Robert “Bob” Shumway, a WWII veteran, real estate developer, and survivor of the 1942 Cocoanut Grove fire, has died at 101. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1942, his life spanned over a century of American history. At 17, he was among the last survivors of the tragic Boston nightclub fire, and during WWII, trained as a pilot before serving in the U.S. Army’s 89th Infantry Division under General Patton, participating in the campaign across the Rhine into Germany.

Following the war, he built a successful career in real estate in Amherst, starting with Shumway’s Dairy Bar. He shared a loving life with his wife Eleanor, whose Italian heritage enriches their family traditions. An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed his time at local clubs in Amherst and Bears Paw Naples, Florida, where he relocated in retirement. He greatly cherished family, community, and life’s simple joys. Bob is survived by his daughter Jacalyn Sexton, son Curtis Shumway, grandchildren Jennifer Gallant and her husband Cliff Gallant, Jack Shumway and Meghan Shumway, along with great grandchildren Mia, Sophie and Cliff.

Services will be held privately with family. Donations can be made to your local Veteran’s Association.

Raymond Peter Boulanger passed away, surrounded by family while in hospice care, on November 3, 2025, after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 81.

Ray was born in Northampton, MA, on April 26, 1944, to Raymond Louis Boulanger and Georgette Bessette Boulanger. He attended Williston Northampton school, where he played baseball and football, but his focus was on academics. He graduated fourth in his class with highest honors. At a mixer during high school, he met Maureen Reardon, who would become his wife until she passed away in 2022. After high school, Ray attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, majoring in Economics, ranking third in his class, and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors. He was also the backup catcher on the varsity baseball team. Ray earned his Masters in Economics from the University of Michigan, before applying to law school.

Ray and Maureen married on May 6, 1967 and later moved to New Haven, CT, where Ray attended Yale Law School through Army ROTC. Ray was a member of the Yale Law Journal. After law school, they moved to Alexandria, VA, where Ray served as a Captain in the Army and Judge Advocate General at the Pentagon. While in Alexandria, their son, Cort, was born in 1971. In 1973, the growing family moved to Arlington, MA, where daughter, Brittanny was born.

Ray’s legal career started in 1973 at Goodwin Procter, with a promotion to associate partner in 1978. At his 2016 retirement party, colleagues celebrated Ray’s contributions to building Goodwin Procter into a thriving national firm. At Goodwin, Ray’s clients included some of the nation’s largest financial services firms – including Fidelity and State Street – and his expert guidance helped grow Boston’s nascent mutual fund industry into a global powerhouse. He also taught advanced seminars in corporate law at Yale Law School and Boston University School of Law.

In 1975, the family moved to Winchester, which remained home for more than 40 years. Ray was an avid Red Sox fan whose fandom was best described as perpetual hope peppered with daily doomerism. While he did rejoice when the Sox finally broke the curse in 2004, neither that nor the three subsequent titles changed his outlook as a Red Sox fan. Ray lived out his own big league dreams at Red Sox fantasy camp in 2005. He relished participating in spring training in Florida, hobnobbing with Sox greats, but the highlight was the game at Fenway Park. With friends and family in the stands, Ray knocked a single to center and played solid defense behind the plate.

Ray traveled with Maureen to New Zealand, France, Scandinavia, Ireland, and more. An avid jogger, Ray transitioned to hiking in his 50s, with treks in the Andes, Alps, Himalayas, and other high-altitude locales. In the early 1990s, Maureen and Ray bought a vacation home in Scarborough, ME. The home became a haven for the entire family, creating lifetime memories for his grandchildren. After Maureen’s passing, Ray moved to Maine full-time, taking long walks on the beach and visiting the gym daily. Ray supported many philanthropies, including A Better Chance, Rosie’s Place, and Framingham State University, for which he served as a trustee.

Ray leaves two children, Cort Boulanger of Middlebury, VT and Dr. Brittanny Boulanger, who lives in Winchester with husband, Dr. Todd O’Brien. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Liam O’Brien, Niamh O’Brien, Callan Boulanger and Mac Boulanger. Ray is joined in eternal life with Maureen and their granddaughter, Tilly Boulanger, who passed away in a tragic accident in 2019. Ray is survived by his brother, Edward Boulanger; and sister, Avis Ashton; his in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

On November 21, at 10:00 a.m., Ray’s life will be celebrated with a Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Winchester, before a private Interment with military honors. A reception at the Winchester Country Club will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Tilly Boulanger Foundation, which celebrates the life of Ray’s beloved granddaughter – and their shared love of learning and the outdoors, tillyboulangerfoundation.org or consider supporting the Greater Boston Food Bank in this time of need, https://my.gbfb.org/give

Philip Stuart Fisher, 85, an extraordinary man whose life was a true performance, completed his final scene early Tuesday morning, November 4, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Houston, TX, after a life lived with profound purpose and an unwavering belief that there were no coincidences, only “God Winks” that guided every meaningful moment.

