Category Archives: 2000s

Benjamin L. Liang ’05

Benjamin Lambert Liang, 36, of Salt Lake City, UT, beloved husband, son and brother, died unexpectedly on February 4th, 2023 due to complications from a skiing accident.

Benjamin, called Ben by everyone he ever met, was born at NYU Hospital in Manhattan to Paula and Jim Liang on May 23, 1986, and made his entire family laugh from that day until the day he died. Ben was an only child for three years until the birth of his younger sister Katherine (Kate), whom he strongly disapproved of at the time due to her lack of eyebrows, and Margaret (Maggie) two years later, whom he largely ignored at the time, since she was a baby and he was more into sharks and raccoons.

As a teenager, Ben developed an unquenchable love for the outdoors and adventure sports, which eventually brought him to Middlebury College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 2009. While at school, Ben met the woman of his dreams, Melina Ward, and, though there is some debate as to when they actually had their first date, the couple began dating in their sophomore year. Ben and Melina married in October 2015 at the groom’s family home in Londonderry, VT.

After college, Ben worked briefly in investment banking and then moved to advertising technology, for which he was featured on the cover of AdWeek magazine in 2013. He went on to found his own company, Cliques Ads, and served most recently as Group Product Manager at Klaviyo, a marketing automation platform based in Boston, where he and Melina lived from 2013 until relocating to Salt Lake City in April 2022.

Ben was intelligent, persistent and fearless, showing little self-doubt, even when perhaps he should have. Throughout his life these qualities would result in one broken femur, many apologies to then-Vice President Al Gore after slapping him (as a toddler), a grandmother with a broken arm, a flying squirrel thrown out his bedroom window, countless instances of road rash, an overflowing dishwasher full of dish soap, a misunderstanding at Chilean border control, and 15 tires acquired for one car. He was endlessly curious, had obsessive amounts of focus, and always gravitated towards any hobby or sport that would inevitably become quite expensive: fencing, skiing, cycling, fly fishing, etc. Ben had the biggest booming laugh you’ve ever heard, and we’ll miss hearing it dearly.

Ben is survived by his wife of seven years, Melina Ward, his parents Paula and Jim Liang (of Jacksonville, FL and Londonderry, VT), younger sisters Kate Liang and Maggie Liang Marbley, and brother-in-law Aaron Marbley (all of NYC), Finley, his very loyal mini Australian shepherd, and Charlie, a generally grumpy bird who really only loved Ben and blueberries.

A memorial service will be held on February 18th at 1:00 pm at First Church Cambridge, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02138. Interment will take place in the Spring in a family ceremony in Manchester, VT.

Those who would like to honor Ben with a memorial contribution are requested to do so through either Community Servings at 179 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617-522-7777) or the MSPCA-Angell, attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 (617-541-5046).

Austen Eadie-Friedmann ’02

Austen Eadie-Friedmann, beloved husband, brother, son, and friend, died at his home in Thompson, Connecticut on December 1, 2022 after a hard-fought three-year battle with ALS. He was 39. Autumn was his favorite season, and he was happily able to experience one last colorful changing of the leaves in the home that he loved so much before his passing.

Born in New York, Austen spent his formative years in New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, where he attended the Williston Northampton School. In 2006, he received a degree in history from Tufts University and worked for law firm Proskauer Rose before receiving a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Rutgers (2012). Most of his subsequent career was in human resources for the pharmaceutical industry, at Bristol Myers Squibb in New Jersey and London and Alexion in Boston, with a brief foray into luxury fashion at Chanel in New York.

It was at Tufts where he met and fell in love with his partner of 17 years, William (Billy) DeGregorio, 36, a fashion historian. The two formed a civil union in 2012, and married in 2017.

His peripatetic childhood laid the groundwork for a passion for travel and history that he would nurture for the rest of his life. As a teenager, he did charity work in Honduras and studied abroad in Spain (where he picked up a stomach flu and a lifelong antipathy for manchego). He saw all but two of the United States and 12 countries, including the UK, Belgium, Latvia, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt. Some of his happiest moments were vacations spent with Billy on Cape Cod.

