Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community

Victor H. Fazio Jr. ’61

Vic Fazio, a moderate California Democrat who became an influential party leader in the U.S. House of Representatives during his two decades on Capitol Hill, died March 16, 2022 at his home in Arlington, Va. He was 79. The cause was melanoma, said his wife, Kathy Sawyer, a retired Washington Post journalist.
A self-described institutionalist, Mr. Fazio represented the Sacramento area from 1979 to 1999 and was a member of the House Appropriations and Armed Services committees. He supported ethics reforms as well as environmental and water-reclamation programs. He provided government funding for projects in his area, including a vast wetland and wildlife preserve between Davis and Sacramento that is known as the Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area. It was dedicated by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Mr. Fazio was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 1994 when Republicans won control of the House for the first time in 40 years. Nevertheless, as a measure of his standing and ability to work across the aisle, he was chosen the next year as chairman of the House Democratic caucus and served for four years.
Victor Herbert Fazio Jr. was born in Winchester, Mass., on Oct. 11, 1942, and grew up partly in Madison, N.J. His father was an insurance salesman, and his mother was a homemaker and dress shop manager. He graduated in 1961 from the private Williston Academy in Easthampton, Mass., (now the Williston Northampton School) and received a bachelor’s degree in history in 1965 from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.
He came to California on a Caro Foundation fellowship in public affairs and worked as a legislative consultant. He also was a co-founder, in 1970, of the now-defunct California Journal magazine, which covered state government and politics. He served in the California State Assembly before winning a U.S. House seat in 1978. After leaving Congress — he did not seek reelection in 1998 — he spent more than two decades as a lobbyist, first with the firm of Clark & Weinstock and then with Akin Gump. Over the years, his clients included Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the industry’s premier trade association. At his death, he was board chairman of the National Parks Conservation Association and served on the board of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
His first marriage, to the former Joella Mason, ended in divorce. His second wife, Judy Neidhardt Kern, whom he married in 1983, died in 2015. A daughter from his first marriage, Anne Fazio, died in 1995 of complications from leukemia. In 2017, he married Sawyer. In addition to his wife, of Arlington, survivors include a daughter from his first marriage, Dana Lawrie of Granite Bay, Calif.; two stepchildren, Kevin Kern of Fair Oaks, Calif., and Kristie Kern of Portland, Ore.; and four granddaughters.

William B. Grant ’45

William Grant, known to friends and family as Bill, passed away November 19, 2021 at the age of 93, following a brief illness. A Harvard-educated lawyer and historian, Bill served the United States as a Foreign Service Officer for over 25 years, providing political analysis from US consulates and embassies in Italy, Belgium, Vietnam, Jamaica, Malaysia and Singapore. When posted to Washington DC, Bill performed similar work for the State Department and National Defense University. Upon retirement in 1981 he maintained his interest in domestic and foreign policy as an adjunct professor of international law at the Vermont Law School; attended OSHER courses, and participated in various political committees and current event discussion groups. Other pursuits included various choral music ensembles, frequent domestic and international travel, tennis, golf, hiking, bridge, gardening and volunteering for the Lyme town library. He was also an active member of the Lyme Congregational Church and its choir.

The second son of Williams College professor Elliott Grant and Evelyn Nay Grant, Bill grew up in Williamstown, Massachusetts, but spent vacations and summers in Lyme after his parents purchased and modernized the 1770s-era Hews farmhouse in 1937. He worked at Loch Lyme Lodge and Camp Pinnacle for several summer seasons before entering Harvard University. While in law school he met his future wife, Joan Gulick (‘Jo’), who was attending Radcliffe College, and whom he married in 1954. Prior to his appointment to the Foreign Service in 1955, Bill briefly practiced law with a firm in Boston. Together they raised 4 children overseas but maintained Lyme as their legal residence throughout his career until he retired in 1981 and returned to live in the Hews farmhouse for 36 years. In 2017 Bill and Jo moved to The Greens in Hanover after making sure the Lyme farmhouse would remain in the family.

Bill is survived by his brother James (of West Lebanon); his four children, Jennifer (of Lyme and Tucson, Arizona); Jefferson (of Bowie, Maryland); Ellen (of Coral Gables, Florida); and Nicholas (of Reno, Nevada) and their respective spouses Jeffrey Prileson, Linda Murphy, Anthony Alfieri and Theresa Garcia; nieces Elizabeth, Raingard and Sigrid; nephews Stephen and Henning; grandchildren Jason, Katherine, Vanessa, Eric, Amelia, Adrian, Elliott, Alexander, Kaitlyn and Sarah; great-grandchildren Ella and Hazel; great-nieces and nephews Amalia, Charlotte, Aven, Mavie and Simon; and cousins Barbara and Liz.