He was a celebrated wordsmith, passionate educator, accomplished actor, and beloved family man.

Born and raised in Worcester, MA, Philip harbored a lifelong passion for the dramatic arts that would define his remarkable career. A true poet from a young age, he published a book of poems at just 12 years of age, foreshadowing a life dedicated to the power and beauty of language. He honed his craft at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City (Class of 1962), earned his BA in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Class of 1968), and achieved an MFA in Theatre from Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts (Class of 1970).

Philip’s illustrious acting career saw him perform Off-Broadway in New York, appear in 20 featured television roles, and become a fixture in the vibrant Houston theater scene. He captivated audiences in over 44 roles at the Alley Theatre, as well as multiple productions at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) and Stages Repertory Theatre.

Beyond the stage, Philip was a devoted educator. He taught at the University of Houston (Downtown and Clear Lake), Houston Community College, North Harris County Community College, Rice University, and San Jacinto Community College. He earned multiple “Who’s Who in American Teachers” recognitions and left a profound impact on thousands of students—shaping not only their communication skills but also their confidence and worldview.

As a gifted communicator and consultant, Philip inspired individuals and organizations in public speaking, interpersonal skills, voice and diction, and acting. He coached speech teams to local, regional, and national awards. Even during a detour into insurance sales with Transamerica, he achieved Million Dollar Round Table membership, a testament to his innate ability to connect and persuade.

Philip, often affectionately known as Phil, Poppy, or Dr. Fisher, wore many hats and gave his whole self to each one. He was a performer in every sense—not just on stage, but in the everyday theater of life. He embodied a generous spirit, once featured in the Houston Chronicle for picking up random riders in the HOV lane, eager to share conversations and connect with diverse individuals on his journey downtown. He was renowned for his insightful acronyms, designed to make complex ideas memorable and practical.

A true dreamer, his life was a masterclass in communication, kindness, and connection.

Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Julius B. Fisher and Rose Mandell Fisher, and his siblings, Lois Seder and Conrad Fisher.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Fisher; his cherished daughters, Kimberly Fisher Roth (David), Karen Lynne Fisher (Kim Cash), and Valerie Tinklepaugh Hairston (EJ Hairston); and his grandchildren, Julia Roth Castleberry (Robert), Spencer Harrison Roth, and Karli Rose Fisher.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff at MD Anderson Hospital and At Your Side Caregivers for the compassionate care shown to Philip in his final days.

A celebration of Philip’s life will be held in the new year. All who wish to share a story, acronym, or pronunciation in Phil’s honor are warmly invited. If you have a great story or memory, please let us know so we can compile them for our family to have and hold.

So in his spirit, hug someone like you’re reminding them they matter, hold open the door — yes, literally for a stranger and metaphorically for joy — savor the dessert (especially ice cream) like it’s the last sweet word in a long poem, and say yes to the event you’ve been avoiding like it’s a chapter waiting to be written. Because as Phil would say, “Life is for living.” Let’s live each of our 525,600 minutes to the fullest.

Randall (“Lee”) Barnard of Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully at his home in Sun City on November 27, 2024, at age 76.

Lee is survived by his brothers Wayne (and Jackie) Barnard of Ellenton, Florida, and Chris (and Ellen) Barnard of Rock Hill, South Carolina, as well as his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Lee was predeceased by his parents Robert and Frances Barnard of Summerville, South Carolina.

Lee was a one-of-a-kind, reliably independent person. Never married or a parent, he lived the traditional baby boomer life in reverse – traveling extensively first, then settling down to a working career.

Lee was born August 6, 1948 in Rochester, New York. After being raised in Connecticut, he graduated from Tulane University in 1970 with a degree in biochemistry. He then worked long hours at a factory in Fairfield, Connecticut in order to save enough money to start on what would become a decades long international exploration. From late 1971 to 1982, Lee traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and most of southeast Asia. He stayed in hostels, under the stars with fellow wanderers, and enjoyed a long two-continent tour in a used VW bus he bought in Europe.

In 1982, Lee had a 42 foot yacht built to his specifications in Taiwan. He then spent the next 14+ years sailing around the world – literally. He circumnavigated the globe twice, including two solo passages through the treacherous Straits of Magellan at the southern tip of South America. During this journey, he would at various times stop for months to earn some money – including at a water treatment plant in South Africa, at a sheep ranch in New Zealand, and at a tuna processing plant in Indonesia (he built housing for the factory workers). Not wanting to upset his mom Fran, he waited until his stateside return to share with his family his maritime experiences fending off icebergs, submerged shipping containers and Cambodian pirates.

Then, after 25 years, Lee decided that he had had enough of world travel and the seafaring life and so returned to the USA in 1996, settling in Beaufort, South Carolina (where his parents then lived). Shortly after his return, he put to use his college degree by joining the Hilton Head Public Service District (PSD) as a laboratory chemist. He worked for PSD for 24 years, retiring in 2022 as the Laboratory Manager.

