Richard C. Gregory, Former Faculty


A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 13th at 1:00pm at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Easthampton (128 Main Street). All are welcome to attend a reception in the Dodge Room of the Reed Campus Center at the Williston Northampton School immediately following.  

To livestream the memorial service, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/stphilipseasthampton

Richard C. Gregory, age 90, passed away on May 31, 2023, at Fisher House Hospice Care in Amherst, Massachusetts. Richard was born on August 5, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island, to George E. Gregory and Catherine B. Gregory.

Mr. Gregory graduated from what was then known as Choate Academy in Wallingford, Connecticut, before matriculating to Yale, where he graduated in 1954 with a degree in English. While at Yale, Mr. Gregory was the pitch pipe for the famous male a cappella group, The Whiffenpoofs. The Whiffenpoofs continued to perform and tour well into the 21st century. Mr. Gregory also attended the Yale School of Drama from 1955-56.

After Yale, Mr. Gregory joined the United States Navy, where he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, serving in Guam and Washington, D.C. Mr. Gregory’s service in Guam inspired some of his musical creations, most notably his arrangement “Christmas Soup,” a hilarious rendition of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” that has been played around the world.

After graduation, Mr. Gregory took a position at what was then Williston Academy in 1961, where he served through the transition to Williston Northampton School and until his retirement in 2004. While at Williston, Mr. Gregory taught fine arts, English, humanities and music. He also served as the Assistant Director of Admission; Founder and Head of Arts and Humanities Department; Head of Fine Arts Department; Director of Band; Advisor of Drama Club/Williston Theatre; Founder and Director of Caterwaulers; Founder and Director of the Widdigers; Housemaster of Ford Hall; and Director of Music.

Not content to rest on the above laurels, Mr. Gregory endowed the George E. and Catherine B. Gregory Instructorship, in memory of his parents, in 2007. Williston Northampton also has an endowed chair in his honor—the Richard C. Gregory Faculty Chair.

In addition to serving on numerous committees while at Williston, Mr. Gregory was particularly fond of—and noted for—being the longest Master of Ford Hall, the notable senior boys dormitory where numerous pranks, hijinks and general young boy behavior was to be found. Mr. Gregory could always be called on to assist with any musical production, and was noted for playing the piano to old silent movies.

Mr. Gregory was most proud of establishing the male a capella group the Caterwaulers while at Williston, a group that traveled around the world to sing to gatherings of various Williston alumni. He was also the Director and Founder of the female concert group, the Widdigers. Mr. Gregory wrote many of the tunes which the Caterwaulers delighted audiences with. The Caterwaulers fondly referred to Mr. Gregory as “Stump.”

While at Williston, Mr. Gregory, in conjunction with Ellis Baker, raised the level of the theater program to one on par with any other local professional theater. Mr. Gregory oversaw and drew the sets for countless numbers of plays, in addition to designing all of the costumes—the drawings of which are art masterpieces in and of themselves. He directed many plays both for the Williston Theater, the Valley Light Opera, and the Commonwealth Opera.

With Ellis Baker, Mr. Gregory was the founding director of the Easthampton Community Theatre Association, later known as the Hampton Players, which regaled the Easthampton Community from 1972 to 1983.

Mr. Gregory was a long-time member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Easthampton, Massachusetts, where he served on many committees; sang, wrote music for, and directed the Choir; and filled in as organist.

Mr. Gregory was a renaissance man: composer, director, and designer. He was a superb pianist and played violin, baritone, and tuba. Like Mozart, his preferred instrument was the viola. Upon his retirement, Mr. Gregory continued to write music for many organizations and particularly just for himself. His enormous talent will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his brother, George M. Gregory Sr.; his nephews Stephen P. Gregory and George M. Gregory; and his niece, Catherine Gregory Boyle. Richard lived a long and interesting life and will be missed by many, especially all those thousands of students who benefitted from his wisdom, humor, and musical genius.

A gracious thank you is extended to Elder Care Access, LLC, and particularly Sheryl Fappiano and Brenda Gendron for their kind and attentive care of Mr. Gregory in his declining years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dick Gregory can be made to the Richard C. Gregory Faculty Chair at the Williston Northampton School.

Philip Bergson Jr. ’66

Philip Bergson Jr., age 76, of East Orleans, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

He was born in Washington D.C. He was the son of the late Philip and Marjorie (Copelof) Bergson.

