Richard Payson Shepardson, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away May 2, 2023.

Philip Bergson Jr., age 76, of East Orleans, Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

He was born in Washington D.C. He was the son of the late Philip and Marjorie (Copelof) Bergson.

Philip was passionate about sunrises, gardening, pets, wildlife, woodworking and fine art plein air oil painting. His days were filled with expressing his love and caring nature for his family, friends and loving dog Brioche. He had a “quiet, gentle soul” with a “witty” sense of humor that was loved by all who knew him. Philip pursued his passion as an artist after retiring as a custom homebuilder. He found great joy traveling and visiting galleries for small art works that he referred to as “gems” (a large landscape captured in a small frame).

A graduate of Williston Academy, Easthampton, Massachusetts class of 1966 and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, class of 1970.

Philip leaves behind his wife Catherine Bergson, stepdaughter Cheryl Keefe, son-in-law Darren Keefe and step-grandchildren Cole Keefe and Cody Keefe. Brother Peter Bergson, Sister Patricia (husband Kenmore) Commoss, nieces, and nephews. He was the husband of the late Joanna Cook Chess Bergson.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Beacon Hospice Care, Hyannis, Massachusetts or Santos Complete Home Care, Orleans, Massachusetts for their loving compassion with helping Philip on his journey and loving support for his family who will deeply miss him.

Bob “Bumpa” Clapp, 81, a man of many passions and a friend to all, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 8, 2023, of Alzheimer’s related dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 7, 1942, in Rye, New York, Bob spent his formative years in Berlin, Connecticut, and Marstons Mills, Cape Cod. He was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Zappey) Clapp.

Bob was a proud alumnus of The Williston Northampton School and Dickinson College, where he graduated with dual majors in political science and sociology. His intellectual prowess led him to serve in the US Army as a signals intelligence analyst from 1962-1964, where he held a top-secret security clearance and was commended for his work in cryptography. His talents caught the attention of the NSA, and though he declined their offer of employment, he continued to enjoy solving and creating cryptographic puzzles.

Following his military service Bob was a scout executive with the Boy Scouts of America and the director of The Upper School of the Harrisburg Academy. Bob spent 10 years working with people with intellectual disabilities on community integration activities. His passion for service extended to his volunteer work with the ARC of Franklin and Fulton Counties, where he significantly increased fundraising efforts by recruiting notable athletes like Joe Theismann and Franco Harris. Bob dedicated 30 years to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, retiring as the Coordinator of the Human Services Development Fund.

Bob was a true eccentric, a lover of orange tabby cats, and a friend to all. An Eagle Scout in his youth, he carried his love for the natural world into adulthood, sharing his interests and passions with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid follower of politics, a dedicated community volunteer, and a collector of rare butterflies, mermaid sculptures, and All American roses. He also enjoyed fly tying, hybridizing day lilies, and genealogy. His fascination with the natural world began in his youth with 14 beehives and continued throughout his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gretchen Clapp Orr, his son Michael J. Richards, and granddaughters Emma Cole and Victoria Belvin. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemarie (Rosie); his brothers, Roger Clapp of Coronado, CA, and Peter Molchan of Queens, NY; his children, Robert Franklin (wife Staci), David Christiaan (wife Jasmine), David F. Richards (wife Marisa) Amy P. Richards-Cole, and grandchildren, Abigail, Christiaan, Colin, Jack, Jake, Jasper, Joey, John, Josh, Kara, and Mike.

A Memorial Service will be held at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ, 626 Williams Grove Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The family will receive guests at 11 a.m., with the Memorial Service beginning at noon, followed by a light lunch. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family at Lothrop Cemetery in Barnstable, Cape Cod.

In celebration of Bob’s life, the family encourages everyone to perform random acts of kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 20 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.

David Stevens of Bocabec, New Brunswick and Easthampton, Massachusetts, passed away after a brief illness on April 28, 2023, in the Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick. Dave was born in Salem Massachusetts on May 14, 1948; he was the son of the late David Stevens and Virginia (Van Den Noort) Stevens and later his stepmother Ruth Berry Stevens. He leaves a brother, Daniel Stevens and wife JuJu Stevens of Gulfport, Florida, a step brother, Thomas Cross ’68 and wife Frances Cross ’70 of Dunnellon, Florida and numerous cousins.

