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Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury & Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury, CT (2026)

08/19/2026

Sandra “Sandy” Griffin, 51, of Ridgefield, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while on a family vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sandy was the loving wife of Joseph “Joe” Griffin and the devoted mother of Kian (15), Bode (13), and Reese Griffin (12).

Born on February 16, 1975, in Yonkers, New York, Sandy was the daughter of Michael and Maria (DeVitto) Mitrione. She attended and graduated from Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale, NY. Sandy received her undergraduate degree from Manhattan College in the Bronx, NY. After a successful decade-long career in fashion in New York City, she dedicated herself to raising her family and embraced her role as a full-time “Mama Bear” in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Above all else, Sandy was an extraordinary mother whose family was her heart and soul. Her fierce love and pride for her children were evident to everyone who knew her. She celebrated every achievement, big or small, and was a constant source of strength, encouragement, and support throughout their lives. Celebrating was a way of life for Sandy. Every birthday, holiday, and special occasion became an opportunity to create meaningful memories for those she loved.

Sandy also loved to dance and enjoyed live music whenever she could. Tom Petty’s “American Girl” was her favorite song, but nothing compared to the memories she and Joe shared from their first date in New York City and the many evenings that followed at the Back Fence.

Beyond her family, Sandy was a pillar of the Ridgefield community. Through her involvement with Ridgefield’s public schools, youth sports programs, and community events, she made every child feel seen, valued, and encouraged to pursue their dreams. She championed those around her, lifting spirits, supporting causes, and inspiring others through her generosity, selflessness, and joy.

For the past five years, Sandy directed the annual Veterans Park Elementary School Variety Show, completing her final production this past May. She also served on the PTA at Veterans Park Elementary School and East Ridge Middle School and volunteered with SCOR (Soccer Club of Ridgefield), RBA (Ridgefield Basketball Association), RLL (Ridgefield Little League Baseball), the Ridgefield High School Baseball Booster Club, and KOMD (Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy). She was also a valued member of Bedford Community Church and Hope Church.

When she was not cheering on her children from the sidelines of a field or court, Sandy could often be found walking along Main Street with our dog, Murray, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She appreciated life’s simple joys and lived fully in the present. While she loved Ridgefield’s small-town charm, her favorite place was always the beach, where she found peace in the ocean and its endless horizon.

Sandy treasured the many family trips and adventures they shared over the years. It is especially poignant that she passed away surrounded by family in the Grand Teton Mountains of Wyoming, following a day spent hiking and swimming in String Lake with her children.

Sandy was a devoted Christian whose faith in Jesus Christ guided her daily life. Her final words were from Joshua 1:9: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Her legacy of love, faith, laughter, and community spirit will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Michael Mitrione (2002). Sandy is survived by her husband, Joe and their children; Kian (15), Bode (13) and Reese (12). She is also survived by her mother, Maria Mitrione, her siblings Peter Mitrione and his wife, Antoinette, Lucia Gulbransen and Carlo Mitrione as well as her sisters in law, Nicol Klingenstein and her husband, Ben and Amber Dorr and her husband Matt. In addition, Sandy is survived by her nieces and nephews, Michael Mitrione, Daken Gulbransen, Sophia and Andrew Klingenstein, Caleb and Emerson Dorr, as well as her mother and father-in-law, Judy and Robert “Grif” Griffin.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, August 22 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, August 23 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral service will take place on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 11 AM at Hope Church; 240 Wolfpit Road, Wilton. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandy’s memory may be made to the Sandy Griffin Charitable Foundation Inc., 555 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, to support the children and families of her beloved Ridgefield community.

08/19/2026

Michael J. Stein, 79, of Danbury, husband of Lois E. (Sanford) Stein, died on Monday August 17, 2026.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Congregation B'nai Israel; 193 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury. Interment will follow in Children of Israel Cemetery, Danbury.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

08/19/2026

Roland Antoine Issa, age 71, of New Fairfield passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 8, 1954 in Port Said, Egypt, he was the only son and second-born child of Claire (Baroudi) and Antoine Issa. In his early childhood, the family moved back home to Beirut, Lebanon. Roland was the powerhouse of his tight-knit family: the favorite brother of his older sister Juliette, as they shared a special bond as the oldest siblings and the only ones who shared a childhood in Egypt; a confidant and protector of his younger sister, Mariana; and a partner-in-crime with his youngest sister, Giselle, who was born the day after his 11th birthday. He married the love of his life, Reine, on December 23, 1987, and, together they welcomed their pride and joy, Rollie, in August, 1990. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great uncle.

