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.

David “Dave” Louden McCoid, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, passed away of natural causes in his home on December 28, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

Dave was born on December 30, 1940, to Eugene Calvin and Roberta (Biddle Louden) McCoid. After graduating from Mount Pleasant Community High School, Dave went to the University of Iowa, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. At Iowa he met the love of his life, Marilyn Alice Minford, and they married on November 24, 1964. They moved to Columbia, Missouri where Dave obtained his Juris Doctor at the University of Missouri School of Law. On July 1, 1968, he began to practice law in Mt. Pleasant, becoming the fourth McCoid and third generation McCoid to practice law in town. Dave also served as a part-time judicial magistrate for over 23 years, earning the nickname “the Judge” from friends and associates. His professional work was guided by his values of integrity, compassion, and connection.

He believed deeply in community service: volunteering as the secretary of the Henry County Fair Board for 37 years (his children delighted at his demo derby announcing), serving on the Mt. Pleasant Community School Board for 25 years, and would want it noted as a fellow MPCHS graduate who attended school in August, that he helped bring air conditioning to the high school. Additional highlights of his service to the community: Henry County Heritage Trust Board of Directors (13 years), Van Allen Heritage Society (14 years), Iowa Wesleyan University Board of Trustees (18 years); Mt. Pleasant Community Theater Board (19 years). He also held leadership positions within the Henry County Bar Association as well as the Iowa State Bar Association.

Dave celebrated and supported the success of each new generation of leaders and youth who lived in Mt. Pleasant. He was especially proud to have helped coach the 1988 High School Mock Trial Team which finished in 3rd place at state.

Outside of work and civic interests, Dave had three main passions: the Hawkeyes, the Cubs, and the theater. Dave had been to each Big10 stadium cheering on his Hawkeyes, attended games in 41 major league ballparks, and participated in at least 20 community theater productions.

He always had a smile ready to share and a twinkle in his eye. He was often seen about town with colorful socks and ties, a collection that continued to grow.

Survivors include two sons, David II of Minneapolis, MN and Douglas of Mount Pleasant; two daughters, Laura (Dave) Goudy of Eugene, OR, and Katherine of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Lachlann McCoid and Louden McCoid of Minneapolis, MN and Marilyn Goudy of Eugene, OR; his sister, Jean McCoid of Mt. Pleasant; a nephew, Andrew McCoid of Mt. Pleasant; his sister-in-law Marthe (James) Meas of Southlake, TX; and nephew Scott Frye (Gina) of Galviston, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his brother Robert “Robbie” Eugene McCoid and brother-in-law, Steven Minford.

A memorial service with reception to follow will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 2 PM.

In remembrance of Dave’s life, the family asks that any charitable contributions be made with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra for the Marilyn M. McCoid Fund and the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Foundation.

Richard Marsh Furniss, 81, of Burlington, CT, passed away suddenly on his birthday, January 24, 2023. He was the son of the late Dr. William E. ’31 and Doris (Ireland) Furniss.

Richard graduated from Dartmouth College and had a long career in human resources, retiring from American Savings Bank as the Vice President of Human Resources. He also volunteered on many executive boards for a variety of human service agencies.

Richard loved watching the UCONN girls basketball team, having lengthy conversations with family and friends, attending auctions and working a farm. He was more comfortable in overalls and jeans than suits and ties. Richard thoroughly enjoyed being retired. He traveled often, worked on his tan and enjoyed the sun and surf while the rest of us suffered through cold, snowy winters.

Richard is survived by his son Keith Furniss and his wife Jacquelyn of Bristol; daughter Kathryn (Katie) Beaudin and her husband Adam of TX; grandchildren Alexa, Katelynn and Jack Furniss, Kyle and Abby Beaudin; sister Diane Happy and her husband Richard of NV; brothers David Furniss ’64 of FL, Donald Furniss and his wife Jean of Plymouth and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Duane Furniss.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Yale New Haven Children’s Heart Center, www.ynhh.org/childrens-hospital.

