https://www.kennyfuneralhomes.com/

The Kenny Funeral Home, 41 Main Street, Sharon, CT (2026)

06/02/2026

SALISBURY - William (Bill) C. Hower III passed away unexpectedly on May 15th, 2026 after a brief affliction at the age of 66. He was the beloved husband of Rosanne Foley Hower and father of Amanda and Charlotte Hower.

Bill was born in 1959 to Bill and Gloria Hower (Tino) in Torrington, CT. He graduated from Oliver Wolcott Technical High School in 1977 and continued onto a career in the automotive industry, primarily with his family business, Jim’s Garage in Canaan, CT.

After retiring in 2015, he enjoyed exploring many interests including time spent in Montana, other traveling, co-operating his antique store, enjoying his community and spending lots of time with friends.

Bill was an especially talented skier. The higher the mountain, the happier he was flying down it on fast skis. This past season, he had just broken his own record by skiing 62 days.

At home, Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who shared his love of life and knowledge without limit.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sister Frances Scaia. He is survived by his wife Rosanne, daughters Amanda (Long) and Charlotte, grandchildren Josephine and August, sisters Willette Murphy, Ingrid Devita, Monica McGlothlen, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, July 12th at Catamount Mountain Resort at 1:00pm.

06/02/2026

SHARON - Our beloved and greatly respected Francoise Albertine Kelz of Sharon, CT passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026 at the age of 103.

Born on September 10, 1922 in NYC, she was the first and only child to Albertine Durand and Francois Kelz.

She grew up in New York City and eventually moved to Scarsdale, NY in 1926 and finally to Sharon in 1967. She grew up during the Depression and upon her graduation from Scarsdale High School in 1940, France had fallen to the Germans during WWII. D-Day coincided with her graduation from Barnard College in 1944. These milestones were often repeated in her love of storytelling over the years. She shared countless and amazing tales as she reminisced about her life.

Her father’s family was from Bavaria, Germany and he was one of nine children. He and several of his brothers came to the US by boat and settled in the Bronx in the 1890’s. He was Maitre’d at the Old Ritz Carlton where he met mother who worked as a receptionist. Mother was from Normandy, France where her family owned a large farm. Father was also employed at the Rainbow Room and Savoy Plaza as well as the famous 21 Club in NYC. Francoise was a treasure of information and spoke of the days of prohibition and other fascinating tales of history. Mother was an artist and a weaver. She designed and taught weaving and produced many tapestries on her looms passing this talent along to Francoise who was also a skilled weaver and loved to sew, embroider and knit.

Francoise was strong willed and possessed a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. She learned early on the value of an education, especially for girls. Her maternal grandmother had been “cheated” out of an education years ago and so she vowed to get the best education and the best opportunities that she could. And so she did.

She attended Barnard College in NYC where she studied Botany. She was the winner of the Herman Botanical Prize and graduated in 1944. In her later years she referred to the college as the “Barnyard.” She would intone this in a teasing way but with great pride and loving affection. She was deeply devoted to Barnard for over 85 year. In 2004, Francoise received the Award for Service to Barnard at her 60th Reunion. She held nearly every position of class leadership, serving multiple terms as president, vice president and fundraising chair. With her characteristic generosity of time, energy and spirit she spearheaded the creation of the Class of 1944 Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the memory of classmates who had passed away and to continue the link with future generations of Barnard students. She also established the Durand-Kelz Scholarship Fund, recognizing her maternal grandmother, who was not given the opportunity to pursue a college education of her own.

After Barnard, Francoise attended Wellesley College and Columbia College to obtain her Master’s degree in Botany. She taught at Columbia Pharmacy College in NYC from 1946-1965, and eventually became chairman of the Scholarship Committee at the college.

Francoise began to teach at Kent School in the Fall of 1965 where she taught Biology until her retirement in 1988. Francoise was considered a pioneer as one of the first full time female faculty members and completing an illustrious career on the Hill Campus in an ever developing science department. She is dearly remembered by her former colleagues and students for her deep love of science and her tremendous energy and enthusiasm. She led a long and distinguished career as a teacher and never slowed down after retirement.

Francoise and her mother were very close and they loved to take long drives off the beaten paths. On one of their many trips, Francoise found and instantly fell in love with the “story book” town of Sharon where she bought her home in 1963. She was so proud to have purchased her own home and eventually she moved her parents in from Scarsdale. Mother and Francoise were avid flower and vegetable gardeners and loved to cook while Father enjoyed long walks and star gazing.

