All posts by hstauder

Robert W. Hisey ’48

Robert Warren Hisey, internationally known chemical engineer for the pulp and paper industry, died on March 11, 2024 at his home in Sarasota, Florida. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and was 92 years old when he died.

Dr. Hisey was the valedictorian of the 1952 class at Middlebury College and earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1958. He had a long and distinguished career in the pulp and paper industry, including the design, construction, and operation of leading-edge paper making machinery and plants. In retirement, he was an avid and accomplished philatelist, regularly producing innovative and award-winning exhibits; he also wrote several philatelic books on South African stamps. Like his father and grandfather before him, he also pursued wood-working, building antique replica furniture as well as miniature doll-house furniture. He also constructed models of the solar system, including a reproduction of the Antikythera mechanism.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his sons Peter of Chicago; Charles of Poultney, Vermont; Richard of Carlisle, Massachusetts; William of Samford, Florida; and daughter Stephanie of Sarasota, Florida. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great granddaughters. His son Robert, of Tampa Florida, passed away in 2021.

He was the son of Willis Oury Hisey and Margaret McDaniel of Portland, Oregon. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on April 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that any donations be made to Tidewell Hospice or The Olena Zelenska Foundation – for Ukrainian children.

Barbara (Bruce) Wicks ’48

Barbara Bruce Wicks passed peacefully away in her sleep on November 19, 2023. She was 94 years old.

Barbara was born on February 25, 1929 in Delhi, NY to Florence Herring Bruce, of Richmond, VA, and M. Linn Bruce ll of Delhi, NY. After her father’s death they moved to Northampton where she later attended Smith College.

She met her husband Robert Stewart Wicks while playing a game of pickup baseball in Westport Point, MA, only a few streets away from where they would spend decades of their lives together. From there she lived in Lawrenceville, NJ then Newton, MA where she worked as a secretary at St. Paul’s Church in Brookline, MA. In 1986 she moved to Westport Point with her husband to live year round.

Barbara was the mother of Robert Borden Wicks of Marlboro, MA, and Sue Sarah Wicks of Oxford, MA. She was “Gaia” to her 5 grandchildren: Elizabeth Lefrancois, Sarah Medeiros, Rebecca Slattery, Haley Wicks, and Eric Wicks. She also had 7 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters, along with two nieces, a nephew, and her late brother Linn Bruce of Putney, VT.

Barbara will be remembered as a poet, a lover of birds, an avid reader, a Quaker, an active member of her community, and a devoted friend. She was happiest while walking in the woods with her dog by her side, in her garden, or floating on the Westport River. She lived simply, surrounded by beauty.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Oxfam America at Oxfamamerica.org

Ross J. Prossner ’66

Ross James Prossner, born on Feb. 4, 1948, in Rome, New York, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by family at his home, “Hidden Hill,” in Cazenovia. He was the youngest son of Leslie and Evelyn Prossner and brother to Terrance (deceased) and David.

Ross spent his formative years in Rome, New York, and attended Williston Academy in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he excelled in swimming, earning All-American honors in the 100-yard backstroke. He graduated in 1966 and continued his education at Syracuse University, where he was a dedicated member of the varsity swim team for four years and a proud member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity, Pi chapter, graduating in 1970.

Ross embarked on a career in banking, beginning with a brief tenure at Lincoln Bank before becoming president and CEO of Carrier Federal Credit Union. Under his leadership, the institution transitioned to Beacon Federal Credit Union and ultimately Beacon Federal Savings and Loan. His time at Beacon was marked by the formation of lasting friendships that continued into his retirement.

Ross embraced a variety of interests, including motorcycle riding, snowboarding, sailing, gardening, welding, reading, birdwatching and volunteering at The Boys and Girls Club. He was also a long-time board member and friend of The Abbey of the Genesee. Ross will be remembered by those closest to him as charismatic, creative, generous, and one of a kind.

Ross’s memory is lovingly carried on by his children, RJ and daughter-in-law Colleen, Whitney and son-in-law Jon, Samantha and special friend Justin, and Jake ’17 and special friend Erin; his grandchildren, James, Rosemary, Lia, Wyatt, and Grace; his brother, David; and his beloved canine companions, Sky and Bugsy.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2024, in St. James Church, 6 Green St. in Cazenovia, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Boys and Girls Club of America online at bgca.org.

Ann (Hower) Orr ’55

Ann Elizabeth Hower Orr, of Gainesville, Florida, joined her husband in Heaven, July 22, 2024. She savored life to the fullest, knew no boundaries in transforming the ordinary to extraordinary and was a breath of fresh air.

