Category Archives: 1940s

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. ’45

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. of Palm Coast, Florida, died in his home on March 12, 2023, at the age of 96.

Vic was born in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Armilda (Brome) Keiser on November 18, 1926. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Keiser; his daughter, Nina; his stepson, Mike Hanson; as well as his brothers, David and John “Jack” Keiser; and his stepbrothers David and Philip Martin.

He is survived by his brothers, Lincoln (Julé Crawford) and Jeffrey (Deborah) Keiser; grandchildren Daniel and Mindy Thomas; his stepchildren, Julie and David Hanson; his stepsister, Rebecca Fralick; nieces, Nancy and Lael Keiser, and nephews Jon, Luke and Nate Keiser, and Drew Martin; good friend, Marie Wolf, as well as many other relatives and friends of all ages.

Throughout his life, Vic was an adventurer, loving a good time and a sweet dessert. Though his family was scattered across the country, for years they gathered in Michigan for summer reunions, a summer tradition begun by his parents in the late 40s. As a young man, Vic spent his time in Michigan chopping wood, laying flooring, building sheds, painting, hanging light fixtures, and joining in any task needing his various skills. Later, he rode his bike for miles, stopping to rest at the local ice cream shop for his vanilla cone. He and Betty also rode their bicycle built for two around Onekama, stopping for ice cream to recharge. He loved playing word games like Botticelli around a fire on the beaches of Lake Michigan, using his sharp mind to stump young and old as they tried to guess the answers to his riddles or the mystery of his magic tricks. Finding Vic’s keys in the sands of the beach at Lake Michigan after a night around the fire was often the Grand Finale of a summer well spent, surrounded by his family and friends.

He also loved music, tv, old movies and Bridge, which he played at the master’s level until the end of his life. He was a skilled woodworker who for years had a backyard studio, creating furniture for Whitman College and his loved ones.

Vic attended Oberlin College where he met his future wife, Betty Detweiler, until his education was interrupted by World War II, when he left school and enlisted in the US Navy. After the war ended, he participated as a radio man for the Navy testing atom bombs at the Bikini Atoll. Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Oberlin, and later transferred to Lawrence College (now Lawrence University), where he was awarded his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He taught mathematics at military service dependent high schools in Japan and Germany. He later attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Master’s degree in physics and mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. in mathematics. He taught at the university level at Idaho State University and then at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he taught for many years until his retirement. Following his retirement, he continued teaching at military dependent high schools in Iceland, Great Britain, and Austria. He also taught advanced mathematics courses at the high school level in Palm Coast as a volunteer.

Vic was a mentor to his younger brothers and younger relatives and friends. His kindness, love of life, and unassuming manner is his legacy to all who knew him. The world is emptier without him.

Kenneth H. Barratt ’47

Kenneth Herbert Barratt
August 10, 1929 – December 25, 2023

Kenneth Barratt passed away peacefully at his home at La Posada in Green Valley, Arizona. He is survived by his wife, Sabina (Zaleski) Barratt and his three sons, Stephen and his wife Carol of Long Valley, New Jersey, Curtis ’73 and his wife Diane of Hampton, New Hampshire and David and his wife Lynn of Cocoa Beach, Florida; along with five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Kenneth was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts graduating in 1947. There he was know as “Fingers Barratt” for his skill on the piano. He attended Wesleyan University graduating with the class of 1951. During his time in college, he met and fell in love with Sabina to whom he was married for 73 years.

He worked his whole career in the industrial rubber industry moving to
Massachusetts, Ohio, Delaware and New Hampshire. In 1973 he founded
Barr-Chem Associates, a Manufacturers Representative firm, that he ran
until his retirement in 1994.

His focus was always his family. He had many interests including skiing,
sailing and golf. But his main passion, that he stayed with his whole life,
was music. He delighted in entertaining people and joining with other
musicians to collaborate. Throughout his life he always had something
going with music; mostly big band jazz. He was with the big band
Suburbanaires in Sudbury, Massachusetts in the 1960’s and 70’s. When
he moved to Green Valley, he quickly fell in with other musicians to
entertain folks there as a member of the Big Band Sounds of Green Valley
and other groups.