Once she settled into her home in Sharon, Fran brought the same energy and curiosity into her volunteer work with the Sharon Historical Society. She took on the task of cataloging the Society’s textiles, bringing several microscopes retired from the biology lab with her. Her meticulous notes on every item remain a testament to her knowledge and patience. Being an artist, several of her sketches survive in the collection records. Her dedication as a volunteer caught the attention of the SHS Board and she soon became a Board member and later served as President. During Fran’s tenure, SHS hired its first Executive Director and together they recognized the historic Gay Hoyt House needed an addition to the properly house the Society’s growing collection. Funds were raised and Francoise’s vision was matched by her generosity. The addition opened in 2000 complete with a full kitchen that would serve receptions and openings that could be held without any impediment to hospitality. After her presidency, Francoise continued to support the Historical Society by attending openings and fundraisers and making frequent visits.

Francoise was also a member of the Sharon Garden Club and served as President in the 1990’s.

Francoise was a devoted member of Christ Church Episcopal and a beloved parishioner. She held countless seats on their Vestry over many decades. She supported all aspects of the church, including Alter Guild and generously backed many projects including the kitchen, the steeple and organ restorations. She served as president of the northwest corner towns’ chapter of Church Women United and worked in outreach for Church World Services. Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educate and provide community grants around the world.

After retirement, Francoise traveled extensively. “I’ve seen the world!” She certainly did and she shared many stories of her adventures.

As her best friend Bonnie wrote, Francoise never married or had children but she created a “family” through her generosity, care and kindnesses over the years. She was also a “mother” to so many of us.

In keeping with her generous nature, Francoise established the C. and F. Kelz Fund through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, which will continue to support her most cherished institutions. Because she has arranged a planned gift to her fund, it will become endowed and her giving will go on after her lifetime.

As Francoise aged she never let go of her tremendous energy. She was never shy about standing behind projects, fighting for a cause and always held strong opinions and determination. She will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace and rise in Glory!

Francoise leaves behind her many friends and neighbors as well as her dear friend Bonnie Kerr of Arizona, Audra Lewton from Barnard College and her parish family from Christ Church Episcopal in Sharon. Special thanks to Dr. David Kurish for his care over the years and to the SVNA Home Assistance Program, especially to her devoted caregiver and dear friend Betty Maddock also known lovingly as “Mama.”

There will be a celebration of Fran’s life held on Wed., June 17 at 10:00 am at Christ Church Episcopal and followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage people to send donations in memory of Francoise to The Little Guild Animal Rescue in West Cornwall. (See website: littleguild.org)

06/01/2026

SHARON - Sheila Devitt, 82, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Sharon, Connecticut. Born on May 11, 1943, in Yonkers, New York, Sheila lived a life defined by her unwavering dedication to education and her compassionate service to others.

Sheila’s journey in education was as unique as it was inspiring. Dissatisfied with the limitations of her high school experience, she made the bold decision to leave and pursue her own path. She attended night classes to earn her GED and was later accepted into Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Her academic achievements continued when she received a prestigious fellowship to Harvard University, earning a Master’s Degree in Education. These accomplishments were a testament to her determination and passion for learning.

Throughout her life, Sheila devoted herself to the well-being and success of children. She opened the first daycare center in Kent, ensuring that working parents had a reliable place for their children even on snow days when schools were closed. Her commitment extended beyond daycare; Sheila spent countless hours tutoring children in need, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. To those she worked with, she was more than an educator—she was a guiding light who believed deeply in the potential of every child.

Sheila’s kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear at any hour of the day or night. Her ability to provide comfort and guidance made her a beacon of hope for many.

Sheila is survived by her brother Peter Devitt, (Susann); her sister Dorita Devitt; and her nieces Stacey Devitt, (Bill),Kerry Devitt, and Janel(Steve) Heck. She also leaves behind numerous cousins as well as great-nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory. Sheila was predeceased by her father Edward Peter Devitt and her mother Dorothea (née Kolb) Devitt.

A memorial gathering will be held in Sheila’s honor at Four Brothers Restaurant in Amenia, New York, on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend as we celebrate the life of this remarkable woman who gave so much of herself to others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital—a cause close to Sheila’s heart.

Sheila Devitt’s legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering dedication to making the world brighter for those around her. May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

06/01/2026

SHERMAN - Award-winning local and international artist Edmund Dewey Smith Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at New Milford Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Ethel Smith, and his sister, Marjorie Smith.

Born and raised in East Rockaway, Long Island, New York, Ed received the top prize in the Metropolitan Opera
Set Design Contest while still in high school at the young age of 17. After high school, Ed attended and graduated
from the New York Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences. Ed was also proud to have served in the Army during the Korean War for two years, where he oversaw specialized photography for sensitive missile testing programs in White Sands, New Mexico. During this time, he also developed his own film techniques.