She had many passions, including oil painting, hosting memorable themed parties, cooking extravagant dishes, and even writing a scene play. She studied all subjects, traveled, embraced every sport particularly tennis, baseball (Boston Red Sox), and horse racing, and the world was her stage. Ann was part of the Junior League of Gainesville and the “No Name Club” and continued to bring forth her talents and knowledge of music, theater, literacy and religion (Catholic) throughout her life.

Ann, the daughter of Dr. Charles and Anna Hower, grew up in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and Elmira, New York. She graduated from Vassar with studies in English and Theater along with the skill set of a concert pianist.

She met her adoring husband Louis McDonald Orr at Princeton and the two bonded over their zest for life and gregarious humor in any situation. Together they raised four children: Louis (Wendy Walters), Taylor (Carl Becker), Charles (Lia Brenneman), Reed (Lisa Hunt). Ann cherished her grandchildren, painting them regularly: Audrey Becker (Drew Coleman), Garrett Becker (fiancé Alexandra Ladd), Rachel Hutton-Orr Cabrera (Daniel Cabrera), Hunter Orr (Katy Shutters), Hayden Orr (girlfriend Summer Smith), and Gannon Orr who knew her lovingly as “Ninnie” or “Neenz”.

Ann admired the unique attributes of each person she encountered, refuted the norm and threw caution to the wind with profound wit and lively spirit.

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held by immediate family in honor of her colorful character. Her ashes along with her husbands’ will be scattered on the ocean coast of her beloved home in Southport, Maine, her favorite place in the whole world!

David B. Kreidler ’55

David B. Kreidler of Rumson, NJ and Vero Beach, FL, passed away on November 26th, 2024. He leaves behind his wife, Donna Clare Vroman. Three children: Anne Katherine V. Donohue (Michael,) David C. Kreidler (Sarah,) and Daven Bell Foulk (Anthony,) and seven grandchildren: Lindsey, Kendall, Finn, Megan, Bennett, Lilly and Mia.

A training program with MetLife Group Division set the stage for his 35 year career in association management where he was privileged to work with many talented and gifted entrepreneurs, executives and professionals. Active in the American Society of Association Executives he chaired four committees, served on its Board of Directors and achieved the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE.) He was similarly active in three of ASAE’s affiliates. He retired as President and CEO of Eastern Building Material Dealers Association in 1999.

The only child of Homer and Sally (Bell) Kreidler, his youth was spent on the North Jersey coast. Born March 31st, 1937 (missing April Fools Day by hours) he graduated Wanamassa Grammar School, Williston Academy, Duke University, The American College of Life Underwriters and OCS followed by Armored Officer Orientation School.

He served in several appointed municipal positions and several Boards of Directors. At one time or another he was a member of: Monmouth County Young Republicans, Allenhurst Beach Club, Trinity of Swarthmore, Spring Haven Country Club, Seabright Beach Club, Rumson Country Club, Sea Bright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club, Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club, Rose Valley Folk, Fraternal Order of Hoo Hoo, St. Georges-by-the-River, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Swarthmore Rotary, St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia, The Varsity D Club and American Contract Bridge League. These entities helped to shape his life and career.

He and his wife Donna met at the singles table at a wedding (it was love at first sight) and they married 11 months later. They have now been married for 61 years. David always felt it special that in 1963 their wedding guests were treated to a partial eclipse of the sun.

James F. Wzorek III ’89

James (Jay) Francis Wzorek III, son of Capt. James Francis Wzorek Jr, USMC, and JoAnn (Shurigar) Wzorek, was born September 17, 1971, in Milton, FL. He passed away in Ogallala, NE on November 7, 2024 at the age of 53 years.

At the age of 2, the family moved to Easthampton, MA. Later he moved with his mother and sister, Anya, to Gillette, WY, and later to Lander, WY. The family moved to Anchorage, AK, where he attended school through the 8th grade. For his high school years, he attended Williston Northampton in Easthampton, MA.He graduated there as Salutatorian of his class. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in Material Science Engineering.

Jay enjoyed sailing and his love of the water continued throughout his life. Later he moved to Montreal, Canada, where he worked with companies in the technology field. He left Montreal to work with technology companies around the world. He retired and resided in Denver, CO, and Ogallala, NE until his death.

He was survived by his partner Christina Workman, Ogallala, NE, his parents James Wzorek and step-mother Sue Lacy of Sun City West, AZ and JoAnn Shurigar of Kenesaw, NE, sister Anya Compton (Joe Lewis) Hastings NE, nephew Jonathan Compton, Hastings, NE, step-brother Mark Napier, Goodyear, AZ, step-sister, Nicole (Rob) Preble Rapid City, SD, and many relatives and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held on April 12, 2025, in Kenesaw, NE at the Senior Citizen Center.

