Our "In Memoriam" lists include the names
of all members of the UMass family whose deaths have been reported to
us by the alumni records office. In our online edition, we also reprint
any obituaries that we have received.
Alumni from the classes of 1928-1966 are listed below. For the classes of 1967-2000 and for faculty and students, please click here.
To look for a particular name in this or earlier issues, please try our link here - or, since it is not entirely reliable, email us for assistance.
Classes of 1928-1966
Ruth (Putnam) Snyder ’26, 96, of Amherst, died October 7 in the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Born October 10, 1903, in Litchfield, CT, she was the daughter of the late Joseph H. and Kate (Taylor) Putnam. She had been a resident of Amherst for more than 66 years. She had also lived in Pittsfield for a few years, until returning to Amherst this year. She summered in Vershire, VT. She graduated from Greenfield High School in 1922, and received a bachelor's degree from Massachusetts Agricultural College, now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, in 1926. During her college years, she was a member of the ROTC and was a horse soldier in a U.S. Cavalry Regiment. Mrs. Snyder was a homemaker. She was active in many community and faculty organizations in Amherst. Her husband, Grant B. Snyder, died in 1991. She leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and John O. Parker of Amherst, with whom she lived, two sons, Richard G. Snyder of Tucson, Ariz., and David G. Snyder of Elkhart, Ind.; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 10/1/00)Herman I. Andrews ’27S, 93, of Southampton, died Dec. 13 in Lindon Manor Extended Care Facility in Leeds. Born in Rockford, Maine, December 15, 1906, he was the son of the late George and Alioloa (Buker) Andrews. He attended Southampton schools, smith Vocational High School in Northampton, and the Stockbridge School at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Andrews retired in 1982 from the Andrews Saw Mill in Southampton, where he was owner and operator for 15 years. H was previously employed at the T.E. Parsons Saw Mill in Southampton from 1944 to 1967, and as pomologist with the Ed Searles Orchards in Southampton. He was a member, former deacon, and trustee of the Southampton Congregational Church. He served as sexton at the church for 30 years. His wife, Dorothy H. (Kendall) Andrews, died in 1985. He leaves a son, Sterling Andrews of Newington, CT: a daughter, Gale Robinson of Dunstable; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 12/14/00)
Alfred A. Brown ’31, ’33G
John W. Dufill Sr. ’31S, 91, died Sunday in Blueberry Hill Healthcare Center in Beverly. He was born in Melrose and graduated from Tilton Preparatory School and the agricultural program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He owned and operated Twin Echo Farm on Center Street in Danvers for many years. He leaves his wife, Virginia (Whitworth); a daughter, Ruth Morley of Georgetown; a son, John W. Jr. of Danvers; a sister, Marion Jones of Dover, NH; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. . .
( The Boston Globe 12/13/00)
Kenneth F. Hale ’32, 91, of Tolland, died Friday. He was a fruit farmer and the treasurer and clerk of Tolland from 1944 to 1975. Born in Winsted, CT, he was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a lifelong resident of Tolland. He was the former judge for the Riverton Fair. He leaves one daughter, Barbara Campbell of Tolland; one niece, Eileen Hunt of Tolland; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a close friend, Robert Gaynor of Tolland. . .
(Springfield Union News 12/11/00)
James H. Flynn ’34, 87, of Easthampton, died Thursday at home. He directed quality control at Easthampton Rubber Thread Co. He retired in 1973. He was previously a chemist at the Firestone Rubber Corp. plant in Fall River and the general manager of Paragon Rubber CO. After retirement, he was a cost analyst for Paul Martin Rubber Co. of Holyoke. He was the town's milk inspector for many years. Born and schooled in Easthampton, he was a 1930 graduate of Easthampton High School and a 1934 graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He leaves his wife of 61 years, the former Lillian Walker; two daughters, Sharon L. Keating of Chicopee and Dr. Linda L. Flynn-Wojnar of Ipswich; a sister, Alice D. Flynn of Easthampton, and three grandsons.
(Springfield Union News 11/25/00)
Madelyn (Belanich) Heidler ’35, 85, of Old Lyme, died Tuesday at home. Born on September 14, 1914, she grew up in Greenfield, MA. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1936. Mrs. Heidler moved to the area 55 years ago, and lived in both Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. She taught kindergarten at the Flanders School in East Lyme and also owned and helped run the Rogers Lake Day Camp in Old Lyme. She is survived by her husband, George Heidler; two daughters, Lynn Sparaco of Old Saybrook and Laraine Karraker of Bethel; a stepdaughter, Darlene Everett of Peabody, MA; two sisters, Muriel Bigelow and Kathryn Murphy; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband, I. William Belanich, and a brother, Robert Ashley.
(New London, Day 5/3/00)
Gordon H. Bishop ’36, 85, of South Glastonbury, died Sunday (Sept. 24, 2000) at Sterling Manor Nursing Home. He was the husband of Priscilla (Drew) Bishop. Born on September 17, 1914 in Bellows Falls, VT, he moved to Athol, MA, in 1923. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1936, he was employed by the National Silk Company traveling for five months from Arizona to California. From 1938 until he retired in 1977, he was employed as a claims manager by the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company. He lived in Glastonbury since 1940. Gordon was always proud of his service in the United States Navy, Pacific Theater, during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla M. Bishop, a daughter, Janet (Bishop) Roche and her husband Vincent E. Roche of Avon, a son, David Gordon Bishop and his wife Deby Bishop of Moodus; and five grandchildren. Lauren Janet Vestewig of Houston, TX, Katherine E. Roche and Brendan B. Roche of Avon, and Jared David Bishop and Haley Bishop of Moodus; his two sisters, Pauline Briggs and her husband Gordon Briggs; and Dorothy Holt; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. A beloved daughter, Sally Bishop Vestewig, predeceased him. . .
