In Memoriam: Carl M. Dunham, Jr.

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Carl Miles Dunham, Jr., 80, a lifetime resident of New Milford, died peacefully July 10, 2024, at Danbury Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Nancy Saggese for six years. The couple had been life partners for 36 years.

Carl was a farmer, a real estate agent with Candlelight Farms Realty, an attorney, and the owner and operator of Candlelight Farms in New Milford, a 600-acre lodging, wedding and special events venue, and stable property, and The Inn at Richmond, Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond, Mass. 

He was born Aug. 29, 1943, in New Haven, one of three children of the late Carl M. Sr. and Jessica (Scott) Dunham, who raised their children at Candlelight Farms on Candlewood Mountain in New Milford.

The Dunham family purchased the property in 1937, envisioning the creation of a resort destination with a working farm, full-service inn, and airstrip.

Carl graduated high school at age 16 from the one-room schoolhouse on Candlewood Mountain. Carl studied at UCONN while assuming oversight of the farm. He earned a juris doctorate from UCONN and began to practice law in his hometown in 1967.

Over the years, he fulfilled his father’s dream for the property, and also added an equestrian center. He shared a love for horses, and the farm’s mascot donkey, Fiona, with Nancy.

Carl had a passion for working on the farm and took pride in being a steward of the land, reflecting his dedication and love for the place he called home. He knew every inch, curve, hill, and tree of the land, loved it, and relished time aboard the tractor to mow, plow or hay the sprawling fields of the farm, right up until his passing.

Known for his warm embraces, Carl was a hugger, sharing his affection generously with friends and family. Carl’s depth of friendships and spiritual relationships enriched the lives of many.

Carl was an active and caring citizen in the town he loved. He was a thoughtful and important participant in community conversations about a wide range of issues that faced New Milford as it changed and grew over the decades.

In the community, he was a longtime trustee of the John Pettibone Memorial Scholarship Fund and a past member of the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was an avid supporter of UCONN basketball, cheering on the team with unwavering enthusiasm.

In addition to his loving wife, Nancy, and her cherished son, Christopher Saggese, and his wife, Stefanie, and their daughter, Emily, Carl is survived by many other treasured family members and friends, including Chris Setzler. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the JPMSF, P.O. Box 944, New Milford, CT 06776, or to the Ostomy Foundation, 14 Elm St., New Milford, CT 06776.

Services are private.

As Carl’s masterpiece is completed, his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the community he revered so deeply..