Bruce Alexander Hamilton ’66

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.

 

William J. Romanos, Jr. ’57

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.