Phyllis (Macintosh) Calvi ’36, 85, died Monday, May 8, 2000, at the River Terrace Helathcare in Lancaster, after a long illness. Her husband, John Calvi, died in 1985. She leaves a son, J. Phillip Calvi of Arlington, Va.; a daughter, Diane C. Gardner of Athol; two brothers, Robert Macintosh of Oveido, FL, and Alan Macintosh of Barre; two granddaughters, Tracy Gardner and Alicia Gardner, both of Athol. She was born in Worcester on September 13, 1914, the daughter of Robert and Susan (Garry) Macintosh, and has resided in Athol since 1939. She graduated from New Salem Academy in 1932, and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1936, with a bachelor of science degree in home economics. She taught home economics at Athol High School for three years and at Bradford Academy. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, reading, needlepoint, crossword puzzles and bird watching. . .
(Athol Daily News 5/10/00)
Edmund J. Sullivan ’36, 85, of Warmouth, a retired ophthalmologist who practiced in West Roxbury and Stoughton, died of cancer Tuesday at his home. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Middlesex University Medical School, Dr. Sullivan served in the Army during World War II. He practiced from 1950 to 1980. He leaves his wife, Joan (Secco); two sons, John F. of Worthington and Edmund Jr. of New York City; two daughters, Karen M. Carroll of Springfield, and Joyce Sullivan Goff of Wellesley; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. . .
(The Boston Globe 8/4/00)
Welby F. MacCollom ’37S, 83, of Milbridge, a carpenter, died Wednesday, September 20, in an Ellsworth hospital. He leaves his wife, Pauline MacCollom; a daughter, Margaret A. McGee of Conneaut, Ohio; a son, Andrew W. MacCollom of Sutton, MA; a brother, five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Born in Boston, son of Welby H. and Florence (Butterick) MacCollom, he graduated from high school in 1935. He graduated in 1937 from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, MA. His first wife, Marion (Nourse) MacCollom, died in 1967. He lived many years in Sterling and moved to Milbridge in 1985. Mr. MacCollom was a self-employed carpenter, and worked 25 years with Jack Woodsmall in Sterling. He had been a deputy chief in the Bolton, MA, volunteer fire department and chief of the Sterling volunteer fire department. . .
(Worcester Telegram & Gazette 9/21/00)
Irene (Boguslawski) Perry ’37S, 82, of Durham, Conn., died October 31 at Middlesex Convalescent Center in Middletown, Conn. Born in Amherst April 27, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Martin and Katherine (Yacyshyn) Boguslawski. She was a 1935 graduate of Amherst High School, and a 1937 graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, now part of the University of Massachusetts. She had lived in Durham since 1953. She was a member of the United Churches of Durham. Her husband, Kenneth H. Perry, died in 1999. She leaves two sons, Thomas Perry of Middletown, CT, and Robert Perry of Haddam, CT; a daughter, Elizabeth Bastura of Eastford, CT; a sister, Margaret (Peg) Anderson of Amherst; and nine grandchildren. Four sisters, Elizabeth Conklin, Helen Thornton, Anastasia Sicop, and Catherine Jones died earlier. . . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 11/21/00)
Donald F. Thurlow ’37, 87, of Easthampton, died Monday at home. He owned and operated the Trading post Restaurant in Greenfield from 1946 to 1951, when he moved to Lake Oswego, Ore. He worked in outside sales for Consolidated Supply Co. of Oswego, Ore., for 23 years and retired in 1975. Born in New York City, he moved to Greenfield as a child. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1931 and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1935. A World War II Army Air Forces veteran, he served in the European Theater with the 100th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force in England. He served from 1943 to 1946 and attained the rank of captain. He lived in Oregon until 1987, when he moved to Easthampton. He leaves his wife, Dorothy O. Thurlow; two nephews, Floyd Galbraith of Piffard, NY, and David Galbraith of Allentown, PA. . .
(Springfield Union News 9/23/00)
Meredith F. Bryant ’38S, died at his home in Fort Myers, Fla. On Monday, April 3, 2000. Mr. Bryant was born in Framingham on December 3, 1917 to the late Charles and Ruth Bryant. He attended schools in Medfield, graduated from the Walpole Agriculture School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Bryant served in the US Air Force from 1940-1968 and retired as chief master Sargent. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bryant; daughter Marsha Dickenson of Northridge, CA; sons, Meredith Bryant of FL, Christopher Bryant of FL, and Van Bryant of FL; grandchildren, Rast, Kevin, Courtney, Nicole, and Ryan; sister, Dorothea Smith of Keene, NH and his brother, Preston Bryant of Newington, CT. He was preceded by brothers Robert and Bradley, and sister Beverly. . .
(Needham Medfield Suburban Press 6/22/00)
Elizabeth (Gaskell) Dicklow ’38, ’69G, 83, of South Deerfield, died May 28 in Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. Born in Groton, CT, May 3, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Bessie (Clark) Gaskell. She moved to South Deerfield as a child and attended local schools. She received both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. After working as a secretary for 10 years in Hartford and Bristol, CT, Mrs. Dicklow had taught for 35 years at the former Northampton Commercial College, Greenfield Community College and Skills, in Amherst. She was a member of the South Deerfield Congregational Church. Her husband, John B. Dicklow, died in 1968. She leaves a daughter, Bess Dicklow of South Deerfield, a stepson, Donald A. Smith of Agawam, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A daughter, Ruth Moore, died in 1996. . .
