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Patricia Hiro Obituary
Patricia Lu (Bessel) Hiro, 59, of New Milford, CT passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 at her home. She was the wife of Paul A. Hiro.
Pat died of lung cancer which was a recent result of the treatment she had received 29 years earlier for Hodgkin's decease. She was born on April 5, 1955 to now deceased Henry and Jennie (Ruppell) Bessel and grew up in Danbury where she attended Danbury public schools and attended Southern Connecticut State College.
For many years, Pat worked for the American Cyanamid company's wound closure division, Davis & Geck, until their closing and then went on to work at the Canterbury School in New Milford for 19 years, 18 as Assistant to the Headmaster.
Pat was creative and used her talents to help others which brought her much joy. She was a Girl Scout Leader to one of the largest troops in New Milford, the founding president of the New Milford Swim Team Parents Association, Member and Chairperson of the Commission of Headmaster's Assistants for the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, a CCD teacher for Our Lady of the Lakes Religious Education program in New Milford and was a Notary Public for the State of Connecticut.
She enjoyed sharing her life and just goofing around with her beloved husband and lover Paul Hiro. Her daughter, Tara Hiro who will be married in May of 2015 to Chris Ferrante, and her son Thomas Hiro and his wife Lindsay (Russell) all gave her life meaning and taught her so much about love. She also enjoyed horseback riding, walking for hours with her long time best friend, Souby, who was like a part of her.
Besides her immediate family, Pat leaves behind her four siblings: brother Henry "Skip" Bessel and his wife, Maggie; her oldest sister Connie and husband, Bill Strait; sister Denise and husband, Amin Pandofi; and sister Lori and husband, Chris Wallace. Eleven nieces and nephews: Heidi Cheldnick, Adam Bessel, Catie Scott; Greg Strait; Christine Baker; Stacy Butler; Ryan Slater; Amy Conte; Kimmy Howell; Brooke Schumacher; and Godson Brian Stoner. In addition she leaves behind her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws who were loved very much and more like blood relatives than in-laws and who always made her feel loved and whose strength in faith helped her own to grow, her many friends especially the GW girls who helped maintain her for years with love, humor, cocktails and plenty of bacon, and her constant companion, Baxter, who was a gift from God at an important time in her life and finally, she leaves behind her many cousins and work associates who all enriched her life in ways they will never know but have help shape her into the person she became.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 31, 2014 at 10am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 138 Candlewood Lake Rd., Brookfield, CT. Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Friends will be received on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014 from 4pm-8pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
In lieu of flowers donations in Pat's memory may be made to: The Pat Hiro Scholarship Fund, c/o Canterbury School Advancement Office, 101 Aspetuck Ave., New Milford, CT 06776
For further information or to express your condolences on-line go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Hiro
Walter Gregory
October 17, 2022
Miss you Pat! Very grateful for the day you, Paul and i had driving around LA and tapping it off with a Dodger game. Hope our paths cross again.
November 5, 2014
Paul, Tom and Tara,
I'm so sorry to hear the news. Pat was a warm, welcoming friend to my son Keith during his high school years and yours and Pat's home home was always a wonderful refuge for him during those years. She was one of several "surrogate Moms" Keith had at the time, and we are both grateful for that. Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Denise Toomey
November 4, 2014
Paul and Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My sincerest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to you and your entire family. I pray that God will grant all of you the strength and courage needed to get through this sorrowful and difficult time. No words can ease your pain, but may your happy and cherished memories from your everlasting love help comfort your heartbreak now and in the days ahead.
Bill Lewis
November 1, 2014
Paul and family, It's been a long time, but I'll always remember her beautiful smile. She brought happiness to all of us who knew her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Be well.
Bill Lewis
RICH & KATHY GRENIER
November 1, 2014
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE TO AN OLD FRIEND .
HOPE TO BRING SOME COMFORT,OUR THOUGHTS AND HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU .
November 1, 2014
Connie and family,
So sorry for your loss. Sisters always have a special place in our hearts.
Fran and Glen Moore
Heidi Zekos
October 31, 2014
Paul, Tom & Tara- My thoughts are with all of you during this most difficult time. My father thought the world of her. Thinking of you and your entire family
Ken and Ronnie Erdmann
October 30, 2014
Dear Paul and family,
We wish to offer you our condolences during this difficult time.
Barbara Hallecks
October 30, 2014
Paul, Tara and Tommy,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Patricia was a special lady with a very loving heart. As we met over the years, she always shared with me how proud she was of her family. Although we didn't see each other often,she never failed to greet me with a smile and a hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sue Joli Rapp O'Hara
October 29, 2014
Dearest Paul and family. So very sorry for your loss.Keeping you in my thoughts.