Plans are for internment at the Green Valley Cemetery. There will be a
small memorial service for family only.

Sally Davis Wright ’49

Sally D. Wright, 92, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away peacefully on May 29 , 2023. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles M. Wright and her son William D. Wright. She is remembered by her remaining sons, Charles E. Wright (Michelle); James M. Wright (Rebekah), Thomas S. Wright (Anne) of and David S. Wright (Flo). She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her friend James Farrell.

Sally, born Charlotte Davis, was raised in Northampton, MA. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts. After marriage she and her husband Charlie settled in Wilmington, DE and began their family. After the boys were grown Sally had a career with Hagley Museum.

A memorial service will be held Monday June 5th, 11:00 am at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home 3710 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will be private.

Memorial Donations may be made to: Human Animal Partners .org, 455 Stanton Christiana Road.

William F. Krusell ’47

William Fullam Krusell, 92, of Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away on April, 12, 2023 of a COVID related illness.
Born in Ware, Massachusetts he was the son of late Axel W. and Grace F. Krusell. Past husband of his first wife Cynthia Hagar Krusell ’47, the late Sally Dower Krusell, and his companion Debra Barnes. Father of Eric Krusell and his wife Anne of Scituate, Peter Krusell and his wife Michele of Duxbury and the late Nancy Krusell and her spouse Allison Wood of Port Clyde. Grandfather of Adrian, Eric, Laura, Timmy, Lissy, Pille and Hannah. Great Grandfather of Caroline, Maya, Emily, Jack, Joanna, Anthony, Dominic, Dana, Alexander. Brother of John Krusell and late wife Beverly of Kissimmee and children Jay, Tina and Stuart.
Raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, William graduated from Williston Academy and was a 1951 graduate of Amherst College. He spent his working career as owner/operator of Rapid Service Press. William spent his leisure time hiking, sailing, gardening, woodworking, enjoying music, and reading.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066. Relative and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
The family would like to thank the Norwell VNA and Hospice, especially the caregivers for William: Brookeann Claffey, Heather Faith, Carol Skane, Karlene Casiner, and Naomi Moreau.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s name can be made to the Scituate Historical Society at https://scituatehistoricalsociety.org/join-give/#donate

Edward Payson Call ’46

Distinguished stage director Edward Payson Call died at his home in Seattle on February 1, 2023. Ed had a long and prominent career in the theatre starting in New York in the late 1950’s where he stage managed on Broadway. In 1963 Ed was part of the inaugural artistic staff of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, working with famed director Dr. Tyrone Guthrie. After directing at the Guthrie and other regional theatres, Ed was hired as the founding Artistic Director of the Denver Center Theatre Company which opened in 1980. He led that company for five years.

In the 1990’s, he settled in Seattle but continued freelance directing and teaching in cities and universities across the country. He was passionate about introducing young people to Shakespeare, which led him to start the Young Shakespeare Workshop here in 1992. Ed created a free summer course for teens to study and perform sonnets, speeches and scenes.

Ed was brilliant, gifted, demanding, and loved the written word. His amazing productions on stages across the country thrilled thousands of audience members. Hundreds of actors, directors, theatre technicians and administrative staff have stories—some funny, some touching, all memorable— about Ed Call, the BFAD. Above all, he helped so many young people in our community kindle their own passion for the words and works of Shakespeare.

There will be a celebration of Ed’s life at his home on Saturday, February 11 at 2:00 pm. Memorials or donations may be made to the Stage Directors and Choreographers Emergency Assistance Fund.

“When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night.” William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Jordan R. Dann ’44

Dr. Jordan Robert (Bob) Dann, who practiced veterinary medicine in Ridgefield Connecticut for over 65 years, passed away on July 10, 2022, 96 years to the day of his birth on July 10, 1926.

