Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

James U. Edwards III ’65

James “Jim” Upshur Edwards III, a beacon of resilience and joy, passed away on December 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that embodies the celebration of a life well-lived. Born on September 19, 1946, in Manchester, NH, Jim navigated life with a disciplined approach, forged in the crucible of a Type I Diabetes diagnosis at the tender age of 11.

Jim’s journey through life mirrored the rhythmic strokes of a world-class swimmer. From his formative years at Williston Academy, a premier swimming institution in Easthampton, MA, to the currents of the University of North Carolina, where he swam on scholarship, Jim’s competitive spirit defined his aquatic prowess.

His commitment to fitness and nutrition, honed by the challenges of diabetes, manifested in daily pilgrimages to the YMCA. Yet, it was not just about physical well-being for Jim; it was a philosophy that radiated warmth and engagement. His engaging personality drew people close, savoring every moment with family and friends.

Beyond the pool, Jim navigated the currents of a successful career in international banking and dedicated himself to philanthropy, volunteering at an SBA start-up business incubator. His love for life extended to the culinary realm, with “regular” dining spots becoming the backdrop for cherished memories.

At the heart of Jim’s universe was his beloved family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Margaret Anne “Maggie,” who stood by his side; his children, John David Burton and Andrea Edwards Scalia and grandson, Joseph Edmund Scalia. Jim’s familial bonds were unbreakable.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Blue Room at the church. The service will be livestreamed at: https://www.christchurchcharlotte.org/funeral-live-broadcast/ for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY, a cause close to Jim’s heart. As we bid farewell, let us remember Jim Edwards not for his final stroke, but for the vibrant ripples of a life lived fully.

Denis K. Berube ’61

It is with deep reverence that we announce the passing of Denis Kurt Berube, devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Denis passed away peacefully on January 2nd, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.

Born on July 26th, 1942, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to George and Evelyn Berube, Denis was the embodiment of curiosity, determination, and integrity. He spent his youth steeped in the delights of childhood farm life. He loved to share the stories of fly fishing in the Deerfield River, woods filled with adventure, the rewarding work of farm chores, and life among his beloved family and pets.

Denis came into the world with an incredible capacity to be both perfectly present in almost any moment and laser focused on the journey ahead. He held the innate wisdom of knowing that one must be solidly planted in the now in order to reap the fruits of the future. He always knew that he wanted to be an engineer and saw precisely how to get there. Years before he would become a teenager, he began saving money and planning how a farm boy of humble means would attend a local elite prep school. With the help of his dedicated parents and his own steadfastness he got himself into Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts where he relished life as a boarding student, tenacious athlete, and rising young man. He gave tirelessly to this institution throughout his life as he walked his two daughters through their own Williston journeys and continued to offer his time, money, and passion to help further develop the school long after he and his children had graduated.

From Williston Denis went on to study Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and to earn his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College. He received his executive training at GE Crotenville. And so began an extraordinarily rich life that would take him places most can only dream of. He traveled to nearly every corner of the world; constantly observing, learning, and enjoying. He took little for granted and truly relished in his lived experiences. From life beneath the surface in a submarine to flying at Mach speed off an aircraft carrier he truly met life with courage and commitment at every turn.

Alongside Joanna, the love of his life, he built an empire of dreams come true. They worked tirelessly together to make an enduring and meaningful impact on the world at large through business, philanthropy, education, and development. 40 years of devout perseverance, understanding, commitment and love took them on grand adventures that will carry on beyond time and space.

Hard work was an enduring side of Denis, matched equally by his ability to play hard; a life motto that he held to his dying day. He had a lifelong affair with his ability to truly appreciate the moment and a patience for enjoyment that was unmatched. These traits made him a worthy Bridge opponent, a skilled athlete, an avid sports fan, and a voracious reader. From the black diamond ski slopes and most competitive golf courses all the way to the pickleball courts and nearly everything in between, he was a contender. He never met a sport that didn’t delight him, and he seemed to be good at them all. He loved science fiction and quantum theory, blue cheese and potato chips, ice cream, and puzzles. He also really loved naps. It was the simple pleasures among the luxury that he savored the most.

Denis spent his final 20 years building a life where he could fall easily into peace and pleasure on an Island and in a home that he adored. Eternally a masterful creator, he built his second architectural masterpiece on Kiawah Island, a seaside retreat that provided him his greatest reward – simplicity. He loved everything about the nature and ease of life in Kiawah. His day was full if he witnessed the sunrise and the waves crash. He was once an avid sailor, and the ocean always called him home.

Denis is survived and celebrated by his adoring wife, Joanna Lau, daughter Caitlin Berube ’13, daughter Blythe Berube Rowan ’92, Son-in-Law, Dr. Christopher Rowan, grandsons, Riley Rowan and Teo Rowan, brother Charles Berube, and many nieces and nephews.

