Tag Archives: Class of 1944

Paul Bechard ’44

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BechardPaul Bechard, CDR, USN, C.F.P., joined his beloved, Polly in heaven, July 11, 2015.

Born September 8, 1926 in Holyoke, Ma. to Joseph and Zelda Bechard, and survived by his three daughters; Paula (David) Hirst, Pamela (Cole) Hanner and Marie-Anne (Ted) Layne, grandchildren Avery (Joel) Solomon, Adam (Dorothy) Willis, Townshend Hirst, Phillip (Rebecca) Hanner, Ginnie (Greg) Stawicki, Whitney (Nate) Heatwole, Paul and Renee Layne, 7 great grandchildren and many family members and friends.

After graduating from Williston Academy (44), Ma. Maritime Academy (47), he served as a Merchant Service Officer for a year before being called to active duty in 1949 on USS Midway until 1951.

He met his wife Polly in Norfolk and married her in 1951. She predeceased him two years ago after 62 years of marriage.

Paul lived in Plymouth, Ma., after his marriage, completing his MS from Babson (53) and running the family insurance agency. While living in Norfolk (1954 to 1969) he ran Brown, Bechard Insurance agency, was active in Kiwanis, and had an unsuccessful run for House of Delegates. The family moved to Birdneck Point in 1969 where 40 years of making wonderful memories and having fun were spent. His career included serving on many financial boards as well as starting a Mutual Fund Company, owning an insurance agency, serving in the Navy reserves as an intelligence officer. He was a scrabble and chess aficionado and very difficult to beat, a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend. He leaves a legacy of life lessons.

Paul was lovingly cared for by Hazel, Maribel, and Mila during his extended illness.

Posted in: 1940s

Dr. Marilyn Mailman Segal ’44

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Marilyn Mailman Segal '44DR. MARILYN (MICKEY) MAILMAN SEGAL, professor of human development and renowned specialist in infant and toddler development passed away on November 19, 2014.

To her children Betty Bardige (Art), Wendy Masi (Nick), Richard Segal (Monica), Patti Lieberman (Bruce), and Debbie Segal, she was a continual source of inspiration, the guiding light of the A.L. Mailman Family Foundation. To her 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, she was a loving and playful presence.

She founded the first Head Start in Broward County and the first inclusion preschool. As one of the first PhD recipients at Nova Southeastern University, she went on to establish several NSU programs including an online doctorate in Early Childhood Education, the University School (Pre-K-12) and the Family Center, today referred to as the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development. She was a Trustee of University of Miami and served on the Board of Zero to Three.

Author of 17 books and countless articles, Mickey was a tireless and visionary advocate for children. She was beloved by many as a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1944, Uncategorized

Philip Barnhart ’44

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Phillip BarnhartPhilip McKernon Barnhart, 89, a longtime resident of Somers, CT and Longmeadow, MA, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at Redstone Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 27th, 1925 the only child of Philip S. Barnhart and Alice (McKernon) Barnhart.

Phil attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA. He went on to attend Bates College, and then Tufts University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He also participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program where he was honorably discharged in 1946. While at Tufts, Phil excelled in sports, as he was named MVP of the football team, was the High Scorer on the basketball team, and he also set a New England track record in the 440 yard dash.

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Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1944

Alice Williamson Sweeney ’44

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WilliamsonAlice Williamson Sweeney, 87, a resident of Annapolis since 1970, died at home on November 25 after suffering a stroke.

An Army brat, she was born in Washington, DC, and was an alumna of the Northampton School for Girls and Smith College.

She was the widow of retired Army Colonel Robert L. Sweeney, Jr., to whom she was married for 54 years prior to his death in 2005.

She was a lifelong volunteer to military, medical, and scouting causes. Her other interests included bridge, puzzles, and shopping.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters Marianne Cleary and Louise Bassett. She is survived by children Anne Sweeney, Robert (Cindy) Sweeney III, Barbara Sweeney, and Susan Sweeney, all of Annapolis; Mary (John) Koger of Dedham, MA; and Laura (Geoff) Stricker of Falls Church, VA; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1944

L. Judd Parker ’44

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parkerLuther Judd Parker, 87, of Cadillac passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at his home.

Judd was born on May 2, 1925 in New Britain, Connecticut to Luther and Marion (Billings) Parker.

Judd graduated from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and was the owner and President of Rogind-Parker in Detroit. He served honorably with the Coast Guard during World War II.

Judd married Frances W. Wentland on August 14, 1948 in Bristol, CT. Judd enjoyed golf, sailing, and sports; especially U of M sports.

Surviving Mr. Parker are his loving wife of 64 years, Frances W. Parker of Cadillac; son, Judd (Catherine) Parker of Iron Mountain; daughter, Kimberley (Norman) Rich of Boca Raton, FL; and daughter, Durrie (Doug) Pruitt of Marshall. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren – Jessica Rich, Lauren Pallante, Hannah Wilhelm, Cody Wicks, Greg Pruitt, Myles Newton, Noah Parker, and Michael Pruitt; as well as 2 great-grandchildren – Joseph Pallante and Zahra Wilhelm.Judd is also survived by brother-in-law, Eugene Williams; nephew, Charles “Chick” Miller; and God-child, Rebecca Krestofetz, all of Connecticut; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Judd was preceded in death by an infant son, Kurt Parker; his parents; a brother, Philip Parker; and a sister, Nancy Miller. A

Posted in: 1940s, Class of 1944

Herbert Pond ’44

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Herbert PondHerbert R. Pond, 87, a longtime Auburn resident died Thursday October 24, 2013 in his home in Brewster after an illness with his family by his side.

His wife of 43 years, Beverly J. (Maccabee) Pond died in 1993. He leaves a daughter, Heather M. Pond of Brewster; a sister, Marilyn R. Bonasia and her husband John of Mashpee; five grandchildren, Travis Dandro of Maine, Christopher M. Lombardi of Vail, CO, Jonathan D. Lombardi of Bridgewater, Benjamin R. Pond of Boston and Molly T. Pond of Auburn; three great grandchildren and five nephews. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by three sons, Richard H. Pond in 2007, David L. Pond in 1990, and Dana G. Pond in 1974.

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Posted in: 1940s