Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

Philip D. Holmes ’41

Philip Dearborn Holmes died at home in the early evening of Monday, October 18, 2021 with Jean, his wife of 76 years holding his hand. Philip was born in Whitman, Massachusetts on October 30, 1922 to Carrie E. Chamberlain Holmes and J. Albert Holmes. He was a graduate of Whitman High School, Class of 1940, where he was active in its sports program and played on the football team during his junior and senior years. Dad attended Williston Academy after high School in preparation for his acceptance to Brown University. With the outbreak of WWII Dad left Brown to volunteer for the Navy who promptly rejected him as he could not pass the physical exam. The Coast Guard did the same. Determined to serve his country Dad entered the Maritime Service, a training organization for the Merchant Marine. He was trained as a radio operator and served as such of three Liberty ships and one Victory Ship. The (first) SS Henry Austin took him to the British beach heads Gold, Juno and Sword during the invasion of Normandy. He shuttled between London and the French coast with soldiers through August when the areas were considered secured. On other ships he covered great and dangerous distances off Iran, Antwerp, Mozambique, through the North Atlantic, the Suez Canal, Red Sea, Persian Gulf to bring needed fighting personnel and equipment. Returning home from the war Philip and Jean Harper were wed on November 6, 1945. Their first home together was in Providence, Rhode Island as Philip returned to Brown University and received his BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1949. Philip and Jean brought their young family to Cape Cod in the mid-1950s when Dad took a Civil Engineering job at, the then, Otis Air Force Base located in Bourne. After several years at Otis, Dad decided to start his own company called Philip D. Holmes Registered Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor in the town of Falmouth. His work took place during a period of changes in all areas of town. As his company grew Dad chose a partner and the name changed appropriately to Holmes McGrath, Inc. Michael McGrath bought the company when Dad retired. In 1983 Philip and Jean moved to Dover-Foxcroft, Maine where they managed their 250-acre woodlot and grew several acres of balsam fir Christmas trees. These were sold in their dooryard where families came to choose-and-cut their own tree, have a snowy sleigh ride and hot chocolate in the warm barn. Truly a magical time. In 1999 Philip and Jean returned to Cape Cod to be closer to their children and growing families. Dad is survived by his wife Jean Harper Holmes, daughter Martha Nickerson, and her partner Gail Donaldson, Nancy Sweeney, Susan DeJong, Judith Abbruzzi (Lawrence) and James Philip Holmes. There are six grandchildren; Matthew Sweeney (Allie), Sarah Allers (Philip), Thomas John Abruzzi (deceased), Lauren Medeiros (John), Molly Holmes, Rory Holmes and Taylor Holmes. AND six greatgrandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Falmouth Congregational Church, 68 Main Street, at 11:00 AM on October 30, 2021, Philipss birthday. A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations are encouraged to both: Hospice of Cape Cod (giving@capecodhealth.org) and Neighborhood Falmouth (neighborhoodfalmouth.org,). The Holmes family cannot say enough about these two organizations and how much they helped comfort Dad in his declining years. From the bottom of our hearts; Thank You to all the volunteers, nurses and home health aides.

Natalie Brown Denton ’41

Natalie Brown Denton passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021. Nonnie was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1925, the daughter of Lois Hoffman Brown and Wayland Wickliffe Brown. She was a long-time resident of Elmira and was deeply engaged in numerous civic activities and Grace Episcopal Church, where she was a member. Nonnie was the widow of Richard Denton and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family suggests that gestures of remembrance may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 375 West Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901, or to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 409 William Street, Elmira, NY 14901.

Charles L. Robitaille, Sr. ’43

Charles Laurier Robitaille, Sr. of Shelburne, VT, closed his final flight plan on July 8, 2021. He passed away at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT.

He was born on July 25, 1925 in Holyoke, MA. He was a veteran of the Army and served tours in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He married Freola Katherine Files in 1946. He is survived by his children, Gary Robitaille of North Carolina, and Susan Wolff of Florida, as well as his 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren and his companion Sally Luedeke. He was predeceased by his wife, Freola (Kitty) and his son, Charles Jr.

“Chuck” had a deep love for flying, especially giving airplane rides to many enthusiastic children of the Young Eagles. He enjoyed the friendship of many like-minded pilots who met weekly at the “Coffee Klatch.” He loved his family and friends deeply and will be missed by all.

The family would like to thank the McClure Miller Respite House for their love and compassionate care during the final days of his illness. There will be a private service for family at his interment ceremony. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Hwy, Colchester, VT 05446.

Prudence Sandifer Scott ’55

Prudence Sandifer Scott, 84, died peacefully at home on Monday, July 26, 2021.

Prudence was the daughter of the late Agnes Cleveland Sandifer and William Smith Sandifer.

She is survived by her children, Garrett Sandifer Scott and his wife, Kim; Carleton Cleveland Scott and his wife, Sherlyng; Peter Gaillard Scott and his wife, Tracy; a son, Henry Gaillard Scott predeceased her. She is also survived by her sister, Jennifer Sandifer Haas; and her six beloved grandchildren.

The family would like to say a special thanks to all the nurses at Gibbs Cancer Center and Spartanburg Regional Hospice for all of their care.

There will be a celebration of her life at 1 Sandifer Place on Friday, July 30th from 3-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Spartanburg Regional Hospice and Spartanburg Humane Society.

