Category Archives: 1960s

Lawrence E. Bachman ’64

Lawrence “Larry” Bachman, 74, of Farmington, CT, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 2, 2019, at his home. Born in New Britain, son of the late Clarence and Ruth (Peck) Bachman, he was a former Newington resident, moving to Farmington in 2006. A graduate of Williston Academy, he attended Rutgers University and later received his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Hartford. Larry owned and operated Advanced Electronic Development in Old Saybrook and later worked for H&R Block for over 20 years. He was a former member of Shuttle Meadow Country Club. Surviving is his son, David Bachman and his wife Lisa of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Funeral services are Monday 10 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will follow in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Calling hours are Monday morning from 9:15 AM until the time of the service. Memorial donations may be made to Masonicare Charity Foundation, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492.

James Harvey Dreikorn ’66

James Harvey Dreikorn, 72, of Longmeadow, MA died unexpectedly on Sun. Nov 3, 2019 with loved ones by his side. Born on June 20, 1947 in Ft. Worth, Texas, he lived the majority of his life in Massachusetts. He graduated from Williston Academy and Kansas State University.
Jim had a distinguished career in the baking industry: President of Dreikorn Bakery, Chairman of N.E Bakery Employees, Director of Quality Bakers of America, Chair of Young Bakery Executives of the American Bakers Association, and V.P of Nissen Baking Co., a member of “The Wild Yeast.” In addition, he was a Director of Westbank.
Jim was dedicated to his volunteer work and was a devoted Trustee to Clarke School for the Deaf, a position he had held since 1986. He was also a Board Member of the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MA.
Jim was an avid golfer, gardener, dog lover and Patriots fan. Even after years of living in New England, he remained a proud Texan and his personality matched the size of his native state. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, Godfather, and friend; a loyal confidant whose charisma, charm and humor will be sorely missed.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Anita and Otto Dreikorn. He is survived by his sister, Darlene (Harvey) Ducker of Friendswood, TX, step-sister Nancy (Dreikorn) Crider of Stuart FL, and friends and loved ones, of which there are too many to count.
Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Clarke School for the Deaf, 45 Round Hill Rd., Northampton, MA 01060, Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Western MA, 501 George Street, Suite A, New Haven, CT 06511, or The Make A Wish Foundation of Western MA, 181 Park Avenue, Suite 12, West Springfield, MA 01089. Private funeral arrangements will be held at the convenience of his family.

Carolyn Clarke Brown ’64

Carolyn Clarke Brown, 73, was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on March 15 (the “Ides of March”), 1946 and died in Rockport, Maine on Oct. 26, 2019. Her parents were Bertram W. Clarke and Katherine Knight Clarke.

At age 16, Carolyn was thrown from a horse and sustained a severe concussion. For two weeks, she hovered on the threshold of death and was not expected to survive. However, she recovered and came to regard all the subsequent years of her life as “extra years.” Those who knew and loved her would argue that there were not enough “extra years.”

Carolyn attended high school initially in the public school system in Williamsburg, Mass. before enrolling in the Northampton School for Girls (now the Williston Northampton School), from which she graduated in 1964. She attended the University of Maine at Orono, earning a B.A. in 1968 and an MLS in 1974. One unique feature of Carolyn’s life is that she had a single job interview in 1968, which launched a 46-year career as an academic librarian at the University of Southern Maine (USM) in Portland. She left the University in 2014 as head of acquisitions and serials services in the library.

She married William B. Hughes in 1982; he died in 1992. She began a long-term relationship with Scott W. Brown in the mid-1990s; they married in 2014. Their wedding has the distinction of (probably) being the only one to have ever taken place at the USM library. Carolyn and Scott did everything together, ranging from activities that were mundane (going to the store or post office) to strenuous (hiking, building walking trails, renovating a barn) to just plain fun (cooking, road trips in their red antique Corvette convertible).

Carolyn was an exceptionally warm, kind, friendly, and generous person who was always willing to pitch in and help. Many describe her as one of the nicest people they had ever met. She loved cooking, as evidenced by her 500-plus cookbook collection. She especially loved cats, and owned many over the years. She loved them all, but her favorite was a one-eyed stray female from a shelter that Scott named MQ (for Monocular Quadruped). MQ was smart, loving, and feisty, just like her owner.