In Lebanon, Roland was a war hero and his bravery and fearlessness left an indelible mark. He spent the early parts of the Lebanese Civil War working at a bank on the wrong side of town where he risked his life to save his coworker and the banking records when the bank was torched by rebel forces. Roland smuggled his coworker to safety and protected him for 40 days until his safe return to his family could be secured. Roland was honored by the bank for risking his life to preserve all of the bank's records. During this time, he exemplified his dedication to his community by caring for the wounded and dying, transporting the injured through hostile war zones to medical treatment, and protecting his family. Roland left Lebanon in the early years of the war and moved to the United States to attend university and join his older sister and her young family.

Roland was a respected businessman in the Greater Danbury community. In the last 1980s, he opened the popular Lebanese restaurant, Roland's of Lebanon, welcoming the community with Lebanese hospitality, delicious food, and a warm environment. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond the restaurant realm to sales of emerging technologies, a well-known catering business, and relocating C-Suite and VIP executives around the world. Even though he was a hard worker, Roland knew how to relax and have a good time. His home was the gathering place for many a celebration: hosting parties for family and friends; poker and falafel "guys" nights for his brothers-in-law, and his nieces' husbands and their friends; and casual dinners where all were welcome. Attendees knew that Roland's house would be filled with joy, great stories, amazing food (especially his toum, falafel, and bastirma), and lots of laughs.

Above all, Roland's number one priority was his family who he loved fiercely. He was generous with his time, always being the first person to offer his help. He spent a year caring for his daughter-in-law in Lebanon during her pregnancy and after the birth of his first grandchild, Rona, who made him a Jiddo. He provided advice to his sisters, son, and all of his nieces on every problem life threw at them such as: helping them negotiate and purchase cars; providing a safe home to stay temporarily or long term; and teaching them all how to protect themselves. He was the first to celebrate everyone's achievements, and always made sure everyone was happy and healthy. He remained close with his cousins, and his home was always open to host them in their travels with the same love and warmth his parents taught him.

Roland leaves behind his loving wife of almost 39 years, Reine Issa; his son Rollie Issa and daughter-in-law, Lina Yassein; his three grandchildren Rona Issa, Giselle Issa, and Roland Issa; his sisters Juliette (Sami) Madkour, Mariana (Georges) Jabbour, and Giselle Issa; his mother-in-law Madeline Aghnatios; his sister-in-law Matilda Farah; his nieces Juliana (Andy) Rioux, Jeanine (Steve) Sullivan, Claire Jabbour, and Lydia Jabbour; his niece and nephew-in-law Madeline (Samir) Khouzam and Raymond Farah Jr.; his great nieces and nephews Luke Rioux, Jack Sullivan, Samantha Rioux, Sydney Sullivan, and Sloane Sullivan; and his great-niece-in-law Gaelle Khouzam. He was predeceased by his parents, Antoine and Claire Issa, his father-in-law Elias Aghnatios, and his brother-in-law Raymond Farah.

Friends and those wishing to pay their respects may call at St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church, 17 Granville Avenue, Danbury, CT on Friday, August 21, from 5 pm to 8 pm. A Mass of Maronite Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 22 at 10 am at St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a gift in Roland's honor to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury. A special thank you to Dr. Pacic and ICU staff and Cleveland Clinic, who treated Roland and his family like their own, and ICU staff at Hartford Hospital, who welcomed him and his family with open arms.

08/15/2026

Attorney Patrick James Crehan, 90, of Southbury, longtime resident of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. He was the loving husband of Diane M. (Barker) Crehan.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. A complete obituary is forthcoming.

08/15/2026

James "Jim" Andrew Laslo, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Ridgefield, Connecticut, on August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and daughter. He fought a courageous, 15-year-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jim was born on January 14, 1953, in Queens, New York, to the late Emma Anne (Ludwig) Laslo and John Andrew Laslo. He grew up in Freeport, Long Island, before moving to Ridgefield, Connecticut - a town he absolutely adored and proudly called home.

Jim possessed an incredible talent for working with his hands and could truly fix anything. Whether he was tuning up his motorcycle, maintaining their home, or troubleshooting a problem, he always figured it out. He loved the great outdoors, finding true freedom while riding his motorcycle and immense joy in taking nature walks to explore trails with his family.

Though Parkinson’s disease restricted his physical abilities over the last 15 years and kept him from these active passions, Jim adapted with quiet resilience. He transitioned beautifully into life as a homebody, finding his ultimate peace and happiness sitting by the fireplace, watching a favorite movie, and being entirely present with the family he loved so dearly.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Patricia Ann Laslo; his devoted daughter, Megan Anne Highton, and her husband, Benjamin Highton; his dear sisters, Betty Healey and Helen Laslo. He is also survived by his stepsons, Stephen Weston and Brian Weston as well their wives Crystal Weston and Rheanon Weston and his six cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John “Jay” Laslo.