He then returned to New York City and, after many years working as Art Director for Reader’s Digest, ventured out on his own to establish Smith Associates, specializing in advertising, promotion, and marketing. Eventually moving out of the city, Ed concentrated on his painting and exhibited his work in numerous shows over the years in Darien, Wilton, New Canaan, Sherman (including the Library, JCC, and White Silo), and Kent, where he won First Place in the Kent Art Association’s President’s Show. He was also recognized among the Top 200 winners in an international art competition celebrating America’s parks. His Sherman home studio was his refuge.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 wonderful years, Anita Irene; his children, Stephanie Ann Smith, Anthony
Edmund Smith, Jennifer Carol Sidie, and William Avery Smith; his grandchildren, Alex, Julian, Evan, Kyle and
Theodora (“Teddy”); his great-grandson, Asher; and many other cherished family members and friends.

Ed and his wife Anita were longtime members of the Sherman Church, where singing in the choir and the warmth
of the congregation brought them great joy each Sunday. Music was a special part of their lives, and Ed and Anita
frequently sang duets together. Over the years, they also sang with the Wilton Presbyterian Church Choir, the
Wilton Singers, and more recently, the Kent Singers.

Ed leaves behind a website for all to enjoy: edsmithartist.com.

Art and music are magic

Ed embraced both to the fullest.

05/28/2026

WEST CORNWALL - Richard R. Stover, 82, of West Cornwall, CT, died peacefully at Noble Horizons on May 26, 2026.

Son of the late Robert and Leona (Heinbockel) Stover, Rick was born Feb. 6, 1944 in Edina, Minnesota. He attended the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in Economics and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation, Rick began a long career as a financial and pharmaceutical analyst working at Mitchell Hutchins, Smith Barney, Alex. Brown & Sons, Pfizer, and Arnold and S. Bleichroeder. He was then President and CEO of PeriCor Therapeutics, a bio tech company he founded in Manhattan.

Rick was an avid golfer and skier, and he liked nothing better than wrestling with the wilderness. After he and Marnell bought their home in West Cornwall, he enjoyed clearing brush, felling trees, and splitting logs. He was the proud owner of every tool and machine necessary for landscape maintenance. Rick was a parishioner at St. Bridget Church where he worked on the building and grounds committee and served as Chairman of the Finance Council.

Rick is survived by his wife Marnell (Bukovac) and his four daughters and their families: Shaw (Christofer) Ruder and Beckett, Elliot, and Hattie; Sara Stover (Chris Sherwin); Christian Stover (Jeffrey Knutsen); Anne (Andrew) Ruder and William, Charlie, and Sadie. He is also survived by his stepchildren and their families: Mary Brunelli (Christopher Edgar) and Alexander and Catherine; and Michael (Ellen) Brunelli.
Rick was preceded in death by his sister Barbara McCurdy.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Bridget Church (St. Kateri Parish) 7 River Road, Cornwall Bridge, on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00. Burial will follow at St. Bridget Cemetery.

Contributions in Rick’s name may be made to St. Kateri Parish (St. Bridget Church), PO Box 186, 90 Cobble Road, Kent, CT 06757.

05/28/2026

SHARON - Susanne Cecilia Berberoglu, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 14th surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 13, 1951, in New Milford, Susanne lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, compassion, and dedication to those she loved.

A graduate of Brookfield High School, Susanne went on to work as a travel agent, a career perfectly suited to her adventurous spirit and love of discovering the world. She especially cherished her travels to Australia, London, and Hawaii, creating memories that she carried throughout her life.

Susanne had a lifelong passion for antiques and found joy in collecting and appreciating beautiful pieces filled with history and character. She was also deeply devoted to her beloved Boston Terriers, whom she lovingly raised and cared for over many years. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the companionship of the dogs she adored.

Above all else, Susanne treasured her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Tayfun Berberoglu Sr.; her loving daughter, Jennifer; her son, Tayfun Berberoglu Jr.; and her cherished granddaughters, Faora and Sybella. Her love, kindness, strength, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Susanne will be remembered for her caring nature, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals. Her memory will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

05/21/2026

SHARON - Diana Clark passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026.

She was born on December 29, 1954 to Robert and Mary Clark.

Diana was proud to have serviced in the Air Force from 1972 - 1986.

There will be a graveside service with military honors, thanks to Brent Kallstrom, on Saturday, June 20 at 2 P.M. in the Kent Congregational Cemetery. Rev. Roger White will preside.

05/21/2026

EAST CANAAN - Peter Brown, 70 years old, of East Canaan passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, in his home. He was the loving husband of Sandra Brown.

Pete was born on December 27, 1955, at Sharon Hospital to Abraham “Bucky” Brown and Rosalie Freund Brown. He graduated Housatonic Valley Regional High School and Northwestern Community College.

