Category Archives: 1960s

Paul W. Stasz ’65

Paul William Stasz of Vancouver, Washington died
on November 2, 2020. Born on May 30, 1947 in Northampton, Massachusetts, Paul was the son of the late Edmund and Carol (Baldyga) Stasz of Southampton where he attended the local grammar schools. He graduated from Williston Academy (now the Williston Northampton School) in 1965 where he was an outstanding swimmer on the Williston championship team. He graduated from Dickinson College in 1968 where he was a leading member of the swim team.
He had a decades long and successful career in risk management, first for Syracuse University, then for Borden Corporation, International Paper Company and Icahn Enterprises from which he retired in 2017. In his retirement he enjoyed maple sugaring at the home of his sister-in-law Bird Stasz Jones in Weybridge, Vermont. He also volunteered maintaining public gardens and trees in Vancouver.
He leaves daughters Emily Morgan and Eleanor Hanna of Syracuse, New York; his son Phillip Stasz of Keizer, Oregon; his fraternal twin brother Peter Stasz ’65 of Holyoke, Massachusetts; his brother Edmund Stasz Jr. of Southampton, Massachusetts; his former spouse Marisa Arezzi Stasz of Hillsdale, New Jersey; three grandchildren; a niece Megan Stasz of Maine; a nephew Jeffrey Stasz of South Carolina; a sister-in-law Bird Stasz Jones of Weybridge, Vermont, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his brothers Gregory ’68 and Thomas Stasz ’67.
Paul donated his organs and body to medical science therefore there will not be a funeral. Memorial services in several locales will be announced at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Williston Northampton School Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund or any other scholarship fund at the Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027. Donations may also be made online at www.williston.com/give. Please mark donations to be used for scholarships only.

Marion F. Judd ’62

Marion F. Judd died September 25, 2020 at The Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, MA. after a brief illness. Marion was born in Northampton April 9, 1944 to Edgar R. Judd and Helen E. (Crofts) Judd. She grew up in Goshen and graduated from the former Northampton School for Girls (The Williston Northampton School) and Russell Sage College, Troy, NY. Marion was a social worker at the Department of Social Services for many years before leaving to follow her creative instincts and start her video production career as owner of Images. In 1993, a training video Marion produced and directed, “Reporting Elder Abuse: You Can Make a Difference” won a National Media Owl Award.

Marion loved her family, friends and pets. She was predeceased by her parents and older brother John. Marion is survived by her younger brother Edgar “Ned” (Carol) Judd Jr.of Leeds and their daughter Laura, sister-in-law Pearl Judd of Hatfield and nieces, Michelle (Donald) Lindstrom of Cornelius, N.C., Kristin (Jesse) Wirtes of Lanesboro and their son Justin, and Kimberly (Johnny) Sanchez of Hatfield and their children Domeniq and Haleigh, as well as many cousins. Marion’s chosen sister Caroline Bailey Toner, husband Bill and children, Sarah and Jack and their families will miss Marion dearly, along with friends Priscilla and Seth, Kathy, Marsha, and Bob and Katherine. Marion leaves behind her dog, Jenny, and cat, Isabelle.

Marion’s circle of friends was vast and diverse, including former classmates, colleagues and others she knew from her time as a social worker, movie-making cohorts from her work with Images, tenants, cousins, neighbors, fellow dog-lovers and many more. Marion was able to put anyone at ease and had a special gift for encouraging her family and friends to mingle and befriend one another. She prided herself on being the engineer behind 2 long-time marriages of her loved ones. Thoughtful, supportive, fun-loving and possessing a fine sense of humor, Marion was a beloved friend.

Marion delighted in cooking, baking and entertaining…her cakes and yeast rolls were legendary. Large gatherings she hosted in her 20’s are still fondly recalled today. Marion loved Thanksgiving, Christmas and turkey dinners. Morocco, Kenya, the Riviera, Tenerife, Greece, Rio de Janeiro, the UK, South Africa, and the Bahamas, where she spent extended stays on a houseboat, were some of Marion’s far flung travel destinations. More locally, her favorite places were Ogunquit, Wellfleet, and her own porch. She often took impromptu trips to NYC for tea at the Plaza or to Maine for a hotdog or to Boston for lunch at Locke-Ober’s. Marion was a fan of the British royal family, Volkswagen Beetles, movies, and Baroque music. She enjoyed her house on Massasoit Street, flowers, reading, early mornings and taking photographs. Marion was a devoted caretaker to numerous ailing family members and friends.

