We are sad to announce the passing of Gerald Glass Naylor, of Ann Arbor, MI. He died in his home at age 81 on Friday November 3, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.
Gerry was born on March 22, 1942, in Hartford, CT and grew up in Wethersfield, CT.
He attended boarding school at Williston Northampton, then Brown University. He went on to dental school at Georgetown University. Soon after graduation he joined the public health service during the Vietnam War, serving merchant marines in both Cincinnati, Ohio and Staten Island, New York. He then went on to complete his dental training in periodontics at University of Michigan. After graduation, he opened his dental practice in Ann Arbor, serving the community for 40 years until he retired in 2011.
Gerry was a true intellectual, who surrounded himself with books and loved lively discussions on politics, history and economics. According to his older brother Jim, “Gerry knew a lot about every topic,” and often outdebated his older brother (despite having an almost identical education). Gerry particularly loved American history, has read countless historical biographies, and loved talking about the Civil War.
Gerry was also passionate about gardening. Gerry spent a lot of time researching plants and caring for his extensive garden that included a wide variety of Orchid species. He enjoyed hosting garden parties with his friends. He was president of the Ann Arbor Dean Fund, where he oversaw the selection and plantings of trees throughout Ann Arbor.
He was also an avid supporter of the arts, and member of the University Musical Society. He regularly attended many musical and dance performances in Ann Arbor. He was also an activist for GLBTQ and feminist rights in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
He is survived by his dear friend and partner William (Bill) Garvey, who he met in 1974 and who served as his dental office manager for over 30 years. He is also survived by his brother James E. (Danielle) Naylor ’57, sister Susan Naylor (George) Krouse, and 5 nieces and nephews.
The family is planning a private memorial service in Ann Arbor at a later date.

Albert John Ackermann, affectionately known as Al or Buddy, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by his loving children. Born on September 14, 1949, in Saint Louis, Missouri, his remarkable journey was marked by his achievements as an elite swimmer, successful career in banking, and his role as a devoted father.

An accomplished swimmer, Al’s love for the sport was cultivated as the son of a swim camp owner. He excelled in swimming at The Williston Northampton School and Harvard University and traveled abroad as a member of the US swim team. Despite facing health challenges, including a rare form of blood poisoning, rectal cancer, and a battle with a neurological disease, Al’s unwavering spirit remained strong.

In his professional life, Al achieved success as a banker, earning respect within his field. He also actively participated in ToastMasters International, nurturing his public speaking skills and forming meaningful connections.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al treasured his personal life and the invaluable relationships he cultivated. He was a devoted and proud father to his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth (Ackermann) Hogan. Their shared experiences were filled with laughter and cherished memories, including deep-sea fishing, go-karting and engaging in spirited rounds of putt-putt golf in Al’s favorite place – Naples, Florida.

Al’s adoration extended to his beloved grandchildren, Oliver Hogan and Harvey Hogan, as he enthusiastically followed their progress in swimming classes. Al found joy swimming, reading, savoring symphonic music, and passionately supporting his hometown baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a fondness for movies and was an active member of Masters Swimming. Al maintained a lifelong friendship with his ex-spouse, Cindy Ackermann, offering mutual support throughout life’s journey.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Albert John Ackermann. He is survived by his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth Ackermann (Patrick Hogan), as well as his sisters, Bev Shoop (Dee Shoop) and Janet Zucker (Bob Zucker). Al’s memory will live on through his beloved grandchildren, Oliver and Harvey Hogan.

Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His kindness, considerate nature, and unwavering love will forever be remembered. The family will hold a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

As we bid farewell to Al, we carry his memory in our hearts, honoring the legacy of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.

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.