Category Archives: Class Decades

John L. Peakes ’52

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“He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.” Hamlet

A very bright light in the regional theater world went out on January 26, 2017, when John Peakes slipped peacefully away at his home in Merchantville, NJ, surrounded by people who loved him, an undramatic ending to a wonderfully entertaining life.

John grew up in Weston, MA, son of the late Herman Lawrence Peakes and Marion Jenny Chinn Peakes, and rascally younger brother of Doris (Kendall). He graduated from Williston Academy in 1952 and from Wesleyan University in 1956 where he joined Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. ROTC in college led him to service in the US Navy and colorful travels and adventures while serving his country. On a leave in NYC, he attended a couple of plays and realized that theater without a doubt was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. So he did it. After his discharge as a Lieutenant JG, John attended the Boston Conservatory while teaching at Plymouth Academy commuting in a car so tiny, his students were able to pick it up and leave it on a porch roof. He moved to NYC where he worked in a couple of off-off Broadway shows but returned east to get his MFA from Tufts University performing and directing in many productions there before moving again to Iowa City to work on getting a doctorate in theater at the University of Iowa. Along the way he acquired his first wife Connie and their two sons, Jonathan in 1967 and Ian in 1969, three Siamese cats and a beagle named Irma la Dog. In Iowa they met Richard and Barbara Thomsen and decided to hell with those PhDs and moved to Michigan in 1966 to run the old barn summer theatre, The Ledges Playhouse in Grand Ledge. In 1970, the somewhat foolhardy decision was made to go year round first in a small church in Grand Ledge and finally in 1976 to the newly built BoarsHead Theater in the Center for the Arts in downtown Lansing, MI. Somehow, miraculously, it all worked. Over 300 productions later, many in which John either performed or directed, the little theater-that-could had earned strong community support and was a well-respected star in regional theater. Thomsen left for NY in the early 80s and in 1987, John’s second wife Judith became the BoarsHead’s indomitable Managing Director leaving John free to be Artistic Director and avid golfer. The pair won many awards including the Detroit Free Press Award for Life Time Achievement and the Michigan Governor’s Award for Art and Culture. They retired from their BoarsHead roles in 2003 and moved to Merchantville NJ just across the bridge from Philadelphia where John continued performing in several Philly theaters. His final performance however was back in Chelsea, Michigan at Jeff Bridge’s Purple Rose Theater where he played the old curmudgeon Norman in On Golden Pond with grace, humor, and great distinction. John himself was a strong and confident man and he brought to vivid life hundreds of unforgettable characters including Shakespeare’s Falstaff, Prospero, Hamlet, and King Lear, Dylan Thomas’s Captain Cat, and leading roles in Death of a Salesman, Waiting for Godot, The Lion in Winter, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and many, many more.

John was predeceased by cherished son, Jonathan, who died in 1984.

He is survived by Judith, his loving wife of over twenty years, Connie; his former wife of over twenty years; his son, Ian Merrill Peakes, an extraordinary actor in his own right; Ian’s equally talented wife, Karen (Krastel); grandsons, Owen Peakes and Carson Hunn; stepchildren, Amanda Hunn and Matt Gentry; sister, Doris Kendall; and a passel of charming nieces and nephews.

Posted in: 1950s

Carl D. Oblinger ’63

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Carl D. Oblinger, Ph.D., 72, of Springfield, IL, died at 9:46 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his home as a result of Lewy Body Dementia.
Carl was born on August 3, 1944 in Springfield, the son of Walter and Josephine Oblinger. He attended Springfield High School and graduated from Williston Academy, Easthampton, MA. Carl obtained a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from Franklin & Marshall College, a master’s degree in American History from John Hopkins University, and a doctorate in history from Lehigh University. He was an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University and Benedictine University. Carl served as Mayor of Chatham from 1989-1993; and Clerk of the Court, Seventh Judicial District, Sangamon County from 1992 to 1996. He also served as a trustee of Lincoln Land Community College and the Village of Chatham, and was a member of the Springfield Planning & Zoning Commission. Carl previously worked for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Department of Children and Family Services as a labor relations specialist. He was a brilliant man and an accomplished author and historian who loved reading, politics, spending time at Boundary Waters, teaching, and basketball. In spite of his challenges, Carl always maintained his sense of humor and love for his wife. His outgoing nature will be missed by all.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved dog, Wally.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Brinkmeier-Oblinger of Springfield and her sons, Zack Brinkmeier of VA and Dane Brinkmeier of Springfield; one son, Erik Oblinger of NJ; one daughter, Jennifer Maulfair of VA; and four granddaughters.

Posted in: 1960s

John J. Schumacher ’59

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John J. Schumacher, 76 years old, of Chatham, MA and Naples FL, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Cape Cod Hospital after suffering a heart attack at his home.