Those wishing to make donations might consider the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union St. Springfield 01105, dakinhumane.org or The Fisher Home, 1165 No. Pleasant St. Amherst 01002, fisherhome.org.

It was Marion’s request not to have calling hours or a funeral. A Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held at a later date once it is safe to have a party of the size she would approve.

Joseph J. Deliso Jr. ’65

Joseph John Deliso, Jr., 73, died peacefully, September 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Jennie (Ambrosino) Deliso, Sr.
After having attended Williston Academy he majored in French and Art History at Columbia University. After leaving Columbia, he travelled extensively, including a memorable trip through Spain and down into Africa, where he hitched across the Sahara and through Mali down to the Ivory Coast. From there he moved first to Italy, where he met Elizabeth Fort, then to France. He and Elizabeth were very good friends for fifteen years, during which time Joseph, by then an established Teacher of English as a Foreign Language, returned to the U.S. to complete two master’s degrees at Columbia. He continued to teach, and produced a well-reviewed English as a foreign language teaching method which was published by Longmans. He and Elizabeth eventually deepened their relationship and settled in Provence, where they married in 1999.
They raised their two children there while building and running a successful inn, called Les Olivettes, in the village of Lourmarin, in Provence. Joseph was a visionary, and his taste and determination proved invaluable in creating an extraordinary, welcoming haven. In his spare time, he enjoyed sculpting bone china, riding his bicycle, harvesting his olives and hanging out with guests, friends and family. He became passionate about the wines of Southern France, and he and Elizabeth shared a taste for French cuisine. French, which Joseph had learned from his beloved Québecoise stepmother, was the family language, and Joseph was an unusually fluent, accent-less French speaker. He cultivated his long-standing friendships with his French friends and Elizabeth’s family. He loved his family deeply. They enjoyed many exciting trips together, across Europe, to the Caribbean and to Africa.
Joseph will be dearly missed by his wife, Elizabeth Fort DeLiso, their children, Claire and Pierre ’13, his brother, Clement ’50, his sister, Virginia and husband Van Govoni, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Pascal, and sister, Rosalie.
Joseph’s life was celebrated in a private service. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at www.TheAFTD.org or AFTD, 2700 Horizon Dr., Ste 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

Christopher R. Lowell ’60

Christopher Richard Lowell, beloved husband, daddy, step-dad, teacher, student, historian, mentor, adviser, friend, linguist, drummer, chef, Francophile, ham, mensch, actor, director, and international performer took his final bow on Bastille Day, July 14, 2020.

Born October 11, 1942 in New York City to parents Richard and Norma, he studied French and theatre, earning degrees from Dickinson College and Colgate University. Lifelong scholar, teacher, and actor, Chris mentored countless students and actors.

In his last fifteen years, he brought the life, philosophy, wit, and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin to audiences across the United States and France. Chris’ interwoven passions for France, theatre, history, and language arose from a deep affection, a fascination, for people. While his passions drove him to pursue excellence in every undertaking, his deeply humanist side was what made him a generous actor-director, careful and insightful historian, and beloved teacher and mentor, well beyond the collective forty-two years he spent on faculty at Cazenovia High School (Cazenovia, NY), Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia, PA), Fountain Valley School of Colorado (Colorado Springs, CO), Lycee Amiral Ronac’h (Brest, France), Williston Northampton (Easthampton, MA), and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colorado Springs, CO).

He will be remembered for his quick wit, easy laugh, embrace of all things cultural, the quality of his relationships, and the intense personal presence he devoted to everyone, years after professional responsibility dictated. For those in his life, he forever offered his heart and house. Chris’ family will treasure the boundless love, inspiration, encouragement, support, and culinary delights he provided.

He will be greatly missed by all, especially by his surviving wife, Sue; his kids, Laura, Barbi, and Jennifer; his step-kids, Burton and Clara; and his nine grandkids.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when an in-person gathering can offer more joy than risk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Chris’ memory may be made to the UCCS Theatreworks, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, or Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation.

