Obituaries - July 16, 2010

Esther Bartos Banker

Esther Bartos Banker, 81, a third-generation Byram resident and longtime Greenwich librarian, died peacefully from complications from a stroke and diabetes on July 7, 2010 at Greenwich Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 30, 1929 to George and Katherine Hinlicky Bartos.

Banker enjoyed a 40-year career within the Greenwich library system, where she inspired generations of library patrons. As head librarian at the Byram Shubert Library for nearly 25 years, Banker knew every patron by name and what they liked to read, her family said. She would often set aside a new book she knew a patron "would just love." Banker also broadened the knowledge and imagination of young readers through many children's programs and activities, including weekly story hours at the library during the school year and summertime story hours at Byram Park. To further encourage reading, she brought local authors to the branch for young authors' workshops and started a collection of large print adult books for elderly patrons.

Banker graduated from Greenwich High School, Class of 1947 and was a National Honor Society member. She attended New Haven State Teachers College and continued her studies at Southern Connecticut State University, Fairfield University and the University of Connecticut. She served on the Professional Library Committee and was a member of the Association for Childhood Education and Greenwich Library book selection committee.

Banker's library career began in 1945, when at the age of 16 she started working part-time at the Byram Library. From the start she had a special interest in encouraging children to read, first as librarian in charge of the Byram Branch Children's Room (1947-1950) and then as school librarian (1951-1957), where she assisted the Greenwich school system with setting up libraries in the Riverside, New Lebanon, Byram and Glenville elementary schools.

After taking several years off to raise her children, Banker returned to work in 1971 as overseer of a library addition at North Mianus School. In 1974 she was hired as branch manager of the Byram Shubert Library and served the community until her retirement in 1997.

Banker was actively involved in the Byram Shubert Library's growth, which included building a new community room to provide a meeting area for local clubs and organizations, as well as an expanded children's section with dozens of cubicles stocked with colorful books. She also took the library beyond its immediate location on Mead Ave. by bringing books and reading programs into surrounding preschools and daycare centers.

In recognition of her many contributions to the Byram community, the former access road to the Byram Shubert Library was named "Esther's Way," and marked by a street sign for more than a decade. As a further tribute to Banker, the sweeping pathway leading to the front entrance of the newly renovated and expanded Byram branch was also dedicated to her. "Esther's Way" is now designated by a plaque affixed to a boulder that sits alongside the path.

Banker continued to be active in the Byram community after her retirement, serving as a trustee of the Byram Scholarship Fund and a member of the Friends of the Byram Shubert Library and Byram Garden Club.

She was an active member of the Women's Club of Greenwich and Women's Club Gardeners, and rode their newly-installed wheelchair lift at its ribbon cutting ceremony last fall. She was also involved in many local organizations, including the Greenwich 350 Commission. In addition to gardening, Banker enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

She is survived by Ernest Banker, her husband of 56 years; and their three children: Kathryn Banker Wentworth and her husband Bruce of Allentown, Pa., Kimberly Banker Sitarz and her husband Paul of Greenwich, and Ernest Alfred Banker Jr. and his wife Janet of Greenwich; and eight grandchildren: Bruce and Colin Wentworth; John, Katie, and Kristin Sitarz; Sarah, Brittany, and Emma Banker. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Semsel of Greenwich; a niece, Rebecca Semsel of Stamford, and a nephew, Jay Semsel and his wife Lisa of Summit, N.J. and their two children, Drew and Amanda. Her sister, Georgeanne Katherine Bartos Semsel of Byram predeceased her.

A funeral service was held on July 10 at Christ Church Greenwich. Interment followed at Putnam Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Esther Banker Memorial Children's Fund, c/o The Friends of the Byram Shubert Library, 29 Mead Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. To send the family an online condolence, visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Francis Walsh and Dr. James Brunetti for their excellent care provided to Banker during her prolonged illness.

Cornelis Bruynes

Cornelis Bruynes, 77, former CEO and chairman of North American Philips, passed away at his home in Greenwich on July 11, 2010 after a battle with lung cancer.

Bruynes, known as "Cees," was born on Aug. 3, 1932, in Alphen aan de Rijn, the Netherlands, to Arie and Petronella Bruynes. He spent his childhood in Arnhem, the Netherlands, site of Operation Market Garden, one of the fiercest battles of World War II. Bruynes' boyhood observation of the American paratroopers' landings in Arnhem greatly impressed him with America's technical capabilities, his family said, and created a desire to one day come to the United States.

