Category Archives: 1950s

M. Richard Fish ’59

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Matthew Richard “Dick” Fish, who was born in 1941, died December 20, 2018.

He leaves his wife Sheila Sharac Fish, his son Kenneth A. Fish, his granddaughters Jessica, Cherokee Rain, Jacqueline, and Ryan Lynn, and his great-grandson Aiden; also, his friend and associate Eric Parham, and dear friends Griselle Cruz and her family. He was predeceased by his son William James (Billy) in 1988, and by daughter-in-law Candace K. Hall in 2018.

Dick was a photographer in Northampton for many years: for the Daily Hampshire Gazette; for his studio “dickfish inc”; and later for the Smith College Imaging Center. For many years, he enjoyed and participated wholeheartedly in the community of St. John’s Episcopal in Northampton. Each summer, he left this community for a while for wonderful summer retreats in Pemaquid, Maine. Dick will be remembered for his warmth, his enthusiastic involvement in our local community, and his great hugs.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, June 14, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Elm Street, Northampton. If you are so moved, feel free to donate to the charity of your choice in Dick’s name, or to any of the following: MANNA; Safe Passage; St. John’s Episcopal Church.

 

Posted in: 1950s

Robert R. Farnum ’59

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Robert Riggs Farnum, 78, a longtime resident of East Street in Great Barrington, MA, died November 18, 2018 at Fairview Commons in Great Barrington. Born October 24, 1940 in Norristown, PA he was the son of the late James M. Farnum and Amy Riggs Loungway.  Robert attended the Williston Academy (1957 – 1959), Wentworth Institute (1959 – 1961) and Fitchburg State Teachers College (1962 – 1965) where he received a BS in Education. Robert married his wife Susan Elizabeth Guppy on June 12, 1965 in Danvers, MA.  Soon after they were married they moved to Great Barrington where their two children, Hilary and Stephen were born. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington where he sang in the church choir.  He was also a member of The Berkshire Hillsmen, a Barbershop Chorus as well as a life member of the Girl Scouts USA. In 1986 Mr. Farnum retired from Becton-Dickinson Medical Supplies in Canaan, CT where he had worked as an architectural draftsman for 18 years. Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan G. Farnum, along with their children, Hilary Jewett Farnum and Stephen Return Riggs Farnum.  He also leaves his granddaughter, Maple Wynne Farnum, his daughter-in-law Cathy Brooks and her children, Mara, John and Ethan, his brother, Alexander D. Farnum and wife Joan, sister Anne Farnum Fix and husband Gary as well as their children, Samuel Fix and Sarah C. Eiseman.
A memorial service for Robert R. Farnum will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, MA with a reception to follow in the parish room. Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Mason Library Children’s Room Native American Stories or Western Stories through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.  To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com

Posted in: 1950s

Charles E. Galanie ’52

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Charles E. “Joe” Galanie, 85, passed away Jan. 25, 2019, with his family by his side.
Joe was born in Natick, Mass., on May 21, 1933. After graduating from Boston English High School and Williston Academy in Massachusetts, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. After serving, Joe attended Northeast University in Boston where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. While at Northeastern, Joe was a cheerleader, active in drama, choir and intramural ice hockey. More importantly, there he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Marcella Trueheart.
Upon graduating from college, Joe began his 35-year career with PPG Industries. His time with PPG took him and his family from Barberton, Ohio, Sierra Leone Africa, and finally to Lake Charles, La., in 1976, where he spent the remainder of his life. After retiring in 1996, Joe and Marcella travelled extensively visiting all 50 states and other locales from Canada to Antarctica. During their travels, they attended minor and major league baseball games in many ball parks across the country as well as competed in bridge tournaments in nearly all of the 50 states. Joe was an avid bowler, bridge player, and enjoyed his weekly poker game with old friends. Above all this, Joe took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and watching them develop into beautiful children and successful young adults.
Joe will be forever remembered and missed by his wife, Marcella; sons Jim (Sheila Baldwin) of California, Md., and John (Rici Johannessen) of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter Valerie Johnson (Don) of Lake Charles; his grandchildren Stephanie, Katherine, David, Laura, Matthew, Ryan, Allison, Jason and Callie; and his brother and sister-in-law and travelling companions, Bill and Betty Trueheart.
Visitation and a memorial service will be Jan. 29 at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA 70605. Visitation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 1 p.m.

Posted in: 1950s

Helen Michels Feuer ’54

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Helen ” Cappy” Michels Feuer passed away on the morning of January 4, 2019. Cappy was born on November 17, 1936 in the suburbs of Chicago and raised mostly in Winnetka, Illinois.

