Donald Wesley Cook died on September 22, 2025, in Madrid, Iowa. Don was born in Hartford, CT and raised by an aunt and uncle in rural western Massachusetts. He attended Williston Academy and Springfield College before being drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent 18 months in North Africa as a topographic surveyor with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Following his stint in the Army he managed a 4,000-car fleet of long-term lease vehicles and developed a system for selling the off-lease cars. Here he began to realize that his true calling was sales. His experience as a surveyor and ability to sell a life jacket to a fish led him to several years of million-dollar sales with ADS Drainage Tile Systems. He was an ardent John Deere enthusiast, owning a John Deere dealership in upstate New York and most recently representing John Deere through Van Wall Equipment to federal entities in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. In retirement Don had a second very successful career as a real estate agent in Minnesota and Florida.

Looking to avoid a date with a young woman commonly regarded as a disaster, Don called Linda, the daughter of his mother’s longtime friend, whom he knew to be home from college. It turns out she wasn’t a disaster, and they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last summer. Their two daughters, Carrie and Heidi, were born in upstate New York and have been a delight to him.

Don had farming in his blood and he, along with his wife Linda, began raising registered Polled Herefords in the 1960’s, taking several championships at county and state fairs. Following that farming gene he and his family moved to northeast Iowa in 1973 where he managed a 500-head cow-calf cattle ranch. He was welcomed to Iowa with that year’s April blizzard. He later moved to Shell Rock, Iowa where, with help from his family, he raised hogs, farrow to finish. On that farm he retrofitted a used dairy milking parlor for his daughters’ goat herd. Here he experienced another of Iowa’s famous weather features, a tornado. In addition to farming, he had fishing in his blood. From a young age, Don was an enthusiastic fisherman, catching trout and other fish in the brooks and streams of western Massachusetts. Discovering Leech Lake in Minnesota revived that love and he spent many hours keeping the local gas vendors happy as he tooled around the lake in his 18′ Lund boat. He loved taking his children, grandchildren, and his father-in-law, who was superb at catching walleyes, out to the far reaches of the lake.

A member of the Jaycees as a young man, Don learned the importance of employing Robert’s Rules of Order in any meeting and has always been emphatic about sticking to those rules. Just ask anyone who has tried to call for discussion before there was a motion and a second! His leadership skills allowed him to rise to the office of Jaycees State Vice-President. Don is also a long-time member of the Lions Club and has held church leadership positions as Deacon and moderator. He is currently a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Madrid, Iowa.

Don was a survivor of the tragic July 6, 1944, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Baily circus fire in Hartford, Connecticut also known as “The Day the Clowns Cried.” Don’s younger brother, Edward, was one of the 169 people who perished in that blaze. His mother was so severely burned that she spent six months in the hospital. His younger sister, Eleanor, not identified at the time, was remembered for many years as “Little Miss 1565” which was the number on her toe tag. In 1991 an arson investigator reexamined the evidence and determined her identity. Her body was then moved from Hartford to the cemetery in Southampton, Massachusetts where she was buried next to her brother.

Don was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor and his brother, Edward. He leaves his wife, Linda, two daughters, Carrie Cook and Heidi Loomis (Ben), grandsons Wesley Loomis (Jayme) and Adam Loomis, five great grandchildren, Robbie, Owen, Makaila, Nevaeh, and Abel, a niece, Pamela Bohl in South Carolina and nephew, Mark O’Dell in Florida. The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate support at the end of Don’s life.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 115 South Cedar St., Madrid, Iowa, on September 27th at 11 AM, with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall. A graveside service will be held in Southampton, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be directed to The Madrid Lions Club, Box 15, Madrid, IA, 50156 or St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 115 South Cedar St. Madrid, IA 50156.

William James Judge Jr., was born in North Adams, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1935 to Fredrica Maino Judge and William James Judge Sr. Although Bill was a proud New York City native, he was born in the Berkshires because his mother was in Williamstown at her father’s farm on Henderson Road for the summer. Bill’s father was an athletic trainer for Columbia University, which sparked his lifelong love for all sports. After his father died in 1949, his family moved to Williamstown to be closer to his mother’s parents and siblings. Bill was raised surrounded by family-he, his two sisters, and cousins were in and out of each other’s houses. He graduated from Williamstown High School at age 16 in 1952, and he spent two fulfilling postgraduate years at Williston Academy.