Rolf H. Bortner ’66

Rolf Hedin Bortner, 72, died Sunday evening, June 14, 2020, at his son’s home in Waymart, Pennsylvania. He was the husband of the late Catherine Ward Bortner who passed away January 25, 2012.

Born in Huntington, Long Island, he was the son of the late Robert and Siv Hedin Bortner. He was a graduate of Williston Academy where he excelled in sports, especially soccer and lacrosse. He also attended Wesleyan University. He was a proud Navy Veteran who served in the Vietnam Conflict. He was employed as a grip for the labor union Local #52 IATSE for over forty years.

Rolf enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an avid target shooter and gun collector.

Surviving are a son, Robert Bortner and his partner Brianna McAllister, and her daughter Hazel Blocker, of Waymart; a grandson, Rolf Bortner, of Waymart; a niece, Brook Bortner, of Ca.; and several other nieces and nephews on his wife’s side.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Bret Bortner ’64.

A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arthur E. Gramse Jr. ’63

Arthur Edward Gramse Jr. passed away on April 8th, 2020 at the age of 77 after an extended period of poor health.

Known to family and friends as “Art”, he was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1943 to Jean (Quinn) and Dr. Arthur Gramse Sr. The family settled in Massachusetts and Art grew up a proud New Englander. After graduation from Williston Academy, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Washington and Jefferson College and his Master’s from the University of Rhode Island. In his professional life, Art was a dedicated English teacher, sharing his love of literature and language with students in the Midwest, southeast and throughout New England during a career that spanned decades.

Art spent much of his time on Cape Cod, and it was there that he met Judy, his first wife, whom he married in 1967. During their time together, the couple had two children. Art gained two stepchildren with his second wife, Donna, and the couple ultimately settled in Donna’s home state of Vermont, where they shared many memorable years until her passing.

Art was known for having a sharp wit coupled with self-deprecating charm, a religious devotion to the Boston Bruins and Red Sox, an untameable sweet tooth and an encyclopedic knowledge of perhaps his greatest passion: the art of fishing. In his youth, he played hockey, won fishing derbies and was an accomplished archer. He was an old school Rock and Roller, bopping away to Buddy Holly, the Beatles and Blondie, until he discovered a profound connection to the work of John Prine. Art also had a deep appreciation and respect for great authors, and considered the work of Henry David Thoreau and J.D. Salinger to be foundational to his worldview. Art possessed a creative spirit in his own right and, over the course of his life, produced poetry, humorous essays and colorful memoir, stunning abstract paintings and innumerable custom handmade fishing lures, one of which was patented.

Art is survived by his children and stepchildren, Shannon Gramse and her husband Todd of Akron, OH, Joshua Gramse and his wife Camille of Sonoma, CA, Jody Billodeau and his wife Michelle of St. Albans, Tracy Billodeau and her partner Dennis Reynolds also of St. Albans, his brother Reed Gramse ’66 and his wife Patti of Cape Elizabeth, ME and their children and grandchildren, his sister Gaylin Soponis and her husband Chuck of Gainesville, FL and their children and grandchildren, his mother-in-law Barbara DeVarney of Richford and his Sister-in-law Susan Shappy, also of Richford.

His ashes will be interred with those of his wife, Donna, in Hope Cemetery in Georgia, Vermont. Because of his personal connection to the ocean, a small portion of his remains will also be committed to the sea in a private family ceremony at a later time.

Art’s children wish to express a deep gratitude to his brother Dr. Reed Gramse for overseeing their father’s health during his final years, and a special thanks to the staff of Brownway Residence and the Franklin County Rehab Center for their compassion and professionalism.

In recognition of Art’s great love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478.

