Recent Death Notices From Fairfield: Cass, Grotti, Lee, Venech

FAIRFIELD, CT — Below are recent obituaries from Fairfield:

Gilbert W. Cass, 83, of Fairfield, CT, died Sept. 9, 2025; he was a career educator who taught and led schools in CT and NY, including serving as principal of John Jay High School in Katonah, NY. He enjoyed classic literature, jazz, theater, progressive politics, cooking, baseball and many years in New York City.

Victor Grotti, 79, passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2025; a graduate of Bullard Havens Technical School and Colonial Tool Design, he became an award-winning toolmaker whose career included positions at AVCO, Textron Lycoming and Inline Plastics. He enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound, fishing, supporting his son and grandson in the dirt bike pits and was a lifetime member of the Milford Riders Motorcycle Club.

Gloria Carmen Retamar Flores, 79, died Sept. 2, 2025, after a career spanning the fashion, fragrance and beauty industries, ultimately becoming a licensed aesthetician and opening three salons in the Bronx. Known for her fearless entrepreneurship, vibrant personality and dedication to her daughters and granddaughter, she built a life defined by hard work, generosity and warmth.

Patricia (Cacciola) Svelnys, 84, passed away on Sept. 15, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer; a Butler Business School graduate, she was a gifted interior designer who worked for many years at Ron Cacciola Interiors before joining her daughter at MD Design. She expressed her passion for cooking, gardening, volunteer service, bowling, pinochle, travel, and family gatherings, bringing energy and artistry to every endeavor.

Roger V. Raymond, 89, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23; he worked for many years in the family business, Superior Plating, and was a well-known beekeeper who founded Uncle Roger’s Honey. He was an active parishioner of St. Pius X Parish, a Choir member, a Eucharistic Minister at Carolton nursing home, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

William D. “Bill” Lee, 80, a skilled mason known for his meticulous work, passed away on Sept. 24, 2025. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards, golfing, and trips to the casino.

Leon Venech, age 82, passed away Sept. 7, 2025; after serving in the U.S. Army, he built a long career as a packaging engineer in the paper and packaging industry. He enjoyed golfing, reading, spending time in the sun, racing his grandchildren in the pool, and entertaining family and friends with jokes and humorous stories.