To better facilitate the attendance of community members, friends and family, a service will be held in summer of 2022 to celebrate both his life and that of his wife Jo, who passed away in July of 2020 at a time when the pandemic prevented more public participation and travel. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Bill’s passing may do so through a donation to Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org) or to the Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org), two of many organizations he supported.

Charles Pinnell ’59

Charles (Charlie) Pinnell II passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, February 24th, after a lengthy illness. He was born January 17th, 1940 to Kenneth and Marjorie (Knight) Pinnell in East Orange, NJ and raised in nearby Summit, NJ. Charlie prepped at Williston Academy in Easthampton MA, and graduated in 1959. Throughout his life, Williston held a truly special place in Charlie’s heart. It was there he developed into a fine student and where his academic curiosity and confidence were nurtured. He attended Tufts University, and graduated in Political Science in 1963, then attended Rutgers Law School, and graduated in 1966. While at Rutgers, Charlie met the love of his life, Joanne, and the two were married in September 1966. Immediately after their wedding, the couple left the east coast and moved to Washington State, settling in Bellevue where they raised their family. Charlie spent nearly his whole career with the US Attorney’s office in Seattle, representing the government in both criminal and civil cases. His friends and peers remember him as a highly capable attorney, friend, and mentor. He was a successful trial attorney who enjoyed the academic preparation for trial as much as the trial itself. He was also an excellent orator and writer, demonstrating and honing these skills throughout his career. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Department of Justice in 1998. In his retirement he pursued his love for the outdoors: skiing, fishing, and hiking with his family and friends whenever possible. Charlie was a lifelong learner and well informed. He was an avid Seahawks fan who held a season ticket for over 30 years. Amongst his strongest and most memorable traits were his sense of humor, his love for English Setters (not to mention all creatures, great and small), and sharing his genuine appreciation for the Pacific Northwest. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joanne V. Pinnell. He is also survived by his sister Mary and her husband Tom Zabresky of PA, his daughter, Christan Pinnell Seitz and her husband Tristan, his son Kenneth N. Pinnell, and his son Charles M. Pinnell and his wife Carla. He is also survived by his granddaughter Mahri Seitz, grandsons Brandt Seitz, Kalum Pinnell, and Mika Pinnell. He is mourned by his family, many friends, and colleagues who remember him for his wit, intelligence, and ability to find the best in others. A celebration of Charlie’s life is scheduled for June at his home in Monroe, WA.

Edward M. Bosworth ’52

Ted (Edward) Markham Bosworth of Ithaca, New York passed away February 15th, 2022. He was born February 1, 1933 in Lima, Peru to parents Ruth (Holway) and Kenneth Bosworth.

Ted came to the US for school at Williston Academy in MA when he was 13 and then attended Oberlin College, receiving his BS degree in Botany in 1957. School vacations were spent with family in Ithaca as it was difficult to return to Peru for visits. Ted served in the US army in Hanau, Germany for two years where he met his wife, Charlotte. They moved to the US and married in 1961.

Ted received an MLS in Library Science from Drexel University in 1963, and worked at Temple University for 5 years before returning to Ithaca with Charlotte to raise their daughters, Monica and Jenifer. Ted worked for 27 years in the Cornell University Libraries, mostly as a Bibliographer at Mann.

Ted was a long time member of the First Congregational Church of Ithaca, where he enjoyed singing in the choir and playing handbells. After retirement he volunteered for many years at the TCPL. From a young age Ted enjoyed sports (soccer and downhill skiing), camping, singing, playing the harmonica, and sharing silly poetry. He enjoyed yard work, small carpentry projects, travel and sharing songs and stories of his youth with his family. Ted was known for his humor, good nature and generous spirit. He was a wonderful father & grandfather, a loving husband, a good friend and colleague and a profoundly decent human being.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Kenneth, brother Norman, and nephew Norman Ford. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, daughters Monica Bosworth Viscuso (Paul) and Jenifer Bosworth (Riccardo Casalini), his sister Peggy Bosworth Hall, and grandchildren Sophia and Francesca, Arianna and Leonardo, and Jeremy Gamble, nieces Alison Ford and Barbara Spiess.

A memorial ceremony in celebration of Ted’s life will take place at the First Congregational Church of Ithaca on Saturday May 14th at 2:00 pm. People are welcome to attend the service in person or via livestream at https://fccithaca.org/livestream/.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting either the FCC Ithaca Outreach Team or Sanctuary Ministries Team (www.fccithaca.org) or The Finger Lakes Independence Center at https://fliconline.org/FLIC/donate/

June Ramsey Atwood ’48

June Ramsey Atwood, 91, of West Falmouth, MA, died on Monday, February 7, 2022, unexpectedly in her home. A descendant of the Henry Swift family, she was born in Worcester, MA in 1930, daughter of the late Webster Kimball Ramsey and Chrystella Swift Ramsey.

