Tag Archives: Class of 1951

Susan Cross Hunter ’51

Susan Cross Hunter, of Exeter, NH, died peacefully at age 90 on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with family and friends by her side.

Sue was born on September 25, 1933, in Worcester, MA, to Louise Holden Cross and George Irving Cross. She was the younger sister of Brewster Holden Cross and Carolyn Irving Cross. She graduated from Sever Street Preparatory School in 1947, Williston Northampton School for Girls in 1951, and Smith College in 1955, with a degree in French.

After graduating from Smith, Sue moved to Boston in 1956 to start her career at the investment management firm Loomis, Sayles & Co. While in Boston, mutual friends introduced her to John Samuel “Sam” Hunter II, who had just graduated from Harvard Business School, and they married in 1960 near her family’s summer lake home in East Brookfield, MA. In 1961 Sue and Sam became parents to John Samuel Hunter III, followed by Alison Louise Hunter, Deborah Holden Hunter and Laura Russell Hunter in 1963, 1967 and 1971 respectively. Sue was a warm, sweet, fun, loving mother and grandmother, and was her happiest spending time with her 4 children and 5 grandchildren, especially when traveling or playing card games together, which was a long family tradition.

Sue and Sam lived in several places as they raised their kids, but settled down in Stratham, NH, in 1977. After all of their children left home, Sue went back to work and found joy in working at a local jewelry store in Exeter, NH, and eventually ended up at Timberland, a then-small boot manufacturer. Sue was very proud of her long career at Timberland, which included being the very first customer service representative, eventually heading up the customer service department where she was known as “The Friendly Voice of Timberland.” After 20 years, Sue retired from Timberland in 2005.

Sue was especially well known for her charitable activities and community service. For decades she proudly contributed to many organizations. She served as a member of the Finance Advisory Committee for the school board, was the Supervisor of the town’s voter checklist, led the local League of Women Voters, and was the president of the 76ers, a local senior citizen’s organization. Sue was a longtime active member of the Stratham Community Church, serving on the Finance board (15 years), Music Committee, Human Resources Committee, and Pastoral Search Committee. She was also a deacon, sang in the choir, served as a bell ringer, supervised the ticket sales for the annual Stratham Fair, and was part of the Women’s Guild. Sue is the only known member of the church to have been awarded the title of Trustee Emeritus. Sue especially looked forward to helping with the monthly Church Suppers given the special friendships she had with the other volunteers, and being able to see many friendly faces from across the Seacoast.

Alongside her family and community service, Sue’s true lifelong passion was travel. She was always up for a new adventure. She first caught the travel bug in college visiting France, where she perfected her French and fell in love with Le Mont Saint-Michel, biked through the Loire Valley, drank fine red wine and enjoyed French food. Then she learned to enjoy traveling via sailboat, and especially loved the summer waters of Boothbay Harbor, and Casco Bay, ME, and the winter waters of the Caribbean. In her retirement, she traveled throughout Europe and North America with family and friends, and especially relished the warm climates of Hawaii, the Caribbean, Greece and southern France.

Some of Sue’s happiest times were spent at her family’s cabins on Lake Lashaway in Massachusetts, bucolic summer homes built by her father and filled by Sue each summer with friends, family, swimming, canoeing, and laughter. She ultimately loved being on the water, but also found joy in simple day-to-day pleasures: reading mystery novels, watching Red Sox games, eating coffee Oreo ice cream, going out for a lobster, drinking Manhattans, listening to Billy Joel, and taking long drives along the beautiful New England seacoast.

“Sassy-Susie,” as was her nickname, will be remembered as someone who loved and was loved by many, who was quick to laugh and make others laugh with her dry wit, and who never got dressed without her quintessential pearls. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Sue was predeceased by her father, George Irving Cross; mother, Louise Holden Cross; brother, Brewster Holden Cross; and sister, Carolyn Irving Cross. She is survived by her four children, John Samuel Hunter III of Chicago; Alison Louise Hunter of Del Mar, CA; Deborah Hunter Bonenfant and son-in-law Brian of Richmond, VA; and Laura Russell Hunter of Exeter, NH. She also leaves behind five grandchildren: Joey, Emily, and Marie Bonenfant, and Aiden and Ryan Hunter.

Sue’s life will be celebrated on February 17, 2024, at 11am at the Stratham Community Church in Stratham, NH. All donations can be made in her name to the Stratham Community Church, 6 Emery Lane, Stratham NH 03885.

Clare D. Conover ’51

Clare Doverspike Conover, 91, longtime resident of Guilford, CT and most recently of Essex passed away at her home on August 16, 2023.

