In Memoriam
Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

William W. Worthen ’42

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Our Dad, a member of the Greatest Generation, climbed one more time into the cockpit of a B-17 and departed the surly bonds of earth for his final mission Thursday, February 27, 2020. Daughter Gail, son Bradford and son-in-law Chris were there to see him on his way…. off to the heavens.

At the young age of 20, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Force. With the rank of 1st Lieutenant, 8th Air Force he earned the right to the co-pilot seat in a new B-17 Flying Fortress headed to Europe to assist the Allies in defeating Adolf Hitler.

Stationed in Knettishall, England, Dad’s initial commitment was to fly 25 bombing missions. He volunteered for 10 additional missions. Returning from his 35th and final bombing run on Christmas Eve 1944, Dad’s B-17 was badly damaged by enemy flack injuring his Captain, the pilot. Three of the aircraft’s four engines had been hit and failed. Dad took control of the plane, crash landing in a field in Belgium. All were rescued by Allied Forces. All survived.

Bill and his wife Rae traveled annually to the Mighty 388th Bomb Group reunions held around the United States and England to reminisce and rejoice with lifelong B-17 veterans and their families.

Perhaps one of Dad’s most famous missions was not a bombing run at all but a highly top secret flight. His crew was selected to escort Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. on what was an ill-fated attempt to deliver a lethal blow to the enemy. Dad’s crew was to provide escort coverage for Kennedy. Positioned 500 feet off the right wing of Kennedy’s plane when it blew up, Dad’s B-17 became inverted due the violent explosion. He and his pilot had all they could do to control their Flying Fortress.

Soon after the war, Dad was in Hyannis, Massachusetts for a weekend getaway. John and Bobby Kennedy heard Dad was nearby and met up with him on the beach near the Kennedy Compound thanking Dad for his bravery and to learn more of the fate of their oldest brother.

William W. Worthen was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, December 20, 1922, the son of Ernest N. and Emma L. (Merrill) Worthen. His mother nicknamed him Birdie as he was always happily singing and whistling. A quality he shared throughout his life.

Bill spent his younger years traveling to the family farm in Worthington, MA as well as summers on Chebeague Island, Maine. The family cottage on Chebeague was one of his favorite places to be. Dad was a highly proficient gardener growing an amazing variety of vegetables and could dig a bushel of clams as fast as any native islander.

Dad was always comfortable in the kitchen cooking and baking. A confidence inherited by Gail and Brad.

Bill was a natural outdoorsman. He spent summers in his formative years exploring wildlife on the family farm and traveled by train to the Rangeley Lake Region of Maine for boys camp. He attended Williston Academy and graduated in 1950 from the UVM College of Agriculture. Dad enjoyed immensely his life-long friendship with his Delta Psi Fraternity brother, hunting buddy, and best man John Kubin and his wife Sally.

Dad was a graceful fly fisherman casting the headwaters of the Lamoille River. He canoed regularly on the Winooski River and Waterbury Reservoir often during hunting season looking for the unsuspecting buck stopping by waters edge.

At UVM Dad was a member of the Varsity Nordic Ski Team, specializing in ski jumping. Dad continued to ski his entire life. Whether it was skinning up Camels Hump mid winter or tele skiing Stowe’s Front Four, Dad always enjoyed the Vermont winters. He took his final runs at the age of 90.

Bill is survived by his daughter Gail Worthen and her partner Rick Hale, his granddaughters Emma Rae Todd and Addie F. Todd, his son Bradford J. Worthen and son-in-law Christopher Copley. He leaves behind nephews Willie, Stevie, Scott and Billy; nieces Susan, Mary Ellen, Nancy, Mary Beth and Helen Rae and great niece Christiane. He also leaves behind family friends Linda Doane, Andrew Todd, Trudy Stanley, and Christopher LaCroix.

Bill was predeceased by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years Rae M. Worthen, his parents Ernest and Emma, and his siblings Merrill, Katherine, Judith and niece Judith Maud. Dad resided the past 2 ½ years at Gazebo North Assisted Living in South Burlington. His apartment looked back at Elsom Parkway where he and Rae lived for 63 years. Gail and Bradford praise the incredible team at the Gazebo. They all loved Dad and he loved them too. The care he received was beyond expectations…right to Dad’s final moments. In addition, he had excellent care and guidance provided by Doctors Jennifer Gilwee and Zail Berry as well as the Visiting Nurse Association. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held Saturday, May 16, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the Riverview Cemetery, Richmond VT. Arrangements by Gifford Funeral Services, Richmond VT.