Philip was passionate about sunrises, gardening, pets, wildlife, woodworking and fine art plein air oil painting. His days were filled with expressing his love and caring nature for his family, friends and loving dog Brioche. He had a “quiet, gentle soul” with a “witty” sense of humor that was loved by all who knew him. Philip pursued his passion as an artist after retiring as a custom homebuilder. He found great joy traveling and visiting galleries for small art works that he referred to as “gems” (a large landscape captured in a small frame).

A graduate of Williston Academy, Easthampton, Massachusetts class of 1966 and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, class of 1970.

Philip leaves behind his wife Catherine Bergson, stepdaughter Cheryl Keefe, son-in-law Darren Keefe and step-grandchildren Cole Keefe and Cody Keefe. Brother Peter Bergson, Sister Patricia (husband Kenmore) Commoss, nieces, and nephews. He was the husband of the late Joanna Cook Chess Bergson.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Beacon Hospice Care, Hyannis, Massachusetts or Santos Complete Home Care, Orleans, Massachusetts for their loving compassion with helping Philip on his journey and loving support for his family who will deeply miss him.

Robert A. Clapp ’61

Bob “Bumpa” Clapp, 81, a man of many passions and a friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 8, 2023, of Alzheimer’s related dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1942, in Rye, New York, Bob spent his formative years in Berlin, Connecticut, and Marstons Mills, Cape Cod. He was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Zappey) Clapp.

Bob was a proud alumnus of The Williston Northampton School and Dickinson College, where he graduated with dual majors in political science and sociology. His intellectual prowess led him to serve in the US Army as a signals intelligence analyst from 1962-1964, where he held a top-secret security clearance and was commended for his work in cryptography. His talents caught the attention of the NSA, and though he declined their offer of employment, he continued to enjoy solving and creating cryptographic puzzles.

Following his military service Bob was a scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America and the director of The Upper School of the Harrisburg Academy. Bob spent 10 years working with people with intellectual disabilities on community integration activities. His passion for service extended to his volunteer work with the ARC of Franklin and Fulton Counties, where he significantly increased fundraising efforts by recruiting notable athletes like Joe Theismann and Franco Harris. Bob dedicated 30 years to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring as the Coordinator of the Human Services Development Fund.

Bob was a true eccentric, a lover of orange tabby cats, and a friend to all. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he carried his love for the natural world into adulthood, sharing his interests and passions with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid follower of politics, a dedicated community volunteer, and a collector of rare butterflies, mermaid sculptures, and All American roses. He also enjoyed fly tying, hybridizing day lilies, and genealogy. His fascination with the natural world began in his youth with 14 beehives and continued throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gretchen Clapp Orr, his son Michael J. Richards, and granddaughters Emma Cole and Victoria Belvin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemarie (Rosie); his brothers, Roger Clapp of Coronado, CA, and Peter Molchan of Queens, NY; his children, Robert Franklin (wife Staci), David Christiaan (wife Jasmine), David F. Richards (wife Marisa) Amy P. Richards-Cole, and grandchildren, Abigail, Christiaan, Colin, Jack, Jake, Jasper, Joey, John, Josh, Kara, and Mike.

A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The family will receive guests at 11 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at noon, followed by a light lunch. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Lothrop Cemetery in Barnstable, Cape Cod.

In celebration of Bob’s life, the family encourages everyone to perform random acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 20 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

Carol A. Steinheimer ’75

With great sorrow, the family and friends of Carol Ann Steinheimer announce her peaceful passing on April 24, 2023 at her home in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of 65.
She was born on December 5, 1957 in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia to David and Dorothy Steinheimer. Growing up in Dhahran and later Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia Carol lived life to the fullest and developed close ties with many friends. In 1975, she graduated from high school at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass. She kept many close relationships from Williston as well. Carol went on to receive her bachelors and MBA degrees from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
While advancing her successful career in software management, Carol moved to Denver for her dream job with EDS and lastly to Charlotte with Time Warner and Spectrum. In both places she enjoyed many of her friends from Saudi as well as making new ones. Carol always developed close ties with people and will be sorely missed by many.
Carol had enormous love for her mischievous huskies. Those huskies kept her busy on adventurous hikes in the mountains and chasing them down after their many escape antics.
Traveling was something that Carol enjoyed. She loved France and Italy particularly.
Ultimately, Carol found love in Denver when she met her boyfriend, Greg Bell. They eventually moved to Charlotte, NC and enjoyed the adventure of living in a new state. They decided to adopt a sweet greyhound, named Lucy resulting in no more running after huskies!
Carol is loved and remembered by her sister Jane, her brother Richard and her partner of 29 years, Greg.
Funeral service will not occur by request of the deceased.