October 29, 2014
Paul,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Barbara Serfilippi and Staff at the Ridgefield Town Clerk's Office.
Danny Lane
October 28, 2014
Paul, Pat was a wonderful person and friend. My thoughts andprayers are with you and your family. God has a new angelwatching over us.
Kimberly&Willis Howell
October 28, 2014
A beautiful woman, a beautiful life, a beautiful legacy... so many beautiful memories of you Aunt Pat. Thank you for all of the strength and love you taught all of us. RIP My dear Aunt Patti-Lu
October 28, 2014
Dear Paul and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers and so sorry for our loss. There is a whole in my heart from our earthly loss of such a wonderful person and friend. My consolation is I know Pat will be there to give me (us) a hand up on the way to the next life.
GW friend Teresa Dee Salmon (Edwardsville, IL)
Linda DiSarro
October 28, 2014
Paul, your friends at New Milford Dog Park send our prayers to you and your family. Pat loved bringing Baxter to the park.
October 28, 2014
To our extended family, Paul, Tom and Tara
Words cannot express the pain in our hearts for the loss of one of the most amazing persons we had the honor of having her friendship for almost thirty years. We will cherish all the good times we shared. She taught us the meaning of true faith. She not only accepted her fate, she embraced it. Paul, she told me that you got her through this just by being you! Always joking and keeping life normal. Tom, she is so proud of the wonderful man you have become. It meant everything to her to dance at your wedding! Tara, all she talked about was how blessed she was to be with you picking out your wedding dress. She said if she is not here physically at your wedding, she will be there in spirit. She loved all of you so very much. I know she is with The Lord and we will all be with her again one day. You are in our thoughts and prayers and forever in our hearts.
With all our love,
Mike and Sheryl
Susan Mazzucco
October 28, 2014
Denise, so sorry to hear the sad news about Patty. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry Mahon
October 27, 2014
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Patty some years ago at the Danbury Hilton. I'll always remember her as a really nice person and a fun person to be around. My condolences to you, Paul, and to your family.
Andi Korte
October 27, 2014
Dear Paul and family,
Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you and your family. We have spent the last half hour looking at all of the photo's that have been posted - I never had the good fortune to meet Pat but the pictures show a loving and very happy lady. I am sure she was blessed to have you as her friend and lover. Blessings to you my friend. Marty and Andi Korte (Andi Hutchison)
Shelagh Mosback
October 27, 2014
Paul, Tara and Tom --Rick and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of Pat. As time passes, remembering all the special family times you had together will help ease your pain. So many wonderful memories of the time we all spent together in New Milford. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Shelagh Mosback
Gordon Pascale
October 27, 2014
Paul&Family,
My friendship with Pat goes back 40 years when we were hanging around candlewood lake with the gang. Although we have not seen each other for many years I feel blessed to have run into her with two of her girlfriends at Down the hatch last month. My condolences are with you and your family.
Gordon Pascale and Family
Tom & Pam Miller
October 27, 2014
Paul & Family:
We were very sorry to learn of Patty's passing. You are in our thoughts.
Denise Fuda
October 27, 2014
Paul, our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. We were truly saddened to hear of Pats passing. Take comfort in knowing that a beautiful angel watches over you now. She will forever stay in our prayers and your hearts.
Litchfield County Board of REALTORS
October 26, 2014
Lori & Family.... Your REALTOR family wants you to know that you are in their hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Words seem so inadequate at this time, but please know that we care.
Rob Bessel
October 26, 2014
Paul, Tara, and Thomas,
Jeanne and I are so sorry for your loss. We know she is with her Lord and will always be with you in your hearts.
Elaine Pennarola-Cyr
October 25, 2014
Rest in Peace Pat. I remember you as a nice girl with a fun streak in high school. Prayers for you and your loved ones ??
October 25, 2014
Paul Deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. Will keep all of you in my prayers. Sincerely Joe Hunt
Bill and Donna Devine
October 25, 2014
Paul and family: We are so sorry for your loss. It was enjoying for me to work with Pat @ Canterbury School. What a wonderful lady she was.Just know she is in the arms of our Father and at Rest.
marta snopkowski
October 25, 2014
Dear Paul and Family,
So sorry to hear of Patti's passing.
She was a wonderful person!
Marta and Paul Snopkowski
Alison,Donald,Andrew & Anthony Franco
October 24, 2014
Our condolences to you and your family and prayers for comfort
Walter Gregory
October 24, 2014
This is very sad news. Pat was a very special human being...I knew Pat in our HS years and went to SCSC with her. She and Paul visited with me in LA in 04. She gave more than I could ever express. Thank you God for having Pat be part of my life. Amen
October 24, 2014
Connie, so sorry to hear of your loss. Sisters are special.