( Daily Hampshire Gazette 5/30/00)
Henry B. Elkind ’38, of Bridgeport passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2000. Mr. Elkind was born in Worcester, MA, son of the late Dr. Henry B. Elkind and Lena (Norman) Elkind. He is survived by his daughters, Louise Elkind of Cleveland, and Phyllis Elkind of New York City; a sister, Dorothy Blaustein of Fairfield; and his grandson, Matthew. Mr. Elkind was predeceased by his beloved wife, Fern, who died in march of this year, and by his brother, Vincent. In addition to caring for his own family, Henry took a special interest in his grandnephews, Danny and T.J., and his grandniece, Dana. Henry graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1938 with a BS in food technology. He was discharged from the US Army as a major in 1946, having served active duty in the Pacific theater. While there, he received a Purple Heart when the ship he was on was bombed. His last and most enjoyable job was with Topps Chewing Gum, for which he was the director of overseas operations. This job's worldwide travel allowed him to become fluent in Spanish and to put his photographic skills to good use. People who met Henry did not easily forget his humor, intellect, curiosity and energy. His will to live was an inspiration to all, as was the peace with which he accepted his final days. . .
(Bridgeport Connecticut Post 7/4/00)
Ruth (Kochs) Giannasi ’38, 83, of Springfield, a former area teacher, died Sunday at a local nursing home. A 25-year science teacher, she worked in the Springfield school system for eight years and at the Holyoke Street School in Holyoke for 17 years. She retired in 1992. She was previously a senior laboratory technologist at Springfield Hospital for five years and was responsible for developing a blood bank there. Born and raised in Leicester, she lived in Springfield for 58 years. She graduated from Cherry Valley High School in 1934, received a bachelor of science degree in bacteriology from the University of Massachusetts in 1938 an also received a postgraduate certificate as a certified medical technologist from Worcester City Hospital in Worcester. She was a former member of Liberty United Methodist Church and a current member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was the Sunday school superintendent and president of the United Methodist Women. She was a volunteer in the Springfield Public schools, at Baystate Medical Center and with the Maetros Amigos Program. Her husband, Ugo L. Giannasi, died in 1985. She leaves a son, David H. of Garland, Texas; two daughters, Linda M. O'Connell of Easton, Pa., and Lisa G. Foster of Springfield; two sisters, Emily Tucker of Cranston, RI, and Almina Morley of West Dennis; and five grandchildren. . .
(Springfield Union News 10/25/00)
Lane Giddings ’38 - no obituary available
Stanley F. Parker ’38, 82, of Templeton, died Thursday morning at his residence after a brief illness. He was born in Weymouth on December 30, 1917, son of William and Edith (Rowell) Parker, and had lived for many years in Baldwinville. He was a graduate of Braintree High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Parker was employed as a poultry supervisor for over 35 years at the former Gardner State Hospital. Following his retirement, he worked at the L.H. Sawin Co., Gardner. He leaves his wife of 58 years, Alice (Roundry) Parker; two sons, Paul Parker of McAllen, Texas, and Philip Parker of Baldwinville; a daughter, Peggy Greenman of Ellicott City, Md.; two brothers, Warren Parker of Wenham and Robert Parker of Hanover; two sisters, Barbara Parker of Hanover and Marjorie Bruner of Canterbury, NH, and six grandchildren. . .
(Gardner News 9/15/00)
Robert C. Gamache ’40S, 81, of Leominster, died at home Sunday evening, July 2, after an illness. He was born November 6, 1918, in Leominster, the son of Henry J. and Flora M. Gamache, and had lived here most of his life. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1940. On Feb. 11, 1941, Mr. Gamache enlisted as a flying cadet in the military. Washed out due to a midair collision, he joined the US Army Air Corps three days later. On Feb. 24, 1944, while on a mission to destroy railroad yards, bridges and airfields in Austria, he was shot down over Steyr, Austria. Five of his 10 crew members died. Lt. Gamache was one of the lucky ones. He jumped from 26,000 feet and when he landed, he was apprehended by two farmers with pitchforks. They turned him over to German authorities. After six days of interrogation, they sent him to the Luftwafe's Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany, on the Baltic Sea, where he spent the next 518 days as a prisoner of war. Most of his time was spent planning escape routes and twice when Lt. Gamache tried to escape, they captured him. The punishment for attempted escape was solitary confinement- 30 days in a 6-foot by 3-foot room, with a daily menu of two slices of bread and cabbage soup. After the war, he worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Leominster for more than 20 years before he retired. He leaves his wife, Helen J. Gamache, whom he married Oct. 4, 1947. He also leaves two daughters, Janice M. and Patricia A. McCray and Tara McCray; and a sister, Doris McCloskey of Indiantown, FL. . .
(Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise 7/5/00)
William S. Coffey ’41, 80, of Katy, Texas, and formerly of Northampton, a pilot and decorated World War II veteran, died Thursday at home. He trained as a pilot and was a first lieutenant, serving in the Battles of Central Burma, India Burma, China, Rhineland and Ardennes. He received the Silver Star, the Air Medal, the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a 25-year international pilot for Pan American Airlines. Born in Northampton, he was a 1941 graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and attended Harvard University. He was a longtime Katy resident. He was a member and past exalted ruler of the Northampton Lodge of Elks 997 and charter and life member of the Katy Elks Lodge 2628. He leaves his wife, Felicitas Coffey; three sons, Taswell Coffey of Atlanta, Ga., Stephan Harasim of Peabody, MA, and James Coggins of Sealy; and four grandchildren. . .
