To the Editor:

Dear friends of Stanley M. Perrone, Newtown residents, former customers of Kesco Electric and Home Improvement Company, and

St Rose of Lima Church congregants,

Last month, I wrote asking for Christmas or New Year’s cards to be sent to my husband’s nursing home to give him some joy that he was being thought of, from old and new friends. I explained what Stan had been through these last seven years, and how he had defied all odds of living with glioblastoma (a malignant brain tumor that was removed in 2012, and then another that appeared in 2018). He had been doing well the past three months (being stable was all we could ask for) in the nursing home, and we were hopeful to having him return home around Christmas or soon after.

That evening after I had submitted my letter to The Bee, Stan was admitted to Yale Hospital. It was sudden and serious. Unfortunately, with serious rare cancers and, consequently, extreme measures at times to fight them, many other issues arise. Stan had blood clots in his lungs that required a procedure to remove them and be treated with blood thinners. He spent a week in the hospital, and was released back to the nursing home.

Upon his return, there were piles and piles of cards waiting for him! I took the time to let Stan know about the letter, and read him some cards. He was so touched. There was a softness in his eyes, and tears. The next couple days, I read him a few more. He was still recovering, so we needed to “space them out” to relish in the lovely sentiments, and the wonderful intimacy and vulnerability of it all they gave us. We were only able to read less than a dozen in three days before he returned to the hospital again... under even more serious circumstances. Stan passed away during the early morning hours of December 18th with his loving family present.

I want to take this moment to tell you all how beautiful all your thoughts, sentiments, prayers, and love have been to Stan... and now to us as a family who grieves the passing of an extraordinary man, husband, father, and grandfather. I still haven’t read any more than a couple more of what I had read to Stan, but our intentions are to read them together as a family in the next while. They will provide comfort, joy, and solace in our grief.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you from all of my family. This town is such a special, wonderful community of love and giving. God bless you.

Sincerely,

Karen Perrone

141 Arlington Street, West Haven January 8, 2020