Edith Bliss Hills ’61

Edith Farnham Bliss Hills, born on September 29, 1943, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023. Edith was predeceased by her loving husband of 53 years Albert Cary Hills, her parents Marjorie Walker and Richard Ames Bliss and her siblings Amanda and Richard Jr. Edith leaves behind her four children, son Albert Cary Hills, Jr., his wife Jennifer and their children Clara and Esther; daughter Courtney Murray and her husband Peter and their children Emma, Samuel, Caleb, Hannah and Olivia; daughter Chapin Huxley and her husband John and their children John, Thomas and David; daughter Amanda Weddle and her husband Robert and their children Sofia and Hunter; brother Charles W. Bliss, and many more beloved relatives. Edith attended the Northampton School for Girls, Keuka College and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut; specializing in addiction counseling. Edith participated in a lifetime of compassionate and caring activities, including volunteering in church, PTO, painting murals in local schools, being a host parent to Fresh Air and international youths and a foster mom to many children. She enjoyed raising animals on their small farm before retiring to Friendship, ME and then Hummelstown, PA, where she enjoyed gardening and being a grandmother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA or Alzheimer’s Association.

David Stevens, Jr. ’66

David Stevens of Bocabec, New Brunswick and Easthampton, Massachusetts, passed away after a brief illness on April 28, 2023, in the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dave was born in Salem Massachusetts on May 14, 1948; he was the son of the late David Stevens and Virginia (Van Den Noort) Stevens and later his stepmother Ruth Berry Stevens. He leaves a brother, Daniel Stevens and wife JuJu Stevens of Gulfport, Florida, a step brother, Thomas Cross ’68 and wife Frances Cross ’70 of Dunnellon, Florida and numerous cousins.

As a young boy he had a passion for minerals which carried through into his later years when he turned to prospecting to make his living. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton and later the University of Massachusetts where he edited the Yahoo Magazine. He did light shows for major rock and roll bands including J.Giles Band, Jethro Tull, and the Allman Brothers. During this time he was also an outspoken political cartoonist. His involvement in his local Bocabec area community included talks at local schools regarding minerals to be found locally and their history, working with a local hockey team and as a representative for the province at national mining symposiums and finally as a cartoonist for local papers with hard line opinions on various political stances. He was the New Brunswick prosecutor of the year multiple times. Dave was an opinionated man with simple needs and he felt at home in his community.

By David’s request there will be no visitations and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Ella Richardson Fund c/o Pastor Dunfield or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

William F. Krusell ’47

William Fullam Krusell, 92, of Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away on April, 12, 2023 of a COVID related illness.
Born in Ware, Massachusetts he was the son of late Axel W. and Grace F. Krusell. Past husband of his first wife Cynthia Hagar Krusell ’47, the late Sally Dower Krusell, and his companion Debra Barnes. Father of Eric Krusell and his wife Anne of Scituate, Peter Krusell and his wife Michele of Duxbury and the late Nancy Krusell and her spouse Allison Wood of Port Clyde. Grandfather of Adrian, Eric, Laura, Timmy, Lissy, Pille and Hannah. Great Grandfather of Caroline, Maya, Emily, Jack, Joanna, Anthony, Dominic, Dana, Alexander. Brother of John Krusell and late wife Beverly of Kissimmee and children Jay, Tina and Stuart.
Raised in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, William graduated from Williston Academy and was a 1951 graduate of Amherst College. He spent his working career as owner/operator of Rapid Service Press. William spent his leisure time hiking, sailing, gardening, woodworking, enjoying music, and reading.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 4-6 PM at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066. Relative and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
The family would like to thank the Norwell VNA and Hospice, especially the caregivers for William: Brookeann Claffey, Heather Faith, Carol Skane, Karlene Casiner, and Naomi Moreau.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in William’s name can be made to the Scituate Historical Society at https://scituatehistoricalsociety.org/join-give/#donate