Clare was born in New Haven, CT on July 15, 1932, daughter of the late Charles Woolsey Conover and Anne (Rudolph) Conover. Beloved sister of Scott Conover and his wife Margaret of Guilford and Charles Woolsey Conover and his wife Bea of Holderness, NH. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Beth Berestecky and husband Mike of Madison; Christine Holland and her husband Mark of Needham, MA; Scott Conover, Jr and his wife Pam of Baltimore, MD; Professor Charles W. Conover, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Oakland, ME; Rev. Bill Conover and his wife Deb of Olympia, WA; and Grand nieces and nephews, Michael, Lauren and Reed Berestecky; Hap and Teddy Conover; Andrew and Will Holland; Beatrice and Arthur Conover; Emma Thakker and Nell Conover Crocket and Clare’s loving friend Mary Mather.

Clare is a 1951 graduate of Northampton School for Girls and a 1953 graduate of Colby Junior College. Before retirement she had for worked as a Medical Technologist / Medical Researcher for several Hospitals in CT; including Middlesex Hospital, which she retired from in 1997. She enjoyed reading, and her many outdoor activities of swimming, hiking, biking and kayaking.

Friends are invited to a Memorial services at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Lane, Madison on Saturday, September 16 at 1pm. Burial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Audubon Guilford Salt Marsh Sanctuary, 4 Meadowlands, Guilford, CT 0643.

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.

Jill Shortlidge Drabek ’51

Jill Shortlidge Drabek died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her home in Seattle, Washington on December 22nd, 2022.

Jill was born on February 19th, 1934, in Port Deposit, MD to Raphael and Helen Shortlidge.

She spent her early life in Keene, NH. The family ran the Hill Camp and Camp Marienfeld in Chesham, NH where she was a counselor with her siblings each summer. She attended Keene High School and later graduated from the Northampton School for Girls.

She graduated from Smith College in 1955, after spending her junior year abroad in France where her love of everything European was established. She visited Europe again many times during her lifetime and always continued studying French. After graduation she took a job working for the CIA in Washington, DC where she met her husband, Jaroslav “Jasha” Drabek. They married in 1960 and raised their family in New York.

After her husband’s death in 1992, she returned to New Hampshire, settling in Peterborough and was an active member of the community, working first at Beech Hill Hospital in Dublin and finally at Harrisville Designs from which she retired in 2012.

Upon her retirement, she made the most of her time; walking the trails with her beloved dogs, visiting the Peterborough library, practicing Yoga, being of service in the recovery community, knitting, avidly reading, and enjoying time with friends and family who will forever miss her wisdom, patience and wit.

She is survived by her three children: Jan Drabek (Kathy) of Seattle, Washington, Amy Drabek of Bedford, New York, Christine Drabek of Cape Elizabeth , Maine , her three grandchildren: Raphael and Karl Drabek and Chloe Siddons and her Cocker Spaniel, Beanie.

Ronald S. Prentice ’51

Ronald S. Prentice died on July 27, 2022 at home. He was born October 4, 1932, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Fred and Lucy (Turner) Prentice.
Ron graduated Pittsfield High School, Class of 1949. After High School, he graduated from UMass Amherst, with a degree in Business. While there, he was actively involved in ROTC. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, spending time stationed in Italy. He had the opportunity to see several countries in Europe, while on duty. He retired from the Army on May 20, 1963 as a Captain and remained in the Reserves, stationed in Ludlow, MA. Serving his Country was very important to him and one that created a tremendous amount of pride. Once out of the Army, he was a Sales Manager for Lindenmeyr Munroe and Rourke Eno Paper Company, both in the paper distribution business.
In 1959, he married Madeleine T. (Rougeau) Prentice, of North Adams, MA. They celebrated their 61st anniversary in October 2021. Once married they settled in East Longmeadow, MA eventually moving to Westford, MA, where they lived for over 42 years. They then moved to Pepperell, MA, where they have lived for eight years.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Gertrude, who died in 1928, prior to his birth. Surviving in addition to his wife, are his son Glen Prentice of Attleboro, MA and daughter Sandra (Prentice) Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six grandchildren; Tara (Prentice) Cherubino and her husband Kevin of Johnston, RI, Heather Prentice and Kelly Prentice and her fiancé Brandon Osborn, all of Norton, MA, Christopher Estes and his wife Heatherlee (Webb) Estes of Baldwinsville, MA, Jonathon Estes and Timothy Estes of Pepperell, MA. Six great grandchildren; Devin Prentice, Haylee Estes, Christopher Estes Jr., Ryker Estes, Nathan Cherubino and Ethan Cherubino. Additional family members include Debra (Plummer) Prentice of Norton, MA and Chris Estes of Fitchburg, MA.
He was a very skilled craftsmen working with wood, having created several pieces of furniture and art. Along with his wife Madeleine, they started a small craft business and sold wooden bunnies with ears and posts to depict various seasons and events. They attended craft fairs throughout New England and were very successful.
He was known as “Papa”, which he felt was his greatest accomplishment. He was extremely proud of his family as they were his whole life, worshipping every minute he had with them. He was always smiling and ready for a hug anytime somebody needed one.
A service of remembrance will be held at a later date and will be private.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Ron’s honorable and faithful military service, donations in his memory may be made to a Veterans Service Organization of one’s choice.