Denis will be cremated, and his family will make a pilgrimage to honor his life at his most sacred places. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Kidney Cancer Foundation and in place of a public celebration of life, what a beautiful tribute it would be to do something you truly enjoy today and raise a glass to 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.

Lynn Bryan Sobocinski ’65

Lynn Bryan Sobocinski, 76, passed away on October 15, 2023. Beloved wife of David P. Sobocinski. Loving mother of Amy Daly (James) and Mitchell Sobocinski (Luciana). Cherished grandmother of Leanne and Callan Daly, Hannah and Mitchell Sobocinski.

Lynn was a Pan Am flight attendant and afterwards a financial advisor with David. She loved to golf and enjoyed traveling. A gracious host and excellent chef, many had the pleasure of being at her home. Countless people have said that Lynn was their best friend who always placed herself second, everyone else came first.

Visitation Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station. Funeral Mass Friday 10:45 AM at St. Patrick’s Church, Huntington.

In lieu of flowers, Lynn would greatly appreciate donations be made to: Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, www.littleshelter.org 33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY 11743 in Lynn’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Gregory W. DiMartino ’64

Gregory DiMartino passed away on November 27, 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island. Born on April 23, 1945, he was the son of Mary Dulleba DiMartino and Alexander DiMartino. He is survived by a sister Mia McKee of Naples, Florida and sons Brian DiMartino of Erving, Massachusetts and Jay DiMartino of Greenville, South Carolina. Also surviving are grandchildren Annabella DiMartino, Cecelia DiMartino and Brendan DiMartino.
Visiting hours are Saturday, December 9th 1-3 pm at Avery-Storti, Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Greg’s name.

Gerald G. Naylor ’60

We are sad to announce the passing of Gerald Glass Naylor, of Ann Arbor, MI. He died in his home at age 81 on Friday November 3, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.
Gerry was born on March 22, 1942, in Hartford, CT and grew up in Wethersfield, CT.
He attended boarding school at Williston Northampton, then Brown University. He went on to dental school at Georgetown University. Soon after graduation he joined the public health service during the Vietnam War, serving merchant marines in both Cincinnati, Ohio and Staten Island, New York. He then went on to complete his dental training in periodontics at University of Michigan. After graduation, he opened his dental practice in Ann Arbor, serving the community for 40 years until he retired in 2011.
Gerry was a true intellectual, who surrounded himself with books and loved lively discussions on politics, history and economics. According to his older brother Jim, “Gerry knew a lot about every topic,” and often outdebated his older brother (despite having an almost identical education). Gerry particularly loved American history, has read countless historical biographies, and loved talking about the Civil War.
Gerry was also passionate about gardening. Gerry spent a lot of time researching plants and caring for his extensive garden that included a wide variety of Orchid species. He enjoyed hosting garden parties with his friends. He was president of the Ann Arbor Dean Fund, where he oversaw the selection and plantings of trees throughout Ann Arbor.
He was also an avid supporter of the arts, and member of the University Musical Society. He regularly attended many musical and dance performances in Ann Arbor. He was also an activist for GLBTQ and feminist rights in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
He is survived by his dear friend and partner William (Bill) Garvey, who he met in 1974 and who served as his dental office manager for over 30 years. He is also survived by his brother James E. (Danielle) Naylor ’57, sister Susan Naylor (George) Krouse, and 5 nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a private memorial service in Ann Arbor at a later date.

Marguerite Velte Hasbrouck ’50


October 30, 1933 (Lahore, Punjab) – June 4, 2023 (Newton, Mass., USA)

Marguerite Helen Velte Hasbrouck was born in Lahore, Punjab (today Pakistan), where her father was a professor of English at Forman Christian College. When she was three years old, her parents brought her back to the U.S. in search of better treatment for tuberculosis and osteomyelitis in her legs. A year later, she was told she should give up hope of walking unaided. “That’s what you think”, she told the doctor, sticking out her tongue at him. She cast off her leg braces and crutches not long afterward, became a strong walker, swimmer, and paddler, and delighted in defying anyone who underestimated her strength, endurance — or wit.

Due to her childhood illnesses, she didn’t start formal schooling until eighth grade, but she graduated from high school at sixteen and earned a degree in comparative government and religion at Barnard College. “I thought of being a lawyer”, she said decades later, “but I was timid, and law school wasn’t what women did.”

