All posts by hstauder

Thomas W. Murphy III ’62

Thomas William Murphy III passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 21, 2022, at the age of 78 years. Thomas was born in Washington, DC, the son of the late Dr. Thomas and Rosemarie Murphy.

A native of Washington, DC, Thomas graduated from St. John’s College High School. He later attended Williston Academy and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a competitive and nationally ranked swimmer when he was younger. For a brief time, he worked at Green Spring Dairy, which at the time was owned by his grandfather. Soon after that he moved to California to begin his career in sales, starting with NCR in San Francisco. As he got older he was an avid tennis player at Congressional Country Club where he also had served on the finance committee. He lived the last 15 years in Bethesda, Maryland near many family and friends.

Thomas was preceded by his late loving wife Heide. Thomas is survived by his son, Thomas (Kelly), and his daughter, Jennifer (Allan); and four beloved grandchildren, Patrick, Hope, William, and John. He was preceded by his late sister Michele. He will also be forever remembered by his surviving siblings, Martha, Mel, and Mark along with his beloved relatives and friends.

Visitation will be at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, Maryland on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 12:15 p.m., followed by a 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at Gates of Heaven cemetery at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Thomas may be made to Catholic Charities of DC.

Susan Riley Clarke ’68

Susan Riley Clarke, educator, poet, and mother, died in her sleep on April 14, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. Ms. Clarke was known to her friends, family, and colleagues for her sense of flair, her purposeful and artful use of words, her advocacy for equity and justice, her warmth for children, nature and animals, and her love of the communities and beaches of Cape Cod. She was 71.

Ms. Clarke was born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from the Northampton School for Girls. Susan studied English Literature at Syracuse University, began her family, and later completed her bachelor’s degree in English at Westfield State College. She went on to gain her master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts. In the mid-1970s through the 1990s, Ms. Clarke taught high school English in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

While teaching high school English, Ms. Clarke returned to the University of Massachusetts and earned her educational doctorate degree. She then became a professor of education at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, where she stayed until her retirement. A student from Quinnipiac shared that Dr. Clarke was a ‘believer and a true supporter’ in and of the family of students that she taught and mentored, and that she had made a profound difference in her students’ college experiences and life choices.

Dr. Clarke led a writer’s life. She attended and led writing workshops and was an accomplished, published poet. Often, she wrote poems about her children or Cape Cod (frequently, her children and Cape Cod). In response to her words, a colleague and friend replied that “…this universe is changed every time you put your pen to parchment or your pencil to a ragged page torn from your young son’s school notebook”.

Anyone who knew Dr. Clarke knew of her immense love for her son, daughter, and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Megan (Hart) of Marietta, New York, and son, Joshua (Kortright), of Belchertown, Massachusetts, along with her beloved grandchildren Kalyani, Quinn, Eli, and Luke. A celebration of Susan’s life will take place on Cape Cod in the fall.

From Leaving the Cape:

I am watching my little girl’s skinny legs

Scurry in and out white ocean foam like the terns.

I am making a check through empty rooms,

My children’s beach toys scattered into corners

Of thinking they are still two and four

On a sunny day at Skaket,

Where I’d chase them and scoop them up

Along the little bayside waves.

Phoebe Taylor Lansdale ’43

Phoebe Lansdale, 95, of Woodbridge, CT, beloved wife of the late Richard Hyatt Lansdale, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2022. Born on November 12, 1926, in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late William S. Taylor and Phoebe L. Smith.

Phoebe was infinitely generous, gregarious, idealistic, literary, spunky, and ever the optimist. She attended Smith College and received a graduate degree from Columbia University. She worked for many years in foreign aid, including at the U.S. Department of State, the Organization of American States and at the Pan American Foundation; her work at PADF led to the planting of one million trees in Haiti.

Her love of life and appreciation for words, art and music has influenced her children, who survive her: Elizabeth Hyatt Lansdale (partner James Modula), Katherine Taylor Lansdale (husband Peter Alexander), and Steven Ballard Lansdale; and her grandchildren, Zoë Elizabeth Lansdale-Alexander, and Jasmine Olivia Lansdale-Alexander. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Dr. Cicely Taylor Buckley ’46.

All services will be private at this time.

David W. Colton, Jr. ’50

David Winthrop Colton, Jr., age 90, longtime resident of Boerne, TX, passed away peacefully at home on March 29, 2022, with his wife and daughters by his side.

Dave was born in Sunbury, PA on November 18, 1931, to David Winthrop and May Belle (Smith) Colton. He grew up in the northeast and graduated from Williston Academy in Northhampton, MA. He attained his Business Degree from University of Omaha. Dave served as an Air Force Officer from 1952-1972. His deployments included multiple reconnaissance missions as a Master Navigator against North Korea and Vietnam. He was stationed overseas with his family at Ashiya, Japan, Tachikawa, Japan and Yokota, Japan. He participated in special operations missions from Kelly AFB, San Antonio. He also taught ROTC at Drake University for four years. After retiring from the Air Force, Dave began a new entrepreneurial career. He owned a peach orchard in Fredericksburg and a Baskin-Robbins franchise in Alamo Heights. Dave also ran three Texaco gas station franchises. He bought and sold real estate and managed his own investments.

