Often known as Aunt Mary, she touched the lives of many and always strived to help others to be true to themselves and realize their potential through positive encouragement.

In 2017, she moved to Westport to be closer to her daughter and family.

She is survived by her three children, Jack Ashton, Rae Ashton, and Mary Grace (Ashton) Gudis, in addition to her son-in-law, Mark Gudis and three grandsons, Gregory, Elliot and Graham Gudis.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart; parents, Frank and Grace Hollandsworth of Longview, Texas, and her granddaughter, Aimee Elizabeth Ashton.

Services were private, and interment will be at the Memory Park Mausoleum in Longview, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Dementia Care Program at Nuvance Health, Norwalk Hospital Foundation at 34 Maple St., Norwalk, CT 06856, or 203-852-2216.

While retired, he carved out a closing career in Westport real estate with Prudential. He was made a member of the Honors Circle Society and also became an Accredited Buyer Representative. Service before, during and after each sale became his hallmark.

He was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Television/Radio Advertising Club, the National Association of Realtors, the Connecticut Association of Realtors and the Real Estate Buyer Agent Council.

As a community minded man, he was involved in the Good Shepherd House Soup Kitchens, an ardent supporter and fundraiser for Sunshine Kids, and participated in Hospital/Home Visitations to Ailing Patients.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rose Blake Heiser, Weston and four children:  Jeanne Ann Heiser, East Norwalk, Kenneth C. Heiser (Ken) and his wife Jen, child Marshall Blake of Westport, Linda LaRusso and her husband William LaRusso, Norwalk, and Angela Rose Hare and her husband Timothy Hare, children Charley and Lucy, Shelton.

Chuck enjoyed evenings with Rose at Compo Beach watching the sunset, quality time with his grandkids often cheering them on at sporting events, and time at home tending his lawn with great pride.

He was an avid golfer, a coach to his children and grandchildren, and in his younger years a college baseball player. He was a person of quiet but strong faith, religious in his attendance at church and in his support of Notre Dame football.

Chuck made friends easily and often, always eager to express interest in the lives of others. He was loved by all who knew him, even briefly.    

He would want people to know that he cherished his faith and always strived to be a good son, husband, dad and grandpop. He would say – God bless you, love you, keep the faith and say your prayers.

Funeral services will be private to family Tuesday, July 21 at 10 a.m. at Assumption Church. Guests are welcome to attend the burial immediately following at 11:15 a.m. at Assumption Cemetery - 73 Greens Farms Road, Westport.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to:  Assumption Church.

Thomas Patrick Leyden of Westport and Westwood, Massachusetts, died July 11 from complications related to a long-term illness. He was 82.

Tom Leyden: longtime Westporteer Contributed photo

Known by many as “Big Red,” Tom leaves behind an adoring family, including his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Rita Ann (Nuss), and his children, Margaret Mary (Leyden) Holda, of South Easton, Massachusetts, Patricia Marie (Leyden) Paul, of South Grafton, Massachusetts, and Thomas Patrick Leyden, Jr. and his wife, Nicole (Pezzola), of Westwood.

Also by his four granddaughters, Megan Elizabeth Paul, Abigail Marie Paul, Dahlia Anna Leyden, and Olivia Rita Leyden. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Nuss) Finnegan, Ellen (Nuss) Illuzzi and Edna (Nuss) Leyden, and brother-in-law, Hon. Thomas Nuss and his wife, Susan Case Nuss. He was a treasured uncle, friend, neighbor, coworker and mentor to countless people who appreciated his unwavering commitment to faith, family, tradition, and fun.

Born in Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, New York on Dec. 21, 1937, Tom was the third and youngest son of Arthur Francis and Margaret (Long) Leyden. He lived with his brothers, Arthur Francis, Jr. and Lawrence Gerard, and his sister, Margaret Mary, in Rockville Centre before moving to Summit, New Jersey in 1942.

Orlando Nicola Romeo of Westport,  husband of the late Domenica Galimi Romeo, died July 11. He was 87.

Orlando Romeo: barber Contributed photo

He was was born in Reggio, Calabria, Italy on Sept. 25, 1932, and was the son of the late Carlo and Maria (Veracalli) Romeo. 

Orlando immigrated to America at the age of 16, where he became a master barber for over 65 years and was the proud owner of Romeo’s Barber Shop of Westport/ Norwalk.

He enjoyed going to work each day and interacting with his customers, who were more like family to him.

Michael “Mike” Donnelly of Seymour, Missouri, a former Westport resident, died June 8 during open-heart surgery. He was 75.

Mike Donnelly: 1963 Staples grad Contributed photo

He was born Dec. 22, 1944, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to Harry “Irish” and Lucia Donnelly (she was a former editor of the Westport Town Crier). He grew up in Westport, where he graduated from Staples High School in 1963.

Mike lived an extremely varied and interesting life full of learning, hard work and adventures.

A star high school and college athlete, college graduate, trade- school graduate, parent, motorcycle enthusiast, miner, logger, survivalist and farmer, diesel truck mechanic, youth specialist, outdoor and animal lover, family therapist, countless other descriptors and a great friend to many, he was a true “Renaissance man.”