His family will forever cherish the memories of his love and gentle nature.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately and there will be no calling hours. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

08/07/2026

On National Purple Heart Day, we recognize the service and sacrifice of every Purple Heart recipient. Your courage is what strengthens our Nation. Thank you.

08/05/2026

If you receive an email containing an “invoice” from our funeral home, please do not open as we have been hacked. Thank you.

08/01/2026

Betty Lee (Leota) Kent (née Blaw) passed away after a short illness on July 25, 2026, holding her beloved daughter's hand.

She was born on November 4, 1928, in Jackson, Mississippi, because her mother didn't want her to be a "Damn Yankee!" The family returned to New York City for the first seven years of her life before moving to Jackson. The great tragedy of her childhood occurred when she lost her father at a Sunday School picnic at the age of 12. The highlight of her young life was meeting the train when her beloved cousin Susan arrived after being adopted as an infant. Betty Lee and Susan grew up as sisters in a multigenerational home fondly known by the family as "819," together with her mother, grandmother, Uncle Brother and Aunt Sally.

Betty Lee graduated first in her class from Gulfport College for Women, a residential high school in Long Beach, Mississippi, in 1946. She went on to graduate from Smith College in 1950, where she formed many lifelong friendships and learned that you can't ride a bicycle on ice! After college, she moved to New York City, where she began a career in advertising. In her second position, she was hired to teach her boss (a man!) the industry.

She married Martin Kent in 1954 and continued working until the birth of her daughter. The young family moved to New Rochelle in 1959, where they welcomed a son and adopted the first of the huge dogs for which the family became known.

As a young mother, Betty Lee devoted herself to her family and made frequent trips to Mississippi to visit the relatives who remained there. She volunteered at what was then New Rochelle Hospital for many years and returned to the workforce when her son was in high school. She first worked as a legal secretary and then returned to school to become a paralegal. The couple enjoyed an active social life and shared a love of cycling, opera, theater and gardening. The couple traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The arrival of two grandchildren brought them immense joy. They introduced both grandchildren to bicycling, buying them bicycles as they grew. Betty Lee retired in 2007 to care for her husband, and the couple moved to Meadow Ridge in Redding, Connecticut, in 2008. There, Betty Lee embraced an active community life, serving on numerous resident committees, including Dining, Library, the Employee Scholarship Fund, and the Employee Appreciation Fund, chairing many of them. She also served multiple terms on the Resident Board of Directors.

Betty Lee is survived by her daughter, Betsy Kent Vibert, and her daughter's husband, Mark Ruthven Vibert; her grandchildren, Matthew Hart Vibert(Chelsea) and Bethany Vibert Yurek(John); her great-grandchildren, Henry Monteith Vibert, Thomas Arthur Vibert, Jace William Yurek, and Cora Lee Yurek; and her sister/cousin, Susan Asher Calechman. She was predeceased by her husband; her son, Martin Kent Jr.; her parents, Leota Asher Blaw and Bertram Ralph Blaw; her aunt and uncle; and her cousin, Stephen Eisman Asher.

A beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Betty Lee will be remembered by her family and friends as a warm, happy, and generous woman who always had a positive outlook on life.

Services will be private.

Donations in Betty Lee's memory may be made to the Beth Israel Congregation Rebuilding Fund in Jackson, Mississippi, or to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.

08/01/2026

For Francis Joseph "Fran" Kieras, home wasn’t merely a place to live; it was the place he belonged.

Francis Joseph "Fran" Kieras was a lifelong Danbury resident whose ninety-three years were defined by faith, family, heart, service to both his community and country, and a certain unforgettable charisma. He passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on July 29, 2026, at his home in Danbury, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. At his bedside were his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Sonia; their five children; his sons-in-law; and his cherished grandchildren.

Born at home on Prospect Street on December 10, 1932, Fran spent nearly his entire life in the city he loved. Raised in the heart of Danbury's historic Hat City, he was the son of Peter S. Kieras, Sr. and Anna (Dulski) Kieras. He attended Sacred Heart School, Henry Abbott Technical School, and Danbury High School, graduating with the Class of 1951. His yearbook described him as someone "always ready with a witty remark," a description that remained true throughout his life. His warmth, humor, and genuine kindness made people feel welcome wherever he went.

Fran was one of Danbury's outstanding young athletes, excelling in both baseball and basketball. Shortly after graduating from Danbury High School, he signed a professional baseball contract with Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics organization as a third baseman. Before that dream could begin, the call to serve his country arrived. During the Korean War, he entered the United States Air Force, serving as Barracks Chief and Squadron Physical Training Instructor before being assigned to the Third Bombardment Wing in South Korea. He completed his active-duty service as an Airman First Class and continued afterward in the Air Force Reserve.