Paul W. Brown, Jr. ’51

Paul W. Brown, Jr., 89, of Westborough, MA, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 27, 2022.

Paul was born in Northampton on September 15, 1932 and was raised in Hadley where he attended Hopkins Academy. He graduated from Williston Academy in 1951 and from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1955 and then joined the Army where he was stationed in Germany. Paul was a civil engineer who started his own construction company, P. W. Brown, Inc. in Westborough. He took great pride in the construction projects that his company completed. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and adored grandfather. He got the most joy out of spending time with his family and friends. Paul will be remembered for his generosity and kindness to all.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Brown, and their four children: Paul W. Brown III, Douglas Brown and his wife Robin, Susan Swirbalus and her husband Robert, Kristin Nyren and her husband Jeffrey. Paul leaves four grandchildren: Jessica Whittier and her husband Christopher, Justin Brown, Paige and Brooke Nyren. He leaves his brother, Raymond ’55 and wife Cathleen; sisters-in-law Grayce Jones and Betty Jane Carlson; nephew Steven Jones; and nieces Karen Golding ‘81 and Amy Brown ‘84. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Ruth Brown; sisters-in-law Logie Brown and Evelyn Carlson; brothers-in-law Robert Carlson, Calvin Jones, and John Carlson; and nephew Bradley Jones.

Family and friends are invited to gather for calling hours on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough. Paul’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s honor to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Barbara Mitchell Scilipoti ’51

Barbara E. (Mitchell-Frieswick) Scilipoti, 87, passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 27, 2021. She was predeceased by her loving husband and companion, Sergio. She was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Mildred M. Mitchell of Mendon, MA. She was born in Milford, MA and raised her family in Milford and Upton, moving to Framingham, Marlborough and her final residence at Atria Draper Place in Hopedale. She is survived by her children, William Frieswick and his wife Kathleen of Haverhill, Nancy Phipps and her husband Wayne of Mendon, Renata Parsons and her husband Douglas of North Carolina, Robert Frieswick of Douglas and Daniel Frieswick of Dudley. She was predeceased by her daughter, Barbara of Parker, CO and brother Edward B. Mitchell. She was a loving aunt, nana and great-grandmother. Barbara graduated from Northampton School for Girls in 1951 and attended Michigan State College before returning home to marry William Frieswick of Milford and starting her family. Barbara loved serving the public and was President of the Upton PTA, Director of the Upton District Nurse’s Association and First Vice President of the Milford Hospital Ladies Aide. She also owned and operated the Upton Shuttle Service. Over her life she worked as an Employment Interviewer and Acting Personnel Director at the Milford Hospital, Commonwealth of MA Department of Public Health in Boston, Monster Board and Whitney Place in Natick. You often heard Barbara state that she loved being a mom and was blessed with 5 children by the age of 28. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and loved tap dancing as a child. She loved helping at her parents restaurant, Milly Mitchell’s where she handled the take out and hamburger/ hot dog window. When not working, she loved swimming in Lake Nipmuc. She was a woman of style, elegance and grace with a happy heart, delightful sense of humor and a warm and kind smile that made everyone that met her smile too. She will be deeply missed. Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 9:30-11AM in the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress St., Milford, MA followed by a funeral service at 11AM in the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Barbara Scilipoti to the Fisher House Inc., 7323 West Highway 90, Suite 107, San Antonio, TX 78227. These donations will be made to the Lackland Air Force Base Chapter. The Fisher House provided housing/food for family during her daughter’s medical treatments. www.bumafuneralhome.com

Robert H. Sammis ’51

Robert H. “Bob” Sammis, 89, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, died Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Abington-Lansdale Hospital. He was the husband of the late Joyce E. (Miller) Sammis.

After graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College and completing his military service, Mr. Sammis began a lifelong career in finance. Initially on Wall Street as a security analyst after completing advanced programs with the New York Institute of Finance and then as a broker and manager with a regional NYSE member firm in the greater Bridgeport area. He then moved on to become the first Trust Investment Officer for the original Connecticut National Bank and subsequently a Senior Vice President at Union Trust Company (now a part of Wells Fargo). He also completed advanced studies at Williams College under the New England Banker’s Trust program. In addition to his professional career, he was heavily engaged in the area of community service. He served over his career as a Director of Family Services-Woodfield, the Greater Bridgeport Council of Churches, the Stratford VNA and a founder of the Community Foundation. He served as President of the Stratford Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) and was awarded their prestigious Distinguished Service Award. He was a Director and President of PYE (Protect Your Environment) during the early years of environmental awareness. He was a Founder of Housatonic Community College and the Connecticut Harbor Management Association. He was the longest serving member and Chairman of the Stratford Waterfront and Harbor Management Commission and was recognized by both Governor M. Jodi Rell and the State Legislature for his service to the state and community in that role.