Born in Boston, the 2nd son of August and Mary Schumacher, John was the beloved husband of Judith Blake Schumacher for 49 years. John was also the devoted father of Michael and his wife Gayle of Sherborn, Jennifer Harper and her husband Mitch of Pembroke and David and his wife Susan of Duxbury. Dear brother of August Schumacher of Washington, DC, Ellen Schadegg of Hancock, NH and Mary Megson of Arlington, MA. Above all else, he was the adored Grandfather of Weston and Riley Schumacher, Travis and Tessa Harper and Abigail, Meghan and Dylan Schumacher.

John graduated from Cornell University in 1963. In 1967, John married Judy and founded his second love: Landscaping By Schumacher, Inc., which he owned and operated for over 30 years. During that time, Landscaping By Schumacher became New England’s largest commercial landscape firm, winning a number of both national and local awards; two of these awards landing John at the White House for presentations by First Lady Rosyln Carter and First Lady Barbara Bush.

John was also a successful fourth generation farmer, purchasing historic Lookout Farm in South Natick in 1978, and working with the Commissioner of Food and Agriculture to organize one of the early Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Rights development restrictions with the purchase.

In his retirement, John divided his time between Chatham and Naples. He loved real estate and golf, but more than anything loved spending time with Judy on their front porch in Chatham, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, whom he adored.

Posted in: 1950s

Charlotte Heavens Bruins ’47

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Charlotte Heavens Bruins, of Port Saint Lucie, FL, passed away November 9, 2016. Charlotte served on the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1985 and was a member of the Alumni Council. She was a tireless advocate for keeping the legacy of Northampton School for Girls alive within Williston Northampton culture. Her daughters, Amy Bruins and Faith Bruins ’81, and her son John Bruins ’80, and their families, as well as her brother R. Bardwell Heavens ’51, survive her.

Posted in: 1940s

Helen Haase Tompkins ’58

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Helen Elizabeth Tompkins, 75, of Ellenton, FL passed away on April 23, 2015. She was the widow of Thomas H. Tompkins and is survived by her sons; Thomas H. and Ronald L. (Sherry) of Florida. Also surviving are grandsons; Christopher (Abby) and Dylan as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Arya Lynn Tompkins, all of Coldwater, Michigan. Additionally, Helen leaves her sister, Mary (David) of Tampa and her brother, Bill (Nancy) of Pennsylvania as well as four nieces and nephews and their families.

Posted in: 1950s

Jo Milton Williams ’52

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williamsJo Milton Williams, 83, of Shelburne Falls, MA and Pinehurst, NC, passed away unexpectedly November 28, 2016 at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Springfield, MA. She was the daughter of George Thurlow Milton and Grace Kelley Milton of Boston, MA and was graduated from Northampton School for Girls. After attending Connecticut College and later receiving a degree from N C State University, she was employed as a counselor for Alcoholism Treatment Center, Raleigh, NC. Surviving kin are three daughters: Susan Perkins Stark of Shelburne Falls, MA, Karen Kelley Perkins of Pacific Palisades, CA, Elizabeth Perkins Macat of Shelburne Falls, MA and Sherman Oaks, CA, and husband Carl Rush Williams, Pinehurst, NC, and eight grandchildren. Jo was a devoted and effective counselor in North Carolina. Once retired she love summering in New England where she vacationed as a youngster and traveling, particularly motoring across the states and to Canada and Alaska. Preeminent also in her retirement was the nurture and happiness of her grandchildren. They adored her.

Posted in: 1950s, Uncategorized

Mary Louise Hogan Holmes ’55

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holmesMary Louise “Mary Lou” Hogan Holmes, 79, of Tinton Falls, N.J., died peacefully at home with her loving family at her bedside on Dec. 21, after a lengthy illness.

The daughter of Harold Hogan and Louise Callahan Hogan, Marylou was born in Northampton, Mass. She was raised in Florence, and lived in Manalapan and Farmingdale, N.J., for many years before moving to Seabrook Village in Tinton Falls in 2013.

She was a registered nurse practitioner by profession, and worked for the State of New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services for 30 years, primarily as assistant director of nursing at the former Marlboro State Hospital and later at Ann Klein Forensic Center in Ewing, N.J., before retiring in 2000. She also was a clinical instructor of nursing for Ocean County College for many years.

A graduate of the Williston Northampton School and the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Holyoke, Mary Lou earned her bachelor’s degree from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey), and her master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from the University of Pennsylvania.

Mary Lou was a passionate volunteer as well. In addition to prominent positions on many committees for the New Jersey State Nurses Association, she also served as a peer counselor at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township, coming to the aid of nursing colleagues who struggled with substance abuse issues. She was also a member of many professional nursing associations, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also served as a volunteer catechism instructor at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Farmingdale, where she was a longtime communicant.