(Springfield Union-News 4/24/00)
Bronislaw F. Pulnik ’41, 83, of Hopkinton, died at his home Saturday, August 26. He was the son of the late Anrzej and Katarzyn (Twardus) Pulnik. He was born on March 21, 1917 and was the last surviving sibling of Joseph, John, Edward, Stanislaw, Marion Zajac and Judy Keller. He was unmarried and a revered resident of Hopkinton for 77 years. Mr. Bronislaw graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1937. He earned his bachelor of science degree in floriculture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1941, and a masters degree from Ohio State University. He joined the Navy, piloting blimps during World War II. He excelled as an officer, earning the title of lieutenant J.G. For faithful performance of duties during the war. He retired from his landscaping business in 1995 at the age of 78. He is survived by two nephews, Stanley Pulnik and his wife, Kimberly, of Hopkinton and Christopher Pulnik of Dracut; a niece, Kate (Catherine) Pulnik and her husband, Raymond Goyette, of Dracut; three great-grand nieces; and many beloved friends, especially the Hamilton and Stevens families of Hopkinton. . .
(Milford Daily News 9/2/00)
E. Gordon Thomas ’42G, 88, of Marblehead, formerly of Brattleboro, VT, died July 3, 2000, peacefully at his home. Born and raised in Brattleboro, he was the son of Fred E. and Katherine (Thomas) Thomas. He had resided in Brattleboro his entire life until moving to Marblehead 10 years ago. He attended Brattleboro schools, and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School. He received his bachelor of science degree from Tufts University in 1933, and his masterÍs from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Thomas had been a teacher at Brattleboro High School for 42 years, retiring in 1975. He had played the organ in many Vermont area churches, most especially the First Baptist Church. . .He was the husband of Lucile Emily (Powers) Thomas, who preceded him in death. He is survived by a son, the Rev. David Powers Thomas of West Grove, PA; twin daughters, Susan Thomas and Linda Thomas, both of Marblehead; and two grandchildren. . .
(Brattleboro Brattleboro Reformer 7/4/00)
Marjorie (Aldrich) Smith ’43, 78, of York Beach, died July 20, 2000, at York Hospital. Born March 6, 1922, in Westborough, MA, she was the daughter of Francis A. and Mary Olive (Lebeau) Aldrich. She was a 1939 graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, MA, and a 1943 graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, receiving a bachelor of science degree. During World War II, she served as a registered dietitian in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She was predeceased by her first husband, Wilbur K. Keene, who died in 1982. They had resided in Dallas Center, Iowa, for many years, where she had assisted her husband in the operation of Keene’s Sundries store. She was a past president and life member of the American Legion AuxiliaryƒShe moved to York and married R. F. Phillips Smith in 1983. Mr. Smith died in 1990. . .Survivors include one son, Donald F. Keene of Scottsdale, Ariz.; one daughter, Patricia L. Patenaude of Northampton, MA, and York Beach; two stepsons, Bradford P. Smith of Davis, CA, and Webster P. Smith of Florida; one stepdaughter, Madeline Jorgenson of Junction City, Ore.; two grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sisters, Virginia Aldrich and Eileen Hasbrouck; a brother, John J. Aldrich, and a stepdaughter, Carol (Smith) Pratts.
(Portsmouth Herald 7/21/00)
Dorothy (Leonard) Donnelly ’44, 78, of Rutland, died May 17, 2000 at home after an illness. Her husband, Robert E. Donnelly, died in 1987. She leaves a son, Brian G. Donnelly, with whom she lived; a sister, Edna Levine of Exeter, NH; three grandchildren; nieces and nephews. A son, Robert E. Donnelly Jr. of New Britain, Conn., died in 1973. Three brothers, Earl, Ralph, and Kenneth Leonard, and a sister, Claire Clark, died before her. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Thomas and Florence (Dillon) Leonard, and lived in New Britain and Avon, CT, before moving to Rutland in 1988. She graduated from St. Peter’s Central Catholic High School; attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; and graduated from Salter Secretarial School and Central Connecticut State College. Mrs. Donnelly was the executive secretary for United States Masters Swimming, where she worked 15 years, retiring in 1997. Previously, she was a business officer at Tunxis Community College in Farmington, CT, and at Central Connecticut State College, now University. She was a member of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team in 1940 and later was a coach and chaperone for the National Synchronized Swimming Team to Europe in 1958. She was a co-founder of Connecticut Masters Swimming, and the current Local Masters Swim Committee and National History and Archives Chair. She is the holder of multiple national and world swimming records, and was named U.S. Masters Swimming’s All-American 2000. . .
(Holden Landmark 5/25/00)
Lillian Cohen ’46, 75, formerly of Swampscott, died at her residence Wednesday. She was the wife of Harry Cohen. Born in Lynn, she was a graduate of Swampscott High and Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst class of 1945. She had lived her entire life in Swampscott before moving to Florida in 1998. She was a life member of Hadassah and a former member of the Sisterhoods of Temple Beth El, Swampscott. She was also a member of the Temple Emanu-El, Marblehead. Mrs. Cohen also leaves a son, Robert Cohen of Burlington; a daughter, Nancy Liebman of Swampscott; and a grandson.