Love, Fran and Glen Moore
Pam Bailey
October 24, 2014
Paul, Tara, Thomas and Family,
It was an honor and a privilege to get to know Pat through my sister Souby. She was a truly amazing lady and will be greatly missed. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly, Richard, Paul, & Eileen Chappell/Lawlor
October 24, 2014
Paul, Tara, and Thomas,
Please know you are all in our hearts and prayers during this very difficult time. Patty was the kindest and most gentle soul. She will be sorely missed. We love you all.
Tricia Shea
October 24, 2014
Paul and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. So sorry for your loss.
Helen Purcell Montag
October 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul, Tara, and Tom, and the extended Hiro and Bessel family members. Helen Purcell Montag and Purcell family.
Sonny Shaw
October 24, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael Mazzucco
October 24, 2014
Paul & Family,
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorry and great loss. May the fond memories of Pat forever last in your hearts and minds.
Sharon Roberts Kuczenski
October 24, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to the Hiro and Bessell families.
Kevin King
October 24, 2014
Paul, may I offer my heartfelt condolences at the loss you are now bearing along with your children and extended family. I had the honor and pleasure of considering Pat and I friends over both our careers at Davis & Geck.I hope the loss you feel today will be supplanted by the heartfelt realization that Pat will always be a guiding force in all your lives. she exuded such a lust for life and imparted that feeling to all who came in touch with her, and I for one will always remember her as the warm , kind and fun loving soul that I was fortunate enough to have had cross my path along life's journey.
Mike Zarcone
October 23, 2014
Paul, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Tammy Zinick
October 23, 2014
To Paul and Family and Stacy Butler...
What a great Life she had and shared with you...there's another beautiful Angel in Heaven
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul and family.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies in this time of sorrow.You are in our thoughts and prayer.
Nina and Stan.
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul and Family - I am so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. She was a wonderful friend and always thinking of others. We were all blessed to have her touch our lives. My prayers to you and your family.
Marie & Glenn Adkin
Diane Levy Cipully
October 23, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Frank Bonacci
October 23, 2014
RIP Patty
Frank Bonacci
October 23, 2014
Paul I am sadden to hear of Patty's passing. Whenever I saw you and s\asked about her you told me she was doing well and upbeat. The one thing people will never be able to take away from you and your children are the great memories you will always have.
Paul and Eileen Lawlor
October 23, 2014
Paul, Tara, and Thomas - Words cannot express the loss we feel and even though we are miles away, you all were in our thoughts and prayers always. Pat was a very special friend. She was full of life and love. She enriched the lives of everyone she met. We will miss her. Know that we are praying for all of you and know Pat is home with the Lord.
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul & Family, Our deepest condolences on the passing of Patty. May she R.I.P.
Carol & Syd Rapp
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Much sympathy goes out to you all. Marty and Kathy Barrett Coladarci
Tom & Alice Taylor
October 23, 2014
We are so blessed to have known her. What a wonderful friend she was!
Kevin Durkin
October 23, 2014
Dear Hiro and Bessel Families, I was so saddened to hear of Patti's passing. I have such fond memories of the Washington Avenue days. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kevin M Durkin
Betsy (LeRoi) Terry
October 23, 2014
Paul, Tara & Thomas,
I am Diana leRoi's mom and another scout leader who knew and loved Pat. She will always be an extraordinary person because that living energy lives on in all of you. I send blessings to all
Love Betsy Terry in Paulden, Az
Claire Kuhn
October 23, 2014
The thoughts and hearts of all of ServiceNet is with you.
elizabeth pazsak
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul,
I wish to convey my deepest sympathies to you & your family. Also, thoughts & prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
William Stevenson
October 23, 2014
Paul and family deeply sorry for the loss of a amazing wife, mother and to me a high school classmate and friend. Pat had a special gift of being able to make you laugh ...she had a kind words to all who knew her...this world loss a special women who after many years of not seeing her she still remained the same loving and kind person...as tears roll down my face words cannot express how her friendship back in the day still hold value in my heart today....I'm sad but you will be remember by many because you touched hearts from day one...R.I.P my dear friend Pat.. Love your classmate
Beverly Fairchild
October 23, 2014
To Paul, Connie, Denise, Lori and Henry,
I am so very sad to hear of Pat's passing. She was just beautiful inside and out. You and your families will be in my prayers at this most difficult time.