He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Festival Theater the successor to the Shakespeare Theater in Stratford. Because of its rich tapestry of aviation history, Bob and fellow enthusiasts formed the Connecticut Air and Space Museum covering the contributions of both lgor Sikorsky and Dr. Anselm Franz.

Mr. Sammis continued his post retirement activity acting as a portfolio consultant to other financial advisors, municipalities and charitable endowments in addition to individual clients. He takes particular interest in promoting a more global approach toward investments. Much of this interest stems from the travels with his wife, Joyce, to many corners of the world.

He has worked closely with various institutions including the University of Bridgeport where he was elected a Fellow of the International College dedicated to expanding the awareness of business potential of the Pacific Rim, principally China. He was also the sponsor of the Robert Sammis Lecture Series on doing business in China at the University of Bridgeport. He was a member of the committee, Trade and Diplomacy in Asia Pacific, which developed the certification of a graduate level curricula and parameters, thereto.

Upon retiring from banking, he continued to manage a number of portfolios and was instrumental in guiding many clients toward major gifts at various post secondary institutions.

Joyce and Bob retired once again to Lansdale, Pennsylvania so as to be nearer both children and grandchildren. They stayed active and continued to travel around the globe.

Surviving are his children, Nancy Hellendall (Kenneth) of Melrose Park and Jeffrey Sammis (Christine) of Leonia, NJ; four grandchildren, and sister, Martha Sammis of Allentown. He was predeceased by brothers, Donald S. Sammis Jr., and Wilson F. Sammis; and a sister, Martha.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Justin Howland ’51

Justin “Bill” Howland, 86, of Emmett, ID, formerly of Redding, CA, passed away on June 4, 2020.

Bill was born on July 1, 1933, in Northampton, Massachusetts, as the third son for Willard and Dorothy. After elementary school he attended and subsequently graduated from Williston Academy in 1951. He went on to Yale University where he majored in German and graduated in 1955. While attending New York Medical College he married Cynthia (Cindy) Hayward on June 16, 1956 in Andover, Massachusetts. He graduated from New York Medical College on June 9, 1959. He then interned at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco. After completing one year of internship and one year of residency at Kaiser he enlisted in the Army. During his 7 ½ years with the Army he was stationed near Paris, France for 3 of the years. After his release from the Army in January of 1969 he established a private medical practice in Redding, CA, specializing in Orthopedics. He retired from his medical practice in 1997. He was involved in Redding Rotary for 45 years as well as numerous years volunteering with the Mt Shasta Ski Patrol.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and two of his three brothers, Allan and John.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cindy; his brother, Richard ’47 (Miriam); his sons, Keith (Brenda), David (Lori), Scott (Cindy), Craig, and his daughter, Tracy (Chris): along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Memory of Bill Howland to Redding Rotary.

Ralph L. Sautter ’51


Ralph L. Sautter, of Lexington, Massachusetts and Biddeford Pool, Maine, passed away on March 28, 2020 at home.

Ralph Leonard Sautter was born and raised in Nichols, Connecticut, the son of the late Harry A. Sautter and Marine Leonard Sautter. He was the beloved husband of Carol Cacciamani, the cherished father of Janet Wendle, the loving and proud grandfather of Caroline, Tanner and Harlan Wendle, who made his eyes sparkle, and the uncle of his devoted niece and nephew, Laura and Frank Ganat.

Ralph attended Williston Academy, Easthampton, MA and Dartmouth College from which he graduated in 1955. Following graduation, Ralph served as a Captain in the U.S Marine Corps. After leaving the military, Ralph joined State Street Bank, spending his entire 40 year career with the company in corporate banking. He retired in 1999 as a Senior Vice President.

He was active in various boards and committees over the years, including as trustee and treasurer of MA Multiple Sclerosis Society, trustee and treasurer of Hale Reservation, trustee of First Parish Church and member of the board of overseers of Williston Academy. Formerly of Westwood, he served as chairman of the finance committee and a member of the school committee.

Ralph remained active with, and close to, his Dartmouth classmates, serving as class treasurer for forty years up until the time of his death.

He was well loved and he loved well.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s honor to the Class of 1955 Wright Scholarship Fund, Dartmouth College, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755.