Posted in: 1940s

Suzanne Rykken Medlicott ’45

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Suzanne Lee (Rykken) Medlicott, of Piermont, NH,  died peacefully on February 1, 2020 at the Grafton County Nursing Home after a long illness.

She was born in Bellingham, WA in 1927 to Dr. Felix C. Rykken and Agnes Lee Rykken. She graduated from the Northampton School for Girls and from Smith College in 1949 as a music major. She married Alexander “Joe” Medlicott in 1950 and the couple moved to East Longmeadow, MA where their three children were born. She embraced child rearing and home management with a loving dedication.

Years later, as a resident of Seattle, WA, Storrs, CT, Deerfield, MA and Piermont, NH, she rekindled her passion for music, performed in chamber groups, and taught her granddaughters the violin and cello. She also pursued her love of horses and kept several at her home where she took dressage lessons and rode a highly-trained stallion until she was in her 80’s.

Suzanne was an avid gardener, a lover of animals and the natural world, a voracious reader, and an excellent cook.

She leaves her husband of 70 years, Alexander “Joe” Medlicott, three children, Alex Medlicott and his wife, Kristi Medill of Piermont, NH, Peter Medlicott of Frankfurt, Germany and Susan Medlicott and her partner, Jan Stenson of Whatley, MA, two granddaughters, Allethaire Renninger and her husband, Eric of Granby, CT, and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, and a sister.

A family memorial is planned for the spring. In memory of the holiday meals she lovingly prepared for so many, her family encourages donations in her memory be made to Barbara’s Red Stocking, in care of Susan Taylor, Treasurer, 118 Indian Pond Road, Orford, NH 03777.   Hale Funeral Home of Bradford, VT is handling arrangements.

Posted in: 1940s

Tara O’Brien-McNally ’78

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Tara A. O’Brien-McNally, of Rockland, MA, died on February 20, 2020. Tara was born in Boston, daughter of the late Edward and Ann (Lewonis) O’Brien. She was raised and educated in Easthampton, MA graduating from the Williston Northampton School. Tara earned her Bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a Masters in Business Administration from The University College of Dublin.

A loving mother, raising three children and caring for her sick parents all in the same house. A dedicated and compassionate employee of the Commonwealth. A friend to everyone, someone who’d ask a complete stranger if they were okay. Tara had a fiery spirit and sought to spread good feeling, the intensity of which was matched only by her love for her husband, her children, and the large family of friends she had.

Tara is survived by her husband John, her three children Pearse, Saoirse, and Ronan; her three sisters and one brother; and three nieces and two nephews.

The O’Brien-McNally family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate Tara’s life at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at The Holy Family Church in Rockland on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Services will be followed by cremation.

Posted in: 1970s

Anne A. Jones Johnson ’44

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Anne Augustus (Jones) Johnson, 93, of Paris, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Horizon Health Paris Community Hospital. She was retired after many years as the owner and operator of the former Carriage House Gift Shop of Paris. She was born October 16, 1926, in Paris, the daughter of the late Henry A. and Laura (Skinner) Jones, Sr. She married Frederick Johnson, Jr., on August 31, 1951, in Paris. He preceded her in death March 15, 1995. Survivors include four children, Henry M. (Angela) Johnson of Old Hickory, Tennessee, Laura “Deede” Johnson of Paris, Mark (Mary Jane) Johnson of Palm City, Florida, and Peter (Barbara) Johnson of Paris; five grandchildren, Adam, Matthew, and Ryan, Johnson, Kathryn Sutton, and Jacob Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Lachlan Cole, Eli and Samuel Sutton, and Selah Mae Johnson. She was preceded in death by a brother, Henry A. “Hank” Jones, Jr. Mrs. Johnson attended the Northampton School for Girls in Northampton, Massachusetts. She was a graduate of the Ferry Hall School for Girls in Lake Forest, Illinois, Bennett Junior College of Millbrook, New York, and also attended Parson’s School of Design in New York City. Anne was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society. She was previously a member of the former St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church where she had been active in both the local parish as well as the Diocese, serving as a past president of the Episcopal Women of the Diocese of Springfield. She was a devoted supporter and past chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Link Art of Paris. She was a talented artist working in oil painting and needlework and was a member of the Embroiderers Guild of America. For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Link Art Gallery.  Arrangements are pending at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris.