Diagnosed with ALS two days before his 36th birthday, Austen’s ability to travel and ardent professional ambition came to a sudden end, as the disease quickly robbed him of mobility. The disease cheated him out of the long career he had envisioned, but he chose to transition to patient experience at Alexion, bringing the clarity and compassion defined his professional demeanor to patient and caregiver advocacy. Towards the end of his life, when daily remote work became impossible, he volunteered his expertise to nonprofits organizations like I Am ALS and EverythingALS, where he served as an industry consultant.

Austen was a man of contrasts: decorous but irreverent; haughty and formal, but with a dark and often dirty sense of humor that delighted his friends. Human resources executives are not often the most popular members of an organization, but Austen’s mixture of clarity, calm, and compassion made him so. He was often the go-to man for the dreaded task of firing, not because he enjoyed it, but because he communicated with kindness and honesty. Afterwards, those on the other side of the desk would often thank him. He deeply regretted that at precisely the moment where he was entering his stride professionally, he was obliged to shut down his hopes of a more illustrious career.

It was his prosaic determination in the face of ALS that disarmed those accustomed to a more Pollyannaish attitude towards terminal illness. He often said that he did not consider his life a tragedy, though his loved ones may have felt differently. While he knew that ALS was a cruel and unfair fate, his mantra was “It is what it is,” a characteristically matter-of-fact perspective that helped him navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the disease. He even asked that one of his favorite songs, drag queen Alaska’s “It Is What It Is,” be played at his memorial service to remind those in attendance that his life was neither a catastrophe nor a triumph; it simply was what it was: full of love, laughter, and a heaping dose of cynicism.

One of Austen’s most fervent personal dreams was to own a house. In 2020, after a long search, he and Billy purchased the historic Alpheus Russell house (built ca. 1795) in remote Thompson. In the following two and a half years, they enlarged their collection of art and antiques, of which Austen thoroughly enjoyed directing the arrangement, even as he lost bodily function. His eye for the placement of pictures and objects was always spot on, and it gave him enormous pleasure to create a home for Billy and the couple’s beloved cat, Lily, whom the two had adopted in 2008.

Never a religious man, Austen instead worshipped the pantheon of great divas of the twentieth century. He appreciated the melodrama of Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, and Diana Ross, and the sheer raunchiness of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and drag queens like Alaska and Willam. (He and Billy never missed a season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.) Late in life he developed an abiding passion for Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, much to his husband’s delight. He particularly enjoyed the latter’s “Someday” and “Prisoner,” while a video of Houston performing “How Will I Know” live in 1986 became a sort of mood enhancing drug, watched periodically in order to make him smile.

His love of strong female characters extended to films and television as well. Kirsten Scott Thomas and Maggie Smith in Gosford Park (his favorite film); Rosalind Russell and Coral Browne in Auntie Mame; Bette Davis in All About Eve, Anjelica Huston in The Witches: these performances were near and dear to him always. He loved quoting lines from Russell in particular: “Does this make me look like a Scarsdale midge?” “The problem of labor in India is gargantuan,” and “Agnes, I wonder…”

Austen loved the finer things in life, particularly fine dining and wine. While the pandemic put a sudden halt to the former, he could enjoy wine until quite recently. When he was no longer able to eat or drink, much of his will to live quietly dissipated.

Austen is survived by his husband Billy; father Craig Friedmann ’71 of Reston, VA, mother Alexandra Eadie-Friedmann of Waterford, CT; sister Anna Friedmann of New York; and kittens Mariah and Whitney. Lily predeceased him in May of 2022. A private memorial is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the organizations Austen championed most: Compassionate Care ALS, Death with Dignity, and the Nature Conservancy.

It is what it is, but it will never be the same.