John A. Harvey ’50

John Arthur Harvey, age 91, of Topsfield, MA, an accomplished businessman, tennis player, downhill skier, jazz aficionado, and storyteller, died peacefully on October 7th, 2021 in Harwich. Born in Boston on April 14, 1930 the youngest son of Roger Laighton Harvey and Aagot (Berg) Harvey. John attended Williston Northampton School, Boston University, and Monterey Language School. Later, he served in The U.S. Air Force during the Korean War in Germany. He married “his girl” Linda Gorham of Wellesley. He and Linda proudly raised their four children in Topsfield. There, they played hockey on the backyard pond, despite the thin ice, attended many Red Sox games, despite the Yankees, and hosted numerous Thanksgiving dinners despite the year the electricity went out. John’s business acumen led to his founding Harvey Tool Company, a business he started in the family living room became a leading machine tool company in North America, and is still thriving today as Harvey Performance Company in Rowley. John loved telling stories. Whether it was the one room schoolhouse he attended growing up in Ellsworth, Maine, his days skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, his Club 92 tennis matches or trekking Tuckerman Ravine with lifelong friends, John never ran out of memories to share. As many friends have said, “John Harvey was one of a kind.” He found great joy in helping future generations and loved offering his business and financial advice to young people. He took great pride in watching his granddaughters Kristen and Katie succeed in their careers. Later in his life, he found special meaning mentoring two young men from East Africa and watching them flourish in their new lives in America. John and Linda enjoyed their retirement years with friends and family in Harwich Port, Sanibel, FL and Bridgton, ME. To say that he loved his summer place on Highland Lake in Bridgton would be an understatement. He spent his days puttering around Juniper Lodge and Plumed Thistle painting boards and repairing screens. He delighted in the cry of the loon, drinking his morning coffee on the dock, and paddling around the lake in his Old Town canoe. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Linda; and three daughters Julie and her husband David Carignan of Bradford, NH, Sally and her partner John Richardson of Barton, VT, and Elizabeth of South Portland, ME; as well as grandchildren Kristen and Katherine Doering. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored Uncle John. He was predeceased by his son John Jr., and his sisters Virginia Harvey Brett and Priscilla Harvey Churchill. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Gould Barn, 1 Howlett St., Topsfield, MA on Thursday, October 21st at 12:00 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Lakes Environmental Association in Bridgton, Maine (https://mainelakes.org), or Southern Maine Community College Foundation in South Portland, Maine (https://my.smccme.edu/ICS/Online_Giving.jnz).

Susan McAllister Warner ’66

Susan “Susie” Warner passed away peacefully in her home on July 27, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Lawrence Warner of Marion, MA, her 2 loving children and 4 adoring grandchildren.

Per Susie’s request, there will not be a public service. To celebrate Susie’s life, please consider a donation to the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Branford, CT.


Philip C. Viscidi Jr. ’65

Philip C. Viscidi Jr. left the world shortly after his 74th birthday on September 24, 2021, survived by his loving wife, two children, three siblings, and a grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Phil. A hero to both his children, Phil was a family man guided by sound principles and good morals. Contemplative and responsible, his strong sense of right and wrong can be equally attributed to the influence of his father and the honorable Judge Judy. He tackled life’s challenges with determination and vigor. Volunteering as a coach, advocating for liberal justice, and working as a mentor to all who asked, Phil assertively supported those around him. His presence will be missed, but his spirit will live on in the many who he inspired. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be given in his name to his childhood school, the Williston Northampton School, or to the Viscidi Family Scholarship Fund he proudly established at the College of Charleston.

Hugh P. Gilman ’57

Hugh P. Gilman passed away peacefully from medical complications on August 24, 2021, aged 81 years. Dearly loved husband of Margaret (Peg) Gilman, married for 53 years. Brother to Emily Hayden ’61 of Wilbraham, MA; father of Andrew, Nathaniel, and Christian, and grandfather to Phoenix, Lakota, Samantha and Michael. Before moving to New Zealand in 1985, Hugh and his family resided in W. Brookfield and Westminster, MA. In his time he was a race car driver, a NASA physicist, a science teacher, an IT guy, an AA sponsor, a hospital chaplain, a puzzle enthusiast, a church sexton, and the greatest of all pancake chefs. Messages to the family may be posted to c/-PO Box 44-176, Lower Hutt 5040. In accordance with Hugh’s wishes a private cremation has taken place.

Sylvia Mason Chisholm Evans ’55

Sylvia Mason Chisholm Evans died Wednesday, September 8, 2021. She was raised at Mass Audubon, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary by her late parents Ed Mason, founding director and Mina Mason, founding mother. Along with her sister Patsy Mason, who died just 5 days earlier, here they formed the foundation for the rest of their lives. Sylvia was at all times at her best as a wife, mother, landscape architect, and a world traveler. She leaves behind her husband Dennis Evans, daughter COL. Lisa Chisholm US Army ret., son Chris Chisholm and his wife Kristin Chisholm, and grandchildren, Nick, Jason and Matt Chisholm. She was predeceased by her first husband Lee Chisholm, former town planner for Farmington. In lieu of flowers or gifts, hold on to somebody you love, they may not always be with you. Goodbye Sylvia, my love Dennis. Our thanks to all our new friends at Avon Health Center.

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community