Lee moved from Beaufort to Sun City in 2007. Although he was not a golfer or tennis player, Lee enjoyed Sun City and was always ready to help friends and neighbors (having owned a yacht for many years, Lee could repair any and all things). Being a single fellow, he would often volunteer to be on duty at the PSD on holidays, so his co-workers could spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with their families.

Some will say that it was a shame that Lee passed away alone at his home. But his family knows this is exactly how Lee wanted to move on to his next adventure – no fuss or bother. Lee died without ever owning a smartphone and with a 17 year old car sitting in his garage.

The family will arrange a memorial event in Lee’s honor at a future date.

Thomas Crosby of North Marshfield, MA, passed away unexpectedly, on July 22, 2025, at age 77. Tom is survived by his wife, Judy Crosby; and his daughters, Amy Remling and Kerri Bouchard. He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday. Burial will be at a later date. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to MGH and Clift Rodgers Library.

Andrew T. Harvey, 73, of Glens Falls, New York, passed away on October 8, 2025.

Born and raised in Glens Falls, Andy spent his life in upstate New York. He always loved being on Lake George and, in recent years, enjoyed time on the coast in Kure Beach, North Carolina. He attended Glens Falls schools and graduated from Williston Academy, Hartwick College, and Vermont Law School. He worked in private practice as an attorney and then as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting criminal cases in the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Subsequently, he served as a Commissioner’s Hearing Officer for the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, first at Coxsackie Correctional Facility and later at Great Meadow, hearing inmate disciplinary cases.

Andy brought a sharp mind, dry wit, and undeniable charm to trials and hearings, earning the respect of those he served and even those he sentenced. Those who knew him will remember his humor most: relentless, clever, and quick. He had a knack for seeing the absurd in almost everything and could make people laugh even when they didn’t want to. He was a complex guy who saw the world in his own way and never shied from saying so. He had a soft spot for animals, loved classic cars and wooden boats, and took pride in the life he built for himself and those he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Meredith; his stepchildren, Danny and Megan Vickers; his siblings Denise McLaughlin, Leslie Becher, and Tom Harvey (wife, Tammy); and his two curly coated retrievers, Sweet Pea and Pearl. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Ruth Harvey.

Friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating his life at Queensbury Country Club on October 18. Light food and beverages will be served from 2 to 5 p.m., with a toast by his daughter Meredith at 3:30 p.m.

William Burrows “Bill” Harmon, 86, of Suffield, CT, and Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on August 17, 1939, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Bill was the son of Sybil Morton Snow and Austin Ripley Harmon. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1957 and went on to attend Cornell University before completing his degree at the University of Massachusetts in 1965. His academic journey laid the foundation for a long and respected career as a Certified Public Accountant.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962, achieving the rank of Specialist Fourth Class while stationed in Korea. He spoke often of his experiences in the DMZ, and his time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of duty and discipline that would carry through every aspect of his life.

Bill established his own accounting practice in Westfield, where he served clients with integrity and dedication for several decades until retiring in early 2025. He was an active member of both the National Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill gave generously of his time and expertise to numerous civic and charitable organizations. He held positions of officer and director of several nonprofits throughout Westfield, including the Chamber of Commerce, Noble Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, American Red Cross Westfield Chapter, and the Westfield Industrial Development Finance Authority. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

Bill’s commitment to community was matched only by his devotion to family. He shared over 40 years of marriage with his beloved wife Patricia “Dolly” (Bagge). Through their union, Bill embraced not only their life together but also the four children Pat brought into their marriage.

Bill delighted in spending time at his cherished cottage on Big Pond in Otis and aboard his and “Cap’n Doll’s” boat docked in Essex, CT. A skilled carpenter with a passion for small construction projects, Bill could often be found building or renovating – his lake house, basement, or a writing cottage for his “Patty.” He was an avid cruise traveler, making countless trips with various family members to Caribbean and European ports. Affectionately known as “Harmon” by his grandchildren, Bill found immense joy in their company. Whether attending family get-togethers or boating with the crew to Block Island, he treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Harmon, and his sister, Elizabeth Leshure. He is survived by his daughters Julie Harmon of Groveland, MA, and Laurie Harmon (Andrew Koontz) of Princeton, NJ; his brother Thomas Harmon (Karen) of Eastham, MA; stepchildren Brenda LeDuc and John Parker, Jr., of Southwick, Karen Parker of Springfield, and Heidi Colonna (Alfred) of Westfield; grandchildren Logan and Savannah LeDuc; Abby, Alaina, John, and Axel Parker; Desmond Marino, Kevin O’Brien, and AJ Colonna, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bill leaves behind a legacy defined by service – to country, community, profession, and most importantly, to family. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him, and continue to inspire acts of kindness and dedication for generations to come.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Longmeadow Cemetery, 61 Williams Street, followed by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, 28 West Silver Street, PO Box 128, Westfield, MA 01086.