Category Archives: 1960s

Gordon M. Henry ’66

Gordon Montagu Henry, 75, passed away on December 16th, 2024, with loved ones by his side. The youngest son of Otis and Barbara Henry, he was born and raised in Bermuda with his brother, Thornton (Tim) ’62.

He attended the Roger B. Chaffee School on the Kindley Air Force Base and graduated from Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts (1966). He earned his BA in History from Washington and Lee University in Virginia (1970) and then studied Hotel Administration at Cornell University. Gordon soon returned to the island he loved to build a life-long career rooted in service and hospitality.

To know Gordon was to know a true Bermudian – warm, welcoming and fun-loving. He loved a good party and loved to dance. He loved to garden, cook and entertain. He was proud of his TWO holes-in-one on the golf course, most recently this past summer at Turtle Hill. He kept busy and active – often found walking for miles along South Shore. Most recently, he loved to help his team win Quiz Night on Mondays with his vast knowledge of U.S. history. He was a life-long member of Mid Ocean Club, and also a member of Coral Beach & Tennis Club and Christ Church in Warwick.

He is survived by his loving partner, Pamela Sawyer (Bolton, CT); his loving daughter, Melissa Henry Fisher, and son-in-law, Todd Fisher – and his two grandchildren, Chase and Henry Fisher (Sudbury, MA), his former wife, Linda Henry, former sister-in-law, Sally Childs, sister-in-law, Ann Henry (West Palm Beach, FL); niece, Ruth Keyes and nephews, Brad and John Henry – and their families. He also leaves behind many dear, lifelong friends who were like family and will miss him greatly.

A special celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at a later date TBD. Please honor Gordon’s memory by thinking of him and appreciating the beauty of Bermuda each time you pass by or take a swim in Harrington Sound – a cherished childhood place where his ashes will soon be scattered. Rest in Peace, Gordy (to his Bermudian friends) / Gordo (to his grandchildren).

Ross J. Prossner ’66

Ross James Prossner, born on Feb. 4, 1948, in Rome, New York, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by family at his home, “Hidden Hill,” in Cazenovia. He was the youngest son of Leslie and Evelyn Prossner and brother to Terrance (deceased) and David.

Ross spent his formative years in Rome, New York, and attended Williston Academy in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he excelled in swimming, earning All-American honors in the 100-yard backstroke. He graduated in 1966 and continued his education at Syracuse University, where he was a dedicated member of the varsity swim team for four years and a proud member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity, Pi chapter, graduating in 1970.

Ross embarked on a career in banking, beginning with a brief tenure at Lincoln Bank before becoming president and CEO of Carrier Federal Credit Union. Under his leadership, the institution transitioned to Beacon Federal Credit Union and ultimately Beacon Federal Savings and Loan. His time at Beacon was marked by the formation of lasting friendships that continued into his retirement.

Ross embraced a variety of interests, including motorcycle riding, snowboarding, sailing, gardening, welding, reading, birdwatching and volunteering at The Boys and Girls Club. He was also a long-time board member and friend of The Abbey of the Genesee. Ross will be remembered by those closest to him as charismatic, creative, generous, and one of a kind.

Ross’s memory is lovingly carried on by his children, RJ and daughter-in-law Colleen, Whitney and son-in-law Jon, Samantha and special friend Justin, and Jake ’17 and special friend Erin; his grandchildren, James, Rosemary, Lia, Wyatt, and Grace; his brother, David; and his beloved canine companions, Sky and Bugsy.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, December 13, 2024, in St. James Church, 6 Green St. in Cazenovia, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Boys and Girls Club of America online at bgca.org.

Dana B. Miquelle ’69

Dana Miquelle, age 73, passed away at home, October 20, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, son of the late Claude H. ’42 and Jean (Bryer) Miquelle, he grew up in Stoneham, MA enjoying summers on Cape Cod. Dana graduated from Williston Academy (Easthampton, MA) in 1969, then from Drew University (Madison, NJ) in 1973 with a degree in Religious Studies.

Dana married Margaret Moore in 1973 and moved to Cape Cod. There Dana began his custom home building business, often working closely with his father Architect Claude Miquelle. Despite no formal training, with his aptitude for learning and problem solving he was able to develop a unique niche in the Custom home building boom on the lower Cape and across Massachusetts. In 1977 Dana’s first daughter Jessica was born, followed by his second daughter Lisa in 1980.

Dana returned to school to pursue Psychology Counseling, graduating from Lesley College with his Masters in 1996. With degree in hand, Dana then moved to Bozeman, Montana to begin his counseling career. He furthered his education with a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist degree in 2011 and eventually transitioned his practice to Livingston, Montana, while he moved to Wilsall, Montana where he declared he would “make his last stand.” He continued to provide impactful care to his patients until his retirement this past August.

