Category Archives: Class Decades

Richard C. Sheldon ’61

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. ’63

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.

John S. Kemper ’55

John Scribner Kemper, 86, a long-time resident of Northfield, IL passed away on March 10, 2023 at the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL surrounded by his wife, daughter and son.

John was born on June 22, 1936 to Mark and Annabel (Wagner) Kemper in Barrington, IL. After attending the Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts, John graduated with a B.A. degree from DePauw University and earned an M.B.A. from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. Most of his career was spent with the Kemper Insurance Company as a telecommunications expert and then later as an independent consultant to small businesses.

John gave back to the community over his lifetime volunteering for many organizations including the Chicago Jaycees, Northfield Public Schools, Winnetka Hockey Club, various local churches and the North Shore Senior Center. John was a handy man around the house willing and able to fix or build anything and he was passionate about travel (with an affinity for Kauai), his miniature schnauzers, Apple products and classical music. In the early 1960s he obtained his pilot’s license around the time he met his beloved Maggie. During the courtship, he would fly her to local Midwest destinations for lunch and back in a single engine Cessna. A devoted husband for 56 years, John professed his love for Maggie until his very last breath. In marriage and in life, John never wavered in his commitment to values of integrity, loyalty and kindness.

John is survived by his wife Margaret McElwain Kemper, daughter Katherine (Donald) Featherstone, son Scott (Jaime) Kemper, grandchildren Sophia Featherstone and Jack and Luke Kemper and sister Mary (Robert) Sowersby. He will be dearly missed by his family.
The family wants to express their sincere appreciation to all the nurses and staff at the Presbyterian Homes whose care and compassion for John will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at the Elliott Chapel at the Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL (3131 Simpson – access from Golf Road) on May 5, 2023 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of John to the Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes. https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/geneva-foundation/

Leon J. Pernice Jr. ’77

Leon J. Pernice Jr. passed away at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida on February 28, 2023 with his loving family at his side. Lee grew up in West Springfield Massachusetts and graduated High School from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton MA., where he played Football and Hockey. He attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida, studied at the University of Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the Boston Architectural Center in Boston, MA. He was a licensed Architect in Massachusetts and Florida and worked for more than 40 years at the family-owned Architectural firm, Leon Pernice and Associates, Inc. At the time of his passing he was Vice-President of the firm. Lee was an avid golfer in his younger days. He competed at a high level in many local tournaments, charity events and qualified for the Massachusetts State Amateur Championship. He also loved mountain biking and spent many hours riding through numerous Western Massachusetts trails and Florida parks. Anyone who knew Lee knew his passion was being on his boat and on the water. Fishing was his favorite pastime which took him on adventures all the way up and down the East coast from Rockport, Maine to Islamorada, Florida Keys. He spent his final years living in Fort Pierce, Florida and fished offshore the Fort Pierce Treasure coast, the place he loved most. If he wasn’t offshore trolling blue water for Mahi, you could find him cruising the Intercoastal Waterways and the Fort Pierce Inlet, chasing down Snook, Grouper and Mangrove Snapper for a fresh fish dinner. He was always saying he needed warmer waters and his boat, the “SushiD’Lux” took him there. Lee was also a certified deep-water scuba diver. If he wasn’t fishing, he would spend his time diving and snorkeling reefs, mangrove flats and boat wrecks in and around Fort Pierce and the Florida Keys. Alligator Reef – “The Light House” off Islamorada Key was his favorite dive. Lee had an old saying – “Never leave fish to find fish” but he did it anyway. That’s just the kind of guy he was. He couldn’t stay in one spot for any length of time. There was always better fish to find and more live bait to catch – just over there by the shipping buoy or over the next reef. Lee leaves to cherish his memory his loving father, Leon J. Pernice, Sr., his brother and best friend, David, his sister, Lisa Pernice-Gomes (and husband, David), his sister, Nina Cunningham (and husband, Robert) of Bradenton, Florida, “Uncle Lee’s” nieces and nephews-Andrea, his godson-Greg, Mark, Allie, John, Anna and Sharlotte, several aunts and uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to count. He was pre-deceased by his beloved mother, Yolande Pernice. Lee lived his life on his terms and his sudden illness took him from us way too soon. He was a generous soul who loved God, his family and his friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He will be greatly missed. Calling hours for Leon will be held Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 4-7 pm at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, and a funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023, 10:00am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 47 Pine Street, West Springfield. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600.

Clifford L. Sterrett ’66

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 L. McCoid ’60

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.

Harrison B. Bennett ’51


Harrison (Harry) Booth Bennett, 91, died peacefully with his son Kevin by his side on Jan. 5, 2023.

He was predeceased by his dear wife Dorothy (Gates) Bennett in 2018. He was predeceased by parents Marilyn (Booth) and David Bennett. Harry was born on Nov. 16, 1932, in Ridgewood, N.J.

He graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1949. He attended one year of prep school at Williston Academy in Easthampton, Mass. Harry graduated from the University of Alabama on May 30, 1954, he was extremely proud of his alma mater. Roll Crimson Tide.

He met his future wife, Dorothy Gates on a blind date in September 1954. They eloped a year later, and were happily married for 64 years. They lived on Erie Avenue in Midland Park, N.J., for 61 years.

Harry held a variety of jobs over his long career and worked for many reputable companies, such as Tiffany and Company, T+W in Ridgewood, IT+T, and Prentice Hall Publishing. After working for over 50 years, he was very proud to volunteer at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood working on Medicare claims.