Christopher S. Maller Jr. ’04


Christopher S. Maller Jr. (“Chris”) passed away unexpectedly while traveling, September 1, 2022, at the age of 37. Chris was born on Mount Desert Island, at MDI Hospital.
Chris graduated from schools that could not satisfy his restless curiosity and wanderlust, and worked 9-to-5s that suited him even less. What his resume lacked in gravitas, his passport made up for. It was an unapologetic testament to a life lived well and fully, without fear or hesitation.
While most of us say “someday” when it comes to traveling to an exotic location or ticking an item off our bucket list, Chris never let a day pass unfulfilled. He ran with the bulls in Pamplona. He drove ATVs in the desert in Morocco. He danced in the streets of Mexico City in celebration of Dia de los Muertos. He biked Mount Hood. He free-climbed the Flatiron in Boulder. He paraglided over the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Chris’ favorite pose in travel photos was facing the camera, big grin on his face, his arms thrown wide open. Reveling in the chaos. And inviting everyone to join him.
That is Chris’ legacy: buy the ticket. take the ride. embrace the chaos. In that spirit, please submit your own photos posed like Chris to chrispics207@gmail.com, which will be compiled and shared at a later date.
Chris is survived by his beloved bull terrier Nova (a/k/a Super Nova); father Dr. Christopher S. Maller, Sr. and his partner, Sandra S. Henderson; his mother, Isabelle Birdsall Schweitzer and her husband Dr. Peter Schweitzer; his big sister Meredith M. Maller, her husband Sam Cocks, and their son–Chris’ nephew–Charlie Curran Cocks; Chris’ little sister Emily Schweitzer and her partner Blake Hagberg; his aunt Marie Birdsall Chaffee and husband Tom Chaffee; his uncle Paul Gorky and aunt Donna Gorky; and cousins Tyler Gorky and Kendyl Gorky. Chris was predeceased by his cousin Brett Gorky and grandparents Natalie and Gregg Birdsall.
Chris was the consummate wanderer, but his true north was Mount Desert Island, where his ashes will be scattered in the waters so dear to him:
“We all end in the ocean
We all start in the streams
We’re all carried along
By the river of dreams.”
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Mile High Bull Terrier Club or Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

Jonathan E. Holden ’01

Jonathan E. Holden, 38, of Millis, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly on August 31, 2020 at the Milford Regional Medical Center.
Born in Providence, Jonathan was the son of Edward E. Holden and Lucinda J. (Close) Holden.
Jonathan was a graduate of Seekonk High School and the Williston Northampton School. He also attended Lynn University and the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Jonathan was a professional Chef. A very talented basketball player, he loved everything sport.
Besides his beloved parents, Jonathan is survived by his Aunts, Carolyn Hallin and Virginia Bacon, his Uncle, Bruce Holden and his wife Debra, and many cousins.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jonathan’s burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jonathan’s memory to:The Massachusetts Heart Association at www.heart.org or The Make A Wish Foundation at www.massri.wish.org

Jonathan R. Dudeck ’09

It is with great sadness that the parents of Jonathan Ryan Peter Dudeck announce his passing on October 19, 2017 at the age of 27 years. Jon was the victim of random violence resulting in his untimely passing. He was also struggling courageously with substance addiction which may have contributed to being in harm’s way. His departure from this world however will never erase his legacy as a force for good and a positive difference-maker to others. Jon would not have wanted the disease of addiction or the way he passed on to define his life. The majority of Jon’s time on Earth was filled with laughter, learning, wonderful relationships with friends and family and spiritual meaning. His deep faith guided him, and even in the toughest times, Jon never lost hope and neither did his family and friends. Jon continued to battle the disease of addiction one day at a time, mostly successfully. Jon graduated from St. Nicholas School in Los Altos in 2004. He also attended St. Francis High School in Los Altos and graduated from Williston Northampton High School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. In addition to excelling academically at Williston, Jon became New England Champion in the discus event, shattering a 26-year-old school record and leading to a national ranking as a high school athlete. He was recruited by numerous Division I universities as a result of his proficiency in Track and Field. Jon chose to attend the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he enjoyed being a student athlete, building lifelong friendships and doing well in school. He graduated in 2013 with a B.A. in Human and Organizational Development and Sports Management. After graduation, Jon earned the two top national certifications in Personal Training and worked to develop his craft and client list at several Bay Area fitness centers. He then moved to Austin, Texas in 2015 and worked as a top-ranked Sales professional for technology and retail companies. When describing Jon, his many friends and relatives always emphasize his big heart. His smile lit up a room and his charisma and genuine warmth were magnets for building trust with others. Despite his 6’3″ athletic frame, Jon was a gentle soul. He made friends easily and was deeply committed to helping others. Animals flocked to him as they knew intuitively that he was their friend. Jon loved to work out, setting and achieving many personal fitness goals. Even as a child, he was disciplined and persistent until he achieved the goals he set. For instance, he taught himself how to play the guitar to an advanced level, juggle five balls at once and master leading-edge nutrition and athletic training. Jon also enjoyed writing and performing music and lyrics. Even though he knew his singing voice was not great, he had no qualms belting out his original songs for the pure joy of it, his love for music and life radiating throughout his performances. We miss Jon every single second of every day… being enveloped in his big bear hugs, laughing with him, being delighted by a thoughtful note or message. This principle-centered, kind young man will also be missed by his many friends and relatives. Rest in Heaven Jonathan. Jon is survived by his parents, John and Diane Dudeck, of Los Altos and by his aunts, uncle and cousins in the Midwest.