As a young boy he had a passion for minerals which carried through into his later years when he turned to prospecting to make his living. He attended Williston Academy in Easthampton and later the University of Massachusetts where he edited the Yahoo Magazine. He did light shows for major rock and roll bands including J.Giles Band, Jethro Tull, and the Allman Brothers. During this time he was also an outspoken political cartoonist. His involvement in his local Bocabec area community included talks at local schools regarding minerals to be found locally and their history, working with a local hockey team and as a representative for the province at national mining symposiums and finally as a cartoonist for local papers with hard line opinions on various political stances. He was the New Brunswick prosecutor of the year multiple times. Dave was an opinionated man with simple needs and he felt at home in his community.

By David’s request there will be no visitations and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Ella Richardson Fund c/o Pastor Dunfield or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Matthew Edward Peck, age 72, passed away April 22, 2023 at Noble Hospital in Westfield, MA. Born in Springfield on August 31, 1950, to the late Edward C. Peck, Jr., and Ruth (Mahoney) Peck, Matthew was educated in West Springfield’s parochial and public schools; attended Williston Academy, St. Louis University, Holyoke Community College, and the University of Bridgeport; and earned an MBA degree at American International College.
A lifelong soccer player and all-around athlete, Matthew coached and played soccer in Puerto Rico and was chosen to be a part of the Puerto Rican National soccer team while living there from 1975 to 1978. Matt taught history at the Robinson School while in Puerto Rico and married Pamela J. Epler in 1975 in the Robinson School Chapel. After returning to Western Massachusetts, he and his older brother Robert published the New England Soccer News, one of the first soccer magazines in Western Mass. He also coached soccer at American International College. He taught history in the bilingual program and coached soccer at Springfield’s Commerce High School. Together, Matthew and Pamela worked with the Center for Human Development in Western Mass. and were instrumental in caring for several children in the custody of child services. Following his teaching career, Matthew shifted to a sales career, and, with business partner John Fleet, formed Fleet Business Products. After decades at Fleet Business Products, Matthew traded in the company Buick and embarked on a third career as a truck driver, fulfilling a childhood dream of driving a big rig around the country. Matthew was an avid reader of history, politics, and current events. Having hitchhiked through South and Central America in his 20’s, he loved speaking Spanish and maintained an interest in Latin American heritage and culture throughout his life. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, golfing, sailing his sunfish, and vacationing at the family beach house in Marshfield, MA.
He was an exceptionally friendly, welcoming, warm, and charismatic person and will be dearly missed by the many friends and relatives whose lives were brightened by his good cheer and happy outlook. With his former wife, Pamela Epler, now of South Hadley, MA, Matthew raised two children, Christopher J. Peck, of Springfield, MA, and Rosemary F. Peck, of Pittsburgh, PA, both of whom he loved very much. Matthew inspired a love of sports and athletics in his son Christopher, who currently holds a degree in Athletic Training and is a specialist in sports medicine equipment. Matthew encouraged a love of travel and languages in Rosemary, who also attended Williston Northampton School (’04) and St. Louis University, studying at SLU’s Madrid, Spain and Missouri campuses. More recently, Matt delighted in his new role as Grandpa to Rosemary’s now 18-month-old son, Nevin Edward Xia, of Pittsburgh, PA. For the past decade and a half, Matthew shared his life with Carolyn Charette, of West Springfield, and helped guide and mentor her son, Garrett, who has since completed a degree in dentistry at Boston University and is currently pursuing a degree in orthodontics at Georgia School of Orthodontics.
He leaves behind partner Carolyn Charette (West Springfield) and her son Garrett Charette (Atlanta, GA); son Christopher Peck (Kimberly Peck) of Springfield; daughter Rosemary Peck (Dr. Zongqi Xia) and grandson Nevin Edward Xia of Pittsburgh, PA, along with his former wife, Pamela Epler; five siblings: Robert J. Peck (Jill Lewin) of Agawam, Dr. Deborah A. Peck of Somerville, Mary Abigail Peck (Lorraine Gray) of Roslindale, John Patrick Peck (Mary Jane Peck) of Milford, and Richard A. Peck of West Springfield; five nieces and nephews: Tralice Peck Bracy (Robert Bracy), Jessie Peck, Eleanor Peck (Matthew Frey), Ryan DiLoreti (Suzanne Christie), and Skylar Peck; as well as several cousins and relatives among the Charette, Peck, Mahoney, Bucher, and Epler families.
Calling hours will be Friday, April 28, from 4-7 pm at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield. There will be a Funeral Mass Saturday, April 29 at 9:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church followed by a burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers donations in Matthew’s memory may be made to the West Springfield Youth Sports Assn., P.O. Box 868, West Springfield, MA 01090.