Bruynes joined NV Philips in the Netherlands in 1953, and spent his entire career at the Philips Corporation. His business took him all over the world and instilled a lifelong interest in world affairs and travel. In 1971, Mr. Bruynes' successes abroad led to his being named CEO of Philips Canada , headquartered in Toronto.

Bruynes' wish to work in America was fulfilled in 1975, when he joined North American Philips Corporation in New York . He went on to become the CEO and Chairman of North American Philips. He also served on many boards of directors, including the Irving Trust Company, the Bank of New York, the European American Bank, the Alpha Group, the Savin Corporation and the Boys Club of America.

The Boys Club honored his service to the organization by presenting him with its Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award. Bruynes was also long-time member of the Round Hill Club and Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, and the Lyford Cay Club in the Bahamas.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elly Nagel Bruynes; his daughter, Irene Bruynes Ponce and son-in-law Mario of Greenwich; his son, Jan-Paul Bruynes and daughter-in-law Ashley of New York City; and his two grandchildren, Elisabeth and William Ponce of Greenwich.

A funeral service will be held today at 11 a.m at the Second Congregational Church in Greenwich.

Lillian Isabel Graveline

Lillian Isabel Pratt Graveline, 93, of Greenwich, wife of Malcolm W. Graveline, died July 12, 2010 at the Greenwich Woods Health Center.

Born on March 3, 1917 in New York, N.Y., she was the daughter of George and Adele Barnes Pratt.

Graveline was a graduate of Norwalk High School and worked as a secretary at Nash Engineering before her retirement.

She was direct descendant of William Brewster, a religious leader of the pilgrims, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Norwalk Green Chapter for many years.

Graveline is survived by her daughter, Lisa E. Graveline of Greenwich, and by her niece, Priscilla Gallup DiGalbo of Baltimore, Md.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Ave., in Norwalk.

Contributions in her memory may be made to: the Wittingham Cancer Center c/o Norwalk Hospital, 34 Maple Street, Norwalk, CT 06850. Condolences may be left at www.collinsfh.com.

James Edward Kamnitzer

James Edward Kamnitzer, 47, a former Greenwich resident, died peacefully at home on July 3, 2010. He lived in Clinton for the past 20 years.

Kamnitzer was born on Oct. 16, 1962 and grew up in Greenwich, where he attended Greenwich High School. He worked for Connecticut Transit as a mechanic and was ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) - certified as a double master mechanic in cars and trucks.

Kamnitzer enjoyed landscaping and working outdoors, and sharing his talents with neighbors and friends, his family said. He was an industrious man and always had several projects in progress, including watches. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-. He was also a father that who was committed to his children and wife. The whole family went out together, played together, and grew together. He also enjoyed working and riding his many motorcycles and was proud of his collection.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Carin Kamnitzer; his two children, Alexandra and Hunter; his sister, Wende Kamnitzer of Greenwich; his mother-in-law, Anne Peskin; a brother-in-law, Lee Peskin of Stamford; his sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and David Sausville and their three children: Samara, Ethan and Adam of Addison, Vt.; and a large extended family of friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Billie Kamnitzer and his father-in-law, Bernard Alan Peskin.

Services were held on July 10 at Swan Funeral Home in Clinton and interment followed at Beaver Brook Cemetery Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Henry Carter Hull Library (10 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton, CT 06413) or the Clinton Fire Department (35 East Main Street, Clinton, CT 06413). Visit www.swanfh.com to leave an online condolence or tribute.

O'Neil Seymour Medley

O'Neil Seymour Medley, 36, a Greenwich Academy and Brunswick School physical education teacher and coach, passed away after a motorcycle accident on July 4, 2010.

He was born on March 3, 1974 to Dawn and Delphin Medley in Bunker's Hill, Trelawny, Jamaica and West Indies. He attended primary and secondary schools in Jamaica before emigrating with his family to the U.S. in 1989. The family made their home in Stamford, and Medley attended Westhill High School, where he played numerous sports and graduated in 1992. He continued his education at Norwalk Community College, where he played basketball. During this time, O'Neil's passion for physical fitness and sports increased.

From 1998 - 2002 Medley worked as a personal trainer at New York Sports Club. In 2000, he started working part-time at Greenwich Academy in Greenwich as a fitness instructor and was later offered a full-time position as a physical education instructor. O'Neil then went on to become an assistant coach of volleyball, softball and head coach of basketball. Medley also worked at Brunswick School in Greenwich during the 2003 school year as the 5th and 6th grade boy's physical education teacher, JV girl's softball and softball strength coach. He went on to lead the JV girls' basketball team to its championship.