She graduated from The Northampton School for Girls and Elmira College. Six months after graduating college, she married the late Stuart Feuer in 1958. Cappy and Stuart first came to Naples in 1969, and eventually became full time residents in 1996.

Cappy was very involved with Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, as well as other charitable work in Naples. She loved Cooking, Classical Music, Traveling, Gardening, Needlepointing, Socializing and Entertaining, Reading, and Cultural Events. She also loved teaching piano and Sunday School at Trinity.

Cappy is survived by her 4 children, son and daughters-in-law, and grandchildren; Alyn and Brian (Kaitlyn), Michael and Carolyn (Michael and Alex), Polly (Saeanna), and Elise and Mary. Cappy was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Stuart Feuer.

Cappy was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother; she was an extraordinary individual and will forever be deeply missed.

Donations can be made in Cappy’s name to Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church.

A service will be held on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, 553 Galleon Drive, Naples, Florida 34102.

 

Posted in: 1950s

Joseph L. Lucier ’50

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Joseph Lane Lucier died peacefully at home on December 31, 2018 in Duxbury, MA at the age of 87. Joe is survived by his son David Linscott Lucier (’84) and his wife Dana of Cohasset, MA and their children Grace, William, Maggie and Teddy, his daughter Leslie Lucier Marino (’81) and her husband Jim of Westfield, NJ, and their children Katie and Andrew, his son Mark Brooks Lucier (’80) and his wife Megan of Wayland, MA and their children Olivia and Charlie and his daughter-in-law Lynn Morse Lucier of Laguna Nigel, CA and her children Jessica, Danielle and Jake. Joe is also survived by his sister, Ellen Supinski Dugal of Northampton, MA. He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Priscilla Ruder Lucier (’50) and his son, Daniel Deforest Lucier (’77) of San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Joe was born on 1931 in Northampton, MA to Frank Albert Lucier and Viola Claudia Foster Lucier. He attended the prep school Williston Northampton from 1948 to 1950 and graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1955. After serving in the Army in Germany, Joe spent most of his career, almost 30 years, working for John Hancock Life Insurance Company.
Joe was a man of many hobbies including photography, kite making, gardening, fly tying and helping others maintain sobriety. The Williston Northampton School also played a big part in Joe’s life, where he was a highly successful fundraiser and ardent alumni. His children remember him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who lived a strong faith in God and was generous of his gifts and time.
A private celebration of Joe’s life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cranberry Hospice, Philanthropy Office Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth, 275 Sandwich Street, Plymouth, MA 02360.

Posted in: 1950s

John P. Ossolinski ’58

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John Paul Ossolinski, 78, passed away in Bradenton, FL on September 30, 2018. He grew up in Chicopee, MA and was the son of Matthew and Anna (Stawarz) Ossolinski. John is survived by his wife Patricia Daugherty, son Robert Ossolinski, daughter Christine Hollins, brother Richard Ossolinski, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Janik Ossolinski. John was a graduate of Williston Academy, Bowdoin College, and Wharton Business School. His friendships with classmates from all three schools brought him much joy. In retirement, John enjoyed traveling and attending family reunions with his wife, whose family embraced him.

A service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery in Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Posted in: 1950s

William M. Ferguson ’55

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William MacKay Ferguson of Pembroke Parish, Bermuda, beloved husband of Marlene, passed away in his 83rd year. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at Christ Church Warwick, The Church of Scotland, Middle Road, Warwick Parish on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 3 p.m. Interment will follow the service in Wesley Methodist Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Pembroke. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Agape House, Friends of Hospice at Suite 124, 48 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11 or online to www.friendsofhospice.bm.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law: Jeanne Fothergill; nieces: Kristy Angeli, Lisa Lacey (Stuart); great-nieces: Francesca Angeli, Gemma Angeli; great-nephews: Etham and Max Lacey; first cousins: Dianne Wilkie (Bruce), Rod Ferguson (Martha), Jeanette MacDonald (Ian), Kerrylou Bell (Lee), Joan Wurst, Grant Briggs and Joe Briggs; other relatives, and many friends. Colours may be worn.

Posted in: 1950s

Elizabeth Lamoureux Gagnon ’54

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Elizabeth A. “Betty” Lamoureux Gagnon passed away Monday, September 24, 2018,  surrounded by her family and her loving husband and partner of 62 years Francis J. Gagnon Jr. at Baystate Medical Center. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary and Clarence Lamaourex, a brother, Donald P. Lamoureux, and her son-in law, Michael P. Linnell ’73.

