All posts by hstauder

Arie Kopelman ’56

Arie Kopelman, the former president and chief operating officer of Chanel Inc., who was credited for helping drive massive growth for the French luxury brand, died October 7, 2024, at the age of 86.

Kopelman’s daughter Jill Kargman posted news of his death on her Instagram account and said the cause of death was pancreatic cancer.

In a company statement, Chanel said, “We are deeply saddened to learn of Arie Kopelman’s passing. Arie was a visionary leader who carved an ambitious plan for Chanel, laying the foundation for a solid and enduring business. Known for his charisma and empathy, he embodied the qualities of a leader who cared deeply about mentoring those around him, creating a unique and rare culture. Arie was also a passionate philanthropist, supporting many cultural and charitable endeavors during his tenure at the House. He leaves behind an extraordinary professional and personal legacy – one that he should be immensely proud of.”

Born Sept. 23, 1938 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Kopelman attended the Boston Latin School and Williston Academy and graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1960, where he studied pre-medicine but majored in art history. He later received an MBA from Columbia University.

Kopelman is survived by his wife, Coco, daughter Jill Kargman and son-in-law, Harry Kargman; son Will Kopelman and daughter-in-law, Alexandra Michler and six grandchildren. Kopelman’s fraternal twin brother, David, a judge, died in 2022, and his younger brother, Robert, died of lung cancer in 1999.

A private family service is planned, and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

To read more about Arie’s life and work, please visit WWD.

Peter R. Hewes ’58

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Peter Rawson Hewes of Groton, Connecticut who died at age 85 on Sunday, September 29, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

Peter was born in New London, Connecticut on January 8, 1939 to Dr. Tyson Hewes and Anne Mariah (Moses) Hewes. Peter was a proud resident of Groton who grew up becoming an avid swimmer and lifeguard at Eastern Point Beach. He went on to become an All American Swimmer and Diver at Williston Academy. On shore, Peter was an incredible football player, and attained 12 Varsity letters prior to graduation.

Peter also attended Cornwall Academy during the summertime, and participated in the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the prestigious Eagle Scout ranking. In his teenage years, Peter became a camp counselor at Camp Wakenah, the oldest Boy Scout camp in America, and taught woodcrafting, sailing and canoeing. All of these accolades helped Peter gain acceptance to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland where he lived for a decade before returning to Connecticut.

Peter attended Paris Island Boot Camp, and was enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. Peter proudly preserved his allegiance and commitment to the United Stated Marine Corps throughout his life.

Peter loved his engines and cars. Over the years, he collected Porsches, Volvos, MiniCoopers, Mercedes Benz, BMWs and Austin Healey’s. He raced cars at Lime Rock, Connecticut and at the Marlborough Race Track in Baltimore, Maryland. He later became a specialized mechanic for these powerful racing machines.

He formerly owned Hewes Chevron in Groton, where he and his team serviced specialized vehicles. He retired as a senior engineer with the International Union of Operating Engineers, but never stopped working on various engines or rebuilding vehicles.

Peter was an avid sailor and long time member of both the Off Soundings Yacht Club and the Shennecosset Yacht Club. He loved working on his Tartan 27 “Philabeg” with his boat partner and dear friend Dick Burke, even during his two year battle with cancer.

Whenever he had a chance, Peter could be found at sea, sailing with various friends. He is acclaimed for his camaraderie, fellowship, and a love of the sea.

Peter was generous with his knowledge and time, offering to help anyone he could. He volunteered his engineering skills to the Mystic Seaport Museum, helping keep their boats up and running. Peter had an extensive knowledge of many things, including the history of Groton, engines, boats, cars and pretty much all things machinery. He truly left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

One of Peter’s proudest accomplishments was celebrating almost 40 years of sobriety. He was also so proud of his children and grandchildren, and his stories will be fondly remembered for years to come.

The Facetime, phone calls, letters, cards, and visits Peter received during the final weeks of his life were a tremendous source of joy, peace, and comfort to him.

Peter was predeceased by his twin brother, David Hewes, and is survived by his brother James (Mary Liz) Hewes, and his children Lisa (Mark) Szaro, Pete Snow, Peter Hewes II and Marika (Joel) Michelangelo, and his grandchildren, Patrick, Cassandra, and Justin Snow, Tyler Szaro, Aria, Kira and Theo Michelangelo and great-grand children, Lyric and Clover Snow. Peter was loved by many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A graveside service will be held at the Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton, Connecticut, at 11:00am on October 16, 2024. Family, friends, and others are invited to the Shennecosset Yacht Club following the service for a celebration to reminisce and honor the life of Peter. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name to his favorite breakfast program (Puffins Restaurant) can be made to Seabirds Enterprises , 169 Thames Street, Groton, CT 06340.