June attended the Northampton School for Girls, the Bancroft School, Colby-Sawyer College, and the Katherine Gibbs School. June spent almost every summer of her life in West Falmouth with her extended family and many dear friends.

She married Joseph R. Atwood on October 11, 1952, and after residing in Farmington, CT, they moved to Sudbury, MA to raise their family. After retirement, June and Joe moved to West Falmouth where she was active with the West Falmouth Library, Colonial Dames, Woods Hole Golf Club, Harbor Head Tennis Club, Bowerman’s Beach Club, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Cahoon Museum, Heritage Museums and Gardens, and the Royal Megansett Nursing Home, where she founded the Scherettes, who kept the residents singing and moving.

June was a classy, well-dressed lady who enjoyed skiing and tennis and loved the arts. She also loved meeting people and socializing. In her late years, she would often be seen cruising around the village in her Highlander, stopping to chat with people. She loved talking with everyone, from the oldest residents to the youngest of children.

June was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Rowen Atwood and the devoted mother of Dr. Steven Webster Atwood and his wife Sandra Bittermann Atwood of Vineyard Haven, and Carol Atwood Reynolds of West Falmouth. She was also the adored grandmother of Jeremiah Webster Atwood and his wife Beth Nicole Atwood of Dover, Tristan Owen Atwood and his wife Cassandra Liberty Atwood of Vineyard Haven, and Whitney Christine Reynolds of Cold Spring, KY, and great-grandmother of Hallie Leigh Atwood of Dover. She is survived by her dear sister, Carol Webster Rice of Hubbardston.

A Celebration of June’s life, and Joe’s also, with family and friends, will take place later in the spring in West Falmouth. (which will be announced in the paper)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Falmouth Library, P.O. Box 1209, West Falmouth, Massachusetts 02574.

Francis A. Gnatek ’73

Francis “Bud” Andrew Gnatek, 67 of Hadley, MA passed away on March 2, 2022 in Dover, VT. Bud was born on March 22, 1954 in Northampton, MA. The son of Edward and Joanna (Szych) Gnatek. He attended Hopkins Academy, Williston Northampton School, and Lehigh University, where he studied engineering and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Bud was a veteran of the United States Army and worked in engineering and management for Judd Wire for 33 years. He enjoyed rebuilding his 1962 Porsche 356, playing guitar, singing karaoke and running. Bud is survived by his wife, Gail Gnatek (Gilbertsen); children, Andrew Gnatek of Hadley, Daniel Gnatek (Cleo Zancope) of Easthampton, MA, and Katrina Gnatek (Georgi Evlogiev) of Berlin, Germany; grandchildren, August Gnatek and Griffen Gnatek; and siblings, Edward and James. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joan Baj. Memorial donations in Bud’s memory may be made to Operation Homefront, The Nature Conservatory, or the charity of your choice c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

John E. MacElwee ’47

John Emery (“Jack”) MacElwee passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the age of 93. He was a resident of Essex Meadows in Essex, Connecticut.
Jack was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who continued to share his love of sailing and fine art with family and friends after his retirement to Essex. He previously lived in Norwalk and commuted to New York City during a successful 40-year career in commercial art. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander on Korea’s front lines.
Born and raised in Babylon, New York, Jack went on to attend the Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and the New England School of Art in Boston. After his service in the
U.S. Army, he started his career in New York City at the Biow Company. When the company closed due to a tax scandal, Jack made a decision that would change the course of his life. He decided to explore the West Coast, moved to San Francisco, and met Carol, his wife of 64 years. They married at Grace Cathedral two years after they met. Because New York City offered more career opportunities in advertising, Jack and Carol moved east after four years and settled in Norwalk, Connecticut. Commuting to New York, Jack specialized in point-of-sale design. Among his displays were the Uniroyal Tiger Paws, the Fleetwood Mac “Rumors” album, the Florida Lottery, Chiquita Banana, Almaden Wines, and Schaefer Beer. In the mid-1970s, he moved to the other side of the business, selecting displays for Revlon.
Jack’s life was filled with activity. He hiked, biked, camped, and sailed. At the age of 50, and before running had skyrocketed in popularity, Jack began doing laps at the local track in his
work boots before moving on to running sneakers and joining the local Lightfoot running club. He went on to complete 17 marathons, which included running the famed New York City Marathon ten times. Living in Norwalk at the time, he served the community by sitting on Norwalk’s Planning & Zoning Commission for five years, and serving as Chair his last year.
When Jack retired in 1994, he and Carol moved to Essex, prompting the purchase of a Pierson 28’ sailboat, which they cruised for 15 years. They sailed as members of the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, the Baldwin Yacht Club, and the Pettipaug Yacht Club. Jack became a steward of the Essex Land Trust, and he pursued his natural talent in painting and drawing. He attended classes at the Lyme Art Academy and the Lyme Art Association, and exhibited frequently as a member of the Essex Art Association.
In addition to his wife, Carol, Jack is survived by his son, John Alexander MacElwee, his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Bill Jones, and his grandson, Banning Jones. He also leaves his brother, Thomas Hart MacElwee, who celebrated his 100th birthday in January, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his younger son, Douglas Stewart MacElwee, in 2000.
All friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday March 5th at the Essex Yacht Club, 13 Novelty Lane, Essex, CT at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Essex Land Trust, the Ivoryton Playhouse, or the Essex Historical Society.

