Vytautas Banelis, insurance executive

Vytautas “Victor” Banelis, a former Ridgefielder who was a retired commercial life insurance executive, died on Thursday, Nov. 16, at his home at 130 Norton Street, New Haven. He was 74 years old and husband of the late Ivona Pranckevicius Banelis
Mr. Banelis was born in Panevezys, Lithuania, on Feb. 26, 1926, a son of the late Stasys and Ona Povilionis Banelis.
He attended schools in Lithuania and came to the United States in 1948, first settling in New York City. There he continued his education, graduating from St. John’s University and later attending New York University School of Law.
In 1972, he moved from New York to Pinecrest Drive. While here here he worked for General Reinsurance Life in Greenwich.
Mrs. Banelis, a medical technician, died in a car accident in 1976.
Mr. Banelis moved to New Haven in 1986.
Survivors include a son, Paul Banelis of Middletown,and his wife, Joan Andrews; a brother, Algimantas Banelis of Toronto, Canada; and two nephews, Kestutis Banelis and Vaidila Banelis.
A brother, Algirdas Banelis, died before him.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday in St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The Kane Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.