After returning home, Fran met Sonia Augusewicz at the Danbury War Memorial recreation center. They were married on June 20, 1959, beginning a loving partnership that lasted more than sixty-seven years. They raised five children and built a home on Sheridan Street where faith, family, hospitality, and unconditional love formed its foundation.

Professionally, Fran held management positions with Castro Convertibles, Danbury Building & Lumber Supply, and Danbury Centerless Grinding. Although respected for his leadership, his integrity, professionalism, and genuine warmth earned the trust and respect of everyone who worked with him. When Castro relocated to Florida, he chose to remain in Danbury, the community where his roots, his family, and his heart belonged.

Service was the thread that connected every chapter of Fran's life. For more than twenty years, he coached Sacred Heart School and CYO basketball, officiated baseball, softball, and basketball, served as President of the Danbury War Memorial, worked with the Richter Park Authority, and faithfully served as a Danbury Constable for more than thirty years until his retirement in 2023 at the age of ninety-one. Throughout his life, he remained active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Catholic War Veterans, the Korean War Veterans Association, and MIA Forget-Me-Nots.

His Catholic faith guided everything he did. A lifelong parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Fran served over the years as an altar server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, usher, Parish Council member, and devoted volunteer. In 2018, he and Sonia were awarded the St. Augustine Medal by the Diocese of Bridgeport in recognition of their decades of faithful service to the Church.

Those who knew Fran remember more than his accomplishments. They remember his smile, his hearty laugh, his quick wit, and the kindness and respect he extended to everyone he met. Generations of children at Sacred Heart affectionately knew him as "The Candy Man" because he always had a Fruit Roll-Up, a Presidential dollar coin, and a story to share. He believed every child deserved encouragement, every veteran deserved gratitude, every neighbor deserved respect, and every day was another opportunity to serve.

He took pride in his home and lawn and enjoyed gardening with Sonia, reading history, golfing, fishing, earning his private pilot's license, spending time in Old Saybrook, and, above all, being with his children and grandchildren. Through quiet example, he taught his family that integrity is built on keeping promises, that faith belongs in everyday life, and that a meaningful life is measured by how faithfully one loves and serves others.

Fran is survived by his beloved wife, Sonia (Augusewicz) Kieras; his children, Joseph Kieras and his wife, Kathy Kieras; Karen Settipane and her husband, Russell Settipane; David Kieras; Matthew Kieras and his wife, Julie Kieras; and Suzanne Palanzo and her husband, Neil Palanzo; his beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Dakota, Leah, Davis, Calvin, Asher, and Everest; together with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former players, fellow veterans, and parishioners.

He was predeceased by his parents, Peter S. Kieras, Sr. and Anna (Dulski) Kieras; his brother, Peter S. Kieras, Jr.; and his sister, Jane (Kieras) Walkovich.

Danbury was more than the place where Fran lived. It was the community he loved, the family he built, the faith that guided him, and the place where he was happiest. His life reminds us that greatness is measured not only by achievement, but by integrity, how deeply one loves others, and how deeply one is loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Danbury.

The family will receive friends at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Tuesday morning from 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., immediately preceding the Funeral Mass.

Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

07/30/2026

Brian J. Brady, of Danbury, and former Carmel, NY resident, passed away on the eve of Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the home he shared with his son & daughter in-law, Dean & Jessica Sotiro.

Brian was the husband of the late Carol Brady.

He was born in the Bronx, NY on May 14, 1946 to Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Brady. Brian is survived by not only his son but also his 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Corinna, Tylor, Brianna, Aleksa, & Kyle, as well as a brood of young great grandchildren: Anderson & Abella, Gianna, Kenzie, Olivia & Ava.

In addition to the accomplishment that was leading his large family, he was also a member of St. James the Apostle Church of Camel, NY, and a well-known U.S. Postal Service Employee, where he retired from the Mount Vernon, NY office years ago.

Brian was a character to say the least. His subtle, dry humor was sure to keep any gathering he attended on their toes with their belly’s filled with giggles. His passion for music and playing the guitar were evident to any one that knew him. Brian was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather… No one could make a Malted Milkshake like he could. A visit to Grandma and Grandpa’s house just wasn’t complete without a malted, some cheeky shenanigans, and their beloved birds squawking away in the living room to set the mood. The Beach Boys or the Beatles had a profound impact on him and his hobbies. Grandpa’s collections of guitars and records was curated with immense pride, but never matching the magnitude of how proud he was of his grandchildren. His influence on our family is deeper than most are even aware of, and he will truly be missed beyond measure.

It is with a heavy heart that we invite you to say our farewell prayers for his journey to God, to his wife, and his parents at Jowdy Kane Funeral Home on Friday, July 31, 2026 from the hours of 5pm-8pm.

Jowdy Kane Funeral Home, Danbury & Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield

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