(Lynn Daily Evening Item 9/15/00)
Thomas Ridgway ’47S - no obituary available
Bernard M. Willemain ’47, 79, of Phoenix, Maryland, died March 31, 2000, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was the husband of the former Rose Grant, formerly of Greenfield, Mass. He was born in Holyoke, Mass., November 20, 1920, the son of Fernand and Elouise B. (Reed) Willemain. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1947 from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his master’s degree in city planning in 1948 from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He had been a resident of Phoenix since 1956. A World War II Army veteran, he was awarded both the Bronze and Silver stars. He was discharged as a lieutenant in 1945. Willemain was the Baltimore County's deputy director of planning form 1948 to 1952, when he established Bernard Willemain and Associates, planning consultants. Recently, he had been a real estate developer. He was active in civil rights, participating in the integration of several establishments in Towson during the ’60s. He enjoyed working on the grounds of his 11 acres and wood-working. Besides his wife of 55 years, he leaves five sons, David of Baltimore, Richard of Louisville, Ky., B. Joseph of Parkton and Stephen and Nicholas, both of Cockeysville; nine daughters, Susan Robertson of Hagerstown, Elisabeth Radomsky of Long Green, Mary Cooley of Elkton, Ore., Martha of Baltimore, Karen Powder of Suffolk, Va., Joan of Seattle, Christina Luipersbeck of Hagerstown, Barbara of Baltimore and Janet of New York City; 38 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. . .
(Greenfield Recorder 5/13/00)
Silvio C. Merlini ’48S, 84, of North Adams, died Sunday at Willowood Health Care Center in North Adams, where he had resided since September 9. Born in North Adams on February 5, 1916, son of Cesare and Luigina Montagna Merlini, he was a 1933 graduate of Drury High School and a 1950 graduate of from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he majored in horticulture and floriculture. A World War II Army Air Force veteran, he served as a master sergeant with the 506th Air Service Squadron of the 61st Air Service Group in the China-Burma-India campaigns and in the Asiatic-Pacific. Mr. Merlini was employed by the former Arnold Print Works until the beginning of World War II. After graduating from UMass, he joined his father for a short time in the operation of the family grocery store. Later, he was employed by GE as a draftsman and by the former Arnold Print Works in Adams as foreman of the bleach house until he was transferred to the personnel department. He retired in 1978. He and his wife, the former Doris J. DaSacco, were married August 10, 1946, in St. Anthony's church. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Sylvia M. King of North Adams and Louise M. Carson of Redmen, Wash.; a sister, Virginia Martin of North Adams, and three grandsons. . .
(Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle 5/28/00)
Christos C. Mpelkas ’49, 80, of Mansfield, a noted plant physiologist who championed a method of rapidly growing crops without sunlight or soil, died Saturday at Union Hospital in Lynn following a short illness. Mr. Mpelka's quest to grow lettuce, cucumbers, and other crops much faster and more efficiently took him from the deserts of the Middle East and the ravaged countrysides of Europe during World War II to abandoned copper mines in Canada, where he helped grow trees 5,000 feet below ground to , finally, the banks of the Mystic River, where he set up a "farm" in an 8,000-square-foot Medford warehouse. A native of Lynn, Mr. Mpelkas earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master's degree in plant physiology from the University of Connecticut. During World War II, Mr. Mpelkas served in the European, African, and Middle Eastern theaters and was specialist in an emerging form of agriculture called hydroponics, in which the plants were grown in nutrient-packed solutions instead of soil. He consulted on projects ranging from food factories in Japan to the proposed NASA space station. After retiring in 1990, Mr. Mpelkas helped develop a business called Controlled Environment Agriculture Inc. in Medford. He leaves his wife, Angeline (Vlahakis); a daughter, Katherine A. of Lynn; three sons, Charles C. of Norton, John C. of Lancaster, and William C. of Lynn; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette)
Charles J. Gerry Jr. ’50, ’51G, 75, of Leominster, died Monday, June 26, in Leominster Hospital after a long illness. He was born February 13, 1925, in Arlington, the son of Charles Joseph Gerry Sr. and Mabel (Ling) Gerry. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1943 and received both bachelor's and master's of science degrees from Massachusetts State College, now the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He earned a doctor of medicine degree from the Boston University School of Medicine in 1956. He performed his internship and residency at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton in 1960. Dr. Gerry began a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Leominster in 1960. From 1960 to 1961 he held physician privileges at Leominster Hospital and served as chairman of the obstetrics/gynecology department at the hospital from October 1981 through July 1983. He also held physician privileges at Burbank Hospital in Fitchburg from 1964 through 1991. He served as an honorary staff member of both hospitals after his retirement in 1991. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a staff sergeant and medic of Worcester. . .He leaves his wife of 50 years, Gloria Rita (Lagoy) Gerry; two sons, David C. Gerry of Worcester and James P. Gerry of Warwick, Bermuda; two daughters, Kathleen G. English of Annandale, Va., and Susan F. Gerry of Pund Ridge, NY; four granddaughters, a grandson, and many nephews and nieces. A sister, Miriam Risser, died previously. . .
(Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise 6/27/00)
Everett A. Greel Jr. ’50, 75, died on Saturday night, July 29, at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born in Gloucester, on July 28, 1925, to the late Everett A. Sr. and Christina (Harmaala) Greel. Mr. Greel was a graduate of Gloucester High School, class of 1943. He then joined the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II with the 86th Airborne Division and saw action in Germany. After the war, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in accounting. He was employed as an accountant with his father at the former E.A. Greel's Dry Cleaners in Gloucester for many years. He later was an accountant for the John B. Wright Fish Co. for 20 years before his retirement in 1990. Mr. Greel was a longtime member of the Gloucester AMVETS Post No. 32 and a former member of the Capt. Lester S. Wass Post No. 3, Gloucester American Legion. He was well known as an avid sportsman and played softball for the Lanesville Softball League for 25 years. In his youth, he loved playing hockey in the pits of Lanesville are where he grew up. He will be remembered as a facilitator of youth sports. He is survived by a daughter Deborah Greel of Salem; four sons, William Greel of Florida, Gary Greel of Gloucester, Terry, husband of Tina Greel, of Gloucester, Everett A. "Chip" Greel III, husband of Tracy, of San Jose, CA; a former wife Jacqueline (Geary) Greel Wilder of Maine and Florida; nine grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Josephson and her husband, Edward, of Lovell, Maine; and many nieces and nephews, including a special and loving niece, Laurel Tarantino of Gloucester.
