Tag Archives: Williston Academy

Ralph L. Sautter ’51

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Ralph L. Sautter, of Lexington, Massachusetts and Biddeford Pool, Maine, passed away on March 28, 2020 at home.

Ralph Leonard Sautter was born and raised in Nichols, Connecticut, the son of the late Harry A. Sautter and Marine Leonard Sautter. He was the beloved husband of Carol Cacciamani, the cherished father of Janet Wendle, the loving and proud grandfather of Caroline, Tanner and Harlan Wendle, who made his eyes sparkle, and the uncle of his devoted niece and nephew, Laura and Frank Ganat.

Ralph attended Williston Academy, Easthampton, MA and Dartmouth College from which he graduated in 1955. Following graduation, Ralph served as a Captain in the U.S Marine Corps. After leaving the military, Ralph joined State Street Bank, spending his entire 40 year career with the company in corporate banking. He retired in 1999 as a Senior Vice President.

He was active in various boards and committees over the years, including as trustee and treasurer of MA Multiple Sclerosis Society, trustee and treasurer of Hale Reservation, trustee of First Parish Church and member of the board of overseers of Williston Academy. Formerly of Westwood, he served as chairman of the finance committee and a member of the school committee.

Ralph remained active with, and close to, his Dartmouth classmates, serving as class treasurer for forty years up until the time of his death.

He was well loved and he loved well.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s honor to the Class of 1955 Wright Scholarship Fund, Dartmouth College, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755.

Posted in: 1950s

Howard J. Lamson ’67

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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.

Posted in: 1960s

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

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

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

Stanley L. Gedney III ’48

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Stanley L. Gedney III, Age 90, of Pearl River, NY passed away on January 9, 2020 in Saddle River, NJ.

Ganz (his nickname bestowed in childhood by his sisters) was born in Orange, NJ to Marion and Stanley L. Gedney, Jr. on February 12, 1929. He attended Clifford Scott High School in East Orange, NJ before graduating from Williston Academy in Massachusetts in 1948. He went on to earn a B.A. from Lehigh University and graduated in 1952. Throughout his academic career, his true love was athletics. He was a gifted athlete and a true three season standout in football, basketball and baseball. One of his most treasured memories was being a member of the 1950 undefeated Lehigh Football team. Included in this great season and the one that followed were dominating wins over Lafayette College.

After graduation, he served his country in the 101st Airborne and ultimately in the Counter-Intelligence Corps of the Army during the Korean War. After the war, he worked in sales for many years starting at Phelps Dodge Copper Corporation before finding his avocation doing estate planning at New York Life from which he retired at the age of 65. He then went on to deliver flowers for Johnston’s Florist in Dobbs Ferry, NY delighting many customers across Westchester County with his singular rendition of Happy Birthday until he was 88 and health issues caused his second retirement.

An active member and VP and President of the Hendrick Hudson (District 3) School Board for many years, his real passion was working with youth baseball. He was instrumental in forming a succession of teams that brought competitive baseball to the Town of Cortlandt for youngsters after Little League. These teams participated and excelled at the Babe Ruth, American Legion and semi-pro levels.

Memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospital, 255 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901 to which the family is eternally grateful for their warmth and compassion during his final days. A private funeral service was held. A celebration of his life will be held in February. Suffice it to say that this was a man who lived for his loved ones. All of us who loved him were loved back immeasurably by this very special man. As he said many times to each of us – “I love you more than you know.” We were blessed to have him in our lives and are happy and grateful that he has found peace while he lives on in our hearts and memories.

Posted in: 1940s

William C. Keeney ’54

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William C. “Bill” Keeney, 84, of East Lyme, CT, passed away Jan. 17, 2020. He was born Feb. 14, 1935, in New London, the son of the late Edwin and Blanche (Kenyon) Keeney. In 1958, Bill served in the United States Army Intelligence Corps for two years, and served three more years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He attended New London High School and Williston Academy; and was a graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in political science. He worked at Georgia-Pacific for over 20 years, rising to general manager of the bag division. After leaving Georgia-Pacific, Bill became an entrepreneur, eventually returning to his home state of Connecticut. He purchased the longtime local dry cleaner, Shalett’s, which he successfully ran for over 21 years. Bill’s longtime friend Frank Londregan was instrumental in the purchase of Shalett’s.

Bill is survived by his wife Beatrice (Bindloss); his daughters, Lisa Davne (Sanford), Arden Freeman (David) and Megan Keeney. He also is survived by his grandchildren: Wesley Freeman, William Miller, Clarke Freeman and Hayley Freeman.

Bill loved the Boston Red Sox and could be seen on most summer evenings watching the Sox out on the deck overlooking Banning Cove. One of his happiest days was when the Red Sox broke the “curse of the Bambino” and brought home a World Series Championship. Bill’s career at Georgia Pacific took him many places around the country, to towns both small and large. He made friends easily at all of his stops and most of them remained lifelong friends. His grandchildren’s fondest memories were spent as first mates to Captain Papa on his boat cruising the Niantic River.

Calling hours will be from noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, with the funeral following afterwards at the Flanders Baptist and Community Church, located at 162 Boston Post Road, East Lyme.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Flanders Baptist Church in East Lyme. Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Posted in: 1950s

James G. G. May, Sr. ’62

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James G. G. May, Sr. of Hypoluxo, Florida, formerly of Buffalo, New York, passed away on October 26, 2019 at age 75.  Beloved husband of 46 years to the late Michele (née Georger) May; loving father of Michele “Mimi” (Thomas Jr.) May Weidemeyer and James “Jamie” G.G. May, Jr.; dearest brother of Henry (Joan) May IV.

Mr. May was a United States Navy Veteran.

The family will be present Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. at Amigone Funeral Home (Delaware Chapel), 1132 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY where a Prayer Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends invited. Interment to be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jamie’s memory to The Nichols School, 1250 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216.

Posted in: 1960s