Surpassing her deep feelings for her work, faith and personal interests was the love she felt for her family. Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Joel F. Holmes Jr.; her daughter and son-in- law, Theresa Holmes-Stenson and Eric Stenson of Farmingdale, N.J.; her son and daughter-in- law, Joel F. Holmes III and Beth Cannon Holmes of London, United Kingdom; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Peggy Hogan of Easthampton, Mass.; and grandchildren Shane and Arianna Stenson, Cooper and Cole Holmes.

Posted in: 1950s

Bruce Alexander Hamilton ’66

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hamiltonBruce Alexander “Alex” Alex Hamilton, 67, of West Newbury, MA, devoted husband and loving father, passed away on Christmas morning at home, with his family by his side, to join his beloved, Meher Baba following a seven month battle with lung cancer. Alex graduated from South Hadley High in 1966, having previously attended Williston Academy, the Franklin Institute, and from UMass Amherst in 1980 with a summa cum laude degree in landscape architecture. After a successful career as a Realtor in Lexington, and real estate office manager in Andover and Beverly, he was named vice-president of DeWolfe New England, where he helped in growing that company during the 1990’s. He then retired to raise his children, tend his grounds, and manage investment real estate on Plum Island. An avid plantsman, he created a landscaped paradise around his West Newbury home. He built and helped maintain many miles of trails in the Newburys, especially the West Newbury Riverbend and Mill Pond trails, as well as the Newburyport Little River Nature Trail, sawing, weed-whacking and leaf-blowing them clear for pedestrian and equine use. He also served as Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 26 for a number of years. Alex was a faithful follower of Avatar Meher Baba for 50 years, and was an avid researcher into the lives of many of the Westerners who met Baba in the 1930’s. He enjoyed visits with fellow Baba lovers in Cambridge, at the Meher Spiritual Center in Myrtle Beach and visited and supported other Baba sites in America and England. The “Garden of the Beloved” at Beloved Archives in Hamilton, NJ was his creation as well. Spending time visiting Baba’s home and tomb in Meherabad, India in February 2016, was a dream fulfilled. He was devoted to his wife and best friend, Deborah R of West Newbury, and to his children, Alexander “Zander” R, of Denver, CO, and Eliza “Liza” M. of Ashland, OR. He leaves his brothers David and wife Carolyn of Lake Whatcom, WA, Kirby and wife Melinda of Santa Fe, NM, and sister Kris Kapp of Orange County, CA, 6 nieces and nephews and 2 grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Laurence K and Guelda P., and brother Laurence G. Hamilton of Cottonwood Mansion, in Ontario, Canada.

 

Posted in: 1960s

William J. Romanos, Jr. ’57

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romanosDr. William Joseph Romanos, Jr.,”Bill”, passed away peacefully on December 30th. Bill was born on May 6, 1940 in Barre, Vermont to the late Dr. William and Rosalie (Maloof) Romanos. He was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts and graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA. Bill earned his undergraduate degree from Colgate University, and his Medical Degree from Tufts University. After medical school, he completed his residency at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, and a fellowship at Yale University in Social & Community Psychiatry. Dr. Romanos moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL in 1974 with his then wife, Jean Tabak Romanos, and had three children, William “B.J.” III, Marie and Michael. Dr. Romanos started a private practice and maintained it in Jupiter, Florida for over 40 years. While maintaining his private practice, he also served as medical director of several local area hospitals, including St. Mary’s Institute of Mental Health, Savannas Hospital, and the Psychiatric Pavilion at Humana Hospital of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Romanos was very active in our community serving as President of the Palm Beach Medical Society, and on the Board of Directors of Jupiter Hospital, Palm Beach Mental Health Association, Kiwanis Club of Martin County, Economic Council, North Palm Beach Exchange Club, and the Forum Club. He also served on the State Legislative Committee for the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Romanos was awarded the Distinguished Life Fellow from the American Psychiatric Society and the Exceptional Physician Award. In 1990, Bill married the love of his life, Geraldine “Geri” Irelan. They were happily married for 26 years. Dr. Romanos was known for the compassion he showed his patients, and for his love of life. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed singing, playing the piano, and spending time with his family and friends. Bill will be greatly missed by his wife, children, colleagues, and friends. He is survived by his wife Geri; his children, William J. Romanos, III, Marie (Preston) Sizemore, and Michael Romanos; his grandchildren Emma, Sophia, and Jacob; his step child Laura (Steve) Beluscsak; step grandchildren Charlene (Jason) Zigrand and Geriann Beluscsak; and his sister Maryann (Perry) Foster.

Posted in: 1950s