(Gloucester Daily Times 7/31/00)
G. Joe Margi ’50 - no obituary available
Edna (Steinbeck) Mimitz ’50, 71, of Hadley, died October 1 in The Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. Born May 25, 1928, in Pelham, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Bessie Mae (Randolf) Steinbeck. She grew up and was educated in Amherst. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she was a member of the Honor Society. Mrs. Mimitz had worked for 35 years as a histologist at The Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She retired in 1994. She had been an avid camper, and a member of various camping clubs in the area, including the Coachmen's Club. She leaves her husband, Joseph Mimitz; a brother, Frederick Steinbeck of Hadley; and two nephews. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 10/4/00)
John C. Welch ’50, 73, of Hingham, treasurer of Granite State Gas and Electric Co. of Holliston, for many years and Navy veteran of World War II, died Wednesday at home after a long illness. Born in Quincy, he lvied in Hingham for 40 years. He was a graduate of Quincy High School and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is survived by his wife, Mary E. (Savoie) Welch; a son, John D. Welch of Hingham; a sister, Helen Parker of Ipswich; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. . .
(Quincy Patriot Ledger 9/8/00)
Henry L. Hmieleski ’51, 69, of South Deerfield, died October 6 at home. He was born in Turners Falls, and had been a resident of South Deerfield since 1965. He graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1947, and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1951. He also received two master's degrees, one in physical education from Springfield College and the other in mathematics from Boston College. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Hmieleski had taught mathematics at Belchertown High School for 24 years, retiring in 1987. He also had taught at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Mahar Regional High School, where he coached football, and the former Williamsburg Junior High School. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Greenfield, where he was an usher. He leaves his wife, Dorothy (Gunn) Hmieleski; a son, Louis H. Hmieleski of Albany, NY; two daughters, Linda M. Stahelek of Alpharetta, Ga., and Rebecca A. Dean of Greenfield; two brothers, Raymond Hmieleski, both of Greenfield; two sisters, Blanche Loveland of Greenfield, and Anna Milonas of Turners Falls; and four grandchildren. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 10/7/99)
Joseph C. Fiorelli ’52, 73, retired from the Air Force, died Thursday, May 11, in the Hospice Residence, Worcester, after a short illness. He leaves his wife of 35 years, Maria C. (Rijkers) Fiorelli; two daughters, Fran M. Cilella of Holland, Mich., and Tina I. DeMember of Merrimack, NH; a stepson, Patrick A. DeHertogh of Westboro; two sisters, Angela F. Fiorelli of Oak Bluffs and Marion Planchon of Plainfield, CT; two grandchildren; and a niece. A brother, Ross V. Fiorelli of Norwich, CT, died in January. He was born in Buffalo, NY, son of Joseph C. and Providence (Catalano) Fiorelli, and lived here most of his life. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School, and earned a bachelor of science degree in wildlife biology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Lt. Col. Fiorelli began his 24-year military career with the Coast Guard, and later served in the Navy. He served in the Air Force for 20 years, through the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his career he was stationed in Japan, Belgium and Thailand. He retired in 1972. . .
(Worcester Telegram & Gazette 5/13/00)
Stephen A. Gendall ’52, 82, a Tewksbury resident nearly five decades, died Sunday, August 27, at Lowell General Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Cahill) Gendall, with whom he would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on September 1. He was born in Cambridge on August 7, 1918, a son of the late Anthony and Stephanie (Kjebert) Gendall. Mr. Gendall was educated in Cambridge at the Manter Hall School. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1952 with a degree in wildlife management. Prior to his retirement in 1982, he was employed as a purchasing agent for Polaroid Corp. of Cambridge. He previously worked as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Game Department. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kathleen D. Gendall of West Suffield, CT; two sons, Kenneth S. Gendall and his wife Linda (Laflamme) of Haverhill and Paul R. Gendall of Lowell; two sister, Mary DeLaurier of Arlington and Frances Magarian and her husband Daniel of Arcadia, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mr. Gendall was the brother of the late Joseph, Anthony, William, and John Gendall.
(Lowell Sun 8/29/00)
Bruce E. Benson ’53S, 67, of Lenox, died on July 25 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Pittsfield on August 15, 1932, son of Carl E. and Helen Gridley Benson, he attended local schools and was a 1951 graduate of Lenox Memorial High School. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a Army veteran of the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, where he was responsible for training guards, sentries, and attack dogs and their handlers. Mr. Benson was employed by General Electric Co. as a quality control inspector for many years, retiring in 1990. He was also the owner of B&D Lawn Service, from which he retired last year. He was a volunteer for the New Lenox Fire Department. . .He enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas and exploring the southwestern United States. He leaves his wife, the former Shirley Griffin; a son, David B. Benson of Lenox; a daughter, Laurie B. Irwin of Amesbury; a brother, Richard B. Benson of Clifton Park, NY, and two grandchildren. . .
(Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle 7/26/00)
Elinore (Mason) Escherich ’53, died at her home on June 13, 2000 after a 10-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born January 12, 1932 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and grew up in Berkshire County. Her parents were Frank Ford Mason and Ruth Foster Mason. Both families were earliest New England settlers. Elinore very much prized her Yankee heritage. She attended Williamstown, MA schools, graduating from high school in 1949. She went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1953 with a BS degree in Home Economics. While in college she was editor of the student newspaper and a member of the Mortarboard Women's Honor Society. She next served 2 years on active duty as a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve in Washington, DC, where she met Robert DuBois Escherich on a blind date. The two were married on December 16, 1954. From that time on she traveled with him, following his career and using whatever talents she had wherever she happened to be. Together they had 3 children who all survive her: Margaret Mumford of Mesa, AZ; Andrew of Las Vegas, and Walter and his wife Anne of Redlands, CA. Elinore is also survived by 4 grandchildren. IN addition, she is survived her mother, Ruth F. Mason of Bradenton, FL, as well as cousins remaining on the East Coast. . .