Dong Kingman Jr. ’55

It is with great sadness that the family of Dong Kingman shares news of his passing on February 4, 2022.
Since early retirement from Marsh & McLennan, he enjoyed lawn bowling in Central Park, restorative yoga and swimming at the JCC, vacations in Bermuda, art museum openings, concerts at Lincoln Center, Broadway plays, and all that NYC has to offer. He thought of his friends often.
His wife, Elaine, and children, Melissa and Jonathan, plan to inter Dong alongside his father at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin on West 46th Street in Manhattan. A small service will be held in the summer when the family can gather.
If you wish to celebrate Dong’s memory, please consider sending a donation to Studio in a School (www.studioinaschool.org/support); the Central Park Conservancy (www.centralparknyc.org/donate); or any charity or organization of your choice.

Chester D. Andrews ’49

Chester Dean “Chet” Andrews, 91, died unexpectedly Feb. 25, 2022. He was born June 5, 1930, to Stuart F. and Glenda M. Andrews of Stamford. Chet married Joan Wells Kellogg May 10, 1952. They raised four children and enjoyed a wonderful marriage. Joan preceded him in death.

Chet will be remembered for the countless lives he touched, through both his professional work and his extensive volunteer service. At Stone Ridge in Mystic, where he and Joan moved in 2013, Chet served on the Resident Council, Employee Appreciation Committee, and Welcome Committee. He sang in the Stone Ridge Choir and helped manage the Country Store. He passionately led efforts to secure scholarships for the young employees pursuing further education.

Chet spent his entire career in banking. In 1971, after 22 years at the State National Bank of Connecticut, he moved to Dorset, Vt., to become senior vice president of Factory Point National Bank in nearby Manchester. He became president in 1982, and was elected chair of the Board of Directors in 1992. He also served during this period as president of the Vermont Bankers Association and as vice president for Vermont of the American Bankers Association.

He retired in 1996, after 47 years in banking. He and Joan then relocated to Williamsburg, Va. During this period, they travelled extensively, with especially memorable trips to Scotland, Russia, Tanzania, Peru, and the Galapagos.

Chet was active as a volunteer in many community and civic activities, starting at age 14 as an elevator operator at the Stamford Hospital. Volunteer work was an important part of his life. In Vermont, this included service as chair of the Dorset School Board, president of the Dorset Field Club, president of the Dorset Prudential Committee, chair of the Weston Hadden Nursing Home and treasurer of the Dorset Nursing Association. After relocating to Virginia, he served as treasurer of the Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Auxiliary, board member and secretary of the Williamsburg Country Club, and a volunteer counselor with the VITA Income Tax Program sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years, obtaining the rank of sergeant first class.

Chet was educated at the Williston Northampton School, New York University School of Banking, and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Chet remained physically active until the day he died. He played golf through last summer, and never missed his morning walk. He loved games of all sorts. He had a competitive streak, but never took himself too seriously. When the family gathered for his birthday last June and engaged after lunch in a lively game of corn hole, Chet was determined to not let anyone get the better of him.

Chet spent part of almost every summer at a rustic island cottage that his grandfather had built on Lake Sunapee, N.H. There he instilled in his children and then grandchildren a deep love for the lake-and of swimming, boating and card games.

He is survived by his children, Jeff Andrews of Redding, Mark Andrews and wife Jenifer of Morrisville, Vt., Kim Andrews of Ledyard, and Susan Piotti and husband John of Belfast, Maine; grandchildren, Tucker, Conor, Tyler, Arlen, Chloe, Anna, John and Liam; and great-grandchildren, Vander, Walter, Letty, Iris and Eliza.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at Stone Ridge. A private graveside service will be held this summer in Dorset, Vt., where Chet will be laid to rest beside his beloved Joan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stone Ridge Scholarship Fund, mailed to 186 Jerry Brown Road, Mystic, CT, 06355.

Remembering members of the Williston Northampton community