Fredrick H. Lambert ’56

Fredrick H. Lambert, 85, of Holyoke, Massachusetts, died peacefully on November 22, 2023 at his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Cooper) Lambert, and five children; Bryan M. (Penny) of Southampton, Gregg A. of Granby Todd M. of Easthampton, Keith A. (Serein) of Florida, and Kelly J. Camp (Steve) of Easthampton. He leaves his sister Deborah Lambert (Frank Cushing) and her son Alan. He also leaves 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Fred was born in Westfield, MA to Romaine F. Lambert and Luella Hamilton Pease. He attended schools in Westfield and Southampton. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1956 and joined the Air Force and was trained at Chanute AFB then joined ANG unit in Westfield, MA.

Fred and Dottie were married on August 18 of 1967. Weeks later, on October 1, the Guard Unit from Westfield was activated and left for Phalsbourg, France on Nov. 1, where he served during the Berlin Conflict. They returned in early August of 1962. Life got back to normal; the Lambert family grew quickly and lived in Southampton for 28 years.

Fred’s work life was in the automotive parts business. Time for pleasure often had to do with something with wheels and an engine such as car or motorcycle races or car meets. Any vehicles he owned were cared for lovingly and with pride. He had many friendships that started at a car meet.

Fred and sons enjoyed outings on their motorcycles over the years. Dottie rode as his passenger, depending on the bike. In later years, stories about motorcycle adventures came to life around the holiday dinner table when the now grown-up family was together. Talking about family trips in the motorhome also triggered good memories, too.

Fred spent one-on-one time with his daughter Kelly during the years that her Mom was working 3-11. He never aspired to be a cook, so dinner out was a special treat for both.

Maintaining a good-looking lawn was a must and a joy. The word meticulous would be appropriate. Cleaning up after a snow storm ran a close 2nd, with sculpted paths around the house and up to the shed.

Fred’s life was centered around his family: parent, in-law, and children and their children. He and Dottie attended church together and sometime also sang in the choir. At Christmastime he loved singing “The First Noel” and particularly found joy in singing the descant part in the refrain. He found joy in the simplest things. He was such a good guy.

A private service was held on December 5th at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Kariamu Samples-Smart ’11

On August 31, 2024, Kariamu “Kay” Micere Samples-Smart, age 31, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Houston, Texas of unknown causes. Born on March 24, 1993, in Hamilton, Ohio, Kay was adopted as an infant and spent her formative years in Bogota, NJ. She always felt the utmost gratitude to her birth family for placing her with adoptive parents who loved her unconditionally.

Kay was an exceptional child with a curious mind, boundless energy and incredible athleticism. She displayed an early gift for learning and attended several elementary schools in search of suitable intellectual and academic challenges. Finding none to fit the bill, Kariamu made the leap to boarding school in 7th grade. Her boarding school career began at Rumsey Hall School (Washington Depot, CT), where she graduated 9th grade in 2008. Kay attended secondary school at Williston Northampton School (Easthampton, MA), graduating in 2011.

Kay was a consummate athlete. Her love for the game of basketball began in elementary school and was unmatched. Her passion and skill for the sport was unparalleled and garnered admiration from players, parents and coaches alike since she first picked up a basketball. After years of competitive AAU basketball, Kay landed a Division I offer to play at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona, Florida.

In 2013, Kay enlisted in the United States Air Force where she served as a Civil Engineer for nearly four years. After leaving the armed services Kay found another passion and immense pride in sales, smart home technology and entrepreneurship. Kay set top sales records early in her career, a trend she maintained until her passing. In recent years, Kay had also established the first Female-Veteran owned and operated Home Improvement business in Spring, TX. She took great pride in helping others through the work she did each day as both an employee and an entrepreneur.

Kay was kind, joyful, enthusiastic, and funny. She had a natural charisma and genuine charm that could never be faked. Kay worked and loved hard, giving of herself freely in each regard. She reveled in all things Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and, especially, the game of basketball.

Kay is survived by her parents Dr. Faith Samples-Smart and Leon Smart; her brothers, Khari and Akil Smart; her paternal grandmother, Nicole Smart; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who cared for and will miss her deeply.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Costa Memorial Home, Boulevard & Central Ave. Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

Elizabeth (Howkins) Holmes ’48

Elizabeth (Betsy) H. Holmes died at age 93 on Saturday, March 2nd. She was born in Baltimore, and was preceded by four older brothers: Gere, Jack, Tom and Tono. She leaves a sister, Mary Ball Howkins, a resident of Dighton, Massachusetts, and Mary Ball’s daughter, Thea Howkins Knotts, of San Pablo, California.

