to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (http://www.stjude.org) or the Humane Society (http://www.humanesociety.org) would be appreciated. Visit http://www.bizubparker.com to sign the guest book.
Connie L. Miller, 75
She was a much loved field hockey, basketball and softball coach, and through her career she touched and influenced many young people and was a positive force to all who were lucky enough to know her.
Connie was the genesis for the Junior High School intramural sports program in Westport which continues to this day.
After teaching for 37 years with continued dedication and passion, she retired to spend more time on the golf course and on the Vermont ski slopes at her cabin in Wilmington, Vermont.
In the spring and summer, she worked at The Orchard Golf Course in Milford where she did everything but cut the grass.
As a deeply caring woman, Connie volunteered her time at the Milford Hospital Auxiliary, Milford Campus as well as the Walk-In Center. She was co-president of the Auxiliary Volunteers from 2012-2014, and president from 2018-2020.
She was instrumental in creating the Therapy Dog Program at Milford Hospital when she was president. Connie received numerous awards for her outstanding service and dedication at the Milford Hospital Auxiliary.
Connie’s love of animals and commitment to animal rights, was a constant in her life. She loved her dogs, and they went everywhere with her. She touched the lives of her students, her colleagues, and her many friends and family with a beautiful smile and a generous heart.
Connie was predeceased by her parents Doris and Wilbur “Bill” Miller. She is survived by her sister, Lynn Miller of Dunedin, Florida.
Due to the current health conditions and restrictions of COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510, https://www.peta.org ; or The Humane Society of the United States, 1255 23rd Street NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20037, https://www.humanesociety.org/animals.
Terence W. Coen, 73
During the 20 years working with Warner Brothers and Epic Records, he had an active role in the success of recordings by varied artists, including George Benson, Pat Metheny, Fleetwood Mac, Foghat, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, Dire Straits, Van Halen, U2, ZZ Top, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Jackson, Spin Doctors, Cheap Trick, Cyndi Lauper, Sade, Queen, Foreigner, Mountain, REO Speedwagon, Alice Cooper, Luther Vandross, Living Colour, Gloria Estefan, The Radiators, The Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
In 1992, he moved into the jazz arena with Palmetto Records, where he helped build and develop a deep artist roster, including Dr. Lonnie Smith, Andrew Hill, Will Bernard, Bobby Watson, Fred Hersch, Frank Kimbrough, Larry Goldings, Chico Hamilton, Ben Allison, Matt Wilson, Javon Jackson and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
He then created Soundview Jazz Promotion, established himself as an independent promoter and continued to work with Jazz labels and individual recording artists.
A modern-day renaissance man, Terence was a prolific artist, songwriter, and photographer, with many of his works being displayed at galleries over the years.
His warm, relaxed personality, and encyclopedic knowledge enabled him to easily connect and build an immediate rapport with musicians across all genres. He was a trusted mentor to both established and aspiring artists who regularly sought guidance on their latest recordings and career direction.
Terence’s home was a frequent haven for decades of music luminaries and provided a welcoming space that nurtured their creative spirits. With a knack for forging relationships at all levels of the industry, he was generally regarded as one of the most gracious and approachable people in his field.
Terence received numerous national awards and honors during his near half century in the music business and left an indelible mark through his efforts.
He was an avid record collector, vintage auto enthusiast, multi-instrumentalist, and loyal Yankee baseball fan. Also a devoted husband and loving father, he cherished holidays and any occasion for gatherings with family and friends.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Gail Cunningham; son Trevor (Julie); son Davis (Julia); granddaughter Lily Claire; sisters-in-law Sheila C. Perry (Bob) and M. Blithe Dotson (Fred); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Elynore Stinson Coen. father Robert Joseph Coen, and brother Robert Joseph Coen, Jr.
Burial was private. Donations may be made in his memory to Jazz Foundation of America (http://www.jazzfoundation.org), 247 W 37th Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10018, or The Blues Foundation (http://www.blues.org), 421 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103.