Pete worked at Lone Oak Campsites, the family business, since its inception in 1964. In 1993, he and his brother Barry bought the campground from Bucky. They ran it together until 2024. He loved doing the hayrides with the kids (known as the “Hi Pete Club”), his charity motorcycle rides, and chitchatting with the campers.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He shared a love of motorcycles with his son Cooper and music with his daughter Somer. With Sandra, his best friend, he shared everything.

He is survived by Sandra, Cooper, Somer, and daughter-in-law Melissa, as well as his two grandsons, Mason and Riley, his brother Barry, sister-in-law Jacolyn, and sister Lori.

Calling hours will be held at Kenny Funeral Homes, 41 Main Street, Sharon, Connecticut, on Saturday, May 23, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Guests welcome to come give condolences and share memories.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Make A Wish Connecticut.

05/07/2026

FLORIDA - John Michael Barry, 83, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at Moffitt Cancer Center, after a brief period of illness, in the presence of his loving family.

John was born on June 4, 1942, in Winsted, Connecticut, and raised in Norfolk, Connecticut, where he developed the values of faith, service, hard work, and deep devotion to family that defined his life.

A lifelong Catholic, John’s faith was a constant source of strength and guidance. His final parish was St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, Florida, where he remained spiritually grounded and closely connected to his faith community.

John proudly served in the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, reflecting his leadership, discipline, and commitment to service. He dedicated 25 years of his career as a correctional officer with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, earning the respect of colleagues for his integrity and professionalism. Following his state service, John continued his career with The Hartford Insurance Company until his full retirement in 2009.

An avid saltwater fisherman, John found peace and joy by the ocean. He spent countless weekends and summers at Race Point Beach in Cape Cod, pursuing his passion for striped bass fishing—traditions and memories that became deeply cherished by family and friends. John also was avid fan and supporter of the Boston Red Sox and UCONN girls basketball teams.

John was actively involved in fraternal and service organizations throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Southington Elks Lodge, where he served as Past Exalted Ruler, and was also affiliated with the Lions Club, the Falcon Club, and the American Legion. He was also a member of the Norfolk CT volunteer fire as well as a charter member of Norfolk Ambulance.

Above all else, John’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Barry; his son, Sean Barry, and daughter-in-law, Carmen Barry, of Colebrook, CT; his daughter, Erin Barry, of New York, NY; his grandson, Edward; and his granddaughters, Lillian and Sarah, who were the pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by Lorraine McCafferty, the mother of his children, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship.

John will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering devotion, deep faith, and the countless moments shared with family especially the time spent with Deborah, which he treasured above all else.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 16, 2026, at 10AM at The Immaculate Conception Church in Norfolk, CT. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to Moffit Cancer Institute in honor of John Barry.

05/07/2026

SHARON - Robert Edward Leibrock, age 69, of Sharon, CT passed away on May 1, 2026. He was the loving father of Robert W. Leibrock, Holly Leibrock, Heather Emberlin, & Cole Leibrock.

Bob was born August 12, 1956, the son of the late William and Virginia (Mead) Leibrock. He graduated from Greenwich High School and spent his career as an arborist with the Town of Greenwich. He also ran his own business, B&B Tree, and was continually involved in a variety of real estate endeavors. Family was central to
Bob’s life, and when his children were young, he made time to coach their sports teams and be a constant presence in their lives.

After moving from Greenwich to Sharon in 1999, Bob proudly established Cobblestone Farm, a family farm with cows, horses, goats, chickens, pigs, and various other animals. Known to his grandchildren as “Pa”, he found great joy in sharing farm life with them, including endless tractor rides.

Bob maintained a lifelong connection to northern Maine, where he began traveling as a child to the family’s hunting cabin, Camp Leibrock . Over the years, it became a place of comfort, tradition, and enduring friendships. He spent countless days there hunting, fishing, and enjoying time with family, and took pride in refurbishing an old dairy farm. Bob also loved introducing friends from Glenville to the area, sharing with them a place that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his sons Robert (Lorinn) and Cole (Carly), and daughters Holly (George) and Heather (Jason); nine grandchildren: Mackenzie and Hadley Casey; Weston Leibrock; Ella and Faye Emberlin; Emmerson, Beckett, Thatcher, and Kinley Leibrock; his brother Doug; nephew Martin; and son-in-law Ethan
Casey. He is also survived by his former wife, Shirley Hoffkins, with whom he shared many years raising their four children. He was predeceased by his brothers William and Martin and his sister Linda.

Calling hours will be held at the Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon, CT on May 11, 2026 from 4pm-6pm.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Greenwood Union Cemetery at 215 North Street, Rye, NY 10580 on
May 12, 2026 at 11am. A celebration of life will immediately follow the burial ceremony at George Seafood &
Steakhouse, 2 S. Water St., Greenwich, CT 06830.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Corner Food Pantry, 80 Sharon Rd North East, Lakeville, CT 06039.

The Kenny Funeral Home

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