Dana was an avid skier, hiker, and outdoorsman who loved to garden and brought artistry and sensitivity to all aspects of his life. He loved music and taught himself to play guitar in later life, collecting many records and guitars over his lifetime. Dana was an environmentalist who loved the natural world and enjoyed the solitude of wild places, but also enjoyed nothing better than to share the beauty of nature with all those he loved.

Dana is survived by his children Jessica Miquelle Romero (Eduardo) and Lisa Miquelle ’98; his grandchildren Eva and Sonia Romero, Dylan Hemsworth, and Nora Meservey; and his siblings Debra Miquelle Prudden (Peter ’66) and Dale Miquelle ’72 (Marina).

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in Dana’s honor. In lieu of flowers or gifts for the family, please make a donation to your favorite National Park or environmental charity.

Charles D. Vernon ’62

Charles Dearden Vernon was born on November 4, 1944, in Worcester, Massachusetts and died peacefully on October 18, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut from medical complications. He was the son of the late Hollis and Jean Dearden Vernon.

Chuck grew up on the campus of the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts. At Williston, he stood out as an inspiring leader of the student body as president of the Student Council and as a gifted, determined athlete who exceled in football, hockey and lacrosse, serving as captain of the latter two. In a remarkable tribute to Chuck and his leadership abilities, a teammate’s family donated a Victory Bell to the school in his honor. Dedicated to Chuck, the inscription reads that he proved to all that “sportsman is the true victory.” Chuck was elected to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

After Williston Chuck attended Dartmouth College, graduating in 1966. At Dartmouth he was once again a campus leader and recognized athlete, captain of the men’s lacrosse team and named as an All-American for his sportsmanship and love of the game.

Following graduation from Dartmouth, for a brief time Chuck managed a Dixieland-motif restaurant, Your Father’s Mustache, first in Bay Head, New Jersey during the summer and then in New York City the following winter. It was in Bay Head that he met the love of his life, Jamie Sandra Gardner, whom he married in 1968.

In 1968 Chuck began his illustrious career at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, serving on the faculty in myriad roles throughout his career in secondary school education, but primarily as the head of the Community Work Program, which he established shortly after his arrival. Again, Chuck’s commitment to athletics and his ability to engage and lead others to perform at their highest level were evident as he coached 135 teams for over 40 years. To honor his outstanding contribution to girls’ ice hockey, the New England Preparatory Schools Athletic Conference named the Elite Division championship tournament in his honor.

When he wasn’t coaching during the school year, Chuck, along with Jamie, spent every summer at the Jersey Shore hosting gatherings for family and friends, making furniture in his shop and body surfing at Bridge Avenue Beach.

Throughout his quasi-retirement, Chuck continued and expanded his passion for woodworking and his commitment to walking, engaging friends and neighbors to join him. In this latter realm, as in other forums, Chuck’s effervescent personality, punctuated by forceful insistence and a quick wit, brought people into his orbit, summoning them to action and enriching their lives.

Throughout Chuck’s life, he was fiercely committed to his family and friends as they were to him. In his eyes, his wife Jamie, who predeceased him, was the most incredible person on the planet. A loving and present father to Jill and Andrew, he also leaves his special GrandGirls Lila, Jenna, Hannah and Tatum; Jill’s husband Todd and Andrew’s wife Adrianne, along with many friends, especially Ginny Drapeau who was a constant source of care and strength the past two years. Predeceased by his brother Kirke, Chuck also leaves several cousins and their children.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Chuck at the Loomis Chaffee School on Sunday November 24th at 10:00 a.m. with luncheon to follow.

Donations in his memory can be made to The Loomis Chaffee School, for the Charles D. Vernon Teaching Fund, Alumni/Development, 4 Batchelder Road, Windsor, CT 06095

David Barnes Boffey ’63

David Barnes Boffey, of White River Junction, Vermont, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, concluding his 79-year journey back into the light. He was a courageous, helpful and loving person.

Barnes was born on July 16, 1945, to David and Nancy Boffey. He grew up in Pleasantville, New York, before moving with his family to Belvedere, California, at age 11. Camp Lanakila in Fairlee, Vermont, became his beloved home away from home beginning in 1953.

At Middlebury College, he majored in drama and played on the football team. The 6-foot-8 defensive lineman tried out for the Pittsburgh Steelers following his 1967 graduation knowing it was a long shot. Denied a roster spot, Barnes hung up his cleats and taught elementary school for two years. Then came graduate school at the University of Massachusetts where he earned both a Masters and Doctoral degree in education. He taught at the University of Cincinnati before returning to Vermont and leading the Upper Valley Teacher Training Program (now UVEI). He became an adjunct professor at Dartmouth College, practiced counseling, and worked at Lanakila for many years including 24 years as director.

