Obituary of Frederick Michael Lione,Jr.

Frederick Michael Lione, Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Norwalk Hospital with his wife, Nancy, by his side. Born in Stamford, Connecticut on March 23, 1934 to Frederick Michael Lione, Sr. and Eva Vuono Lione, he spent his early life in the Shippan Point section of Stamford, living in the house built by his grandfather in 1901. He graduated from King School in 1951 as Valedictorian of his class, and Dartmouth College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He entered the family-held business of Vuono-Lione Inc., a commercial, industrial and institutional construction company in Stamford, where he became President & CEO in 1968 and led in that role until 1980. The company built major structures for large corporations including Pitney Bowes, Perkin Elmer, American Cyanamid and Conde Nast as well as numerous area buildings including the Noroton Presbyterian Church, New Canaan Presbyterian Church, and the Wolfpit School. In 1981 he joined the Rockefeller Center Development Corporation in New York and later became a Vice President. He worked for The Rockefeller Group for almost twenty years, managing projects for the firm's interests throughout the United States. He rounded out his professional career at the Museum of Modern Art in New York as a Project Manager for the New Building, the major addition and renovation to the museum between 2001 and 2003. He was most proud of his service in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1955-1961, notably his time with the 3rd Armored Division headquartered at Ft. Knox. He always felt that his leadership experience in the Army prepared him well for his future endeavors. Throughout his professional life, Fred served in leadership roles in community organizations, and upon retirement continued to share his expertise through pro-bono support to area non-profits. These included Board memberships for The Stamford Girls Club and Constitutional Federal Savings, and later included The Forman School, The Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk, and the Norwalk Hospital Volunteers. He served as a consultant to the Darien Historical Society. He is a Trustee Emeritus of the Forman School in Litchfield, CT., where an annual Distinguished Service Award is given in his name. Fred will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, loyal friend and good citizen. He will also be remembered for his intellect and sense of curiosity, expertise in history and many genres of music, along with his master storytelling. He was an extraordinarily wise and kind man who enriched all in his presence. He ended most telephone conversations with a simple "Peace." Fred was pre-deceased by his first wife, Sallianne Cordiner Lione, his daughter Kendall Lione Gleason, and his sister, Lois Lione Cathcart. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Smith Lione and his children: David Lione (Cate); John Lione (Susan); Sarah Lione Zarucha (Edward); Grandchildren: Cara Boyle (Kevin); Tess Lione (Ben Buchler); and Nicholas Lione. Great-grandchildren: Jack and Kelly Boyle. Step-Children include: Christopher Smith; Heather Smith; Theodore Smith; Virginia Smith Svendsen (Chris). Step-Grandchildren: Carter Smith; Alexander Smith; Gianni Smith; Margot Smith; Theodore Smith; Crosby Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Lynne Lione Webb, his brother in-law, Dr. Paul Cathcart, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Saturday November 19, 2022 at the Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien at 1:00 PM with a reception immediately following at the church. A family burial is earlier. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Forman School and The Norwalk Hospital Foundation.