Mary Quinn-Galbraith
October 23, 2014
Paul: So sorry to learn of Pat's passing. You and your extended family are in our prayers. Mary Quinn Galbraith
Brenda Setterberg
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul & family,
My thoughts & prayers go out to each of you during this sad and difficult time. Reading the testimonies, it sounds like you have many wonderful memories. ...hang on to them forever.. ..Hugs going out and prayers going up..Brenda (Sturges) Setterberg
Ruth Drew
October 23, 2014
Pat was one of the first people that welcomed me to New Milford making me feel right at home. She was a sweet and caring individual gifted with the ability to make others feel at ease. My family and I are sorry for your loss at one so precious taken too soon.
Julie Shaker
October 23, 2014
I am deeply saddened by this news. I haven't seen Pat in a long time, but every time was always like I had just left her. She always had that great smile. She was my bestie in Jr. High and we always danced to Mony Mony. My deepest condolences to the family. Truly a loss.
DHS Class of 1973
October 23, 2014
To The Hiro & Bessell Families
It is with such sadness to just learn of Pat's passing. You shall all remain in my thoughts & prayers during this very difficult time. Pat was such a lovely human being.
Ann Smith
October 23, 2014
Paul, Tara and Thomas,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Surely, she will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known her.
Ed and Janice Strait
October 23, 2014
To Paul, Tara, Tom and all of Patty's family and friends.
We are so sorry for your loss. Pat was such a good, kind and beautiful person and her life was taken much too soon. From what I know of Pat she will be missed by many but her memory will surely live on. God Bless you all.
Tom & Mary Zoeller
Mark Swenson
October 23, 2014
Deepest sympathy to the Hiro family. Patty & I graduated HS and went to SCSU together. Smiles and laughter were always near Patty's company. Too soon, way too soon for her to leave us. She will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace Patty.
Stacy Butler
October 23, 2014
Live well among the angels, dear Aunt Patti,... and find solace in being Home with Nanny & Pop again. I will miss you
Stacy Butler
October 23, 2014
Uncle Paul, Tara, Chris, Thomas, Lindsey, and Baxter,
Aunt Patti Lu will forever live in all of us. Hoping that her warmth, love, laughter, and strength will comfort you all in this devastating time of sorrow. I personally will miss everything about her. All of my love and helping hands and prayers are extended to you all at this time and forever. I love you xoxo
Sharon Melody-Davis
October 23, 2014
Paul and family,
So sorry for your loss. Patty was such a kind and thoughtful person. I so enjoyed working with her at Davis & Geck. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort in the days to follow.
Sharon
David Bonner
October 23, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 23, 2014
Paul:
I am very sorry for your loss. It is clear on reading the narrativie she was a remarkable person, but I am sure you already knew that. May all your special memories sustain you and your family during this difficult time.
Gary Bachyrycz
PG
October 23, 2014
We're sorry to hear about your loss. Pat will be dearly missed. God has made us a promise that soon all these things that makes us hurt will be a thing of the pass. I hope you and your Family find comfort from God's word and promises.
Midge and Mike Fagan
October 23, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Paul and his family at this time. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you all.
October 23, 2014
Dear Paul,Tara and Tom,
So sorry to hear of Pat's passing.She was such an upbeat woman of many talents.We were happy to know all of you.
Joe and Sue Gallas
The Villages,Fl.
Mimi Bureau
October 23, 2014
So sorry to hear of Pat's passing.
She will be forever in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to all. So many precious memories of her.....
October 22, 2014
There's one more angel in heaven...one more star in the sky :)
Love and prayers,
John, Linda, John and Jennifer Wrenn
Mary Jo & Ed Marici
October 22, 2014
Dear Paul and Family.
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. We will never forget all our friends and time in New Milford. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Merry Butler
October 22, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to all,In our thoughts and prayers. Terry and Merry Butler
Bonnie Keizer
October 22, 2014
Dear Paul and family,
I was so sorry to learn of Pat's passing. She was such an inspiration and her generous nature was a joy to behold.
We loved living next door to you on Hilltop all those years ago. You and Pat, Tara and Tom always lived life to the fullest.
May her memory be a blessing. Just know that she leaves a wonderful legacy.
Fondly,
Christine Hiro-Pacey
October 22, 2014
I will miss you a great deal, but will cherish our time together in London and Italy. And of course all the memories I have growing up.
Les & Sue Slater
October 22, 2014
To Paul and family - Sue and I extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to all. Patty's smile and genuine happy, positive attitude are an example to us all. We hope you find peace and comfort in the life and love she shared with so many.May God's love give your comfort at this difficult and painful time.
Mary Kitchens
October 22, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all.
Arthur Michael Bessel,Jr.
October 22, 2014
Donna and I send our deepest sympathy to all of Patti's family at this very sad time. We will miss her so much!!!
Ryan Slater
October 22, 2014
We will miss you Aunt Pat! You always had such a positive attitude on life and I have personally learned so much from you. Say hi to Papa and Nanny for me.
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