After graduating from Williston, Bill returned home and worked a number of jobs including grounds crew at his beloved Taconic Golf Club. On October 9, 1956, the day after New York Yankee Don Larsen threw a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Assigned to the 6989th Radio Squadron Mobile stationed in Misawa, Japan, Bill was also a pitcher for the station’s baseball team, which allowed him to travel around the country. He wrapped up his service at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts, serving in the Directorate of Intelligence Office. He was discharged from Active Duty on October 7, 1960.

Bill was proud of his service and grateful for his time in Japan where he was stationed with Doc Duffy of North Adams, Massachusetts, who would become his future brother-in-law. Back in the Berkshires, where Bill moved in with his mother, Doc introduced him to his younger sister, Marianne, who became the love of his life and his wife of 60 years. Bill and Marianne were married on July 24, 1965, Bill’s 30th birthday.

In 1963, Bill started as a bank teller at First Agricultural Bank in North Adams. He was promoted to Trust Officer and relocated to Pittsfield in 1972. Known for his integrity, compassion, and dedication to his clients, Bill was named Vice President for Trust Administration. These characteristics were also reflected in his commitment to his Williamstown community, where Bill and Marianne raised their family. As a Williamstown Little League coach for 12 years, a longtime board member of the Williamstown Recreation Committee and the Williamstown Community Chest, and a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Parish, Bill spent countless hours volunteering for his town. After 38 years with the bank, Bill retired on August 1, 2000. He was grateful for the additional time he had to spend with family, friends, and local sports teams. He cherished his days playing golf and his Monday through Friday 11 am meetings at Tunnel City, where Bill and his friends solved the world’s problems.

Family was everything to Bill, and he and Marianne felt their greatest gift was that their three children chose to raise their families in Williamstown. He was the most committed father and grandfather whose joy came from spending time with and cheering on his children, grandchildren, and their friends in their sports, performances, academics, and passions. This past summer, his family and close friends gathered at Taconic Golf Club to celebrate his 90th birthday and Bill and Marianne’s 60th anniversary.

Bill died at the age of 90 in North Adams, Massachusetts, on September 17th, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife Marianne; his children: Colleen Martin (Tee), Kathleen Igoe (Jonathan), and Duffy Judge (Brooke); his grandchildren: M. Duffy, Thomas, Alex, Lucy, Judge, Will, Bridget, and Eve; his sister, Terry Taft; and two step-granddaughters, Ali and Kaity Martin. He loved us, and we loved him. His love, integrity, service, and values influenced and inspired so many. We are grateful that he lives on in each of us.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of Bill Judge on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Parish in Williamstown. Calling hours will be on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home -WEST Chapel 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA 01247. Donations may be made to The Williamstown Food Pantry or PopCares Inc.

Herbert M. Varnum, age 88, died peacefully on Saturday, September, 6, 2025 after a brief illness. He passed away at Holden Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Herb was born in Worcester, the son of Edward and Betsey (Mason) Varnum. He grew up in North Brookfield and attended Williston Academy before earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Williams College in 1959, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha, the first fraternity on campus. During his Junior year, Herb found himself in the Dean’s Office (for reasons unknown). While he was waiting to see the Dean, he struck up a conversation with the Dean’s secretary, Jean Smith, and he was smitten. Six months later (after many more visits to the Dean’s office), Jean became his bride.

Shortly after they wed, Herb and Jean moved to Williston Academy in Easthampton MA where Herb taught French at his alma mater, and he and Jean served as Dorm Parents. Herb later went on to work at Quabaug Corporation, a family business founded by his Grandfather, Herbert Mason in 1916. He remained at Quabaug for 35 years, serving as Treasurer, Vice President, and President, before retiring in 1995 as its CEO. The company manufactured Vibram soles and heels and produced the soles for the U.S. military since WWII.

Dedicated to his community, Herb helped guide many businesses over the years, serving on the boards of Anna Maria College, Shawmut Worcester County National Bank, American Footwear Industries Assoc., Two/Ten Associates, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Mohegan Council, State Mutual of America, And Hanover Insurance Company, and served as the Chairman of the Central Massachusetts Employers Association.

Herb also served several terms as a Selectman for the Town of Paxton, and on the Board of Governors at Worcester Country Club. Herb and Jean were dedicated members of the First Congregational Church of Paxton, where he served as Deacon, Moderator and on numerous committees.