Posted in: 1940s

David K. Conner ’48

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David Knox Conner 91, of Westhampton, MA, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Care One of Northampton after an illness. He was born in Easthampton on September 11, 1928, the son of Alfred J. Conner and Isabel Knox Conner. He was a bright student educated at Easthampton Schools, Williston Academy, and Holyoke Community College. He was called to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict in 1952 and was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged four years later. He was a 60 year member of the American Legion.

For many years “Dave” managed and frequently drove for the former Easthampton – Springfield – Northampton Express, a family trucking business started by his father, until it ceased operation. During his later life he drove for 11 years with Highland Valley Elder services “Meals on Wheels’ Program delivering to area homebound seniors. He also held jobs at Ames Department store and Big Y Bakery in Southampton.

David was licensed as a self-employed Real Estate Agent for a period of time, and was the buyer for the gift and import shop “Suzannes” formerly located on Green Street in Northampton Ma. He and his wife Priscilla owned and operated the store for a number of years until her illness forced its closure. They had many contacts and friends within the Smith College Community. They enjoyed traveling to Maine in the summers, their books, music, an active social life, sharing their home with a number of adopted rescue dogs over the years.

David was predeceased by his beloved wife Priscilla Skinder Conner (2006). He is survived by one brother, Robert G. Conner, and three nephews: Thomas Conner and Charles Conner of Easthampton, and Richard Conner of Northampton.

At David’s request, there are no formal services. A private Celebration of Life reception will be held at Westhampton Woods Community Room in March 2020.

The burial is private, at Brookside Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Mitchell Funeral Home of Easthampton is in charge of arrangements. David donated to a number of organizations in his lifetime. Donations in David’s memory may be made to : Dakin Animal Shelter, Highland Valley Elder Services Meals on Wheels program, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

 

Posted in: 1940s

Marie-Therese Tarantino ’74

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Marie-Therese Tarantino, formerly of Northampton, MA, died on February 3, 2020 in Delray Beach, FL after a brief illness. Marie-Therese was born on February 21, 1957 in Springfield, MA and grew up in Northampton. After attending the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, she graduated cum laude from Boston College with a degree in psychology. She went on to graduate cum laude from Northeastern University with a Master in Business Administration in 1980. Beginning her business career in Miami, Marie-Therese worked for the Miami Herald newspaper as a Major Accounts Manager. She also worked for IRE Financial Corp. of Coral Gables, FL and PaineWebber in Miami before becoming a manager at Merrill Lynch and Trust Company in Miami. She loved to travel, especially to exotic destinations such as Nepal and Tahiti, and had a flair for interior design. She practiced at an ashram in India and taught yoga in Miami. She took cello lessons for several years, was an avid tennis player and was in the process of reading all of the Pulitzer prize-winning novels. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Joseph and Patricia Tarantino of Northampton, MA. She leaves her loving husband, Henry Guignet, of Delray Beach, FL; her sister, Rosemary Tarantino ’73 of Haydenville, MA; two brothers, Carl Tarantino ’77 of Virginia Beach, VA and Joseph Tarantino ’78 of Northampton, MA; two aunts and a niece and nephew. A Celebration of Life will be held for Marie-Therese on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Del Lago Chapel from 11:00 am-1:00 pm, 131 South Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33460.

Posted in: 1970s

Ajoy K. Chakrabarti ’86

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Ajoy “Ajay” K. Chakrabarti, 51, of East Longmeadow, MA, died early Wednesday morning, January 29, 2020 at his residence. He was born in Holyoke, son of Pranati (Bhaumik) Chakrabarti of South Hadley, and the late Dr. Anil K. Chakrabarti. Ajay was a graduate of the Williston Northampton School of Easthampton, attended the University of Vermont and graduated from Western New England College where he earned his degree in Business Management. He was well-known for his computer savvy, information and technology support. Ajay was a sports enthusiast as well as an avid tennis and softball player. He was a gifted athlete whose personality and devotion touched many people on and off the courts and fields. He was a person that always wanted to make the world a better place with compassion, kindness and patience. Ajay is a person that will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 18 years, Alicia N. (Gwozdz) Chakrabarti of East Longmeadow; his mother, Pranati Chakrabarti of South Hadley; his brother, Anjan Chakrabarti of Chicopee; his in-laws, Michael and Gail (Bortle) Gwozdz of East Longmeadow; two sisters-in-law, Becky Gwozdz and her better half Chris of East Longmeadow; and Susan Commisso and her husband Nick of Springfield; his favorite feline friend Bonzo; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends, teammates and colleagues. Relatives and friends may call prior to his service on Saturday, February 8th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street in Springfield, MA. The Celebration of Life Service will follow from 3:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be directed to the Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105.

