Erika Gankos, age 95, of New Fairfield, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026. She was born in Bistritz, Czechoslovakia on March 23, 1931 to Hans and Anna Richter, ultimately settling in New Fairfield, CT to raise her family.
Erika was predeceased by her beloved husband Alexander, and leaves behind her daughter Karin Smith and husband Paul of New Milford CT, son Alex Gankos and wife Susan of Danbury CT, four grandchildren (Kristin Hopkins, Jeff Russell, Katie Rosenberger and Kelly Damalas) along with seven great-grandchildren.
Erika was a loving mother and grandmother, whose life revolved around caring for and enjoying time with her family. For many years Erika worked as an administrator at Grolier and then at Rodenstock, where she forged many lifetime friendships. Besides work and family, she loved to swim, primarily in her beloved Ball Pond, and then in later years at the Brookfield YMCA. Erika also had a green thumb, taking great pride in her gardens and vast collection of flowers and orchids. She also passionately followed and enjoyed the UCONN women’s basketball program, while squirming and sweating through many 30 point blowouts as if they were nail biters!
A gathering to celebrate Erika’s life will be held on May 4th from 10 – 10:45 AM at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury.
Donations in Erika's name can be made to the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut (Greenknoll Branch).