Elizabeth was born in Sturbridge, Massachusetts in 1936 and attended Northampton School for Girls (Williston Northampton) in Northampton. Elizabeth worked for Pepin School for 23 years as the cafeteria supervisor. She loved working with all of the children and during her summer vacation, she worked in the family marina business in Connecticut and Florida with her husband and their three sons. She loved being on boats, traveling and spending the day on the Long Island Sound with her family.

Anyone who knew Elizabeth or came in contact with her was immediately engaged in conversation. Elizabeth had an insatiable love of life and people and cherished her friends. She loved her Irish heritage and on her 50th anniversary she and her husband Francis traveled throughout the emerald island.

Elizabeth leaves her loving husband, Francis J. Gagnon Jr., 87, of Easthampton, her four children, Brenda Linnell of Westhampton, MA, Steven and Lisa Gagnon of Los Angeles, California, James and Lorna Gagnon of Easthampton, and William Gagnon and Cesar Melo of Douglass, MA. In addition to her children, she leaves seven grandchildren, Jennifer and Joe Selfrank, Matthew and Amy Linnell, Megan and Matt Still, Joe and Alysha Linnell, James Gagnon, Chloe Gagnon and Sean Gagnon, and six great grandchildren, Audrey, Lillian, Zachery, Ethan, Ashley and Lincoln.

Elizabeth lived in Easthampton for 63 years with her loving husband Francis in their family home. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family and friends at the Graham Funeral Home, 18 Adams St., Easthampton, who have honorably and proudly been entrusted with providing for Betty’s care and services.

In lieu of Flowers memorial donations may be made to the Easthampton School Department, C/O PTO, Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Posted in: 1950s

Vance E. Boyd ’52

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Vance Boyd, 85, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2018.  Born in Springfield, MA on March 30, 1933, Vance was the son of Samuel and Mary Boyd. A graduate of Williston Academy in Easthampton, Vance attended Babson College in Wellesley and received his B.S. in Business.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 as Specialist Third Class in the Quartermaster division.  He was owner/manager of the Bailey Wagner chain of furniture stores in the greater Springfield area, which his father Samuel Boyd founded. He went on to develop the Best Rental furniture rental company.
His passion/hobby included horse training, racing and showing – both Tennessee Walkers and Standardbreds/trotters.  He enjoyed trying to learn new musical instruments and was proud of his steel guitar – he was a student of Billy Cooper of Orange, VA and loved his lessons.  His other love included billiards and he was an avid Patriots’ fan. He founded the Billiards Club of Falls Run upon his retirement to that community.
The wake will be on Friday, September 21, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA. Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 97 South Street, Jamaica Plain. Prayers shall precede Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Internment will be private and at a later date.

Posted in: 1950s

Harriet S. Heller ’54

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Harriet Stone “Hatsy” Heller passed away at the age of 81 at the home of her sister, Mary Heller Smith, on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, in Elmira, NY. She was born in Elmira on October 8, 1936, the middle child of Mary Annetta Trimble and Richard Stone Heller. Harriet graduated from Northampton School for Girls in 1954, and completed her education with a BA from Elmira College in 1958. She was a longtime member of Park Church, the Junior League of Elmira, and a current Board Member and Secretary of the Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery, and Elmira College Club. Always loving sports, she worked many hours for youth tennis in Elmira. Her professional life included Director of Alumni Affairs at Elmira College, Assistant Director of Annual Giving at SUNY Brockport and Event Coordinator for E Entertainment in Hartford, CT. She is survived by her son James Richard Sophia and daughter-in-law Melanie Moran Sophia of Shaker Heights, OH; her daughter Elizabeth Stone Sophia of Marietta, GA, and predeceased by her infant son, David Heller Sophia. She leaves her grandchildren, James Trimble Sophia, Julia Stone Sophia, Michael Louis McClellan III and Sophie Caroline McClellan; her sisters and brother-in-law, Mary Annetta Trimble Heller Smith  (’52) of Elmira and Janet Whyte Heller Howell (’56) and Fred Ellwyn Howell of Amesbury, MA; along with several nieces and nephews. Those of us who loved Hatsy knew she had her first cancer operation when she was 19 years old and had 63 years, most of her lifetime, living under the menacing shadow of this illness. Despite this, Hatsy always liked to have fun, to be out and about wherever she was. Always an excellent correspondent, she kept in touch with close friends and family from all segments of her communities throughout her entire life. She was curious, energetic, generous, and sensitive to the needs of others, always did her part and was a good and thoughtful friend to many. These stellar qualities held her in good stead at the end of her life as many came to help her, to care for her, to love her through the end days.

Posted in: 1950s