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.

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 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 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

Allen Vaughan Shaw passed away suddenly, October 16, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland. He was born May 19, 1940 at Hale Hospital in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the eldest child of Eugene Kenneth Shaw and Evelyn Frances (Vaughan). He grew up at the family homestead, Number 12 King Street in Groveland and as a teenager worked on a local dairy farm, which he reminisced about frequently. An animal lover from an early age, he raised a Holstein cow named Bobolink, after which his adventures in dairy farming came to a close.

Allen was educated at Williston Northampton School, where he was known as Al Shaw, graduating in 1959. He played varsity football and was a member of the varsity track team, boasting a 4 minute mile and excelled in the 440. Allen also participated in the school glee club, student council, and was sports editor of The Willistonian school paper.

Allen went on to study geology at Tufts University and received his Master’s Degree from Michigan State. He continued his formal education at the University of Arizona, University of Oklahoma, and University of Texas at Dallas.

His career began in oil exploration, working for Conoco in the Western United States. He lived in the Rocky Mountain region for many years before moving to Arizona and then to Texas to work for Sun Exploration. In the early 90s, he moved back to the East Coast and transitioned to environmental geology, working for URS Corporation and Bechtel. Allen stayed active in his field and served as past editor of AEG News, the newsletter for the Association of Engineering Geologists.

During his time in Wyoming, he met Dorsey Winchester and they were married in 1970, becoming an instant family with Dorsey’s children Lynne, Shannon, Casey, and Marty before adding two more daughters, Ryan and Morgan.

At the time of his death, he was living with his companion of 19 years Christine (Tina) Chisena and their kitties, Frank and Lola, in Maryland.

He lived a life of service and spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations, big and small. Allen regularly donated blood earning his 25-gallon pin and beyond. He also donated over 2500 hours of service to The Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney, Texas, clearing hiking trails and hosting education workshops. More recently, he continued to live out his love of nature by volunteering at Brookside Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland. Faith was important to Allen and he was dedicated in his service to Grace St Paul’s church in Tucson, Arizona as well as Holy Nativity Church in Plano, Texas. He served as lay reader, vestry member, event organizer, helped build the church playground in Plano, and served on the education board of the Montessori school at Holy Nativity.

Allen generously supported many organizations with monetary donations when he was unable to support them with his time and personal service. He was a faithful friend of the geology department at Tufts, his beloved alma mater, and made it a priority to support the department with a gift each year.

When he wasn’t out and about enjoying this beautiful world and its flora and fauna, many other hobbies and passions occupied his time. Allen was an accomplished baker (his focaccia bread had an informal fan club), chef extraordinaire (his butternut squash soup is a holiday favorite), and singer, his rich baritone voice was a joy to hear (just like his dad’s.) He was also an amateur photographer and an avid birdwatcher, often combining the two activities.

Allen was known to be competitive, an attribute often seen at the bridge table. He was an active member of the American Contract Bridge League, playing in local, district, and national tournaments throughout his life, from Casper, Wyoming, to Tucson, Dallas, and Washington, DC. He achieved the rank of Gold Life Master in the ACBL and won the Open Pairs at the National Capital 4th of July Tournament in 2023 with bridge partner and friend Jerold.

His talents as “Opa” boasted superb baby rocking skills, excellent bedtime story reader (he did all the voices, 10/10), nature walks, and teaching grandchildren how to bake the best treats ever.

Allen is survived by his companion, Tina, his children Marty Shaw (his wife Sandy, children Chris and Holly and their families), Ryan Shaw, Dr. Morgan (Shaw) McCormick (her husband Tim, children Keira and Maeryn), his brother David Shaw ’61 (his wife Janet, children Mark, Todd, Brett and their families), his former wife Dorsey, Lynne Livingston (children Todd and Cody and family), Shannon Smith Gray (husband Ken, children Kyle, Keefe, Kip and families ), Casey Digaetano (children Autumn, Beckon, Cameon, Jadon and families), and many friends that will cherish his memory. His sense of humor, wit, and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Allen to Tufts University or to The Heard Museum of Natural History in Texas. Allen’s final gift was to be an organ and tissue donor. Please consider donating blood or becoming an organ donor.