Richard Craig Sheldon (known to friends and family as Dick and Duke), 80, passed away on March 18, 2023 in Salisbury, North Carolina with his two sons by his side. Born in Stamford, Connecticut on December 31, 1942, he was the youngest child of the late Frank and Margaret Sheldon and was predeceased by his sisters, Lucie Sheldon and Barbara Baker.

Dick grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Bucknell University, where he was an All-American diver. After graduating from college, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany for two years. Dick’s outsized personality and ability to relate to almost anyone facilitated a long, successful career in sales. He dove headfirst into industries as diverse as consumer electronics and retail fertilizer, demonstrating inexhaustible passion for each occupation along the way.

He spent much of his adult life in Brentwood, New Hampshire where he raised four children whom he loved unconditionally: Wendy Sheldon (Michael Chun) of Rye, New York; Heather Sherman (Alex Sherman) of Littleton, Colorado; Paul Sheldon (Esther Farran Prats) of New York, New York; and Brian Sheldon of Salisbury, North Carolina. In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother Edgar (Ted) Sheldon and wife Francie Sheldon of Dexter, Michigan and six grandchildren: Megan Chun, Andrew Chun, Amaia Sherman, Zachary Sherman, Martina Sheldon-Farran and Laia Sheldon-Farran. Dick loved spending time with friends and family, most of whom were fortunate to enjoy his warm and generous hospitality and especially his barbecue meals. On weekends he was happiest at his children’s sports events or riding the lawnmower at his beloved home in Brentwood, New Hampshire. He also loved caring for and spending time with his dogs. Dick was a proud and loving father who was always funny, even in the final moments of his life. During his last year and a half, he enjoyed golfing with his son Brian at The Revival as often as possible.

There will be a celebration of life for anyone who would like to join his family in sharing stories about Dick on Saturday, April 15 at The Revival at The Crescent in Salisbury, North Carolina from 5:00-9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Fisher House Foundation (https://fisherhouse.org/) or the American Brain Foundation (https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/).

David P. Goodall Jr., age 77, a longtime resident of Tewksbury, MA and Phoenix, AZ, passed away at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Bedford, MA on August 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Manhattan, NY on August 19, 1944, and was the son of the late Jean (Golden) and David P. Goodall Sr. David was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam war, joining when he was 18 years old. After leaving the Navy he graduated from Middlesex Community College at which he served as trustee for many years. He was also a graduate of Suffolk University with a BS in Management. During this time, he was the owner of Goodall Insurance agency of Woburn. He was sober for over forty years and dedicated much of his time to helping others find sobriety. Later in life he worked as a councilor professionally and worked with the indigenous tribes in Arizona to combat substance abuse issues. This passion evolved into homelessness outreach and assistance. Dave became a lay pasture and organized a chaplaincy for the homeless in Phoenix, AZ. Through fundraising and personal assistance, he helped hundreds of people find their identities and reconnect with society. Dave spent his final days at the VA hospital in Bedford, MA, at which time he continued to help other veterans with their sobriety. We are eternally grateful for the care provided at VA in his final days. David is survived by his son David, and his wife Deborah, his daughter Rebecca, his former wife Patricia, his stepson Ruben Michael, and his wife Robyn, his stepdaughter Roxanne, and her husband Chris, his stepdaughter Rachel, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister Ellen, and her husband Ted, his brother Thomas and his wife Jordan. Funeral services and interment will be held privately.

