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.

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.

David Alan Tarshus was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on August 29, 1937 to Milton and Bernice Tarshus. His brother, Richard F. Tarshus and sister, Rhoda Michelman, predeceased him.

He graduated from Northampton High School in 1956 and attended Williston Academy and Holyoke Community College. He was an enthusiast of big band swing music and enjoyed watching old classic movies. He had the good fortune of touring Paramount Pictures and watching Cecil B. DeMille, directing an Academy Award best picture, the 1952 movie “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

David was president (in the family business) of the Pioneer Valley Ginger Ale Incorporated of Florence, Massachusetts. The business was proud to work with “Gush” Valenta, in the creation of the Lassie League and sponsored Lassie League teams in Northampton. He worked as a part time elevator operator at 78 Main Street and 25 Main Street in Northampton for seventeen years. He was a resident of Michael’s House since 2004.

David was a member of the B’nai Israel Congregation in Northampton and he was also a member of the Florence Civic and Business Association and the American Bottlers Association.

He is survived by his niece Mara Michelman of Northampton.

A Burial will take place on Thursday October 9, 2025 at 2:30pm at the B’Nai Israel Cemetery, 476 N. King Street, Northampton MA.

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.