Henri L. Evers, 94, retired brewer, August 14

Henri L. Evers, a retired brewer who immigrated from Germany, died Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center in New Milford. He was 94, the husband of Ethel Strausz Evers, and the father of Linda Caponetti of Mimosa Circle. He lived in Ridgefield for about two years near the end of his life.

Mr. Evers was born in Nancy, France, in 1909 and grew up in Germany. He came to the United States during The Great Depression. He met Ethel Strausz in the mid-1930s when both were attending night school in New York City, and they were married in 1940. He worked at a variety of jobs, including one with General Motors, before taking a position with the F.&M. Schaefer Brewing Company of Brooklyn. In a 35-year career with

Schaefer he worked his way up to a high level management position.

He lived much of his life in New York City, with 22 years in Douglas Manor, Queens, from 1950 to 1972, then retiring to Hendersonville, N.C. After nearly 30 years there he moved to Ridgefield in 1999 to be near his daughter, living first on North Street and then on Grove Street.

"He loved animals, cars and the finer things of life, a cultured European of the old school — classical music, fine food, fine wines, and a beautiful home," his daughter said. "He was a responsible family man, loved his work and adored my mother. He enjoyed playing tennis and taking daily walks. He recited German poetry and was well acquainted with the masters and classical composers. He had a joy of life and a marvelous sense of humor, which did not abandon him — even at the end."

Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by a son-in-law, Robert Caponetti, and three grandchildren, Gary, Paul and Andrew Caponetti, all of Ridgefield.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. in the First Congregational Church of Ridgefield.

08/21/2003