William R. Powell of Horseheads, NY passed away suddenly of natural causes on January 30, 2023 at the age of 79. Bill was born to Wilkins R. and Anna Powell on October 23, 1943 in Mount Holley, NJ and raised in Worcester, MA.
After graduating from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA, Bill spent an additional academic year of study in England prior to enrolling at Brown University. While earning his BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering there, he also nurtured his love of the outdoors by hiking and camping across New England. He took that passion to new heights on the West Coast while working towards his PhD (awarded in 1971) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Stanford University. After that, Bill spent a year as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Zurich.
Living on the West Coast at a very interesting time in history, Bill developed a passion for ’60s Rock that he kept throughout his life. He saw many of the greats at the Fillmore West, and had a memorable day at the infamous Altamont Speedway Free Festival in December, 1969 where he saw Jefferson Airplane, The Rolling Stones, Santana, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, among others. A true Deadhead, he also saw the Grateful Dead many times. He regretted never having seen Janis Joplin perform live, but he did get to see Ozzy.
In 1972, Dr. Powell joined the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics faculty of West Virginia University. It was in Morgantown, WV that Bill met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Nelson. They married in 1977 and Bill embraced his new role as a father to Barbara’s son Brandon Wayne Sodomick. The birth of their son Jef in 1979 completed their family of four. In 1981, Bill joined Corning Incorporated and the family to moved to Big Flats, NY. Bill played a variety of roles at Corning, officially retiring as a Senior Engineering Associate in 2002 but continuing his relationship with the company as an Engineering Consultant until 2017. In addition to authoring almost 100 publications both within and outside of Corning Incorporated, Bill was the holder of 11 U.S. patents.
As accomplished as Bill was in his career, he was a humble man who believed that his contributions to the community were equally as valuable as to his profession. He was an Elder in Big Flats Presbyterian Church, a member and past president of the Big Flats Lions Club, and a volunteer for and board member of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. With a group of other retired citizens, he applied his engineering skills and built accessibility ramps for homes. He spent hours every summer basting chicken on the grates for the Lions Club’s chicken barbecues, collected donated eyeglasses for the Club, and otherwise extended a hand to help others in his community where needed.
Bill and Barbara also found time to travel throughout the USA and the larger world. Their travel experiences included many destinations in Europe, Russia, Egypt, and a most memorable East African safari.
Bill is predeceased by his parents, Wilkins R. and Anna Powell, brother-in-law Joe Beard, and in-laws Dora and Ralph Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, sons Brandon and Jef, sisters Nancy Hatfield and Marjorie Powell, brother Richard Powell (Kathy), sisters-in-law Gayle Nelson (Tom Schmid), and Connie Nelson Elder (John), and many nieces and nephews.
There will be calling hours Saturday, February 11th 10:30 – 12:00 at the Big Flats Presbyterian Church, 95 Main Street, followed by a memorial service at noon. A luncheon will be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier (388 Upper Oakwood Avenue, Elmira, NY 14903), Big Flats Presbyterian Church (P.O. 454, Big Flats, NY 14814), or any charity of your choice.