Posted in: 1980s

William T. Murphy, Jr. ’65

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William Thomas Murphy, Jr., 72, of New Canaan, CT passed away peacefully on January 26, 2020 after a year-long battle with cancer, his loving family by his side. Bill was born in Providence, RI to the late William Thomas and Martha Otto Murphy. He was a loyal friend to many and devoted husband of Nancy E. Edmonds. He possessed an enthusiasm for life, a gentleness of spirit, and a deep love of family.
Bill attended Lake Forest Academy where he developed his love for springboard diving and graduated from Williston Academy in 1965.
He was a graduate of Harvard College, Class of 1969. While at Harvard, he was considered by his coach to be one of the best divers the team had ever had. He received an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1972. Bill enjoyed a long and varied career in advertising, sales, and marketing, ending his career selling real estate in New Canaan.
Bill was an all-around athlete who both loved and excelled at any sport he tried, whether it was in the pool, on the courts with a racquet in hand for paddle, tennis, or squash he was known for his enthusiasm and sportsmanship. But his true passion was the game of golf. A former member of The Country Club (Brookline, MA), Pine Valley Golf Club, Woodway Country Club (Darien, CT), and a current member of The Kittansett Club (Marion, MA) his knowledge of the game was encyclopedic and his respect for the rules and integrity of the game was unwavering. He was a formidable opponent, a supportive partner, and an astute coach. He loved everything about the game, the architecture, the history, the lore and the crazy colorful clothes!
In addition to his wife Nancy, he is survived by his children Alison L. Murphy of New York, NY, Lindsay (Justin) Murphy Barr of Highlands Ranch, CO and William (Catharine) Thomas Murphy, III, of Atlanta, GA, and three grandchildren Sloane and Berkeley Barr and William T Murphy, IV. He is also survived by his former wife Cynthia Wilkinson. He was predeceased by his brother Peter Otto Murphy.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held February 15, 2020 at the Congregational Church in New Canaan CT, 23 Park Street, at 11:00 followed by a reception at Woodway Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to Lake Forest Academy Advancement Office, 1500 W. Kennedy Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045. www.lfanet.org/give. Please indicate your gift is in memory of Bill Murphy ’65.

Posted in: 1960s

Gerald P. Ryan ’64

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Gerald “Jerry” Paul Ryan, of Branford, CT, died peacefully at his home on March 31, 2019 after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 72. Jerry was born on September 27, 1946 in Bristol, CT to his parents, Philip and Helen (Papa) Ryan. Jerry was the loving husband of Janet (Suhre) Ryan for over 42 years. He is survived by his son, Michael Ryan (Brianna) of Austin, TX, and daughter, Paige Shank (Jonathan) of Hingham, MA. He is also survived by his brothers, Philip William Ryan (Jill) of Branford, CT and John Ryan (Karen) of Philadelphia, PA. Jerry is also survived by grandsons Dylan and Benjamin Shank and Luke and Crosby Ryan as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jerry graduated from Tufts College and Suffolk Law School. Prior to his retirement, Jerry was an attorney in New Haven and most recently Branford practicing real estate law for over 40 years. Jerry was a fanatic sports fan rooting the Yankees, Giants, Celtics, Bruins, UConn Huskies and Yale Bulldogs traveling the country to cheer on his teams and having attended over 30 Super Bowls throughout his life. But his greatest love was his wife, children and grandchildren whom he adored. Jerry will also be missed immensely by the large number of friends he collected throughout his life.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday evening, April 4, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Celebration of Life on Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. in the Branford Congregational Church on the green at 1009 Main Street, Branford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Therapy Development Institute (300 Technology Sq., Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139) or the Guilford VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice (753 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437).

Posted in: 1960s

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community