Carol (Glesmann) Baker ’56

Carol (Glesmann) Baker, born August 26, 1938 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, died peacefully with her family by her side on October 19, 2024. Carol was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Maryon Glesmann and her sister Susan Glesmann ’62.

At a young age, Carol worked in the family ice cream business (Glesmann Ice Cream Company that was started by her grandfather in 1927 in Holyoke, MA) helping her father experiment making new ice cream flavors and of course taste testing them all! Up until the last few days of her life, whenever she ate ice cream, she would say it wasn’t as good as Glesmann Ice Cream.

Carol graduated from Simmons College in Boston with a B.S. in Nursing and joined the Navy in 1961. After attending Officer Candidate School (where she was the honor graduate) she was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps. During her 2-year tour of duty, she was assigned to Bethesda Naval Hospital. After being introduced by her cousin, she met and fell in love with her future husband Eldon Peter Baker, Jr. They were married on October 20, 1962. Carol left the Navy when son Christopher was born in 1963. A year later they welcomed Mark to the family. After Chris and Mark started school, Carol returned to Nursing and retired after 23 years as a Pediatrics ICU nurse at Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. Her granddaughter Lauren (Chris and Laurie) and grandson Nicholas (Mark and Gwyn) were both born in the same hospital that Carol retired from.

Carol and Peter together discovered their shared joy of travel and for many years actively traveled through 49 of the 50 states, all the Canadian provinces and even the U.K. in an Airstream travel trailer as members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI). They traveled as far south as Key West, FL and as far north as Point Barrow, AK on the artic circle. As a family we spent many weekends and summers touring the country. Together we shared many great adventures and memories. Later in life, Carol and Peter had an Airstream motorhome and would spend months at a time traveling around the country and spending winters in Florida. Carol was an avid member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) and her needle working skills are on display in many works hanging in family and friends’ homes.

Carol was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 62 years, Eldon P. Baker, Jr, sons Christopher P. Baker, wife Laurie; Mark E. Baker, wife Gwyn; grandchildren: Lauren, Brian, Nicholas and Rachel, great grandson Wyatt; brother Edward Glesmann, wife Jeanette; and her nieces and many friends across the country.

The funeral service will be held at Peevey Funeral Home, Saturday, October 26th, at 2:00pm., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Edward M. Peters Jr. ’54

On Nov. 6, 2024, Dr. Edward M. Peters Jr., 88, a longtime resident of Guilford, Connecticut, passed away at his home.

Husband of the late Patricia (Knapp) Peters, Dr. Peters was born in New Haven in May, 1936, son of Mr. Edward M. Peters, Sr. and Mrs. Marjorie (Corcoran) Peters. Loving father and father-in-law to Greg and Nicole Kane of Fairfield, Moira and Dave Pakulniewicz of Berlin, Maryland, and Clare and Edward M. Peters, III of Austin, Texas. He is survived by his five grandchildren, Caroline, Charles, Timothy, Mary Elizabeth, and Peter; his beloved sisters, Teri Ciaburro of East Haven and MaryEllen DelVecchio of Woodbridge; and his sister-in-law, Ann Peters of Guilford, widow of his younger brother, John.

Dr. Peters was a graduate of Hill House High School, New Haven, The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and of Yale University, from which he held a B.A., an M.A., and was the first Ph.D awarded in medieval studies. After a brief stint teaching at the University of California at San Diego, Peters settled in at the University of Pennsylvania as the Henry Charles Lea Professor of History and the curator of the Henry Charles Lea Library, where he remained for 41 years. His studies spanned many wide-ranging topics, including the Crusades, the Inquisition, witchcraft in Europe, and niche topics such as curiosity and torture. Peters has been called “One of the greatest medievalists of his generation.”

Even after retirement from teaching, Dr. Peters continued to research, write, and edit scholarly work. He was an avid reader of thrillers and loved nothing more than having a cocktail on the deck overlooking the beautiful salt marsh in Guilford, followed by a well-cooked meal.

Friends are invited to attend a 2:30 p.m. burial on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at West Side Cemetery, 55 Three Mile Course, Guilford, and to share a memory with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. at Café Allegre, 725 Post Road, Madison, following the burial.

Dana B. Miquelle ’69

Dana Miquelle, age 73, passed away at home, October 20, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, son of the late Claude H. ’42 and Jean (Bryer) Miquelle, he grew up in Stoneham, MA enjoying summers on Cape Cod. Dana graduated from Williston Academy (Easthampton, MA) in 1969, then from Drew University (Madison, NJ) in 1973 with a degree in Religious Studies.