Thomas K. Porter Jr. ’53S, 68, of Westport, died Monday, July 10, 2000, at St. Anne's Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Sandra A. (Redfield) Porter. Born in Swansea, son of the late Thomas K. and Mildred E. (Bliss) Porter, he lived in Westport for the past 45 years. He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church, Westport. Mr. Porter was a field representative for Agri-Mark, previously named Fall River Milk Producers, Local diary Men, Consolidated Milk Producers, Yankee Milk, until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and a Bristol County 4-H leader and treasurer for Bristol County Ducks Unlimited for 20 years. He was a graduate of Somerset High School and a member of the Agricultural Fraternity, Kappa Kappa, at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Survivors include his widow; two sons, Tom and Todd Porter, both of Westport; two daughters, Cyndi McMahon of East Springfield and Carolyn Wilkins of Port St. Lucie, FL; a stepson, Jack Armstrong of Dartmouth; two brothers, Robert Porter of Hampstead, NH, and John Porter of Westport; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. . .
(New Bedford Standard Times 7/1/00)
David Sokol ’53, 68, a Springfield lawyer, passed away recently. Sokol also worked for the government in Washington, D.C. He held degrees from Boston University School of Law and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
(Boston Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 7/17/00)
Randolph Barrows ’54 - no obituary available
William D. Lynch ’54, of Westport, CT, a retired accountant, died Thursday at Norwalk Hospital in Fairfield, CT. He was 73. Mr. Lynch was born in Northampton. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving as a chief petty officer from 1945 to 1949. Mr. Lynch began his career in a controller's trainee program of the Kendall Co. in Boston. He also held several accounting positions in the company's Chicago office. In 1973, he went to work for the Colgate-Palmolive Co. in New York City, where he remained until retiring. He leaves his wife, Florence (Gilis); a daughter, Susan Lynch of Norwalk, CT; and a son, Mark of Westport. . .
(The Boston Globe 12/25/00)
Arthur Johnson ’55, 67, died Tuesday in his home in Stoneham. He was the former director of human services for the town of Arlington. He was born in Malden. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned a master's degree in social work at Boston University. He served in the Army and Army Reserve. Mr. Johnson was a social worker for the Big Brother Association of Boston for five years until 1963, when he became director of Arlington's newly formed Division of Youth Services. In 1970, drawing on interviews with 110 community leaders and 50 children and teenagers, he penned a 30-page report on the needs of local youth, which was presented to Governor Francis Sargent in preparation for the White House Conference on Children. In the report, Mr. Johnson proposed electing teenagers to serve in an advisory capacity with boards of selectmen, school committees, and other local panels. He also advocated longer hours for parks and recreational facilities and more psychological counselors at local schools. He too early retirement in 1993, but continued to do volunteer work for the Visiting Nurse Association. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth; son, Thomas, of Melrose; three daughters, Deborah Perry of Canton, Elaine Peterson of Modest, CA, and Carol Carstensen of Malden; his mother, Elin Johnson, and a sister, Claire Chalmen, both of Malden; and six grandchildren. . .
(The Boston Globe 10/14/00)
Frederick E. Ellis ’56, 75, of Bernardston and South Yarmouth, an educator and psychologist, died Tuesday at his home in Bernardston. For more than 30 years he taught students in every grade from third to doctoral studies. He was school psychologist for the Pioneer Valley Regional School and Union 18 from 1974 until he retired in 1981. He ten did private practice. He also taught psychology and guidance at Springfield College, where he was an assistant professor, and at Greenfield Community College. He previously was elementary school guidance director in Ware, the first such position in the state, and alter director of pupil personnel services and school psychologist. In 1972, he became a certified supervising school psychologist for the state. Born in Greenfield, he graduated from Greenfield High School in 1943, played trumpet in the and, and was on the varsity football team. He received a bachelor of science degree from North Adams State College in 1952, a master of science degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1956, a certificate of guidance and psychology from Springfield College in 1966, and a doctorate in psychology from Walden University in 1972. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He leaves his wife of 51 years, the former Helen E. Oickle; two sons, Rev. Dr. Gordon E. of Southington, CT, and Mark E. of Gardner; a foster daughter, Sandra Jardine of South Hadley; three grandchildren; three foster grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. . .
(Springfield Union News 10/18/00)
David S. Liederman ’57, 65, past Executive director of Child Welfare League of America, died as the result of pancreatic cancer at his home in New York City on January 12, 2001. David joined CWLA in 1984 and served 15 years, resigning in July, 1999 to become the president and CEO of the Council on Accreditation (COA). David was a co-founder and national vice chairman of Generations United, representing more than 100 national groups, which was established to promote cooperation among generations. David began his professional career in the early 1960s as a youth worker in public housing projects in the Boston area, where he worked with disadvantaged youths and their families. He served two terms in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and in 1972, was selected as one of 50 Outstanding Legislators in the United States by the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. In 1973, soon after being elected to a third term, he resigned his seat to become the first commissioner of the Massachusetts State Office for Children. In 1975, he was named Chief of Staff to Dukakis and served in that capacity for four years. David was Executive Director for Public Philanthropies of New York from 1979 to 1984. David earned his bachelor's degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, his Master of Education at Springfield College and his Master of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife, Terry Gioia, three children from his first marriage: Wendy, Larry, and Keith, two brothers, and three grandchildren. . .