Christopher S. Diamond, 76, of Steamboat Springs, CO, died peacefully in his home on January 12, 2023, a perfect bluebird day and fittingly, the 60th anniversary of Steamboat Ski Resort. Chris was born in Danbury, CT, but spent his childhood in Easthampton, MA. Chris graduated from Williston Academy in Easthampton, where he proudly warmed the bench for Williston’s undefeated 1964 football team. After Williston, Chris attended Middlebury College on scholarship. He served as the social chair and cook for his beloved fraternity, Alpha Sigma Psi, also remembered fondly as “the slughouse.” Chris graduated from Middlebury with a commission from ROTC and he received his notice to report for active duty in January of 1970, interrupting his masters from UMass Amherst. He served in Vietnam with the US Army as a first lieutenant and became platoon leader in a joint unit formed between the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and the 510th Signal Company. As a result of his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the bronze star and commendations. Upon returning from active duty in 1972, Chris completed his master’s at UMass. His interest in academics waning, Chris took a role as the assistant to Killington Mountain Resort founder Preston Smith. In 1977, he became the general manager of Mount Snow in West Dover, VT. Chris would go on to hold multiple leadership positions for S-K-I Ltd. and American Skiing Company before assuming the role of managing director at Steamboat Ski Resort in 1999. He continued his career as president and chief operating officer of Steamboat Ski Corporation until his retirement in 2015. During his career, Diamond also served as chairman of the National Ski Areas Association and of Colorado Ski Country USA. In 2013, he was recognized with an NSAA Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame in 2017. After retiring, he consulted with resorts ranging from the Sun Valley Company to Schweitzer. He also became an award-winning author, writing two books (Ski Inc. and Ski Inc. 2020) chronicling the resort business and his career in it. Chris served on numerous boards in the Yampa Valley including the Routt County Airport Advisory Commission, the Steamboat Chamber (past president), the Yampa Valley Community Foundation, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and Strings Music Festival. In addition to Chris’ passion for skiing and the ski industry, he was an avid cyclist and sailor. He took up sailing in his 20s and went on to compete successfully nationally and internationally. Chris is survived by his wife of 44 years Eileen Diamond; his sister Barbara Diamond; his two children Keenen Diamond and wife Mandy, and Elizabeth Diamond and husband Peter; and his two grandchildren, Kaden and Makayla. Chris was preceded in death by his father James Diamond, a World War II veteran who landed on Omaha Beach; and by his mother Mary Diamond, a social worker who played a lead role at Children’s Aid and Family Services in Northampton, MA. Chris was a beloved father and husband, a faithful friend, a thoughtful leader, and a true visionary in the ski industry. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Strings Music Festival or to the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Colorado.

Marlin G. Howard, 78, of Enfield, CT, beloved husband of Karen (Schlanger) Howard, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Born in Huntington, WV on August 31, 1944, he was the son of the late Dr. Arthur Howard and Minna (Galewski) Howard and grew up in Johnstown, NY. He attended high school at Williston Academy, graduated from Yale University, class of 1967 and received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1969. He moved to Enfield in 1970 where he raised his family. Marlin worked as a Certified Public Accountant and Financial Planner, retiring just in November 2022. He had a great sense of humor that got him in and out of trouble over the years. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing racquetball and pool competitively. He had a passion for working and connecting with his clients, but more than anything he had a love for his family and loved spending time with them and vacationing with his children and grandchildren. Besides his wife of 56 years, Karen, he is survived by 2 loving daughters, Stephanie Howard and her husband Benjamin Beck of Boston, MA, and Amy Howard Andrews of Matthews, NC; his pride and joy, his 3 grandchildren, Hannah Andrews, Sarah Andrews, and Ellen Beck; 2 siblings, Barry and Ronda Howard; 5 nieces and 1 nephew. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, January 20, at 3:00 PM at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd. Enfield. Memorial donations may be made to Enfield Fire Fighters Association, 200 Phoenix Ave, Enfield CT 06082.

In loving memory of John A. Ernst of Brookhaven, GA, his family is saddened to announce his sudden passing on November 11, 2022 at Emory St. Joseph’s hospital. A man of deep Christian faith, John lived a full life guided by John 13:34 “Jesus said, ‘Love one another even as I have loved you”.

John was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Arthur Ernst; and sister, Judith Ernst. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Suzanne Ernst; and three children, Mayor John A. Ernst, Jr. (Monica Vining) of Brookhaven, Elizabeth S. Ernst of Brookhaven, and Timothy J. Ernst (Bobbi) of Chamblee. John is also survived by his sister, Barbara Plezia (Norman) of East Aurora, New York; four grandchildren, John A., III (Jack), Evan, Norah and Ellie Ernst; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation and Vigil will be held on Thursday, November 17 at H.M. Patterson and Son Oglethorpe Hills Chapel in Brookhaven from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 PM. A Funeral Mass is planned for Friday, November 18 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Brookhaven at 1:00 PM followed by inurnment and reception at Moylan Hall. Gifts may be made in John’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference at OLA Church, 1350 Hearst Drive, NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319, or to the charity of your choice.