Marguerite raised three children – “each very different, and each of whom I helped to be their different selves”, she would say proudly – and worked at a variety of administrative, editorial, and legal jobs including at Wellesley College, where her role included representing the college to the Wellesley Chamber of Commerce, and later as editor of a computer industry trade journal. As co-chair of the Bates School PTA, Marguerite co-founded the Bates Pumpkin Festival, which became an annual town institution that has continued for more than fifty years. After getting involved in Wellesley town politics through the League of Women Voters, she served as an elected member of the Town Meeting and the School Committee and an appointed member of the Advisory Committee.

In 1987, as administrator of the Arlington Street Church in Boston, she testified at a Congressional hearing on break-ins at churches that offered sanctuary to refugees from U.S. wars in Central America. She spent the last decade before her retirement as a paralegal at the Nature Conservancy, where she took special joy in being able to help protect the place she felt most at home, Lake George in the Adirondacks. But she most wanted to be thought of as a writer and a musician. She played organ and piano, sang, and served on the board of the Old West Organ Society.

Marguerite was a member of the Wellesley Friends Meeting and a regular attender for almost thirty years of the Friends Meeting at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Norfolk, which she had helped organize in response to a request from one of the incarcerated men. She was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Policy Coalition, facilitated Alternatives to Violence Project workshops at prisons throughout New England, and received a lifetime achievement award from the Massachusetts Department of Correction for her volunteer work.

Marguerite was active in Quaker witness for peace and justice, including as clerk of several committees of the Wellesley Friends Meeting and the New England Yearly Meeting of Friends, as a contributor to Peacework magazine and a volunteer at the New England office of the American Friends Service Committee, and as a member of AFSC’s national board of directors.

As a legal worker, Marguerite served on the board of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and worked as a volunteer with the NLG Military Law Task Force and the GI Rights Hotline.

Marguerite is survived by her partner of more than 30 years, Jim Casteris (P.O. Box 783, Winterport, ME 04496) and his family; son Robert Hasbrouck of Boxborough, MA; daughter Dorothy McDonald and son-in-law Bob McDonald of Sudbury, MA; son Edward Hasbrouck and daughter-in-law Ruth Radetsky of San Francisco, CA; grandson Kyle A. H. McDonald of Concord, NH; sister Lois Carstens of West Brandywine, PA; and many friends.

A concert and memorial meeting in the manner of Friends (Quakers) will be held under the care of the Wellesley Friends Meeting in hybrid format, in person in Wellesley and online, on Sunday, 5 November 2023. All are welcome.

Donations in Marguerite’s memory may be made to AFSC.

Richard Henchey, Former Faculty

Richard Francis (Dick) Henchey passed away this summer in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 93. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling forty-year career as an English teacher. He taught for twenty years at Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He later taught at private schools in New York, Colorado, and California, and ultimately retired from Dunn School in Los Olivos, California. Dick opened many young minds to the possibilities of literature and philosophy over the course of his decades in the classroom and as a leader on the campus.

Dick was born in 1929 in Northampton, Massachusetts. He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1946 and from American International College in 1951. He served two years in the United States Army. At UMass Amherst he was awarded both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in English.

Dick Henchey is survived by daughter Ruth ’76 and son Paul ’74, by their mother Ann, by three grandchildren (Craig ’05, Laura, and Erin), by two great-grandchildren (Audrey and James), and by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two older brothers – William and James. His passing will be memorialized privately by his family.

Meg Ciak Papalegis ’80

It is with overwhelming sorrow that we announce the passing of Meg (Ciak) Papalegis, who died suddenly and unexpectedly while touring British Columbia, Canada on October 15th, 2023. Born March 1st, 1963 in Springfield, Mass., the daughter of Frank and Elaine Ciak of Easthampton, Mass. Meg was a graduate of the Williston Northampton School, class of 1980. After losing her beloved mom Elaine in 2001, and with the grit and determination she was well known for, Meg re-entered school and earned her degree in Nursing at Southern Maine Community College, South Portland Maine at age 42. As a registered nurse, she worked tirelessly in the substance-abuse treatment field, providing care for thousands of patients in the NH Seacoast area. She was a beacon of light that shined brightly in so many lives. Meg loved and enjoyed the tranquility of nature, so much so the she and her husband retired to their cabin in the woods of northwestern Maine. Meg loved walks in the woods or the beach, rides in the country, travelling to Nova Scotia, searching for heart-shaped stones, music and her local library. She was an expert cribbage player, and a fiercely loyal fan of the Boston Bruins. Meg is survived by her loving husband, Todd Papalegis of Weld, her brother, David Ciak ’79 of Boston, Mass., her aunt Marilyn Gorski of Chicopee, Mass., and countless cousins, extended family, and friends including a very special group of friends from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A celebration of life is being planned, the date TBD.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Meg’s name can be made to the Weld Public Library, P.O. Box 120, Weld, Maine 04285.

“There is no path to happiness, happiness is the path”.

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community