Sigma Phi Epsilon - University of Connecticut

Donald Arthur Littlefield '54 entered Chapter Eternal on February 19, 2022, peacefully passing away in his sleep surrounded by his loving family in Wakefield, R.I., after a bout with pancreatic cancer. He was a 10th-generation Block Islander. Don graduated in 1954 with a B.S. from UConn's School of Business. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, Don worked for the Aetna Insurance Co. in Hartford, Conn., and then the J. R. Tallman Insurance Co. in Taunton, Mass, as vice president and general manager. Exemplifying a commitment to community service, he served many community-based organizations, including Morton Hospital, Rotary International, the Pilgrim Congregational Church Board of Managers, and the United Way. Upon his retirement in 1994, Don and his wife, Lydia, moved to their summer home on Block Island. Brother Littlefield was president of Iota Nu Delta at UConn before it became a Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter, and he was initiated as a SigEp. Donald Albert Koop '58 entered Chapter Eternal on October 28, 2021. Brother Koop was born in Jamaica, N.Y. He graduated high school in Newton, N.J., and received a B.S. from UConn and a Ph.D. from the University of Maine. He then moved with his young family to Rochester, N.Y., where he worked over 30 years for Eastman Kodak Company. Retiring at age 55, he pursued his love of travel and attained his goal of visiting all 50 states (many by Amtrak, his preferred method of travel) and all seven continents. Later in life, Don moved to Roanoke, Va., with his wife, Sharon, living in their dream home they designed and built. He was a true Balanced Man, having enjoyed many hobbies, including woodworking, photography, gardening, camping, canoeing, and hiking. Dolph Santello '60 entered Chapter Eternal on July 25, 2021. He worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company for over 30 years and then for the Microsoft Corporation for eight. Dolph was also a graduate of Quinnipiac University, and received several graduate degrees and certificates, leading up to a doctorate in Public Administration from Nova University. He loved teaching public administration courses at the University of New Haven and enjoyed giving his time to a variety of organizations, especially soup kitchens in the New Haven and Charlestown, R.I., areas. Dan M. Steward '72 entered Chapter Eternal on October 24, 2021. After graduating from UConn, Dan went on to earn a master's degree in organization psychology from the University of New Haven. He worked for 28 years for the former Southern New England Telephone, followed by three years at the Millstone Power Station. Dan was a community leader and was passionate about many topics and organizations. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of New London, where he was a deacon and served on many boards. Additionally, he served on the Waterford Representative Town Meeting and the Board of Education before serving as the Town of Waterford's longest serving first selectman from 2005 until 2019. Dan had a passion for education and oversaw the construction of four new schools. In 2012, he served as chairman of the board of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, and in 2016, he was honored as Citizen of the Year by the New London Lodge of Elks. Joseph W. "Big Joe" Langella Sr., Renaissance '83 entered Chapter Eternal on June 15, 2022, following a long illness. Joe was a devoted father to chapter brothers Joseph W. Langella Jr. '83, Michael Langella '84, Paul Langella '87, and Peter (UConn class of '85). He was a loving husband to his wife, Audrey, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. It seems fitting that, as the father of three Connecticut Alpha brothers, in 1983 he became the chapter's first Renaissance initiate. Reflecting fondly on a life well- lived, Joe Jr. said about his father, "Recently, I saw a business book titled Leaders Eat Last. Immediately, I thought of our dad. He always 'ate last,' making sure everyone was taken care of before he took care of himself." Big Joe was surrounded by many Connecticut Alpha brothers who, led by AVC President Van Augur '20, participated in SigEp's Memorial Service, placing a rose in tribute as he was laid to rest. Felix Ivan Garcia '86 entered Chapter Eternal suddenly on June 23, 2021. Upon graduation from UConn, he joined the United States Marine Corps, and served as a member of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Team. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant. Felix enjoyed writing poetry, playing guitar, and drawing. He was fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian. Marty Angelo Tiezzi '86 entered Chapter Eternal on January 29, 2021, due to complications from heart disease that he had been suffering from for several years. Marty received his bachelor's degree in biological science and pre-med. After college, Marty started his professional career working in pharmaceutical and medical sales, and later went on to create his own sales company, Bio-Info Marketing Services. We will always remember his larger-than-life personality. Sean Walsh '87, of Kingston, R.I., entered Chapter Eternal on July 22, 2022, after a brief illness. Working professionally as a social worker, Sean embodied our Cardinal Principles of Virtue and Brotherly Love, helping many people through his work and putting others first. He loved the Red Sox and music and was an excellent guitar player in two bands. In the words of Paul Leonardo '87, "It's never easy to say goodbye to someone so young, but Sean lived a full life with a big Irish family and a heart that he was both proud of and sated him. He always put his family first." Sean is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Holly, and their sons, Connor, Liam, and Aidan. Edward "Big Ed" Kaplan '88 entered Chapter Eternal on October 24, 2021, after a brief illness. The many SigEp brothers in attendance at Ed's funeral service participated in SigEp's memorial service, led by Connecticut Army National Guard Brigadier General Ralph Hedenberg '89. Roses were placed by representatives of each of the SigEp communities impacted by Ed: Brother Hedenberg, Dan Sullivan, Quinnipiac '13, Van Augur '20, Bill Gunn '88, and Paul Litcher, Indiana Tech '90. Ed's commitment to SigEp was deep, wide, and distinguished. In 2018, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was also a two-time recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award. He was a Conclave Loyal Legionnaire and received the Larkin Bailey/Babe Fly Loyalty Cup upon attending his 15th Conclave. Ed attended his final Conclave in 2021 in Denver. He served all three Connecticut chapters: Connecticut Alpha as AVC president, and as chapter counselor for Connecticut Delta at Yale University and Connecticut Epsilon at Quinnipiac University. When Connecticut Alpha was restarted at UConn in 2014, Ed's involvement played a significant role in its success. Tapped to serve as president of the Alumni and Volunteer Corporation, he performed the role with great passion and dedication until the time of his passing. He recruited volunteers to support the chapter and updated alumni on the growing chapter's progress. PAGE 6 SPEACONN Chapter Eternal May one of our Fraternity symbols, the red rose, now assume added significance as an expression of our enduring Brotherly Love for our departed brothers.

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