He kept in touch with his fellow workers there and greatly missed them. Harry and Dot enjoyed many cruises in their retirement, they loved their trips to Aruba, the Bahamas, The Panama Canal, and St. Thomas. They also very much enjoyed a trip to France. Harry and Dot moved to New Hampshire in the summer of 2018 to be closer to family. He enjoyed his life here and kept himself busy listening to music, his favorite era being the 1940s.

He liked watching the birds, lunches at the Gibson Center, visiting with his Meals on Wheels drivers, and especially his weekly dinners and games of Bananagrams with Melissa, Robbie and Neville. His memory for historic dates and musical timelines was phenomenal. He was great at letter writing, and keeping in touch with many old friends and family members.

He was grateful to be able to live on his own thanks to caregiver and good friend, Bobbi Broemme. He was well taken care of by his caregivers, Ellie and Tina from Timberland Home Care more recently. He enjoyed every visit with his doctor Ray Rabideau, as they shared a love of music.

Harry was a kind man who loved being around family and friends. Annual holiday gatherings at the Shea homestead in Brownfield, Maine, were a highlight for him, especially if Helena and Walter Prox were present.

Harry is survived by son Steven (Fran); granddaughter Courtney and her husband, Nick; son Kevin (Leigh); grandchildren, Ruby and Cal; sister-in-law Marie Germain; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held in the Garland Ridge Cemetery in Bartlett, N.H., later in the spring.

William L. Van Alen III ’78

William L. Van Alen III passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023. Will was born to Sydney Purviance Van Alen and William L. Van Alen, Jr. on October 22, 1959. He graduated from Montgomery Country Day School and the Williston Northampton School. Will was an excellent athlete; the captain and high scorer of his lacrosse team at Williston. During the summers of his college years at the University of Vermont, Will taught windsurfing at 3rd Beach in Middletown RI. He came in second place in the Worlds and was featured as the centerfold of Windsurfing Magazine. Early in his life Will’s sheer joy of doing things directly involved with nature and the great outdoors was well established. Lured by the compelling beauty of the lakes, Will moved to Minnesota in the early 1990s and never left. There he found a new extreme sport, namely Sky Skiing. Will loved it and through endless practice, attained a high degree of proficiency. Loving the mountains as well as the oceans and lakes, Will enjoyed going out with friends four-wheeling. He often came home covered in mud with a big smile on his face. In the winter months, Will loved snowmobiling and skiing. Going fast and facing somewhat risky challenges definitely appealed to Will. During those years, Will married, later divorced, and started and ran a successful roofing and siding business. He also loved spending time with his family in Northeast Harbor, ME. He is survived by his mother Sydney Blynn Toland, three siblings, Alexandra Van Alen Frazier, Dina Gibson, and Luke Van Alen, seven nieces and nephews, and two great nieces and one great nephew. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or Tee it up for the Troops. Services will be held at St. David’s Church on May 6th, 2023 at 11:00 A.M.

A. Richard Malkin ’49

Albert Richard “Dick” Malkin, 92, of Topsham, Maine died peacefully on February 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Dick was born January 3, 1931 in Norwalk, Connecticut. He graduated from Williston Academy and Colgate University. Dick was a standout athlete in both college hockey and baseball so much so that he was selected to join an all-star college hockey squad that competed in Japan in 1951. His education continued at Harvard Business School before military experience in Philadelphia as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Signal Corps. He went on to work for IBM for 33 years including two assignments in Tokyo, Japan as Director of Licensing of Intellectual Property for the Asia Pacific Region. Dick loved to exercise and especially enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Another hobby included building stone walls around his properties. He was also very musical, singing in barbershop quartets, leading the Twin Ridge Singers, a neighborhood group. Before retiring to Maine in 2004, Dick resided in Ridgefield, Connecticut for 35 years. Though he had traveled all over the world, his fondest memories were of Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, Avalon, New Jersey and Boothbay Harbor, Maine. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie, his three children, Mark ’81, Laura and Andrew, as well as his four grandchildren who knew him as “Boomer”. He will be remembered not only for his love of family but also for his grit, modesty, and kindness toward others. A private memorial service will occur at his family’s summer cottage “Cozyholme” in Maine.

Charles Kenneth Burke ’46

Charles Kenneth “Ken” Burke, age 95, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 1, 1928 in Lowell, MA, son of the late Charles P. Burke and Alvina (Leblanc) Burke of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Ken served in the US Army and was a WWII Veteran who served in Occupied Japan. He attended Springfield Technical High School and was a class agent and graduate of Williston Academy in 1946. He went on to graduate from St Michaels College. Ken was Co-Owner and Operator of the family business, Benton Park Package Store for many years before he retired in 2000.

Ken was a communicant of Holy Cross Church in Springfield. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council, the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61, Lions Club, a volunteer for the Springfield Association for Blind, and Springfield Sportsman’s Club. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, Pioneer Valley Radio Control Club and the Northern CT Radio Control Club. He shared his love of boating, sailing, skiing and ice skating with his five sons and they created very special memories together.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Florence Ann (Grise) Burke who passed away in 2018 and also by his brothers James and Donald Burke. He is survived by his five sons, Charles K. Burke Jr and his wife Gwen of Springfield, Robert Burke and his wife Donna of Lyme, CT, Michael Burke and his wife Karla of Old Lyme, CT, James Burke and his wife Teresa of Huntington and Joseph Burke and his wife Gina of Feeding Hills; eight grandchildren, Nick Burke and his wife Julie, Kevin Burke and his wife Danielle, Michaelan Condon and her husband George, Kristen Burke, Chris Burke, Shannon Burke, Celina Burke and Matt Burke along with five beloved great grandchildren, Nolan, Emily and Lauren Burke, and Erin and Daniel Condon.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A Funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Cross Church at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in St Michael’s Cemetery, Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Dr, West Springfield, MA, 01089.