Clifford Loucks Sterrett, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2023, with his loving family by his side after a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Barbara (Blaisdell) Sterrett for 51 years this August. Born January 28,1947 in New Haven; the son of the late Harold Reid Sterrett, Jr., and Elizabeth “Betty” (Loucks) Sterrett.

Cliff attended Williston Academy, Class of 1966, in Easthampton, MA and graduated from Drew University, Class of 1970, in Madison, New Jersey. At Williston, Cliff was an outstanding varsity athlete who was twice elected to the school’s athletic Hall of Fame for football and lacrosse.

He then worked from 1971 – 1975, being an instrumental part of the Thomas J. Meskill gubernatorial campaign both as Assistant Campaign Manager and then, once elected, one of several Administrative Assistants to the Governor.

In 1975, Cliff served as an Insurance Agent for Northwestern Mutual, then founder and Managing Director of the Northwestern Mutual Office in Canton from 1978 – 2015. He had much success in this office, mentored many individuals, helped countless clients and enjoyed working with fellow agents for many years especially his brother and business colleague, Rollie Sterrett.

Cliff had a passion for politics and once again served as Campaign Manager in the 1986 Republican nominated Julie Belaga gubernatorial campaign. She was the first woman ever nominated and won the Republican primary by a landslide with Cliff’s guidance.

He enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing and boating. He always dreamed of doing these things with his grandsons. While that dream changed, he still treasured spending time with them and hearing of them carrying on these interests, along with football and lacrosse. He was an avid golfer and loved socializing with friends. Cliff was also a loyal Green Bay Packers fan along with UCONN Men’s and Women’s Basketball and football. He had season tickets for many years. Cliff would often be found relishing a sunny day, with the top down, driving his red TR6 British sports car.

Cliff was very civic minded and was actively involved in his communities of both New Hartford and Sunapee, NH. In New Hartford he served as Chair of the Republican Town Committee. He treasured this role because he loved leading his community and he represented the Republican party with great enthusiasm. While he believed deeply in the party’s agenda, he welcomed educated debate with those who disagreed with him and always did so in a positive manner. Friendship and values always came first during his leadership. He also served as a two term President of the Granliden Community Association in Sunapee, NH where he had a second home. He treasured the Annual Memorial Day Golf Tournament and befriended the General Manager and treasured his fellow community members. He and his wife loved spending time with family and friends in New Hampshire whether winter or summer.

Despite Cliff’s illness, he worked hard to continue a life full of vibrancy and activity. His loving and devoted wife, Barbara, helped him to follow through on these wishes. Even before Cliff’s illness, they were always together and loyally committed to each other’s hopes and dreams.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Melissa Massett and admired son-in-law Kevin of Newtown; two cherished grandsons, Charles Massett and William “Billy” Massett, both of Newtown; loving brother Rollie Sterrett ’61 and wife Karen of Simsbury; sister-in-law, Carol Slauenwhite of Southington; several dear nieces and nephews; Kimberly (Sterrett) Ragnow of Guilford, Reid Sterrett ’91 of Farmington, Andy Yorkin of Salt Lake City, UT, and Tim Yorkin of Belmont, MA. He was predeceased by niece Korey Yorkin of Simsbury. Lastly, he is survived by his long-time best friend, Starr Barnum IV, his wife Deborah, and many other close knit friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Valerie Manor as well as his special aides at home over the last few years, for their care and kindness during his illness, especially Michelle Schmitt and Jaimie (Bennett) Sulek.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, July 8. 2023 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 51 Church Street N, New Hartford at 11 AM. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 5 Steele Road, New Hartford has care of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to: Office of Advancement, The Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027 or to: Valerie Manor Resident Council Fund, Attn: Tracy Hoskins, 136 Torringford Street, Torrington, CT 06790.