Grogan, Killion & McCarthy: Recent Fairfield Obituaries

FAIRFIELD, CT — Below are recent obituaries from Fairfield:

Arlene Katherine Grogan, 86, passed away Jan. 27, 2025, after a lifetime of managing her husband’s dental practice, working at the Pentagon, playing pinochle, traveling on the QE2, following the Royal Family, and gathering generations of family for celebrations.

Thomas Patrick Killion, 92, passed away Jan. 16, 2025, after a life dedicated to carpentry, military service in the U.S. Army 34th Signal Corps, involvement in the Knights of Columbus, and time spent building his family home, sharing laughter, and helping others.

Barbara M. McCarthy, 71, passed away Jan. 7, 2025, after a career as a dedicated teacher and assistant principal, known for her creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom, who also enjoyed tennis, skiing, beach days, reading, and time with family, friends, and her dogs.

Joann Van Esselstyn, 82, passed away Jan. 5, 2025, after a lifelong career as a dedicated elementary school teacher and literacy tutor who found joy in singing, managing the resident library, and spending time with family and friends.

Beverly Kovacs, a dedicated educator who taught in the Wilton school system, passed away at home, leaving behind a passion for gardening that made her yard a seasonal showcase and a love of travel that took her around the world, including memorable trips to India and the Bahamas.

David John Drabaski, a longtime sales professional in the printing industry, passed away on Jan. 13, 2025, finding his greatest enjoyment boating and fishing on Long Island Sound aboard "The White Knight," serving on the Southport Harbor Commission, playing pool at Miamogue Yacht Club, bowling, refurbishing fishing gear in his workshop, and relaxing on his patio with his dog.

Donna Pavlicsak, a dedicated clerk for over 30 years with CETA and the Bridgeport Housing Authority, passed away on Jan. 13, 2025, finding joy in knitting, volunteering at local Hungarian Catholic churches, lunch outings with friends, weekly chats with her sister-in-law, and time with her grandchildren.

Linda Nykaza Albanese, a devoted mother, psychiatric social worker, passionate gardener, and longtime Bartlett Arboretum volunteer, passed away on Jan. 20, 2025, after a life filled with dancing, travel, and a deep appreciation for nature.

Carl E. Johnson III, a Korean War veteran, Model Tool & Die employee for 40 years, and avid traveler, gardener, and crossword enthusiast, passed away on Jan. 21, 2025, after a brief illness, preceded in death by his wife Joan and survived by his sons and grandson.

Maria Teresa Lindsay, a dedicated teacher and human resources professional who later served as Deputy Executive Director at Casey Family Services, passed away on Jan. 17, 2025, after battling pancreatic cancer, leaving behind her husband, two sons, and granddaughters.