Dewey, Connolly, Armitage: Recent Death Notices From Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Recent death notices from Ridgefield.

Shirley Ann (Kowatch) Johnson, 87, passed away on Jan. 30, 2025, after a life filled with music, playing tenor sax in a swing band, singing in the church choir for over 40 years, performing with the Fairfield County Choral, working as an executive secretary for Duty Free International, collecting antiques, playing bridge, enjoying tennis, and cheering at her children’s swim meets.

Jeffrey Louis Bonistalli, 70, passed away on Jan. 28, 2025, after a career as a real estate and relocation specialist and financial analyst, years of dedication to Ridgefield Youth Sports as a volunteer and statistician, and a lifetime of enjoying travel, gardening, reading, tailgating at Giants games, cheering on his favorite New York teams, and dancing the night away to his favorite music.

James Patrick Denneen, 52, passed away on Jan. 26, 2025, after a career in finance with Citigroup and Patriot Bank, a distinguished athletic history in swimming and water polo at Fordham University, active involvement in his Catholic parish, a passion for cooking, genealogy research, and triathlons, and an enduring enthusiasm for Fordham athletics and the New York Yankees.

Robert M. Dewey, Jr., 93, passed away on Jan. 7, 2025, after a distinguished career in finance, serving as Head of Equities and Derivatives at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, a deep commitment to Deerfield Academy as board chair, a passion for squash that earned him national rankings, and a sharp wit that made him a legendary mentor, speechmaker, and steadfast supporter of his family.

Michael James Liberta Jr., 84, passed away on Jan. 13, 2025, after a distinguished 11-year military career as a Major in the U.S. Army, earning numerous medals for his service in Vietnam, followed by decades as a Ridgefield business owner, community leader, and devoted volunteer with the Lions Club, Salvation Army, and various local organizations, while also enjoying construction, gardening, puzzles, Yankees baseball, and time spent in his parish of over 45 years.

Daniel P. Connolly, 87, passed away on Jan. 5, 2025, after a life defined by hard work in construction and electrical trades, service in the U.S. Army, volunteerism with the Hawthorne Fire Dept., and a passion for dancing, travel, card games, summers at Brant Lake, and time spent at Founders Hall, all while embracing the joys of family, friendship, and a well-lived American dream.

Geoffrey Armitage, 84, passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, after a career as an electrical engineer at CL&P, a lifelong passion for travel across Europe and beyond, years of community involvement coaching soccer, building stage sets, and volunteering in schools, and countless hours spent woodworking, painting, playing bocce, and enjoying time with his grandchildren.