Stratford Death Notices: May 1 Through May 9, 2025

STRATFORD, CT — Below are recent death notices from Stratford.

Robert Edward Mescavage, 88, died on May 1, 2025. A U.S. Air Force veteran and Technical Illustrator with over 30 years at Textron Lycoming, he was a member of the Germanian Schwaben Club and the Textron ¼ Century Club.

Thomas Pechillo, Sr., 84, died on May 1, 2025. A 45-year electrical technician at Sikorsky Aircraft, he enjoyed biking, swimming at local YMCAs, spending summers at Lake Quassapaug, listening to country and bluegrass music, and dancing to country and oldies with his wife Pat.

Margaret Mary (Peggy) Barnish, 86, died on May 4, 2025. She worked in retail marketing, insurance, and as a flight attendant with Seaboard Airlines and the Flying Tigers, founded Washington State’s first no-kill animal shelter in 1990, led the Cat Coalition, and spent decades caring for and rehoming thousands of cats.

Sharon Dunn, 63, died on May 5, 2025. A longtime employee of Mill River Country Club, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting items for local causes and friends, and attending her daughter's cheerleading events.

Terri L. Gearity, 60, of Stratford, died on May 6, 2025. A graduate of Stratford High School, she was a clerk for the Stratford Public Library.

Howard Edward Baker Jr., 92, died on May 7, 2025. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime salesman with Dichello Distributors, he was active in the Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460, American Legion Post 196, Stratford Old Timers Association, Stratford Men’s Club, and Baldwin Senior Center.

Martha Ann Dina, 83, died on May 9, 2025. A longtime elementary teacher in Westport for 38 years, she held multiple degrees in History and Education, volunteered with Holy Name of Jesus Church and H&R Block, taught children’s knitting classes, knitted extensively for charity, followed the Yankees and UConn women's basketball, cared for her dogs, and maintained her own garden and yard.