Another of Medley's passions was riding motorcycles, which began when his father gave him his first bicycle. He graduated to motorized bikes and later his 2010 BMW 1000.

In addition to his parents, Medley is survived by his two sisters, Marshell and Nelcia; four brothers: Dave, Samuel, Michael, and Gary; a daughter, Neileycia; two nieces, Nalani and Sasha; and his grandmother, Charlotte Medley; along with eight aunts; five uncles; 35 first cousins; and a host of other relatives. O'Neil was predeceased by his older brother, David and younger sister, Nardia.

A funeral service was held on July 10 at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford. Interment followed at St John's Cemetery in Stamford.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the O'Neil Medley Scholarship Fund, c/o Greenwich Academy, 200 No. Maple Street, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Mildred J. Mendrys

Mildred J. Mendrys, 78, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully at Greenwich Woods on July 8, 2010.

Born in Greenwich on March 2, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Angela and Eugene Patrizi. She will be remembered for her deep love and devotion to her family.

She is survived by her two sisters, Rosina A Gattuso and Eleanor Angotto and her brother-in-law, Anthony Angotto, all of Greenwich; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Lawrence J Gattuso; a niece, Michelle A Gattuso; a nephew, James F. Koziel; and her two great-nieces, Kimberly and Francesca Angotto.

A graveside service was held on July 12 at St Mary Cemetery in Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mendrys to Greenwich Woods Nursing Home, 1165 King Street, and Greenwich CT 06831. Attention: Shyam Reddy.

Matthew "Skip" Reilly

Matthew "Skip" William Reilly, 76, a longtime Greenwich firefighter of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on July 6, 2010, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Rye, N.Y. on June 11, 1934 to Michael and Cecile Driscoll Reilly. He graduated from Rye High School in 1953 and went on to become a firefighter for 24 1/2 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, Local 1042. He was president of the Greenwich Firefighters Local 1042. He also owned a heating and air conditioning business.

After retiring, he and his late wife, Marian Reilly, moved to Mooresville in 1996. Reilly became active in church, civic groups and volunteer projects. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1962. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 40 years and served on Councils 39, 7406 and Assembly 2417.

He served as the Grand Knight, District Deputy and North Carolina New Council Development Chairman. He was past president of the Lake Norman Golden Boys and actively involved in the Southenders and the Catawbans and served as chairman of several committees for these groups. He also served as the head group coordinator with the Mooresville Soup Kitchen and delivered Meals on Wheels to the senior citizens of Mooresville.

Reilly enjoyed living on the lake, boating, fishing, golf, woodworking and photography.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Calhoun Reilly; two sons, Michael J. Reilly of St. Louis, Mo. and Patrick J. Reilly and wife, Mary Ellen of Milford; a daughter, Laura A. Reynolds and her husband, Rich, of Charlotte, N.C.; a stepson, Kenneth W. Griswold of Bessemer City, NC; three grandchildren: Erin Reilly, Teddy Reynolds and Autumn Griswold; and a sister, Joan Reilly O'Neil of Fayetteville, Pa. He was predeceased by his first wife, Marian Reilly and a sister, Ann White.

A funeral Mass was held on July 10 at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church in Mooresville. Burial was private.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Reilly, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson NC 28036 and/or The Mooresville Soup Kitchen, P. O. Box 5173, Mooresville NC 28117.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice & Palliative Care of Lake Norman for the compassionate care and support shown to him and the family during his illness.

Joseph Burke Rogers

Joseph Burke Rogers passed away on June 28, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a Greenwich resident for many years and was married to the late Elizabeth F. Rogers.

He is survived by his four children: JoAnne Rogers, Diana Stephens, Peter Rogers and Jeralynn Graham.

Arrangements were entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor in Salt Lake City.

Dolores "Val" Seitz

Dolories "Val" Storck Seitz, widow of Charles J. Seitz, passed away on July 8, 2010.

Seitz was born in 1919 in Dayton, Ohio, the only child of Carl H. and Edythe Storck. Also known as "Storckie" to her school/college friends, she grew up in the early days of pro football. Her father, Carl, was one of the founders of the National Football League.

Seitz graduated from Oakwood High School in Dayton and then received her associates degree from National Park College in Forest Glen, Md. and her bachelor's degree from Curry College. After her family, Seitz's second love was National Park and its alumnae association. She served at various times as president, vice president, treasurer and secretary of the association.

In 1947, she met Charles J. Seitz while both were working in New York City. He proposed to her on Valentine's Day 1948 and she became known thereafter as "Val." They were married in June 1948 and moved to Greenwich in 1954, where they raised two sets of twins. They moved to Duncaster in Bloomfield in 2006.

