Hermonat, Johnson, Velez: Recent Death Notices From New Milford

NEW MILFORD, CT — Condolences are extended to the family and friends of those who have recently died.

Eva (Gruhn) Koerner, 85, died Aug. 8. She worked as a certified nursing assistant in pediatrics at New Milford Hospital and later served as secretary of the intensive care unit until she retired in 2014. She continued volunteering at the hospital one to two days a week through 2020. She is survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Source:

Manuel "Manny" Velez Jr., 62, died Aug. 3. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Junction City, Kansas. He worked as a manufacturing finishing technician at Connecticut Coin starting in 2004 and also did construction work. He is survived by a daughter, three grandchildren and a sister.

Carol Ann Johnson, 80, died July 14. She taught in the Brookfield school system for 35 years across multiple grade levels. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, James Johnson, a son, two step-daughters and four grandchildren.

Joyce Ann Stewart, 74, died July 12. She worked as a licensed practical nurse after graduating from Henry Abbott Regional Vocational Technical School. She is survived by a daughter, a brother and two grandchildren.

Karl F. Hermonat, 84, died June 22 of lung cancer. He taught music at Brookfield High School for 44 years, founding and directing the school's music program before serving as choral director. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce, a son and two grandsons.