Barnes’ counseling philosophy focused on internal control theory. He asked those he was counseling both about what they wanted and what kind of person they wanted to be. The premise was that people can affect their feelings and physiology with the actions and thoughts they employ. The external world provides constant information and individuals get to decide how to interpret it. Imparting these concepts was central to Barnes’ life’s work, which helped many clients, friends and camp staffers.

He also worked as a consultant, primarily around the topic of non-coercive discipline in schools. As an author, he penned three books (Reinventing Yourself, My Gift in Return and Climb on Simon), and collaborated on adapting the Velveteen Rabbit into a musical. He also volunteered as a Cub Scouts leader, taught classes for parents of adults and was an active member of the local recovery community. He had a passion for ebiking, which he enjoyed throughout his final days.

Barnes will be missed tremendously by his two sons, David and Adam, his former wife, Sharon, and grandson, Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Peter, sisters-in-law, Ophira and Michelle and nephews, Mercer and David. Barnes was predeceased by his brother, Daniel.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ at Dartmouth, 40 College Street, Hanover, NH, on Saturday, September 7 at 3 pm. Please note there will also be a Celebration of Life at the Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, Vt. over Memorial Day Weekend, 2025.

Newell S. Doty ’61

Newell Smith Doty (80) of Hendersonville, NC, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 30, 2024, surrounded by his wife and three daughters.

Born to Allen Render Doty and Ruth Greene Smith Doty on June 20, 1943 in Providence, RI, Newell grew up in Longmeadow, MA with his brother, Paul ’64. He attended Williston Academy of Northampton, MA, Washington and Lee University and American International College, where he met the love of his life, Veronica (Ronnie), on a blind date.

Ronnie and Newell were married on August 21, 1965 and together, they raised their daughters, Kristin, Katherine (Katie), and Elizabeth (Betsy), in Rochester, NY. Newell was an insurance executive with Aetna Life and Casualty for 27 years before being drawn to the North Carolina mountains to fulfill his dream of running a B&B. He and Ronnie owned and operated The Orchard Inn in Saluda, NC, for nearly 5 years before his retirement.

An active outdoorsman, Newell was a lacrosse player in his youth and enjoyed running (17 marathons and many mini-triathlons), fly fishing, hiking, and golf. He served others as a former EMT, training his dog Hershey to be a therapy dog, and working with the backpack program at his Church, St. John’s in the Wilderness.

Papa New, as he is affectionately known by his 6 grandchildren, will be forever remembered as a loving father and grandfather, who prioritized family time, never missed an opportunity to cheer on his grandkids, and kept us all laughing with his quick wit and corny jokes.

Newell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ronnie, his daughters Kristin (daughter Molly) of Flat Rock, NC, Katie (husband Robb and children Abbey, Logan and Caroline) of Birmingham, AL, and Betsy (husband J.D and daughters Lyla and Paryn) of Edwards, CO. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Tore’s Home for their devotion and love of Newell and Four Seasons Hospice, who treated him with compassion and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Newell’s honor to Memory Care of Asheville, NC and St John’s in the Wilderness of Flat Rock, NC. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday April 13th at 11:00 in the morning at St. John’s in the Wilderness of Flat Rock, NC. Hallelujah, He is Risen Indeed!

Henry S. Hacker ’60

Henry Samuel Hacker (“Hank” to many of his closest friends), beloved father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, friend, lifelong scholar and New York sports fan, died peacefully on June 6, 2024, in Boston, MA. He was 81.

Henry was born on December 26, 1942, in New York City, and was raised in Beacon, NY, where his parents, immigrants from Austria who escaped Nazi persecution, settled in response to a call for doctors to fill a void left by World War II. After graduating from Williston Academy, Henry was awarded an English Speaking Union scholarship and traveled aboard the RMS Queen Mary to spend a gap year at Sutton Valence School in England, an experience that ignited his enduring passion for British culture. While at Sutton Valence, Henry made lifelong friends from both sides of the Atlantic and would return often to visit the school throughout his life. From there, Henry went on to graduate from Yale University and Cornell Law School.

Henry’s professional career was diverse and prolific. His early years were spent in investment banking at Dean Witter and from there he began a long tenure as a corporate lawyer in private practice, first at Skadden Arps when the firm was still in its infancy and later at his own firm. In 1995, Henry left the legal profession to become Chief Operating Officer for the popular menswear brand Alexander Julian, helping the company grow rapidly through creative licensing opportunities. He parlayed that experience into his own lifestyle and branding consultancy firm, Hacker, Dolan + Partners, and spent the remainder of his career helping clients, including fashion designers, musicians, artists and other creative people, monetize their talent. Clients and colleagues recall Henry as a skilled negotiator and a man possessing a keen intellect and unimpeachable honesty, integrity and character.