Seitz leaves three sons and one daughter and their families: Charles W. Seitz II and his wife, Lynn of New Fairfield and their two children, Evan and his wife, Diana and Megan; Dean H. Seitz and his wife, Margaret of Hampton, Va. and their children, Sarah S. Joyce and her husband, LTJG John Joyce and Captain Charles M. Seitz; Scott J. Seitz of Vail, Colo.; and Sandol S. Allen and her husband, Richard Allen of Glastonbury, and their two children, Kristi and Chad. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, McKenzie and Jacqualin Seitz.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to "Save Our Seminary" 9615 Dewitt Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or to the Duncaster Foundation Community Fund, 40 Loeffler Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002.

Online condolences may be left at www.carmonfuneralhome.com.

Hans-Georg Thalheim

Hans-Georg Thalheim, 90, of Old Greenwich, died peacefully on July 7, 2010 in his home in the presence of his family.

He was born on March 23, 1920 to Johann F.E. Thalheim III, and Johanna M. Anna Dierking in Osnabrueck, Germany and was raised in Osnabrueck, Germany.

At a young age Thalheim developed a deep love for the sea through visiting family on the North Sea Island of Norderney.

He was also an accomplished dressage rider and won a youth jumping competition in Duesseldorf, entitling him to participate in the "International Olympic Youth Riding Camp" at the Olympic Games in Berlin, 1936.

Thalheim graduated from the Ratsgymnasium in 1938 and began an apprenticeship at the Osnabruecker Copper and Wire Works ("OKD") in 1938. Thalheim finished his apprenticeship in October, 1940, and entered officers' training for the German Artillery in World War II. He served three years at the Russian Front as a cavalry officer with the artillery.

After the war, he started work for OKD in 1945. Located in the British Zone of Occupation, Thalheim used his self-taught English to steadily build up the export business for OKD. During his first trip to the U.S. in 1950, he successfully negotiated a 20-year copper supply contract with Kennecott Copper Corporation on behalf of OKD.

Not long after returning to Germany, Thalheim transferred to London, England to organize supply contracts for non-ferrous metals and copper products. It was there, in October, 1952, that he met Inge Wolter of Berlin in a Spanish conversation class. They married in February, 1953 and set up house in Petersham, England.

In 1957 Thalheim returned to Germany as the CEO of VDM (United German Metalworks) in Nuremberg, the largest producer of non-ferrous metals in Germany at the time. When the Soviets began erecting "The Wall" in August 1961 to physically separate East from West Germany, Thalheim and his wife decided to emigrate to the U.S. to ensure the future security of their young family and avoid the uncertainties of war and possible social unrest in Europe. His motto had always been "Familia Fortis Perseverit." (A strong family perseveres.) The family sailed to America on the MS Bremen and by July, 1963, had made their permanent home in Old Greenwich.

Thalheim took over as President of Ore and Chemical Corporation in New York City, a subsidiary of Metallgesellschaft. He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the German and American Chamber of Commerce, Latones Nacionales SA in Mexico City and was President and CEO of Leybold Hereaus.

In 1972 he joined ASARCO as Vice-President for Corporate Development. He also served on the boards of Revere Copper and Brass and the Copper Development Association.

Thalheim also served honorably as one of Germany's representatives to the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Central Supply Agency for the allocation of metals in wartime.

Later, when he became a U.S. citizen in 1972, he was asked by the U.S. to represent the country at NATO in the same capacity. During this time he was also a member of The Council of the America's Advisory Committee during the Carter and Reagan Administrations.

Thalheim enjoyed skiing, sailing, tennis and golf. Throughout his life, his classical humanistic education, which included Greek and Latin, lead him to become a student/reader of history, his family said. His insatiable interest in the world's people, history and geography spurred him to travel extensively to all corners of the earth. On these travels, he was able to use his English, German, Spanish and French language capabilities.

Thalheim leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Inge Wolter Thalheim; his daughter Christine T. Wimmer and son-in-law Kurt Wimmer of Upper Makefield, Pa.; and two sons, Johann F.E. Thalheim, IV, and daughter-in-law Sarah R. Thalheim, of Old Greenwich; and Peter A. Thalheim and daughter-in-law Maura P. Thalheim of Old Greenwich. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: George, Philip, Hans Christian, Olivia, Ingrid, Sophie and Audrey Thalheim and Alexander and Anna-Christina Wimmer.

A memorial service was held on July 15 at The First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders.