Kevin Emery Gage
October 11, 1959 – April 12, 2025
Kevin Gage, a respected business leader and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. He was 65 years old. Kevin was born in Westport, Connecticut, to the late John and Joanne Gage, and grew up alongside his brother, Jeff.
He began his career at Price Waterhouse before moving to the Bank of Darien, where he quickly rose through the ranks-first as CFO, and then, at just 30 years old, as CEO. He later helped found
JobDirect.com, a startup in the early online employment space, which he successfully led and sold to Korn Ferry. From there, Kevin pivoted to Oakleaf Waste Management, where he helped turn the company around and led it to a successful private equity sale. He earned a reputation for revitalizing underperforming companies and delivering exceptional shareholder returns.
From 2014 to 2016, Kevin served as President of Aspetuck Valley Country Club, a club he was a member of for over 20 years. He made several meaningful improvements during his tenure-most notably the terrace bar, where he loved to gather with friends and family and take in the beautiful view. Aspetuck held a special place in Kevin's heart, and he was deeply honored to lead a community he cherished so much.
Kevin spent the final decade of his career as CFO of Stamford Hospital, thriving in a complex, fast-moving industry that was entirely new to him. He also served on the board of Zorus, a cybersecurity company founded by his son, Greg. Through every chapter of his professional life, Kevin strived to do better, be better, and always do right by his people-his investors, his directors, and his employees.
Kevin was incredibly smart and sharp-witted, but all of his proudest work accomplishments had to do with his team. He deeply valued the people he worked with and found purpose in helping those around him grow into their best selves. Anyone who worked with Kevin can attest to the dedication and joy he brought into their office and into their lives.
In 2005, Kevin married the love of his life, Cyncie Jones. Together, they built an exceptional life filled with love, laughter, and partnership. Their connection was something rare-visible to anyone who saw them together, and deeply felt by everyone who knew them.
A New Englander at heart, Kevin loved the water-whether boating around the Sound, waterskiing in Lake George, or cracking a beer on the beach at the Cape. He was happiest outdoors and on the move. He loved playing golf with his friends at Aspetuck, competing in pickleball tournaments, and hosting the annual Thanksgiving paddle party. Kevin was an anchor in so many people's lives, always bringing his community together. His gift for connection made everyone around him feel like family-a tradition he proudly continued after moving to Lakewood Ranch, Florida, with his beloved Cyncie.
Kevin also loved to banter-he could talk politics, make people laugh, and especially loved to hold court. Whether at the dinner table, in a meeting, or on the beach, he had a way of commanding a room with charm, curiosity, and wit.
Above all, Kevin was a family man first. He absolutely loved being a dad-he was endlessly proud of his children and bonus children, and his love for them was palpable in everything he did. He found tremendous joy in the everyday moments with them-early-morning golf rounds, late-night kitchen chats, and every milestone in between. He is survived by his greatest accomplishments-his wife, Cyncie Gage; his children, Greg Gage, Brian Gage, and Jenny Gage; his bonus children, Maggie Lautenslager, Carrie Lautenslager, and Amy Lautenslager; his brother, Jeff Gage, and sister-in-law Shelly Gage; his nephew, Collin Gage, niece-in-law Cathie Gage, and their daughter, Sophia Gage. His love, support, and humor shaped the lives of everyone lucky enough to be loved by him.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 20, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Aspetuck Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The
American Diabetes Association.
Published by Connecticut Post & Westport-News from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8, 2025.