Bob was born in Pelham, New York to Albert Dann and Rosalind Dann. He left this world as he lived in it, peacefully, steadily, on his own terms, and with his dignity fully intact. He was married to the late Judith Leserer Dann and together they contributed to the Connecticut community they loved for more than fifty years. He is survived by his son, Curtis Dann of Danbury Connecticut, his son Jeoffrey Dann of Riggins, Idaho, and three grandchildren: Adam Dann of Washington D.C, Ashley Dann of Plympton, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth Dann of Burlington Vermont. He also leaves behind three great granddaughters, Cathleen, Molly and Maggie.

Beyond his immediate family, Bob Dann was father, friend, brother, and mentor to many others whose lives he touched and enriched beyond measure. There are too many to name here but of particular note are Dr. Sally Knowles of West Hartford, Connecticut and her sons David and Scott, Zion Banda and her daughter Zoe of Southbury, Connecticut, Dr. Delfino Hernandez Agula of Carr Jocotepec-Chapala, Mexico, his Godson, Andrew Jordan Zarro of Portland, Maine, Dr. Ian Smith of Chicago, IL Dana Smith of California and his friend Frank Zarro of Saratoga Springs, New York. Bob Dann had many other spiritual sons and daughters who will understand that the omission of their names here by no means diminishes how important they were to him, and he was to them.

This was no ordinary man. During his medical career, Dr. Dann was a member of both the Connecticut Board of Veterinary Medicine and Harvard Schools Committee for Fairfield County, Connecticut for two decades and served as Chairman of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Ethics for many years. Additionally, he provided leadership as the president of the Fairfield County Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Dann’s community service also includes his role as a member of the Danbury Hospital Development Fund Board of Directors. Bob Dann also had an entrepreneurial side and toward the end of his career initiated several significant privately funded public benefit programs addressing environmental remediation, workforce development for underserved communities, veterans’ rights, and affordable housing, which will benefit numerous individuals, families, and communities.

Jordan Dann served as a member of the U.S. Army Combat Engineers and was stationed in Germany from 1944-1946. Bob enlisted at the age of eighteen and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. At the age of nineteen he led a squad of men. He then entered officer training school and earned the rank of Second Lieutenant Combat Engineer. After the war Bob was admitted to Harvard University where he was awarded his undergraduate degree. Dr. Dann then went on to earn his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine with distinction from Colorado University.

Bob Dann spent his life serving others and caring for creation. His love and tenderness for all animals and his devotion to their comfort and wellness were matched only by his love of people. As tender and loving as this man was, he was also strong and resolute. His devotion to the people and causes he loved was unshakeable and it was sometimes difficult to comprehend how anyone so kind and loving could be so strong. His life was a continuous testament to the enduring and indestructible power of love. Bob was a man who lived simply and acted justly, always with the right combination of old-school Connecticut formality and Harvard self-confidence, solidly underpinned by genuine humility and a true sense of self. An “I love you” to Bob Dann was often met with this reserved but heartfelt reply: “you know that’s reciprocal.” We all at some point have occasion to say that this world has lost a great woman or man. In Bob Dann’s case, these words take on additional meaning. Bob Dann’s voice, as he assessed the world and proffered his assurance that it would all turn out well in the end was centering, stabilizing, and inspiring. The loss of his voice, especially in these difficult times, is unsettling. But we can be comforted by the knowledge that Bob Dann’s legacy lives on, exponentially, in the lives he touched, the places he made better, the work he did, and the way he loved. Those of us who had the good fortune and the privilege of knowing Bob have a special duty, to share what he gave to us, to honor his legacy, and to carry on with what his life was all about, “..To make gentle, the life of the world.” Love you, Bob. We know. It’s reciprocal.

A Memorial Service will take place in the Fall at a date and time to be announced. Contributions in Dr. Dann’s memory may be made to ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue) or DAWS (Danbury Animal Welfare Society). Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.