Herb was an avid golfer for many years, achieving two hole-in-ones during his lifetime of play; he was a voracious reader, an accomplished chess player, and he treasured the many years of traveling he did with Jean as well as the time they spent at their vacation home in Maine. But his greatest passion was his family. With all the many opportunities he was afforded in his lifetime, his happy place was at always at home with Jean by his side. And his greatest joys were times spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of them all.

Herb was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He lived his life with humility and practiced kindness above all. He was witty, welcoming, giving and generous to a fault. An eternal optimist, he always saw the glass half-full and was thankful for his many blessings. Even during his illness, his attitude was of gratitude, saying “I’ve had a great life; I have a beautiful wife and a loving family. No regrets.”

Herb will be lovingly missed and remembered by his cherished wife of exactly 67 years, Jean S. (Smith) Varnum of Worcester; his devoted children, Karen (Matt) Mulcahy, and her partner, John Scully of Holden, and Susan Marrone and her husband, Vincent of Tennessee; his grandchildren, Sean Matt and his wife, Bryanna, Melissa Huffstetler and her husband, Scott, Stephen Matt and his fiancee, Danielle; his great-grandchildren, Ellie Matt, Roan Matt and Levi Huffstetler; his sister-in-law, Sandra Varnum; his former sister-in-law Martha Thayer, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Herb was predeceased by his twin brother, Roger E. Varnum, his infant sister, Judith Varnum; his parents, Edward and Betsey Varnum; his brother-in-law Robert D. Smith, and former sister-in-law Roberta (Whitney) Smith.

The family wishes to thank the many medical professionals and others who cared for Herb over the past year – in particular: the Nurses, Aides and staff at Benchmark/Tatnuck Park; Dr. Daniel Massarelli; Dr. Michael Wollin; the Visiting Nurses from Care Central VNA; Dr. Wyatt DeLomba; the Palliative Care Team, Doctors and Nurses at Memorial Hospital, and the amazing staff at Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, where Herb spent the last two months of his life. Their gentle and compassionate care provided great comfort to Herb and his loved ones during his illness.

There are no calling hours. Family and friends will gather to honor Herb’s remarkable life at a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 26th, 2025 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Interment at Mooreland Cemetery in Paxton will be private.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Herb’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Joel D. Katz, of Chestnut Hill, MA, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 88.

Born in Springfield, MA, and grew up in in Brookline, MA, he attended Brookline High School and graduated from Williston Academy. He went on to attend and graduate from Brown University. Joel, along with his brother-in-law, ran the Sidney Goldstein Corporation, a plumbing and heating manufacturers’ representative firm, which later became J-L Sales Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miriam and Herman Katz; his brother, Myron (Mike) Katz; his sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Daly; and his beloved wife of 43 years, Joanne Goldstein Katz. He is survived by his children: son Howard Katz (Cynthia), daughters Sarah Katz Rose and Emily Katz, daughter Susan Katz Adler (Scott), and sons Jeremy and David. He also leaves behind his longtime companion, Joyce Shufro, and many cherished family members and friends.

A graveside service will be held at Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery, 147 Wordsworth Street, East Boston, on Monday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m. Shiva will follow at 2:00 p.m. Levine Chapels, Brookline.

Geoffrey Hale Purdy, 84, died early Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Danbury, Connecticut, after a brief illness. Born August 6, 1940, in New York City, he was the son of Ken W. Purdy, the noted author and journalist and Jeanne Hale, a well-known literary agent.

Purdy’s early years were spent in New York City and Wilton, Connecticut. At the age of 10 he contracted a severe case of polio and required the use of a wheelchair for the rest of his life. What might have limited others was just one of the many obstacles he overcame in a life of extraordinary determination and achievement.

After his recovery he attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA, graduating in 1959, then matriculating to Harvard University.

Purdy then spent more than four decades as a programmer and engineer at IBM, contributing to pioneering innovations in the development of the internet – notably how cable TV systems could be used to deliver high speed internet to businesses and homes. Throughout his career, he mentored several generations of influential programmers who went on to make breakthroughs in internet technology, satellite communications, and cybersecurity. His technical expertise extended beyond his professional work-as a self-taught gunsmith he spent his entire adult life collecting, studying and repairing antique weaponry. He was also an accomplished inventor who held many patents, a mechanic and engineer.

In 1965, Purdy married Susan Gold, who would become a Julia Child award-winning author of 33 children’s and baking books, including “Pie in the Sky.” The couple settled in Roxbury, Connecticut, where Purdy and his wife built the home that served as their primary residence for the remainder of his life. He divided his time between Roxbury and Craftsbury, Vermont, where they had a log cabin on a lake.