Carolyn’s maternal ancestors were centered in New York and New Jersey, and tended to be educated professionals. In contrast, her paternal ancestors were DownEasters from Machiasport, Maine and they went to sea. Her forebears include numerous sea captains, mariners, and sailors of ships both large and small. Her father and an uncle were crew members on Howard Hughes’ yacht “The Southern Cross” in the 1930s. Another uncle served on Atlantic convoy ships in World War II. Carolyn and Scott have spent many enjoyable times at the family salt water farm in Machiasport, built by a sea captain ancestor in 1841. One particularly interesting marine artifact at the farm is the log book of a great-grandfather who operated the schooner “Saarbruck” in the 1870s. The “Saarbruck” shipped cargo between Machiasport, New York, and Rio de Janeiro.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Scott of Union and Machiasport; adopted stepchildren, Donna L. Boyle of South Portland and William D. Hughes of Westbrook along with their families; and a cousin, Dawn Woodbrey of Orono and her family. A life-long friend was Judy Carloni of Shapleigh and Englewood, Fla., who Carolyn met when they were both age 3; they remained friends for the next 70 years.

According to her wishes, Carolyn will be buried in the East Union, Maine cemetery alongside Scott’s relatives. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will be held in both Union and Machiasport in the spring.

Carolyn would wish that any donations made should be directed to a local animal shelter, especially to provide support for stray cats.

Thomas M. Leahy ’66


Thomas M. Leahy, 71, of Baltimore, MD, formerly of North Haven, CT, passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 in Baltimore, MD. He was born in New Haven on April 18, 1947; son of the late Clarence J. and Gertrude Butler Leahy.

Thomas graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, King’s Point, NY and served as a Licensed Engineering Officer on many U.S. flag vessels. After retirement he worked for MEBA, Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, as a union official in Baltimore for many years. Thomas is survived by his sister Carole Leahy and many relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Inc., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or a charity of one’s choice.

Arnold J. Gelfman ’61

Arnold J. Gelfman, 75 of Ocean, NJ, passed away peacefully July 23, 2019 at Monmouth Medical Center.

Born in Northampton, MA, Arnie attained his undergraduate degree at University of Massachusetts, his master’s degree from Western Michigan University and began his doctorate at American University. Arnie has resided in Ocean for 43 years where he served on the Planning & Zoning Board and was president of the Kepwell Park Homeowners Association. He was president of the Jewish Federation, Monmouth County in 1990-1992, a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Monmouth County, a former board member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Temple Beth El, now Congregation Torat El and B’nai B’rith, Ocean. Arnie is a member of both Congregation Brothers of Israel and Congregation Torat El.

In 2016, after 43 years, Arnie retired as Executive Director of Planning, Assessment & Research at Brookdale Community College. There is was the co-founder of Brookdale Community College Career Clinic and Testing Center. Arnie was also President and Owner of Career Choice Institute of NJ, a consulting firm, working with insurance companies and attorneys throughout NJ as a vocational expert.

Arnie will be remembered as a kind and giving person who was honored with many community and professional awards. He enjoyed sports, especially the NY Yankees. Family was most important to Arnie.

Arnie was predeceased by his parents Harold and Lena (August) Gelfman and his niece, Victoria Gelfman. Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Margo, his son Austin Gelfman, Sherman Oaks, CA, his brother & sister-in-law Richard & Lenore Gelfman, Columbia, MD; his nieces Hillary Gelfman, Chicago, IL & Dr. Joanna Gelfman, Ellicott City, MD and Leela.

Funeral service Friday, July 26th 1:00 PM at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Burial to follow in Brothers of Israel Cemetery, West Long Branch.

Donations may be made in memory of Arnie to Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Department of Oncology, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740.

Gale Sarner Moser ’65

Gale Anne Moser, age 70, of Kennett Square, PA, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. She is survived by Kem C. Moser, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. She dedicated her life to caring for the people around her and fought to bring out the best in the family and communities she was a part of; she left an indelible mark on those she loved and her presence will continue to be felt in their lives and actions.

Gale was born in Methuen, MA to the late Ronald and Anne (Eastwood) Sarner. She attended Skidmore College, where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. As a Research Biologist, Gale worked for many organizations including Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine both in Philadelphia and at New Bolton Center in Kennett Square.