Dana married Margaret Moore in 1973 and moved to Cape Cod. There Dana began his custom home building business, often working closely with his father Architect Claude Miquelle. Despite no formal training, with his aptitude for learning and problem solving he was able to develop a unique niche in the Custom home building boom on the lower Cape and across Massachusetts. In 1977 Dana’s first daughter Jessica was born, followed by his second daughter Lisa in 1980.

Dana returned to school to pursue Psychology Counseling, graduating from Lesley College with his Masters in 1996. With degree in hand, Dana then moved to Bozeman, Montana to begin his counseling career. He furthered his education with a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist degree in 2011 and eventually transitioned his practice to Livingston, Montana, while he moved to Wilsall, Montana where he declared he would “make his last stand.” He continued to provide impactful care to his patients until his retirement this past August.

Dana was an avid skier, hiker, and outdoorsman who loved to garden and brought artistry and sensitivity to all aspects of his life. He loved music and taught himself to play guitar in later life, collecting many records and guitars over his lifetime. Dana was an environmentalist who loved the natural world and enjoyed the solitude of wild places, but also enjoyed nothing better than to share the beauty of nature with all those he loved.

Dana is survived by his children Jessica Miquelle Romero (Eduardo) and Lisa Miquelle ’98; his grandchildren Eva and Sonia Romero, Dylan Hemsworth, and Nora Meservey; and his siblings Debra Miquelle Prudden (Peter ’66) and Dale Miquelle ’72 (Marina).

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in Dana’s honor. In lieu of flowers or gifts for the family, please make a donation to your favorite National Park or environmental charity.

Charles D. Vernon ’62

Charles Dearden Vernon was born on November 4, 1944, in Worcester, Massachusetts and died peacefully on October 18, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut from medical complications. He was the son of the late Hollis and Jean Dearden Vernon.

Chuck grew up on the campus of the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. At Williston, he stood out as an inspiring leader of the student body as president of the Student Council and as a gifted, determined athlete who exceled in football, hockey and lacrosse, serving as captain of the latter two. In a remarkable tribute to Chuck and his leadership abilities, a teammate’s family donated a Victory Bell to the school in his honor. Dedicated to Chuck, the inscription reads that he proved to all that “sportsman is the true victory.” Chuck was elected to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

After Williston Chuck attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1966. At Dartmouth he was once again a campus leader and recognized athlete, captain of the men’s lacrosse team and named as an All-American for his sportsmanship and love of the game.

Following graduation from Dartmouth, for a brief time Chuck managed a Dixieland-motif restaurant, Your Father’s Mustache, first in Bay Head, New Jersey during the summer and then in New York City the following winter. It was in Bay Head that he met the love of his life, Jamie Sandra Gardner, whom he married in 1968.

In 1968 Chuck began his illustrious career at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, serving on the faculty in myriad roles throughout his career in secondary school education, but primarily as the head of the Community Work Program, which he established shortly after his arrival. Again, Chuck’s commitment to athletics and his ability to engage and lead others to perform at their highest level were evident as he coached 135 teams for over 40 years. To honor his outstanding contribution to girls’ ice hockey, the New England Preparatory Schools Athletic Conference named the Elite Division championship tournament in his honor.

When he wasn’t coaching during the school year, Chuck, along with Jamie, spent every summer at the Jersey Shore hosting gatherings for family and friends, making furniture in his shop and body surfing at Bridge Avenue Beach.

Throughout his quasi-retirement, Chuck continued and expanded his passion for woodworking and his commitment to walking, engaging friends and neighbors to join him. In this latter realm, as in other forums, Chuck’s effervescent personality, punctuated by forceful insistence and a quick wit, brought people into his orbit, summoning them to action and enriching their lives.

Throughout Chuck’s life, he was fiercely committed to his family and friends as they were to him. In his eyes, his wife Jamie, who predeceased him, was the most incredible person on the planet. A loving and present father to Jill and Andrew, he also leaves his special GrandGirls Lila, Jenna, Hannah and Tatum; Jill’s husband Todd and Andrew’s wife Adrianne, along with many friends, especially Ginny Drapeau who was a constant source of care and strength the past two years. Predeceased by his brother Kirke, Chuck also leaves several cousins and their children.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Chuck at the Loomis Chaffee School on Sunday November 24th at 10:00 a.m. with luncheon to follow.

Donations in his memory can be made to The Loomis Chaffee School, for the Charles D. Vernon Teaching Fund, Alumni/Development, 4 Batchelder Road, Windsor, CT 06095