obituaries

Dean Joseph Davidson

LAKEVILLE — Dean Joseph Davidson died quietly at home early on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Dean is survived by his loving partner, Linda Bushnell, his brother, Robert Davidson (wife Lynn) of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and his sister, Carol Bartlett (husband Robert) of Old Lyme. He leaves three nephews; Jason Bartlett (wife Jackie), Michael Bartlett (wife Danielle) and Ryan Bartlett (wife Kristen) and their families.

Dean was born to the late Margaret (Peg) and Robert Davidson, at Fairview Hospital on Feb. 10, 1953. He spent his childhood in Canaan, and graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in1972. Dean was previously employed as a carpenter with Morck Builders of Falls Village, as a member of the Salisbury Town Crew, and he really enjoyed his work at Lime Rock Park in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s, performing any number of services. In later years, Dean was a successful self-employed carpenter.

Previously, Dean was a member of The Lakeville Hose Company. He took great pride in organizing two rodeos in Pope Field for the benefit of LHC. He was also an active supporter of The Jane Lloyd Fund and he could always be seen at the annual Clam Bake, enthusiastically working all day to help make it a success.

Dean loved helping the young riders of The Lakeville Pony Club and served as District Commissioner for a year. He was an invaluable asset to Linda at Fairweather Farm, Town Hill Farm and Riga Meadow Farm. He could build jumps, bale hay, trailer horses, fix tractors and do anything else that was needed to keep the farm running and in good shape.

Dean was an avid and talented golfer. He loved to play. He organized the VFW Monday Night League at Hotchkiss for many years.

He loved his German Shepards; Codi, Blue and most recently, Bria, and they all adored him! And… though he would never admit it, he loved horses, too.

He will be deeply missed.

Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at The Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main Street in Canaan, Connecticut. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at The Salisbury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Jane Lloyd Fund c/o The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

obituaries

Latest News

ZBA rejects bid to reopen long-running Cooper Road dispute

ZBA rejects bid to reopen long-running Cooper Road dispute

North East Zoning Board of Appeals members met on Thursday, Jan. 15, to hear a request from the Vitiello family, who own the property at 208 Cooper Road, to reconsider a 2005 ZBA decision that bars the residence on the property from obtaining a certificate of occupancy. The residence has been occupied for years despite a court injunction and an affirming appeals court decision in 2018 that ordered the house must be vacated.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — A decades-long dispute on Cooper Road returned to the spotlight on Thursday, Jan. 15, as a tense meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) concluded with members unanimously rejecting a request to reconsider a decision that was made more than 20 years ago — a move that would have reopened conditions tied to the property’s original approval.

At the center of the conflict is an illegal dwelling owned by Erasmo and Josephine Vitiello on Cooper Road that has never received a certificate of occupancy. Although the structure received a building permit in 2005, it remains illegal under the town’s zoning code. Litigation between the town and homeowners in 2018 resulted in an injunction requiring the property to be vacated. The home, however, remains occupied, prompting public questions about enforcement by the Town Board.

Keep ReadingShow less
government

The Little Flower Bar opens in Amenia, offering blooms and gifts

The Little Flower Bar opens in Amenia, offering blooms and gifts

In addition to fresh floral arrangements offered at The Little Flower Bar, a new business at 8 Old North Road in Amenia, owner Kelly Deneen offers an array of gifts in an attractive price range.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Creativity and enthusiasm are flourishing at The Little Flower Bar, which recently opened in Amenia and is now serving fresh floral arrangements alongside an array of gifts.

Owner Kelly Deneen keeps the flower bar stocked with seasonal, locally sourced blooms that can be arranged on site as grab-and-go bouquets or purchased as individual stems. A wide selection of gifts complements the floral offerings, making the shop a destination.

Keep ReadingShow less
businesses

Edward Aparo

Edward Aparo
Edward Aparo
Edward Aparo

Edward Aparo passed away peacefully at his home on January 7, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Edward was born on May 10, 1936 in New Britain, CT. He was the beloved son of the late Anthony and Rose Valenti Aparo and attended New Britain schools. On April 7, 1958 Edward married his school sweetheart Jean Ackerman beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 67 years. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work and love.

Keep ReadingShow less

Vitsky Bakery turns local surplus into seasonal pastries

Vitsky Bakery turns local surplus into seasonal pastries
Ariel Yotive portions out dough for baked goods to be sold at Vitsky Bakery in Wassaic. Yotive has been baking since she was a child helping in her father’s Illinois-based Quality Bakery.
Langdon Speers

WASSAIC — Ariel Yotive has a motto, “Work with what you’ve got.” Her unique Vitsky Bakery in Wassaic has the fruits of that motivation flying off the shelves.

Literally, during apricot season, one of her neighboring farm orchards may be harvesting fresh-off-the-tree fruit that is transformed into danishes. Local hives supply honey for sweet toppings or chunks of honeycomb for a delicious and rustic garnish. “I use what is around,” said the baker.

Keep ReadingShow less
business