Stephan Moore Heider was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on March 24, 1940, and was raised in Lawrence, Kansas. His parents, Fritz and Grace Heider, taught psychology at the University of Kansas for many years. The family also included oldest brother Karl, middle brother John, and the English Springer Spaniel Tony.

Steve was always fascinated with electricity, and according to his mother, explored the electrical plugs at an early age. At Pinkney grammar school he built an intercom and then a lighting board for the high school theatre. As he grew up, he bought World War II surplus parts and built his own radios and other devices. He got his Ham radio license (WØLUB) when was he was 12. (In later years, he was very proud to be a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association.)

After high school, Steve selected physics as career path, and did his undergraduate work both domestically and abroad, in Durham, England. Along with his course work, he continued his independent exploration of applied technology, and at the University of Minnesota, he worked at the same radio station as Garrison Keillor.

Steve first came to Buffalo when he was accepted to the University at Buffalo (UB) doctorate program in physics in 1966. He dreamed of having computer analytics when memory was 4 kilowords in a Data General early computer. Building his equipment from scratch took time but resulted in several papers in atomic physics. After graduating in 1976, he left to go to Pittsburgh to work on computerizing mass spectrometers.

When Steve returned to Buffalo in 1978, he worked at the UB Physics Department and then choose to be an Independent consultant. He helped a number of businesses, including General Electric, computerize their equipment for data analytics. Steve felt strongly about keeping people employed using technology and not taking jobs away through automation.

Steve met future wife Arvela at the UB Flint loop bus stop in 1979. After getting their marriage license in Niagara Falls, they went to a Chinese restaurant and fortunately found out their zodiac signs were compatible. Steve married Arvela on May 7, 1983. They bought a “fixer upper” house in 1984 and enjoyed working on making it into a wonderful home.

Steve and Arvela’s 37-year marriage was a joyful partnership founded on intellectual curiosity and exploration. They built a business, Holark Systems—a collaboration from the name to the work itself. Their life together was also filled with many trips to science museums in the US, England, Europe, and even Australia. At home, their bookcases were lined with books on all subjects, and Steve remarked how he would read the titles and the books would reach out and grab him. Breakfasts were often delayed by a delightful read.

He was much beloved by his nieces and nephews. They (and their children) also brought great joy into his life. At almost two, the very youngest great-niece shows a desire to explore the world around her much the way Steve did all of his life.

Steve loved parties and we are planning on bringing family and friends together in the summer to share memories.

Walter Gardner Russell, age 73, of Biloxi, Miss., passed away on Friday, March 26, 2021. Walter was born on April 7, 1947, in Springfield, Mass. He obtained a bachelor degree from UMass Amherst. He was Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals for Peru, N.Y., and was a member of the Knight of Columbus. He was the Regional Director of the United Cerebral Palsy of the North Country. He was also the Director of Training at TW Express. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an Instructor Pilot, Squadron Commander and retired as Major. While serving in the Air Force he was awarded with Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Walter was an avid dog lover. He enjoyed golfing, swimming and loved the NY Giants. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, Mass., where he was a first-round inductee into their sports hall of fame for being a team member of the undefeated boy’s football team in 1963. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aldea Russell and Leo Russell. Survivors include his spouse, Janet Russell; daughter, Noelle Russell Sanger; son-in-law, Luke Sanger; grandchildren, Felicity and Morgan Sanger; and pet, Mr. Puggers. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi at 1:30 p.m. Friends may visit from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The funeral service will be livestreamed on Facebook under Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Sydney W. “Syd” Russell, 84, a resident of Pine Circle, Bennington, VT, died Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness.

Syd was born on July 16, 1936 and raised in Easthampton, MA where he graduated from Williston Academy before going on to Boston where he graduated from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

Syd married the former Marilyn Simkins on November 25, 1967 in Dekalb, Illinois.

Syd began his long career as a pharmacist at Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield, MA before moving on to Putnam Memorial Hospital in Bennington where he served as Chief Pharmacist for 20 years. Syd served another 20 years as a friendly and recognizable face at The Pharmacy on North Street where he remained until his retirement.

Syd was a long time member of the Second Congregational Church in Bennington where he also served as a trustee. He was a former member of the Bennington Lions Club and also a member of both the Rattlesnakes and Gezzers coffee clubs. His passion was cheering for the Boston Red Sox and going to the races at Saratoga every August.

The family would especially like to thank the many members of the Second Congregational Church for their numerous acts of kindness during Syd’s long illness. They would also like to thank the staff at CLR, especially Brooke, and the caregivers who assisted him while he was living at home.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Russell of Bennington; three sons, Andrew Russell of Montclair, NJ, Todd Russell and his wife Jennifer of North Brookfield, MA and Eric Russell and his wife Leigh of Bennington; four grandchildren, Haley, Natalie, Lilly and Jacob Russell; his step-grandson, Jonathon Russell; a sister, Mary Russell of West Concord, MA and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside committal services will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 12 noon at the family lot in Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington .

Should friends desire memorial contributions in Sydney Russell’s memory may be made to either the Second Congregational Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

James C. Carlson, 72, of Hyannis, MA and formerly of Harwich, passed away after a brief illness at Cape Cod Hospital on Friday, February 26, 2021. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Barbara (Cahoon) and Paul E. Carlson. James was a 1967 graduate of Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA and attended American University in Washington, D.C.
Known by his friends as “Jim” he was an avid amateur astronomer. He was the past Director of the Cape Cod Astronomical Society and helped to build and establish the Werner Schmidt Observatory at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in South Yarmouth, MA. His involvement included hosting star parties at various locations across the Cape and conducting classroom outreach in Cape school systems. Jim was an observer for The American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) and regularly contributed data and technical information to that organization. He was recognized by AAVSO at their 1999 and 2011 Annual Meetings for his significant work in recording sunspot activity.
James is survived by his siblings, Joel Carlson of Holliston and Janet Newton and her husband, John of Carlsbad, CA. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his twin brother, Jon Carlson. Private family arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.