Gale was active in her children’s PTO, where she was a founding member of both the Kennett High School Ice Hockey Team and the Kennett After Prom program. She was involved with the Fairville Friends preschool and the Kennett Run, both in their early beginnings, and was a member of the Kennett Historical Society.

Her real passion was her family and friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose boundless love and unwavering support served as an example and inspiration for her family. Strong, intelligent, impassioned, compassionate, loyal, silly, fiercely kind, insightful, magical, bold, and a true believer in everyone she loved; all who knew and loved her are better for it.

Gale is further survived by her sons, Ryan J. Moser (Rae Talerico) of Jersey City, NJ and Seth A. Moser of Manhattan, NY; her daughter, Rachel M. Carroll (Anthony Jr) of Downingtown, PA; her brother, James Sarner (Deborah) of Saratoga Springs, NY; her sisters, Karin McNair (Timothy) of Erie, PA and Anne Quinn (Raymond) of Utica, NY; her four grandchildren, Aiden Carroll, Gabriel Carroll, Chloe Carroll and Theo Moser; her sisters-in-law, Rochelle Freedman of Allentown, PA and Cathy Sarner of Hartford, NY; Barbara Berkman, with whom she shared 55 years of friendship; and Shaina Robbins, her close friend and caretaker. She was predeceased by her brother, Ronald, and brother-in-law, Brian.

Stephen A. Trudel ’69

Stephen Allard Trudel, age 69, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2019.

He was born on May 1, 1950 in North Adams. He grew up in Williamstown, MA and Glens Falls, NY and attended Glens Falls High School, Williston Academy and the University of Massachusetts.

Steve was beloved by so many people because he was a man of enormous compassion, kindness, humor and wisdom. Everyone with whom he was a friend felt his caring and his love energy. Early in his career he shared his love with young children as a day care provider.

Steve was among the first men to recognize working with men acting abusively was essential to curb domestic violence. In the early 1980s he went to San Francisco to learn how the Men Overcoming Violence (MOVE) program ran its batterer intervention groups. He brought back a vision of believing men could change. In addition to conducting the initial interviews with many of the men entering the program, Steve worked in virtually every court hearing domestic abuse cases in western Mass., and was the first point of contact for men mandated to attend a 40- week batterer intervention group. Steve led groups continuously for nearly 30 years. It is estimated he worked with more than a thousand men and held nearly every position in the Men’s Resource Center’s batterer’s program, Moving Forward.

Near the end of his career, Steve served as the liaison for the female partners or ex-partners of men in the program, a position heretofore exclusively held by a woman. That these women had no issue with a man being their contact speaks volumes about Steve’s capacity to gain these women’s trust. He set the standard for men as allies to women survivors.

When there was something that Steve cared about he invested himself fully in its cultivation. This was literally true about one of his most fervent passions – his extraordinarily diverse and exquisite garden in which Steve spent so many hours and delighted in giving tours to friends.

He became a plant expert through his endless pursuit of making the garden ever more inviting. The same passion was evident in his eclectic love for music, which flowed dependably throughout his home. He especially loved to sing and was part of not one but two a cappella groups where his beautiful voice and enormous repertoire of songs were most appreciated.

Cooking was another endeavor that absorbed and gratified Steve. Many of his signature dishes enriched holiday dinners at the homes of his chosen families. His scones were the stuff of legends and he could be counted on to bring a memorable dish to any potluck.

Steve recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of his graduation from Williston where he sang in the Caterwaulers, performed in plays and ran cross country. He was on the reunion committee and was very pleased to see friends from his class for whom he was both an inspiration and a driving force through the years. Steve loved looking good and he had an impeccable eye for clothing. Men and women consulted him about their outfits, because his taste was so dependably on the money. His style was uniquely his own and fit every occasion. Folks looked forward to how Steve would dress at many events.

But notwithstanding all of these loves, Steve reserved the greatest part of his enormous heart for his friendships, which were the centerpiece of his life. He nurtured each one with the same tenderness, devotion and integrity with which he bestowed his caring upon every plant in his garden. Not only did he forge deep and abiding connections to so many women and men, but he invariably reached out to the children of his friends and they became his friends as well. The outpouring of love, of the litany of ways in which Steve touched so many of his chosen families is remarkable on so many levels. The outpouring of loving emails he received while in the hospital are yet one more testimony to the essential role he played in his many friendships.