A voracious reader with deep knowledge of history, Purdy maintained particular interests in the Civil War and World War II throughout his life. He inherited from his father a deep love of vehicles of all sorts, he always worked on his own cars and converted his endless fleet of Volvos to be driven with “hand controls” which he manufactured and installed himself.

Purdy was predeceased by his father, mother, and stepmother Lucille Purdy. He is survived by his wife Susan Gold Purdy, daughter Cassandra Purdy, sister Tabitha Purdy Song, numerous nephews and nieces, and friends from all walks of life whom he encountered throughout his varied career and interests.

In lieu of flowers, please send money to World Central Kitchen www.worldcentralkitchen.org.

Charles W. DeRose, 84, of Florence, Massachusetts, passed away on July 1, 2025 after a long illness.

Born in Northampton on April 8, 1941 to Charles N. and Cora F. DeRose, Charlie—known for his adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity—lived a life full of energy, generosity, and deep community ties.

Charlie was a standout athlete at Northampton High School, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He continued his athletic and academic pursuits at The Williston Northampton School, earning All-American Honors as a tackle for their football team, and later attending Cornell University and the University of Vermont, graduating in 1966. During his time at Cornell, Charlie met his beloved wife, Leila Kelly. After graduation, Charlie began his career in newspaper publishing at the Burlington Free Press. In 1968, he returned to Northampton at his father’s urging to join the family business at the Daily Hampshire Gazette, selling ads for the paper. After his father’s passing in 1970, Charlie and his brother, Peter, became co-owners of WHMP AM and FM, which they managed until its sale in the 1980s, as well as co-publishers of the Gazette.

“Newspaper ink gets in your blood,” Charlie liked to say. That ink had been in the family since 1929, when his grandmother, Harriet DeRose, purchased the Gazette. Charlie’s first job there, cleaning space bands in the Linotype machines for Jimmy Hogan, sparked a lifelong dedication to local journalism. Under his and Peter’s leadership, the paper became known for its sense of community. It expanded with a move to Conz Street and saw steady growth through the 1990s. He was profoundly thankful for the people he got to meet in all walks of life, to the “Gazette Gang”, and the readers who made it all possible.

In 1995, Charlie stepped back from active management of the paper and embarked on a new venture, purchasing Meriden Precision Plastics. He successfully ran the company for five years until its sale, when he fully retired. Charlie’s adventurous spirit extended well beyond business. An accomplished pilot, he famously traded his new wife’s car for his first airplane. His spontaneous flights—often with friends or kids aboard—became legendary. One particularly memorable flight involved launching a hot air balloon from his own modest backyard, with at least one child aboard, and landing gently in a Hatfield potato field—where a kind farmer offered his phone to call home.

His love for the water was equally enduring. Inspired by childhood summers in Rhode Island and his father’s passion for boating, Charlie owned a long line of vessels that became floating hubs of joy for family and friends all along the East Coast. Community service was a core value for Charlie, instilled by his parents and lived out through decades of involvement. He served in various volunteer leadership roles at the March of Dimes walkathons, the Northampton Teen Center, the YMCA, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Academy of Music, the Hampshire Community United Way, Northampton National Bank, SCORE small business mentoring, and Northampton Neighbors. He also served on the Parking Commission and helped guide downtown parking lot development in the 1980s. In recognition of their civic contributions, Charlie and his brother Peter were named Northampton Citizens of the Year in 1988.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter L. DeRose. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leila (Kelly) DeRose; his sister-in-law, Florence L. DeRose, his brothers-in-law Sherman (Judy Abrams) Kelly, Hugh (Caroline Thomas) Kelly, and James Jenkins; his children, Elizabeth DeRose (Ron Pickett) and their children Jake, Tyler, Samantha and Leila, and 7 grandchildren; Anne (John) Westlund ’90 and their children, Emma and Samuel, and Nathan DeRose ’95.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 4 to 6 pm at Czelusniak Funeral Home at 173 North St, Northampton, MA 01060. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share memories of Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his name to: Cooley Dickinson Hospital Development Office P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061 or to Northampton Neighbors P.O. Box 23, Northampton, MA 01061.

Dr. Andrew Dixon McKee, 89, of New Gloucester, Maine, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Cortland, N.Y. on July 8, 1935, Andrew moved with his family to Amherst, Mass. as a child. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, Mass. (1951-1954), and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. in 1958. He received his medical degree at the University of Brussels in Belgium, graduating in 1965.