Ralph A. Steiger ll, 94, died Sunday February 21, 2021 at his home in Naples, Florida, following a brief illness. His wife Fern Tyler Steiger survives him. He was formerly of Wilbraham, MA and Groton Long Point, CT.

He leaves a daughter, Linda Steiger of Naples and a son, Eric.

He was pre-deceased by his beloved daughter, Kimberly Steiger Rohrer and his third wife, Jean Anne Jackson and his brothers, Albert Steiger ll and Robert K. Steiger. He leaves 7 step children, Donald G. Webster, Nanci E. Condron and Kathryn L. Roy from his fourth marriage and John W. Davis, Stephen P. Davis, Thomas K. Davis and Susan D. Moran from his third.

Born in Springfield, MA in 1927 to Albert Edward Steiger and Mabel Knight Steiger, he attended Classical High School and Williston Academy where he was captain of the lacrosse and football teams. At this time he worked as a stock boy on the receiving docks at Steiger’s Department Store.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 19 and served as a 2nd Lieutenant as one of the youngest officers in the Army Air Corps assigned to occupied Berlin, Germany.

Following his enlistment, he attended Williams College before embarking on a 48 year career with the Albert Steiger Co., which remained in business for 101 years. In 1991, after 35 years as Vice President of Merchandising, he became the President and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure, the family firm grew from 3 to 10 stores before the chain and properties were sold to the May Company and other developers in 1995.

Ralph had a deep fondness for all the employees of Steiger’s and was a strong advocate for women in business. The Steiger family has always had a deep appreciation for the many wonderful customers they served over the years and always insisted that the customer come first. Mr. Steiger also served on the board of the Springfield YMCA and several businesses in the Springfield area.

Ralph was an avid golfer who hit a hole in one at age 90. Together with his beloved wife Fern, he cruised all over the world and they have both enjoyed whole-heartedly their so many wonderful friends and relatives. He will long be remembered as a terrific friend and as a kind, compassionate husband and father.

Cornelius S. Van Rees, 91, of Mystic, CT, fondly known as Neal, died peacefully at Avalon Health Care Center on February 15, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Son of the late Cornelius R. and Beatrice (Shreve) Van Rees, he was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 29, 1929 and raised in Freeport, Long Island. Neal graduated from Williston Academy in 1947, and then attended college at Denison University in Granville, OH, graduating in 1951. Finally he attended Columbia University School of Law in New York City, earning his LLB as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar in 1954. Neal later served as President of the Columbia University Alumni Association, where he established the Columbia Alumni Travel Program. From 1954 to 1956, Neal proudly served in the US Army as an intelligence analyst in Fort Bragg, NC. Upon his return home, he passed the New York and Federal Bars and joined the NYC Wall Street law firm of Thacher Proffitt and Wood (TPW), where he became a Senior Partner and worked very hard for 38 years. After a distinguished legal career in maritime shipping and corporate law, Neal retired from the law in 1994. He continued serving as a board member at Graham Manufacturing Corp., owned by a dear friend from Williston Academy, until 2012. Neal and his beloved wife of 36 years, Alix, moved from NYC to live full time in Stonington, CT in 1994 after Neal retired from TPW. There he took up sailing as a new favorite pastime. He bought his first sailboat, the Nealix, a 25′ Pierson in 1987, and learned to sail at the Stevens-Colgate Sailing School on City Island. Neal’s interests included skiing, singing, sailing, traveling, ballroom dancing, and public speaking. He skied annually with his children, grandchildren and friends until the age of 88. He sang continuously throughout his life, including with the University Glee Club of NYC, the Calvary Church Choir and the Stoneridge Senior Living Glee Club. For many years, Neal and Alix attended the Calvary Church in Stonington, CT. Neal is predeceased by his parents and his sister, Lorraine S. (Van Rees) Backer and his brother-in-law, William L. Backer. He is survived by his loving wife, Alix (McIvor) Van Rees of Mystic, CT; his daughter Pamela M. (Van Rees) Lundquist and her husband Thomas of Georgetown, MA; his daughter Claire K. Van Rees and her husband James T. Horney of East Northport, NY; grandchildren Jeffrey T. Lundquist of Fort Worth, TX; Scott C. Lundquist and Michael J. Lundquist of Georgetown, MA; Katherine M. Van Horn of East Northport, NY; and step-granddaughter Olivia L. Zuill of Melbourne, Australia. He also leaves his step-sons John C. Zuill and his wife Rachael of Melbourne, Australia; Robert S. Zuill of Hamilton, Bermuda; and David C. Zuill and his wife, Linda, of Smith’s Parish, Bermuda. Mystic Funeral Home is assisting the family with private memorial service arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cornelius’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org , which would be very much appreciated by the family.

Professor Ronald P. Rubin passed on January 10, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Lois Speyer Rubin. Devoted father of Judith (Wayne) DeJarnette, Ellen (late Joseph) Rubin-Smith and Lawrence (Stephanie) Rubin. Loving grandfather of nine grandchildren. Brother of the late Martin Rubin ’53. Brother-in-Law of Donna Rubin. A private graveside service will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make donations in Professor Rubin’s memory to a charity of their choice.