Funeral For Redding Man Killed in Danbury Plane Crash Announced

REDDING CT — Funeral services for the victim of a plane crash on July 30 have been announced. 63-year-old Mark Stern, the pilot of a single engine Cessna Skyhawk carrying two other passengers, succumbed to his injuries at Danbury Hospital.

Authorities have yet to identify Stern or the two other victims, but family members identified Stern as the victim and asked for privacy.

The plane crashed just before 10:30 a.m. on the morning of July 30. after taking off from Danbury for a local flight. The plane had been rented earlier that morning and was heading west. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Weston, Redding and Easton Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the causes of the crash, which the NTSB says could take 12 to 18 months.

According to the Associated Press, the plane was rented from a "fixed-base operator" (FBO). FBOs are granted rights by the airports to provide rental, fueling, hangaring and more.

You can view the obituary courtesy of the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home below:

Mark Stern, 63, passed away on Thursday in Danbury Hospital after succumbing to his injuries sustained from a private plane crash on Sunday morning.

A devoted family man, Mark is survived by his wife of 30 years Karin; his son Bryan; daughter Alexis; step-daughter Stacee; brothers; David, Richard, and Glen; sister Donna; and grandchildren Vincent, Emily, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Miriam Stern.

Mark attended New York University and graduated from the University of Florida in 1976 then went on to earn his Juris Doctor in 1979 from Loyola Marymount School of Law. He worked at several prestigious law firms before founding his international law practice Mark Stern & Associates in 1986. Mark was licensed to practice law in Connecticut, New York, California and Florida. Mark was a well-respected trial litigator, community leader, teacher, and law enforcement professional. An active volunteer in his communities throughout his life, he served as the Wilton Fire Commissioner, a Culver City California Police Officer, Volunteer Florida State Highway Trooper, auxiliary Police Officer at Fairfield/Eagle 1 Search and Rescue helicopter program. Mark served as a Fact Finder and Arbitrator for the Stamford-Connecticut Superior Court and a Director of the Fairfield Bar Association. Mark was also a member and volunteered his time with dozens of other organizations focused on law enforcement, emergency management, law, commercial security, and others. He was a lifetime student and teacher who continued exploring new fields of endeavor that seemingly knew no limits including becoming an experienced aviator flying both helicopters and airplanes. Mark's true passions were family, flying, and making a positive difference on those around him.
All arrangements are being directed by Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home of Monroe, Connecticut (203) 445-8500.

Mark Stern's celebration of life and memorial will be held Wednesday at 10:00 am at the Norwalk Inn located at 99 East Avenue, Norwalk Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (561) 855-4207 or Blackhorse 4 Heroes (516) 449-9610 in honor of "Mark Stern and Family".

Image courtesy of the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home.