Betsy, born in 1930, was an early professional woman. On the tails of WWII, she worked for Radio Free Europe, an informational arm of the CIA. She subsequently worked as an editor for a president of Northeastern University, Asa Smallidge Knowles, and then as writer and editor, in a husband and wife team, of a grammar workbook series for D C Heath and Company publisher.

She was a Zen Buddhist by belief. Betsy and her husband, a Zen teacher and English professor, decorated their winter holiday tree with tiny buddhas to celebrate the season.

Betsy and her husband lived in Hendersonville for many decades, writing and walking miles upon miles, up and down mountains, daily. You may have encountered them on your walks.

L. Bradford Milne ’53

Brad Milne passed away at the age of 91 on June 18,2024. He was the beloved partner of Jean Milne. Son of Bradford and Ruth Milne, he was born January 17th, 1933 in Melrose MA.

Brad shared a great love for the outdoors with his family on camping trips, ski vacations, and many years of boating on the Jessi James.

Brad was a veteran of the Korean War and longtime supporter of veteran programs. He went on to become the Chief of Medical Media at the Boston VA Hospital for over 40 years.

Brad is survived by his loving wife Jean Milne. He was a devoted father to his three sons, Dana Milne and his wife Elizabeth Milne and son Ashton Milne, Thomas Milne, and James Milne and his wife Sue Milne; their sons Christopher Milne & wife Cory Milne & their daughter Camryn Milne, Jonathan Milne. His three step children; David Major, Dana Major and wife Peggy Roth Major, and Kimberly Linde and husband Matthew, daughter Jessica Collier- Major and Dylan Linde. Brad was an integral part to the family and was surrounded by friends and family who always have a funny “Brad” story to share.

A memorial service will follow for a celebration of Brad’s life. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Wounded Warriors Project, Disabled American Veterans, or the VA Hospital.

Stanley M. Seligson ’52

Stanley M. Seligson, of Westport, CT, peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 90 on September 5, 2024, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Carole Seligson, and his two children, Shana Seligson and Todd Seligson. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Serlin, and Mary Hill.
Stanley was a successful entrepreneur, real estate developer, and a compassionate and dedicated individual who touched the lives of many. Born in Norwalk, CT in 1933 to the late Emmanuel Seligson and May (Harris) Seligson, Stanley attended Norwalk schools, the Williston Northampton School, and went on to attend the University of Connecticut.
Following his father’s untimely passing in 1953, Stanley assumed responsibility for the family’s wholesale business, S&S Tobacco. He grew the original company into one of the largest distributors of candy, tobacco, vending, and arcade machines in the Northeast. In 1979, Stanley formed Seligson Properties and has since led the company to become a dynamic, forward-thinking real estate firm that has been involved with the investment in, and the development, management and construction of nearly three-million square feet. He was the driving force behind many key developments in Norwalk, including several projects the Connecticut Post said helped “transform Norwalk into a destination”. Stanley was extremely dedicated to his hometown and was proud to support his community. He served as an advisor and board member to many institutions including the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, The Norwalk YMCA, The Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and many others.
Stanley was fortunate to receive numerous awards throughout his career, including Industry Man of the Year from the Anti-Defamation League, Distributor of the Year from Philip Morris, and many accolades for his successful real estate projects. Stanley Seligson was a true gentleman, and prided himself on living his life with character, integrity, and class. He possessed a natural charisma that filled any room, and his quick-wit and terrific sense of humor led him to make connections and friendships wherever he went. Stanley had a passion for travel and enjoyed many of the finer things in life, but always remained down-to-earth. He equally valued the simple pleasures found at his homes in both Connecticut and Florida. Whether enjoying a quiet family evening at home or a fun night out with friends, Stanley cherished these moments. Stanley was an avid golfer and he enjoyed learning from some of the games’ best instructors and having the chance to experience playing at many renowned courses. He was a founding member of Rolling Hills Country Club (Wilton, CT), and was also a member of Birchwood Country Club (Westport, CT), Burning Tree Club (Bethesda, MD), Trump International Golf Club (West Palm Beach, FL), and The Mar-a-Lago Club (Palm Beach, FL).
Stanley will be remembered as a visionary business leader, an accomplished entrepreneur, and as a mentor and friend to many, but above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, and someone who prided himself on taking care of those closest to him.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Temple Israel (14 Coleytown Rd., Westport, CT), with a lunch at 2:00pm at Rolling Hills Country Club (333 Hurlbutt St., Wilton, CT). At the family’s request, the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Stanley M. Seligson to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Intensive Aphasia Program): sralab.org/ give-now or Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health: givetoynhh.org/ways- to-give/make-a-tribute-gift/.