He met the love of his life, Ina Claire “Dee” (nee Dixon), in San Antonio in February 1955. She was Miss Kelly AFB during Fiesta San Antonio in 1955. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in Seguin on May 7, 1955. They have two daughters, Lynn Colton Hyvonen born in San Antonio, and Darleen Colton Carstarphen, born in Tokyo, Japan. Dave and Dee would have celebrated their 67th anniversary next month. Dave had a heart as big as Texas and was also very generous and giving. He was a long-time member of the Alamo Heights Optimist Club, a CASA volunteer, did taxes for the elderly, and delivered Meals on Wheels in San Antonio and Boerne, all reflective of his sincere wish to help the under privileged and underserved people and children of his community. First and foremost, he adored his wife and children and his example will live on in the hearts of those who follow.

In addition to his wife Dee, Dave is survived by his daughters, Lynn (Chris) Hyvonen of Boerne, and Darleen (Ed) Carstarphen of Houston. His grandchildren are Cole (Amber) Hyvonen, Alec (Casey) Hyvonen, Lucy Carstarphen (Mike) McCart, and Desi (Jeroen) Djikema. He also proudly has five great-grandchildren, all of whom he met and spent time with before his passing. They range in age from 14 years to 9 months: Ananya Brinton, Harper Hyvonen, Catherine McCart, Colton Hyvonen, and Danica Hyvonen. Dave is also survived by his sister, Betty Jane Wislar of Austell, GA; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Darleen and Bill Welty of Greensboro, GA; along with eight nieces and their families. His beloved golden retriever, Tessa, also survives him to watch over Dee and keep her company until she joins him in heaven. A special thank you to Lillia Almaguer who has become part of the family as helper, companion, and caregiver.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at the Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home on April 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the charity of your choice.

Wayne S. Jostrand ’56

Wayne S. Jostrand, 83, of Vero Beach, FL died peacefully on March 28, 2022.

Born September 26, 1938 in Springfield, MA, Wayne attended Williston Northampton School before graduating from Yale University in 1960. He subsequently earned a doctorate degree in engineering from Yale’s graduate school. In 1965, he married Emily Henry in Riverside, CT where they raised their family and lived for over 30 years. After a long successful career at IBM, Wayne continued working with several smaller technologies companies. Upon retirement, they moved to Chatham, MA where they lived for 21 years before moving full time to Vero Beach, FL. Always active in his community, Wayne generously gave his time to the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich CT, The Atwood House Historical Museum in Chatham, MA, and the Community Church of Vero Beach, FL He was an avid sports enthusiast and lifelong fan of the NY Giants and Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed sailing, tennis, running, and skiing. Wayne will always be remembered for his brilliant mind, quick wit and great sense of humor.

He is predeceased by his parents Alphild and Emil Jostrand, and by his son, William Henry Jostrand. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, their children Sten Jostrand (Kay) and Katherine Angell (Jake) and five grandchildren.

A memorial will be held for the family in Old Greenwich, CT in July.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery, 57 West 57th Street, Suite 904, New York, NY 10019.

Rebecca Abraham ’49

Rebecca Abraham of Ithaca, NY, died on March 29, 2022. She is survived by her loving family: Elisabeth Hinchcliff, John (and Robin) Moss Hinchcliff, and Sarah Hinchcliff; amazing grandchildren, Shannon (and Barry) Cuzzola, Meghan Hinchcliff, Stephen (and Becky) Faatz, Abby (and Jeremy), Kate (and Grant), and Emily Hinchcliff, and by her precious great-grandchildren, Lloyd, Dorothy, Nate, Zachary, and Alex.

For those who wish to make donations, Rebecca asked that they consider Temple Beth El, Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, and Southern Poverty Law Center (information will be available at the Temple).

Burial services will be held at Greensprings Natural Cemetery, 293 Irish Hill Road, Newfield, NY on Friday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Rebecca asked that her obituary end with this poem by Emily Dickenson:

I had no time to Hate
Because the grave would hinder me –
And Life was not so
Ample I
Could finish – Enmity

Nor had I time to Love –
But since
Some Industry must be –
The little toil of Love –
I thought
Be large enough for Me.

Donald R. Tench ’41

Mr. Donald R. Tench, formerly of Hinsdale, MA passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022, shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday. His wife of 60 years, Edna E. Tench (nee Snedeker) of Nyack, NY predeceased him in 2006. Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 21, 1922, the son of Warren R. Tench and Daphne Tench (nee Bellows). Don attended the world-renowned Saint Thomas Choir School in NY and was a top performer in the Saint Thomas Boys Choir. He went on to graduate high school from Williston Academy (now The Williston Northampton School) in Easthampton, MA before enrolling at Syracuse University. Like so many of his generation, his college career was cut short by the outbreak of World War II. Following basic training at the Mojave Desert Training Center, Don served in the Allied Expeditionary Force in Iran, where he was an Armed Forces Radio alert and message operator as well as disc jockey for the troops.