Ann Doble Abbey ’44

Ann Sterns Doble Abbey, age 96, died peacefully at the home of her daughter Diane A. Elliott on April 24, 2022 surrounded by love. She was the daughter of the late William H. Doble and Elizabeth Gilman Doble of Hingham, Massachuestts. She was the sister to the late Mary Elizabeth Canterbury ’43 and Sally McKenney. Ann was born in Milton and grew up in Hingham. She was married to the late Peter Burr Abbey, also of Hingham. They lived in Jackson, Mississippi, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lubbock and Arlington, Texas and Denver, Colorado. She lived in Georgetown, Colorado for 30 years and was the proprietor of the Antique Emporium and was a town character. Ann was a homemaker, an enthusiastic Girl Scout leader, candy striper and volunteer for the VA hospital. She was a lover of nature and believed the Great Spirit was Love, Compassion, and above all, Life. She spent the last 5 years of her life gardening, bird watching and being with her family. She leaves behind her 4 daughters: Karen Abbey Banks of Oakland, CA, Meredith Janet Abbey of Fort Collins, CO, Susan Elizabeth Abbey of Fort Collins, CO and Diane Abbey Elliott of Hingham, MA. She also leaves 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the Norwell VNA Hospice for their incredible support, loving care and competent attention which was give to the entire family. A celebration of Ann’s life will be determined at a later date. Donations can be made to the NVNA/Hospice or Earthjustice who uses environmental laws and regulations like the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act to fight for plants and animals in court.

A. Richard Malkin ’49

Albert Richard “Dick” Malkin, 92, of Topsham, Maine died peacefully on February 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Dick was born January 3, 1931 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He graduated from Williston Academy and Colgate University. Dick was a standout athlete in both college hockey and baseball so much so that he was selected to join an all-star college hockey squad that competed in Japan in 1951. His education continued at Harvard Business School before military experience in Philadelphia as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Signal Corps. He went on to work for IBM for 33 years including two assignments in Tokyo, Japan as Director of Licensing of Intellectual Property for the Asia Pacific Region. Dick loved to exercise and especially enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Another hobby included building stone walls around his properties. He was also very musical, singing in barbershop quartets, leading the Twin Ridge Singers, a neighborhood group. Before retiring to Maine in 2004, Dick resided in Ridgefield, Connecticut for 35 years. Though he had traveled all over the world, his fondest memories were of Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, Avalon, New Jersey and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie, his three children, Mark ’81, Laura and Andrew, as well as his four grandchildren who knew him as “Boomer”. He will be remembered not only for his love of family but also for his grit, modesty, and kindness toward others. A private memorial service will occur at his family’s summer cottage “Cozyholme” in Maine.

Charles Kenneth Burke ’46

Charles Kenneth “Ken” Burke, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 1, 1928 in Lowell, MA, son of the late Charles P. Burke and Alvina (Leblanc) Burke of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Ken served in the US Army and was a WWII Veteran who served in Occupied Japan. He attended Springfield Technical High School and was a class agent and graduate of Williston Academy in 1946. He went on to graduate from St Michaels College. Ken was Co-Owner and Operator of the family business, Benton Park Package Store for many years before he retired in 2000.

Ken was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Springfield. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council, the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61, Lions Club, a volunteer for the Springfield Association for Blind, and Springfield Sportsman’s Club. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Pioneer Valley Radio Control Club and the Northern CT Radio Control Club. He shared his love of boating, sailing, skiing and ice skating with his five sons and they created very special memories together.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Florence Ann (Grise) Burke who passed away in 2018 and also by his brothers James and Donald Burke. He is survived by his five sons, Charles K. Burke Jr and his wife Gwen of Springfield, Robert Burke and his wife Donna of Lyme, CT, Michael Burke and his wife Karla of Old Lyme, CT, James Burke and his wife Teresa of Huntington and Joseph Burke and his wife Gina of Feeding Hills; eight grandchildren, Nick Burke and his wife Julie, Kevin Burke and his wife Danielle, Michaelan Condon and her husband George, Kristen Burke, Chris Burke, Shannon Burke, Celina Burke and Matt Burke along with five beloved great grandchildren, Nolan, Emily and Lauren Burke, and Erin and Daniel Condon.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A Funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Cross Church at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in St Michael’s Cemetery, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Dr, West Springfield, MA, 01089.