David Barnes Boffey ’63

David Barnes Boffey, of White River Junction, Vermont, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, concluding his 79-year journey back into the light. He was a courageous, helpful and loving person.

Barnes was born on July 16, 1945, to David and Nancy Boffey. He grew up in Pleasantville, New York, before moving with his family to Belvedere, California, at age 11. Camp Lanakila in Fairlee, Vermont, became his beloved home away from home beginning in 1953.

At Middlebury College, he majored in drama and played on the football team. The 6-foot-8 defensive lineman tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers following his 1967 graduation knowing it was a long shot. Denied a roster spot, Barnes hung up his cleats and taught elementary school for two years. Then came graduate school at the University of Massachusetts where he earned both a Masters and Doctoral degree in education. He taught at the University of Cincinnati before returning to Vermont and leading the Upper Valley Teacher Training Program (now UVEI). He became an adjunct professor at Dartmouth College, practiced counseling, and worked at Lanakila for many years including 24 years as director.

Barnes’ counseling philosophy focused on internal control theory. He asked those he was counseling both about what they wanted and what kind of person they wanted to be. The premise was that people can affect their feelings and physiology with the actions and thoughts they employ. The external world provides constant information and individuals get to decide how to interpret it. Imparting these concepts was central to Barnes’ life’s work, which helped many clients, friends and camp staffers.

He also worked as a consultant, primarily around the topic of non-coercive discipline in schools. As an author, he penned three books (Reinventing Yourself, My Gift in Return and Climb on Simon), and collaborated on adapting the Velveteen Rabbit into a musical. He also volunteered as a Cub Scouts leader, taught classes for parents of adults and was an active member of the local recovery community. He had a passion for ebiking, which he enjoyed throughout his final days.

Barnes will be missed tremendously by his two sons, David and Adam, his former wife, Sharon, and grandson, Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Peter, sisters-in-law, Ophira and Michelle and nephews, Mercer and David. Barnes was predeceased by his brother, Daniel.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth, 40 College Street, Hanover, NH, on Saturday, September 7 at 3 pm. Please note there will also be a Celebration of Life at the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vt. over Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.

Judith (Mason) Dittrich ’55

Judith (Mason) Dittrich, 87, of Worcester, PA, passed away Saturday May 25, 2024, at Meadowood at Worcester. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Dittrich.

Born March 25, 1937, in Rahway, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Evelyn (Jackson) Mason.

Judi was known for her caring nature and wicked sense of humor. Family was always her top priority! When she wasn’t focused on her kids and grandkids, she loved reading, going to the movies, traveling, and eating – especially her love for chocolate. Her happy place was at the beach, and she was also involved with her church community and volunteered in her younger years.

She is survived by her children, Jackie Dittrich of Ormond Beach, FL, Tracy Wilcox of Beachwood, NJ, Gunnar Dittrich and his wife, Kay, of Winchester, KY, Ralph Dittrich and his wife, Carolyn, of Blue Bell, PA, Rob Dittrich of Egg Harbor, NJ, and Gretchen Dittrich and her husband, Frank Polek, of Eagleville, PA; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Baird Mason, Barbara Hamrick, and Lynn Shirley.

Services will be held privately for the family. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Wish of a Lifetime at www.wishofalifetime.org.

Carl L. Lo Conte ’50

Mr. Carl L. Lo Conte, a longtime resident of Medford, MA and beloved husband of Bridget A. (Servello) Lo Conte, passed away in Winchester on Saturday afternoon, October 28, 2023. He was 90 years old.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 16, 1932, he was the beloved son of the late Louis and Jacqueline (Lissack) LoConte. Mr. Lo Conte was a retired Manager for his family business, for many years.

In his spare time, Carl enjoyed routing for all of the sports teams, traveling with his family, especially with his son, Christopher and was an avid reader. He will be dearly missed.

Besides his wife, Bridget, he is survived by his loving children; Carl L. Lo Conte, Jr. of Stoneham, Christopher L. Lo Conte of Boston and Carla F. Lo Conte of Winchester, loving grandchildren, whom he especially enjoyed sharing in their accomplishments; Luca and Natasha Botis of Winchester. He is also survived by his grandson; Carl Lo Conte of Michigan and granddaughter; Jenna Raistrick of New Hampshire, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father-in-law of the late Patricia Lo Conte.

Funeral services were privately held.