William D. Stebbins ’57, of East Longmeadow, died Saturday in Baystate Medical Center, Springfield. He was an accountant for the former Texon Corp. (now Emhart), before his retirement. He was born in Washington, D.C. and lived in this area for many years. He attended Springfield schools and graduated from the former Classical High School, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and earned his master's degree from Western New England College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist. . .He leaves his wife, the former Polly Presson; a son, Bruce W. of East Longmeadow; a daughter, Wendy J. Stebbins of Pittsfield; and two sisters, Patricia S. Murphy of East Longmeadow and Barbara S. Clemons of Jackson, Mich. . .
(Springfield Union News 1/8/01)
Robert G. Osborne ’58, 69, of Bloomington, died on September 4, 2000. Preceded in death by parents, Sydney and Ruth Osborne; and one brother. Survived by caring wife, Fran. He was a member of Pacific Lodge AF & AM Amherst, MA.
(Star Tribune 9/6/00)
Richard I. Tannenbaum ’58 - no obituary available
Phillip B. Holmes Jr. ’59, 64, died July 9, 2000, in St. Augustine, FL, after a brief illness. Born in Orange on April 29, 1936, he was the son of Philip B. and Dorothy (Snable) Homes. He lived in Chester and St. Augustine, FL. In 1954, he graduated from Punchard High School, Andover, MA. In 1959, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. In 1966, he graduated from Suffolk Law School. He was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar on August 6, 1966. He served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant in Regensburg, Germany. Mr. Holmes served as an attorney and assistant vice president for Manchester Federal Savings Bank. He was a member of the Manchester Bar Association. . .
(Manchester Union Leader 7/18/00)
James R. Winnard ’59, 68, of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Pittsfield died Saturday at St. Francis Hospital after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield on March 11, 1932, son of Walter H. and Blanche Robarge Winnard, he was a 1949 graduate of Pittsfield High School and received his bachelorÍs degree in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He was a Navy veteran. Mr. Winnard was employed by IBM as an electrical engineer and division manager, retiring in 1990 after 32 years of service. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie. . . His wife, the former Jane M. Quinn, whom he married May 1, 1953, died January 18, 1999. He leaves a son, Timothy M. Winnard of Hyde Park, NY; a daughter, Kathleen A. Gallagher of Hopewell Junction, NY; six brothers, Louis Winnard of Windsor, CA, and Walter Winnard of Silver Springs, MD, Leo Winnard of Daytona Beach, FL; Paul T. Winnard and Philip C. Winnard, both of Pittsfield, and Richard Winnard of Valatie, NY; three sisters, Teresa B. Tanner of Richmond, and Alma R. Panetti and Anne C. Siemer, both of Pittsfield, and four grandchildren.
(Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle 5/22/00)
Francis L. Correia ’62, 59, died August 16 at his home in Belchertown. Born in Edgartown, October 12, 1940, he was the son of John L. Correia of Oak Bluffs and the late Mary E. (Frances) Correia. He graduated from Edgartown High School in 1958 and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1962. He had lived in Pelham before moving to Belchertown in 1975. Mr. Correia owned and operated a wholesale antiques business for 32 years. He was formerly a regional director of the Migrant Education Project for the Commonwealth Service Corp. Besides his father, he leaves a son, Daniel F. Correia of Amherst. . .
(Daily Hampshire Gazette 8/18/00)
Thomas W. Sullivan ’63, 59, died Saturday, July 29, at Boston Medical Center. He was the husband of Sally Jean Kruger. Born in Cambridge on December 19, 1940, he was a son of the late William A. and Mary Elizabeth Sullivan. He graduated from Matignon High School in Cambridge, and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Mr. Sullivan was the president of United Specialty Direct Insurance Services in Plymouth. He had worked as an insurance executive for 30 years for companies including Prudential Insurance Co., Colonial Penn, Union Mutual, the Hartford, Cigna, Poe and Brown Insurance, and John Hancock Insurance in Sandwich. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Mary Beth Sullivan of Chelmsford; a sister, Mary R. Waters of Sandwich; his former spouse, Maryanne Sullivan of Chelmsford; and many nieces and nephews. . .
(Lowell Sun 7/31/00)
Patricia (Benson) Lilley ’64G, 72, of Greenfield, a former area teacher, died Tuesday at a Shelburne nursing home. She was a home economics teacher at Turners Falls High School and the Turners Falls Middle School, both in Montague, for 30 years and retired in 1993. Born in Syracuse, NY, she graduated from Dover Plains (NY) State Teachers College, and received a master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Her husband, VanNess Lilley, died in 1977, and a son, Thomas E., in 1997. She leaves a daughter, Vanessa M. Lilley of Greenfield, and a brother, Arthur J. Benson of Troy, NY. . .
(Springfield Union News 5/1/00)
Marshall A. Karol ’66, 57, a Boston lawyer and longtime member of the Sudbury Zoning Board, died at home Saturday. Mr. Karol was born in Malden. A 1961 graduate of Melrose High School, he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he was the sports editor for the Daily Collegian. He graduated with a degree in history and political science. In 1969, he received a law degree from Suffolk University Law School. As a partner in the Boston law firm Karol & Riley, Mr. Karol was a litigator and a contributing author to "Massachusetts Premises Liability". He was a director of the YMCA Melrose. . .He was a longtime member of Congregation Beth El in Sudbury. Mr. Karol leaves his wife, Joan (Swardlick); three sons, Adam of New York City, and Ethan and Jesse, both of Sudbury; and a sister, Susan Ron of CA. . .
(The Boston Globe 10/30/00)