Andrew began his medical career with a rotating internship at the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Hospital in Brighton, Mass. where he met Joanne, who was also serving with the USPHS. From 1966 to 1968, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the USPHS, working aboard the USC&GSS Discoverer, the country’s first ocean survey ship, and at the USPHS clinic in San Pedro, Calif. While in San Pedro, he was once lowered by helicopter onto a ship’s deck to render emergency aid to an injured officer.

He completed his residency at the U.S. Veterans Administration Hospital in Jamaica Plain, Mass. and a fellowship in Hematology at Tufts Medical School’s Carney Hospital in Boston, Mass. Andrew served as a Clinical Instructor in Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine (1969-1971) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1971-1973).

In 1973, the McKee family moved to New Gloucester. Four years later, they relocated their house to an 80-acre property nearby, where they started a small sheep farm. Andrew practiced Internal Medicine and Hematology at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston until 1980, when he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs at Togus, Maine. There, he served as Assistant Chief of Medicine and Chief of Hematology until his retirement in 1995.

Retirement did not mark the end of Andrew’s service. In 1996, he earned a graduate degree in Tropical Medicine from Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. He then volunteered with Catholic Charities in Honduras (1996-2000), providing vital care to underserved communities.

From 2002 to 2006, Andrew worked with the Indian Health Service, staffing outpatient clinics on reservations in South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. He served at the Eagle Butte Indian Clinic (South Dakota), Fort Belknap Indian Clinic (Montana), the Mescalero Indian Hospital (New Mexico), and the Havasupai Clinic at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (Arizona), among others.

From 2007 until his final retirement in 2015, he continued to care for patients as a locum tenens physician with Mature Care at New England University Health Service.

Beyond medicine, Andrew was an avid woodworker who crafted many beautiful pieces that are now treasured family heirlooms. He and Joanne shared a love for travel, journeying together to Italy, France, China, Greece, Ireland, and across the United States in their RV. Andrew was also deeply proud of his daughters and the lives they built.

His patients valued his attentiveness and warmth, and his family will forever cherish his generous, gentle and sensitive spirit, his wry sense of humor, and his intense love of all animals, -especially the many dogs he and Joanne lovingly cared for over the years.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over 58 years, Joanne Lea McKee; his three daughters, Emily McKee (John Kosiorek), Alison McKee (Gabriel Alexander), and Linda McKee; three grandchildren, Aidra Kosiorek (Austin Rodriguez), Eden Kosiorek, and Zavier Kosiorek; one great-granddaughter, Rylee; his sister, Harriet Voss; nephews Stephan Voss, Peter Voss, and Ward McKee; and his best friend, Stephen Sokol.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter.

Howard R.W. Shea, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025. Howard was born on April 4, 1937, in Holyoke, MA to the late Howard Shea and the late Gertrude Delaney and was brother to Rosalie Hobert (Shea) and the late Maureen Degaraff (Shea). Howard is survived by his wife June, son Michael and his partner Rachel Shearer, step-son Matthew Lacob and his wife Charissa, and granddaughter Ellowyn Joy, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A high school graduate of Williston Academy (now the Williston Northampton School), Howard attended Amherst College, where he was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1959. After college, Howard served in the Army National Guard, starting with a two-year full-time stint, followed by multiple years as a reserve. After serving, Howard took a job at Liberty Mutual in Boston, where he spent his entire 40-year working career as an insurance underwriter for major national accounts.

Howard was a lover of nature and wildlife. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving and hiking. He was always quick to point out a soaring hawk or osprey, or even the occasional deer bounding through the backyard. He loved spending time at his Cape house in Chatham, getting up early for walks along the ocean at his favorite spot, Forest Beach or making his way over to Skaket Beach in Orleans to catch an amazing sunset.

Howard was an avid collector and was especially fond of coins and glass. He could often be found metal detecting all over Natick or by the bandstand in Downtown Chatham. He was a huge Boston sports fan and could usually be heard “coaching” the Patriots and Red Sox. An ice cream connoisseur, Howard would regularly remind us that there was always room for some ice cream after a good meal since it just “fills in all the nooks and crannies.” He was also a proud friend of Bill Wilson for an amazing 49 years.

His positive outlook, words of wisdom and thunderous laugh will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made as memorial contributions to the Dana Faber Cancer Institute or the Amherst College Fund.