Obituary of Kenneth Cecil Cogswell

Kenneth Cecil Cogswell, 73, of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023, surrounded by his family at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan.

Ken, known to family & friends as “Smiley,” was born January 14, 1950 to parents Cecil Harold Cogswell and Ida Elizabeth (Sizensky) Cogswell in Bridgeport, CT.  Raised in Fairfield, his family moved to New Canaan when he was 10, which he happily called home ever since.

After graduating from New Canaan High School in 1968, Ken enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  Where he proudly served his country during the Vietnam war.  Following his time in Vietnam, Ken was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Camp Pendelton, California & Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  He was a member & past Commander of VFW Post 653 in New Canaan. 

After being honorably discharged, Ken started his working career as a bartender at the Heritage Inn Restaurant.  He then worked as a skilled carpenter before becoming a letter carrier for the United Stated Postal Service in New Canaan.  Ken retired from the Postal Service in 2015, after more than 30 years of service to the community.

Ken loved spending time with family & friends at the family cabin, “Heaven,” in Vermont.  There he relaxed & enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and riding his snow mobile and 4-wheeler through the mountains.  A lifelong NY Yankees fan, he enjoyed watching their games – win or lose.  Smiley was well known for his famous chili, which was always a crowd favorite at parties & gatherings.  He also had an enormous sweet tooth & would never turn down dessert, especially his wife’s cheesecake.  A man of few words, Smiley was a known practical joker & had a quick wit about him.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Marguerite (Vitiello) Cogswell & daughter Jennifer Lynn Cogswell of New Canaan, daughter Melissa Ann Cogswell of New Britain, brother Dennis C. Cogswell of Woodstock, VT, sister Lori A. (Cogswell) Flynn of Bridgewater, VT, brother-in-law Michael J. Vitiello of New Canaan and many nieces & nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents & his brother Kevin K. Cogswell.

The family will receive friends at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan, CT on Monday, August 14^th, 2023 from 4:00 - 8:00PM.  Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 15^th, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 182 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840.