Category Archives: Class Decades

Joni A. Jurkowski ’76

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Joni A. Jurkowski passed away on July 4, 2013, at Baystate Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in Northampton on June 15, 1958.

Joni is survived by her uncle, Robert M. Laprade of Easthampton, with whom she lived. She is also survived by her cousin, Kitty Maxey, and husband, Dee of Dallas, Texas. In addition, she is survived by her feline companions, Mittens and Midnight. Joni was predeceased by her mother, Pauline, in 2013; her aunt, Georgette L. O’Connor, in 2000; her uncle, Jerry O’Connor, in 2001; and her cousin, Maggi O’Connor, in 2007.

Joni was a graduate of Williston Northampton School and Roger Williams University. She was employed for many years by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue in Springfield.

The family would like to thank Kimberly Soutra and Dr. Andrew Hall for their continued kindness and support. In addition, the family extends special thanks to Dr. Bogdan Tiru and the ICU staff at Baystate Medical Center for their professionalism and compassion in their treatment of Joni.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Easthampton Ambulance Fund, Attn.: Fire Chief, 32 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027 or a charity of one’s choice .

Posted in: 1970s

Michael P. Farmer ’74

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Michael Patrick Farmer, 58, longtime resident of Amesbury, died Sunday afternoon June 23, 2013 at home with his loving family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was an amazing husband to his wife of 32 years, Gail Slosar-Farmer, and a devoted father to his children, Sean and Sheena. Born in Albany, N.Y., on March 12, 1955, he was one of seven children of Dorothea J. (Peterson) Farmer of Newburyport and the late Raymond B. Farmer. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Troy, N.Y., Williston Academy of Easthampton, Mass., and attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

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Posted in: 1970s

Joseph P. Petruzelo ’46

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Joseph Peter Petruzelo of Meriden, much beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother-in law, and uncle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Meriden on April 29, 1928, and attended local primary schools, graduating from Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA, in 1946. He was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Peter Petruzelo; and his two sisters, Anne Mesite and Lucille Lewis.

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Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1946

Peter Petricca ’42

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Peter N. Petricca, 90, a long-time resident of Lenox and Pittsfield, died Sunday June 23, 2013 at his home in Dallas, TX.

He was President and CEO of Petricca Industries, retiring in 1987.

Born November 22, 1922, in North Adams, he was the son of Basilio and Rose Mancusso Petricca. Peter was a 1940 graduate of Pittsfield High School and a 1942 post graduate of Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA. Following his service in World War II he attended RPI in Troy, NY earning his Bachelor of Engineering Management degree in 1950. Continue reading →

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1942

Thomas Woodmansee Taylor ’56

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Thomas Woodmansee Taylor ’56 died June 16, 2012 at the age of 75.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Tallulah, daughters, Mary Branham of Centreville, MD, Ann Jones of Atlanta and
son Thomas Jr. of St. Petersburg ,and 3 grandchildren, Cate and Grace Jones and
Annabelle Branham.

Tom attended the University of Pennsylvania and was graduated with a BA in journalism. His career was in advertising and marketing in New York City, Chapel Hill, NC and St. Petersburg. He was an avid cook and sports enthusiast he played tennis and was frustrated by golf. After retirement, Tom enjoyed travelling.

Posted in: 1950s, Class of 1956

Elizabeth Lane Jones ’48

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Jones, Elizabeth N. (nee Lane) Age 82. Beloved wife of John E. Jones; loving mother of Paul A. (Diane), William (Lori) Jones, Anne (David) White and the late John D. and Beth Jones; dear grandmother of Alex, Julia (fiancé Kyle Essery), Zach, Paul, Carolyn and David Jones, Sarah, David and Christopher White; great-grandmother of Luke Essery; fond sister of Robert (Diane) and the late Jay Lane.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to, Jones Foundation, c/o Cummins Allison, 852 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056, would be appreciated.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1948

Phillip DeCaro ’53

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Phillipp DeCaro ’53 died peacefully at home of heart failure.

Phil was awarded the CIA’s Intelligence Star for extreme courage under hazardous conditions (the medal awarded at the end of the movie “Argo”). Only a few hundred people have ever received this award. That’s the kind of person Phil was.

Phil went to Harvard University as an undergrad, although for a time no one believed he would graduate from high school. After Harvard, Phil walked into Stanford Law School in August, requesting admission for the coming school year. He was admitted.

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Posted in: 1950s, Class of 1953