Robert “Bob” Mattson, 92, of New Castle, DE passed away on June 29,2023. He was born April 21, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, but spent most of his childhood in Worcester, MA, where he began swimming at the Worcester Boys and Girls club. He then went to prep school and was offered a scholarship to swim at North Carolina State University. At NC State, he continued to excel at swimming and became an NCAA champion and received All American honors. He held both world and American records in the breaststroke and 400 IM events. Bob graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and accepted a job at Joseph Bancroft Co in Wilmington, DE. It was at this time Bob began his swim coaching career. In 1967, he decided to quit his job as a chemist and pursue his passion for swimming, beginning his lifelong legacy of coaching. He built Wilmington Aquatic Club (WAC) in New Castle, DE which would become a powerhouse for Delaware swimmers. Bob has coached several state, regional, national, and Olympic swimmers. He was well known for his “Out of the Box” thinking both in and out of the pool and for developing and guiding many elite swimmers. Bob was inducted into North Carolina State University swimming hall of fame, the Delaware Sports hall of fame, and the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) hall of fame.

Bob married Nancy Haubein in 1960 and had two children Eric and Jennifer. He also has a son, Steve, from a previous marriage. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his children and their spouses: Eric (Shelly), Jennifer (Eric), Steve (Doris- deceased). He has seven grandchildren Brady, Kate, Elizabeth, Tori, John, Becky, and Brandy.

A celebration of life will be held at the Talleyville Fire hall in Wilmington, DE on August 26th 1-4 pm. Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Worcester, MA Boys and girls club https://app.donorview.com/PbXEO or to WAC Wilmington Aquatic Club https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/mawac/page/tumoney

William “Bill” Frederick Harms, 88, a longtime resident of Bloomfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at his home.

Bill was born in Freeport, NY on April 27, 1935. He was the oldest son of the late August and Ella (Ryder) Harms. He graduated from Freeport High School, Freeport, NY in 1953 and Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Bill married the love of his life, Lorna Joan Lawrence, whom he had known since he was two, on December 26, 1955. They were married for 60 years before her passing in 2016.

Bill began his career in 1957 as a Principal Flight Test Engineer at Republic Aviation/Fairchild Aircraft in Farmingdale, NY. During his tenure there, he prepared advanced planning and detailed flight plans and coordinated and monitored test flights for the F-105, operated during the Vietnam War by the USAF. He also conducted the entire flight test program on the A-10 prototype aircraft, which operated in the Gulf War. At a dedication at the New England Air Museum, a USAF Brigadier General who flew the A-10 Warthog, called it “a weapon on wings” and spoke about its ability to fly “low and slow” with the plane’s big gatling gun over our troops on the ground in urgent need of support. In addition, Bill conducted the full flight test program, including vertical takeoffs and landings and transitions between vertical and horizontal flight on the XV-5A, an experimental vertical takeoff/landing aircraft. One of the highlights of his time at Republic was his ride in the rear seat of the F105F, taking the plane to its limits in a supersonic structural integrity proving flight. He was also honored to be in the same place as Chuck Yeager at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Fitting with his love for jet planes, Bill also loved working on and driving sports cars. He especially liked MG’s, sequentially owning six, of different models and colors, during his flight test years. The baby blue convertible was
his favorite!

Bill later became a Product Liability Claims Manager at Associated Aviation Underwriters in New York City before moving to Connecticut to take the position of Product Liability Technical Liaison Engineer for the Legal Department at United Technologies and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. He was there until his retirement in 1992.

Bill and Lorna were avid travelers in their younger years and Bill visited 49 of the 50 states, missing only Hawaii. He often took his family on “station wagon adventures” to visit a scenic canyon, national park, or state capitol. Hand in hand with that, Bill was an avid photographer, taking thousands of amazing slides and photos of scenery, family, and aviation. To reduce film developing costs, he constructed his own dark room in the backyard!

Bill is survived and will be remembered by his children, David Harms and his wife, Carrie of Winsted; Donna Basler and her husband, Darrell of East Hartford; and Diane Forader of Merritt Island, FL; his grandchildren, Ginger Harms and her partner, Ray, Jesse Harms and his partner, Vanessa, Christopher Basler and his wife, Lauren, and Bryan Basler; and his great grandchildren, Jazmyn, Anne Marie, Matthew, Mackenzie, Hailey and Sophia. He is also survived by his brother, Ken Harms ’59 and his wife Mary Lou and his sister, Ginny Baldwin and her husband Howard, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Bill was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Cindy Harms and son-in-law, Mark Forader. We would like to lovingly acknowledge his very close friend, Suzanne Horrigan, who was a special companion for the past 7 years and whom he truly treasured.

The funeral will be Wednesday, February 28th beginning with calling hours from 10 am-12pm at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery, Bloomfield. Donation in his memory may be made to The New England Air Museum at www.neam.org or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.