David B. Callahan ’00

David Brennan Callahan, age 36, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Easthampton, Aug. 29, 2017. David was the son of James J. Callahan of North Falmouth, and Susan Long Callahan who pre-deceased him in 2008.

David was born in Amman, Jordan, and grew up in various countries where his father was assigned by the Department of State. He attended the Williston Northampton School in Northampton and the Hoosac School in Hoosick, New York, before completing an associates segree at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke. David loved working at the Green Street Café and the Spoleto Restaurant in Northampton.

In addition to his father, he leaves behind his brother Kevin Callahan, wife Maggie and their children, Vivienne and Kevin Jr of Austin, Texas; and his sister, Robyn Weadock, her husband, Tom and their two children, Anna and Kelsi of Canton; his aunt and uncle, Beth and Kevin Hines of North Falmouth; his uncle Frank Long and his wife, Monica, of St. Augustine, Florida; and his aunt Kayte Long and her partner, Mona of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by a large number of Callahan and Long cousins.

David was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin who loved western Mass., its outdoor life and his many friends and family around the world will miss his wonderful sense of humor.

Craig S. Wright ’07

June 21, 1988 – June 3, 2017
Naples, Florida

Craig was one of those rare and remarkable people that enriched the lives of every one he touched. He brought love, smiles and happiness to people he met all over the world as he lived his life to the fullest with a thirst for adventure and travel.

Craig was born June 21, 1988, in Springfield, Massachusetts and grew up in Massachusetts and Maine. He graduated high school from Williston Northampton School in 2007. He then went on to permanently relocate to Florida, first for college at the University of Tampa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, and then graduate school in Miami where he earned a master’s degree in Hospitality Management at the Florida International University. Tampa and Miami were his homes ever since and where he has more friends than anyone could even begin to count. He seemed to know everyone everywhere, and everyone loved him.

Craig was a lover of all animals, especially horses and kitties. He was a kind and gentle soul that animals could sense and felt very comfortable around him. He was so proud of his recently acquired horse, named Anna that would soon make her new home with him and Bob on their farm in Tampa. Craig traveled more in his short life than most anyone we know and made friends around the world. The entire world is heaving deep sobs over a life tragically taken too soon.

We found this list on a lined piece of paper in Craig’s handwriting among some of his things – almost like a To Do list. Yet, if you knew him, you know this wasn’t a bucket list or a list of things he wanted to do, but instead these are among the things he most loved in life; the things that brought him joy.

Hiking

Enjoying the View

Mountains

Ocean

Lakes

Boating

Horses

Four Wheeling

Snowmobiling

Watching the Sunset

Running

Exercising

Watching the Stars

My Family

In addition to the many friends Craig leaves behind, he leaves his mom and dad, Bill and Anita Wright of Naples, Florida; his partner, Robert Glaser; his grandparents, Ned and Jean Wright, his aunts and uncles, Joanne and Dean Wolfe, Carole and Roger Halvorsen, and Kenneth and Rebecca Squires; and his cousins Colleen Wolfe, Amanda Halvorsen, Allison Wolfe McGrimley, and Jeffrey Halvorsen.