Although Don owned and operated a Purina supply store in Pittsfield, MA for many years, he retired as a well-known antiques dealer. His love of antiques was sparked by his even greater love for his wife, and their substantial antiques business began as a small corner in their supply store many decades ago. Don loved to golf and fish and was a member of the Hinsdale Congregational Church for many years.

Don is also predeceased by his brother, Bob, his nieces Judy, and Nancy and his great granddaughter, Molly O’Keefe Alden. His niece Robin Tench lives in Calif. Don and Edna are survived by their children, Kathleen J. Adams, and Newton Bollinger Tench, as well as their beloved grandchildren, Jessie R. Alden, Nathan D.T. Robinson-Alden, Philip D. Alden, Jay Tench and James Tench as well as eight other great grandchildren, Aaron, Aidenne ’18, Jameson, Julianna, Philip, Maevyn, Jacob, and Benjamin.

Don’s family would like to thank the entire staff at HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their outstanding kindness and care throughout this difficult time.

A small graveside service will be held at Clarksburg Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to 1st Congregational Church of Hinsdale in lieu of flowers.

Stephen K. Oberbeck ’56


Stephen Kitt Oberbeck ’56, of Sanibel, FL, passed away January 26, 2022. After receiving his diploma at Williston Academy, Steve attended Brown University and was awarded a fellowship at the Iowa Writers Workshop. From there he began a career of writing which included a decade as cultural editor at Newsweek where he wrote book, theater, art, music and film reviews.
He edited the Book & Arts page for the St Louis Post-Dispatch and wrote frequently on cultural subjects for the many publications including The New York Times, New York Post, Newsweek, Newsweek International, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and the Paris Herald Tribune. He published numerous poems, short stories and creative commentary in various national and international periodicals. In 1968 he was awarded an Alicia Patterson Foundation grant to live and travel in Europe and report on the intersection of art and technology.
As a marketing writer, coach and business analyst, he worked with many global companies including Fidelity Investments, Nomura Group, Saab, Chrysler, Exxon Mobil, PepsiCo, Price Waterhouse and Philip Morris, writing speeches for top-tier corporate executives, producing major marketing materials and conducting media & marketing seminars.
After moving to Sanibel Island, FL, Steve continued to share his craft by leading writing workshops on memoir, short story, and Great Themes film. There, he mentored many burgeoning Island authors to put in writing their first personal memoirs and works of creative fiction. Steve was a vigorous and passionate participant in weekly current events discussions at BIG Arts Center, a docent at The Shell Museum, and a regular at the Sanibel Recreation Complex where he enjoyed swimming countless laps in the pool.
Steve is survived by his daughter Sally, three grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and grandnephews.

Robert W. Leibold, Jr. ’72

Robert Waltner Leibold, Jr. died unexpectedly on June 4, 2021 at the age of 68.
Rob was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to Dr. Robert Waltner Leibold Sr. and Mary L. (McCluskey) Leibold on May 10, 1953.
He is survived by his son, Nathaniel Zane Leibold and his daughter, Hannah Claire Leibold and her fiance, Brian. Rob is also survived by his three brothers, Dr. David Leibold (Pam Etchison), Stephen Leibold (Noreen), and Richard Leibold (Charlie). He was surrounded at his passing by his loving children and his brother David.
Rob graduated from Triadelphia High School in Wheeling, WV. He obtained his BA degrees in History from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He also received his Master of Arts in Communication Studies from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Rob enjoyed an extensive career in Journalism and Communications including 13 years at the San Antonio Express-News, where he was a writer and special editor. He worked for St Mary’s University Law School and Southwest Research Institute as Communications Director. He was well liked and respected by his colleagues and peers. Rob enjoyed many activities including golf, skiing, tennis, reading, political discussions and music, especially the Blues! He loved the beaches of Hilton Head, SC, the mountains of Colorado, and his hometown of Wheeling, WV, to see old friends and rekindle spirits.
As a young man growing up in Wheeling, he frequented the local watering hole and landmark restaurant, Ye Olde Alpha. He was a wrestler for his high school wrestling squad, a diver for the swim/dive team, and an avid skier, honing his skills on local ski hills and Oglebay Park’s ski slope. He moved to Boulder, Colorado, attending the University of Colorado, often skiing A-Basin with friends, seeing his favorite bands play at the Boulder Theater, and frequenting the local businesses on Pearl Street.
He started writing for the business column of the San Antonio Express-News, in 1981, and became a special editor, working for the marketing department as well. Making many friends and lasting memories for over 13 years, he went on to work as a Communications Director for St. Mary’s University after having his children. He started work with Southwest Research Institute as the Senior Communications Specialist/Communications Director in 2007, often citing how rewarding and humbling of a career it was.
He was a caring and loving father to Nathaniel Leibold (b. 1992), and Hannah Leibold (b. 1995). Driving to summer camp together, playing catch, and a source of comfort, he is dearly missed by his loving family. Memorial services in San Antonio were held on November 20, 2021 at Dr. David Leibold’s residence.