Theodore B. Wiehe, Jr. ’60

On Saturday, April 11, 2020, Theodore Baird Wiehe, Jr., husband, father of two children, teacher and coach, passed away peacefully, at Judson Park in Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of 78. Baird was born on June 24, 1941, in Baltimore, Maryland to the parents of Mary House and Theodore Baird Wiehe. He was a graduate of Williston Academy. He received his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and earned his Master’s in Teaching from Brown University in 1964. Baird taught for 32 years at Shaker Heights High School. On August 21, 1965, he married Sarah Bell Noble. They raised two sons, Peter and Oliver. Baird had a passion for and loved teaching, coaching soccer, watching baseball and running. Baird believed it was his duty to make the world a better place. He chose a life of service and one of educating our country’s greatest resource, our children. Known for creating innovative classes like “Country Capitalism” and “Death, Dying and Old Age,” he loved the challenge of teaching analytical thinking. He started and built the first-ever Men’s and Women’s soccer teams at Shaker Heights High School and was selected to be a member of the Ohio State Soccer Hall of Fame. For many years Baird rode his red bicycle (a gift from one of his soccer teams) to work. An avid runner, he could be seen into his 70s running the streets of Shaker. Known for having a great sense of humor and being an excellent conversationalist, Baird had a way of making those he met feel welcome and included. He is survived by his wife Sarah of 54 years, his two children, Peter ’86 and Oliver ’88, his sister Betty, brother Phil ’67, and several cousins, nieces, and a nephew. A service in his memory will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Judson Foundation, 2181 Ambleside Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106.

Carol Phillips Ailes ’67

Carol Jean Phillips Ailes, 71, passed away very peacefully March 20, 2020 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury, MD of advanced lung disease. The only daughter and youngest child of Pratt D. Phillips, Jr and Jean Price Phillips. Carol was educated in Salisbury until she went to the Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, MA (now the Williston Northampton School). At Northampton she excelled in athletics, winning the athletic award at graduation. She then attended Bradford College for two years and finished her education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Upon graduation, Carol and her best friend and college roommate, Fay Schneider Bright, who remained her most cherished friend and confidant throughout the remainder of her life, went to Munich, Germany for two and a half years to study and work. Returning to the states, Carol began her career in travel with Vacations International in Salisbury, which truly suited Carol’s personality, love of people and travel. She then met and married Robert (Bob) E. Ailes and moved to the Western Shore. Continuing in the same field, she then began her 37 year career at the Smithsonian Institution in the travel management office. Retiring in 2018, she and her husband moved back to the Eastern Shore. Carol had a real zest for life and people. She made so many friends from all over the world with whom she never lost contact. Her passions were family first always, cooking and gardening to which she devoted much of her spare time developing and maintaining a truly amazing garden. She was a member of the Bowie Crofton Garden Club, The National Capital Daylily Club and a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She is survived by her husband, Bob, her brothers, PD Phillips III (Jo), Norcross, GA, and John P. Phillips of Salisbury as well as three nephews, Pratt D. Phillips IV (Phil) (Sara), J. Price Phillips Jr., Salisbury, MD, Christian S. Phillips, Ocean City, MD and two very treasured nieces, Katherine and Elizabeth Phillips. She also leaves many extremely devoted cousins and friends. A Funeral Eucharist will be held on Friday, March 27, 2020 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Salisbury, MD at 10:00 a.m. for the immediate family only. Interment will follow immediately at Parsons Cemetery. The service will be streamed at www.facebook.com/stPetersSby . A public Memorial Eucharist will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in her memory to Coastal Hospice of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, PO Box 1733 Salisbury, MD 21802 or to the St. Celelia Guild at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 115 St. Peter’s St, Salisbury, MD 21801. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804.

Howard J. Lamson ’67


Howard Jewett (Hank) Lamson passed away on March 19, 2020.  Howard was the son of the late Edward Nathan Lamson and Barbara Tunison Lamson. He is survived by his brother Edward Fay Lamson and his wife, Marsha, and their children Ted (wife Kristi) and Haley (fiancé Jimmy), his sister Susan Lamson Strickler and her husband Herb, and their children Brooks (wife Carla) and Nathan (wife Erin). He is also survived by his step-daughter Jennifer Swabowicz and her husband Edward and their children Hannah and Haleigh, also two great nephews and a great niece, Wade Strickler, Eddie Lamson and Bridget Lamson.

Hank attended Westford Academy, Williston Academy and Bentley University. Professionally, he spent his entire career with the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, Lowell, MA, serving in many capacities.

Hank came back to Maine, after spending summers there growing up, at the time of retirement and lived in Kennebunkport until his death. He had a passion for reading mysteries until his eyesight created problems. His love of vegetable gardening came from his father and he enjoyed giving away some of his delicious zucchinis. Golfing, cooking, photography and carpentry were also part of his life, including trips to Mulligan’s for lunch or dinner.

A celebration of Hank’s life will be held this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kennebunk Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 7004, Cape Porpoise, ME 04014 or to Maine Warden Service, 284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.