A Celebration of Life will be set at a later date, when it is safe for all to gather.
Charles A. Durakis, 90
Charlie found consistent professional success at companies like General Electric, Famous Artist Schools, and Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics. In 1974 Charlie found his true calling as a founder of Richard’s Consultants, an executive search firm that flourished under his leadership and is still in existence today and run by his son Chuck.
As accomplished as he was professionally, there is no doubt that family was his ultimate focus. At the height of his corporate success he left Manhattan and the long commute from Westport to open a smaller office closer to home.
All four children remember their dad cheering them energetically from the sidelines. His life was organized around his family and nothing made him happier than watching his children and eventually grandchildren compete in the sports they loved.
.As the family grew, getting together became more challenging but not impossible. Family trips and holidays were a yearly highlight for all.
Charlie loved to golf and was an avid golfer well into his 80s — and even “shot his age” by firing an 85 at the ripe age of 86. He spent many happy hours playing cards and cribbage with his grandchildren and was a patient teacher and a gracious competitor in victory or defeat.
Charlie lived his life with a “glass-half-full” perspective. He was a supportive, caring, loving, and a generous husband and parent. He valued education and hard work. He listened thoughtfully and his advice was appreciated. All of these qualities he passed along to his children and grandchildren. Thank you, Charlie (Dad / Papa).
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences available at: http://www.fullernaples.com
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Avow Foundation, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.
Robert McCurdy, 68
Bob was then drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, but an Achilles tendon injury caused him to give up his basketball dreams in favor of a career in radio.
Bob would go on to have a profound impact on the world of radio during his 44 years in the industry.
Displaying the same trademark tenacity and work ethic that had served him well on the basketball court, Bob pioneered a data-driven approach to radio sales. He quickly rose through the ranks of his profession, eventually becoming the president of the Katz Radio Group in 1990.
In recent years, Bob returned to his roots in local radio taking on a leadership position with Beasley Broadcasting. He loved to teach and impact others, and the role with Beasley gave him a great platform from which to do so.
Bob recently completed a book about leadership, culture, and sales. In it he writes, “It has often been said that one can never tell where a teacher’s influence ends. The same is true with leaders. As leaders, we are teachers and as with teachers you can never tell where an effective leader’s influence ends. That makes for an amazing legacy.”
And for all the great legacies Bob left behind in basketball and radio, those who knew him best knew him as a family man. A born conversationalist, Bob was never more comfortable than in the role of Pop Pop, playfully bantering with his young grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his four children, Meagan, Michael, Ashley (Jerry), and Sean (Toni); grandchildren, Cami, Taylor, Tristan, Olivia, Scarlett, Andrew and Dylan; his three stepchildren, Margaret, Charles, and Will Emerson; his two brothers, Steven McCurdy and James (Lorraine) McCurdy; and many friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Maureen McCurdy.
The legendary Vin Scully once quoted Shakespeare in describing the passing of Bob’s mentor Coach John Wooden. And the same might be said of Bob McCurdy:
His life was gentle
And the elements so mixed in him
That Nature might stand up and say to all the world:
“This was a man.”
A walk through visitation will take place on Monday, Aug. 3 from 3-7 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield. Visitors are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. A maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the building at a time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held privately for the immediate family on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at Assumption Church. Friends may Livestream the service by going to https://www.assumptionwestport.org.
Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Full Court Peace, 83 Washington St. Unit 2K, Norwalk, CT 06854 or https://www.fullcourtpeace.org. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit http://www.shaughnesseybanks.com
Frances Hennessey, 99
She is survived by her daughter Patti Bonadies Davis, son Anthony Bonadies, three grandsons, Sean Davis, Anthony Bonadies, Allen Bonadies and a great-granddaughter Isabella Rose Bonadies.
A Celebration of Life will be set for a later date, when it is safe for all to gather. To extend a personal message to her family and learn more about the Celebration of Life, please visit http://www.nutmegcremation.com
In lieu of flowers, donate to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.