One of the most consistent and outstanding relationships Steve helped to sustain is his men’s group, which will celebrate its 41 st year offering support to one another this fall. Steve was a major driving force in having the group be so significant and long-lasting. His contributions to our celebrative monthly dinners, his belief in honesty and the trust he gave and received were hallmarks of the group throughout its tenure.

Steve will be missed beyond the power of words to express by his family of origin and all of his chosen families. His gifts of unwavering caring, concern and devotion will long be remembered by generations of people whose lives he touched and for whom he had an indelible impact. He leaves behind his siblings, Lyn Trudel of Palm Coast, Florida, Sam Trudel and his partner Liz Winn of Middlebury, Vermont, Susan Marton of Martinsville, New Jersey and David Trudel of Glens Falls, NY. He also is survived by his cousin, Rachel Branch, of N. Adams, MA. He was beloved by his nieces and nephews including, Jason, Joseph and Alexis Cenami, Alyssa and Ryan Trudel, Jeremy, Emily, Samuel and Philip Marton, and Timothy Trudel and Larra Wallace. In addition there are a great many friends who will miss him forever.

There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE on Saturday, September 21 st .

Barbara Santaniello Brown ’64

Barbara Jean (Sanders) Brown, age 72, went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on July 28, 1946. She was a graduate of Williston Northampton School and Elmira College. After college, she married the love of her life, James H. Brown with whom she lived a blessed and glorious life for 50 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Knoxville Christian Women’s Connection, Knoxville Symphony League, and a lifetime member of Presbyterian Women. She was involved in many organizations in Knoxville as well as in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Jean Atkinson and Donald Santaniello.

She is survived by her husband, James H. Brown, her sister Carol Kelley ’66, both of Knoxville, her brother, Joseph Santaniello and wife Angela of Massachusetts, nephew, Jim Lepine and wife Jennifer of Cummings, GA, niece, Jackie Delorm and husband Rob of East Berne, New York, sister-in-law, Jeanie Belhobek and husband George of Pepper Pike, OH, 2 great nephews and 1 great niece, Goddaughter Shelby Brooks and husband Tracy, special friend and caregiver, Alisa Jones and husband Chris, all of Knoxville. She will be greatly missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church at 620 State St., Knoxville, TN 37902. Barbara’s family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Barbara’s name may be made to First Presbyterian Church.

Walter Burrichter ’60


Walter Burrichter, 76, of Homestead, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 19, 2019. The son of August and Osa Burrichter, he was born August 28, 1942. Except for the years he spent away at school, Walter was a lifelong resident of Florida. He graduated high school from Williston Academy, Easthampton, Massachusetts, and went on to Purdue University where he graduated with a degree in plant sciences. Walter is survived by his twin sister, Metta Price; older sister, Minna Cornelisse; and younger brother, August ’62. Walter started farming with his father in 1964 and continued through the mid 1980’s. He was currently employed by the Florida Department of Agriculture as a fruit and vegetable inspector. Walter’s true love was fishing and snorkeling in the Florida Keys. In addition, he fished the Big Island of Hawaii, the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, Panama and the Yucatan Peninsula. Walter’s dedication to his profession and his love of life and all it’s challenges were the foundation of his character. May he rest in peace. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends.

Glenn F. Swanson ’64

Glenn Frank “Swanee” Swanson passed away on April 26, 2019 at his home in Easthampton, MA at the age of 73. He had just finished chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and the cause of death was sudden and unexpected, but he did not suffer and his family is thankful for that. He will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, loving father, and supportive friend. Swanee was born in 1946 in Brockton, MA to Frank and Maida (Grinnell) Swanson. He graduated from the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA, where he served as both proctor and captain of the soccer team and also played basketball and baseball. He attended Haverford College, graduating in 1968 with a degree in history, after which he returned to Williston as a teacher of history, and philosophy. He also earned a Masters in history from UMass Amherst. During his 46 years at Williston, he also coached many sports, and served as the Dean of Students for 17 years.

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