A thruline in Henry’s life was a passion for history, art and amassing collections, not merely for his own satisfaction, but to preserve items of cultural and historical significance for future generations. He donated generously throughout his life, and in an interview, he once observed: “If you give your collections to a museum, you can always go visit them.” While this lifelong pursuit had the humble origins of collecting baseball cards as a child, Henry’s collections would go on to be featured in museums throughout the world. He donated his 6,000 item baseball card collection to the Hudson River Museum in New York and his collection of over 500 British transportation posters resides in permanent collection at the Yale Center for British Art. The British poster collection was featured prominently in an exhibit titled “Art for All: British Posters for Transport” at Yale, the Wolfsonian in Miami and several other international museums.

In retirement, Henry’s indefatigable passion for scholarship and arts access led him back to school, where he wrote a thesis on the restitution of art looted during the Holocaust. At 71, he earned his third degree, a master’s in museum studies from the Harvard Extension School. In recognition of this feat, he was featured in the Harvard Gazette as a “stellar graduate” alongside other graduating Harvard students (most close to 50 years younger than him).

Above all else, Henry was a devoted and loving father and grandfather. As a vault of esoteric knowledge, he could always be counted on for help perfecting a high school, college or graduate school essay (often with an impending deadline); solving a particularly daunting corporate finance problem set; preparing for law school exams; or completing a Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. He never missed an opportunity to watch one of his children’s various sporting events, and was known to spend his weekends driving countless hours across the Northeast (and beyond) to figure skating competitions, ice hockey tournaments and Middlebury football and Tufts lacrosse games. Henry was incredibly generous with his time and resources and always there when needed most, whether through a simple reassuring phone call, an emergency financial “loan” or even riding shotgun on a cross-country drive. He was a world class listener and advisor, and his children (along with clients, colleagues, friends and other family) were the beneficiaries of his practical advice, even keel and unfailing advocacy.

Henry’s family is grateful for the eight years he lived after receiving a kidney transplant from a generous deceased donor and for the care he received from many doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. He is survived by his children, Michael, Matthew, and Katrina Hacker; their spouses, C.J. Hacker, Sarah Dmitrovsky, and Charlotte Hastings; grandsons Luke, Colt, Pete, and James Hacker; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider registering as an organ donor when you renew your driver’s license or online at https://registerme.org/, or making a donation in Henry’s honor to the Massachusetts Organ Transplant Fund/New England Donor Services (https://neds.org/) or the Yale Center for British Art (https://britishart.yale.edu/get-involved). A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Charles R. Donnellan ’69

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Charles Ricker Donnellan on May 5, 2024 at a care center in Sylmar, California. He was a resident at Sunrise at Sterling Canyon in the Assisted Care wing and had his own apartment for the past three years. While there, he gained the title of Jigsaw Puzzle Wizard. He was able to assemble a 1000-piece puzzle within a matter of four hours. Other residents were quite upset to find he had completed all the puzzles set up in the community room while they all slept. He did his best work at 4AM along with a cup of coffee until the puzzles were all completed. He was greeted with open arms at the breakfast table at 7:30AM.

He passed from several health complications, the most recent being liver failure.

He was flown to Hartford, Connecticut and a private internment was held on June 8, 2024 at the Union Hill Cemetery in Middle Haddam, Connecticut.

He is survived by two older siblings, Mary Ricker Leao-Martin, NSFG class of 1965 and Virginia Donnellan Eberhard, NSFG class of 1967.

Douglas S. Fuller ’68

Douglas Swanson Fuller, born January 22, 1949 and died April 8, 2024 after a robust fist-fight with bone cancer. Son of Robert and Janet Fuller and grandson of Robert Swanson, owner of James W. Elwell, the oldest ongoing transatlantic shipping company in the U.S.

Doug graduated from Williston Academy in Massachusetts, then The Ohio State University. His career was in commercial real estate becoming a Senior Vice President of Olympia & York Properties in NYC.

His passions included travel with Pam, skiing with the grandkids, fly fishing, skeet shooting and Buckeye football.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Pam, sister Susan McDonough, brother Rob Fuller, stepdaughter Angela Pinkerton, grandchildren Vivian, Ridge and Marley Pinkerton and Wyatt Estepp, nieces Jennifer Coppola, Ann Savery, Abigail McDonough, Cassidy Fuller, nephews Andrew McDonough, Matthew McDonough and Tim Fuller, cousins Janet Stewart, David Kindle, Tom Kindle and Andy Adams.

Doug was active in community organizations including being a member of the Advisory Board of The Ohio State Center for Real Estate, board member of The Liberty School, Durango, CO and board member of Music in the Mountains, Durango, CO.