Ifkovic, Sparks, Ciofalo: Recent Death Notices From Branford

BRANFORD, CT — Recent obituaries from Branford.

Ralph Esposito, 71, passed away on Jan. 10, 2025, a dedicated custodian at Albertus Magnus College, former milk delivery driver for Marcus Dairy, antique car enthusiast who prized his '55 Chevy, bocce and bingo player, and music lover who enjoyed nights on the East Haven green and trips to Lake George with his wife of 40 years, Karen.

Donald F. Gaudio, 86, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, after owning and operating Town and Country Construction for many years, and was a proud father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family.

Author and educator Edward Ifkovic, 81, who taught literature and creative writing at Tunxis Community College for over three decades, published eleven Edna Ferber Mystery novels and the Rick Van Lam Mystery series under the pen name Andrew Lanh, lectured internationally for the U.S. Information Agency, compiled anthologies of American immigrant literature, and was an avid collector of art, books, and Diana Ross and The Supremes memorabilia, died Jan. 5, 2025.

Louis T. Donofrio, 94, died on Jan. 29, 2025, at the V.A. Medical Center, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and retired engineer for SNET, who enjoyed gardening, crabbing, fishing, and volunteering for the Branford Community Dining Room’s meal delivery program, and is survived by his children, grandson, siblings, and many others.

Marlen Bloomquist, 64, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025, at her home, wife to Frank Bloomquist and mother to Paula and Alvaro Alvayay, known for her bright presence and warmth.

Carmella Menendez, 92, passed away on Jan. 18, 2025, at her home, widow of Alfred Menendez, mother to Dean Menendez, and grandmother to Gloria Wheeler, having worked as a caretaker at Griffin Hospital and other facilities.

Boat builder and retired State of Connecticut Department of Transportation supervisor Robert William "Sparky" Sparks, 83 (Aug. 20, 1941 - Jan. 11, 2025), who served in the Civil Air Patrol and Connecticut National Guard, played fife with the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps including performances in Ireland, hiked with the Branford Walkers, and was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church, died at home on Jan. 11, 2025.

Eleanor J. Doyle, 87, passed away on Jan 7, 2025, after a life filled with family, work, and hobbies, having spent over 25 years at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she was the first female Provider Relations Representative, and later enjoyed time with the Branford Garden Club, playing bridge, learning Dominos, relaxing at the Owenego Beach and Tennis Club, and meeting new people.

George J. Simpson, Jr., 81, passed away on Jan 25, 2025, after a career as a heavy equipment operator for Quality Excavating, spending his retirement tinkering in his garage, maintaining his lawn, and helping neighbors with plowing and yard work, while taking great pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dr. Edward Lawrence Bennett Jr., 81, passed away on Jan. 17, 2025, after a career as a family dentist for 40 years, service as a U.S. Army dentist in Vietnam, a lifelong passion for rowing and running, and years of volunteering as a track and field official for collegiate events.

Dr. Vincent B. Ciofalo, PhD, 91, passed away on Jan. 7, 2025, after a distinguished career in medical science, where he authored numerous research papers, served as an associate professor, and worked for leading pharmaceutical companies, all while starting his journey as a butcher in his uncle’s store.